MHM is the best for varied terrain for the Portland Metro region and that is about all it has going for it. After 25 years of skiing across the globe, I am let down this is my "mountain home." But, it is what it is, given the proximity to home. I, like many others on here, have regularly experienced the poor lift operations and general disregard for the customer experience. Also, regular machine grooming is substandard compared to their potential. After being a local pass holder here for 5 years (averaging 30+ days a season here), I am convinced the upper management is clueless on how to effectively operate a resort or does not spend any time on their own mountain to test the daily ops performance. The amount of firsthand experiences when the upper mountain should be open (clear skies and light wind) and isn't, is appalling. As much as I dislike the takeover by big resort conglomerates (Alterra & Vial), MHM's operations and customer experience would greatly improve if bought by either.
A good local area for the metro Portland community. Unfortunately, suffers from operations/logistics problems that prevent chairs from opening in a timely fashion, creating serious lifeline bottlenecks and mad dashes as terrain opens later in the day.
Terrain is ok. Short steeps, moderate length rolling cruisers. The tree skiing in PR and surrounding area is fantastic when open but challenging to navigate for the uninitiated and tree-well danger is very real (ski with a partner). Heather and Clark offer some longer steeper “bowl-like” terrain but patrol staff seem to have a hard time getting these areas safely open.
Lodge was a disaster but likely would be improved with addition of the new building but Covid year will prevent us from knowing for sure.
Ultimately, this is a great area for locals, but not a destination. That said, the management seems poor as the mountain struggles to get its terrain open in a reliable way which constantly pisses off the patrons. The ski school is also painful to work with which creates more friction with the locals that want this to be their home base. If logistics/operations could be improved, the place would be a joy. But, there seems to be little incentive to make the necessary investments in lift infrastructure, patrollers, and kind and thoughtful staff with a big city willing to roll up in droves every weekend day and any potential powder day. The management seems to know this and acts the part. A sad and frustrating relationship between ski area and skier. People have brought up whether Vail Associates or a similar conglomerate would buy the area and reform its operations. Obviously brings up lots of thorny issues but the fact this is bandied about in frustrated chairlift conversations in a region like the PNW speaks volumes about the area’s management problems.
I've been skiing here for over 30 years. While they are getting better at running a ski area they still are terrible. They can't manage their way out of a paper bag! Parking is terrible and the parking staff are extremely rude! The forest service should take their operating permit away and find a qualified operator to run the area.
February 29, 2020
Skip Rotticci
from
USA - California
I have skied Mt. Hood Meadows since 1982. It is the worst managed ski area in at least the western United States if not the world. Staff are ignorant, rude and comprised of the dregs of Northwest society. The food is horrendous. Lift maintenance is non-existent. Grooming is horrific.
Mt Hood Meadows is not a ski resort, it is a ski area. A resort would imply that it cares about its customers and offers service at a level above merely turning on the electricity.
I've skied and snowboarded Meadows for over 25 years and still discover new terrain and runs each year. It's got everything from gentle beginner slopes, which helped when teaching my 2 and 4 year old daughters, to wide open bowls and steep tree-ed double diamond terrain. Those who complain about the crowds likely have little experience at other ski areas... Meadows on it's most crowded day is less crowded than any New England or Utah ski area on a weekend. There are quite a few grumpy old outdoor dudes that complain about their terrain access being limited by avalanche control and if you ski on a powder day you'll have to listen to them grumble and make snarky comments to the ski patrollers and lift operators. Mt Hood is prone to getting lots of snow and can have dangerous conditions or need storm recovery. This may require extra time. If you can't appreciate your time here, stay home, we won't miss you! I've skied bigger and better mountains for sure but I'll buy a season pass at Meadows every year.
Holy whiners on this page...I find Meadows to be super fun with a great variety of terrain. I'm not sure where all these other people are skiing who seem to think Meadows' lifts are closed more than most exposed lifts. Or that it's some outrageous price compared to other resorts. There are still a few gems out there: White Pass powder, in Utah. But for the most part, $100 barely gets you up Stowe. The terrain is super fun, the runs may not be super long, but they are fun. Comparing it to skiing in Utah or BC just doesn't work. The mountains are completely different; enjoy it for what it is: a mini Jackson hole (sort of). And lift lines...yeah. They can be a bit long, but that's, unfortunately, not the exception as opposed to the norm. Anyway, I guess if you don't like it, don't go; more snow for the rest of us.
February 19, 2019
Tank Birdfinder
from
USA - California
Extremely crowded on popular days, generally crowded on any days. The staff seem indifferent to customers. Even first chair public rarely see fresh tracks, ski patrol usually has all the lines skied for "patrol safety" or whatever term is used. Snow Park permit required. If it wasn't close to where I live, I'd definitely consider other resorts as better alternatives for the same price. Just my two cents though, some people love this place. I've literally spent a full day with my phone showing 60% of 9AM to 4PM as "standing in line". Of course, it's just a cellphone so how accurate is the GPS.
February 18, 2019
Reinhold Messner
from
USA - California
The most poorly managed resort in North America. It could be great but with Meadows it’s all about making money. They will close or refuse to open chairs at the first sign of much snow or wind. The upper chair accesses most of the good terrain but because it is closed 90% of the time, we don’t get to ski it. I’ve skied here for 45 years and a season pass holder for over 10, and I can always count on being disappointed and screwed over by Mt Hood Meadows. Sad and pathetic.
February 13, 2019
Kenney Powers
from
USA - California
The wonderful terrain at Mt Hood Meadows comes with a price. With 3 giant parking lots and buses shuttling people in expect huge lines. You may also find large lift lines on the weekdays because only about half the chairs will be in operation. With all the people you'll be lucky to get fresh tracks on your first run.
Meadows is the best around the Portland area. That said, there are several drawbacks most days with any serious weather (any snow, any wind over 15 mph) as Cascade and Vista lifts do not run. Just be prepared to be disappointed until the weather is bluebird with calm wind and they have 1-2 days to do "storm recovery". The runs are a mix of long gentle ridges with short drops of black diamond territory interspersed. Ten turns and you're done. Heather and Clark canyon offer something that feels more like a real mountain if you are willing to take the traverses to get in and the long run out. If you are looking for world class, this isn't it. If you want some turns close to home, this is as good as it gets.