Winter Sports on Mount Hood
You'll find many ways to enjoy the snow on Portland's nearest peak.
Just a 90-minute drive from downtown Portland, Mount Hood sits right in the city’s backyard and makes for a heck of a winter playground. In fact, there are a number of different ways to enjoy the mountain’s wonderland of snow.
For skiing and snowboarding, Mount Hood Meadows, Mt. Hood Skibowl and Timberline can’t be beat. Meadows, with 11 lifts, 85 runs and a three-mile stretch of uninterrupted downhill, has a trail for every level of skier. Skibowl, with the largest night ski area in the country, keeps snow-hungry riders shushing for hours. And Timberline, a national historic landmark, is as popular for its relaxing lodge as for its runs.
Cross-country and snowshoe trails zigzag the mountain, letting outdoor enthusiasts reconnect with nature while traversing the well-maintained paths. Mt. Hood National Forest keeps an exhaustive list — bet you can’t ski (or shoe) them all! The Forest Service also maintains the mountain’s 10 snowmobile trails, some of which run parallel to wilderness boundaries and provide breathtaking sights.
Meanwhile, downhill daredevils may prefer to sled or tube down the mountain. All of the areas offer fast-paced thrills, but nothing competes with the black-light bedazzlement that is cosmic tubing at Skibowl’s Snow Tube & Adventure Park. The course is perfect for frosty frolicking — especially when they cap it off with fireworks, ensuring that on Mount Hood, everyone has a blast.
Want the help of an expert to guide you through everything the mountain has to offer? Many operators run tours from Portland for individuals and small groups, from Timberline Lodge visits to snowshoe day trips or even small-plane flights.
Mentioned Elsewhere Online
Oregon's Mount Hood Territory
Check the weather before you go
Cold Weather Adventure
24 Hours on Mount Hood
Plan a perfect getaway to Mount Hood, including skiing and snowboarding, with this itinerary.
Winter Hikes in and Near Portland
Oregon is the perfect place for outdoor adventure, any time of year — explore our selection of all-weather paths and hikes in and near Portland.
Winter in Portland
Portland's arts and culture scenes are in full swing during the long nights of winter when the city comes to life with special activities and events.
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