Two Resorts, One Name
Are you looking for the historic lodge from The Shining? Or are you searching for the revamped ski hill in the Mid-Atlantic? Users who search for timberline ski resort often experience confusion. Search engines frequently display Oregon lodge photos next to West Virginia lift ticket prices.
This guide clears up the mix-up immediately. These are two distinct destinations with nearly identical names, located over 2,500 miles apart. One offers year-round glacier skiing; the other is a rising star in East Coast winter sports.
Quick Comparison: Which Timberline is Which?
| Feature | Timberline Mountain (WV) | Timberline Lodge (OR) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Davis, WV (Canaan Valley) | Government Camp, OR (Mt. Hood) |
| Primary Season | Winter (Dec–March) | Year-Round (Yes, even Summer) |
| Known For | Family skiing, Night skiing | Historic Lodge, Glacial Snowfields |
| Ownership | Perfect North Slopes | R.L.K. & Co (US Forest Service land) |
Timberline Mountain (West Virginia)
This location is officially named Timberline Mountain, though locals and visitors often search for timberline ski resort wv. It sits within the Canaan Valley, a unique high-altitude valley in the Allegheny Mountains that maintains freezing temperatures and produces consistent snowfall.
The “New” Timberline
For years, this resort operated with outdated infrastructure. That changed in late 2019 when Perfect North Slopes purchased the property. The new owners invested millions to completely overhaul the mountain’s equipment.
[Experience Note] If you visited prior to 2020, wipe the slate clean. The old fixed-grip lifts are gone.
Today, you will find a new 6-person high-speed Doppler chairlift. This lift services the majority of the terrain, effectively ending the long wait times that plagued the previous resort. They also overhauled the snowmaking system, ensuring better coverage during common Mid-Atlantic thaw cycles.
Terrain and Experience
The vertical drop at Timberline Mountain reaches 1,000 feet, which is substantial for the region. The ski area features long, continuous runs rather than short bursts.
- The Longest Run: The Salamander trail is a standout, winding 2 miles from summit to base. It is widely considered one of the longest beginner-friendly trails in the Southeast.
- The Vibe: The atmosphere is modern and functional. The lodge focuses on getting you on the snow quickly rather than luxury dining.
- Night Skiing: Unlike its Oregon counterpart, night skiing is a major weekend activity here.
If you are looking for reciprocal passes, note that Timberline Mountain is a partner on the Indy Pass.
Timberline Lodge (Oregon)
The term timberline ski used by global travelers usually refers to this destination. Located on the south face of Mt. Hood, it is famous for two things: iconic architecture and the Palmer Snowfield.
The Historic Lodge
Timberline Lodge is a destination in itself. Built during the Great Depression as a WPA project, it is a National Historic Landmark that functions as a hotel and museum. Cinema fans recognize the exterior from the movie The Shining, though the interiors were filmed on a soundstage.
The Glacier Factor
The US maintains this timberline ski area as a one-of-a-kind facility. It offers lift-accessed skiing nearly all year round. The Palmer Express lift takes advanced skiers high up the volcano onto the permanent snowfield.
- Summer Skiing: It is common to see Olympic teams training here in June and July.
- Weather Risks: The resort sits at high altitude above the treeline. Weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Fog and strong winds frequently force the upper lifts to close. Always check the NOAA weather report for Mt. Hood before driving up from Portland.
Common Pitfalls: Don’t Make These Mistakes
Planning a trip to either Timberline requires attention to detail. Here are the most common errors travelers make.
1. Checking the Wrong Snow Report
This happens frequently. A skier in D.C. checks a webcam labeled “Timberline,” sees deep powder, and drives to West Virginia only to encounter rain. Always verify the state abbreviation (WV or OR) in the URL.
2. Assuming Shared Tickets
These resorts are owned by completely different companies. Your season pass for the West Virginia mountain does not work in Oregon. There are no shared lift ticket agreements between them.
3. Underestimating the Drive (WV)
Timberline Mountain is in a rural part of the Allegheny Highlands. The roads into Davis, WV, are two-lane mountain highways that become hazardous in winter. 4WD or AWD is strongly recommended during snowstorms. Cell service is also spotty in the Canaan Valley, so download offline maps.
4. Booking the Wrong “Lodge” (OR)
In Oregon, “Timberline” usually refers to the specific historic hotel. However, rooms fill up months in advance. Many visitors accidentally book hotels in Government Camp (down the road), thinking it is the main lodge. Check your reservation address carefully.
Decision Guide: Which One Should You Choose?
Still trying to decide? Use this simple rule of thumb to pick the location that fits your trip planning checklist.
Choose Timberline Mountain (WV) if:
- You live in the Mid-Atlantic or Southeast (DC, Baltimore, Pittsburgh).
- You want modern high-speed lifts and efficient lap times.
- You are searching for affordable, family-friendly terrain.
- You enjoy night skiing.
Choose Timberline Lodge (OR) if:
- You are located on the West Coast or planning a destination fly-in trip.
- You want to ski in May, June, or July.
- You appreciate history, architecture, and fine dining as much as skiing.
- You are an advanced skier looking for high-alpine, above-treeline environments.
Both resorts offer excellent experiences, but they serve very different needs. Double-check your map, grab your gear, and enjoy the slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Timberline Mountain and Timberline Lodge the same company?
- No, they are completely separate entities. Timberline Mountain in West Virginia is owned by Perfect North Slopes, a company based in Indiana. Timberline Lodge in Oregon is operated by R.L.K. and Company under a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service.
- Which Timberline ski resort was The Shining filmed at?
- The exterior shots for the movie The Shining were filmed at Timberline Lodge in Oregon. However, the interior scenes were filmed on a studio set in England, not inside the actual hotel.
- Is Timberline ski resort open year round?
- Timberline Lodge in Oregon offers skiing nearly year-round, typically closing only for a short maintenance window in September. Timberline Mountain in West Virginia operates on a standard winter schedule, usually from December through March.
- Where is the Timberline ski resort located?
- There are two distinct locations. Timberline Mountain is in Davis, West Virginia. Timberline Lodge is on Mt. Hood in Government Camp, Oregon. Be sure to check the state abbreviation before booking tickets or lodging.
