Our History
Over 90 years on the mountain
Established in 1928 to promote the development of Mt. Hood as a resort for winter sports, Cascade Ski Club is the oldest continuously operating ski club dedicated solely to skiing in Oregon. What began with a small group of Portland-area enthusiasts has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest's most beloved private mountain clubs — dedicated to affordable, accessible, year-round mountain experiences for families and friends.
Founding
Cascade Ski Club was established in Government Camp, Mt. Hood, Oregon, with a mission to promote the development of Mt. Hood as a resort for winter sports. The club focused initially on Nordic skiing and ski jumping, attracting Portland-area enthusiasts eager to explore the reliable snowpack and dramatic terrain of Mount Hood.
Hjalmar Hvam & National Recognition
CSC member Hjalmar P. Hvam won the first U.S. Nordic Combined Championship at Lake Tahoe, California, bringing national recognition to the club and to Mt. Hood skiing. Hvam would go on to be inducted into four halls of fame: the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame, the U.S. Ski Hall of Fame, the Northwest Ski Hall of Fame, and the U.S. Ski Business Hall of Fame. He later developed the first releasable ski safety binding, revolutionizing the sport.
First Nationally Sanctioned Ski Jump in Oregon
Cascade Ski Club built and maintained the first nationally sanctioned ski jump in Oregon, cementing its place in American ski history and drawing competitors from across the country.
The Lodge is Built
The current CSC Lodge was constructed in 1947. Its exterior was designed in the massive Cascade style — a fitting architectural choice for the mountain setting. The old clubhouse on the south side of the highway was torn down and the remnants razed to make way for the new building.
Mountain View Fire & the Open Snowfield
When Mountain View burned in 1955, a very large open area was created in front of the lodge. This gave the Cascade Lodge its impressive open snowfield — a defining feature of the property that members and guests enjoy to this day.
A Modern Mountain Community
Today, Cascade Ski Club continues to uphold its tradition of supporting affordable and accessible year-round mountain experiences, emphasizing fun and friendship for families and mountain enthusiasts. The lodge has been continuously updated with modern amenities while preserving its warm, rustic character. The club welcomes all skiing enthusiasts and remains committed to making mountain life accessible for generations to come.