Mt. Hood Skibowl Suspends Operations Due to Weather Conditions

Mt. Hood Skibowl announced Tuesday that it will suspend ski and snowboard operations following this Sunday night, citing inadequate snow conditions and unfavorable weather patterns that have left the resort unable to maintain safe, quality skiing.

The closure represents a significant setback for the Portland metro area's most accessible ski destination, located just 53 miles from downtown Portland on the south side of Mount Hood. Skibowl's suspension leaves the region with reduced winter recreation options during what should be the heart of the ski season.

"Due to current snow and weather conditions, ski & ride operations will be suspended after Sunday night," the resort announced in a statement posted to its website and social media channels. The resort indicated it would continue monitoring conditions and provide updates on potential reopening timelines as weather patterns evolve.

The decision reflects the challenging winter that has plagued much of the Pacific Northwest, where warm temperatures, inconsistent precipitation, and rain events at higher elevations have created difficult conditions for ski area operations. Mount Hood's ski resorts, typically reliable through late spring due to the volcano's high elevation and substantial snowpack, have faced unusual struggles this season.

Skibowl's situation appears particularly acute due to its relatively lower elevation compared to neighboring Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows. The resort's base elevation of approximately 3,600 feet and summit elevation of 5,027 feet leave it more vulnerable to warm weather events and rain that can devastate snowpack and undermine operations.

The resort is renowned for operating the largest night skiing facility in the United States, with extensive lighting allowing skiing and riding until 10 p.m. on 34 lit runs. Night skiing represents a core component of Skibowl's identity and business model, attracting Portland-area residents for after-work sessions that other resorts cannot offer.

Skibowl also operates an extensive terrain park program and summer adventure park, positioning itself as a year-round destination. However, winter operations remain the financial backbone of the business, and extended closures during peak season create significant revenue challenges.

The suspension affects not just recreational skiers and riders but also Skibowl's seasonal employees, ski school programs, and the broader Government Camp community that depends on winter tourism. Local businesses including restaurants, lodges, and retail shops rely on the steady flow of visitors that operating ski areas generate.

Season pass holders and those with advance purchases have been directed to contact the resort regarding refunds or credits, though specific policies have not been detailed in the initial announcement. The timing is particularly frustrating for passholders who purchased season products expecting consistent access through the traditional ski season ending in April.

The closure adds to mounting concerns about climate impacts on lower-elevation ski areas throughout the Pacific Northwest and other regions. While individual seasons always vary, the increasing frequency of warm events and rain-on-snow scenarios at previously reliable ski areas has created existential questions about long-term viability for resorts at marginal elevations.

Mt. Hood's other major ski areas, Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows, remain operational with limited terrain due to similar challenging conditions. Timberline's higher elevation and substantial glacier coverage provide some buffer against warm weather, while Meadows' north-facing exposure helps preserve snow quality. However, both resorts have operated with significantly reduced terrain compared to typical seasons.

The Pacific Northwest's ski industry has faced a particularly difficult winter, with many resorts experiencing late openings, inconsistent operations, and reduced terrain. The pattern reflects broader concerns about winter reliability as climate patterns shift and traditional snowfall zones experience increased variability.

For Skibowl, the decision to suspend operations rather than struggle along with minimal terrain likely reflects both safety concerns and business realities. Operating with inadequate snow coverage creates liability risks, damages infrastructure, and provides such poor guest experiences that continuing operations may do more reputational harm than temporary closure.

The resort indicated it would maintain its webcams and social media channels to keep the public informed about conditions and any changes to the operational status. Staff will continue monitoring weather forecasts for potential storm systems that could deliver the snow needed to resume operations.

Winter weather in the Cascades can change rapidly, and February and March typically deliver some of the Pacific Northwest's heaviest snowfall. A sustained cold pattern with significant precipitation could potentially allow Skibowl to reopen, though the extent of current coverage challenges may require substantial accumulation before safe operations resume.

The announcement serves as a reminder of the inherent uncertainty in ski resort operations, where businesses must contend with weather conditions beyond their control while maintaining expensive infrastructure and managing customer expectations. For a sport and industry fundamentally dependent on specific climatic conditions, variability creates challenges that even the most sophisticated snowmaking systems cannot always overcome.

Mt. Hood Skibowl's suspension leaves the Portland area—one of the largest metropolitan regions with proximity to skiing—with significantly reduced access to winter sports during what should be the season's peak period. For the thousands of local skiers and riders who rely on Skibowl's convenience and night skiing offerings, the closure represents a disappointing interruption to their winter routines and a concerning sign of the challenges facing accessible, lower-elevation ski areas.