Mt. Hood Meadows is the Oregon mountain a lot of Portland skiers are really talking about when they say they're going skiing. It has the terrain, the storm energy, and the access to make it the region's workhorse. It also has enough demand that the day can get crowded fast.
The mountain is at its best when the storm cycle and visibility cooperate. There's more variety than casual visitors may realize, and the place can feel much bigger than a simple day-trip hill. It's a legitimate mountain with a metro-area crowd problem, not a small local area that got popular.
The downside is the same as the value. Portland access brings Portland demand. Roads, parking, weather, and weekend timing all belong in the recommendation. Meadows is a great call when you plan around the rush.