Whether you like to admit it or not, one of your biggest expenses as a skier or a snowboarder is probably the gas you burn getting up to the mountain. Given that, the next best thing to a huge powder storm in November might be a steep drop in gas prices, and that is what we are seeing in Oregon this fall.

According the latest figures from AAA, Oregon’s average gasoline price is down to $3.07 per gallon as of November 11, 2014, a 47-cent drop from a month ago and the lowest price in four years.

The trend is driven by a global drop in crude oil prices. The national average is $2.93 per gallon, while the average in Portland is $3.04 per gallon.

If you want to save additional money on fuel costs, you might consider taking advantage of the partnerships between grocery stores like Fred Meyer, QFC and Safeway with fuel companies like Shell and Chevron. If you time it right (and spend enough money at the grocery store) you can save up to a dollar gallon.

You also have options if you don’t like to burn fuel to get up to the mountain. There are ways to get up to Mount Hood without driving, and electric vehicles are getting better every year. I have heard that the Nissan Leaf is an excellent snow car, and Skibowl has a high-speed EV charging station in the parking lot for anyone in need of a charge.

Last modified: November 12, 2014