MoZie's Top 10 Winter Picks

Oregon is the largest producer of Christmas Trees in the U.S., and Mt. Hood Territory is the largest producer in Oregon. Choose-N-Cut your special Christmas Tree at one of our many tree farms or pay a nominal permit fee to cut a wild tree from the Mt. Hood National Forest. Sip cocoa, sample treats, and hop on a wagon ride out to the field to cut the perfect tree. Take home the freshest greenery from local tree farms to make your own wreath. Learn a variety of hands-on crafts directly from the artists. Sign up for a cooking class to learn how to turn your harvest forages into scrumptious and hearty meals.

Mt. Hood Territory offers a multitude of one-of-a-kind shopping venues, and your purchases are completely free of sales tax here and throughout Oregon. If you're a collector of art, antiques, quilts or collectibles, you'll find unique shops and galleries filled with "must have" treasures. The beauty and inspiration of Mt. Hood Territory can be seen in our local artists' creations. Pace yourself for a leisurely day shopping. Take time to sip an eggnog latte in between purchases at one of our local coffee establishments. Shop early for your holiday gift giving!

Celebrate the season with performing arts. Mt. Hood Territory has a love for the theatre and cultural arts, from our semi-professional groups to community theaters. Catch a 2011-12 season performance of “White Christmas” by the Lakewood Theatre Company, “Hairspray!” by the New Century Players, or “A Tuna Christmas" and "Marvin's Room” by the Sandy Actors Theatre. Make enough time to take in delicious regional northwest dining before or after the performance.

Mt. Hood Territory is one enormous playground where adults and children will experience adventures that promise to make for lifelong memories. From winter recreation at the top of Mt. Hood to the indoor attractions in the Willamette Valley, there are thrills for everyone. Ride the Big Surf, the only local indoor wave pool or dive into fun on the slides at the Aquatic Park. Scale a rock wall, try your skill at laser tag and indoor arcades, or go for a spin on a thrilling amusement ride. If a slower pace is what you seek, rejuvenate and recharge your body, mind and senses with a natural spa experience.

Ski and snowboard on more than 3,000 acres of slopes at our three Mt. Hood ski areas. Timberline Lodge & Ski Area offers the longest ski season in North America and is the first ski resort in the world to receive the Sustainable Travel International Certification, Mt. Hood Skibowl leads the way with the most night-skiing terrain in the nation, and the small but mighty Summit Ski Area is the oldest in the Pacific Northwest. There is “snow” time like the present to ride the slopes.

Mt. Hood has miles of trails and a huge reputation for delivering stunning views along the way. To really experience nature's winter wonder, strap on your snowshoes, teles or x-country skis and glide over hundreds of miles of trails taking in the forest's quiet splendor. Beginner to more challenging trails offer the opportunity to spot wildlife such as snowshoe hare, red fox, black tail deer, eagle and extroverted jays as you commune with nature and forests. See Mt. Hood as never before on a guided moonlight snowshoe tour.

From sledding and inner tubing to general frolic and snow play, Mt. Hood Territory is the heart of winter snow fun. Rent tubes or toboggans on our designated sliding hills for a fun family outing for all ages. The good times begin as you ride a specially-designed tube to the top of the hill, or get a winter workout with a hike to the top. It's a breath-taking ride to the bottom.  Enjoy the thrill of a wild snowball fight, creating a snow angel, constructing a snow fort or sculpting a handsome snowman.

Climb aboard for an exhilarating ride through high mountain and back country terrain of Mt. Hood Territory. Join Mt. Hood Adventure on one of their unforgettable snowmobile excursions. Mt. Hood Adventure is the only Mt. Hood National Forest snowmobile permit holder, and service comes with a smile as they deliver to the starting point and offer tours through the best riding terrain. Inexperienced and never ridden a snowmobile before? No worries, since experienced guides lead the way to excitement, fun and adventure.

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? The sound of sleigh bells harmonizes with the chorus of happy laughter as you glide through the forests and lamp-lit streets of Government Camp. A sleigh ride is a unique winter past-time that most people never get the opportunity to enjoy. Mt. Hood Territory offers the gentler pleasure of old-fashioned sleigh rides to clear the way for holiday family spirit or a romantic winterlude with that special someone.

Get out the grill or frying pan! Our rivers are teeming with winter steelhead. Imagine yourself drift boating the Clackamas River, or for the more adventurous, waist-deep in one of our crystal clear (cold) mountain streams trying your hand at fly fishing for winter steelhead. Take your pick from a large selection of seasoned fishing guides, all ready to provide the gear you need; or head out on your own with family and friends for a great day of fishing. Your fishing limit is waiting for you in Mt. Hood Territory.