Photos Courtesy of Marcus Caston / Party Beach Ski Camps

If your Facebook and Instagram feeds are stocked with ski-related news then you know Mother Nature has spoiled Oregon with snow in the high country this summer. And while the rest of the Lower 48 is experiencing what NASA predicts will be one of the hottest summers on record, ski hounds are flocking to Mt. Hood's Timberline to escape with fresh turns and cooler temps.

This weather isn't too uncommon for areas of higher elevation in the Pacific Northwest. "Oregon’s Mt. Hood has North America’s ski season that never ends. Winter melds into spring, which shifts into summer — all with skiing on the slopes of Mt. Hood. Timberline Lodge runs the longest ski and snowboard season in North America....

Starting June 1, skiers and snowboarders can usually get access to two chairlifts every day. Snow conditions and weather dictate which chairs operate. On most days, skiers can lap the Magic Mile and Palmer Chairlifts. Terrain park features are usually installed on Magic Mile" - From OnTheSnow.com

After a few practice rounds on Magic Mile, head farther up the mountain to Palmer Snowfield for more freestyle terrain. Depending on the snow conditions, you can hit anything from jumps and banks to rails and boxes. The freestyle terrain at Palmer is recommended for advanced skiers and riders only.

If skiing park features isn’t your forte, you can still enjoy Timberline’s 2,616-foot vertical drop. Plenty of intermediate terrain is available off of the Magic Mile lift. If the weather is just right, an inversion will hit and you can spend the day snapping pics of you skiing above the clouds.

In addition to summer skiing and riding, Mt. Hood's Timberline Lodge runs ski camps all summer long, including Marcus Caston's Party Beach Ski Camps.

Know Before You Go
Various ski and snowboard teams rent areas of Timberline for summer training camps so be sure to call ahead to find out what terrain is open to the public or if there's still time to register for summer freestyle or race camps. Just like skiing or riding during winter months, weather is always a factor. High winds or a sudden storm is always possible. Check the local weather report to dress accordingly.

Lodging
Take advantage of just a short walk to the lifts and stay at Timeberline Lodge. Not only will you escape the summer heat by staying at the lodge, you'll also get to enjoy the architecture as it's a National Historic Landmark.

Getting There
Most visitors choose to fly into Portland and drive or take a shuttle to Timberline. Find information about travel times, shuttles, and different routes here.

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