5 Reasons Government Camp And Villages Are The Best Mt. Hood Base Camp

Once the winter snow arrives, Mt. Hood beckons those searching for adventures with its snow-capped peak, promising powdery slopes and breathtaking landscapes. But with so many charming towns to choose from, picking where to stay on Mt. Hood can feel like navigating an icy mogul run. Close to the slopes and nestled amidst towering pines, Government Camp and the Villages of Mt. Hood emerge as the perfect base camps to your winter visit.

Forget epic commutes — Mt. Hood Skibowl and Timberline Lodge practically hug Government Camp cabins, hotel rooms and vacation rentals. Winter ski resort Timberline Lodge is the only ski-in, ski-out lodging in Oregon and each room has a unique rustic elegance yet a modern and comfortable feel. And sitting at 6,000 feet on Mt. Hood, the lodge features amazing views, first-class cuisine and a full menu of amenities. Collins Lake Resort offers a Porch-to-Powder shuttle which takes you directly to Mt. Hood Skibowl's more than 960 acres which cater to all skill levels, from gentle groomers for first-timers to exhilarating tree runs for seasoned shredders. Mt. Hood Skibowl in Government Camp is also the largest night ski area in America.

Mt. Hood isn't just about downhill sports; it's a winter playground. Strap on snowshoes and head out into Mt. Hood National Forest, conquer groomed cross-country tracks around Trillium Lake or hit the trails after dark on a full moon guided snowshoe tour with Mt. Hood Outfitters. For those looking for a bit more adrenaline pumping activity, Mt. Hood Outfitters also offers guided snowmobile tours. 

Additionally Mt. Hood offers an array of sledding and tubing options. Mt. Hood Skibowl and Summit Pass offer tube rentals while at Snowbunny and White River Sno-Parks you'll need to bring your own sleds.

Government Camp isn't just breathtaking vistas; the area is rich with history. Visit the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum to discover exhibits that showcase skiing and other snow sports popular on Mt. Hood. Explore the Zigzag Ranger Station Museum, showcasing the region's recreation heritage with displays and maps. They also provide the permits and information you’ll need to safely enjoy winter on Mt. Hood.

After a day of carving tracks or chasing snowflakes, melt away your stresses in the warmth of many diverse lodging options. Select from charming vacation rentals with crackling fireplaces to mountain resorts with hot tubs overlooking snow-draped mountains to cabins or lodges with saunas to melt away tension after a day on the mountain. Located in Welches, the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort features boundless amenities including a sparkling outdoor pool heated to perfection during the winter, a full-service spa combining natural elements found in mountain flora and the best 27 holes of golf in Mt. Hood Territory. In the summer, choose a Mt. Hood village campground from a wide variety of optns.

Escape the chill and refuel at places to eat in Mt. Hood, which beckon with après-ski delights, from warming stews and wood-fired pizzas to farm-to-table feasts showcasing Oregon's bounty. The Mt. Hood Village restaurant scene invite you to clink glasses at a mountain brewery or recap your day's adventures while enjoying dinner in an outdoor, heated a-frame.

Whether you're a seasoned skier or a first-timer seeking winter magic, Government Camp and The Villages of Mt. Hood promise winter activities in Oregon. So, pack your snow boots, grab your warm jacket and book your lodging – this charming winter haven awaits to bring you so many memories that will warm your heart long after the snow melts. Start planning your Oregon adventure today!