There's nothing like a day on the slopes, but it gets even better when you find a resort with short lift lines and affordable lift tickets! Check out this under-appreciated mountain resort in eastern Oregon that's perfect for a winter getaway... just be sure to bring along your warmest winter hiking essentials.

Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort opened in 1963, and it's one of Oregon's best-kept secrets.

You'll find Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort about 30 miles south of La Grande. The address is 47500 Anthony Lakes Hwy., North Powder, OR 97867.

The resort isn't big or fancy, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. You'll never find a lift line here, and you'll love the ticket prices.

You'll only find one triple-chair lift here, but you'll have access to over 1,100 acres of top-notch terrain, including 21 runs and 30km of groomed Nordic trails. The resort gets about 300 inches of snow every year.

The view from the top of the mountain is stunning. It sure looks amazing up here at 8,000 feet!

Lift prices are affordable for just about everyone at this friendly little resort. Adults ski all day for just $40; students ages 13-18 ski for just $29. Kids ages 7-12 pay $21 for an all-day pass, but kids six and younger, and those 70 and older ski free!

After 1 p.m., ticket prices are even more affordable! Adults ski for $29; students ski for $20; kids 7-12 ski for $17. On Thursdays, lift tickets are all half price!

Kids in 5th and 6th grade will want to take advantage of the resort's special program to help them learn to ski.

5th and 6th Grade Sundays are offered every week, starting on Sunday, January 6th, 2019. Kids will need to bring a student ID or current report card that shows they're in 5th or 6th grade, and register Sunday mornings between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.. Then they'll receive a free lift ticket, free ski rental, and a mandatory lesson. Kids must be accompanied by an adult (who can ski that day for just $20!).

Need a little break from skiing? Get warm and cozy in the lodge.

Grab a bite to eat at the cafe, and enjoy a cold beer at the bar.

There's nothing like spending a day at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. The ski community here is welcoming and friendly, and the mountain is truly beautiful.

Can't bear to go home at the end of the day? You might be able to stay overnight in a yurt!

The resort has two yurts available for overnight rentals. Each includes a warm wood stove, kitchen equipped with a propane stove, bunks with sleeping pads, games, lanterns and more.

Who's that on the lift? Santa Claus! He'll be at the resort to say hello and even do a bit of skiing on December 24th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The resort closes when Santa leaves, and will open up again on the morning of December 26th.

Visit Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..

The resort is also open on major Monday holidays, and remains open from December 20th to January 6th (except for Christmas Day) for the holiday season. It's open throughout spring break as well, from March 26th through 30th.

Check out Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort's website to see new snow totals and more details about the mountain, and follow its Facebook page to stay abreast of all the latest events.