PLAN YOUR TRIP

STEP 1: MAKE A RESERVATION

This year, we are requiring advanced reservations! Check out our Book Online page for up-to-date availability!

STEP 2: COMPLETE YOUR PAPERWORK

STEP 3: WHERE TO GO

Olympic Ski and Snowboard School is located at the base of Skibowl West. Our building is adjacent to the parking lot on the eastern side. When you arrive, please check in with us first!

​

Please be aware that roads leading to our resort often have hazardous driving conditions and traffic, especially on weekends. Always carry chains/proper equipment during winter mountain driving and expect weather and traffic-related delays. 

​

Mount Hood Skibowl is the closest mountain resort to Portland. We are approximately 50 miles east of Portland on US Highway 26 in Government Camp.  Travel time from downtown Portland is about an hour without delays. 

The Ski and Snowboard School is in the parking lot of Skibowl West which is on the right hand side of Hwy 26 just as you crest the top of the pass. 

STEP 4: WHEN TO ARRIVE

We ask that you arrive an hour early and two hours early on weekends/holidays from your scheduled lesson time. Students who arrive within 40 min of their lesson will be unable to participate.

​

If you are the first private lesson of the day (3pm weekdays, 9am weekends/holidays), please arrive 30 min prior to your lesson when our office opens. Our office opens by 2:30pm Monday through Thursday and 8:30 am on Fridays, weekends and holidays.

STEP 5: WHAT TO BRING

• Your completed Release Form (one per group)

​

• What to Wear:

  • Outdoor experts have found that three layers of good fitting clothes made from modern materials work best:   

    • The first layer is usually composed of long underwear designed to wick moisture away from your body and keep you dry.

    • Second layers are there to keep you warm and are often made from wool or fleece.

    • The third or outer layer should keep wind and moisture from entering.

  • Coat and pants (either bring your own or rent from our Rental Shop) that are water-resistant.

  • A hat or helmet to keep your head warm and dry. We also recommend helmets, which are available to rent.

  • Gloves are a necessity and waterproof ones are the best.  

  • A single pair of warm socks are important.

  • A pair of sunglasses or goggles. Although not necessary, they are very helpful in bright sun or snowy conditions.

​

• Equipment:

  • Level 0 - 2 students will have rentals through Ski Bowl (included for an awesome price in our packages)

  • Level 3+ has the option to bring your own equipment including skis/boots/bindings/poles or snowboard/boots.  Remember, any equipment malfunctions of personal gear are not the responsibility of Skibowl Ski School and will take away from class time.  

  • If you are renting, please fill out our online Rental Self-Entry form in advance!​​

​

• A credit card to put on file for the $400 rental insurance hold. You will not be charged unless your rental equipment is damaged, lost or stolen.

​

• You will also need a SnoPark parking pass. All Mt. Hood area ski resorts are on US Forest Service property and ODOT requires a winter ‘parking permit’ on every vehicle. The small fees collected for these permits help offset expenses related to keeping the mountain roads open during the winter.  These permits are sold at many stores in the Portland region and at most stores and gas stations along the Hwy 26 route up to the mountain. We also offer them for purchase at Skibowl customer service.

STEP 6: HAVE AN AWESOME LESSON!

Our instructors are qualified through our PSIA/AASI Registered Ski School to teach the best learning progression out there! They spend a good deal of their time taking lessons themselves and learning to become better instructors and are excited to meet and teach you!