Snow Play In Mt. Hood Territory

Mt. Hood has finally had a visit from Old Man Winter. Now is the perfect time to get out there and experience the splendor that is winter in Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory. One of the best ways to experience winter fun is with Mt. Hood Outfitters in Government Camp (or Govy). Their staff of dedicated outdoor guides can craft a perfect trip filled with excitement. Snowmobiling excursions are one of the most popular offerings through Mt. Hood Outfitters and they're the only licensed outfitter for snowmobiles in the Mt. Hood National Forest. If it's your first time riding, try the two-hour tour to help yourself get familiar with its operation and some of the trails. For the more experienced, a four-hour tour is the way to go so you can see more of the amazing views that Mt. Hood has to offer.

If you prefer to get around under your own power, check out their various snowshoeing tours. They offer two, three and four-hour treks that will cover basic snowshoeing techniques for the newbies, information about the region and of course, viewpoints offering stunning wintertime vistas of Mt. Hood Territory. The Moonlight Snowshoe Tour and Crosstown Tour are great options for the more experienced snowshoeing enthusiast looking for a unique trip into the great white wilderness. Another awesome way to get out and explore is cross-country skiing with one of their guides. Various tour options accommodate skiers of all skill levels, allowing anyone to get out and enjoy the opportunity to explore the Mt. Hood National Forest in a way that few truly do. You can also rent their equipment if you want to go it alone without a guide accompanying you. 

Also in Govy, Mt. Hood Skibowl has cemented its reputation as a year-round recreation paradise, but winter is when this place really shines. And since they dramatically enhanced their snow-making capabilities in recent years, you are guaranteed a great time on their Snowtube and Adventure Park. For a truly unique and amazing time, check out Cosmic Tubing, where kids and adults can rock out to great tunes while racing down the hill that's lit up by more than 600,000 colored LED lights. There's some great options for the smallest members of the family as well, so bring everyone for this winter getaway. Check out the weekly evening events and plan your trip accordingly! Their lifts opened the day after Christmas this year, granting skiers and snowboarders access to the most night ski runs in the country. 

Summit Ski Area is just a bit further up the mountain, and is the second-oldest continually operating ski area in the United States. Since 1927 they've operated family friendly winter recreation options. In addition to being the first ski area established on Mt. Hood, they also operate the Snow Bunny snow play/tubing area just a short distance away. Timberline Lodge & Ski Area has purchased Summit Ski Area and plans on doing some renovations in the coming years, so be sure to come this year and next so you can experience the fun and be first to see all the polishing that will be done. 

Timberline Lodge and Ski Area has the longest ski season in all of North America and is the only ski-in, ski-out lodge in Oregon. Boarders and skiers can explore over 1,000 acres of terrain and come back to gigantic fireplace, world-class cuisine, rustic lodging and maybe even pet their St. Bernard mascots, Bruno and Heidi. 

So get up to the mountain because with so many options, you'll likely need to plan a whole weekend (or week) of fun. Check out the places to stay on Mt. Hood so you'll always be just moments away from the adventure.