After doing the Meadows pass/Skibowl night pass/T line spring pass for 3 years now I am going to do a Fusion next year. The drive from Portland to anywhere on Hood is long and boring and the extra 40 minute round trip to Meadows just isn't worth it to me. Sure Meadows does have some fun terrain in Private Reserve and some fun windlips on Cascade and Vista, and the bowls can be fun too.
Overall though, I don't think Meadows is worth the extra cost or extra drive time. I also don't appreciate the ever rising ticket and pass prices. Yes I know they added RFID gates, and a new Stadium chair but none of that stuff enhanced my ski experience, only required a higher price tag to use it. Meadows does get good snow but also gets lots of wind and ice.
Yes, Ski Bowl is lower and gets more rain and less snow. It also gets much less wind and fewer people. Any place you decide to ski on Hood will be affected by wind, rain, and adverse weather conditions. I am fortunate in that I can pick the days I ski and I have skied some amazing days at all 3 ski areas.
I can cut 40 minutes off my round trip drive and still ski great snow, I might as well get a cheaper pass that allows me a longer season to 2 ski areas. Seems like a pretty sweet deal to me. I will probably buy a lift ticket or 2 to Meadows for the good days