Anthony Lakes in the Elkhorns

Plenty of powder, few crowds at Anthony lakes, a skier’s dream and a summer mountain lover’s utopia

Anthony Lakes is comprised of fifteen lakes and marshes in the Elkhorn Range. In winter, hit the slopes at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, where light, dry powder is the norm and the parking lot is rarely packed. Tucked high in the Elkhorn Mountains near the aptly named town of North Powder, the resort consists of 900 vertical feet of downhill and thirty kilometers of groomed Nordic trails. Anthony Lakes boasts the highest base in Oregon at 7,100 feet. More advanced riders will revel in 80 percent intermediate and expert terrain. Beginners will appreciate the magic carpet and the family-friendly atmosphere. In summer, biking and hiking take the recreational lead.

Winter Logistics

The full-service lodge includes a café, bar, retail shop and rental shop. Order a local beer at Starbottle Saloon. During the winter season, the lodge is open from Thursday through Monday. Every Thursday, lift tickets are half price.

Snow Cat Tours

For a full or half day of powder skiing in the surrounding backcountry for up to twelve people, book a snow cat trip. Access 2,000 acres of steeps, bowls and glades, covering 1,000-1,700 vertical feet per run. Lunch and snacks included.

In Summer, Bike it

During summer, snowmelt reveals miles of hiking trails and singletrack for mountain bikers. The guides at Range Tour & Shuttle Co., near Baker City, are singletrack experts who work in partnership with the Forest Service, BLM and the resort to cultivate the best trails. Pedal payoffs include panoramic views of Hoffer Lakes, Anthony Lake (yes, there is an actual lake), and Lee’s and Lakes Lookout peaks. The Broadway Flow downhill mountain bike trail is the resort’s newest treasure, with three miles of downhill and banked turns, with options for all riders.

Where to Stay

The downtowns of Baker City, Union and La Grande are all located within just under an hour’s drive. North Powder is just seventeen miles from the ski area, and has several lodging options. If you can’t bear to leave the powder or the mountain bike trails behind for the night, book a yurt just a quarter of a mile from the main lodge. The yurts sleep five to eight people and are fully outfitted with a wood stove for heat (including cut and split firewood), kitchen basics, lanterns, bunks, a table, games and access to an outhouse.

BY THE NUMBERS

• 300 inches average annual snowfall
• 1,100 acres of lift accessed terrain
• 21 runs
• 30 km groomed & track-set Nordic trails
• 8 miles single track biking trails
• 3 miles downhill biking trails