Make the Most of Your Mt. Hood Summer Ski Trip With These Tips and Tricks

Featured Image: Courtesy of U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team

Mt. Hood is the summer skiing mecca of North America for good reason. As the only lift-served summer ski area on the continent, Mt. Hood attracts skiers, snowboarders, climbers and sightseers from all over the world to experience the natural wonder that is a glacier with a skiable snowfield. Timberline Lodge operates the summer ski area and if you pay attention to ski media in the summer months, your favorite skier’s slushy clip is likely from Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. 

Host to a plethora of different ski camps, for alpine racing, moguls and freeskiing, Mt. Hood is the place to work on new skills, or refine the ones you have, in the off-season with a forgiving, soft and slushy snowpack. Because it’s one of the only places to get in summer turns in the United States, Beartooth Pass is another popular summer ski destination, but it does not have any chairlifts, only Pomas—it’s almost guaranteed you’ll run into your favorite pro skiers at the top of the park, or standing in the lift line. 

Timberline has announced their closing day this year, July 19—the earliest Mt. Hood has ever shut down summer ski operations. The reality of North American summer skiing is literally melting away in front of our eyes, so now’s the time to cash in on the incredible experience that is summer skiing on Mt. Hood. We’ve dialed in the tips and tricks below to help you make the most of your trip. 

Timing is Everything 

There are three timing notes to hit here. First is the spring skiing deal Mt. Hood offers through May 26. For $219, ski all day, every day through the Memorial Day holiday before Timberline switches over to summer ticket prices. The last day to purchase the spring pass is May 11. Second, the best skiing on the glacier happens in the afternoons. Sleep in, make that extra cup of coffee and then get out from 11 am-3 pm for the best slush window. Third, check the weather forecast. If it looks like clouds, precipitation or cooler temperatures, the slushy summer skiing you dreamed of is not going to happen that day.

Don’t Pay for Lodging 

With gas prices as high as they are right now, saving money anywhere you can on a ski trip is crucial. Skip the expensive plane ticket and drive to Mt. Hood in a vehicle that's comfortable to sleep in. Overnight camping in Timberline Lodge’s parking lot is free, so car camping is an incredibly popular and affordable option for ski bums.

Keep Your Skin Covered 

Goggle tans fade, skin cancer does not, and did you know you can burn your retinas? While it's so fun to ski around in just a t-shirt when it's warm and sunny, the sun's UVA and UVB rays reflecting off the Palmer Snowfield is as intense at it gets. Protect your skin and eyes with adequate sunscreen—don't forget to reapply!—polarized sunglasses, long sleeve and/or sun shirts, balaclavas and the like.

Wax Your Skis 

We all know the rollercoaster effect of skiing through slush with unwaxed skis. Warm weather wax goes a long way in the afternoons at Timberline, when the snow has gone from delectable corn to manky mashed potatoes. If you're skiing multiple days, give your skis a refresh every two to three days.

Refuel in Government Camp 

Government Camp is a small town at the base of the road that takes you up to Timberline Lodge, and it has a ton of locally owned libations for refueling your tank. Charlie’s Mountain View Bar is the place to go for burgers, beers and other classic American bar food. If you're craving pizza, the locals are going to tell you to go to the Ratskeller, listen to those locals. And for a sweet treat after, the Huckleberry Inn Restuarant makes the best huckleberry shakes.