You could call Mount Ashland pretty and you wouldn't be wrong. It is a lovely peak, fringed with pine trees and crowned with a view from the top over the surrounding mountains. When it snows the pine trees look like they are frosted with sugar sprinkles.
Located in southern Oregon, Mount Ashland ski area is spread over 200 acres, gets approximately 285 inches of snow a year, and has 4 lifts and 23 trails---half of which are for advanced skiers, are quite steep, and can have icy conditions. There's even extreme chute skiing on offer.
On Thursdays and Fridays Mount Ashland has Twilight Skiing on over 40 acres from 3 pm to 9 pm, with the lodge restaurants and bars staying open as well. These are the nights people from surrounding communities enjoy the slopes and a meal after work.
The Mount Ashland ski lodge, circa 1963 and very charming, is where you find your lift tickets, book your ski lessons, shop in the store, enjoy casual food and drink in the Mountain Café, Bistro, and T-Bar Lounge, and rent your skis.
If you are visiting Grants Pass, Ashland, or anywhere near southern Oregon, Mount Ashland Ski Area will absolutely delight you with its looks and lovely trails, especially if you are an advanced skier looking for short steep runs.
Although there is a hostel and motels nearby, it is fun to stay in Ashland itself when you ski at Mount Ashland. If you are in Ashland in February you can attend the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the town normally has a good nightlife.
Just 30 minutes away, you can book into the historic and quite elegant Ashland Springs Hotel, which was built in the 1920 and retains a great vintage feel. This grand old hotel has super views of the mountains from most rooms. In the winter there is a crackling fire in the main lobby. It has an award-winning chef presiding over the in-house Larks Restaurant and it is listed in the Historic Hotels of America guide. On another night, try dining at the nearby Chateaulin Restaurant for formal classic French dining that is highly regarded by area residents.
If you don't want to stay in town and want to be closer to the mountain, try the Mt. Ashland Inn. It is only a couple of miles away from the slopes and is located within a log cabin lodge. With only five suites, you will want to reserve way in advance as the suites are stunningly beautiful and quite luxurious. Many have their own stone fireplace, spa tub, gorgeous furnishings and complimentary breakfast in the morning. This would be the ultimate romantic hideaway.
Medford, Oregon, just 15 miles away, also poses some opportunities for interesting lodging. It is southern Oregon's largest city so it is chock full of activities, shopping, restaurants and famous vineyards to visit. Try taking a look at the Under the Greenwood Tree B&B, a highly rated small inn serving great breakfast. Then head out to enjoy the great outdoors, go skiing, and explore Medford.
