America's largest night ski area - Winter fun starts at Mt. Hood Skibowl
When snow starts falling on Mt. Hood, fans of winter fun flock to Skibowl, America’s largest night ski area and home to the recently expanded, lift-served Skibowl Snow Tube and Adventure Park.
“Our mission remains to make Skibowl fun and accessible for all families who want to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities,” says Kirk Hanna, owner and operator of Mt. Hood Skibowl.
Just an hour east of Portland, Skibowl has emerged into a family-friendly alpine resort with something for everyone.
Skibowl provides snow riders with 960 skiable acres in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The resort features 34 fully-lit night runs, 65 runs total and a vertical drop of 1,500. The longest run is the three-mile Skyline trail, starting at 5,550 feet. With the most Black Diamond (advanced) runs anywhere in Oregon, Skibowl appeals to accomplished riders, night and day. Those in the know are
lured to Skibowl’s Outback, the legendary, 300-acre wilderness with forested steeps, open glades and ungroomed slopes that are nothing short of heavenly.
Skibowl also features two fully-lit terrain parks and hosts several rail jams throughout the winter season, where boarders and riders throw down their best tricks for prizes. Rail jams are fun for competitors and exciting for spectators.
Yet, beginner skiers are also welcome at Skibowl. The Olympic Ski School at Skibowl offers skiing and snowboarding lessons for adults and children. You can register for regularly-scheduled group classes or arrange for your own private or semi-private lessons. The 1-2-3- Guaranteed Learn to Ski or Board program is tremendously successful for those who have never tried skiing or riding and can commit to three progressive lessons.
Graduates qualify for discounts on gear and spring passes.Private and semi-private one-time lessons can also be scheduled.
Another option just for kids is the Mogul Buster Ski School at Skibowl East. For over 50 years, Mogul Busters has catered to families with children age 4 to 13. Kids enjoy four hours of training on weekend days, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an hour break for lunch. While the kids are skill building, parents can enjoy adult time on the slopes or even take an adult- only refresher class for moms and dads who haven’t been on their skis in a while. It’s a great way to renew a love of skiing.
Even if you aren’t a skier or snowboarder, Skibowl provides easy access to winter fun. The Skibowl Snow Tube and Adventure Park at Skibowl East features three multi-lane, staff- monitored, groomed tube hills. Its specially designed tubes are fast and comfortable for single or tandem riders. Best of all, this year, guests can ride more and trudge less. A new conveyor-lift will carry all guests effortlessly uphill, starting steps from the parking lot and ending adjacent to the tube hill and Multorpor Lodge. Tubes rent for three-hour shifts, starting on the hour, throughout the day on Saturday, Sundays and holidays. Arrangements can also be made for special groups during regular or off-hours.
All-ages Cosmic Tubing was introduced this season, for Saturday night fun, featuring party music and lights from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Unique to Skibowl are actual Mini Z snowmobiles for kids set on a supervised groomed track. Real snowmobiles, these are designed for children ages 5 or older and weighing less than 100 lbs. Kids love them. They also love the two-story indoor Play Zone featuring 2,400 square feet of indoor climbing and romping fun. Outside, Frosty’s Playland features a collection of toddler slides and toys, and quite often an appearance by its namesake and Skibowl mascot, Frosty the Snowman. And, new this year is a Snow Carousel that will twirl young tubers around in a snowy circle.
The Skibowl Snow Tube and Adventure Park is located at Skibowl East adjacent to the Multorpor Lodge. The Lodge provides a cozy retreat featuring a huge wood-burning fireplace. Food service includes a lunch grill, espresso bar and a full bar and restaurant featuring slope-side seating inside and outside on the back patio.
Mt. Hood Adventure is the leading recreational outfitter in the in the Mt. Hood National Forest and the one stop for a myriad of other winter fun. Located on the second floor of the Ratskeller building in the heart of Government Camp, Mt. Hood Adventure is just up the road from Skibowl.
For those who don’t mind some physical activity, snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore the beauty of the area. It’s an ideal activity for young and old. Or, for even more of a work-out, try Nordic (cross country) skiing. Either way, you’ll commune with nature in the quiet of the forest while enjoying great exercise.
Cross-country skis, snowshoes and poles can be rented at Mt. Hood Adventure. The experts there can direct you to the best trails for your group. You can also schedule a private guided tour or join one of Mt. Hood Adventures regularly planned snowshoe or Nordic excursions. Even if you are heading out on your own, stop by first. The experienced staff can answer any questions and provide area maps.
Snowmobiling is another great way to enjoy winter in the forest and Mt. Hood Adventure is the only operator with a permit to rent, deliver and give snowmobile tours in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Excursions are scheduled around Frog Lake Sno-Park, White River East Sno- Park and Skyline Sno-Park. Expert guides will ensure an exhilarating experience on your choice of winter day. If you have a driver’s license, you can join the fun. If not, you can ride double. Book two-hour, four- hour or full-day trips.
For any of these other winter activities, contact www.mthoodadventure.com or call 503-715-2175, ext 1063.
There’s more winter fun than you can have in a day, so why not stay over in a nearby Chalet at Collins Lake Resort? The luxury condos sleep from four-eight people in two-three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath units. Each unit features a complete kitchen, fireplaces and double car garage parking—all just steps to Government Camp. For added convenience, Collins Lake offers Porch-to-Powder shuttle service to Skibowl Resort. Collins Lake provides complete resort amenities, including an outdoor heated swimming pools, leisure pool, hot tub or sauna.
Weather permitting, Skibowl is usually open from December through April and is located at 87000 East Highway 26, in Government Camp, Oregon. The main information line is 503-222-BOWL (2695) or online at http://www.skibowl.com/. For overnight accommodations, 1-866-MTHOOD3 or http://www.collinslakeresort.com/.
