The Pacific Northwest is a land of lush evergreen forests, that receive a ton of precipitation with a marine west coast climate. The areas ski resorts gets some of the most snowfall in the U.S. with Mt. Baker, Washington getting the most snowfall in North America last year with 866″.

The area is dominated by the Cascade Mountain Range which is dotted with massive volcanoes from Washington to Oregon. The Cascades stack huge amounts of snow from large storms coming down from Alaska.

The major metropolitan areas of Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon are the largest cities in the region and are conveniently located within a short drive to some of the areas largest ski resorts. The ski resorts of the Cascades have varied terrain with something for everyone.

Top 5 Largest Ski Areas in the Pacific Northwest:

***

 

#5 Timberline Lodge, OR

Timberline Lodge, Oregon is located on the Palmer Glacier on Mt. Hood and is the only ski resort open 12 months of the year in the U.S.. They have the longest vertical drop in the Pacific Northwest. Mt. Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon at 11,245 ft. There are stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes on a clear day including 3 Sisters and Mt. Jefferson. Timberline Lodge is also home to some of the most prolific and famous summer ski camps for kids and adults, including; Windell’s Freeski Summer Camp, High Cascade Snowboard Camp and training camps for the U.S. ski and snowboard teams.

Skiable Acres: 1,415 

Summit Elevation: 8,540 ft

Base Elevation: 4,850 ft

Vertical: 3,690 ft

Lifts: 7

Runs: 41

Average Snowfall: 540″

 

#4 Snoqualamie, WA

Summit at Snoqualamie and Alpental is combination of 4 Ski Resort Areas on Snoqualamie Pass one hour East of Seattle, Washington. Alpental has the most advanced and expert terrain while Summit Central has intermediate to advanced terrain. Summit East has the most beginner lifts and also offers advanced terrain while Summit West has intermediate to advanced chairs and one beginner lift.

Skiable Acres: 1,994 

Elevation and Vertical for the 4 Resort Areas:

Lifts: 26.  Alpental, 5. Summit West, 9. Summit Central, 9. Summit East, 3. 

Runs: 114.  Alpental= 24, Summit Central=30, Summit East=20, Summit West=14

Average Snowfall: 428″

#3 Mt. Hood Meadows, OR

Mt. Hood Meadows, Oregon is located in the Mt. Hood National Forest in the Cascade Mountain Range, 90 minutes from Portland. The resort is on the sunny wind protected South East side of the volcano. Voted best intermediate cruising terrain by Oregonians, the resort also offers a hike to Heather Canyon, a 4,500 vertical foot run back to lift access and gated terrain for experts only.

Skiable Acres: 2,150

Summit Elevation: 7,300 ft

Base Elevation: 4,523 ft

Vertical: 2,800 ft or 4,500 by hiking

Lifts: 11

Runs: 87

Average Snowfall: 430″

#2 Crystal Mountain, WA

Crystal Mountain, Washington is in the Cascade Mountain Range right next to Mt. Rainier and is in the Mt. Rainier National Forest. It is a 2 hour drive from Seattle and 1 & 1/2 hours from Tacoma. The resort has a variety of terrain for every ability level, from beginner wide open groomers to steeps, chutes, glades and bowls as well as endless backcountry access.

Skiable Acres: 2,600, Lift Served: 2,300

Summit Elevation: 6,872ft

Base: 4,400ft

Vertical: 3,100ft

Lifts: 11

Runs/ Trail: 57

Average Snowfall: 486″

#1 Mt. Bachelor, OR

Mt. Bachelor, Oregon is a large conical volcano located on the Eastern flank of the Central Cascade Mountain range. Skiers and riders can descend 360 degrees of terrain from the top of the resort, with big, wide open faces up top and protected powder stash tree runs at the bottom. The resort is 22 miles from the hip little city of Bend near the Deschutes River and home to the Deschutes Brewery. Mt. Bachelor has one of the longest seasons in the Northwest, from November to May.

Skiable Acres: 4,318

Summit Elevation: 9,065ft

Base Elevation: 5,700ft

Vertical: 3,365ft

Lifts: 11

Runs: 101

Average snowfall: 462″