The Ultimate Ski Trip: A 9-day Road Trip Itinerary through the Pacific Northwest

There’s something about skiing. The quiet that descends as the snow blankets the landscape, mountain shadows made stark by snowy peaks, and the unmatched thrill of racing down a groomed trail all get ahold of you. When you fall in love with skiing, it’s one of those lifelong loves. Whether you’re a seasoned powder hound or an intermediate skier working on gaining the confidence to take on those black diamond trails, skiing and snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest is truly a bucket list experience. We’ve put together a nine-day itinerary to help you hit some of the best ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest this winter… and work on that goggle tan!

Day 1: Mount Hood

Mt. Hood Meadows: Start your journey in Portland, Oregon, where soon after you arrive at the airport you’ll meet the ROAMERICA crew to pick up your campervan, your home for your nine-day Pacific Northwest winter road trip. From PDX, head eastward into the mountains to the Mt. Hood Meadows resort, situated on the southeast, sunny, and wind-protected flank of Mount Hood. Known for its varied terrain and panoramic views, Mt. Hood Meadows offers 2,150 acres of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain. This is one alpine experience you won’t soon forget.

Mt. Hood Ski Bowl: To cap off your first ski day in the Pacific Northwest, head back west to the Mt. Hood Skibowl for the “best night skiing in Oregon.” The party heats up as you watch the sun set over the Pacific Northwest skyline and enjoy 34 lit runs until 10 or 11 p.m. Warm up with some hot cocoa and dinner at the base of the mountain, and then turn in at the Mt. Hood Village RV Resort for a cozy night’s rest in your campervan.

Day 2: Bachelor Ski Resort

Day two has an early wake-up call as you head south to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort for your second day of epic skiing and riding. With over 4,300 acres of skiable terrain, Mount Bachelor is known for its diverse terrain and the characteristic light, dry snow of Oregon’s Central Cascade mountains. It’s located just 22 miles west of Bend, so plan on spending a leisurely evening and morning in this beautiful area.

Day 3: Willamette Pass Resort

After you’ve slept in and eaten a hearty brunch in Bend, hit the road for an afternoon ski session at Willamette Pass Resort. The resort officially opened in 1941 with only some rope tows and passionate skiers. In the 75 years since its opening, the resort has added four chairlifts and one surface lift that serves 555 acres of skiable terrain and incredible views. The resort offers RV parking for $10 per night, so once you’ve finished taking your turns, get cozy and post up for a relaxing evening before you head north to Washington state.

Day 4-5: Stevens Pass Mountain Resort

A seven-hour drive from the Willamette Pass Resort to the Stevens Pass Mountain Resort is a real haul, so expect that Day Four is a driving day. Break up the drive with a stop in Washington’s capitol, the city of Olympia, for lunch and a stretch of the legs. You can even spend the night in Seattle if you’re feeling the need for a true break.

Day five brings you to the famed Stevens Pass Mountain Resort, a resort known for its abundant snowfall and incredible views of the Cascade Range. With 1,125 acres of skiable terrain, there’s truly something for every level of skier and rider to enjoy. Groomed blue runs await intermediate skiers and bowls, glades, and cliff faces will have the experts charging hard. Stevens Pass also offers overnight RV parking, and advanced reservations are required.

Day 6: Mount Baker Ski Area

Day six is another early morning as you head north to the Canadian border to the Mount Baker Ski Area in northern Washington. Baker is home to the greatest recorded snowfall in one season (1,140 inches in the 1998-1999 season), and it is known for its hard-charging clientele. It’s unlikely that you’ve ever skied this much snow in the United States, so enjoy and send it!

Mount Baker also offers overnight RV parking for a $10 per night fee, so take advantage of this unique PNW experience and plan on spending the night at Mount Baker after your ski day.

Days 7-9: Whistler Blackcomb

Day seven takes you even farther north to Whistler Blackcomb, one of the most stunning resorts in North America. Take your time as you drive the three and a half hours along the coast, through Vancouver, and up into the mountains. Stop along the way and enjoy Canada’s stunning Pacific coastline and all that the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver has to offer. You’ll spend the night at the Whistler RV Park and Campground located close to Whistler Creekside, BC, so you’ll be perfectly situated to get up early to ski and ride.

Day eight is all about Whistler Blackcomb. There’s more terrain here than can be skied in a day, or even in a lifetime, but it’s worth even the short visit that you’ll make on this trip. You’ll get a taste for what big mountain skiing in Canada really means and get a feel for the friendly, welcoming culture you’ll find all around you.

Day nine, your final day, takes you back south all the way to Portland, Oregon. It’ll take a full day of driving to get back to Portland, but don’t rush it. Stop along the way, take in the sights, breathe the fresh mountain and seaside air, and don’t forget to tag us in all of your Instagram photos (@roamericarentals)! Happy travels!