Best Peaks Overall in
The rank-order of Oregon ski resorts we’ve been to based on overall mountain experience.
#1 of 5 in Oregon
Mount BachelorBend, OR
Bend, OR
MOUNTAIN SCORE
69
- 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
- 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 5 in Oregon
Mount Hood MeadowsMt Hood, OR
Mt Hood, OR
MOUNTAIN SCORE
61
- 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
- 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 5 in Oregon
Timberline LodgeGovernment Camp, OR
Government Camp, OR
MOUNTAIN SCORE
58
- Year-round ski season
- World-class terrain parks
- Distinctive high-alpine snowfields
- Rustic, historic lodge
- High-speed lifts
- Available night skiing
- 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 5 in Oregon
Mount AshlandAshland, OR
Ashland, OR
MOUNTAIN SCORE
52
- Surprisingly extensive advanced and expert terrain
- Local feel, both on the mountain and at the base lodge
- Great views of surrounding area
- Ease of access from Ashland
- Tiny size
- Comparatively small annual snowfall for region
- Difficult progression from beginner to intermediate slopes
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.
#5 of 5 in Oregon
Mount Hood SkibowlGovernment Camp, OR
Government Camp, OR
MOUNTAIN SCORE
51
- Local feel
- Low crowds
- Extensive night-skiing footprint
- Advanced bowl terrain
- Beginner terrain off every lift
- 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.