Mt. Hood, OR – El Niño sure knows how to throw an end of the year snow party on Mt. Hood. Boasting a deeper snowpack than most of the country, and more snow in December than any in the past five seasons, Mt. Hood Meadows is ready to party on New Year’s Eve.
The evening includes lift operations until after midnight, fireworks, a dinner buffet and a party with live music by Dance Machine for those 21 and older. Revellers can also ride special New Year’s Eve buses to the mountain, departing from the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas.
Lifts are schedule to operate until midnight with the fireworks starting at 10:15 p.m. Guests can view the fireworks from the base area or from the mountain (but not from the chairlift). Lifts begin operation at 9 a.m., but those just coming up for the evening can purchase a Meadows After Dark lift pass from 3 p.m. to midnight for $49. Season passes are honored for New Year’s Eve lift access. If you have a day lift ticket you can upgrade it to midnight for an additional $15.
New Year’s Eve will be a showcase for the culinary talents of new Executive Chef Matthew Stine and the resort’s entire culinary services team. There are three seatings for the buffet: 5-5:30 p.m., 6:30-7:00 p.m., and 8:00-8:30 p.m. Seating times should be reserved online, and any remaining seating can be purchased on a first come, first served basis at the Concierge Desk upon your arrival at Meadows.
Dance Machine provides the New Year’s Eve entertainment at Mt. Hood Meadows, straight from the popular Hit Machine family of cover bands. This five-piece band features a female lead vocalist to pull off spot on renditions of favorite hits from the 70s through today. The party includes favors, a balloon drop, and a midnight champagne toast for ages 21 and older, and you can purchase it packaged with the dinner buffet. There’s a $15 cover charge for the party only, if there is availability on the night of the event.
Departing from the Monarch Hotel, the New Year’s Eve Party Buses transport revelers to the ski resort, and those under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. Departure time from the Monarch is 3 p.m., and from Mt. Hood Meadows is 12:30 a.m. All buses return to the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas and the cost is $25.