When the snow starts to fall on Mt. Hood, snow enthusiasts eagerly await news of opening day at Skibowl, America’s Largest Night Ski Area and the closest ski resort to Portland, Oregon. Skibowl offers the best skiing in Oregon for more reasons than just one.
Mt. Hood Skibowl’s origin dates back to 1928, making the resort one of the oldest remaining ski resorts in the country. The ski area began as two separate resorts Skibowl and Multorpor. While Skibowl’s name was derived from the natural shape of it’s Upper Bowl, Multorpor’s name came from the combination Multnomah County, Oregon and Portland. It is the largest night ski area in the United States, and the total skiable area encompasses an area of 960 acres (388 ha) (about two thirds of this is lit).
The resort is the closest ski venue to Portland, with an elevation of 3,600 feet (1,097 m) at the lodge, rising to just over 5,000 feet (1,524 m) at the summit. The average snowfall at the area is 300 inches (762 cm), with an average consolidated base around 100 inches (254 cm) and 65 marked trails. The area is also popular for summer recreation with mountain bikers and The alpine slide as well as other outdoor activities. Just across the highway is Government Camp, the focal point of Mount Hood.
Skibowl provides snow riders with some of the best terrain in the Mt. Hood National Forest, featuring 34 fully lit runs, 65 runs total and a vertical drop of 1,500 feet. With the most Black Diamond runs of any resort in state and two fully lit terrain parks, Skibowl draws accomplished snow riders as well as beginners and intermediate riders out for a great time.
Not only is Mt Hood Skibowl the best night skiing in Oregon, they also have the largest night skiing terrain in the country. All lifts, including the Lower Bowl, Upper Bowl, Multorpor and Cascade lifts have lighting, providing 34 lit runs for you to enjoy. Mt Hood Skibowl is proud to provide one of the longest ski days. Watch the sun set on the beautiful Mount Hood while you get in a few more runs long after nearly all the other mountains close. If you’re STILL not convinced, Liftopia has included Mt Hood Skibowl as one of the “Top 5 Night Skiing Spots” in America, in fact I think they even use the word “globe” in their article.
Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed in many ways here at Skibowl. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross country and other specialized ski equipment, such as that used by disabled or other skiers.
Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce.
