Oregon Ski Trips Highlight Holiday Vacations
Snow Areas & Ski Resorts Gear Up for Winter Season This November
Oct 2, 2008
Historically, snow begins to fall at Oregon’s higher elevations in November or even as early as October, however, the question remains, is there enough snow to open the ski season? Ski and snowboard enthusiasts eagerly watch nightly weather reports for ski area conditions. Depending on the conditions, Mt. Hood Meadows and the other ski resorts in Oregon can open as early as Thanksgiving. Guests can book a holiday vacation to the mountain with passes on sale today!
Mt. Hood Meadows
This year Mt. Hood Meadows has set November 21st as the tentative opening day of the 2008/09 season, depending on the amount of snow that falls. Typically the skiing season is open mid-November through late-April. Mt. Hood Meadows or The Mountain offers a variety of skiing and snow adventures. Visitors enjoy the 2,150 skiable acres and 87 marked ski trails during the long winter season. Whether downhill skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing, winter visitors are delighted in the number of options to choose from. Night skiing is also available Wednesdays through Sundays from 3pm until closing. Ski and snowboard school is available for those needing lessons. The children’s learning center is a great place for kids to learn how to ski and snowboard.
Mt. Hood Meadows is located on the east-side of Mt. Hood, about 67 miles from Portland and 35 miles from Hood River. Parking at Mt. Hood Meadows requires a State Snow Park Permit, which are also good at any of Oregon's Sno Parks. One convenient option is taking bus transportation to ski areas, available from many Portland-Metro locations.
Hoodoo Ski Area
Hoodoo Ski Area is located at the summit of the Santiam Pass, only 20 miles from Sisters and 40 miles from Bend. With 5 lifts and 120 groomed acres, Hoodoo offers visitors many skiing options. Hoodoo offers 15.8 km of maintained Nordic trails and 30 alpine trails. Hoodoo’s Autobahn Tube Park is a popular attraction with 20 runs and over 250 tubes sliding down the hill. Hoodoo is located at a base elevation of 4,668 feet. The ski area is open everyday but Wednesday, with night skiing starting in mid-December.
Willamette Pass Ski Resort
A popular destination for Eugene and Bend residents and visitors, Willamette Pass offers guests 55 acres of skiable terrain and 20 km Nordic trails. With a base elevation of 5,120 ft. Willamette Pass has an excellent chance for early season snow. Racing events occur throughout the winter for alpine, snowboarding, nordic and freestyle. Contact Willamette Pass for a list of upcoming events. Willamette Pass offers lessons and rentals for those needing equipment.
Willamette Pass is located about 70 miles from both Eugene and Bend. It is one of the closest ski areas near Eugene, Oregon. The Willamette Pass Express motorcoach leaves from Eugene daily. Willamette Pass is open all holidays from November on.
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