[Update for 2021/22: Due to ongoing pandemic restrictions that affect staffing, Timberline has made the difficult decision to make holiday meal reservations available to hotel guests only for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Likewise, many holiday events are open to registered lodge guests only.]
Few places effortlessly capture the holiday season as Timberline Lodge on the slopes of Mt. Hood. The historic lodge, built in 1937 by local craftspeople, features custom woodworking, masonry, wrought iron and textiles — resulting in a timeless atmosphere ideal for celebrating holiday traditions.
At an elevation of 6,000-feet, the Timberline Ski Area surrounds the lodge. The wide-open, high-alpine terrain is accessible during the early season by two high-speed quads, which eventually succumb to the deep snowpack. But, while they’re open, this terrain is not unlike what you’d find in the European Alps. The four lower lifts access a network of groomed runs and protected tree skiing allowing riders to find great turns no matter the weather conditions.
When visitors enter the lodge, they are greeted by a warm woodsy setting, the sounds of a crackling fire, expansive views of the snowy Mt. Hood summit and generous tail wagging from the resident St. Bernard dogs, Heidi and Bruno. Beginning the first week in December, the scene is set to the season as fragrant pine garlands, lights and festive decorations are strung throughout the lodge ahead of the annual holiday events. The seasonal cheer combined with ski-in-ski-out lodging makes for the ultimate ‘Norman Rockwell meets Warren Miller’ experience that you’ll only find at Timberline Lodge & Ski Area.
Christmas Tree Lighting
On Friday, December 13, 2019 the holiday season at Timberline kicks off with the lighting of the 30-foot evergreen tree along with caroling in the main lobby starting at 6:00 pm. Everyone is invited to join in decorating and singing. This holiday tradition is guaranteed to nudge even the biggest curmudgeon into the holiday spirit. No reservations required.
Christmas Eve
At Timberline Lodge, Christmas Eve is a popular tradition — the 70 available rooms are reserved well in advance, so early planning is advised (dinner reservations are available now). A gourmet Christmas Eve meal celebrating the bounty of Oregon ingredients is arguably the centerpiece of the celebration. The littlest guests might disagree however, as the Timberline staff roll out the red carpet for Santa’s arrival. The choreographed performance features the clamor of Santa’s sled on the snowy rooftop and his emergence from the chimney with a heart “Ho Ho Ho.”
Christmas Day
Christmas Day at Timberline Lodge can go one of two ways: guests are invited to spend the day watching the snowfall snuggled up in the warmth of the lodge, or you can hit the slopes and work up an appetite. Reconvene for the special multi-course, locally sourced Christmas meal served in Cascade Dining Room. Expect to see Santa out on the slopes! 2019 Dinner reservations are available now.
New Year’s Eve
The last night of the year is definitely a night to remember at Timberline. Skiers and snowboarders ride under the lights with night skiing offered from 4:00 p.m. to midnight. The fireworks show kicks off at 10:00 p.m. Guests are invited to warm up in the Ram’s Head bar with live music, drink specials and incredible views of the fireworks. The New Year’s Eve celebration also features a memorable Northwest Alpine-inspired dinner in the Cascade Dining Room (reservations are available here) with live music, dancing and a champagne toast.
Whether you’re visiting Timberline Lodge & Ski Area for a day of skiing or staying as a guest at the lodge, there are endless opportunities to experience the holiday cheer.
