Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort

Those who do not hail from the Pacific Northwest are sometimes surprised to learn that the Cascades are not the only mountains in the region, and the Blue Mountains are an example. The Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort ski area rests within that range in north-eastern Oregon.

Motorists driving to the ski area can use Interstate 84 to get close before transferring to NFD 73. Baker City, Haines, and North Powder are east of the ski resort, while La Grande is north. Those flying can use the Boise, Idaho airport of smaller venues like Eastern Oregon Regional Airport in Pendleton, north of La Grande on I-84.

Riding Cats Into the Back Country

Many visitors are attracted to the Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort for the Nordic ski experiences that it offers. The adventures begin at the Nordic Outpost, where guests can purchase a pass and rent equipment. Expert staff is always available to answer questions about Nordic skiing or the trail system. Any skiers or riders looking for more hands-on instruction can get it with the resort's beginner and non-beginner classes.

Over 18.5 miles of groomed and track-set trails are available for exploration with difficulty ratings of green, blue, and black diamond ranks. Regional ski bums and local park rats might enjoy joining either the Blue Mountain Nordic Club or the Strawberry Mountain Nordic Club at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort if this type of winter fun is their thing.

One of the stand-out features found at the Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort is the Cat Trips offered here. The ski area offers half and full-day trips for those who register online. Experience is required to handle the terrain challenges, and beacons, shovels, and other equipment are available. Groups of eight or more will take priority, with around eight runs and 1,000 to 1,700 verticle feet being the averages one can expect.

Oregon's Highest Base Elevation

The Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort provides the highest base elevation in the state at 7,100 feet. A summit of 8,000 feet creates the 900-foot verticle drop guests will ride down. It may not sound as impressive as other rises in the Pacific Northwest, but visitors have plenty of potentials across the 1,000 acres of alpine terrain.

Skiers and snowboarders have over 20 trails to choose from, with the mountain favoring expert skiing with 42-percent of runs rated as black diamond. Visitors with some experience can enjoy just under 40-percent of the terrain rated blue, while beginners at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort will find 20-percent of the trails rated as green.

There are no snowmaking capabilities at the Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, so Mother Nature dictates the ripping, shredding, and exploration for alpine and Nordic trails. Guests are not left hanging, though, as the resort receives 300 inches of snowfall annually.

The lift system at the Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort consists of a triple chair, hand tow, and a wonder carpet. Guests have access to amenities at the day lodge, and some on-mountain lodging is available. Surrounding communities can provide most things ski bums will need.