Willamette Pass is poised for a much-needed winter comeback this week. Willamette Pass ski resort in Oregon offers some of the best skiing in the Pacific Northwest.
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As of December 19, the snowpack is just 1 inch deep—staggeringly 97% below average for this time of year. Warm overnight temperatures near 42°F have left base conditions thin and patchy, primarily limiting terrain to beginner and lower-elevation trails. But there's hope on the horizon: nearly 10 inches of fresh snow is forecast in the next 24 hours, with over 17 inches expected by the 72-hour mark and up to 20 inches in the next five days. Resort crews are preparing for significant snowfall, and operations may shift quickly as the new snow arrives.
Despite the slow start, excitement is building. Willamette Pass recently reopened for the season, and local buzz includes plans to double ski terrain and add new mountaintop dining options. The resort was also spotlighted as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most affordable ski destinations—making it an attractive option for families and budget-conscious adventurers. For now, skiers and snowboarders should expect early-season conditions with limited coverage but improving rapidly. Keep your eyes on the forecast—Mother Nature is finally answering winter’s call.
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 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, rain and snow showers, becoming all snow after 1pm. the snow could be heavy at times. temperature falling to around 28 by 5pm. west wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. chance of precipitation is 90%. new snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Willamette Pass is expected to receive up to 20.84" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Oregon ski areas are seeing a dramatic upswing in snowfall, with the heaviest accumulation centered around the Mt. Hood region and northeastern mountains. Red Hill and the Mt. Hood Test Site are forecasted to receive 27–29 inches over the next five days, with Red Hill already reporting 3 inches in the past 24 hours. Nearby Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline ... Read more