Mt. Hood Ski Areas — At a Glance

Mt. Hood has six main ski and snow play areas, each offering something a little different. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Mt. Hood Meadows

Largest ski resort on Mt. Hood
Wide mix of beginner, intermediate & advanced terrain
Popular for night skiing
Known for great grooming + high-alpine bowls

2. Timberline Lodge & Ski Area

Home to the historic Timberline Lodge
Longest ski season in North America (often open into summer)
Great for beginners → advanced, including Palmer Snowfield
Stunning lodge, food, and classic alpine vibes

3. Skibowl (Mt. Hood Skibowl)

Famous for the most night-skiing terrain in the U.S.
More intermediate & advanced terrain
Great terrain parks
Cosmic tubing in winter

4. Cooper Spur Mountain Resort

Very family-friendly
Great for beginners and kids
Affordable lift tickets
Quiet, small-resort atmosphere

5. Summit Pass (formerly Summit Ski Area)

Located in Government Camp
Gentle slopes perfect for beginners + kids
Affordable and low-key
Tubing + snow play options

6. Snow Bunny Snow Play Area (Snow play only)

Tubing, sledding, snow play
No ski lifts — great for families and younger kids
Close to Government Camp

Blue bird day at Mt. Hood Meadows ski area. Photo by Aiden Beck.

Tubing, Sledding & Snow Play — No Experience Needed

If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, Mt. Hood has plenty of fun, low-key ways to enjoy winter. From glowing night tubing to kid-friendly snow-play hills, here are the best spots to check out:

Mt. Hood Tubing & Sledding Areas

1. Mt. Hood Skibowl — Snow Tube & Adventure Park (Government Camp)

Day + Night Tubing
Famous for Cosmic Tubing: lights, music, lasers, and high-energy vibes
Conveyor lifts (no hiking uphill!)
Great for families, groups, and anyone wanting a fun, party-style atmosphere

2. Snow Bunny Snow Play Area (Near Government Camp)

One of the most popular family snow-play hills
Perfect for kids, beginners, and casual sledders
Groomed tubing/sledding lanes
Restrooms + warming area available

3. Summit Pass Snow Play (Government Camp)

Located at the base of Government Camp
Features a gentle tubing/sledding hill
Ideal for younger kids or anyone wanting a mellow experience
Easy access and budget-friendly

4. Little John Sno-Park (Near Mt. Hood)

A great DIY sledding/tubing spot
Bring your own sled or tube
Less crowded than Government Camp areas
Forested setting with wide-open snow-play zones

5. White River West Sno-Park (Highway 35)

Not an official tubing hill, but very popular for bring-your-own sleds
Big open areas with beautiful views of Mt. Hood
Great for families wanting a more natural snow-play experience

6. Teacup Lake & Other Nearby Sno-Parks

Mostly known for cross-country skiing, but have side areas for light snow play
Peaceful, quiet, and scenic

Mt Hood Skibowl is less than an hour from Portland and offers some of the best terrain on Mt. Hood! Known as America’s Largest Night Ski Area, with 37 night lit runs, 71 day runs and has the most lit black diamond runs in Oregon. Photo courtesy of Mt Hood Skibowl.

Snowshoeing & Nordic Trails — A Tranquil Snow Adventure

If you're craving a quieter winter experience, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing offer a peaceful way to explore Mt. Hood’s snowy forests. These trails are perfect for slow-paced wandering, big mountain views, and the kind of silence you only find in winter.

Below are the best Nordic and snowshoe areas around Mt. Hood, each offering groomed routes, forest loops, and scenic overlooks:

Top Snowshoeing & Nordic Areas on Mt. Hood

1. Teacup Lake Nordic Club (Highway 35)

Well-groomed cross-country ski trails
Classic & skate skiing options
Stunning views of Mt. Hood
Day-use fee supports grooming

2. Mt. Hood Meadows Nordic Center

Groomed XC trails near the main ski area
Beautiful meadows, forest routes & rolling terrain
Rentals available
Great for both beginners and experienced skiers

3. Trillium Lake Snowshoe & Ski Trails (Government Camp)

One of the most iconic snowshoe routes on the mountain
Easy terrain with postcard-worthy Mt. Hood views
Wide paths ideal for beginners and families
Popular on weekends

4. White River West Sno-Park

Open, scenic routes perfect for snowshoeing
Incredible views of Mt. Hood
No grooming—more rugged & choose-your-own-path
Great for photography and winter exploring

5. Pocket Creek & Gumjuwac Snowshoe Routes (Highway 35)

Less crowded than other spots
Forested routes with moderate difficulty
Good for those wanting mileage + solitude

6. Crosstown Trail (Government Camp)

Easy, accessible snowshoe route through quiet forest
Connects to several loops around Government Camp
Perfect for new snowshoers

Cozy Après-Snow — Food, Lodging & Chill Time

After a full day playing in the snow, nothing beats warming up with good food, a crackling fire, or a post-adventure drink. Whether you’re staying on the mountain or heading into town, Mt. Hood’s surrounding communities have plenty of welcoming spots to unwind.

