How to Go Skiing in Mt. Hood Meadows, Oregon

With 11 lifts servicing 85 trails over 2,150 acres, Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort is definitely one of the largest winter parks in the Pacific Northwest. Located just 67 miles east of Portland, Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort just south of the Columbia River Gorge not far from Mt. Hood, the tallest mountain in Oregon.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Credit card to book your ski trip

Book Your Trip to Mt. Hood Meadows

1. Find information on area accommodations at the Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort Web site (see Resources below). The range of accommodations is wide, from multi-person condos to full-service hotels to renovated hostels to nearby resorts to private cottages to classic bed and breakfast inns. Accommodations are generally inexpensive or moderately priced.

2. Book accommodations with directly with the provider of your choice by using the telephone numbers provided by the resort Web site, online or by email if the provider accepts electronic reservations.

3. Go to the Web site of the Oregon Tourism Commission (see Resources below) for another list of accommodations providers in Mt. Hood. You can book accommodations directly through the provider, and you can also call the Commission at 1 800-547-7842.

4. Visit the official Web site of Mt. Hood Meadows to get information about services, lodging and weather conditions, and to book your ski trip. You can get lift tickets online through links provided on the site, and you can also call the resort directly at 1-800-SKI-HOOD.

5. Plan your flight travel to arrive in Portland International Airport, which is a little more than an hour's drive away from Mt. Hood Meadows ski area.

6. Rent a car from one of the major rental companies at the airport terminal. This will be the easiest and most flexible way for you to travel along the Columbia River Gorge toward Mt. Hood.

Arrive at Mt. Hood Meadows

7. Visit the offices of the ski patrol once you arrive at the lodge to receive updates on the daily skiing conditions.

8. Enroll the entire family for lessons at the Ski and Snowboard School if it's been a while since the last time you've skied, or if it's your first time.

9. Keep warm at one of the three lodges at the resort, which offer plenty of services such as restaurants, snack bars, locker rentals and lounges.

Ski Mt. Hood Meadows

10. Practice at the Fun Zone, an area designed for beginning skiers.

11. Visit one of the eight terrain parks within the resort to hone your snowboarding and freestyle skills.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that the Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort has made special arrangements for package deals with some accommodations providers. Use the resort's Web site to access these deals.
• You will need to purchase a Sno-Park permit if you are going to park your car at Mt. Hood Meadows.
• Book your ski trip online to do easy comparison shopping among providers.