For years, the chairlifts at Spout Springs Ski Area have sat still in the mountains of northeastern Oregon, quietly weathering snowstorms, summers, and the passing of time. But now, after nearly a decade without lift operations, there’s renewed hope that this long-dormant ski hill could once again welcome skiers and snowboarders back to the slopes.

Tucked into the Blue Mountains near Tollgate in eastern Oregon, Spout Springs was once a beloved winter destination for local families and outdoor enthusiasts. Generations of Oregonians learned to ski there, spent evenings under the lights during night skiing sessions, and explored miles of snowy forest trails surrounding the mountain.

Now Umatilla County is officially searching for a new operator willing to breathe life back into the aging ski area.

Originally opened in the late 1940s, Spout Springs operated for decades before its lifts stopped running in 2016. Though small compared to Oregon’s larger mountain resorts, the ski area carved out a loyal following over the years thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, affordable skiing, and easygoing charm.

The mountain features 13 trails, two chairlifts, and roughly 530 feet of vertical drop. Select runs once offered night skiing under lights, while nearby Nordic trails attracted cross-country skiers looking for quieter adventures through the forest.

Even after operations ceased, the area never completely lost its connection to outdoor recreation. Backcountry skiers, snowmobilers, hikers, and Nordic skiers have continued using the mountain in the years since the closure.

The reasons behind Spout Springs shutting down were complicated. Reports over the years pointed to several contributing factors, including inconsistent snowfall, disputes involving snowmobile access and parking lot use, and the declining health of the ski area’s owner.

Since then, the mountain has remained largely frozen in time.

In fall 2024, Ryan Creek Adventures explored the abandoned ski area and shared footage showing that much of the infrastructure was still surprisingly intact. While sections of the slopes have become overgrown and would need clearing work, the mountain itself still looks recognizable as a ski hill waiting for another chapter.

The story of Spout Springs’ possible revival was first highlighted by Unofficial Networks, which reported on Umatilla County’s efforts to help find a new operator for the ski area. According to reporting that referenced Columbia Basin News, county officials reached an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service to move forward with the lease process after earlier attempts to revive the mountain had stalled.

For many longtime Oregon skiers, the news immediately sparked nostalgia and curiosity about whether Spout Springs could realistically reopen.

Now, that possibility appears more real than it has in years.

The county officially issued a Request for Proposals, which can be seen here, on April 16. Interested operators have until May 20 to submit proposals, with county officials hoping to award a contract by June 3.

The idea of reviving a smaller community ski area has become increasingly appealing across parts of the West, especially as many skiers grow frustrated with rising lift ticket prices and crowded mega resorts. Smaller mountains like Spout Springs often carry something bigger than their trail maps suggest: memories, local tradition, and a sense of community that’s hard to replicate.

And in eastern Oregon, places like this matter.

Unlike the giant destination resorts that attract travelers from around the world, Spout Springs has always felt deeply regional. It’s the kind of mountain where families taught kids to ski without spending a fortune, where locals recognized each other in the lodge, and where powder days felt personal rather than commercialized.

If a new operator steps forward, bringing the mountain back will likely take time, investment, and major restoration work. Trails would need clearing, infrastructure would need inspections and repairs, and operations would have to be rebuilt almost from scratch.

Still, the bones of the mountain remain.

And for many Oregonians who remember skiing there years ago, that’s enough to spark hope.

In a state filled with outdoor history, abandoned ski areas often become reminders of changing winters, shifting economics, and fading traditions. But every now and then, one gets another shot.

Spout Springs may soon find out if it’s one of them.

Photo credit: Ryan Creek Adventures
Source reporting: Unofficial Networks, Columbia Basin News
Additional image/video sources: Ryan Creek Adventures, Skimap.org