Mt. Hood Meadows is Oregon’s mountain soul. Perched on the southeast flank of Mt. Hood—an active volcano that dominates the horizon—Meadows is where Portland locals come to ski deep powder, carve long groomers, and soak up that laid-back Northwest vibe. It’s big, bold, and beautifully balanced: expert terrain up high, mellow cruisers below, and an après scene that feels like a neighborhood pub on snow.

Quick Stats

• Location: Mt Hood, Oregon (90 minutes from Portland)
• Elevation: 4,523 ft base / 7,300 ft summit
• Vertical Drop: 2,777 ft
• Skiable Terrain: 2,150 acres
• Annual Snowfall: ~430 inches
• Number of Runs: 85+
• Lifts: 12 (including high-speed quads and express lifts)
• Vibe Check: Pacific Northwest powder, pure community energy

The Vibe

Mt. Hood Meadows blends serious terrain with serious good vibes. It’s the kind of place where locals tailgate in the parking lot, families lap the blues, and powder hounds chase hidden stashes in Heather Canyon. There’s no glitz, no attitude—just authentic skiing and snowboarding on one of America’s most iconic peaks. You’ll hear laughter echoing through the lift lines and music spilling from the lodges. It’s a community, not a scene, and that’s what makes Meadows feel like home.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Easy Rider – long, easy cruiser perfect for beginners and warm-up laps.
• South Canyon – scenic, sun-soaked slope for learning with a view.

🟦 Blues

• Vista Express – high-speed laps with unbeatable Mt. Hood panoramas.
• Hood River Express – smooth carving run with flowing turns and quick lift access.
• Shooting Star Ridge – a local favorite for fast, consistent snow and wide-open turns.

♦︎ Blacks

• Heather Canyon – Meadows’ crown jewel: deep snow, steep lines, and endless routes.
• Private Reserve – steep trees and natural features for advanced skiers.
• Clark Canyon – technical descent with a mix of chutes and glades.

Après + Town Stays

Après at Meadows is relaxed and full of character—beer, laughter, and great food with a side of mountain views.

• Vertical North – lively slopeside bar for local beer and comfort food.
• Schuss Grill – quick bites and a local-favorite Bloody Mary.
• High Mountain Café – espresso, soups, and pastries for mid-day fuel.
• Ratskeller Pub (Government Camp) – legendary hangout with pizza, pints, and live music.
• Charlie’s Mountain View – old-school après spot with pool tables and locals telling stories.
• Cooper Spur Mountain Resort – cozy cabins 20 minutes away with Nordic charm.
• Timberline Lodge – historic national landmark nearby, dripping with mountain character and fireplaces.

Travel Tips

Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) and head east on Highway 26—it’s a scenic 90-minute drive. Snow tires or chains are mandatory during storms. Weekends can be busy, so arrive early or go midweek for fresh tracks. There’s limited on-mountain lodging, but nearby Government Camp and Hood River have plenty of cozy cabins, lodges, and breweries to keep the fun going. March often brings the best combination of snow and sunshine.

Fun Facts

• Mt. Hood Meadows sits on the south side of an active volcano—Mt. Hood last erupted about 200 years ago.
• The mountain’s namesake, Mt. Hood, stands 11,239 feet tall, Oregon’s highest peak.
• Heather Canyon can hold up to 20 feet of snow after big winters.
• The resort is locally owned and operated, with a strong community focus.
• Meadows often stays open into May, offering epic spring skiing.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Mt. Hood Meadows made the list because it captures the heart of the Pacific Northwest—beautiful, unpretentious, and wildly fun. It’s big enough to challenge experts, chill enough for families, and close enough to Portland to keep the stoke strong all season. Ski it once, and you’ll understand why Oregonians never shut up about “Meadows days.”