Oregon, Usa · Powder Alliance
Mt Hood Skibowl
960 acres, 69 runs near Government Camp. America's largest night-ski area, close to Portland.
Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
6 Dec 2025
Closes
29 Mar 2026
Days open
113
Annual snow
23ft
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Mt Hood Skibowl's terrain rises from a base at 3,599 feet to a summit at 5,026 feet, a vertical drop of 1,427 feet across 69 runs spread over 960 acres near Government Camp, Oregon. Terrain splits 40 per cent intermediate, 25 per cent advanced, 20 per cent beginner and 15 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 282 inches. The resort carries Powder Alliance affiliation and is billed as America's largest night-skiing area.
Skibowl's origins date to 1928, making it one of the oldest ski resorts still operating in the United States. Its standout feature is its night-skiing capacity, with a substantial share of its terrain lit for evening operation, a scale unmatched by other American resorts. This night-skiing focus reflects Skibowl's role as a close-to-Portland mountain built around after-work and evening access rather than purely destination weekend visits.
The resort began as two separate ski areas: Skibowl, named for the natural bowl shape of its upper terrain, and Multorpor, whose name combined Multnomah County and Portland. The two areas merged into a single resort in 1964. In 1987, Kirk Hanna purchased Skibowl out of bankruptcy and began a significant program of improvements that would reshape the resort's identity.
Under Hanna's ownership, the resort added a 300-acre area known as the Outback, cut the Olympic-certified Reynolds Run, and expanded night skiing to 34 lit runs, cementing its reputation as America's largest night-ski area. Adult daily tickets run from 75 to 89 US dollars, with a season pass at 699 dollars, reflecting a resort built around accessible, extended-hours skiing for the Portland region.
1,427ft
Vertical
69
Runs
960 acres
Skiable
23ft
Annual snow
Powder Alliance
Pass
The Terrain
69 runs across 960 acres skiable
Mt Hood Skibowl spreads 69 runs across 960 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 40%, with 14 beginner runs to find your feet and 27 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
69
runs
69 runs across 4 grades
Beginner14 runs · 20%
Intermediate28 runs · 40%
Advanced17 runs · 25%
Expert10 runs · 15%
Time it right
When to visit Mt Hood Skibowl
The 2025-26 season at Mt Hood Skibowl ran from 6 December 2025 to 29 March 2026, a roughly sixteen-week season supported by average annual snowfall of around 282 inches. This substantial snowfall total supports reliable conditions across the resort's varied terrain, including the 300-acre Outback zone. Season dates can shift depending on early and late-season weather.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions to the mountain's terrain. Night skiing is the defining seasonal feature at Skibowl, with 34 lit runs extending the useful ski day well beyond daylight hours throughout the season, a significant draw for Portland-area skiers seeking after-work access. Weekend and evening crowds both feature prominently in the resort's visitor patterns.
As a Powder Alliance resort, Skibowl draws some visiting skiers holding that multi-resort pass in addition to its core Portland metropolitan area base. Given the resort's proximity to Portland relative to Mount Hood's other ski areas, it sees strong midweek evening demand alongside typical weekend patterns. School holiday periods bring increased family visitation given the resort's substantial beginner and intermediate terrain.
Specific event programming beyond standard operations and night skiing is not confirmed in available resort information. The resort's identity as one of the oldest ski areas in the country, dating to 1928, continues to shape its historic character even as it operates America's largest night-ski area today. Kirk Hanna's late-1980s improvements remain foundational to how the resort operates each season.
Season 2025 - 2026
6 Dec 2025
Opens
29 Mar 2026
Closes
113
Days open
23 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Mt Hood Skibowl, and where to stay
Mt Hood Skibowl sits near Government Camp on the southern side of Mount Hood, Oregon, with a base elevation of 3,599 feet and a summit at 5,026 feet across a 1,427-foot vertical drop over 960 acres. This is the closest of Mount Hood's ski areas to the Portland metropolitan area, a key factor in its focus on evening and night skiing.
Government Camp is the nearest town, a small mountain community offering lodging and dining directly on Mount Hood's southern flank. Portland, Oregon's largest city, lies roughly an hour's drive away, supplying the bulk of Skibowl's visitor base given the resort's proximity relative to other Mount Hood ski areas. The broader Mt. Hood National Forest surrounds the resort.
