If you’re looking to ski some of the best slopes in the world, it’s best to start in the Pacific Northwest. The region’s many mountains are dotted with ski resorts that offer diverse and dynamic runs for skiers of all ages and abilities (as well as plenty of other fun ways to shred the slopes). Best of all, some of the best ski resorts in the area are a short drive from towns with warmer weather, providing visitors with a convenient place to ward off the winter chill. 

So you can skip the stress and get right to skiing, here’s an easy guide to the top five ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest.

Note: Pricing is based on a single adult day pass during peak season. 

Timberline Lodge

Timberline Lodge is a popular ski lodge and resort located near the top of Mt. Hood, the tallest mountain in Oregon. It’s a short 62-mile drive from Portland, though many visitors choose to stay in nearby Government Camp. 

Timberline Lodge’s high elevation allows them to have the longest active ski season in the United States, offering slope access to skiers and snowboarders all 12 months of the year. The resort offers a good blend of runs for skiers of all skill levels as well as lessons for newbies at the on-site Ski & Ride School. They’re largely known for alpine and terrain skiing, though visitors can also enjoy snowboarding, snowshoeing, snow tubing, scenic snowcat rides, and more. 

Fast Facts:

• Lifts: 8

• Trails: 46

• Skiable Terrain: 1,685 acres

• Vertical Feet: 4,540 

• Annual Snowfall: 400”

• Rentals Available: Yes

• Ski School: Yes

• Price Per Ticket: $114

What we love: Timberline Lodge offers the highest amount of vertical feet in the United States!

Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor is the largest ski resort in Central Oregon, offering skiers over 1,000 extra feet of slope-shredding action when compared to other ski areas in the state. All that terrific terrain provides diverse alpine runs of all difficulties, from gentle cruisers to daunting double black diamonds. The resort is extremely family-friendly and includes two designated areas for beginners: Woodward Start Park and the Sunrise Base Area. You can also visit the nearby Nordic Center to explore 22 well-groomed trails for classic and skate-style skiing, or find your freestyle fun at one of five unique terrain parks. 

Fast Facts:

• ​​Lifts: 15

• Runs: 121

• Skiable Terrain: 4,323 acres

• Vertical Feet: 3,365

• Annual Snowfall: 462”

• Rentals Available: Yes

• Ski School: Yes

• Price Per Ticket: $159 

What we love: Mt. Bachelor offers “free for winter” access to select beginner areas every year! 

Stevens Pass

Stevens Pass is one of northwest Washington’s premiere ski areas for alpine and terrain skiing. Thanks to its location on the crest of the cascades, the conditions at Stevens Pass are often cooler and drier than other ski resorts in the state; this results in light, powdery snow that provides a perfect drop-in. Guests can choose from 52 major runs of varying difficulties; explore the beautiful backcountry with its numerous bowls, glades, and faces; or play at one of four on-site terrain parks that offer over 75 unique freestyle features.

Fast Facts:

• Lifts: 10

• Runs: 52

• Skiable Terrain: 1,125 acres

• Vertical Feet: 1,800

• Annual Snowfall: 450”

• Rentals Available: Yes

• Ski School: Yes (advance reservations highly recommended)

• Price Per Ticket: $89

What we love: Stevens Pass offers night skiing on several of their fan-favorite runs up to five nights per week! 

The Summit at Snoqualmie

Just an hour east of Seattle soars The Summit at Snoqualmie, a winter resort full of wondrous opportunities for alpine, nordic, and terrain skiing. The Summit actually consists of four separate base areas that span across I-90, each offering its own blend of unique charms and challenges. Advanced skiers will love Alpental, a legendary terrain with some of the steepest slopes in the state. Families flock to Summit West, where lessons are held and beginners can build confidence on magic carpet runs. Summit East and Summit Central are the resort’s more diverse terrains, offering something fun for every skill level. 

Fast Facts:

• ​​Lifts: 25

• Runs: 112

• Skiable Terrain: 1,194 acres

• Vertical Feet: 2,280

• Annual Snowfall: 435”

• Rentals Available: Yes

• Ski School: Yes

• Price Per Ticket: $95 (only available for purchase online)

What we love: If you get sick of skiing, the resort also operates the largest center for snow tubing west of the Mississippi! 

Mount Baker

Mount Baker is a small but stunning ski resort nestled in the North Cascades just outside of Glacier, Washington. If you’re looking for pristine powder, Mount Baker enjoys a staggering snowfall average of 663 inches each year - the highest of any resort in the world. All that snow blankets some amazing alpine terrain, and the resort offers easy chairlift access to 1,000 skiable acres and a number of beautiful backcountry trails. There are no terrain parks at Mount Baker but it is home to the Legendary Banked Slalom, one of the largest snowboarding competitions in the country.

Fast Facts:

• ​​Lifts: 10

• Runs: 38

• Skiable Terrain: 1,100 acres

• Vertical Feet: 1,500

• Annual Snowfall: 663”

• Rentals Available: Yes

• Ski School: Yes

• Price Per Ticket: $71.30

What we love: Kids 6 and under get a FREE lift ticket! 

So gather up your gear and head to the slopes of the Pacific Northwest.  We’ve got a ton of great options for your ski vacation.  Browse all of our properties and #BookDirect on NorthwestStays.com now!