What it's Really Like to Ski Mt. Hood in July

Despite North America's numerous high-altitude peaks, there's only one ski area that offers lift-served skiing throughout the summer on a reliable basis-- Timberline Lodge, Oregon.

The historic lodge rests at 6,000 feet, slightly more than halfway up the towering volcanic peak of Mt. Hood, but a deep summer snowpack can be found just a couple of chairlift rides away.

I don't remember the moment that I first saw a video of summer skiing on Mt. Hood, but I certainly haven't forgotten the feelings it elicited-- jealousy, fascination, determination.

As a kid who suffered through long summers of sweltering temperatures and oppressive humidity on the east coast, the FOMO was overwhelming. I simply couldn't get over the fact that fellow Americans were scratching their skiing itches all summer long while I was forced to go to the beach.

After 28 years on this Earth, I finally made my pilgrimage to Timberline and Mt. Hood on July 24th, 2024. It's a day I'll never forget.

The purpose of my quick jaunt up to Hood from Tahoe was to shoot an upcoming sponsored video for 5-Hour Energy. Stay tuned. I can't wait to show you how we squeezed three sports in one day for my Summer Trifecta. In the meantime, let's get back to what's most important- the skiing.

Timberline Lodge Conditions, July 24th, 2024

Note: Take this conditions report with a grain of salt (that will be funny later, I promise) as it's nearly been a week since I skied Timberline, but it should be a fair representation of how Palmer is holding up this summer.

Timberline July 2024 Layout

As I learned through conversation, the Palmer Glacier and its trails vary each season depending on the snow depth. This year, thanks to late-spring storms, Timberline has a plethora of options.

Starting with the looker's right, there are at least a dozen or so slalom and GS lanes set up for ski race campers. Each lane was constantly being used by a few dozen kiddos and young adults honing in their skills.

Further to the right is a groomed freeskiing lane, about a hundred yards wide that's open to the public. Below the freeskiing lane are a smattering of terrain parks and halfpipe options, some open to the public, some not.

Surprisingly, there are still a few off-piste/ungroomed routes for the public to explore beneath the Palmer Lift and to the looker's left of it. These runs aren't salted, but were loads of fun as they featured rocks, tight squeezes through rock walls, and a taste of true freeskiing.

Timberline July 2024 Snow Quality

Timberline farms and preserves snow to build a base that will last throughout the summer. With that said, it takes much more than a few clever snow preservation tactics to make the surface rideable in late July. The secret? Salt.

Each groomed run and terrain park is loaded with a layer of salt to make the surface harder and faster. This is essential to prevent the sticky snow we're all familiar with in the spring. I was blown away by how fast I was able to ski throughout the morning. It felt like skiing on a firm yet forgiving spring groomer, rather than a melting snowfield at the end of July.

We skied from roughly 8AM to 12PM in temperatures ranging from 45 degrees to about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The surface started to slush up as the sun rose higher in the sky, but I never felt unsafe or bothered by sticky snow. It was fun from start to finish.

Timberline July 2024 Overall Impression

I alluded earlier that traveling to Timberline in July was high on my bucket list, and while the starry-eyes of fulfilling a lifelong dream might sway my judgement, I feel confident in agreeing with those that came before me. Summer skiing at Timberline is a MUST for every skier.

I only skied for a few hours, but the experience instantly became a 'core memory' as the Gen Z'ers are saying these days. Timberline is where skiing continues to live and breathe while the rest of the country rests. It was special to live in that world, even if just for a few moments.

My only gripe about the experience is that I had to go home after skiing just one day. I scratched my itch temporarily, but it's returned stronger than ever. Oh well. We'll be one day closer to the (normal) ski season tomorrow!

If you've been waiting years to make it happen like I did, don't. Book that trip. Get the summer wax ready. Go skiing. You won't regret it.

Related: Is Bigger Better? The 10 Largest Ski Resorts in North America

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