MEACHAM DIVIDE SKI TRAILS (view our trail maps) Located in northeast Oregon at an elevation of 4200′, the ski trail system is comprised of the Loppet Trail, with Roller Coaster, Kansas, Butcher, Tillicum, and Quarry Loops branching from it.  Recommended donation: $7.00 per person (you can pay using the BMNC online form).

Loppet Trail starts at the parking area and ending at Loppet Point (11k round trip). The first 2.5 km of Loppet Trail is relatively flat, except for Moose Huff Hill, the ski area’s steepest climb. After that heart-pumper, Loppet rolls north through Red Saddle and descends two hills, The Lillehammer Lunge and the Trondheim Trembler. At the far end of Loppet, the trail loops back through wide meadows at Loppet Point, which offers a spectacular 20-mile vistas.

Roller Coaster is a short, intermediate-ability trail just west of the parking area. Roller coaster winds through young pines and climbs steeply across a meadow to the top of the hill we call I Scream, which delivers skiers quickly to the winding and twisting lower sections of Roller Coaster.

The Pendleton Plunge and Whitman Whip are two short trails that intersect at the low-point between Roller Coaster and Kansas. These trails very steep and recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers.

Kansas lies to the west just off of Loppet below Moose Huff Hill. Kansas, like its namesake, rolls through easy to intermediate terrain.

Butcher Loop begins at the top of Moose Huff Hill and from Butcher Point provides an outstanding view of the 1,400′-deep Meacham Canyon.

Tillicum Loop is a favorite for skiers who desire a trail with slight ups and downs, and continuous views. At Tillicum Point one recent winter, skiers discovered fresh cougar tracks.

When snow conditions permit, we sometimes groom a side trail that parallels Loppet from the bottom of the Trondheim Trembler to Loppet Point. The West Meadow Trail descends gently through Ponderosa forest and enables the skier to ski a loop at the far end of Loppet.

Quarry Loop offers more open surroundings along flat to rolling terrain, with one zippy downhill section that includes a quick turn.

These XC ski trails include tours of varying length and difficulty. Skill level ratings are: A – Easy: A need for basic skills and the traversing of a few miles on largely level terrain. B – Intermediate: Entry level backcountry, distances extend to 10+ miles, moderate hills are encountered and the accumulated elevation gain for the trip can exceed 1000 feet C – Advanced: Trips add elevation gain, frequent steep terrain and extended time “on the skis”. D – Expert: Backcountry and high terrain skiing. D is best described as professionally challenging with substantial difficult terrain and long distances entailed.

Trip descriptions, maps and trip reports are not intended to provide adequate information for independent travel, and ONC does not recommend such use of the information on this site. Many of the trails shown are in backcountry areas and are unmarked and unpatrolled. Navigation in winter conditions can be surprisingly difficult. Thoughtful consideration should be given to the advantages of making trips with experienced group leaders who have local knowledge of terrain and snow conditions.

The aim of our tours is to have enjoyably challenging experiences along with other skiers on winter backcountry ski trips. Since there is inherent risk in what we do, it is the responsibility of each of us to participate in a thoughtful and intelligent way, matching the trips we participate in to our skill level, and using each trip as an opportunity to improve our skiing and navigation skills and our ability to assess snow safety conditions.

In many areas avalanches may occur so it pays to be prepared. Always check Summary Avalanche forecasts for the areas you plan to visit before your ski tour. If you have any question about the day’s snow safety / avalanche conditions, it is wise to await better conditions. The mountains will always be there.