Last Updated on 7th June 2024 by Steve
Portland is the largest city in Oregon with plenty of skiing close at hand in the area around Mt Hood. The closest of the ski resorts is just over an hour’s drive from the city given good traffic and weather conditions, with the furthest being around 90 minutes away using Highway 26 and then 35 if necessary.
The highway from Portland can get congested on the weekend and in high season, so an alternative slightly lengthier route is to head up I-84 to the Hood River junction and then south on Highway 35.
Accommodation in the Mt Hood area
Those wanting to avoid the traffic might like to check the map below for accommodation availability in the Mount Hood region. Enter the proposed dates of travel and then hover over the prices to see the accommodation. Click on the price to check availability. Zoom in using the ‘+’ button to see more lodging options.
Mt Hood Ski Bowl
Mt Hood Ski Bowl is the closest to Portland of the four ski resorts at Mt Hood. It is a popular ski area on two hills to the south of the main highway to Mount Hood and before the settlement of Government Camp. The ski area covers nearly 100 acres with 69 trails, around half of which are available for night skiing.
Distance from Portland: 55 miles
Ski area website: skibowl.com
Timberline Ski Area
Timberline is the only US ski resort to offer skiing for most of the year with the top lift opening for a summer ski season. It also now has the biggest vertical drop of any US resort at 4540 feet now that the Summit Pass area above Government Camp has been integrated.
Distance from Portland: 63 miles
Ski area website: www.timberlinelodge.com
Mt Hood Meadows
Mt Hood Meadows is the largest of the ski areas clustered around Mount Hood with more than 2000 acres of terrain and 87 marked trails. It is located to the south-east of Mount Hood and offers good options for all levels of skier and boarder. There are even some expert level canyons which are opened when conditions are right.
Distance from Portland: 67 miles
Ski area website: www.skihood.com
Cooper Spur Ski Area
The Cooper Spur ski area is located to the north-east of Mount Hood and is the smallest of the ski resorts in the region. There is a single chairlift and a rope tow serving ten runs with a vertical drop of 350 feet. Cooper Spur Mountain Resort offers accommodation in hotel rooms, condos and cabins.
Distance from Portland: 78 miles
Ski area website: www.cooperspur.com
Find out more about the rest of the skiing in the state with our guide to Oregon ski resorts.