US Route 26 provides the main route from Portland to Government Camp and Skibowl, climbing steadily into the Cascade foothills. Winter driving conditions on this route can include snow and ice, and chains or traction tyres are often required during storm advisories. There is no direct public transport service to the resort, though its proximity to Portland makes it a practical evening drive for many area residents.
Portland International Airport is the nearest airport with extensive commercial service, roughly 75 minutes from the resort under normal conditions. This convenient distance from Oregon's largest city and its airport reinforces Skibowl's role as the most accessible of Mount Hood's ski areas, particularly suited to its extensive night-skiing operation.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Mt Hood Skibowl, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Maverick Mountain's Only Chairlift Destroyed as Sand Creek Fire Tears Through Montana Ski Area
Firefighters saved every base building at Maverick Mountain, Montana, but the resort's sole chairlift didn't survive the Sand Creek Fire. Owners Erik and Kristi Borge say the lift is "most likely" out for the 2026/27 season after flames tore through the mountain on August 8. The wildfire has since grown past 27,700 acres with zero percent containment. It's a gutting result for the tiny, one-lift operation near Dillon - though the lodge, groomers and equipment all made it through untouched.
15 Aug 2026
Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law
Spain's government has approved a draft tobacco law that would ban smoking across a wide range of outdoor spaces, including sports venues - a category Spanish winter sports media expect to cover ski resorts, potentially extending to slopes and lifts themselves. The rules would also apply to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, even nicotine-free ones. The bill still has to clear the Spanish parliament before any ban, signage, or fines can take effect.
22 July 2026
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22 July 2026
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21 July 2026
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21 July 2026
The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain
The Remarkables is adding new inbounds terrain for winter, bringing the Scarpa Bowl - known locally as the Toilet Bowl - into its lift-accessed network after years as backcountry-only ground. The roughly 500 metre run is reached by bootpacking from the top of the Sugar Bowl chairlift, with a shuttle picking skiers up from the road at the bottom. It's a smaller, faster addition than the resort's planned Doolans expansion, though the new terrain hasn't opened yet due to a lack of snow this season.
21 July 2026
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21 July 2026
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19 July 2026
Lift tickets
Powder Alliance8 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 18–64
Adult Day Ticket
US$75up to US$89 peak
Full day skiing at Mt Hood Skibowl featuring the best terrain on Mt Hood. Experience 69 trails with challenging steeps closest to Portland.
Buy passYouth 13–17
Youth Day Ticket
US$65up to US$79 peak
Youth daily skiing at Mt Hood Skibowl near Portland. Oregon's steepest terrain with excellent progression opportunities on Mt Hood.
Buy passChild 7–12
Child Day Ticket
US$55up to US$69 peak
Children's day ticket at Mt Hood Skibowl. Family skiing with beginner terrain and excellent ski school programs on Mt Hood.
Buy passChild 0–6
Child (6 & Under)
Free
Free day skiing for children 6 and under at Mt Hood Skibowl. Oregon family skiing closest to Portland with convenient mountain access.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Weekend Special
US$45
Weekend lift tickets at Mt Hood Skibowl available Saturdays and Sundays. All lift tickets are $45 during weekend-only operations.
Buy passAdult 18–64
Military Discount
Free
Free return voucher for military personnel at Mt Hood Skibowl. Present military ID and day's lift ticket for complimentary return day.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 18–64
Adult Night Ticket
US$45up to US$55 peak
Night skiing at Mt Hood Skibowl featuring Oregon's most extensive night terrain. Ski under the lights on 36 trails from 3pm to 10pm.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 18–64
Unlimited Season Pass
US$699
Unlimited access to Mt Hood Skibowl day and night with no restrictions. Includes Powder Alliance benefits and access to 69 trails.
Buy passMt Hood Skibowl lift tickets & passes
The 2025 - 2026 season at Mt Hood Skibowl closed on Mar 29, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from US$45, with peak rates up to US$89.
Lift tickets FAQ
How much does a Mt Hood Skibowl day pass cost?
Mt Hood Skibowl day passes range from US$45 to US$89 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Mt Hood Skibowl lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Mt Hood Skibowl lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Mt Hood Skibowl, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Mt Hood Skibowl lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Mt Hood Skibowl - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Mt Hood Skibowl lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Mt Hood Skibowl offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Mt Hood Skibowl directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Mt Hood Skibowl.
More Mt Hood Skibowl intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.