Oregon spring skiing is going to be epic! We’re looking forward to longer days, sunny skies, fun events and beautiful groomed runs. Image courtesy Timberline Lodge & Ski Area
Oregon ski areas are experiencing an epic La Niña winter with snowfall amounts in some areas over 150-percent above average. This deep Oregon snowpack means you can expect great coverage from top to bottom and a long spring skiing and riding season. Ski Areas across Oregon are making plans for exciting spring 2017 events, whether you’re looking to partake in rowdy pond skimming festivities (or just cheer from the sidelines), test your fitness in a ski mountaineering race, enroll the kids in fun ski camp (and get some necessary quality time together), or just enjoy the longer spring days on-hill with the whole family, there’s definitely a perfect destination in Oregon. Browse our roundup of March and April events and get on board in Oregon.
An All Day Spring Beach Festival at Mt. Hood Skibowl
Mt. Hood Skibowl on the lower southern aspect of Mt. Hood is celebrating spring with their 16th Annual Snow Beach Festival on Saturday, March 25th. What better way to kick off your spring season than with this all day festival! The event includes pond skimming, a “Suds on the Slopes” beer and spirit tasting festival, hot dog and pie eating contests, the “Goggle Tan Rail Jam” and much more. A fireworks show caps off a great family event with something for everyone!
Pond skimming is a fun way to celebrate spring conditions. Resorts across Oregon are hosting festivals and bashes that include pond skims. Image courtesy Mt. Hood Meadows/Richard Hallman
Mt. Hood Meadows Fun Fundraiser, Competitions & Pass Deals
The 29th annual Oregon Cancer Ski Out to Defeat ALS is a two-day event, March 12-13, 2017, for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels combining fun, competition, and fundraising. This unique racing format pits over 400 participants in teams of five competing for prizes in a race that rewards consistency and teamwork rather than individual speed. Now in its 29th year, this expanded event includes the Cowboy up for Cancer dinner and casino night held in Hood River.
Meadows is also offering three day Spring Holiday camps for Kids, a Banked Slalom competition April 1st, the 10th Annual Sno-Kona Pond Skim on April 29th, the Double Mountain Season Ending Party on May 6th, and great spring skiing season deals in conjunction with all these events. The reduced price Value Season Pass is only $249, and the $159 Spring Pass on sale March 1st offers daily lift access March 10–April 16, plus weekends through the end of April.
Big Air, Big Waves & Spring Skiing Deals At Mt. Bachelor
Combine a day of skiing and snowboarding with awesome spectating at the 10 Barrel Hella Big Air Competition on March 25th at Mt. Bachelor! Spectators are invited to cheer on snowboarders and skiers battling it out on a 70-foot jump while enjoying a party atmosphere in the base area.
If mountain surfing is more your thing, then the Big Wave Challenge, April 8–9, is for you. This snowboard event hosted by legendary big wave surfer Gerry Lopez, features a series of huge sweeping banked corners, quarterpipes and spines shaped into wave-like features for a flowing course. This laid-back event even includes a traditional Hawaiian luau. Aloha!
Mt. Bachelor is offering an incredible deal for nine consecutive days of skiing from March 25–April 2 for the price of four days - plus kids ski free! This offer is available for purchase from February 23–27.
Hoodoo Ski Area Massive Gear Demo, Fun Family Rodeo & Spring Fling
Hoodoo Ski Area has great events scheduled throughout March and April in addition to the fun to be had during Friday and Saturday night riding.
Preview the New on Saturday, March 18th features more than 20 retailers and 40 brands offering free test runs of the latest 2017-18 skis and snowboards. If you’ve been thinking of upgrading your gear, this event is your chance to try before you buy!
Hoodoo Rodeo on Saturday, April 1st, is fun for the whole family featuring a mechanical bull, a chili cook-off and a festive atmosphere out on the slopes and inside the modern 60,000 square-foot lodge.
Spring Fling on Saturday, April 8th, is the ultimate slopeside party of the year featuring costumes and a pond skim. This 100-foot icy water crossing is open to all takers; spectators are welcome to kick back in the slopeside beergarden and enjoy the free live music and spectacle of costumed participants gunning for the safety of the distant shore.
All Day Snow Blast Celebration & Kids Camps At Anthony Lakes
Anthony Lakes Snow Blast celebration, Saturday, March 4th is an all-day on-hill event featuring the popular “Dummy Downhill Race,” a big air contest, potato sack races, a massive downhill race, an outdoor BBQ, bonfire, live music, and fireworks.
Anthony Lakes is also offering a skill-building camp for kids. This all-inclusive five-day ski and snowboard Spring Break Camp runs from March 27–31 and is open to ages 7 to 18. The whole camp experience including lift ticket, rentals and instruction is a deal at only $80! What better way to wrap up the season than to learn new skills in forgiving spring conditions?
Spring is a great time to take in the views from the slopes of Mt. Hood. Image courtesy Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area
Wy’East Ski Mountaineering Race Series
Portland, Oregon’s revered Mountain Shop is launching a new Ski Mountaineering Race Series with three events through March and April at Skibowl (March 2nd), Timberline (April 1st) and Mt. Hood Meadows (TBA). This energizing uphill/downhill race series provides an introduction to ski mountaineering racing and is open to all levels including beginners on alpine touring, telemark or nordic ski gear.
A Big Mountain Bash at Mt. Ashland
Mt. Ashland celebrates an epic season with the Big Mountain Bash (Saturday, March 18th) featuring a beer garden, live music and BBQ out on the slopes followed by Sunday’s Dummy Downhill featuring handmade creations launched down the mountain and off a ski jump. This spectacle is sure to draw a huge crowd of enthusiastic spectators.
Spring Break Joybreak & Unique Experiences at Timberline Lodge & Ski Area
Timberline is partnering with the Children’s Cancer Association (CCA) on April 1st for Joybreak, an all day mountain event to cap off Oregon’s spring break with all proceeds benefiting the CCA. The event features a silent auction, rail jam, ski area wide scavenger hunt, live music, next year’s equipment demos, a silent auction and more!
Additional events include a Winemakers dinner at Silcox Hut on March 30th with Leah Jorgensen Cellars celebrating the Danish concept of Hygge, magical full moon snowshoe tours on March 12th and April 11th, as well as a robust live music schedule in Timberline’s Ram’s Head bar.
Spring Break is just around the corner, but there’s still plenty of time to plan your ski and snowboard getaway!
