Looking for a winter getaway, but not wanting to spend the entire time falling down in the snow? Sure, the majesty of the mountain, glistening slopes and expansive views all sound great, until you find yourself struggling to get up from a drift.
Just because you’re not that into skiing or snowboarding doesn’t mean you can’t spend time in Oregon’s higher elevations. While everyone else is getting frostbite, you can be warm, toasty and sipping a hot toddy.
Here are five ski lodges to keep you cozy while your winter sports-loving companions hit the slopes.
Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood
Located at the southwest base of Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge was designed with art in mind: the lodge’s front exterior has a carved thunderbird and two rams’ heads and other wildlife interpretations like bear and buffalo can be found under the eaves.
The family-friendly resort is known for having one of the longest ski seasons in North America, from mid-November to late May, according to the website.
Timberline Lodge offers a cozy place to warm up amidst the snowy slopes on Mt. Hood.
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Who should go: Families and dog lovers who want to meet the lodge’s St. Bernards.
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Where: 27500 E. Timberline Road, Government Camp
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When: Some lodge amenities open now, others waiting for winter season
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Pricing: Ranges from $275 to $500 per night
Pine Marten Lodge at Mt. Bachelor
The seventh-largest ski resort in North America, Mt. Bachelor Ski Area has several lodges on its property. One of the highlights is Mt. Bachelor’s mid-mountain structure, Pine Marten Lodge. Those willing to brave a lift can stop off at the lodge to enjoy the views through panoramic windows or on the outdoor deck.
Outside of its lodging, Mt. Bachelor also has a sled dog team that transports patrons who don’t want to wobble around on skis.
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Who should go: Nordic skiers and folks wanting to snap photos of the views offered by the Cascades.
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Where: 13000 SW Century Drive, Bend
Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in Eastern Oregon
Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort south of La Grande has the highest base elevation in the state at 7,000 feet. The lodge features a cozy fireplace and giant windows that allow non-snow sports participants to admire the slopes from inside.
In March, Anthony Lakes will host its 11th annual Taste of Nordic event, which is a pilgrimage along its cross-country trails while enjoying a variety of food and beverage vendors. Participants can ski, snowshoe or walk the event.
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Who should go: Those who enjoy locally brewed adult beverages and Nordic skiing fanatics.
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Where: 47500 Anthony Lakes Highway, North Powder
The entrance to Timberline Lodge pictured in a snowstorm.
Elk Lake Resort outside Bend
Originally built in the 1920s, Elk Lake Resort has offered lakeside accommodations for a century. The newly renovated lodge is 30 miles west of Bend. This remote lodge is only accessible by a snowcat, cross country skiing, or by snowmobile during the winter months.
If you’re not interested in skiing or snowboarding but still want to get out on the snow, Elk Lake Resort has snowmobiles available to rent for a spin through the drifts.
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Who should go: Cross-country skiers, parties looking to stay in their own cabin and those looking for a lakeside view.
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Where: 60000 Cascade Lakes Highway, Bend
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Pricing: Ranges from $300 to $700 per night
Willamette Pass Ski Resort
For those who want to stay close to home, Willamette Pass is just over an hour’s drive from Eugene.
The Willamette Pass lodge has a quaint cafeteria that serves breakfast and lunch. Upstairs, there’s a 21+ lounge that offers patrons views of the mountain while enjoying spirits, cocktails, wine and craft beers.
Although there’s no overnight stays at the Willamette Pass lodge, there are options for overnight parking for those who want to stay over in their RV, van or car.
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Who should go: People looking for a lowkey excursion.
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Where: Highway 58, Mile Marker 62, Cascade Summit
List of ski lodges in Oregon
Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on X @mirandabcyr.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Prefer staying warm and dry? Here’s 5 Oregon ski lodges to check out