Last week’s snowfall confirmed that the relatively sunny and warm Oregon weather is officially behind us. Fortunately, outdoor activities during late spring, summer and early fall translate well to a great winter in the Oregon outdoors — it just involves a couple more woolen layers.
Although Eugene isn’t directly near a specific mountain, winter sports enthusiasts are centrally located to a few options throughout the state.
Mt. Bachelor
Located roughly three hours west of Eugene, Mt. Bachelor is Oregon’s largest mountain in terms of skiable terrain with 3,683 acres. The mountain offers 71 runs on all sides of the mountain, which are easily accessible by using any of the 11 chairlifts. Bachelor is also a college-friendly resort, offering flextime tickets that charge only for each lift used. Another attractive aspect to Bachelor is its location to Bend’s ever-fun, college-minded city.
Willamette Pass
Easily the closest skiing to Eugene, Willamette Pass is only an hour outside of Eugene. The pass offers one of the highest base elevations in the northwest at around 5,000 feet. The slopes of Willamette are much steeper than the other nearby mountains, making it the location for the United States Speed Skiing Team. Of course, the pass also offers great runs for recreational college students not wanting to drive too far to enjoy the snow.
Mt. Hood Meadows
Oregon’s highest peak, Meadows is the farthest from Eugene, but offers the largest amount of snow and longest ski season. Located 67 miles east of Portland, Meadows has 2,100 skiable acres with 10 chairlifts. Although the runs on the lower part of the mountain are perfect for early learners, the bowls up top offer some of the most challenging runs in Oregon with rough terrain.
Dutchman Flat
Although most of the best cross-country skiing is located to the north at Trillium Lake below Mt. Hood, the closest for students is Dutchman Flat near Bend. The 6.5-mile loop offers great views of Mt. Bachelor, Three Sisters and Broken Top, and also surrounds a few lakes.
Broken Top
Like cross-country skiing, Trillium Lake is also the best for snowshoeing, but good snowshoe paths can be found east of Eugene in Bend. The best of these is the Broken Top trail that takes hikers into the crater. Before attempting this specific trail, it’s best to speak with someone from the Outdoor Program who has knowledge of the area.
Sledding areas
For the recreational student who just wants to have fun in the snow, Oregon offers a couple cool snow parks. Mt. Bachelor’s Snowblast Tubing Park is a great way to spend the day, as is Ski Bowl, a tubing area located on Mt. Hood.
Lane County Ice Center
For those not wanting to travel, ice-skating is a local option for a winter activity. This ice skating rink, located about two miles from campus on West 13th Avenue, offers a great indoor opportunity with a winter outdoor experience. With a spacious, well-maintained rink, public skating sessions provide an affordable opportunity to skate, and hopefully not fall, while having a good time.
If you don’t own the equipment necessary for these winter activities, the items can be rented at the University’s Outdoor Program Barn, open from noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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