Willamette Pass Ski Area (800/444-5030, www.willamettepass.com, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Thurs.–Sun., 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Fri.–Sat. Dec.–Mar., $45 adults, $27 youth 6–10 and seniors, $1 age 5 and under), 69 miles southeast of Eugene on Route 58, has some of the most challenging runs in the state as well as a multitude of beginner and intermediate trails. You’ll find some of the steepest runs, unlike the open chutes or powder bowls at other ski areas.

Since Willamette Pass plows its own parking lot, you will not need a Sno-Park permit. Night skiing runs Friday–Saturday nights December–March. Call 541/345-SNOW (541/345-7669) for the ski report.

The ski area grooms trails for both regular cross-country and skate skiing (10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat.–Sun. and holidays, adult trail pass $12). In addition, there are several popular Sno-Park areas near Willamette Pass, including one right near the ski area with several fairly challenging trails; a couple follow the Pacific Crest Trail, which crosses Route 58 at Willamette Pass.

For information on cross-country skiing from this and other local Sno-Park areas, contact the Middle Fork Ranger District of the Willamette National Forest (16375 Hwy. 58, Westfir, 541/782-2283, www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette).

During the summer, the Oregon Skyway (10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sat.–Sun., $14 adults sightseeing, $25 adults with bike) provides gondola rides up to the alpine country of Eagle Peak.