Mount Hood Winter Vacation

It’s no secret that the mountain is where to head for epic snow sports. Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest, most majestic peak, is home to six ski areas and the nation’s longest ski season. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy this winter wonderland and snow globe views at any speed. 

Photo courtesy Gregor Halenda

Stay

Nothing says cozy more than a cabin in the woods. Along with Airbnb and Vacasa,  check out Mt. Hood Vacation Rentals, which offers cabins in all shapes and sizes including classic log versions, Instagram-worthy A-frames, and even a multilevel geodesic dome abode (see photo above), all with wood-burning stoves or fireplaces.

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Mount Hood, OR

Summit Pass, Snowbunny Sno Park, and White River Sno Park are all family favorites for tubing and sledding fun. Older kids might enjoy the nighttime thrill of Cosmic Tubing at Mt. Hood Skibowl where you can slide down multicolored lit trails and take the easy conveyor belt ride back up to the top. For those just getting into downhill skiing, Cooper Spur offers a low-commitment way to test drive the sport. Lift tickets and rentals are budget-friendly and the overall experience is super chill due to the manageable scale of the resort. They also have a non-scary tubing hill onsite and ski and snowboarding lessons for all. 

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Eat

Grab some doughnuts on the way up to the mountain at Joe’s Donut Shop in Sandy which has been satisfying those with a sweet tooth since 1974. Or après-ski at Government Camp with pizza at the original Mt. Hood Brewing Company location or enjoy some all-day diner classics at the family-owned Huckleberry Inn cafe and steakhouse, famous for their huckleberry pie and expansive milkshake menu. 

What to Pack

A Sno-Park Permit is required when parking at any of Oregon’s designated Winter Recreation Areas (a day permit is $4 and an annual permit is $25). Purchase online before you go so you’re not scrambling when you get there. When traveling in winter conditions, always carry chains or traction tires and check ODOT’s travel page for the most up-to-date road conditions and closures. 

Pro Tip: Stay safe and leave the guiding and equipment to the experts by booking through Mt. Hood Outfitters for stress-free snowmobiling, horse-drawn sleigh rides and snowshoe hikes. As an added bonus, they’re always happy to take the group photo so all family members can be in the shot for once. 

Judiaann Woo
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