Finally! It’s time to start talking about getting Ski Season in Oregon! Sure, the beauty of fall has been great and all, but we know that many of you have been anxiously waiting for that thermostat to drop just a bit lower so you can venture out and hit that fresh powder! Well, we’re pleased to give you the good news – the snow is coming down and it’s officially ski season! You can start dusting off that gear!

Now that it’s time to start putting together a game plan for hitting the slopes, and we at Osprey Apartments are here to help. There are several awesome Ski Resorts near Portland that are open and sure to give you some of the best runs of the year. If you’re looking for an awesome, powder-filled day trip for skiing near Portland, here are the spots you’ve gotta try.

Timberline Lodge and Ski Area

*image from Sea to Summit

Up until last week, Timberline’s limited lifts have been driving powder hounds crazy. Luckily, the restrictions are no longer and the Lodge is fully open and operating seven days a week. Timberline serves skiers and snowboarders of all levels with nearly 1,500 acres of terrain and nine lifts, five of which are express quads.

Long, steep runs aren’t too plentiful, but that shouldn’t deter you. Even if you just show up to check out incredible views of Mt. Hood, it’s totally worth it. It’s a popular belief that Timberline is one of the most iconic and well-known ski resorts near Portland.

Mt. Hood Ski Bowl

*image from Sea to Summit

Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Rose City. From Osprey Apartments, which is just south of downtown Portland, it’s just a little over an hour drive. The Ski Bowl boasts 65 runs with the bulk being intermediate to expert level. Also, if cliff hucking is your thing, the Ski Bowl is your spot. But, what the area is best known for is night skiing since it’s inexpensive and has the most lit terrain in the country.

Enthusiasts love coming here because it’s great for speed, and it’s not usually as busy as some of the other ski resorts near Portland. The one thing to check on before you go – make sure it’s not raining. It does tend to get a bit too wet every now and then.

Summit Ski Area

*image from PDX family adventures

If you’re a beginner or have kids that are ready to learn to ski, consider a visit to Summit Ski Area. With a single chairlift and long bunny-hill run, this small ski park specifically caters to novices. Just one thing to remember: Summit isn’t a place to go for fancy lodging or food. It’s really more a spot for a day of easy-going, family-oriented skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Fortunately, for this reason, you won’t have to deal with expensive tickets or long lines.

Mt. Hood Meadows

*image from Oregon Live

Mt. Hood Meadows is one of the busiest ski areas in Oregon. But, that doesn’t mean it gets overcrowded. It’s the largest of the ski resorts close to Portland. With 11 chairlifts and over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain, there’s plenty of room for beginners and experts to appreciate the typically superb snow conditions. Advanced skiers and snowboarders should note that hills are more of a blue/black diamond mixture versus consistently black diamond. But, trust us – the black diamond portions are pretty killer.

The elevation is impressive at nearly 7,500 feet and the views are absolutely stunning. Also, the maintenance staff ensures that the surface conditions are always ideal. One suggestion we have for an overnight stay is to look into a nearby hotel that provides shuttle service to the resort, as there are no on-site accommodations.

Cooper Spur Mountain Resort

*image from PDX family Adventures

Rounding off our list of the best ski resorts near Portland is the legendary Cooper Spur. Located in the northeast portion of Mt. Hood, it features 50 acres of skiable terrain and 10 runs that are optimal for beginners to intermediates. Plus, the Nordic Center provides excellent trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Resort includes one chairlift as well as a rope tow and two tows for tubing. It’s terrific for some family fun.

We’re pretty certain that this ski season is going to be a spectacular one. We hope you and yours get a chance to really enjoy it! At Osprey Apartments, our goal is to play off of the amazing experience of living in the Rose City……aaaannd to provide folks with some outstanding options for 1 and 2 bedrooms in Portland, OR. This means that we’re always in the know of what really matters to Portlanders. It actually drives everything we do. From the coveted location in the heart of the South Waterfront to the gorgeous floor plans and carefully curated amenities, every inch of Osprey is indicative of a true Portland mindset.

Are you interested in a community that revolves around you and your lifestyle? Contact Osprey Apartments for more info!

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