Best Peaks Overall on Mount Hood

Our rank-order of the three major Mount Hood ski resorts based on overall mountain experience.

#1 of 3 Mount Hood

Mt Hood, OR

MOUNTAIN SCORE

61

  +   Pros
  • Unique high-alpine terrain for all ability levels
  • High-speed lift service
  • Progressive freestyle setup
  • Extremely challenging expert footprint
  • Striking mountain vistas
  • Available night skiing
  –   Cons
  • Windswept, icy conditions at times
  • Extremely inconsistent openings for high-alpine terrain
  • Large crowds, especially when high-alpine areas are closed
  • Extensive hiking required to reach some terrain
  • Arduous catwalk out of expert Private Reserve area

Mount Hood’s largest ski resort boasts diverse terrain and a reasonably large footprint. High-alpine areas are subject to extremely variable openings.

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#2 of 3 Mount Hood

Timberline Lodge

Government Camp, OR

Government Camp, OR

MOUNTAIN SCORE

NewScoreColor5.jpg

59

  +   Pros
  • Year-round ski season
  • World-class terrain parks
  • Distinctive high-alpine snowfields
  • Rustic, historic lodge
  • High-speed lifts
  • Available night skiing
  –   Cons
  • Resort never spins 100% of lifts, with high-alpine areas closed during the winter and lower elevations closed during summer
  • Inconsistent conditions during winter months
  • Very little true advanced and expert terrain
  • Lift logistics that result in chokepoints and long lines

North America’s only four-season outdoor ski resort provides a one-of-a-kind summer experience but fails to stand out during the core winter season.

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#3 of 3 Mount Hood

Mount Hood Skibowl

Government Camp, OR

Government Camp, OR

MOUNTAIN SCORE

51

  +   Pros
  • Local feel
  • Low crowds
  • Extensive night-skiing footprint
  • Advanced bowl terrain
  • Beginner terrain off every lift
  –   Cons
  • Ancient, difficult-to-load chairlifts
  • No daytime operations on weekdays
  • Limited acreage and vertical drop
  • Lower-quality snow than higher-elevation Hood resorts
  • Variable openings for expert Outback area

This small, no-frills mountain offers less crowded slopes and extensive night skiing close to Portland.

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