Winter at Crater Lake National Park is a time of great beauty, extreme quiet, ultimate solitude, as well as invigorating recreation. Snow season begins in October, and the lake receives an average of 529 inches of snow per year. July, August and September are generally warm, but snowfall has been recorded during each of the 12 months of the year. The most snow ever reported on the ground in the park was 21 feet on April 3, 1983.

The area around Rim Village offers cross-country ski trails, from beginners' one-mile loops to advanced runs of almost five miles one-way. For the serious, experienced and well-prepared winter adventurer, the ski around the lake is a multi-day masterpiece. Snowshoeing with a park ranger is a way to learn about this snowy environment. Deep snows prevent any vehicle use of Rim Drive until early summer. Snowmobiles are permitted only on the park's unplowed North Entrance Road. Ski trails are not groomed.

Much of the park's wildlife escape the long winter by migrating to nearby valleys, but a few species stay year round. Clark's nutcrackers, Gray jays, and Steller's jays are common at Rim Village. You may never see a pine marten or snowshoe hare, but you can often find their tracks in the snow during a short trip into the backcountry.

Cross-Country Ski Trails

Beginning Skier Trails

Wizard Island Overlook:This is the most popular ski trail in the park. It provides spectacular views of Crater Lake as it travels over gently rolling terrain. Round-trip distance: 5 miles Round-trip distance to Discovery Point only: 2 miles

Mazama Village Loop: This loop provides easy, flat skiing conditions for beginners. It is located near the junction of Hwy. 62 and the road to Crater Lake. Round-trip distance: 1 mile

Intermediate Skier Trails:

Hemlock Trail: This rolling journey through an ancient Mountain Hemlock forest offers views of Crater Lake and the Klamath Basin. Round-trip distance: 1 mile

Sun Notch Trail:This is a good alternative to skiing along the rim when the winds are strong. Sun Notch provides a spectacular view of Crater Lake and directly overlooks Phantom Ship. During high avalanche danger, use the marked avalanche bypass route. Round-trip distance: 10 miles

Advanced Skier Trails

Raven Trail: Beginning directly east of Crater Lake Lodge at Rim Village, this trail is a favorite with telemark skiers as it descends steeply to park headquarters. Distance one-way: 1 mile

Dutton Creek :This trail descends steeply and includes several al sharp turns as it winds towards the Annie Springs area. Distance one-way: 4.5 miles

Skiing Around Crater Lake

For the ambitious advanced skier, a trip around Crater Lake can be a memorable way to experience the solitude of the park's backcountry. A complete trip around the lake takes two to three days, longer during storms. Snow camping is required as there are no shelters along the 30 mile route. This trip should be attempted only by experienced and properly equipped skiers. A free overnight backcountry permit is required. It can be obtained at the Steel Information Center or at the Rim Village Information Desk during regular hours of operation. The Ranger on duty will inform you of the current weather forecast, avalanche hazards, and parking information. For your safety and that of the park resources, please pay close attention to park regulations while obtaining your permit.

Walks last about one and a half hours. Snowshoeing requires little skill, but participants need to be in good condition. Be sure to come with waterproof boots, warm clothes, hats, gloves, and camera. Children must be at least nine years old, due to size of snowshoes.

Check at Park Headquarters or Rim Village for regularly scheduled walks for the general public or how to arrange for organized groups..

Road conditions vary, but can often be icy or snowpacked. alert to current driving conditions and come prepared with traction tires or devices. Gasoline is not available in the park until late May. Remember to fill up your tank at one of the nearby towns (Chiloquin, Prospect, Diamond Lake) before coming to the park.