12 Incredible Places to Go Snowboarding and Skiing Near Portland, OR

Updated June 24, 2021

Did you know that Portland, OR is a fantastic hub for snow sports? With the nearby Mt. Hood ski areas and its proximity to the Cascades, Portland is a prime spot for people who love skiing and snowboarding. If you’re looking to ski/ride for the first time, sharpen your skills, or tackle adrenaline-inducing drops, there are ski resorts near Portland for you. Curious about where you should go? Here’s our guide to the best places for snowboarding and skiing near Portland, OR.

Best Places for Snowboarding and Skiing Near Portland, OR

Summit Ski Area

Distance from Portland: 57 miles (~1 hour, 15 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Not on site, but nearby lodging available at Timberline Lodge
Ability Level: All levels, mostly beginner and intermediate

Located just over an hour outside of the city, Summit Ski Area is a fantastic place for snowboarding and skiing near Portland if you’re on a time crunch. Owned by Timberline Ski, this family-friendly resort caters largely to locals who want beginner and intermediate-level slopes.

It’s one of the many Mt. Hood ski resorts, but it’s typically less crowded and more relaxed than some of the more intense resorts. For beginners and first-time skiers, Summit Ski Area is the perfect choice, as it’s affordable and offers plenty of variety for less experienced skiers.

Fun fact: Summit Ski Area was built in 1927 and is one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in the country!

How to Get There: If driving, start on Pacific Hwy W, then follow signs for U.S. 30 E/Interstate 84 E/The Dalles. Continue straight onto US-26 E, then look for Government Camp Loop (village at base mountain). If not driving, there are multiple trains a day that leave from Union Station.

Timberline Ski Area

Distance from Portland: 62 miles (~1 hour, 15 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Yes, at Timberline Lodge
Ability Level: All levels

It might seem hard to believe, but Timberline Ski Area is open year-round for skiing. Yup, that means 12 months out of the year, it’s available for courageous skiers and snowboarders to visit. Located near the top of an 11,245 foot volcano, Timberline has the unique advantage of being on the side of the tallest mountain in Oregon.

The 41 trails here are fairly evenly split between easy, moderate, and difficult ratings, with plenty of resources for beginners and first-timers. Interestingly enough, this mountain was developed as part of the New Deal, and a lot of people flock here to learn about the history of this National Historic Landmark.

Some of the most highly recommended runs are Upper and Lower Salamander, Upper Dew Drop, and Lower Almost Heaven, as well as skiing on Palmer Glacier.

How to Get There: If driving, start on Pacific Hwy W, then follow signs for U.S. 30 E/Interstate 84 E/The Dalles, Continue straight onto US-26 E, then turn onto Timberline Highway to resort. If not driving, there are shuttles that take you directly to Timberline lodge, or trains leaving from Union Station.

Mt. Hood Skibowl

Distance from Portland: 55 miles (~1 hour, 15 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Not on site
Ability Level: All levels

For more extreme skiers and snowboarders, Mt. Hood Skibowl is one of the best ski resorts near Portland, OR. With 69 trails spanning beginner to expert level, you can opt to tackle the resort’s longest trail, the Skyline Trail, which spans 3 miles! For advanced and expert-level skiers, Mt. Hood Skibowl has the most black diamond runs in Oregon, and they also boast fantastic night skiing opportunities (the largest in North America!) for those wanting to extend the ski day. For non-skiers and riders, there’s also a winter adventure park with snow tubing, sleigh rides, and more available at the park.

As it’s right off of Highway 26, Mt. Hood Skibowl is one of the more accessible resorts on Mt. Hood, so it’s perfect if you want to do a short trip from the city. While it’s a pretty no-frills, simple resort, the trails here are definitely worth a trip!

How to Get There: If driving, start on Pacific Hwy W, then follow signs for U.S. 30 E/Interstate 84 E/The Dalles, Continue straight onto US-26 E, then look for Government Camp Loop (village at base mountain. If not driving, there are multiple trains a day that leave from Union Station.

Mt. Hood Meadows

Distance from Portland: 67 miles (~1.5 hours)
Accommodations Available: Not on site
Ability Level: All levels

Another spectacular place to go skiing and snowboarding near Portlant is Mount Hood Meadows, which operates in the Mount Hood National Forest. The resort’s 87 trails are largely intermediate and advanced level, so we’d recommend having plenty of experience under your belt before choosing to tackle this resort.

The highest elevation at the resort is 7,300 feet, so many of the runs are fairly advanced and are definitely not for the faint of heart. More experienced skiers can head to Heather and Clark Canyons for a more back-country trail experience with a variety of terrain.

