Alpine Touring (aka Backcountry Skiing) in Northeast Oregon

This is an expansive range of mountains better known for snowmobile recreation. Most of the mountain tops are in the 5000-6000' range. Although they are are subtle and undulating, there are some steep drainages worth skiing (and these can be accessed easily by snowmobile). Most importantly, these mountains can generate a lot of snow! The snow tends to be wetter snow compared to some of the neighboring higher mountains, so expect to see some maritime-type snow dumps during some of the storm systems. Read more

The Elkhorns are a smaller but very perpendicular north-south mountain range flanking the western side of I-84 near Baker City, Oregon. They are sandwiched between the Blue Mountains and Wallowa Mountains. Anthony Lakes Ski Resort is at the very northern end of the range. The resort is one of the few places you can drive a vehicle high in the winter; in fact, it would be the highest plowed winter road in Oregon. Thus, the backcountry access is great if you don't have snowmobiles (it's also good if you do) Read more

These flagship mountains of Northeast Oregon offer rugged and expansive terrain, with legendary areas such as Norway Basin, McCully, and Wing Ridge. While popular in the summer, the Wallowas are basically untouched in the winter since access is difficult and the local outdoor crowd are only hunters and snowmobilers. The Wallowa Alpine Huts offers the only organized ski guiding service and yurt rental in the Wallowas. Read more