6 Best Oregon Ski Resorts for Families

6. Hoodoo Ski Area

Sitting at the summit of Santiam Pass, Hoodoo Ski Area awaits the whole family with 800 acres of good times, more than 1.000 feet of vertical drop, and 34 ski runs, covered by a healthy dose of snowbase at 10-15 feet. The runs are split into 3 levels of mastery, with 30% beginner runs, 30% intermediate runs, and 40% expert runs. Night skiing is also very enjoyable at this resort.

Family Skiing

For other activities that the whole family can enjoy, the Autobahn Tubing Park can be a prime choice. The tubes are provided with the ticket, so there’s no need to bring your own tubes (and the park doesn’t allow usage of other tubes too). The park can also throw a birthday party that includes tubing, lunch, and a special Hoodoo birthday present for one extremely cool birthday any child will appreciate.

Off the Slopes

Visitors can also stay in one of the many lodgings near the Hoodoo Ski Area. From the hotel to the ranch, the options are simply staggering. The resort’s partner, Black Butte Ranch, also provides a package for skiers who stay and purchase ski lift tickets, including food and beverage credit, access to the ranch’s spa, hot tubs, sauna, recreation center, and more. Whether it’s chilling over a pint at the pub, lunch at the bistro, or paying the horses a visit at the stable, spending the night can be as fun as skiing down the pistes themselves.

What We Love About Hoodoo Ski Area:

• Sizable skiing area with even distribution for all level
• Incredible off-the-slope activities for the whole family
• Great lodging options

Hoodoo Ski Area Stats

5. Willamette Pass – Crescent

Sometimes hailed as one of the best-kept secrets for ski and snowboard enthusiasts in the Northwest, Willamette Pass – Crescent has earned the title with its combination of picturesque skiing opportunities among the fir forest and Nordic skiing trails.

The resort’s 29 Alpine runs are separated into 3 levels rated for beginner, intermediate, and expert skiers. Across its 555 acres of skiable area, the Kaleidoscope / Perseverance runs offer the longest course at 2.1 miles, while the R.T.S. run gives the maximum rush of verticality at 52 degrees of angle steepness. The Nordic trails are also not to be missed, with 20 miles of variable terrains. Families can enjoy unforgettable days in the snow regardless of their skill level.

Willamette Pass – Crescent is serviced by 7 high-speed lifts with a peak capacity of 9.300 skiers per hour to keep everyone spending their time gliding on the snow or exploring the snow-tipped fir forest instead of waiting.

Family Skiing

Lodging options for families are also available close to the resort, such as Willamette Pass Inn which features spacious rooms, kitchenette, satellite TVs, and authentic wood-fueled fireplaces to accommodate up to 6 guests per room. For a more private relaxation, the whole family can stay in a chalet, complete with a BBQ and patio, hot water and bath, full kitchen, living room, Queen-sized bedroom, and a backup generator.

What We Love About Willamette Pass – Crescent:

• Picturesque fir forests
• High-speed, high capacity ski lifts
• Long Nordic ski trails
• Near, cozy lodging options

Willamette Pass – Crescent Stats

4. Timberline

A family-operated ski resort with more than 80 years of hospitality under its belt, Timberline also holds the exalted status as a National Historic Landmark. Despite its prominence, the resort’s spirit to deliver warm, familiar services and family-friendly skiing and snowboarding thrills remain strong.

The resort opens for 10 months a year near the top of Mt. Hood for the rare rush of skiing in Summer. The resort boasts one of the highest operational points on the mountain from the Palmer at 8.540 feet. with high-quality snow being the main attraction across the board.

Family Skiing

Another main point of interest at Timberline is the world-class terrain parks. For families who are eager to give freestyle skiing or snowboarding a try, the boxes, rails, jumps, and halfpipes can be the perfect proving ground on one of the Pacific Northwest’s most prolific terrain park setups.

Off the Slopes

The historic Timberline Lodge is also not to be missed. The rustic lodging is filled to the brim with history as well as being the only on-site lodging in a ski resort in Oregon. Treat the whole family to a scrumptious dinner, relax at the spa or in the hot tub, and round it up with a session at the gym before retiring for the night. Larger groups can also stay at the Silcox Hut, a high-alpine hut complemented with free breakfast, facility host, and on-demand snowcat transport to carry the whole groups to and from Timberline Lodge.

What We Love About Timberline:

• Rustic, cozy, and historic Timberline Lodge
• Located on the shoulder of Mt. Hood
• Exceptional snow
• Freestyle ski and snowboard opportunities in the terrain parks

Timberline Stats

3. Mt. Hood Meadows

Located on the eponymous mountain’s southeast flank, Mt. Hood Meadows is well-known for its variety of terrains and incredible vistas. This high alpine ski resort offers a serviced lift all the way up to the 7.300 ft elevation point, opening up an unobstructed view across the 2.150 acres resort and beyond. The close proximity to Portland also ensures that everyone will be spending their time and energy enjoying their day out in the snow instead of the long traffic.

Fun for Kids

For families with young children or if the children simply aren’t in the mood to play in the snow, the Daycare Center is ready to care for children from the age of six weeks old up to 11 years old, making it one of the few state-certified resorts to care for children that young.

