Timberline Lodge does not have detail snow records but likely gets at least as much snow as nearby Hood Meadows to build its snowpack for year-round skiing. The key risk to snow conditions is not drought but rain. This is a minor issue for the locals, who can sit out the wet weather and wait to ski the next week’s dump. It does, however, make planning a big trip involving air travel here more of a gamble. Timberline's lower terrain is fairly flat and the upper Palmer lift does not run in midwinter. Be prepared with the fattest, most rockered skis you can get for the sometimes thick Northwest snow.

Accumulation and Preservation

With its huge snowfalls, Timberline is often well covered by mid-December and is less than half open by Christmas in about 15% of seasons. Winter altitude range is 4,800 - 7,000 but primary exposure is south, so melt/freeze conditions are likely anytime if it has not snowed recently. The Palmer lift to 8,500 feet runs in spring and summer. From there 3,000+ vertical off-piste skiing to below the Lodge is possible in spring. By midsummer skiing is confined to the immediate area of Palmer. Palmer's snow is salted to keep the surface firm and supportable despite the intense summer sun.