Mount Hood Ski Bowl is a recreation area and adventure park located on Mt. Hood in Oregon. Mt. Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon and is located about fifty miles east of Portland. Mt. Hood is part of the Mount Hood National Forest. Mt. Hood Ski Bowl traces its history to 1928, which is when Jump Hill was developed by Everett Sickler. In 1966, the outdoor lighting system was built. Currently, Ski Bowl is owned and operated by Kirk Hannah and Hans Wipper. The nearest city is Government Camp, and the nearest highway is US 26.
Ski Bowl is America's largest night ski area. Skiable area is 960 acres with a top elevation of 5,027 feet. There are 65 total ski runs, with the longest being 3 miles. Of these ski runs, Ski Bowl suggests 20% are beginner lines, and 40% are for expert skiers. There are 34 well-lit night runs. The resort offers ski and snowboard rentals and skiing lessons.
Aside from skiing, the resort has developed Adventure Park, which includes a variety of attractions. These summertime activities encourage summer visitors at the resort. These attractions include: a 1/2 mile Alpine Slide, Indy Karts, a 32-foot rock climbing wall with four paths, a two-story kids play zone, a 100-foot bungee tower, Trampoline Slingshot, Mountain Bike Park, batting cages, mini-golf, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and badminton courts.
The Mountain Bike Park requires riders to purchase a trail permit. A one day permit is $6, and a season trail permit is $40. There are both casual rides and downhill trails, accounting for over forty miles of trail. The resort offers biking lessons and bike rentals. The Fluidride Cup race series also runs two races on Ski Bowl tracks, and registration is available at the resort.
There are several lodging centers near Ski Bowl, including Grand Lodges, Collins Lake Resort, and Mt. Hood Hostel. Further, Ski Bowl offers group packages (in winter) for parties of fifteen or more persons. They require two weeks notice, and group leaders ski for free. A variety of lift tickets, ski rentals, and dining packages are available, and additional discounts are available for multi-week stays.
Similarly, there are many options for summer group packages. Ski Bowl caters to patrons seeking wedding bookings, corporate events, and class retreats. They customize the package to suit the needs of patrons, but a two week notice required as well. Ski Bowl can also accommodate wedding parties and offers overnight lodging for the bridal party.
Dining options are diverse at Ski Bowl, including establishments such as Multorpor Restaurant & Lounge, Beer Strube, Starlight Caf,, Outback Caf,, and the Historic Warming Hut. Multorpor Restaurant & Lounge has Chef Slava Kropacek as the main chef and serves European cuisine. The Warming Hut was built in 1935, and then rebuilt in 2005. It is located mid-mountain. It serves sandwiches and beer in a setting of fireplaces.
Ski Bowl has an email club that distributes a newsletter and a skiing conditions report. Ski Bowl's website also provides webcams of the slope conditions for online patrons. In 2009, Ski Bowl allowed patrons to participate in a photo contest. First prize was a 2009-2010 season pass. Finally, Ski Bowl also participates in fundraising events to support the American Cancer Society and has raised $50,000 in contributions.
The main switchboard number to Ski Bowl is 503-272-3206.
Review, comment, or add new information about this topic: