Willamette Pass Resort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willamette Pass Resort |
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View from summit of Willamette Pass Ski Area
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 Willamette Pass Resort
Location in Oregon
Willamette Pass Resort
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cascade Range, Klamath County, Oregon  United States |
| Nearest city | Oakridge 20 miles (30 km) |
| Coordinates | 43°36′00″N 122°02′10″W / 43.60°N 122.036°W |
| Vertical | 1,563 ft (476 m) |
| Top elevation | 6,683 ft (2,037 m) |
| Base elevation | 5,120 ft (1,561 m) |
| Skiable area | 555 acres (2.25 km2) |
| Runs | 29 total - 20% Beginner - 45% Intermediate - 35% Advanced / Expert |
| Longest run | 2.1 mi (3 km) |
| Lift system | 6 Total - Winter - 1 High-Speed Six Pack - 3 Triple Chairs - 1 Double Chair - 1 Magic Carpet 1 Total - Summer - 1 Gondola, 6 person (sightseeing) |
| Terrain parks | 1 |
| Snowfall | 430 in (10.9 m) per year |
| Website | willamettepass.com |
Willamette Pass Resort is a fun ski area located in the western United States. You can find it in west-central Oregon, right in the beautiful Cascade Range. It's nestled between the towns of Oakridge and La Pine. You can easily get there by Highway 58.
This ski area sits on federal land within the Willamette National Forest and Deschutes National Forest. It first opened in 1941. Since 1982, the Wiper family from Eugene has owned and operated it. That same year, the resort installed its very first chairlift!
Contents
What Can You Do at Willamette Pass?
Willamette Pass Resort is open all year round, offering different activities for each season.
Winter Fun: Skiing and More!
During winter, it's a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding. Many schools visit for lessons, and there are lots of easy green runs for beginners. The main lodge has a restaurant, a shop, and places to rent skis or snowboards. You can also try snowshoeing, Nordic skiing (cross-country skiing), and inner tubing.
Summer Adventures: Gondola Rides and Hiking!
In the summer, the Eagle Peak Accelerator lift changes into a 6-person gondola. You can ride it for sightseeing and enjoy amazing views. Other summer activities include hiking, disc golf, geocaching, and downhill mountain biking.
The Steepest Run: RTS
Willamette Pass is famous for having one of the steepest ski runs in the world, called "RTS." At its steepest point, it's a super challenging 52 degrees! In 1993, the resort even hosted the Subaru U.S. Speed Skiing Championships. Skiers reached incredible speeds, with the fastest going 116.56 miles per hour (187 km/h)!
Willamette Pass by the Numbers
Here are some interesting facts and figures about the resort:
How High Is It?
- The highest point (summit) is 6,683 ft (2,037 m).
- The lowest point (base) is 5,120 ft (1,561 m).
- The vertical drop, which is the difference between the top and bottom, is 1,563 ft (476 m).
Ski Trails and Snow
- The total area where you can ski is 555 acres (2.25 km2).
- There are 29 ski trails in total:
20% are for beginners.
45% are for intermediate skiers.
35% are for advanced or expert skiers.
- The longest run is "Kaleidoscope/Perseverance," which is 2.1 miles (3 km) long.
- The average amount of snow that falls each year is 430 inches (1,090 cm).
- There are 2 terrain parks called By George and Timberglades.
- The resort has 2 main peaks: Eagle Peak and Peak 2.
Ski Lifts
Willamette Pass has 6 lifts to take you up the mountain:
- 1 High-Speed Six Pack called Eagle Peak Accelerator
- 1 Triple Chair called Twilight
- 3 Triple Chairs called Sleepy Hollow, Midway, and Peak 2 Lift
- 1 Magic Carpet (a moving conveyor belt for beginners)
These lifts can carry up to 11,100 skiers every hour!
Famous Skiers
- Mike Lafferty, an alpine skier, was an Olympian in 1972 and part of the U.S. Ski Team.
