True, 1,415-acre Timberline is the often overlooked middle child of the three Mt. Hood ski areas. Mt. Hood Meadows is bigger at 2,150 acres, and Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is kitschier, claiming to have the country's largest night-skiing terrain. But when it comes to lodging,

True, 1,415-acre Timberline is the often overlooked middle child of the three Mt. Hood ski areas. Mt. Hood Meadows is bigger at 2,150 acres, and Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is kitschier, claiming to have the country's largest night-skiing terrain. But when it comes to lodging, neither can match Timberline Lodge for its amenities and historical grandeur. Built during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration, the lodge was named a National Historic Landmark in 1978. Knotty pine walls and sleek stone fireplaces give rooms the air of a millionaire's cabin, while handmade bedspreads and furniture add a homey touch. Corner rooms hold one queen-size bed and two twins, but can feel a little cramped when at full capacity. European-style chalet bunkrooms have space for two to ten people and are perfect for groups or large families, though sharing bathrooms with other chalet-mates can be tiresome.

For skiing or riding, you can stay close to home and explore Timberline's collection of above- and below-treeline runs. Much of it is mellow, with only 25 percent of the runs registering as advanced or higher. A snowcat skiing service does spice things up some. Mt. Hood Meadows, a 30-minute drive, is the marquee resort here. Bowl skiing and deep (though sporadic) maritime snows give cause for fat skis, though a run on spring corn in warm weather on this volcanic peak has its own appeal.

A former senior editor at Skiing magazine, Pieter van Noordennen owns more ski jackets than any man should.