Willamette Pass, Oregon Mega Powder Day Photo Tour

If you hadn’t heard, Oregon has been getting hammered. After a couple of really low snow years followed by a couple of sub-par seasons it is more than welcomed. Dear El Nino, you’re welcome to say hello to us in Oregon any time.

Willamette Pass is one of the many un-appreciated small resorts in the Pacific Northwest. You can ski deep fresh powder lines all day long. The worst part about powder days at Willamette Pass is that you leave the mountain thinking about the 10-150 untouched lines you saw on the way down from the last run that will go to waste for that day. 

January 20th, 2016 was one to remember. It was the best day I have had skiing in 3-4 years and perhaps even longer for the riders with me who had NEVER skied this great mountain before. We probably did around 30 runs throughout the day, and if I had/got to do the day over again I would only change one of those runs, as it was the only time during the day that we scraped any ice at all. You may have heard about the true 10/10 ski day, but it’s very rare to actually experience one. This day was one of them.

Willamette Pass has great side country that can be skied without even having to hike. You just have to know where to look. It’s called SDN (Steep Deep and Narrow). SDN fully lives up to the name and then some. If you heard a Willamette Pass local describe this mountain you wouldn’t believe that a place this good actually exists. You have to see it to believe it.

No matter where you’re skiing in Oregon, we’re having fun this year. For example, Warner Canyon in Southern Oregon has not been open in the last 2-years and is now having a great winter. Other ski areas that have struggled through these recent low snow years are re-building their local stoke and getting everyone skiing again. 

Thanks to Willamette Pass for a great mountain and a great day of powder skiing. And a special thanks to my Willamette Pass first timer friends for going on the adventure and for the photo contributions.