Timberline Lodge — The Classic Après Experience

If you want that iconic mountain-lodge atmosphere, Timberline Lodge is the place to be. Warm up with a hot drink by the giant stone hearth or settle in for a hearty meal with views of the slopes. The historic lodge delivers peak cozy vibes.

Government Camp — Walkable, Mountain-Town Après

Government Camp (“Govy”) is the closest town to the slopes and packed with skier-friendly hangouts. Great options include:

Glacier Public House — Burgers, pints, and a lively ski-town atmosphere
Ratskeller Bar & Pizzeria — Casual comfort food + plenty of beer on tap
Mt. Hood Brewing Co. — Pizza, pub fare, and their famous ice-axe ale
High Mountain Cafe — Ideal for warming up with coffee, pastries, and lighter bites

Parkdale — Small-Town Charm & Great Food

Parkdale makes a perfect stop on the way down the mountain, with some underrated gems:

Solera Brewery — Craft brews + stunning views of Mt. Hood
Apple Valley BBQ — Comforting smoked meats, hearty plates, and winter-friendly portions
Baseline Biscuits — Cozy and casual; excellent sandwiches and baked goods

Hood River — Best for Foodies & Drinks

If you’re heading back into Hood River, you’ll find tons of cozy spots for wine, cocktails, or a post-snow feast:

Double Mountain Brewery — Wood-fired pizza + craft beer
pFriem Family Brewers — Elevated pub plates with a warm, wood-finished dining room
Full Sail Brewing — Classic Hood River brewery with great views
Broder Øst — Scandinavian comfort food (perfect in winter)
Ferment Brewing Co. — Gorgeous riverside space + fantastic beer and food
Celilo Restaurant — Farm-to-table, cozy, and perfect for a nicer dinner

And don’t forget to treat yourself, you’ve earned it! If you need inspiration, check out my post on the perfect day in Hood River for more places to explore.

A snowy evening scene at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, with New Year’s Eve fireworks. Photo courtesy of Timberline Lodge.

Snowmobiling on Mt. Hood

If you're looking for high-energy winter fun, snowmobiling around Mt. Hood is hard to beat. The mountain offers miles of groomed and ungroomed snowmobile routes, deep snow, and some of the most stunning winter scenery in Oregon.

Below are the top snowmobiling access points on and around Mt. Hood:

Top Snowmobiling Areas on Mt. Hood

Bennett Pass Sno-Park (Highway 35)

One of the most popular snowmobiling hubs on the mountain.

Groomed routes with awesome viewpoints
Access to wide open terrain and ridge-line cruising
Suitable for beginners → experienced riders

Little John Sno-Park (Highway 35)

Great for both groomed loops and deeper explorations.

Family-friendly riding
Connects into larger trail networks
Forested routes with plenty of snow all season

Skyline Road Sno-Park

A classic snowmobile destination on the mountain’s east side.

Long stretches of wide, groomed trails
Plenty of pull-offs and open meadows
Great for groups and long-distance rides

Frog Lake Sno-Park (Highway 26)

A versatile snow-play area that doubles as a great snowmobile access point.

Scenic routes through the forest
Connections to a larger trail system
Great lake views in winter

Clear Lake Sno-Park (Highway 26)

Another strong snowmobiling hub near Government Camp.

Well-groomed snowmobile routes
Access to moderate terrain and forest loops
Connects to the Skyline and FS Road networks

Trillium Lake Area (Limited / Connector Use)

While not a primary snowmobiling hub, some forest roads near Trillium connect to broader snowmobile trail networks.

Use designated snowmobile routes only
Great as a connector zone, not for lake riding

Beyond Mt. Hood — More Great Snowmobiling

If you want even more terrain, two nearby volcanoes offer incredible snowmobiling:

Mt. Adams (Washington)

Massive open snowfields
High-elevation riding
Popular with experienced riders

Mt. St. Helens (Washington)

Wide-open plains and deep snow
Beautiful views of the crater
Groomed access via Marble Mountain Sno-Park

Both are within 1–2 hours of Hood River and make fantastic day trips.

Why December in Hood River + Mt. Hood is Special

There’s something magical about crisp mountain air, freshly fallen snow, and cozy lodge vibes. Whether you’re pressing down on skis, sliding down a tubing hill with friends, or wandering quietly on a snowshoe trail, December turns Hood River and Mt. Hood into a winter wonderland. Pair that with hot drinks, firelight, and good company and you’ve got a perfect winter escape.

Snowy fun around Hood River & Mt. Hood