Author: Darren Curammeng

In the last 24 hours we have received about six inches of new snow. The wind has been strong which affects where the snow settles. As a result the deepest snow can be found in areas that are sheltered from the wind. These leeward spots are ideal for those looking to enjoy fresh powder. It is important to take advantage of these conditions while they last! Below the fresh snow a different layer awaits. This layer consists of frozen granules that create a solid surface. Skiers and snowboarders can feel the firmness beneath their feet as they glide down the slopes. Additionally moguls rise from this surface forming small hills that challenge riders. Navigating over these moguls can be exciting and requires skill making for a thrilling experience on the mountain.

Today’s groom will have areas of wind-affected packed powder and areas that are scoured down to the frozen granular surface beneath. Off the groom, you’ll find powder, wind-affected powder, moguls, and scoured areas. In some areas down low, early season conditions still exist. Watch for unmarked obstacles and hazards. 

The remainder of our ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and nordic rentals will be first come first serve.

January fourth brings unusual weather with a mix of snow and rain expected. The temperature is dropping which could lead to freezing fog in some areas. This change in weather can create slippery conditions so it is important to stay alert while traveling. Additionally when clearing ice from your goggles be cautious to avoid scratching the lenses. Enjoy the winter wonderland but prioritize safety in these funky weather conditions.: ” To start off today, temps and the p-type are bouncing around like a rubber ball having poor luck playing Chutes and Ladders. Fortunately, the p-type, despite being a rotating mix, is quite light, and the weather is forecast to dry out for a few hours this morning. Get it while you can! Precipitation (we’re not even going to attempt to guess what type, but there’s a chance it could be all snow!) returns this afternoon and continues overnight.”

January third will start off wet and warm with some mixed precipitation at lower mountain elevations. The freezing levels are predicted to drop as the day goes on, so we’re hoping for the best! Regardless of the weather the mountain is open, and so are we. Come on in for some fun with a side of pineapple express weather! Mt. Hood Meadows’s surface conditions post said, ” Groom is a mix of wet pack and frozen granular. Off-piste you will find variable conditions with skier packed powder over hard pack and moguls found throughout the resort.  Please ski and ride with a partner and be extra cautious of tree wells and deep snow immersion risks if you venture off piste.”

Mt. Hood is off to a great start to a new year for 2025 with 106″ at 4500′. We received three to four inches over night and are expecting a nice afternoon with a possibility of the sun emerging from the clouds! Plan on temps staying below freezing today with minimal precipitation, so the groomers should stay fairly soft.

Here’s what Mt. Hood Meadows has to say about their weather: “Good morning! The stoke is strong today, as we start the New Year with fresh snow and a forecast calling for afternoon sunshine. The upper mountain is still in recovery, but there’s a good chance we’ll get Vista today, and Cascade is also looking likely after a delayed opening.”

Temira’s weather forecast is also a great resource for local weather information for Mt. Hood, check her out at, “https://thegorgeismygym.com/forecast/”

Today we are open 6:00AM to 7:00PM and rentals will be first come first serve. We may run out of snowshoe rentals with the sun coming out!

The mountain will be a madhouse today, because the conditions have changed for the better and the goods have been delivered! Swing on in for ski rentals, snowboard rentals, snowshoes rentals, or nordic rentals to take advantage of the new snow! Ambient conditions at Meadows say 25 degrees at the base, and 19degrees at the top of Mt. Hood Express. Winds will beGroom is light powder over packed powder. Off-piste you will find powder with wind drifted deep powder stashes over a packed powder base. The heavier snow we saw is mostly covered up. Expect another 2 to 4 inches of fresh powder by closing.  Moderate west winds should decrease later today.  Visibility is decent down on the lower slopes with the cloud/fog bank sitting around the top of Vista. Patchy fog will be found in-between. 

Timberline parking will be full early, so make sure to plan on parking in Government Camp and taking the shuttle up. Here’s what Meadows has to say about conditions: ”   We’ve seen heavy, “Cascade Concrete” at times the past week.  We’ve seen stormy conditions that shut down chairs. We’ve seen variable conditions that only Mt. Hood can offer up.  Today, we see powder, and the pow is good.  Very good!! This is due to a lower temperature (currently running at 20 deg, mid-mountain) and freezing level than we’ve seen the past few days.  Some additional accumulation over night, but mostly we see moderate west winds blowing the powder around.  As for the weather today, we do expect some snow showers on and off but most of it should fall during the morning. ”

As for rentals for today, we are first come first serve!

A little bit of rain last night might give way to some fresh snow today! The forecast is saying up to 6″ today on Mt. Hood. Winds are going to start out mild but ramp up quite a bit in the afternoon when the snowfall hits. The freezing level is supposed to drop to 3000′ by the afternoon. We will be open from 6:00AM to 7:00PM today, and will likely run out of a few sizes so be sure to come in early for ski rentals, snowboard rentals, snowshoe rentals, and xc ski rentals! We also sell Sno-Park Permits and can offer some great advice as to where to recreate.

