I’ve never skied or snowboarded in my life. I’ve only ice skated once, clinging to the sides of the rink the entire time. However, I do enjoy winter weather, snow, and ski resorts. Therefore, I took a trip up to Mt. Hood Skibowl to enjoy some snow tubing and drinks.
Located in the scenic town of Government Camp, Oregon, Skibowl is your typical ski resort with ski lifts and lodges. However, if you’re like me and prefer to avoid the risk of crashing into a tree and going out like Sonny Bono, I recommend the much safer snow tubing. It’s so safe that even little kids can do it, and indeed, most of the patrons were little kids. They also offer night tubing for adults, complete with nightclub-style lights and music. When I visited, there were plenty of families with well-behaved children who said please and thank you, addressed me as Sir, and waited patiently in line—no running around or screaming, unlike most places that cater to the “family-friendly crowd.”
One of the most convenient features of this place is the conveyor belt that effortlessly transports you and your tube up the hill. There’s no need to struggle with dragging your tube up a slippery, snowy hillside unless you’re caught between time slots and the belt is temporarily closed. A single ticket grants you unlimited tubing, tubes included, for about an hour and a half. Once at the top, you choose the shortest of a dozen lines and wait your turn, usually about 10 minutes. The staff counts down from three, and if you go too early or late, the attendant at the bottom lets you know. The entire process, including the 20-second slide down the hill, takes about 15 minutes. It’s a breeze, just like a water park.
Actually, sliding down the snow is exhilarating. You have to ride tummy down, unless directed otherwise by the staff. Although it’s safe, be cautious, as you might lose a hat or your ski tickets. Near the conveyor belt, there’s a pile of lost and found items, including hats, scarves, and a few jackets. Upon arrival, you’ll need to purchase passes, which cost around $35. They’re attached with a zip tie to your jacket for visibility, but beware, they tend to fall off. I found someone’s lift pass in the snow and handed it to one of the teenagers working there.
There’s a cozy lodge named 90 Degrees with a cafeteria-style restaurant offering food and drinks at a slightly higher price. If you’re looking for a drink to warm yourself, I recommend heading upstairs to the bar area. They have a better selection, and their beer is slightly cheaper than the restaurant downstairs. I bought a 12 oz Bud Light for $6 downstairs and a 16 oz PBR upstairs for $5. You can also order food at the bar, and although the menu is limited compared to downstairs, the view is nicer, and they have a fireplace—though it wasn’t lit when I was there. I enjoyed a few relaxing drinks amidst the backpacks and ski gear left unattended around the lodge. It’s a very safe and well-behaved environment. After catching a buzz, I went down the snow a few more times before taking my 2-hour bus trip back to Portland.
I had a really nice time at Mt. Hood Skibowl. I’ll probably make it an annual tradition. It’s an affordable experience that complements the winter season well. Next time, I’d probably pack a picnic and invest in some snow boots, but I recommend it to anyone, with or without kids, looking to get out of the city for a day.
