Government Camp

Downhill Skiing

Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort. The mountain's largest resort has more than 2,000 skiable acres, 85 runs, five double chairs, six high-speed quads, a top elevation of 9,000 feet, a vertical drop of 2,777 feet, and a longest run of 3 miles. Facilities include a day lodge, nine restaurants, two lounges, a ski school, and a ski shop. Equipment rental and repair are also available. 10 miles east of Government Camp off Hwy. 35, Government Camp, OR, 97041. 503/337-2222 or 800/754-4663. www.skihood.com.

Mt. Hood Ski Bowl. The ski area closest to Portland is also known as "America's largest night ski area." It has 960 skiable acres serviced by four double chairs and five surface tows, a top elevation of 5,027 feet, a vertical drop of 1,500 feet, and a longest run of 3½ miles. You can take advantage of two-day lodges, a midmountain warming hut, three restaurants, and two lounges. Sleigh rides are conducted, weather permitting. In summer the resort morphs into the Adventure Park at Skibowl, with mountain biking, disc golf, and kid-friendly tubing and alpine slides. 53 miles east of Portland, across U.S. 26 from Government Camp, Government Camp, OR, 97028. 503/272-3206 or 800/754-2695. www.skibowl.com.

Summit Ski Area. The longest run at this tiny hill is ½ mile, with a 300-foot vertical drop; there's one chairlift, some sledding hills, and a mess of Nordic trails passing through. Facilities include instruction, a ski shop, a cafeteria, and a day lodge. Summit's parking lot is also a highway rest stop, and the small cafeteria stays open in summer for travelers. Government Camp Loop Hwy., east end, Government Camp, OR, 97028. 503/272-0256. www.summitskiarea.com.