You are here

Overnight Camping

Mt. Hood Meadows Team Overnight Parking Policy 

2024-25 Winter Season 

Overview: 
Mt. Hood Meadows Oreg.,LLC (“MHM”) will allow approved team members to “camp” overnight in resort parking lots on a limited and regulated basis.  This plan outlines the purpose and need of the overnight parking program with rules, regulations and expectations clearly stated.  Safety concerns are addressed and there is an approval process for the limited number of permits issued each season.  There shall be strict adherence to established rules and regulations with a Board established to review applications and address infractions and conflicts.   

Purpose and Need: 
Due to the rising costs of housing in the communities closest to MHM a portion of our team members are struggling to find and/or afford housing while working at MHM.  In addition to the lack of affordable housing there have been conflicts with MHM team members “camping” in area snow parks before and/or after working at MHM.  The cost of housing and fuel make it difficult to commit to working at a ski area in our remote location.  These stressors contribute to limiting the available applicant pool.   

MHM is actively expanding available team housing, but demand is outpacing current availability.  Allowing limited overnight camping in designated MHM parking lots may help alleviate some of the housing needs and take some pressure off neighboring Sno-Park areas.  Having the option of overnight camping will also benefit the hiring and retention of team members. 

Rules, Requirements and Regulations: 
This program has clear rules and regulations.  A review board has been established to process permits, address violations and complaints.  The board acts as liaison between team members and MHM.  There will be a limited number of permits issued through the application process.  Use of the program will be closely monitored, and any violation will result in suspension from the program. 

Permit requirements: 

  • Successful completion and approval of application and release of liability; including agreement to abide by all rules and regulations set forth in this program. 
  • Proof of valid driver’s license, current insurance and current registration.  The Board shall be notified of any changes of vehicle, license, insurance or registration. 
  • Vehicle must be adequately equipped for winter driving (4WD, snow tires or chains). 
  • Current Oregon Sno-Park Permit 
  • Acknowledgement and agreement of camping rules, regulations and consequences for violations. 
  • The administration cost for each permit is: 
  • Annual – $50.00  
  • Nightly – $5.00 
  • The permit must stay with the vehicle. 
  • MHM Team Overnight Permits are non-transferable. 


Number of permits issued, maximum number of vehicles allowed each night and maximum number of nights per week: 

  • There will be 30 permits issued (including the ten temporary permits) at any given time. 
  • Up to ten temporary permits shall be available to check out daily after 10am on a first come first served basis at a cost of $5/night.  These temporary permits must be returned by 10am the following day. 
  • A maximum of 24 vehicles may stay overnight at one time. 
  • The camping week mirrors the MHM work week (Saturday-Friday).   A maximum of four nights is allowed each week. 


Camping rules and regulations: 

  • Each vehicle shall have valid Sno-Park Permit. 
  • Each camper is responsible for their own garbage and recycling removal.  Garbage must be disposed of off-site and NOT in MHM garbage cans or compactor. 
  • No open fires or flames with the exception of gas stoves and gas warming fires with appropriate shut off mechanisms. 
  • Quiet time 10pm-6am.  Loud noises are prohibited during this time; including but not limited to generators, music that can be heard from another vehicle, loud talking, barking dogs, etc. 
  • Large gatherings (six or more people), parties or other noisy activities are prohibited. 
  • No Tents – all humans and animals must sleep inside a vehicle. 
  • Dogs/pets must be under the owners’ control and all waste must be picked up. 
  • No snow caves. 
  • Campers must use appropriate porta-john or restroom.  Inappropriate disposal of human or pet waste will result in suspension from the program (including staying as a guest in another vehicle). 
  • No oversized vehicles or tow behinds – vehicles must fit in a regular sized parking spot. 
  • Campers are responsible for snow removal around their vehicle. 
  • Campers must agree to move their vehicle at any time to accomplish parking lot snow removal or traffic flow. 
  • Vehicles must move to a regular parking spot by 6am each morning.  This includes night shift team members. 
  • Consequences for violations – one strike = suspension from the program for the remainder of the season (unless otherwise determined by the review board).  Further consequences will be considered by the board on a case-by-case basis. 


