Lodging (Area Code 503)

The only slopeside lodging in the region is Timberline Lodge (800-547-1406; 231-5400; $-$$$; left), a National Historic Landmark located at the 6,000-foot level in the middle of the ski area. Built in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration, a Depression-era federal work program, it's filled with stunning artistic details such as carved stairway banisters, colored linoleum wall murals and wrought-iron fireplace decor made from old railroad tracks. Eleven chalet rooms with a shared bathroom and shower across the hall are available. Though Christmas season is sold out 15 months in advance, try to book for early December when the decorations are in place.

Also at Timberline is a unique group lodging opportunity: Silcox Hut (622-7979; $$). The restored structure, built in 1939, was the terminus for the original Magic Mile chair lift. Now bunk rooms hold up to 24 guests. There's a minimum of 12 people on weekdays and 16 people on weekends/holidays. Prices include dinner, breakfast and transportation to and from the hut.

The Resort at the Mountain (800-669-7666; 622-3101; $$; right) is 20 minutes down-mountain from Timberline and 45 minutes from the Portland airport. Here you can golf and ski in the same day.

Other lodging is available in the town of Government Camp, across Hwy. 26 from SkiBowl. The ever changing and growing Government Camp is now home to Timberline's newest lodging property, the luxurious The Lodge at Government Camp (231-5400 or 800-547-1406; $$$).

The Mt. Hood Inn (800-443-7777; 272-3205; $$–$$$; below) is a modern hotel that serves a continental breakfast. Rooms with jetted tubs can be requested. Ask about discounted lift tickets. Other lodging at Government Camp includes Huckleberry Inn (272-3325; $–$$) and Thunderhead Lodge Condominiums (272-3368).

Collins Lake Resort, left,(888-422-4776; $$$) is the first new residential housing development in Government Camp in more than 30 years. At present there are 151 mountain chalets, which are privately owned but available for rental.

Eleven miles from Mt. Hood Meadows toward Hood River on Hwy. 35 is the Inn at Cooper Spur (541-352-6037; $–$$$). It has 1,200-square-foot log cabins that sleep seven and a group of hot tubs embedded in what may once have been a tennis court.

Mt. Hood Meadows has several ski/lodging packages with Hood River B&Bs, inns and hotels, with $25 lift tickets as part of the package. For details, call 800-754-4663 or visit the resort's Web site.

A delightful B&B on the Washington side of the Columbia River is the Inn of the White Salmon (800-972-5226; $$), loaded with local history and old-time charm. It offers packages with Mt. Hood Meadows. Rates include breakfast.

Lodging Legend: (double room) $$$$–$200+; $$$–$141–$200; $$–$81–$140; $–$80 and less