Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Government Camp, Oregon
Tel:
(503) 337-2222
Awarded the National Guest Service and Ski Safety Awards from the National Ski Areas Association, Mt. Hood Meadows proves time and time again why they are one of the best ski areas in Oregon, if not the entire United States. Located in Hood River, which is also named in SKI Magazine's list of the "Top 10 Ski Towns of America," Mt. Hood Meadows is one of a few ski areas occupying this "potentially active" volcano. You needn't worry too much about its erupting while you are enjoying the 87 trails as it only has a 3 -6% chance of erupting and that's a generous figure. But it does add a living slightly on the edge sensation for adventure seeking guests!
Open daily from 9am to, sometimes even as late at 10pm from early November through May, Hood Meadows is a true skier's mountain dedicated to all the riders who descend its slopes. A generous 430 plus inches of snow blanket the trails from morning till night, and the massive 2,150 acres of terrain include 240 acres that also open for night skiing. From the wide expansive "Texas Trails" system for intermediate level riders to the "Heather Canyons" which provide screaming steeps and are rated as experts only, there is no shortage of trails to explore and try out. Eleven chairlifts, including five high speed quads, ensure that lift lines are shorter, and maximize the time spent on the mountain which is always a plus. 7300 feet of summit gives an exciting 2777 feet of vertical drop, making the trails long enough to actually get in some skiing and not just a few turns here and there.
Eight "Paradise Parks" feature different hits for different levels of riding. The "Shipyard," for instance, has 15 foot rails, tables, a 30 foot funbox ,and a log jib while, at the other end of the spectrum, "The Zoo" has five rails, a mini pipe, and a wall ride. Hood Meadow's superpipe is nothing to scoff at with its 18 foot walls and staggering 500 foot long span. All of this is meticulously groomed and lovingly crafted each season with the riders in mind, and new and better tricks and jibs come outm all while the music is pumping from the state of the art sound system.
Lessons are given starting at age 4 and up, but children must be at least 7 years old to attend snowboarding classes. There are learn to ski/board, adaptive, and freestyle clinics all given by the PSIA certified ski school. A state certified daycare center is open from 9am to 4pm to care for children aged 6 weeks to preschool age, and reservations are required. There is a ski check that skiers can avail themselves of when the lessons are over and students want a rest without having to worry about their equipment.
Sold at four different places on the mountain, which makes for fast service and payment, lift tickets are sold to adult, junior, college, and senior patrons, in day, night (starting at 3pm), and multiday (from 2 to 10 days) time brackets. Safeway card holders have special discounts on family nights, which are advertised every so often. There are also family 4 packs, which give a family of 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 14 an affordable way for the whole family to ski or snowboard together. The Salomon Rental Center has plenty of ski, snowboard, and high performance equipment to try out, and houses its tune up and repair shop under the same roof. A sports boutique is located in the main lodge for any clothing and gear customers may need.
Vistors must have an Oregon "Sno-Park" permit in order to park their vehicle in Hood Meadow's lot. They are sold as daily or season passes, and may be purchased at the resort itself or, more efficiently, at the DMV or many of the sporting goods stores in town.Featuring local, fresh, and organic foods with all natural ingredients that support local businesses and keep customers healthy and happy, the twelve different eating establishments on site are top notch. From fancy sitdown restaurants to snack bars, Hood Meadows has you covered. Check out the Finish Line Pizzeria and Sports bar which features Northwestern microbrews and 3 big screen TVs on which to watch live sporting events. Alpenstube has 2 bars located within with an extensive local wine list and specialty cognacs and bourbons. There are also bbq, Mexican, juice bars, a mini-mart, and grilled specialties all being cooked up day and night to feed hungry patrons.
When guests stay midweek at nearby Cooper Spur Resort, they can ski or ride free at Hood Meadows. There are also ski-and-stay packages available in Hood River, 36 miles from the mountain, while the closest lodging is located 10 miles away in Government Camp. Mount Hood Meadows is also located 67 miles from Portland which offers bigger city events, as well as many lodging and eating options.
Whatever your style, whatever your mood, Mount Hood Meadows has a slope or terrain park to fit you, blessed with ample snow and a friendly smile. So this season, why go anywhere else?
From Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort - Government Camp, Oregon:
Mt. Hood Meadows offers the most spectacular and varied terrain in the Northwest. We have a huge mountain with terrain for everyone, magnificent views and snowfall beyond belief. Our entire staff is committed to providing you with a truly memorable and unique experience that is Mt. Hood Meadows.