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Preparing for a big holiday weekend

Categories: Guest Connection

A snowboarder carves a powder plume in 17 inches of new snow at Mt. Hood Meadows Richard Hallman PhotoWe head into a busy President’s holiday weekend with our best conditions of the season here at Meadows, on Mt. Hood and arguably. some of the best skiing in the country. Here’s some advice for making this weekend flow the best so everyone can enjoy Your Mountain Home this holiday.

Two skiers take a lesson from an instructor on Vista at Mt. Hood Meadows Richard Hallman photoPurchase in Advance

First of all - purchase your tickets, lessons and rentals online in advance - you’ll get the best pricing and avoid being turned away should we max out for the weekend. Because we are extending night operations on Monday - we have night skiing every night. That allows you to find more affordable tickets that start later in the day but still deliver 6 hours of access. As of Wednesday, those tickets are just $79 and a 4 hour ticket starting at 3 PM is just $39 for adults (a little less for other ages). You can avoid the morning rush, arrive later in the day, at a very affordable price.

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Skiing on clouds at Mt. Hood Meadows Richard Hallman PhotoGet Informed Before you leave home

Check the resort websites for current conditions and operational schedules and Tripcheck.com for road conditions before leaving home. Weather can change quickly on the mountain and you need to be prepared for it. Our conditions page presents our lift and operational plan for each day so you can plan accordingly. Tripcheck.com is a vital resource to keep you advised about traffic, and delays or closures and gives you pictures along your travel route.

Conditions Page TripCheck

And while we are talking about travel, make sure your vehicle is winterized and ready for the drive to the mountain. Fill up with gas, make sure you have chains or adequate snow tires - and follow the signage - put those chains on at the chainup station. DON’T BE THE PROBLEM!

Early arrivers get front of the main lot parking at Mt. Hood Meadows Richard Hallman photoAllow yourself plenty of time to get to the ski area - early arrivals get closer in parking but arrive after 8 am and you'll probably end up shuttling. If you do end up on a shuttle, confirm with our friendly drivers which lot you are parked in. We shuttle from Sunrise, Hood River Meadows, the Nordic lot and Twilight if needed. If you have your equipment start your day at Hood River Express for an 8:30 early load this holiday weekend. Parking at HRM usually gets you a closer parking space - and you’ll be able to get a few extra runs on Hood River Express in before the rest of the mountain opens at 9 AM. The Hood River Express lift closes at 4 PM, but we allow a later return to HRM on peak days, so you can meet our guest hosts at the top of Stadium for your ski down the the Hood River Meadows parking lot until 5 PM this holiday weekend.

Map showing where our parking lots arePick Your Travel Times

Meadows day lift tickets offer 7 hours of lift access starting with your first scan at the first lift you ride. So if you don't get on the hill until 10 am you can ride until 5 pm - your day doesn't end at 4 pm. That helps reduce traffic congestion both on the way up and your travel at the end of your ski day.

Balance Trick and Chris Couch present Aprés Ski entertainment in Vertical at Mt. Hood MeadowsBetter yet head to Verical for aprés ski entertainment from 2:30-5:30 Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Then head home after the surge has departed.

Events and Entertainment

Most importantly this holiday weekend - be informed, be patient and be kind. Have a great holiday at Your Mountain Home!

Mt. Hood in all of its glory at Mt. Hood Meadows Richard Hallman Photo