Pacific Northwest Ski Vacations

Part of enjoying the fresh powder and killer mountains in the Pacific Northwest is knowing where to go. These spots offer not only skiing and snowboarding, but other winter sports, accommodations and more to make for a perfect winter getaway.

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Whistler, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

Going to Whistler is not just going skiing; Whistler is an experience unto itself. Offering shopping, lodging, gondola rides, heli-skiing and boarding, biking, trails and more, Whistler offers unending fun to its many visitors.

An added bonus at Whistler are the new features being added for the 2010 Winter Olympics, which will be held there. A new peak-to-peak gondola ride offers breathtaking views and improved shopping areas mean lots of opportunities to hang out and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.


Whistler is near Vancouver, B.C. and can be accessed by car, train or bus. The slopes are open for winter skiing until April each year, and then limited spring and summer skiing continues depending on snowfall.

Mt. Spokane, Spokane, WA

This close-in ski resort means hitting the slopes for a day is very feasible. They offer a tubing hill for non-skiiers and snowboarders and beginner hills all the way up to challenging trails and hills. The ski resort is operated by a non-profit organization that puts all of the money back into improvements on the mountain, and it's very well-maintained and cost effective.

Being close to Spokane means an almost endless choice as to where to stay, where to eat and how to plan a weekend getaway to the Mt. Spokane area.

The ski area also offers a terrain park and hosts many events yearly. The slopes are open until late February for winter skiing and there is a lodge offering food, drinks and free wireless. Season passes are available.

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Mt. Hood, near Hood River, OR

It's the mountain you see in the background of every postcard ever made for Portland, and it really is as close as it looks: 45 minutes can get you to the mountain from Portland proper. There are several ski areas on Mt. Hood, with the most popular being Mt. Hood Meadows. This area offers all sorts of trails and options for every skiier and snowboarder.

The lodge offers all sorts of amenities for guests and there are many facilities located around the property.



Nearby Timberline Lodge offers a ski area and the nostalgic mountain lodge where the movie "The Shining" was filmed. There are dining and lodging options aplenty on Mt. Hood, and more nearby in Hood River. Many events, workshops and lessons are offered on the mountain.

Most Mt. Hood ski areas offer peak winter skiing until late February, and more limited spring and summer skiing after that.

Mt. Bachelor, near Bend, OR

Many swear by Mt. Bachelor's superior high-desert snow and long seasons. Others like to ski here because of the surrounding community's focus on high-end resorts and outdoor sports. Whatever the case, it's a favorite skiing and snowboarding spot for many Oregonians and visitors from outside the state, and it continues to improve as there's more demand.

Mt. Bachelor has something for everyone: a lodge, several restaurants, lessons, rentals, nearby shopping, spas and hotels and more.

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Author Paul Linus


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