Powder to Bare Ground: Ski Resort Conditions Ratings Explained
A comprehensive breakdown of every ski resort surface condition rating you'll ever see, including Powder, Packed Powder, Machine Groomed, Hard Pack, Variable, Artificial, and Spring Conditions.
Mountain Review: Willamette Pass
Eugene's closest ski resort functions more as a local's mountain than a regional contender, but it does offer varied terrain and impressive snowfall for a relatively cheap price.
Mountain Review: 49 Degrees North
Despite its dated lift infrastructure and rural setting, this Northeast Washington resort offers impressive intermediate and advanced terrain at a reasonable price.
Mountain Review: Mount Ashland
This southern Oregon resort suffers from its tiny size and dated infrastructure, though surprisingly extensive advanced terrain and great views help it stand out among local resorts.
Mountain Review: Mount Shasta Ski Park
The only decently-sized California ski area north of Tahoe offers limited lift lines and stunning views of the Southern Cascades, but it’s hurt by uncompetitive infrastructure and a bizarrely-integrated recent expansion.
Mountain Review: Dodge Ridge
The closest ski area to the Bay Area offers lower traffic than Tahoe, but it’s hurt by limited snowmaking and outdated lift infrastructure.
Mountain Review: China Peak
While it’s no substitute for a true destination ski resort, this Central California mountain offers admirable terrain variety within a convenient driving distance of Fresno.
Mountain Review: Bear Valley
This Northern California resort has interesting terrain for skiers and riders of all ability levels as well as a unique and isolated feel, but it lacks the infrastructure to fully compete with the best resorts in the state.
Mountain Review: Palisades Tahoe
Two of Tahoe’s best ski areas have now been linked as one continuous lift-served destination, but the resort still functions as two separate mountains in many ways.
Mount Bachelor Skyliner Six-Pack: A Major Capacity Upgrade, But How Noticeable?
This Oregon resort’s first six-pack may not sit in its most popular terrain pod, but the new lift brings important capacity and resiliency benefits.