Willamette Pass kicks off 2026 with fresh flurries and a promising forecast. Willamette Pass ski resort in Oregon offers some of the best skiing in the Pacific Northwest.
Wind
Humidity
Overnight temps held steady at 35.6°F, bringing a light 1" of new snow to the slopes. While the current snowpack sits at a modest 14"—about 67% below the seasonal average—skiers can rejoice with a projected 2.5" of new snowfall in the next 24 hours. Over the next five days, up to 6" is expected, thanks to an incoming atmospheric river sweeping across the Cascades. Conditions today are soft-packed with a wet base, best suited for intermediate riders and cross-country enthusiasts exploring the Gold Lake backcountry trails or making their way to the cozy Westview Shelter.
After a historic early opening, Willamette Pass is riding the momentum into the heart of winter. Under new management and with whispers of terrain expansions in the works, the resort is set for a transformative season. The area remains a hidden gem, recently spotlighted in several features on Oregon’s top small ski resorts. With the snow forecast improving and terrain gradually filling in, now is the time to carve your first tracks of 2026. Keep an eye on conditions—Mother Nature may just deliver a powder surprise by the weekend.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Cascade Summit.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Willamette Pass.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Willamette Pass impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Willamette Pass Ski Resort in Oregon is located in the southern part of the state, in the Willamette National Forest. The resort is situated in the Cascade Range, which is a major mountain range stretching from British Columbia to California. The Cascade Range includes several notable peaks and volcanic mountains, such as Mount Hood, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Bachelor.
Willamette Pass itself is a mountain pass in the Cascade Range, located at an elevation of around 5,000 feet. The pass provides access to the ski resort and surrounding backcountry terrain. The resort features a variety of ski runs and lifts, with terrain suitable for all skill levels.
Overall, the Willamette Pass Ski Resort is known for its stunning mountain views, diverse terrain, and abundant snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest.
With over 550 acres of skiable terrain, the resort boasts a variety of trails for skiers of all levels. Beginners will enjoy the gentle slopes of the Sunshine Accelerator and the Upper Meadow trails. For more advanced skiers, the peaks of Eagle Peak and Mt. Bailey offer challenging runs and incredible views.
An interesting fact about the resort is that it was founded in 1941 by a group of University of Oregon professors who were passionate about skiing. They built the resort and named it after the nearby Willamette Pass.
For apres ski, the resort's lodge offers a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace and a full bar. Alternatively, the nearby Crescent Lake Lodge is known for its delicious food and drinks. Overall, Willamette Pass ski resort is a great destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
The ski area received 1" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, rain. high near 42. east southeast wind around 6 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Willamette Pass is expected to receive up to 6.94" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Southern Oregon is shaping up to be the snowiest region in the coming days, with Big Red Mountain near Mount Ashland forecasted for 18–19 inches of snow over the next 5 days. Crater Lake National Park, close to Annie Springs and the Mount Bailey region, is expected to see 12 inches, already sitting on a substantial 31-inch base. Diamond Lake ... Read more