This U.S. Ski Resort Receives Over 400 Inches of Snow Annually — and Rests on an Active Volcano

As we drove up the slopes of Mt. Hood, an active volcano in Oregon adorned with 12 glaciers, snowflakes danced around our car. It was no surprise that the snow was falling — Mt. Hood features the only nearly year-round lift-served skiing in North America, with resorts recording between 430 and 550 inches of snowfall each year.

We set off late on a Friday, marking the first time since high school that my childhood friends and I would hit the slopes together, amplifying the excitement. All I could think was, How much snow will be at the resort? Will it be all skied off? Can I keep up?

We arrived at the parking lot of Mt. Hood Meadows, the largest ski area on the volcano, donned our gear, tossed our skis over our shoulders, and began the long trek to the base — our distant parking spot serving as a reminder for oversleeping on a powder day.

Mt. Hood Meadows did not disappoint, especially on the "sneaky powder day" I was fortunate to enjoy during my visit in March 2023. I'm eager to share the insider tips to maximize your trip to Mt. Hood, covering where to stay, what to anticipate, and the best times to visit. Remember, the key is to go — as Greg Pack, the ski area’s president and GM, remarked during our chat, "How often do you get to ski on an active volcano?"

When to Visit

The prime time for skiing and boarding at Meadows is January and February when there’s a solid base and ample fresh snow. However, historically, December and February tend to bring the most snowfall.

To dodge lift lines and avoid crowded runs, skip the days leading up to Christmas and through New Year’s Day, as well as Martin Luther King weekend and President’s Day weekend. The crowds usually thin out by mid-March.

Typically, the mountain opens in late November and operates until late April. They frequently offer “bonus weekends” after the main season ends. For the 2023-2024 ski season, daily operations will conclude on April 21, 2024, with reopening for weekends on April 26-28 and May 3-4, 2024.

Mt. Hood Meadows also offers night skiing five days a week — usually from Wednesdays to Sundays — though the night ski schedule can change during holiday weekends, so it’s wise to check the operating schedule before your trip.

Where to Stay 

Cooper Spur Mountain Resort: Located just 20 minutes from the base of Mt. Hood Meadows, the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is an excellent choice for skiers and riders. The resort features its own small downhill area, the Cooper Spur Ski Area, which offers Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and snow tubing. Guests can choose from cozy log cabins, condos, or hotel rooms. Additionally, those staying midweek at Cooper Spur Hotel receive discounted lift tickets for Mt. Hood Meadows.

The Society Hotel: If you’re open to a slightly longer drive of 50 minutes instead of 45, consider The Society Hotel in Bingen, Washington, just across the Oregon-Washington border. This charming property is set in an old schoolhouse and features a fantastic spa and bathhouse, complete with an indoor saltwater pool, an outdoor hot pool, a cold plunge, and a cedar sauna.

Hood River Hotel: If you prefer a convenient location while off the slopes, consider staying at the Hood River Hotel, the sole hotel in downtown Hood River. From this central base, you can easily stroll to coffee shops, dining, and shopping, with Mt. Hood Meadows just under 45 minutes away.

The Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa: For those looking to fully embrace the getaway aspect of their ski trip, The Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa offers stunning views of the Columbia Gorge amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. The rooms feature an Art Deco style, with some equipped with cozy fireplaces, and it's a 45-minute drive to Mt. Hood Meadows.

Where to Eat

Alpenstube: Located in the South Lodge at the base of Mt. Hood Meadows, this full-service restaurant and bar offers an elevated dining experience. The menu features delights like poutine, burgers, homemade soups, Swedish meatballs, and a massive nacho platter perfect for sharing with your ski crew. They also cater to vegan and gluten-free diets.

Celilo Restaurant & Bar: If you find yourself in Hood River, make sure to dine at Celilo. A local staple for nearly 20 years, this restaurant is beloved for its dishes such as pappardelle, house-made meatballs, and butternut squash ravioli.

Where to Après Ski

The Mazot: If you're in the mood for a quick beer on the mountain, swing by The Mazot, where you can find draft beers, canned cocktails, and wine. The highlight? Sipping your drink outdoors at 6,000 feet, all while enjoying the view. "Meadows offers a variety of cozy dining and drinking spots, live entertainment, outdoor fire pits, and relaxing lounges. It’s a hub for families and friends to unwind and take in the mountain scenery after a day on the slopes," shared Katie Kadlub, CEO of Visit Hood River, via email.

