A Return to the Glade: Mt. Hood Ski Tradition Set to Revisit a Classic Run

On a clear winter morning in Government Camp, it’s easy to imagine what the mountain looked like decades ago. Before high-speed lifts and groomed runs became the norm, skiers carved their way through trees and open glades, following routes that felt more like backcountry adventures than resort laps. For many longtime locals, those early ski routes weren’t just recreation. They were part of life on the mountain.

Later this month, the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum honors that pioneer spirit with its annual Ski the Glade event on Saturday, March 28. The daylong gathering invites skiers and snowboarders to retrace a historic three-mile route down the mountain, celebrating a piece of Mount Hood’s winter sports heritage that many locals still remember fondly.

According to a press release from the museum, “Weather allowing, the annual Ski the Glade event on Mt. Hood, hosted by the Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum, is set for Saturday, March 28.”

The event begins at Timberline Lodge, where participants set out on the historic Glade Trail and ski down to Government Camp, following a route that once represented one of the most adventurous descents on the mountain. Along the way, skiers are escorted by members of the Mt. Hood Ski Patrol and experienced local guides.

The press release explains that “participants are escorted by Mt. Hood Ski Patrol members and local guides while on the mountain. The trail begins at Timberline Lodge and ends at Government Camp, a distance of three miles.”

For many who attend, the event is less about speed and more about stepping into a living piece of mountain history.

“It’s an opportunity for grandparents to ski with their grandchildren, and share the memories of skiing the Glade Trail, when it was the biggest ski adventure on Mount Hood,” the museum noted in its announcement.

Shuttle service will be offered throughout the day, so you won't have to stop after just one run. Between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., this historic mountain chute will be open for business. The experience also includes a continental breakfast, a hearty lunch, and an après-ski celebration where drawings will be held.

Be sure to plan your outfit in advance, because attendees are encouraged to show up in vintage ski clothing. If you’ve ever wondered what your old neon ski jacket or ugly wool sweater might look like on the mountain again, this is your moment.

Beyond the skiing itself, the event helps support the museum’s broader mission of preserving the stories that shaped the Mount Hood community.

“This unique day on the mountain helps fulfill the museum's mission of preserving and interpreting the history of Mount Hood,” the press release states.

The Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum, located in Government Camp, highlights the region’s long relationship with winter recreation. Its exhibits cover early exploration of the mountain, the rise of ski culture, settlement in the area, and the natural history that continues to shape life here today. The museum operates year-round and also houses the Mt. Hood Information Center, making it a frequent stop for visitors and locals alike.

Still, like much of the mountain this winter, the event depends on snow conditions.

The current snowpack on Mount Hood has been lower than typical for this time of year. Because of that, organizers say a final decision about moving forward with Ski the Glade will be made by March 17.

The good news is that the heart of Oregon’s snow season isn’t over yet.

“There are still reasons to see the measuring cup as half full,” said Daniel Hartstock, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Portland, in the museum’s announcement. “From February through April, Mount Hood snowpack typically grows the most. This year there are no indicators that would suggest the precipitation outlook for that period will be either above or below normal levels.”

According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Mount Hood’s snowpack often continues building into early spring, depending on storm patterns and temperature shifts. That means the coming weeks could still determine whether late-season events like Ski the Glade get their window.

If the event moves forward, tickets will remain the same price as last year. Museum members can participate for $150, while non-members can purchase a ticket and membership package for $180. Youth ages 12 and younger, along with non-skiers attending the festivities, can join for $75. Organizers note that only a limited number of tickets will be available.

For those who’ve spent winters on Mount Hood, the event offers something rare: a chance to step back into a story that’s still unfolding. It’s the kind of tradition that reminds people why they love living here in the first place.

And it raises a question worth asking the community.

Do you remember skiing the Glade Trail back in the day, or is this something you’ve always wanted to try?

If you’ve got memories of skiing this route — or photos of vintage gear that might make an appearance on March 28 — locals would likely love to hear about it.

Because on Mount Hood, the best stories are often the ones passed down on the slopes.