January 29 is National Plan for Vacation Day which encourages everyone to plan vacation days for the rest of the year. And what better place to plan a trip than Mt. Hood?
Home to some of Oregon’s most incredible winter activities, Mt. Hood is the perfect destination for a wintertime vacation.
What’s New This Season?
- Mt. Hood Skibowl, the largest night ski area in America, expanded their night ski terrain with two new lit runs. Now offering 36 lit runs, visitors can ski from the top of Upper Bowl all the way to the bottom of the hill for the first time.
- Skibowl also increased their snowmaking ability this season with a new system that can make snow even when temperatures are above freezing. They have also expanded snowmaking capacity farther up the mountain on Lower Bowl, helping the resort build a base of snow in two locations now.
- In an effort to improve the experience during peak ski season, Mt. Hood Meadows implemented a new ticket pricing system that works similar to airlines. With the new system, the demand for lift tickets will dictate the prices. During off-peak days, Meadows will drop ticket prices with the goal of enticing people to ski during those times, helping alleviate congestion and crowds.
- Timberline Lodge & Ski Area purchased Summit Ski Area this summer and worked to remodel the interior of the Summit lodge, including a new bathroom and upgraded kitchen. Summit is an ideal location to get the basics of skiing or snowboarding down before heading up to more challenging runs at Timberline.
Things to do and see
There are plenty of snowy adventures for non-skiers and boarders, too. Mt. Hood Outfitters is the leading recreational outfitter and guide service for Mt. Hood. Featuring interpretive snowmobile, snowshoe and cross-country ski tours, guests learn about the area’s history, geology, cultures and animals. Tours are for all experience levels.
For those of you who want to hit the slopes in a different fashion, Cosmic Tubing at Mt. Hood Skibowl is the best party on the mountain. With more than 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows, black lights, colored lights and a rocking DJ, you’re sure to have a blast. And you don’t have to walk up the hill with that big tube. Instead, jump on Mt. Hood's only conveyor lifts dedicated to tubing and relax all the way to the top. This is great fun for the whole family, including kids.
Getting to the mountain
Not wanting to drive your own car? You’re in luck! The Mt. Hood Express provides year-round transportation from the City of Sandy to destinations on Mt. Hood. Download the DoubleMap app, available on both Android and iPhones, to track where the Express busses are, view traffic updates and see arrival times. The shuttle is $2 each way.
Timberline Lodge offers the Timberline Resort Shuttle on weekends and holidays through March 24. The buses run from Government Camp to Timberline and are free for Timberline/Fusion season pass holders and Timberline online lift ticket holders.
Where to stay
Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory has every type of lodging imaginable, including a historic lodge, a full service resort, charming bed and breakfasts, beautiful vacation rentals, traditional hotels and peaceful campsites. Visit mthoodterritory.com/places-to-stay for more lodging options.
