Winter sports in Oregon are a mainstay of the state, but finding ways to do them on the cheap can often feel like a sport in and of itself.

Why it matters: Cost can be one of the biggest barriers to participating in winter sports, which have long suffered from a lack of diversity.

State of play: Buying gear to stay warm and the equipment you need to ski or snowboard can add up quickly, and that's before you even look at getting a lift ticket.

• We compiled tips from experts and personal experience on how to save money if you're headed to the mountains.

Season-long rentals

If you can't afford a set of boots and skis (or board), get a season-long rental package at your local retailer off the mountain. It's more cost-efficient and typically comes with free tuning and waxes.

Plan ahead

The most expensive lift passes are at the resort office, so plan ahead and look for deals online or at local gear shows to avoid a markup.

• Some resorts, like Mt. Hood Meadows, use "dynamic pricing," so choosing a non-peak day to ride can save you a few bucks.

Ski off the beaten path

Dozens of independent ski areas in the West offer lift tickets at more affordable rates than the bigger resorts.

• On Mount Hood, Ski Bowl and the Summit Ski Area are smaller than Timberline and Meadows, but offer significant savings.
• If you're willing to drive an extra hour or two, Willamette Pass and Hoodoo Ski Area both offer cheaper tickets in the Central Cascades.

Ride at night

If you don't need a full day on the hill, or want to avoid a goggle tan, some resorts offer night riding for a steep discount.

More savings tips

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A growing push to diversify winter sports is spreading across U.S. ski resorts, with several programs launching in recent years to get more people of color on the slopes.

Why it matters: Advocates and experts say underrepresented groups miss out on the social and health benefits of being out in nature.

State of play: For the last several years, Open Slopes PDX has been working to get more LGBTQ people and people of color involved in winter sports.

• "If you don't see yourself in those environments, it's really hard to feel safe. It takes a lot of bravery to just exist in those spaces," founder of the organization Mai Li O'Keefe told Portland Monthly last year.

Zoom out: Similar programs in the West include the National Brotherhood of Skiers, Outdoor Afro and SOS Outreach.

By the numbers: Oregon's slopes, like the rest of the state, are primarily white.

• More than 67% of those participating in winter sports in Oregon were white, according to a 2020 survey conducted by Snowsports Industries America.
• Hispanics were the second highest demographic at 14%, with Black people at just over 9% and Asian people at almost 8% rounding out the list.

The big picture: Ski resorts aren't the only industries attempting to make the outdoors more inclusive.

• About 75% of visitors to state and national parks are white, the Washington Post reported. To create a more inclusive culture, the National Park Service launched the Office of Relevancy, Diversity and Inclusion in 2013, providing programming, trainings and engaging youth.

For some, beating the winter blues means chasing adrenaline down a steep, snowy slope. For others, it means a day at the spa.

No matter what you're looking for this season — a staycation to splurge on or an out-of-state getaway with outdoor recreation — you're sure to find a few throughout the West.

Here are some of the chicest luxury resorts:

Sun Mountain Lodge

Winthrop, Washington

Situated on 1,500 acres next to the North Cascades National Park, this resort provides easy access to all kinds of recreation, including snowshoeing, ice fishing and backcountry skiing.

• The main lodge features sweeping views of Gardner Mountain, and the private one-bedroom cabins are intimate and cozy.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Truckee, California

This is the only resort in the area with exclusive ski-in, ski-out access and mountain concierge service. Room accommodations are also stellar: floor-to-ceiling windows, mountain-inspired decor and gas fireplaces.

• The heated pool offers a view of the lake, while the spa draws visitors to its dry-heat lodge and steam room after a day on the slopes.

Amangani

Jackson, Wyoming

This ultra-exclusive resort in Jackson Hole turns into a winter wonderland in the colder months with some of the finest snowpack around.

• Grand Teton National Park isn't far, but the property's many amenities and adventures — like dogsledding, snowmobiling and outdoor infinity pool — are worth checking out, too.

Three more

Ready for a brisk and exhilarating start to 2025? 

State of play: Join dozens of Oregonians on Jan. 4 at Willamette Park in West Linn as they plunge into the frigid river to start the new year off with a splash.

If you go: The plunge is at 1pm. Sweet treats from Voodoo Doughnut and warm drinks will be available for purchase. Consider bringing warm winter clothing to donate to the Family Empowerment Center.

• Wear water shoes or old sneakers to protect feet from slippery rocks.
• Remember to breathe when you hit the water and don't stay in too long.
• Keep your outer clothing on until the last second and get out of your wet clothes and into something dry once out of the water and drink something warm.

Host your own: Popular local cold plunge spots include Broughton Beach, Sellwood Park and Milwaukie Bay Park.

• Be sure to check the local tide chart (Willamette and Columbia can be found here).
• Set a time and invite your friends. Bring hot drinks, tunes and extra towels.