Hood River, perched along the Columbia River, has long been a favorite outdoor destination for mountain biking, wind surfing and kiteboarding. But come winter, the town is just as ideally located for winter recreation, with downhill skiing and snowboarding on Mt. Hood and local sno-parks within easy reach. Here’s how to enjoy an active outdoor vacation based in Hood River.
Where to Stay for a Hood River Winter Adventure
Hood River continues to expand its lodging offerings, including the exciting addition of the new Lightwell Hotel, which celebrated its opening in November 2025. The full-service downtown property is housed in the restored 1904 Waucoma Hotel, and features an in-house Mediterranean restaurant and a lobby coffee shop and bar. A subterranean spa complete with a soaking pool, dry sauna and massage treatment rooms is the perfect recovery antidote to a long day recreating outdoors.
Another longtime favorite, also located downtown, is the Hood River Hotel, known for its historical flair and Northwest-inspired vintage décor. In addition to traditional guest rooms, the hotel offers an affordable, hostel-style bunkhouse, along with a sauna and a lively lobby lounge centered around a fireplace (a delight for holiday decorations).
Set along the banks of the Columbia River Gorge, the Hood River Inn is another popular choice, with 194 guest rooms, some with beautiful Columbia River views, plus discounted rates for Mt. Hood Meadows skiers.
Downhill Skiing, Nordic Skiing and Sledding From Your Hood River Basecamp
For alpine skiing and snowboarding, the learning-friendly slopes at Cooper Spur and the expansive terrain at Mt. Hood Meadows are the two closest options to Hood River. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will find world-class grooming and stunning views at the Teacup Nordic Sno-Park, one of Oregon’s premier Nordic destinations.
When visiting Mt. Hood Meadows, you’ll want to pre-purchase lift tickets, lessons and rentals online in advance. The 2,150-acre resort features something for everyone, with 11 lifts across two base areas, and terrain ranging from wide, groomed runs and gladed tree skiing to advanced, gate-accessed double black diamond lines. Mt. Hood Meadows also offers night skiing on select evenings, along with a Nordic Center featuring 15 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails and access to the Umbrella Falls snowshoe trail network.
Copper Spur is an affordable standalone ski area tucked into the resort at Cooper Spur. The skiing includes a single chairlift accessing a series of beginner runs. Lift tickets and rentals are available at the resort, and lesson reservations are available in advance.
Nordic skiers will find extensive trail options at Teacup Nordic Sno-Park, which features 24 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails and a warming hut. Adult day passes are available for purchase online in advance.
For those who just want to play in the snow, head to Little John Sno-Park, which features a dedicated sledding hill for inner tubes and sliding discs (bring your own). An annual Sno-Park permit is required for parking at all Oregon Sno-Parks.
Guided Tours and Winter Recreation Equipment
Guided winter adventures are available through First Nature Tours, which offers snowshoe tours on Mt. Hood departing from Hood River, and Mt. Hood Outfitters, based in Government Camp, providing snowmobile tours as well as guided snowshoe and cross-country ski experiences.
New winter equipment and rentals, including alpine skis, snowboards, Nordic skis and snowshoes are available at Doug’s Hood River and Pure Stoke, both located downtown. Doug’s has been a local’s favorite since 1984 and carries everything needed for a day in the snow, from waterproof outerwear to gloves and goggles, with a separate rental shop. Pure Stoke also offers rentals and demos, as well as alpine touring skis and splitboard rentals, and all the equipment for backcountry exploring.
Getting To and From the Mountains
The drive from Hood River to Mt. Hood Meadows and Teacup Sno-Park is approximately 35 miles. Be sure to follow best practices for winter driving, including checking TripCheck for current road conditions before you go.
Prefer to skip the drive? Hop aboard the Columbia Area Transit (CAT) Gorge-to-Mountain Express bus, which picks up at the Hood River Event Site and drops riders directly at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area and Teacup Sno-Park. Download the CAT app to purchase tickets and be sure to check return times when planning your day in the snow.
Sea to Summit offers custom shuttle service to Mt. Hood in 4X4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans, which hold up to 11 people and are available by reservation at 503-286-9333 or online.
Breakfast and Après Ski In and Around Hood River
With winter’s shorter days, an early start helps you make the most of first tracks on freshly groomed runs or fresh turns in the powder. Before heading toward Mt. Hood, grab breakfast to go from River Daze Cafe in downtown Hood River. The café is known for its house-made sourdough English muffins (worth picking up a bag) served as hearty breakfast egg sandwiches. Pair one with a latte before heading out.
For breakfast with a kick, head to Kickstand Coffee & Bar, known for its Mexican-inspired, house-made favorites like masa sopes and mole chilaquiles. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, opt for Nutella-topped Belgian waffles. (Swing back through for locals-favorite dinner and infused craft-cocktails).
For a more leisurely, sit-down start, Broder Øst is located inside the Hood River Hotel, offering a filling Norwegian-style breakfast. Menu favorites include Nordic pancakes with lingonberries and Norwegian hash, along with fresh-squeezed orange juice and a full bar.
Along Highway 35, you’ll find a few hidden gems perfect for lunch or après ski. At Cooper Spur, The Crooked Tree offers a cozy, cabin atmosphere and dishes crafted with local ingredients.
At the Highway 281 split, Taqueria La Picosita is a popular food truck serving up authentic Mexican fare—ideal for a quick stop on your way back from the mountain. Continue into the town of Parkdale for a classic local après-ski scene at Solera Brewery. The laid-back taproom often hosts live music and serves warming favorites like a Cuban pulled pork sandwich or a steaming bowl of house-made vegetarian chili.
Venture farther along Highway 281 to Grateful Vineyards, a tucked-away tasting room with sweeping views of Mt. Hood, wood-fired pizza, and fondue. Be sure to call ahead, as winter hours can vary.
Recovery and Relaxation in Hood River
After a full day in the mountains, slow things down with a visit to Lightwell Hotel & Spa. Book a spa treatment or unwind in the subterranean soaking pool and sauna (the newly-opened hotel plans to offer public-access soon). Post-soak, linger over a drink in the lobby lounge offering seasonal cocktails and an extensive zero-proof menu.
For a relaxed winter wander, take a stroll through downtown. Browse vintage-modern clothing styles at Ice Cream for Crow, pop into G. Williker’s Toy Shoppe for toys and games, and explore local creativity at Art on Oak, plus so much more. If you’re looking for more of a recovery, stretch and reset with a drop-in yoga class at Machi Yoga.
If your Hood River visit coincides with fresh snowfall, a wintery stroll along the Hood River Waterfront Trail is always a scenic journey. The 2.8-mile paved path traces the Columbia River Gorge. Warm up along the way with a hot drink at Stoked Roasters.
End Each Day with a Cozy Dinner
After a full day in the snow, few things hit the spot like a bowl of ramen. Head to Mugen Noodles downtown for a steaming bowl in a cozy space that channels the après-ski vibes of a Niseko getaway—no passport required.
For a relaxed, social evening, gather at Pfriem Family Brewers, a Hood River staple for good reason. The Hood River Tasting Room pairs top-notch pub fare with fresh, well-crafted beers and a waterfront location that’s hard to beat.
For a special-occasion dinner, make a reservation at Celilo Restaurant & Bar, where the menu focuses on sustainably sourced ingredients from local farms and producers. Standout dishes include steaks, salmon, seasonal salads like kale with lemon vinaigrette or broccoli leaf salad, and a shareable spread of appetizers including house-made dips and bread. Pair your meal with an Oregon wine or a thoughtfully crafted cocktail.