Family Skiing

Not only boasting great views, but Mt. Hood Meadows is also more than equipped to cater to all members of the family with varying skill levels. Adults and children alike will be tutored by professional athletes in the ski and snowboard classes. Not only that, The Meadows Learning Center also provides adaptive lessons for participants with visual, cognitive, or physical impairments, so everyone can have a blast on the snow.

The resort’s trails are separated into 4 levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert, with approximately 50% of the trails placed on the intermediate level. But all trails have their own varieties, both alpine and below treeline, that keep the experience fresh. Aside from the trails, terrain parks and pipes are also present for those who wish to express their freestyle skills even at night, thanks to the well-lit area.

Off the Slopes

Lodging accommodations at the nearby Cooper Spur can also be one of the highlights for the whole family. Staying in one of the log houses, with farm-to-table dining, and a discount lift ticket on Mt. Hood Meadows for every guest can make for a great story to reminisce about when the kids are older. Oh, did we mention that the units are also dog-friendly?

What We Love About Mt. Hood Meadows:

• High elevation, unobstructed panoramic views
• Varying terrains
• Trail options for both experts and beginners
• Dog-friendly establishment

Mt. Hood Meadows Stats

2. Mt. Hood Skibowl

Absolutely dripping in history and great memories, Mt. Hood Skibowl began its operation in 1928, making it one of the oldest ski destinations in the United States. With many attractions for the whole family, such as the tube park in Skibowl East, Children’s Ski School, and many more, the resort is loved by all levels of skiers, all wrapped in warm, local hospitality.

Fun for Kids

For children who are eager to polish their snowboard or ski skills, the Children’s Ski School caters to children from 5 to 13 years old and is separated into groups based on their proficiencies. The groups are also kept to a small number to ensure that every child receives undivided attention and guidance under professional, accredited instructors.

Family Skiing

The resort also offers ski runs suitable for all levels, split into 69-day runs and 36 lighted runs for those who wish to ski under the starry sky. The snows are kept groomed by 2 winch cats, opening up the opportunities to slide down the glade terrains and steep slopes smoothly. For those who are looking for more adrenaline rush, the powder snow, rocky terrain, trees, and steep open glades are also ready to accommodate.

Off the Slopes

Looking for some after-ski activities? Families can partake in snowmobile tours and guided snowshoeing tours for a leisurely cruise or walk amidst the majestic Douglas firs.

Lodgings are also waiting for all of the family members, with Collins Lake Resort that’s located within a walking distance. With a plethora of bars, restaurants, heated pools, hot tubs, and choices for luxury accommodations, stretch out those weary legs and drift to sleep before tackling the slopes again to start the day.

What We Love About Mt. Hood Skibowl:

• Snow tubing parks, with the Cosmic Tubing as the main attraction
• Snowshoeing and snowmobile tours
• Ski school with small groups
• Cozy slopeside lodgings
• Local atmosphere

Mt. Hood Skibowl Stats

1. Mt. Bachelor

Boasting a vast lift-accessible area that spans 4.300 acres, Mt. Bachelor offers a diverse terrain with light, dry snow. The mountain is also well-known for its long seasons as well as family-friendly zones that allow even younger skiers to have a blast on the slope making it our top pick for families.

Fun for Kids

Located in the West Village Lodge, Mt. Bachelor Daycare Center holds a qualification as a state-licensed daycare facility intended for children within the age range of 6 weeks to 10 years old.

The facility is operated by friendly, highly-qualified staff that have passed strict background checks, as well as completion of a first-aid, food handler, and early childhood training classes.

The programs offered at Mt. Bachelor Daycare Center include half or full-day ski and snowboard courses for kids aged 3 ½ to 5, a Snow Explorer package for kids aged 2 ½ and older, and two rooms dedicated for toddlers with a small group of 1 staff for 4 children for extra attentive care. Lunch is also included in the full-day program and can be added optionally for half-day program attendees.

Family Skiing

For older kids who want to experience the joy of skiing, Progression Park and The Lava Tube trails are intended for beginner skiers who want to familiarize themselves with the basics of skiing. First-time skiers can start from the Start Park to get the feel of sliding on snow. Volcano Adventure Zone offers a bit more adventure for the whole family, with natural rolls, dips, and twists through open glades on volcanically-shaped terrain.

Off the Slopes

Adults are also pampered with choices. From full-service bars, cafes, and mobile kitchens, all the way to Demo Center to try out new gears and many exciting events all year round, there’s no shortage of good time for the whole family.

What We Love About Mt. Bachelor:

• Wide range of activities for all ages
• Ski trails that accommodate both beginners and experienced skiers
• Well-equipped gear shop, with tuning and repair services
• Rich culinary selections, ranging from light bites, and comfort foods, to local brews

Mt. Bachelor Stats

Why Choose Oregon for Skiing

The numerous ski resorts in Oregon have everything a family will need to have a great ski and snowboard session.

From licensed daycare services that care for young children, trails that cater to all degrees of skill, ski and snowboard schools, and other activities to keep both the parents and the children engaged throughout the day.

Round it out with a tasty dinner and sleep the fatigue away comfortably before rising up on a new day, energized and eager for a new adventure with the whole family.

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Best Ski Resorts for Families In Oregon