7 Crucial Things You MUST Know About The Mt. Hood Meadows Spring Pass 2026
Contents
Mt. Hood Meadows: A Profile of Oregon's Largest Ski Resort
Mt. Hood Meadows, often referred to simply as "Meadows," is the largest ski resort on Oregon’s iconic Mount Hood, located approximately 67 miles east of Portland in Hood River County. It is a premier destination known for its massive terrain, extensive lift system, and incredible views of the Cascade Range.- Location: Southeastern face of Mount Hood, Oregon.
- Founding: The resort was developed after Franklin Drake and his brothers successfully bid for the development rights from the U.S. Forest Service in 1966.
- Size: It is the largest ski resort on Mount Hood and one of the largest in Oregon.
- Elevation: The summit elevation is 7,300 feet, with a base elevation of 4,523 feet.
- Terrain: Over 2,150 acres of accessible terrain, including bowls, glades, and high-alpine areas.
- Key Lifts: Features high-speed quads and a robust lift network to handle crowds.
- Pass System: Offers a variety of passes, including the All Access Pass, Value Pass, Night Pass, and the seasonal Spring Pass. [cite: 12, 13 from previous search]
The 7 Essential Facts About the 2026 Spring Pass Sale
The Mt. Hood Meadows Spring Pass is designed to maximize your time on the slopes during the final, often best, weeks of the season. Here is a breakdown of the crucial details you need to know for the 2026 season, based on official 2025-2026 operational schedules and historical pass sale patterns.1. Expected Sale Start Date: Mid-February 2026
Historically, the Mt. Hood Meadows Spring Pass goes on sale in mid-February, often coinciding with the President's Day holiday weekend. [cite: 3 from previous search, 14 from previous search] For the 2026 season, you should anticipate the official announcement and sale to begin around February 17th to February 19th, 2026. Setting a calendar alert for this window is critical to securing the best possible price.2. Expected Start of Full Alpine Access: Early March 2026
While the Nordic Spring Pass often becomes valid immediately upon purchase (sometimes in mid-February for Nordic trails only), the full Alpine Spring Pass access typically begins in early March. [cite: 15 from previous search, 14 from previous search] You can expect to begin skiing or riding on all open lifts starting around March 5th, 2026, or the first weekend in March, giving you nearly two full months of unlimited access.3. The Incredible Value Proposition
The Spring Pass is one of the resort's best deals. Many long-time riders point out that the pass is often priced similarly to just two full-day lift tickets. [cite: 11 from previous search] If you plan to visit the mountain three or more times during the spring season, the Spring Pass pays for itself, making it a no-brainer for local enthusiasts.4. The 2026 Closing Day is Confirmed
The end date for the Spring Pass validity is the resort's official closing day for the season. For the 2025-2026 season, Mt. Hood Meadows has confirmed its final day of operation as May 2, 2026. This means your pass is valid for all open days and nights (until night operations conclude in early March) [cite: 19 from previous search] right up to the very last lift ride of the season. Note that 7-day-a-week operations are scheduled to end on April 19, 2026, with the final weeks transitioning to a weekend-only schedule.5. Upgrade Options for Current Pass Holders
If you currently hold a restricted pass, such as the Night Pass or the Beginner Progression Pass, the Spring Pass offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the entire mountain. In previous seasons, Meadows offered a discounted upgrade price for these pass holders, sometimes as low as $199. [cite: 3 from previous search] This upgrade grants you access to all lifts, including high-alpine terrain like the Cascade Express and Heather Canyon, which are typically off-limits on the lower-tier passes.6. The Nordic Spring Pass is a Separate, Affordable Option
For cross-country and snowshoe enthusiasts, the Nordic Spring Pass is a separate, highly affordable option. For the 2025/2026 season, the price for the Nordic Spring Pass was set at $59 for adults (ages 19+) and $34 for youth (18 and younger). [cite: 14 from previous search] This pass grants access to the extensive Nordic Trail System, which often remains in excellent condition well into the spring months.7. It’s Your Ticket to Unforgettable Spring Events
The Spring Pass is your all-access entry to Mt. Hood Meadows' legendary end-of-season party atmosphere. The spring calendar is packed with fun events that define the season. Key Spring 2026 Events to Mark on Your Calendar:- Spring Brew Fest: Scheduled for March 21, 2026, this popular event features craft beers from numerous Pacific Northwest breweries, live music, and a festive atmosphere on the deck.
- Double Mountain Pond Skim: The ultimate spring tradition, where participants attempt to skim across a man-made pond in their ski or snowboard gear. This event is scheduled for May 2, 2026, coinciding with the resort's closing day.
- Gear Demos: Look for opportunities in mid-March to try out the latest ski and snowboard gear from major brands.
Maximizing Your Mt. Hood Meadows Spring Skiing Experience
Spring skiing at Mt. Hood is a unique experience. As temperatures rise, the snow goes through a freeze-thaw cycle, resulting in what skiers call "corn snow"—soft, granular, and fast-moving. To get the best out of your Spring Pass, follow the sun. The Spring Pass is the ultimate value proposition for the final weeks of the season. It's your opportunity to experience the mountain at its most relaxed, with warmer weather, longer days, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Be ready to purchase in mid-February 2026 to secure your pass for the full run to the May 2nd closing day.Important Spring Skiing Entities and LSI Keywords
To fully enjoy your late-season runs, keep these key concepts in mind:- Corn Snow: The ideal spring condition, formed by the daily freeze-thaw cycle.
- Sunscreen: Absolutely essential, especially with the high elevation and sun reflection off the snow.
- Grooming: Meadows' grooming report is crucial; look for freshly groomed slopes early in the morning before the corn snow softens.
- Operational Schedule: Remember that night operations typically end in early March, and the 7-day-a-week schedule winds down in mid-April. [cite: 6, 19 from previous search]
- Terrain Parks: Spring is prime time for the terrain parks, which often feature creative, sun-soaked setups.
- Heather Canyon: The legendary expert terrain that often holds excellent snow conditions well into the spring.
- Portland Commute: Plan your travel to avoid peak weekend traffic, especially on the return drive to the Portland metropolitan area.
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