What type of weather should I expect on Mount Hood in the summer, and what would be appropriate gear to pack, primarily for skiing in late June?

Meghan McLaughlin

Expert Answer:

As with any mountain and especially with big mountains, you should be prepared for anything! With Mt Hood being in a coastal range, there are particularly dramatic changes from hot sun to snowy windy wet whiteout conditions. The large numbers of"incidents" on this mountain are due in many cases to these rapid changes, combined with poor preparation and inadequate equipment.

Take a layering system that allows you to add and remove clothing easily to adjust to any conditions. An insulated winter ski suit will be too warm and not versatile enough. A waterproof-breathable shell jacket and pants is desirable - -even if it isn't raining or wet-snowing, the snow will be wet. Waterproof-breathable gloves will be a help, too. If you don't fall much and the weather is reasonable, you'll have a wider comfort range with a more breathable but less windproof, less waterproof, polyester microfiber shell outfit. Layers made of synthetic fabrics, not cotton, should be worn beneath the shell. If the weather turns bad it will be damp or wet, and cotton is useless in those conditions! Although temperatures in June may not be especially low, it may feel very cold due to the high winds, dampness, and the fact that you've probably lost the acclimatization you had in the winter.

On a more cheerful note, it could be sunny and warm. Serious sunburn can quickly result from the combination of higher altitude, summer sun, and reflection off the snow. In fact at altitude you can burn badly even when it's cloudy. Take strong sunscreen (at least an SPF of 15, if not 30 or more) for skin and lips, and be sure to cover all exposed skin. Also pack some long sleeved warm-weather shirts with collars, and a sunhat that protects your ears. Quick-drying nylon pants will be better than cotton jeans on wet snow.

You need serious sunglasses that also protect from intense rays entering around the lens. If you feel you must wear the small-lens style that is currently fashionable, make sure it fits close enough to exclude this multidirectional radiation.