Winter: The days are short and the nights are long — so it makes sense that Oregon ski areas keep the lifts running well after sunset. Across Oregon there are six different ski areas offering nighttime or twilight skiing and snowboarding. Hours usually start before nightfall at 3 p.m. and extend through 9 p.m., meaning it’s actually a combination of sunset riding that continues into dusk and the evening hours.
The experience is similar to daytime skiing and snowboarding, except instead of daylight, you’re relying on overhead lights to guide you down the slopes. The available terrain is primarily wide-open groomers, but you’ll also find that you can dip off the groomers to ride fresh powder or explore the natural terrain features across the mountain. Resorts keep the lodges open to warm up between runs, and since night skiing is often only offered on weekends, you’re also likely to find a boisterous atmosphere in the lodge. Some resorts also host special events —Hoodoo Ski Resort and Mt. Ashland frequently hosts live bands and Mt. Hood Meadows offers professional ski school lessons during its night skiing sessions.
Visitors love night skiing for a variety of reasons. It’s a great opportunity to ski and snowboard after work, it’s less crowded and lift tickets are more affordable. Count yourself among the fortunate few if you ever have the opportunity to ski under the lights while it’s snowing — a truly magical experience. Give it a try this winter. Clear or yellow lenses for goggles are recommended.
Where to Ski at Night
Mt. Hood Skibowl sets the gold standard for night skiing with the largest night skiing terrain in the country. When the sun sets, all four of the resort’s chairlifts are lit up, resulting in 34 nighttime runs. The terrain varies from open groomers to challenging black diamond runs that really shine when there’s fresh powder.
The resort also offers nighttime Cosmic Tubing, with the tubing lanes lit up under 600,000 LED lights, lasers and music. It is an awesome nighttime party for all ages.
Night riding is offered from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. seven nights a week.
Hoodoo Ski Area recently expanded its night skiing with new lights near Ed’s Chair, increasing the terrain access to 23 different runs across 500 acres. The ski area also hosts several parties through the winter that extend into the night, including Winter Carnival, Viking Fest, and Bike Fest. Hoodoo also offers slopeside winter RV camping, which goes great with night skiing.
The resort now offers night skiing four nights a week, Wednesday through Saturday. Night skiing typically begins in mid-December and runs through March; hours are from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Timberline Lodge & Ski Area has night skiing with incredible alpine views on full moon nights. Night skiing is a great activity for overnight lodge guests as well as visitors looking for uncrowded slopes.
Timberline expanded its night skiing terrain in 2023, to include new night lighting off of Pucci lift to allow Thunder and School Yard park laps. This is in addition to the runs off of Bruno’s lift just below the lodge, and the network of trails off Pucci lift, which offer easy access back to the lodge to warm up between runs. Night skiing hours are from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with purchase of a lift ticket.
Mt. Ashland in Southern Oregon offers twilight skiing across the mountain three nights a week, Thursday through Saturday, with lights on the Sonnet, Comer and Windsor ski lifts. The resort temporarily closes ahead of each night’s skiing to lay down fresh groomed runs. Twilight hours are from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., with lift tickets or a new Twilight Pass available.
Mt. Hood Meadows offers 140 acres of night-lit terrain served by the Mt. Hood Express high-speed quad and other lifts. Visitors can ride under the lights on Wednesday through Sunday evenings, plus extra nights during the holiday season (mid-December through early January).
Meadows Learning Center offers evening ski and snowboard lessons, specializing in beginner lessons for kids and adults. The lodge, restaurants and equipment rental center are all open. Night riding is from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Warner Canyon Ski Area is the newest ski area to offer night skiing in Oregon. Look for updates on the Facebook page for night skiing dates on select weekends this winter.
If You Go:
Be sure to check road and weather conditions before heading out and carry snow chains or traction tires when advised.
Whenever you’re adventuring in the winter, wear waterproof layers, appropriate snow boots and don’t forget your sunglasses. Learn how to come prepared by brushing up on tips at How to Winter Like an Oregonian. Always follow Leave No Trace principals, including packing in and out, leaving what you find where it’s at, and respecting wildlife and other visitors.