It sounds like a fantastic day for winter sports on Mt. Hood! With fresh snow on the way and mild winds in the morning, it’s a perfect opportunity to hit the slopes. Remember to dress in layers and prepare for the weather as the freezing level drops in the afternoon. If you’re planning to rent equipment, arriving early is a smart move, as demand can be high, especially with the forecasted snowfall. Don’t forget to grab a Sno-Park Permit if you’re heading out to enjoy those beautiful trails! Have a great day in the snow!

Bring your shovels to dig, your snorkels to breathe, and your biggest board or skis you own! The mountain has seen over 34″ in the last 48 hours and counting as of the end of December 26th. Over night we received another TWO FEET of fresh blower powder. It will be a good idea to get to the hill early today as the lots will fill and those who want to ride Timberline Lodge will miss out. Temperature is around 26 degrees as of 4:00AM, and winds have finally calmed to 20mph gusts ( a huge contrast from yesterday ). Be very aware before riding in the backcountry or side country today, avalanche conditions are high. We will be open by 6:00AM today to help our rental customers get to the hill in time. Come into Meadowlark Ski and Sports for ski rentals, snowboard rentals, xc rentals, and snowshoe rentals! We are here until 7:00 today, and rentals are first come first serve for the day of.

Christmas eve will start out wet and warm and cool down as the day goes on. Pack your hefty bags, or stop by Meadowlark Ski & Sports for a poncho today. Gore Tex might cut it, but there’s only one way to find out! Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline Lodge are open 9:00AM-4:00PM today. Come on into Meadowlark Ski and Sports for hot waxes, ski rentals, snowboard rentals, nordic rentals, and snow shoe rentals for Christmas Eve!

Here’s what Meadows has to say about the general conditions for the day, ” ‘Twas the day before Christmas on the slopes of Mt. Hood

And the snowcats were churning, making groom good.

From the sky, flakes were falling, at HRM it was rain

Sometimes at the lodge it switched over to snain. 

The forecast was calling for a switch fully to snow

A gift from above to those in the know. 

Christmas Eve day on the slopes is quite mellow

Come up and make laps til your legs turn to jello.

With the breeze blowing steady and forecast to stay

Cascade and Vista are unlikely today. 

Down at Nordic the weather is frightful,

But the groom that Rob made is quite delightful.

Wax red for skate, universal for classic

And leave Rob a treat if you’re feeling empathic. 

One thing to remember on this holiday eve:

Lifts close at 4, and we’ll ask you to leave.

This gives our staff and all of you

Time with your loved ones to eat Christmas food. 

Come join us today for snowflakes a-falling,

Joyful skiing and snowboarding to you is a-calling! 

Happy holidays to all who are celebrating. Have a wonderful day today!”

Temperatures are headed back down as we kickstart winter break for the 2024/2025 season. Today should be mostly cloudy with little precipitation, however it is still moderately warm. Currently it is 7:00AM and its 26 at the base of Mt. Hood Meadows at an elevation of 4500′. Expect it to warm up today with a forecasted freezing level of 7-9,000′. Here’s what meadows has to say about their conditions: ” Mostly cloudy this morning with moderate winds on exposed areas. Expect a light isolated snow or rain shower later today, ahead of bigger weather tomorrow. We’ll be open from 9 AM to 4 PM – join us up here! “

Keep in mind even though it is winter break, Mt. Hood Meadows will not be doing night skiing tonight, and skibowl is currently waiting on snow.

It will be a warm and wet Sunday on the slopes of Mt. Hood for the 21st. Freezing levels will be jumping around, which could result to some afternoon rain. Gore Tex or 3L gear will be a great choice today on the hill, but a $5 rain poncho could also work. Come on in and grab some ski rentals, snowboard rentals, or nordic ski rentals until 7:00PM tonight!

Here’s what Mt. Hood Meadows has to say about todays conditions: ” It’s the second day of winter and our 34th day of shredding. Snow-rain-snow today is what we are getting. Planning to ride? Dress for the conditions .Add “just the right clothing” to your Mt. Hood mission. If you’re coming early or late, Gore-Tex should suffice, By early afternoon, a Hefty bag will be nice. Don’t let that scare you – there’s plenty of snow, Everyone’s riding, at least those in the know. The guy who knows everything, Santa, is here, But if you are wondering, he brought no reindeer. He’s having a sold-out breakfast with kids. Santa likes lodges more than corduroy ribs. Speaking of corduroy, there’s a lot on our hill. Up high it is harder down low softish tilled. Parks looks fun as does the groom. And down in Nordic, it’s fast, you’ll go zoom! Cascade and Vista are unlikely today. “