Timberline Lodge Skiing & Snowboarding Resort Guide
Ski and snowboard all year, and experience some of the only lift accessed glacier skiing in the US at Timberline Lodge Ski Area. Pull up to the historic ski lodge on a clear day and you’ll be greeted by the majesty of Mount Hood looming above you. From the parking lot, you’ll have 1,150’ vertical below the lodge, and 2,540’ above to explore. The 3,960’ in total vertical drop is the largest in the northwest. Stay at the historic lodge, careful though it’s rumored to be haunted, or take the 90 minute drive from Portland. The awesome terrain parks, and the riding high up on the Palmer snowfield brings in skiers and snowboarders from around the world in the slushy spring and summer months.
The lower chairlifts have an array of beginner and intermediate options. Sheltered by the trees, theses areas are awesome for families and beginner skiers and snowboarders. Up near treeline is the terrain parks, and even farther up the mountain is the famous Palmer chairlift, which is only open during the spring and summer seasons. Ripping high speed laps off Palmer on a sunny spring day is an unforgettable experience as you fly high above the rest of Oregon. Palmer and the Magic Mile chairlift are both above tree level, so you only want to head up here when the visibility and weather conditions are good.
The terrain parks bring a constant flow of skiers and snowboarders from around the world because of the awesome setups and quick laps off of the Stormin’ Norman chair. When other mountains around the US are closing up for the season, things are really just getting started at Timberline Lodge. The Spraypaint park usually offers a flowy jumpline, while Conway’s packs an assortment of jibs and rails for both skiers and snowboarders. When the wind is blowing, or the clouds settle in, Jeff’s Flood chairlift reaches down to Timberline’s lowest point, 4,850’ at the bottom. Between this lift and Pucci chairlift, there are tons of beginner and intermediate cruiser runs to pick from.
Timberline lodge is just over a 60 minute drive from Portland, but be careful because the road can be slippery. Be prepared for winter driving conditions; even in the spring the roads can ice up over night. Skiers and snowboarders can avoid the drive and take the Mount Hood Express bus. The bus runs from the town of Sandy, which is on the way from Portland.
Travel Resources:
Timberline Lodge Travel Overview
Mount Hood Express Bus
Timberline lodge is just over a 60 minute drive from Portland, but be careful because the road can be slippery. Be prepared for winter driving conditions; even in the spring the roads can ice up over night. Skiers and snowboarders can avoid the drive and take the Mount Hood Express bus. The bus runs from the town of Sandy, which is on the way from Portland.
Timberline Lodge Travel Overview
Mount Hood Express Bus
The historic Timberline Lodge is the obvious choice for lodging. Built starting in 1936 under the Great Depression era Works Progress Administration, it is a national historic landmark. Careful though, The Shining was filmed here and there are multiple ghost stories surrounding the lodge. If you’re too scared of the ghosts there is additional lodging available down the Mount Hood Highway at Government Camp, and Welches. The forest roads surrounding the mountain become popular campsites for spring and summer skiers, too.
Timberline Lodge Lodging Overview
Our Favorite Snowboards For Timberline Lodge
Local Food Picks
Long days on the mountain are a great way to work up an appetite. There are several dining options at the lodge, including some very upscale experiences. The Wy’east Cafe offers you your standard ski area cafeteria. Down the mountain, Wraptitude is a favorite of skiers and snowboarders. The walls are decked out in local ski shots signed by the pros, and the burger wrap is delicious. For many skiers and snowboarders, wraptitude is an integral part of the Mount Hood experience.On Mountain Dining
Wraptitude
Our Favorite Skis For Timberline Lodge
Where to Find Lift Tickets to Timberline Lodge?
Timberline Lodge skiing and snowboarding lift tickets aren’t the cheapest available, however they are not most expensive. These lift tickets can be bought online, or at the base lodge. Discount lift tickets are available for youth and seniors, while children six and under ski for free with the purchase of an adult ticket. There are several season pass options available,as well as the ever popular spring pass, which offers a great deal for skiing and snowboarding beginning in April or May each spring. Buy tickets online, or check out the details on the Timberline Lodge lift tickets page.Timberline Lodge Weather Information
With 468” of average annual snowfall, it goes without saying, but it snows a lot at Crystal Mountain Resort. January and February are the prime months for those big snowstorms, however, it can still snow late into the spring. While sunny days come in plenty in the spring, most of the winter the mountain stays pretty cloudy, so be ready for goggles for flat light. Washington tends to be warmer than more inland skiing states, but that’s not to say it can’t get chilly here, bring good layers and expect temperatures in the mid twenties. Crystal Mountain’s Earliest opening date came on October 1st, 2013 and the latest the ski and snowboard area has stayed open is July 16th, 2011. Once the sun starts shining in March and April, Crystal has some of the best spring skiing and snowboarding in Washington state.Timberline Lodge Conditions Report
Timberline Lodge Webcams
Timberline is a unique ski and snowboard area, with riding all year, the historic lodge itself, and some world-class terrain parks. While the amount of terrain above treeline may not be accessible all year around because of snow and wind conditions, once the Palmer chair opens in the spring the high speed cruising and slush skiing and snowboarding is all-time. Check out the lower trails tucked in the trees, or head over to Mount Hood Meadows for more mid-winter options Don’t forget to visit Timberline Lodge in the spring and summer months, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
