Mount Hood Meadows

If you're the sort of person that doesn't want the normal, tacky, overpriced tourist facilities found in many resorts, then this place will please you. What you have is a laid back and very basic place where the locals are cool. Timberline Lodge (the location for the film 'The Shining') has recently had an overhaul and is the only real slopeside accommodation which is open all year, but prices can be a bit steep. A good option would be to stay down in Government Camp opposite Ski Bowl which is only a few miles away. Alternatively you could base yourself in the town of Hood River, 36 miles away, which has loads of facilities.
For your hire needs visit Hood River Outfitter, or the Demo Board Centre tel (503) 337 2222.

If you're the sort of person that wants to dine out night after night eating fine haute cuisine dressed in a tuxedo, then firstly see a shrink, and secondly visit another resort. This place is for those who like their food served man style, big portions no frills and cheap. Wherever you stay, there are plenty of budget food-stops. Huckleberry's does a damn fine breakfast and is open 24 hours. While down in Hood River, Big City Chicks is good.

Accommodation is provided in various locations, with the more expensive near the slopes at Mt Hood. Mt Hood Hamlet B&B has rates from $95 tel (800) 407 0570. While down on Hood River you can get a bed at Prater?s Motel for around $40 a night. The Bingen School Hostel has nightly rates from $15 and is a good budget hangout.

Hood may seem to be quiet and tame from the outside, but in fact things can get very lively and in a snowboard way, kick off nightly with a lot of hardcore boozing, especially in the no frills Goverment Camp or in Mt Hood at the likes of the Alpenstube. The biggest selection of night action takes place in Hood River.