Mount Hood: Six Ski Areas 50 Miles From Portland
Set 80 kilometres (50 miles) southeast of Portland, Mount Hood is the highest mountain in Oregon. This stratovolcano is home to 12 glaciers, six ski areas, and 18 kilometres (11 miles) of skiable terrain.
Mount Hood's six ski areas are: Timberline Lodge, Mountain Hood Meadows, Mount Hood Ski Bowl, Cooper Spur, Snow Bunny, and Summit.
On the south side of Mount Hood lies Timberline Lodge (1816m). This National Historic Landmark dating back to the 1930s was also known as the Overlook Hotel in The Shining, and is now a popular ski accommodation. The ski area, also called Timberline Lodge, boasts the longest ski season in the U.S, open all year round, and is also home to the highest vertical in the country - 1094 metres (2589 feet).
Timberline Lodge's 32 slopes are suitable for all levels and are served by six lifts, including five high-speed quads. Skiers can reach a maximum altitude of 2603 metres (8539 feet). Snowboarders have six snowparks and a pipe in winter. Nordic skiing and snowshoeing is also popular.
Mount Hood Meadows (1379m) is one of the largest ski resorts in Oregon. Its 87 slopes for all levels stretch almost nine kilometres and are linked by 11 chairlifts (including five high-speed quads). Skiers and reach a top altitude of 2225 metres (7300 feet). There is no accommodation at Mount Hood Meadows itself, but many nearby hotels offer shuttle services to the resort.
The Mount Hood Ski Bowl (1067m) is the largest night ski area in the country. Its 65 slopes for all levels reach a height of 1532 metres (5026 feet) and are linked by nine modern lifts. About two thirds of the slopes are lit up at night, including black diamond runs, as well as two fully lit terrain parks (Govyville and Jesse's Flight). Night skiing is available here seven days a week. Lifts open 3 to 11 p.m for night riding.
Set on the northeast side of Mount Hood, Cooper Spur (1200m) has 10 slopes served by four lifts, including one double chairlift. Skiers can reach a height of 1326 metres (4350 feet). There is also a tubing centre and 6.5 kilometres of cross-country trails to explore. Set in an attractive forested area, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort features log cabins, condos, a restaurant, and hotel.
The small snow play area of Snow Bunny (1163m) is particularly popular with families. Its nine-metre hill of snow offers innertubing, tobogganing, and plenty of other snow sports.
Built in 1927, the Summit Ski Area is the oldest ski area in the Pacific Northwest. It comprises a small ski park with downhill skiing, innertubing, and Nordic trails.
Set just 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Portland, the resorts of Mount Hood are easily accessible along highway 26 or I-84.
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