Best Peaks Overall in
The rank-order of Oregon ski resorts we’ve been to based on overall mountain experience.
#1 of 4 in Oregon
Mount BachelorBend, OR
Bend, OR
MOUNTAIN SCORE
69
+ Pros
- One-of-a-kind 360-degree footprint
- Substantial acreage
- High-speed lift service across all areas
- Distinctive freestyle experience
- Easy to get between front-facing mountain areas
- Proximity to town of Bend
– Cons
- Extremely inconsistent openings for upper mountain, backside, and expert terrain
- No on-site lodging
- Variable conditions across different mountain areas
- Arduous hikes or runouts from backside terrain
- So-so facilities
- Annual snow totals have decreased considerably in recent years
Inconsistent openings for its most unique terrain seriously hurt this massive Oregon resort’s practicality as a destination ski area.
#2 of 4 in Oregon
Mount Hood MeadowsMt Hood, OR
Mt Hood, OR
MOUNTAIN SCORE
61
+ Pros
- Unique high-alpine terrain for all ability levels
- High-speed lift service
- Progressive freestyle setup
- Extremely challenging expert footprint
- Striking mountain vistas
- Available night skiing
– Cons
- Windswept, icy conditions at times
- Extremely inconsistent openings for high-alpine terrain
- Large crowds, especially when high-alpine areas are closed
- Extensive hiking required to reach some terrain
- Arduous catwalk out of expert Private Reserve area
Mount Hood’s largest ski resort boasts diverse terrain and a reasonably large footprint. High-alpine areas are subject to extremely variable openings.
#3 of 4 in Oregon
Timberline LodgeGovernment Camp, OR
Government Camp, OR
MOUNTAIN SCORE
58
+ Pros
- Year-round ski season
- World-class terrain parks
- Distinctive high-alpine snowfields
- Rustic, historic lodge
- High-speed lifts
- Available night skiing
– Cons
- Resort never spins 100% of lifts, with high-alpine areas closed during the winter and lower elevations closed during summer
- Inconsistent conditions during winter months
- Very little true advanced and expert terrain
- Lift logistics that result in chokepoints and long lines
North America’s only four-season outdoor ski resort provides a one-of-a-kind summer experience but fails to stand out during the core winter season.
#4 of 4 in Oregon
Mount Hood SkibowlGovernment Camp, OR
Government Camp, OR
MOUNTAIN SCORE
51
+ Pros
- Local feel
- Low crowds
- Extensive night-skiing footprint
- Advanced bowl terrain
- Beginner terrain off every lift
– Cons
- Ancient, difficult-to-load chairlifts
- No daytime operations on weekdays
- Limited acreage and vertical drop
- Lower-quality snow than higher-elevation Hood resorts
- Variable openings for expert Outback area
This small, no-frills mountain offers less crowded slopes and extensive night skiing close to Portland.