Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory is an amazing location for a winter adventure. Your family can spend the day on the slopes at some of the best ski resorts in the state or taking a guided snowmobile tour through Mt. Hood National Forest. And you can spend the evenings racing down chilly hills at the world’s first Cosmic Tubing or for a slower pace, on a moonlight snowshoe trek. And at night snuggle up inside the perfect lodge while the snow falls outside.
Skibowl hosts the best party on the mountain with the world’s first Cosmic Tubing, where families enjoy more than 600,000 LED lights, music and warm drinks.
There are a few locations on Mt. Hood where sledding and tubing is allowed. For more information about all available Oregon Sno-Parks, visit the Mt. Hood National Forest ranger stations. Paid tubing options are Mt. Hood Skibowl Snow Tube and Adventure Park and the Summit Ski Area. For free sledding and tubing, head to the Snow Bunny Snow Play Area.
Mt. Hood Skibowl features 36 fully lit runs, making it the largest night ski area in the US. They also are home to the most black diamond runs in Oregon.
Timberline Lodge is the only ski-in, ski-out lodge in Oregon, so you’ll be able to open up the doors and hit the slopes. Sitting at 6,000 feet, Timberline boasts the Pacific Northwest’s largest vertical terrain, with 3,690 vertical feet and some of the state’s most scenic skiing. Tip: After a cold day outside try the hot chocolate; it will warm you up like a snowman in summer.
If you want to experience a quieter side of the mountain, Mt. Hood Outfitters offers guided snowshoeing and cross-country skiing tours, where you’ll learn proper techniques while enjoying beautiful scenery. For those looking for more speed, try a snowmobile tour!
Take part in a special moonlight snowshoe tour around the historic grounds of Timberline Lodge & Ski Area. Led by a National Forest Service Ranger, you’ll enjoy a star filled sky and a nighttime view of the mountain.
When it comes to the stress of driving in snowy conditions you’re able to just let it go by riding the Mt. Hood Express transit service up the mountain. Mt. Hood Express makes seven daily runs December through March for $5 per day or $2 one way. It includes ski boxes to get your gear there, too.
The regional history of the area, including the evolution of skiing on Mt. Hood, is showcased in the museum. The large collection of snow skis and associated equipment is of special interest to skiers.
From coffee roasters to gear rentals, the locally-owned and operated shops in the villages enjoy sharing their love of Mt. Hood and their passion for snow with visitors. Tip: Voted best après ski bar in Oregon, the Ratskeller Pizzeria & Pub is the place to stop for food and fun in Government Camp. Be sure to try their “legendary sized” pizzas and JD’s famous cocktail infusions.
For the traveler who would rather enjoy the snow from a window, Mt. Hood Territory has the perfect lodging options for families, couples who want a secluded experience or friends who want to relax with mountain views. You’re sure to find a mountain lodge, secluded resort or vacation rental to make your vacation perfect.
Once winter arrives, Mt. Hood is transformed into a frozen paradise, leading many to ask, “Do you want to build a snowman?” And to that I say, “YES!”
Have more questions about winter on Mt. Hood? Visit the winter FAQ page on mthoodterritory.com.
