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
Mount Hood MeadowsMt Hood, OR
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.

#2 of 3 Mount Hood
Timberline LodgeGovernment Camp, OR
Government Camp, OR
MOUNTAIN SCORE
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.

#3 of 3 Mount Hood
Mount Hood SkibowlGovernment 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.