Location: 

  • Overnight camping will generally be allowed in a designated area of the Nordic parking lot.  The grouping of cars shall be at least three vehicle widths away from the Nordic center and any ice wall. 
  • MHM reserves the right to relocate the camping area at any time during the winter season to accommodate traffic flow and snow removal.  MHM will make a good faith effort to timely notify campers of a pending relocation. 
  • ODOT snow removal activities may occur at any time adjacent to the camping area. 


Monitoring and enforcement: 

  • Violation of any rules and regulations will result in a minimum (unless otherwise stated by the Board) program suspension for the remainder of the season. 
  • The Board consists of Mel Toney VP of Mountain Operations, Rena Henderson Director of Human Resources, Jess Zerfing Parking Lot Manager, Celia Cloniger DPS Manager, TBD Team Representative and TBD Camp Host.  The Board will appoint the camp host, review and approve applicants, review incidents and complaints, and address any violations. 
  • Applicants shall make their vehicle available for inspection by the Board.  This inspection shall be limited to the review of driver’s license, insurance, registration, exterior of the vehicle to note appropriate size/length and use of winter tires or traction devices. 


Safety: 

  • There will be an established camp host and/or a team representative. 
  • Team representative or camp host shall be provided with a MHM radio to maintain communications with DPS for any safety concerns. 
  • Dogs shall be leashed or under strict voice control. 
  • No tents, snow caves or other sleeping outside of vehicles. 


Approval process: 

  • Once completed, applications will be reviewed by the Board in the order in which they are received. 
  • If approved, team members will receive a placard to keep in their vehicle for identification purposes.   
  • Vehicles without the appropriate placard will be asked to leave the team overnight area and comply with all other parking rules and regulations. 


Suspensions and appeals: 

  • The Board shall review all applications, appeals, complaints, concerns, etc. 
  • If a violation of rules has occurred, the Board shall determine the length of suspension from the program. 
  • The team member has the opportunity to submit a written appeal within 30 days of their suspension.  After consideration of that written appeal the decision of the Board is final 
  • Mt. Hood Meadows leadership and the program review board may pause or suspend the program at any time.  Permit holders shall be given 12 hours’ notice of any pause or suspension of the program. 


Complaints and damages: 

  • MHM is not responsible for any damage to the vehicle or the personal property of those participating in this program.  This includes the personal property of any guests of a permit holder. 
  • The Board shall review and respond to complaints generated by this program. 
  • Questions, comments and feedback can be directed to any of the following Board members: 
  • Camp Host – TBD 
  • Team Representative – TBD 


Release and Indemnification 
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND WAIVER OF CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS. 

Participant understands that activities in a mountain environment include an element of risk and are potentially hazardous.  Participants are aware that, despite instruction by the MHM Team Overnight Parking Policy and/or MHM Team, this activity involves certain inherent risks, dangers and hazards that can result in property damage, personal injury and in extreme cases death.  Participant accepts and assumes any and all risks associated with participating in MHM Team Overnight Parking, including, but not limited to, changing weather conditions, changing surface conditions of roads and parking lots, collisions with natural or man-made objects or equipment or other persons.  Participant hereby freely and expressly assume any and all risk of property damage, injury, paralysis and death associated with this activity.  

In consideration for participation in MHM Team Overnight Parking and use of any other area facilities and premises, Participant hereby agrees to release, hold harmless and indemnify Mt. Hood Meadows and Cooper Spur Mountain Resort and their owners, partners, employees, directors, officers, agents, affiliates and related entities (“Meadows”) from any and all claims by or on behalf of Participant against Meadows arising directly or indirectly out of Participant’s participation in any activity/event and/or the use of area facilities or premises. This release includes claims and liabilities arising from any cause whatsoever, including, but not limited to ordinary negligence on the part of Meadows. This release is binding upon Participant, and Participant’s heirs, assigns and legal representatives. 

