Day 43
Location: Mt Hood Meadows, OR
Resorts: 21 out of 50
Mt. Hood Meadows dominates all the other Hood ski areas in terms of size, terrain, and snow coverage. This is really the only stop you need to make. There are no overnight accommodations, so we recommend staying down in Hood River (Government Camp is beyond boring), and either driving up yourself, or taking one of the many buses. Check the web site for $39 ticket deals when you stay at select properties.
The best deal though at Mt. Hood Meadows is their Spring Pass. For $149, you can ski and ride your face off until the end of the season. Keep in mind that in years past the season has lasted well into May. Even if you’re going out for the weekend, the Spring Pass is worth the money.
The variety of the terrain is the best part of Mt. Hood Meadows. Chill groomers along Vista Ridge lets even beginner skiers experience the sheer awesomness of the mountain. The Private Reserve is a massive wooded glen on the lower part of the mountain with lines that can keep you busy all day. Hardcore kids will want to head over to Heather Canyon to find steep drops and multiple hiking options.
Our final day at Mt. Hood came with blue skies and bright sun. It was strictly a groomer day — the good stuff was rock hard, a lesson Snooze and I learned the hard way when we took a ill fated run down into Heather Canyon via the Memorial Bowl. Damn that soft powder at the top that tricked us into a shin shattering gully.
The Cheat Sheet:
Mt. Hood Meadows
14040 Highway 35
Mt. Hood, Oregon
Mountain Stats:
Snowfall | 430 in (1,092 cm) |
Top Elevation | 7,300 ft (2,225 m) |
Bottom Elevation | 4,523 ft (1,379 m) |
Vertical Drop | 2,777 ft (846 m) |
Area Size | 12 lifts | 85 trails | 2,150 acres (871 ha) acres |
Night Skiing | Yes |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Halfpipe | Yes |