Riverside Lounge at the Hood River Inn: While it might seem unusual to feature a hotel restaurant, Kadlub mentioned that "A favorite among both visitors and locals is the après ski scene in local hotel lobbies and eateries like the Hood River Inn or Hood River Hotel [see more about the latter above]... This provides a convenient spot for après ski, cozy lodging, and an easy return to the slopes the following morning, enhancing the overall mountain experience."

Mt. Hood Brewing Co.: Mt. Hood Brewing Co. is situated in the town of Government Camp, the nearest community to Mt. Hood Meadows. This brewery not only rests on the slopes of a volcano but has gained such popularity that its brews have made their way into Portland and Maupin.

Off-mountain Activities 

Kadlub described the area as "a mountain beach destination" due to its location between Mt. Hood and the Columbia River. If skiing and snowboarding aren’t on your agenda, she suggests spending the day by the water in Hood River.

"Stroll down Oak Street, illuminated by twinkling lights, and explore tasting rooms, artisan shops, and eateries. Sample local wines at one of the many tasting venues, embark on a scenic waterfall hike at a lower elevation, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the paved waterfront path to take in the stunning views," Kadlub shared.

Sledding and winter hiking: Close to the entrance for Mt. Hood Meadows is Little John Sno-Park, featuring a snow tubing hill and a warming hut. Across the road lies Tamanawas Falls. In winter, the 100-foot falls are frozen but accessible via the Tamanawas Falls Trail #650 A.

Wineries and breweries: Notable local wineries and breweries include Evoke Winery, recently recognized at the 2023 Seattle Wine Awards, and Pfriem Family Brewers, located along the Columbia River.

Shopping: Our top picks for Hood River shopping include Doug's Hood River for outdoor apparel (think Olukai, Patagonia, Brixton, and Roxy) and Twiggs for beautiful jewelry, pottery, and home goods. If you're with kids, G. Willikers Toy Shoppe is a must-see, and Waucoma Bookstore, a beloved spot since 1976, is perfect for spending a chilly morning browsing books.

How to Ride 

Tickets: Mt. Hood Meadows stands out as one of the few ski resorts not part of the Ikon or Epic pass systems. To hit the slopes here, you can either buy an Indy Pass, granting access to over 180 independent resorts, or purchase a single-day lift ticket in advance online. Keep in mind that Meadows employs dynamic pricing, meaning ticket costs increase as more reservations are made. Full-day adult lift tickets start at $40, potentially climbing to $164 during peak times. They also offer partial mountain tickets for beginners.

Rentals: The ski area offers ski and board rentals, including outerwear, but during my trip, I opted to rent my skis from Doug’s. If you’re based in or around Hood River, you can save some cash by renting your gear from a local shop like Doug's and bringing it to the mountain yourself.

Parking: The parking rules at Oregon ski resorts differ from those in other states. From November 1 to April 30, a Sno-Park Parking Permit is required to park in any state-maintained lot, including those at Mt. Hood Meadows. You can obtain a permit online, here, or visit the HRM Lodge at Meadows. Other authorized agents around the state also sell permits. The cost is $4 for a single day or $9 for three consecutive days.

Skiing and Snowboarding Info

Mountain stats: Mt. Hood Meadows features 11 lifts and over 85 runs across its expansive 2,150 skiable acres. With terrain for everyone, the majority caters to intermediate and expert riders: 15 percent is designed for beginners (green), 40 percent for intermediates (blue), and 45 percent is reserved for advanced or expert skiers and boarders (black diamond).

"This mountain truly has something for everyone, as the beginner area includes excellent progression terrain, along with options to ski above the tree line in vast bowls," Pack noted. Additionally, Mt. Hood Meadows boasts several terrain parks, including a superpipe and a banked slalom. Programming: If you're new to skiing or snowboarding or want a local guide to help you navigate the mountain and provide tips, you can book a lesson with an instructor at the PSIA-certified Meadows Learning Center. They offer lessons for all ages, from 3 years old to adults, with both full and partial-day options. To secure the best rates, especially during weekdays and off-peak times, it's advisable to reserve your lesson in advance, just like you would for lift tickets and gear rentals. Private lessons, night sessions, and multi-day or multi-week programs are also available.

"We provide a wide range of lesson opportunities for both kids and adults. Whether you're interested in a multi-day clinic, a private or group lesson, or a multi-week program, Meadows has it all," Pack stated. Additionally, there is a certified daycare center available for children aged six weeks to 11 years.