  •  

Overnight Camping Application/Registration/Release

Contact Information

Name(Required)
Address(Required)

Vehicle/License/Insurance/Registration Information

Max. file size: 32 MB.
Max. file size: 32 MB.
Max. file size: 32 MB.

Dog/Pet Information

Dog/Pet(Required)
Max. file size: 32 MB.
In MHM Bring Your Dog to Work Program?

Policy and Rules of Use Agreement

Permit requirements (by checking each box you acknowledge reading each permit requirement)(Required)
Camping rules and regulations(by checking each box you acknowledge reading the camping rules and regulations)(Required)
Mt. Hood Meadows Team Overnight Parking Program 2024-25 Winter Season Overview: Mt. Hood Meadows Oreg.,LLC (“MHM”) will allow approved team members to “camp” overnight in resort parking lots on a limited and regulated basis. This plan outlines the purpose and need of the overnight parking program with rules, regulations and expectations clearly stated. Safety concerns are addressed and there is an approval process for the limited number of permits issued each season. There shall be strict adherence to established rules and regulations with a Board established to review applications and address infractions and conflicts. Purpose and Need: Due to the rising costs of housing in the communities closest to MHM a portion of our team members are struggling to find and/or afford housing while working at MHM. In addition to the lack of affordable housing there have been conflicts with MHM team members “camping” in area snow parks before and/or after working at MHM. The cost of housing and fuel make it difficult to commit to working at a ski area in our remote location. These stressors contribute to limiting the available applicant pool. MHM is actively expanding available team housing, but demand is outpacing current availability. Allowing limited overnight camping in designated MHM parking lots may help alleviate some of the housing needs and take some pressure off neighboring SnowPark areas. Having the option of overnight camping will also benefit the hiring and retention of team members. Rules, Requirements and Regulations: This program has clear rules and regulations. A review board has been established to process permits, address violations and complaints. The board acts as liaison between team members and MHM. There will be a limited number of permits issued through the application process. Use of the program will be closely monitored, and any violation will result in suspension from the program. Permit requirements: • Successful completion and approval of application and release of liability; including agreement to abide by all rules and regulations set forth in this program. • Proof of valid driver’s license, current insurance and current registration. The Board shall be notified of any changes of vehicle, license, insurance or registration. • Vehicle must be adequately equipped for winter driving (4WD, snow tires or chains). • Acknowledgement and agreement of camping rules, regulations and consequences for violations. • The administration cost for each permit is: o Annual - $50.00 o Nightly - $5.00 • The permit must stay with the vehicle. • Permits are non-transferrable. Number of permits issued, maximum number of vehicles allowed each night and maximum number of nights per week: • There will be 30 permits issued (including the ten temporary permits) at any given time. • Up to ten temporary permits shall be available to check out daily after 10am on a first come first served basis at a cost of $5/night. These temporary permits must be returned by 10am the following day. • Maximum 24 vehicles may stay overnight at one time. • The camping week mirrors the MHM work week (Saturday-Friday). A maximum of four nights is allowed each week. Camping rules and regulations: • Each camper is responsible for their own garbage and recycling removal. Garbage must be disposed of off-site and NOT in MHM garbage cans or compactor. • No open fires or flames with the exception of gas stoves and gas warming fires with appropriate shut off mechanisms. • Quiet time 10pm-6am. Loud noises are prohibited during this time; including but not limited to generators, music that can be heard from another vehicle, loud talking, barking dogs, etc. • Large gatherings (six or more people), parties or other noisy activities are prohibited. • No Tents – all humans and animals must sleep inside a vehicle. • Dogs/pets must be under the owners’ control and all waste must be picked up. • No snow caves. • Campers must use appropriate porta-john or restroom. Inappropriate disposal of human or pet waste will result in suspension from the program (including staying as a guest in another vehicle). • No oversized vehicles or tow behinds – vehicles must fit in a regular sized parking spot. • Campers are responsible for snow removal around their vehicle. • Campers must agree to move their vehicle at any time to accomplish parking lot snow removal or traffic flow. • Vehicles must move to a regular parking spot by 6am each morning. This includes night shift team members. • Consequences for violations – one strike = suspension from the program for the remainder of the season (unless otherwise determined by the review board). Further consequences will be considered by the board on a case-by-case basis. Location: • Overnight camping will generally be allowed in a designated area of the Nordic parking lot. The grouping of cars shall be at least three vehicle widths away from the Nordic center and any ice wall. • MHM reserves the right to relocate the camping area at any time during the winter season to accommodate traffic flow and snow removal. MHM will make a good faith effort to timely notify campers of a pending relocation. • ODOT snow removal activities may occur at any time adjacent to the camping area. Monitoring and enforcement: • Violation of any rules and regulations will result in a minimum (unless otherwise stated by the Board) program suspension for the remainder of the season. • The Board consists of Mel Toney VP of Mountain Operations, Rena Henderson Director of Human Resources, Jess Zerfing Parking Lot Manager, Celia Cloniger DPS Manager, TBD Team Representative and TBD Camp Host. The Board will appoint the camp host, review and approve applicants, review incidents and complaints, and address any violations. • Applicants shall make their vehicle available for inspection by the Board. This inspection shall be limited to the review of driver’s license, insurance, registration, exterior of the vehicle to note appropriate size/length and use of winter tires or traction devices. Safety: • There will be an established camp host and/or a team representative. • Team representative or camp host shall be provided with a MHM radio to maintain communications with DPS for any safety concerns. • Dogs shall be leashed or under strict voice control. • No tents, snow caves or other sleeping outside of vehicles. Approval process: • Once completed, applications will be reviewed by the Board in the order in which they are received. • If approved, team members will receive a placard to keep in their vehicle for identification purposes. • Vehicles without the appropriate placard will be asked to leave the team overnight area and comply with all other parking rules and regulations. Suspensions and appeals: • The Board shall review all applications, appeals, complaints, concerns, etc. • If a violation of rules has occurred, the Board shall determine the length of suspension from the program. • The team member has the opportunity to submit a written appeal within 30 days of their suspension. After consideration of that written appeal the decision of the Board is final • Mt. Hood Meadows leadership and the program review board may pause or suspend the program at any time. Permit holders shall be given 12 hours’ notice of any pause or suspension of the program. Complaints and damages: • MHM is not responsible for any damage to the vehicle or the personal property of those participating in this program. This includes the personal property of any guests of a permit holder. • The Board shall review and respond to complaints generated by this program. • Questions, comments and feedback can be directed to any of the following Board members: o Mel Toney mel.toney@skihood.com, 503-337-2222x1257 o Rena Henderson rena.henderson@skihood.com, 503-337-2222x1312 o Jess Zerfing jess.zerfing@skihood.com 503-337-2222x1313 o Celia Cloinger celia.cloinger@skihood.com 503-337-2222x1251 o Camp Host – TBD o Team Representative - TBD

