Are you looking for a snow-filled weekend escape? The region surrounding Mt. Hood, and the mountain itself, offers beauty, adventure, and outdoor activities? Of course, a mid-week break would offer smaller crowds, but the weekends are available if you plan ahead.
Mt. Hood is a beautiful volcanic mountain peak in Oregon that boasts of three different resorts that offer different wintertime experiences. Mt. Hood Skibowl has the largest night ski area in the United States, with 36 runs lit up after the sun goes down. This area offers the most advanced slopes with numerous black diamond runs. There are four lifts and 65 trails. With an average snowfall of 300 inches, this region also offers the Snow Tube and Adventure Park that pleases all ages. An inviting place to stay is the Collins Lake Resort and Grand Lodges. This facility offers a year-round pool, sauna, and hot tub and runs a free shuttle to Skibowl.
Timberline may be the most famous ski area due to its famous lodge that is a National Historic Landmark, made famous in the movie The Shining. It was constructed in 1937 and maintains its original architecture and character. Besides elegant dining and craft brews, this historic lodge takes reservations for its guest rooms. From the lounge, those who just want to relax can watch the activities on the mountain through picture windows facing the slopes. Timberline’s runs are scenic and offer a nice spread of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes. Seven lifts are available to get skiers up the mountain. The longest vertical run drops from 8,540 ft. to the base of 4,950 ft. This side of the mountain averages 500 inches of snow per year.
A third ski area claims the most area with 2,150 acres at Mt. Hood Meadows. There are 11 lifts, with one taking riders to a height of 9,000 ft. Like Timberline, runs offer a nice balance of beginner, intermediate, advanced, and some expert downhill adventures for skiers and boarders. The modern main lodge offers full-service dining and the new Sahale lodge has several eating options. Of course, when the sun shines, eating on the mountain, sitting in chairs in the snow, taking in the splendors of the region below, the Mazot is the place to be. For adults who want a fireside glass of wine or local brew, the Bullwheel Bar in the Sahale lodge is the cozy place to retreat.
After a day skiing at one of the three resorts, or tubing with the family at Skibowl, a drive of less than an hour can get you off the mountain and into Hood River for an easy drive back to the
Tri-Cities the next day. Enjoy a stay at the Hood River Hotel if you like historical hotels with modern amenities. Hood River can brag about their plethora of dining choices, from excellent pizza at several establishments to the famous Columbia Gorge overlook restaurant and brewery Full Sail Ale. Whether you stay at the mountain or enjoy the city of Hood River on your winter escape to Mt. Hood, you’ll enjoy the masterpiece that is the Mt. Hood territory.
