If Norman Rockwell had lived in Oregon, he'd have painted the panoramic view of skiers and snowboarders swooshing down the big open bowl that funnels down to the rustic Cooper Spur ski lodge. Nestled into the northeastern slopes of Mount Hood, Cooper Spur Ski Area is synonymous with affordable family fun. In operation since 1927, the resort has plenty of historic charm. Like many Oregon ski areas, it originated as a destination ski-jump hill for visitors from Portland and Salem. The name comes from a prominent rock ridge that looms over the Elliot Glacier—the Spur is one of the most notorious routes to the summit of Mount Hood. Although now owned by the same partnership that runs nearby Mount Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur still manages to keep the low-key, family-operated atmosphere that's kept this small area a local favorite for more than 80 years. There's only one chair lift and a single rope tow, but due to its protected position in a big bowl surrounded by ridges and forests, there's plenty of snow, with less wind and rain than the bigger resorts in the area. When the weather is bad on the other side of the mountain, chances are Cooper Spur will be bathed in a pocket of sunshine. The resort also offers night skiing on Friday and Saturday, with the entire bowl and tubing hill illuminated until 9 p.m.

Where Cooper Spur really shines is as a place to learn to ski or snowboard. The instructional staff has a reputation for having some of the best teachers on Mount Hood. There's a steady pool of ultra-experienced staff drawn from the summer-sports capital, Hood River, just a half-hour's drive to the north. Add to that $20 lessons, and Cooper becomes a

If Norman Rockwell had lived in Oregon, he'd have painted the panoramic view of skiers and snowboarders swooshing down the big open bowl that funnels down to the rustic Cooper Spur ski lodge. Nestled into the northeastern slopes of Mount Hood, Cooper Spur Ski Area is synonymous with affordable family fun. In operation since 1927, the resort has plenty of historic charm. Like many Oregon ski areas, it originated as a destination ski-jump hill for visitors from Portland and Salem. The name comes from a prominent rock ridge that looms over the Elliot Glacier—the Spur is one of the most notorious routes to the summit of Mount Hood. Although now owned by the same partnership that runs nearby Mount Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur still manages to keep the low-key, family-operated atmosphere that's kept this small area a local favorite for more than 80 years. There's only one chair lift and a single rope tow, but due to its protected position in a big bowl surrounded by ridges and forests, there's plenty of snow, with less wind and rain than the bigger resorts in the area. When the weather is bad on the other side of the mountain, chances are Cooper Spur will be bathed in a pocket of sunshine. The resort also offers night skiing on Friday and Saturday, with the entire bowl and tubing hill illuminated until 9 p.m.

Where Cooper Spur really shines is as a place to learn to ski or snowboard. The instructional staff has a reputation for having some of the best teachers on Mount Hood. There's a steady pool of ultra-experienced staff drawn from the summer-sports capital, Hood River, just a half-hour's drive to the north. Add to that $20 lessons, and Cooper becomes a beginner's paradise. Ski and snowboard teachers roam the mountain, so if you want tips, just ask. And because the area is compact, without lots of exposure and looming cliffs, the intimidation factor is minimal. There are good skiers and boarders on the slope, but there's a notable lack of the aggressive downhill bombers found at most areas. There are also two tube runs for non-skiers.

What clinches Cooper Spur's family-friendly title is the view from the lodge, which encompasses nearly the entire ski slope. Parents can cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and watch their offspring improve with lessons, or zip down endless runs on the Homestead Lift. Tykes enjoy the rope tow, which slowly ascends a gently graded bunny hill, ideal for perfecting "pizza pie" turns. Intermediate and advanced skiers will want to take the Homestead Chair up to the top and try their luck on The Face, the main run down the center of the wide, rolling bowl. The Face is a straight shot down perfectly groomed slopes to the lodge. This is not a destination resort for expert skiers, but there are some nice short chutes accessible from the top of the chair. The longest run is about one-third of a mile, and there's generally not much of a lift line.

Cooper Spur Ski Area is generally open from Friday (noon to 6 p.m.) through Sunday and on a daily basis for major holidays. The resort is rarely crowded, except on race day, when the slopes are packed with junior racers from the nearby communities.

In addition to satisfying any boarder or skier's appetite for adventure, the lodge boasts a full restaurant with home-cooked chili, delicious turkey noodle soup, lasagna, and fried chicken. Microbrews are served, with Full Sail Ale from the brewery in Hood River being a local favorite.

For apres activities, take the two-mile drive downhill to the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort. The resort, a scenic spot for family reunions and weddings, offers a combination of cabins, condos, and lodge rooms. There's a log home available to rent, with its own private hot tub with a magnificent view of Mount Hood. The main lodge has three hot tubs on the deck and a great restaurant.

Where: Cooper Spur Ski Area is located 27 miles south of Hood River, just off US Highway 35. It's just under a two-hour drive from Portland, via I-84.