Located near the summit of Santiam Pass on U.S. Route 20, the ski area operates on federal land through agreement with Willamette National Forest on Hoodoo Butte, a volcanic cinder cone.

[4] Its three-story main lodge at the base was built in the late 1940s from World War II surplus structures and included sleeping quarters for 100 guests.

In the fall of 1985, the ski area took over the management of historic Santiam Lodge, which was built in 1940 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

[11] In 1999, Hoodoo Ski Area was acquired by real estate developer and Umbrella Properties owner Chuck Shepard of Eugene.

Hoodoo's flagship Green lift—a fixed grip quad chair—services the entire hill providing access to all 806 acres (3.26 km2) and 1,035 feet (315 m) of vertical.