Release and Indemnification

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND WAIVER OF CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS. Participant understands that activities in a mountain environment include an element of risk and are potentially hazardous. Participants are aware that, despite instruction by the MHM Team Overnight Parking Policy and/or MHM Team, this activity involves certain inherent risks, dangers and hazards that can result in property damage, personal injury and in extreme cases death. Participant accepts and assumes any and all risks associated with participating in MHM Team Overnight Parking, including, but not limited to, changing weather conditions, changing surface conditions of roads and parking lots, collisions with natural or man-made objects or equipment or other persons. Participant hereby freely and expressly assume any and all risk of property damage, injury, paralysis and death associated with this activity. In consideration for participation in MHM Team Overnight Parking and use of any other area facilities and premises, Participant hereby agrees to release, hold harmless and indemnify Mt. Hood Meadows and Cooper Spur Mountain Resort and their owners, partners, employees, directors, officers, agents, affiliates and related entities (“Meadows”) from any and all claims by or on behalf of Participant against Meadows arising directly or indirectly out of Participant’s participation in any activity/event and/or the use of area facilities or premises. This release includes claims and liabilities arising from any cause whatsoever, including, but not limited to ordinary negligence on the part of Meadows. This release is binding upon Participant, and Participant’s heirs, assigns and legal representatives.