How to Get There: If driving, start on Pacific Hwy W, then follow signs for U.S. 30 E/Interstate 84 E/The Dalles, Continue straight onto US-26 E, Take the exit toward Ski Resort/Bennet Pass/Soo Park/Mt Hood Meadows. If not driving, there are shuttles from Portland that take you directly to the Meadows Lodge.

Teacup Lake (Nordic)

Distance from Portland: 67 miles (~1.5 hours)
Accommodations Available: Not on site
Ability Level: All levels

For avid Nordic/cross-country skiers, Teacup Lake is a fantastic place to go cross-country skiing near Portland! At 1.5 hours from the city, it’s easy to get to on a day trip, or for a weekend getaway. Teacup Lake is run by a non-profit and provides access to 12+ miles of trails, with Nordic lessons and a 4.5 loop trail available depending on your skill level. The outer trails are more appropriate for experienced Nordic skiers, with challenging hills and forested trails.

Pro tip: Rental equipment is NOT available here, so be sure to bring your own gear or rent at a ski/snowboard shop in Portland before you leave.

How to Get There: If driving, start on Pacific Hwy W, then follow signs for U.S. 30 E/Interstate 84 E/The Dalles. Take the State Route 35 N exit toward Hood River, continue on OR-35 to the lakes. If not driving, Oregon Nordic Club provides an a bus from Portland to Teacup lake ($23).

Cooper Spur Mountain Resort

Distance from Portland: 90 miles (~1 hour, 40 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Yes, at Cooper Spur Mountain Resort
Ability Level: All levels, mostly beginner and intermediate

On the north side of Mt. Hood lies Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, which is a smaller resort that has just 50 acres of beginner and intermediate trails. The resort offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, cross-country, and snowshoeing, making it a fantastic option for families or groups that have non-skiers and riders.

If you book a stay at the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, you can get discounted lift tickets for a perfect winter weekend getaway. Visitors refer to Cooper Spur as a “hidden gem,” as it’s less crowded than Timberline or Mount Hood Skibowl.

How to Get There: If driving, start on Pacific Hwy W, then follow signs for U.S. 30 E/Interstate 84 E/The Dalles. Turn right onto Button Bridge Rd/Mt Hood Hwy (signs for OR-35 S/Govt. Camp) and continue on Cooper Spur Rd. If not driving, Mt. Hood charters a bus to and from the Portland Metro Area, and you can purchase tickets online.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Distance from Portland: 132 miles (~2 hours, 15 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Not on site
Ability Level: All levels

Moving away from the Mt. Hood area, you’ll find one of the locals’ favorite ski resorts – Hoodoo Ski Area. Cited by visitors as a “more affordable version of Whistler,” the park offers over 800 acres of skiable terrain and 34 runs, as well as one of the largest tubing parks on the West Coast. Located in Willamette National Forest, the resort itself sits on a volcanic cone area called Hoodoo Butte.

The front side is much better for beginners and less experienced riders and skiers, while advanced practitioners should find something that suits their fancy on the back side. Wide open trails and spacious runs are what visitors love the most about the slopes here, plus an affordable price tag compared to other ski resorts near Portland (come on Thursdays for the special “Thrifty Thursday deals!).

How to Get There: The best way to get to Hoodoo Ski Area is by car. If you are driving, start on I-5 S, Take exit 253 for OR-22 E toward Detroit Lake/Bend. US-20 E to Big Lake Road (Sister, OR).

Willamette Pass

Distance from Portland: 173 miles (~2 hours, 45 minutes)
Accommodations Available: Not on site
Ability Level: All levels

Willamette Pass is a locally owned ski area that has 555 acres of skiable terrain. At under 3 hours from Portland, OR, it’s accessible as a weekend escape or a long day trip. Here, there is a broad mixture of difficulty levels on the trails, from bunny hills to steep, challenging runs.

A less crowded option than Mt. Hood Meadows or Mt. Bachelor, many locals enjoy coming here for the local, community-oriented feel. The panoramic views from the top and wooded trails are some of the aspects of Willamette Pass that visitors to the resort love the most.

How to Get There: If driving, start on I-5 S, take exit 188 for OR-58 toward Oakridge/Klamath Falls, then resort is right off of Highway 58. If not driving, the buses and trains go to Eugene, OR, and then there are free shuttles to the mountain.

Mount Bachelor

Distance from Portland: 181 miles (~3.5 hours)
Accommodations Available: Yes, at Mount Bachelor Village Resort
Ability Level: All levels, mostly intermediate and advanced

While it’s not exactly the closest of the ski resorts near Portland, Mount Bachelor is an excellent option for a weekend getaway, especially for experienced skiers. Founded in 1958, Mount Bachelor is now one of the largest ski resorts in the US. Located in Deschutes National Forest in Oregon’s Cascades, the Mount Bachelor boasts stunning views of several surrounding mountain peaks. It’s also the highest elevation ski area in Oregon and Washington!

