Anthony Lakes Ski Area

Anthony Lakes is one of the West's smaller areas, but it's got serious cred. The 1000-vertical foot mountain features two dozen or so mellow runs and a handful of steeper ones, but it sells $6 single ride tickets and offers instant access to some serious backcountry terrain. Some of the terrain is available with a short traverse from the top of the triple chair, but the best is about an hour's hike further amid crags and chutes in the high Elkhorn Mountains. Back at the resort, expect local fare in the restaurant, local brews in the bar, and half-price lift tickets on Thursdays. Anthony Lakes' base sits at 7100 feet -- the highest in Oregon -- and the snow piles up deep and fluffy.