Ski season is here, and whether you're looking for deep powder, scenic runs, or a family-friendly mountain, choosing the right ski destination can make all the difference. In this post, we'll compare Hoodoo Ski Area (Oregon) vs. Big Bear (California) and Mt. Bachelor (Oregon) vs. Park City (Utah), Vail (Colorado), and Mammoth Mountain (California) to help you find your next winter adventure.

Hoodoo Ski Area vs. Big Bear: A Tale of Two West Coast Resorts

Hoodoo Ski Area, Oregon

• Elevation: 5,703 ft summit, 3,800 ft base

• Skiable Acres: 806 acres

• Number of Runs: 34

• Lift System: 5 lifts

• Location: Near Sisters, Oregon, in the Central Cascades

• Closest City: Bend, Oregon (population ~100,000)

• Annual Snowfall: ~180 inches

• Night Skiing: Yes (largest night skiing terrain in the state)

• Fun Fact: Hoodoo is known for its Steep & Deep terrain and fewer crowds compared to major ski resorts.

Big Bear Mountain Resort, California

• Elevation: 8,805 ft summit, 7,140 ft base

• Skiable Acres: 748 acres (Bear Mountain & Snow Summit combined)

• Number of Runs: 58

• Lift System: 18 lifts

• Location: San Bernardino Mountains, Southern California

• Closest City: Big Bear Lake, California (population ~5,000)

• Annual Snowfall: ~100 inches (heavy reliance on snowmaking)

• Night Skiing: Yes (Snow Summit only)

• Fun Fact: Big Bear is one of the most accessible ski resorts for Southern Californians and features the only halfpipe in SoCal.

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you love powder days and fewer crowds, Hoodoo is your spot.

• If you want a terrain park and a quick drive from LA, Big Bear is better.

• For night skiing, both resorts offer it, but Hoodoo has more terrain lit up.

Mt. Bachelor vs. Park City, Vail, and Mammoth: The Ultimate Ski Showdown

Mt. Bachelor, Oregon

• Elevation: 9,068 ft summit, 5,700 ft base

• Skiable Acres: 4,323 acres (largest ski area in the PNW)

• Number of Runs: 101+

• Lift System: 12 lifts

• Location: 22 miles from Bend, Oregon

• Closest City: Bend, Oregon (population ~100,000)

• Annual Snowfall: ~462 inches

• Fun Fact: Mt. Bachelor is an extinct volcano, and you can ski 360 degrees around the summit!

Park City Mountain, Utah

• Elevation: 10,026 ft summit, 6,800 ft base

• Skiable Acres: 7,300 acres (largest ski resort in the U.S.)

• Number of Runs: 330+

• Lift System: 43 lifts

• Location: Park City, Utah

• Closest City: Salt Lake City, Utah (population ~200,000)

• Annual Snowfall: ~355 inches

• Fun Fact: Park City hosted ski events for the 2002 Winter Olympics and has one of the most famous après-ski scenes in the U.S.

Vail, Colorado

• Elevation: 11,570 ft summit, 8,120 ft base

• Skiable Acres: 5,317 acres

• Number of Runs: 195

• Lift System: 31 lifts

• Location: Vail, Colorado

• Closest City: Denver, Colorado (population ~700,000)

• Annual Snowfall: ~350 inches

• Fun Fact: Vail is home to the legendary Back Bowls, offering some of the best wide-open skiing in North America.

Mammoth Mountain, California

• Elevation: 11,053 ft summit, 7,953 ft base

• Skiable Acres: 3,500 acres

• Number of Runs: 175

• Lift System: 25 lifts

• Location: Eastern Sierra, California

• Closest City: Mammoth Lakes, California (population ~8,000)

• Annual Snowfall: ~400 inches

• Fun Fact: Mammoth has one of the longest ski seasons in the U.S., often running into June or July.

Which One Should You Choose?

• For powder hounds: Mt. Bachelor has deep snowfall, but Park City and Vail offer legendary backcountry terrain.

• For size: Park City is the biggest, but Vail’s terrain is more diverse.

• For a long season: Mammoth wins with skiing into summer.

• For fewer crowds and a unique vibe: Mt. Bachelor is the best-kept secret.

Final Thoughts

Each ski resort has its own unique vibe, terrain, and snow conditions. If you're looking for a hidden gem, Hoodoo and Mt. Bachelor are fantastic, while Big Bear, Park City, Vail, and Mammoth offer well-known, world-class skiing. No matter where you go, adventure awaits!

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