Overview
Mount Hood is a great ski destination, especially in the spring when the Cascade Volcanoes are firing. There are many great aspects to ski including the Cooper Spur, the standard Hogsback Route and the Newton Clark Headwall. The peak is a great single day outing for those in good fitness and the skiing isn't as remote or glaciated making it a good introduction to more complex ski mountaineering objectives. However, this mountain is dangerous and sees many accidents and fatalities due to the lack of respect and "ease" of access.
Skier access
Mount Hood requires a free self-issued wilderness permit.
Southside Routes
Most folks opt for the Hogsback/Pearly Gates route by parking at the 6,000 foot Timberline Lodge on the south side of the mountain. Plenty of great parking and easy routefinding.
Northeast Cooper Spur/Newton Clark Headwall
Take Highway 35 from Hood River and follow it until the turn off to Cooper Spur Ski area, approximately 23 miles past the town. Drive an other 2 1/2 miles to the Cooper Spur Ski area (signs), and from there take forest service road 3512 towards Cloud Cap Inn/Tilly Jane and the trailhead (about 6000 ft elevation). This road can get rough sometimes over it's entire length of 9 miles. Trailhead is either the Cloud Cap Campground or the Tilly Jane Guard Station.
