Getting there

By air: Portland has the nearest airport, 53 miles away.

By car: U.S. Hwy. 26 passes Mt. Hood SkiBowl, 53 miles east of Portland.

Getting around: A car is vital; however, if you rent you may find yourself in a Catch-22 situation. Tire chains are a necessity and you can get fined if you're caught without them (or four-wheel-drive) when "Traction Devices Required" signs are posted. The Portland airport has five rental-car agencies. Some will permit chain installation as long as you pay for any damage to the car, but you must buy the chains. (Ask about this when you inquire about rental cars.) It's better to rent a four-wheel-drive car—most agencies have them.

All the Mt. Hood ski areas are in Sno-Parks, which require parking permits. They cost $4 per day or $22 for the season and are available at the ski areas and at many stores on the way to the mountains.