Winter has officially flipped the switch on Mt. Hood, and it’s game on for skiers and snowboarders heading up from Sandy to Meadows and Timberline. A powerful storm cycle delivered roughly 3.5 feet of fresh snow this week, launching the season into full-swing mode and opening new terrain daily thanks to heroic grooming and cat-crew efforts. Today brings the opening of Hood River Meadows Express, unlocking acres of previously untouched snow, with upper-mountain terrain continuing to come online as restoration wraps up. Nordic skiing is firing as well, with nearly 10 km of trails open for classic and skate laps. Stormy weather has cleared, skies are trending partly cloudy with sunshine, and temps are warming into the upper 30s at the base, making for comfortable, high-quality turns on packed-powder groomers and softening bumps in the usual spots. Winds are calmer than yesterday and no longer a factor. Over at Timberline, multiple lifts are scheduled to spin, with night skiing back on Fridays and Saturdays, extending the fun well into the evening. With deep snow in play, remember to ride with a partner, avoid tree wells, and respect all closed areas—early-season hazards still exist. If you’re heading up, stop by Meadowlark Ski & Sports in Sandy, Oregon for fast, affordable ski and snowboard rentals, expert local advice, and the easiest gear pickup on your way to Mt. Hood. Fresh snow, expanding terrain, and classic Mt. Hood winter vibes—now is the time to get after it.
