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This thread is for Washington, Oregon, and California Resorts Only.
People have asked me how far is Sacramento from world class ski resorts. I’ll be spending some time up in Seattle this winter so I’m interested in how far Seattle is from it’s DOWNHILL ski resorts by driving. On my way back down to Sacramento I’ll be stopping in Portland so I did some research on it’s access to DOWNHILL ski resorts by car as well.
I'd appreciate comments on the likes and dislikes of the Washington and Oregon resorts in particular.
From Sacramento:
Boreal Ski Resort: 90 miles
Heavenly: 101 miles
Squaw Valley: 110 miles
Sierra at Tahoe: 90 miles
Sugar Bowl: 93 miles
Northstar at Tahoe: 97 miles
Kirkwood Ski Resort: 101 miles
Average distance from Downtown Sacramento: 97 miles
*Average distance from Roseville: 76 miles - Interstate 80
*Average distance from Folsom: 74 miles - US Highway 50
*Much of Sacramento’s metro population is closer to the mountains than the downtown hence the inclusion of Roseville and Folsom which are on eastern side of the metro.
From Seattle:
Mt. Baker: 130 miles
The Summit: 51 miles
Crystal Mt.: 84 miles
Hurricane Ridge: 100 miles
Stevens Pass: 83 miles
Leavenworth: 118 miles
Mission Ridge: 162 miles
Seattle Average: 104 miles
From Portland:
Cooper Spur: 78 miles
Hoodoo Ski Area: 134 miles
Mt. Bachelor: 164 miles
Ht. Hood Ski Area: 55 miles
Timberlake Lodge: 62 miles
Willamette Pass: 175 miles
There is a great website that has all kinds of info on ski resorts nationwide. You can look through the rankings or you can search by resort name. The site gives you snowfall totals, ranks the type of snow (fluffier the better), longest runs, vertical drops, distance from nearest city, which direction the slopes face, and more.
For the first time skier and for young families, Boreal is a great place to start out. Experienced skiers from Sacramento like to poke fun because it's a small place, compared to Sacramento's other much larger resorts; but it's often the first place NorCaler's learn to ski.
Boreal has lower costs, very easy access off the highway, snob appeal non-existent, no pretentious folks, mostly locals with kids.
I personally have not been there in years, many many first timers I know have wonderful experiences there. Best to go during the middle of the week like most other resorts. These kind of resorts are great because it can mean less newbies will be at the larger resorts. It's one of the closest resorts to Sacramento. They have night skiing as well.
Boreal is a terrible place for skiers and it caters mostly to Snowboarders. Either way I was just pointing out how there is nothing "world class" about it.
Location: northern Vermont - previously NM, WA, & MA
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I haven't experienced California skiing but I think Oregon has better skiing mountains than Washington. Mt. Bachelor was the best mountain I've skied in the Northwest. I loved the treeless summit of the mountain and I got to ski past a lava dome. I was there on a bright and balmy day with lots of sun and nice snowpack. It's a very scenic area with the volcanic peaks of the Three Sisters in the distance.
Last edited by JMT; 11-25-2014 at 07:53 PM..
Reason: WA/CA/OR only
I haven't experienced California skiing but I think Oregon has better skiing mountains than Washington. Mt. Bachelor was the best mountain I've skied in the Northwest. I loved the treeless summit of the mountain and I got to ski past a lava dome. I was there on a bright and balmy day with lots of sun and nice snowpack. It's a very scenic area with the volcanic peaks of the Three Sisters in the distance.
Thanks for the info about Mt. Bachelor. It's on my list!
If you like treeless summits, California's Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort tops out over 11,000 feet. Base is near 9,000. This is a large resort "world class".
Sacramento Area Resorts with the Best views of Lake Tahoe
Heavenly Valley
Homewood
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