The Longest Vertical Ski Run in the Country Just Opened

Originally posted on Powder | By Matt Lorelli | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 2:01 PM ET

When it comes to top-to-bottom sustained vertical drop, no ski resort in the United States tops Timberline Lodge, located on Mt. Hood, Oregon.

Timberline's vertical (when terrain can be skied from the top of the Palmer Lift to the bottom of the former Summit Pass Ski Area) is an astounding 4,540 feet.

Due to the drastic change in elevation, and harsh winters on Palmer, the full vertical isn't accessible on a daily basis. Today, March 25, 2025, however, is the "perfect" day to tackle the full 4,500-foot descent, according to Timberline Lodge.

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The Palmer Chair isn't running quite yet, but Timberline is offering snowcat rides that start from the top of the Magic Mile and end at 8,540’ high on Mt. Hood.

Skiers and riders can take their time as they ride their way down Timberline and then hop on either the Alpine trail or West Lake Road trail to access the former Summit Pass Ski Area. The journey ends at 4,000 feet. Skiers then hop on the Timberline Resort shuttle back up the Lodge.

It's a unique experience to descend more than 4,000 feet down a snow-covered volcano, but that's Mt. Hood for ya.

Mt. Hood from a snowy parking lot at Timberline Lodge, Oregon. Stock image.Photo: MishaAshton/Getty Images

As of today, March 25, 2025, Timberline is reporting 484 inches of total snowfall since September 1, 2024, and is sporting a respectable 167" base depth at 6,000 feet.

The mountain is known for staying open throughout the summer, and is poised to continue that tradition after what has been a particularly snowy and cold winter.

Temps are currently spring-like with highs in the 50s, but a long duration winter storm event is in the near forecast, according to OpenSnow. Timberline could receive as much as 25 inches of new over the next 10 days.

If you're heading up to sample the United States' longest vertical drop at Timberline this spring, take a picture and send it our way. We'd love to see your adventure.

Timberline Lodge Stats/Info:

Vertical: 4,540 ft.

Skiable Terrain: 1,685 ac.

Average Snowfall: 400+ in.

Lifts: 11

Trails: N/A

Snowmaking: NO

Night Skiing: NO

Mega-Pass: NO