Downhill Skiing

Cooper Spur Mountain Resort. On the northern slope of Mt. Hood, Cooper Spur caters to families and has one double chair and a tow rope. The longest run is 2/3 mile, with a 350-foot vertical drop. Facilities and services include rentals, instruction, repairs, and a ski shop, day lodge, snack bar, and restaurant. Call for hours. 10755 Cooper Spur Rd., Mount Hood, Oregon, 97041. 541/352–6692; www.cooperspur.com.

Timberline Lodge & Ski Area. The longest ski season in North America unfolds at this full-service ski area, where the U.S. ski team conducts summer training. Thanks to the omnipresent Palmer Snowfield, it's the closest thing to a year-round ski area in the Lower 48 (it's typically closed for just a few weeks in September). Timberline is famous for its Palmer chairlift, which takes skiers and snowboarders to the high glacier for summer skiing. There are five high-speed quad chairs, one triple chair, and one double. The top elevation is 8,500 feet, with a 3,700-foot vertical drop, and the longest run is 3 miles. Facilities include a day lodge with fast food and a ski shop; lessons and equipment rental and repair are available. Parking requires a Sno-Park permit. The Palmer and Magic Mile lifts are popular with both skiers and sightseers. 27500 E. Timberline Rd., Timberline Lodge, Oregon, 97028. 503/272–3311; www.timberlinelodge.com..