For skiing and riding, the snow here is powdery and dry, with great conditions throughout the season. The resort’s 101 trails feature a whopping 50% of black diamond and double black diamond routes, and another 35% of intermediate runs.

Pro tip: If you can, go on weekdays to avoid the crowds – this is one of the most popular options on our list, and it can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays.

How to Get There: If driving, start on I-5 S, Take exit 253 for OR-22 E toward Detroit Lake/Bend. Take exit 138 toward Downtown/Mt Bachelor. If not driving, Mt. Bachelor partners with Deschutes Pub to have a bus directly to the mountain, included dinner and beer (must be 21). Otherwise, buses and trains connect through Eugene, OR and you can take a shuttle from there.

Crystal Mountain Resort

Distance from Portland: 204 miles (~3.5 hours)
Accommodations Available: Yes, at Crystal Mountain Chalets
Ability Level: All levels

At 3.5 hours from the city, Crystal Mountain Resort is one of the top places to go for a weekend getaway of snowboarding and skiing near Portland, OR. Given its beautiful location spanning two peaks, the resort became famous after hosting the 1955 National Alpine Ski Championship. With 58 trails ranging from beginner to advanced levels, you can definitely test your skills here. Crystal Mountain Resort has great offers, like discounts during the month of January, family Sundays, and more.

Not planning on skiing? No problem! Crystal Mountain also has plenty of non-slope activities, like snowmobiling, ice skating, and snow biking.

How to Get There: The easiest way to get there is by car. If driving, start on I-405 N, take the Interstate 5 N exit toward Seattle. Continue onto Chinook Pass Hwy/SE Enumclaw Chinook Pass Rd to Crystal Mountain Boulevard.

Stevens Pass

Distance from Portland: 250 miles (~ 4 hours)
Accommodations Available: Not on site
Ability Level: All levels

Stevens Pass is another one of the ski resorts near Portland that people in the Pacific Northwest absolutely love. Located between two national forests, the resort boasts over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain, with 52 trails and numerous bowls, glades, and faces. With night skiing five days a week, there’s literally no shortage of time to explore the many trails that Stevens Pass has to offer. While the park does have trails for all skill levels, the vast majority are rated intermediate or advanced.

For non-riders and non-skiers, there’s free snow tubing available at Stevens Pass, as well as the charming Bavarian ski town of Leavenworth nearby. There are also options to go snowshoeing on the property as well.

How to Get There: Take the Interstate 5 N exit toward Seattle, exit onto US-2 E toward Wenatchee and continue on US_2 to resort.

Anthony Lakes

Distance from Portland: 292 miles (~4.5 hours)
Accommodations Available: Not on site
Ability Level: All levels, mostly intermediate and advanced

At 4.5 hours away, you might be wondering why we’ve included Anthony Lakes on our list of places for snowboarding and skiing near Portland. Our answer? Because it has some of the coolest trails for experienced skiers. Originally part of the Oregon Trail, Anthony Lakes was voted as the “friendliest little ski area in the USA.” With a base elevation of 7,100 feet, it’s one of the highest skiing spots in the state.

Advanced skiers love this resort because it has steep cliff slopes and various backcountry options accessible by cat. There’s also a sizable area for Nordic skiing here as well.

Pro tip: Every Thursday, Anthony Lakes offers half price lift tickets!

How to Get There: If you are driving, start on Pacific Hwy W, then follow signs for U.S. 30 E/Interstate 84 E/The Dalles. Take exit 285 for US-30/OR-237 toward N Powder/Haines to Anthony Lakes Highway (the resort is right off of the highway).

Additional Resources for Skiing Near Portland, OR

What to Pack

Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.

Waterproof outerwear – Possibly the most critical pieces of clothing for your ski trip packing list is durable, waterproof outerwear. Burton and Helly Hansen are famous ski brands for having best-in-class clothing that will keep you warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions. Click here to shop ski jackets and compare prices.
Thermal layers – Thermal baselayers are absolutely critical for a smooth skiing experience, as these will keep you warm and dry underneath your outerwear. The best kinds of thermal baselayers are made of Merino wool, which is moisture-wicking and comfortable. Our favorite brand of thermal layers is SmartWool – their tops and leggings are soft, lightweight, but warm and durable for all kinds of outdoor activities, including skiing. Click here to shop thermal tops and leggings and compare prices.
Ski goggles – No ski trip packing list would be complete without a pair of fog-resistant ski goggles, especially if you’re going somewhere that makes artificial snow. Ski slopes often have snow blowing into the air several times a day and it can be hard to keep freezing snowflakes out of your eyes, even during clear days. We use and recommend these ski goggles. However, you can shop ski goggles and compare reviews/prices here.