Mt. Hood is the perfect winter destination for everyone, from hardcore skiers to families looking for a fun day in the snow. Skiing and snowboarding might be some of the most popular activities, but there are also other ways to enjoy the snow, such as snowmobile, snowshoe and cross-country skiing guided tours, as well as tubing, sledding and snowball fights. After a day of exploring, put your feet up in a historic lodge, mountain resort or a snowy cabin.
In addition to winter sports, there are countless things to do on Mt. Hood, such as visiting great restaurants in the Villages of Mt. Hood and exploring historic museums in Government Camp. You can easily spend a few days up here and enjoy something different each day.
Mt. Hood Outfitters is the leading recreational outfitter and guide service for Mt. Hood, offering snowmobile, snowshoe and cross-country ski tours. All tours are interpretive as guests learn about the area’s history, geology, cultures and animals. Accomplished and friendly guides lead unforgettable adventures for all experience levels. In addition to tours Mt. Hood Outfitters also offers gear rentals if you prefer to head out on your own.
Skiing isn’t the only way to enjoy the winter on Mt. Hood. For those who prefer a gentler pace or want a fun-filled family outing, Mt. Hood offers an array of sledding and tubing options, perfect for creating lasting memories without the demands of skiing. Mt. Hood Skibowl and Summit Pass offer tube rentals while Snowbunny and White River Sno-Parks you'll need to bring your own sleds.
Cosmic Tubing is the best party on the mountain! Enjoy more than 600,000 LED lights, laser light shows, black lights, colored lights and rocking music while tubing. And don’t bother walking up the hill with that big tube, just jump on Mt. Hood's only conveyor lifts dedicated to tubing, and relax all the way to the top. Great fun for the whole family, including kids. And, since Skibowl is America’s largest night-ski area, you can also hit the slopes late into the night.
Mt. Hood features some of the best snow in the Pacific Northwest and has the closest ski resorts to Portland. Featuring 36 fully lit runs, Mt. Hood Skibowl is the largest night ski area in America. There are 69 total runs, including the most black diamond runs of any resort in Oregon. And with the largest vertical terrain in the Pacific Northwest at 3,690 vertical feet, Timberline Lodge & Ski Area boasts some of the most scenic skiing in Oregon.
Cozy cabins, vacation rentals and hotels provide a warm and inviting way to relax after a day of winter activities. These accommodations range from rustic cabins nestled in the forest to luxurious lodges with panoramic mountain views, offering a range of options for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Many feature fireplaces, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens, creating the perfect setting to unwind with a hot drink or a home-cooked meal.
If you're looking to visit the mountain and enjoy fewer crowds, then you "otter" visit midweek. Not only will you enjoy shorter lines and easier traffic, but you can also find discounts for activities and lodging. Plus with fewer people you're also putting less strain on infrastructure and on the natural surroundings.