Meadows Blog
November 30, 2009
by Meadows Team
in Connection
| 0 comments
An early opening, incredibly light powder and almost spring-like sunny days for the Thanksgiving holiday made this a November to remember! Seems so far the weather has delivered the snow just when we needed it to have some great early season skiing and riding. Hopefully the forecast will hold for some more snow later this week.
We're going to hold off operating the Hood River Express as the snowpack is pretty thin on the lower part of the mountain. The lack of interest in both parking at HRM and skiing / riding the trails was evident Monday. Folks have figured out that the best coverage and conditions are on the other four scheduled high speed lifts.
Here's a couple of lasting images to enjoy taken by Executive Director of Mt. Operations Steve Warila on Saturday (11/28).
Click to see them larger - and make sure you check out our Photo Gallery which features all kinds of great images of Meadows this season taken by your our guests.
We're looking forward to a great December and we'll see you on the mountain soon!
Team Meadows
November 30, 2009
by Parks Crew
in Parks Blog
| 1 comment
November freestyling has been epic this early season at Meadows. Kudos to the parks crew for making the most of the snow we've received so far. Shipyard has been off the wall - well maybe on the wall with a dozen rails plus the Wallride. The Zoo has been pushing progression, allowing freestylers early season practice for the parks that will come with more snow. Rose City has a jump and four rails providing Slopesyle sessioning.
Here's some shots taken today, the last day of November, to commemorate a great start to the season!
Rail Set Up at Shipyard with the Wallride
A dozen rails with four lines has made Shipyard very popular this early season.
Picnic table is just one of the many innovative rails at Meadows.
One jump now with more on the way with snow in Rose City.
The Paradise Park Crew is ON IT!
Thanks to Steve Warila our Executive Director of Mt. Operations for the great photo. And thanks to the Paradise Parks Crew for a great November!
November 24, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Parks Blog
| 4 comments
We're excited about the efforts our Parks Crew is putting out this season - already building stellar parks at Shipyard and the Zoo, and now constructing jumps in Rose City. We're also stoked to ally ourselves with Nate Goodman - a film producer who's going to document what's going on in freestyle at Meadows this season. Here's his first feature - building Shipyard. Oh - and we have some bonus pictures of Shipyard taken today by Paul Jones our Guest Services Director. Enjoy!
November 23, 2009
by Parks Crew
in Parks Blog
| 4 comments
We have 1 table top built in Rose City Slopestyle. This jump is located skiers right side of Rose City Park. We gathered more snow for the 2nd feature. We need some more snow to continue working on this one. Let us know how you like the jump!
Jason
November 22, 2009
by -- BJ
in Guestimonials
| 0 comments
The lift line control this weekend was a wonderful change. It will take the crowd a bit to catch on, but this is definitely better. My only suggestion it to keep the lines equal in number. On Hood River Express there were an odd number of merging lines, and this caused two lines to merge, and the other advanced without merging. (This does not include the singles line.) This makes the one line that has to merge get pushy.
At any rate, way to go!
-- BJ
November 22, 2009
by Meadows Team
in Connection, Guest Stories
| 6 comments
With the holiday season approaching we would like to celebrate the many things for which we are grateful. So many times we get caught up in the holidays – especially in a winter recreation business where Thanksgiving weekend typically signals the kick off to the season.
We are grateful that we’ll be able to share and enjoy the wonder of skiing and snowboarding with our guests this Thanksgiving.
We are thankful for our loved ones, the unconditional warmth, support and love they provide.
We are thankful for the relationship we have developed and fostered with our partners in recreation over the past 42 years – our many loyal guests, the community in which we live and work, the U.S. Forest Service and our incredible group of professional vendors, suppliers and consultants.
We are grateful for our Northwest weather for delivering the 430 inches of annual snowfall which adorns Mt. Hood so beautifully, giving us a long and enjoyable season of recreating.
We appreciate our leadership team for anticipating the needs of our guests and creating a unique and rewarding experience that fascinates our staff and guests.
We give thanks to our hard working and devoted crew that dedicates itself daily to providing an ideal mountain recreation and hospitality experience for our guests.
We are most grateful to our loyal guests who have chosen to make Mt. Hood Meadows a part of their lives.
There is so much more to be thankful for – we invite you to post your comments and share with us those things you would like to celebrate or give thanks for.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
November 22, 2009
by Meadows Team
in Connection, Media Center
| 11 comments
"Meadows After Dark" – Mt. Hood Meadows night operations – kicks off for the season this Friday, November 27 in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Meadows will extend lift operations until 9 PM five nights a week, Wednesdays – Sundays. There's a whole new romance to the night scene at Meadows – 140 acres of runs are illuminated by night lighting, as well as the moon and the stars which add to the ambiance.
Nighttime riding is fun and offers a chance to explore and discover Meadows in a whole new light. Meadows After Dark also offers terrific affordable lift tickets and learn to ski and snowboard packages, as well as discounts for families. Weekends and holidays live entertainment is presented in the Finish Line from 3 - 7 PM.
Best of all, this whole new world comes at a reduced price - just $25 from 3 - 9 PM. Meadows After Dark also presents some of the best learn to ski or ride offers.
Evening Lift Ticket from 3 – 9 PM is just $25
5 Time Night Pass - $75
Indvidual direct to lift picture pass good for 5 nights for just $75. No restriction or black out dates (non-transferable).
Learn to Ski/Board Package - $25 (ages 13 and older)
Packages a Buttercup beginner lift ticket with a 2 hour lesson and equipment rentals.
Meadows After Dark 3 Time Learn To Ski or Snowboard Passport (age 13 and older) - $75
Packages your first three evenings (3–9 PM) of lift tickets, lessons and equipment rentals all for one low price! First two days include Buttercup beginner lift ticket, last day is all night operating lift access.
Shell FREE Wednesday Night Lift Ticket
Purchase 10 gallons or more of gasoline from a participating Shell service station and receive a "Ski Free" coupon, which provides you one "Free" Wednesday evening (3-9PM) lift ticket with the purchase of a Wednesday night (3-9PM) lift ticket. Both tickets must be used the same evening. Details including participating service stations can be found at www.skifreedeals.com.
Twilight Kids Club
$65 for lift ticket, 2 hour on-snow lesson & indoor supervision for children age 4-12. Add rental equipment for $5 and dinner for $8. Offered 3-7pm on weekends. Also includes 1 free adult 3–9 PM lift ticket!
November 22, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Connection
| 7 comments
Hi Folks.
What an awesome display of force by Mother Nature! This storm absolutely wailed on us today. The fierce winds and driving snow continues so we're going to suspend lift operations for the day. As mentioned earlier we'll have a lot of work to do in storm recovery and insection work, but we anticipate opening lifts as scheduled at 9 AM Monday morning.
The problem on the highway was actually on Hwy 35 between White River and Meadows. At this time State Patrol has one lane of traffic opened with a guide car, so traffic is getting through. You can keep up to date on traffic through TripCheck.com.
Thanks to our staff and guests who weathered the storm with us today. Looking forward to the days ahead when we'll be able to enjoy all this snow that nature has provided!
November 22, 2009
by Meadows Team
in Connection
| 1 comment
It's highly unlikely that we will operate lifts today at Mt. Hood Meadows. The ferocity of this storm is unrelenting - so we've pulled all guests and staff members off the mountain. They're in the lodges having some hot cocoa - and we advise you do the same at home today.
When the storm blows through we'll have a lot of inspection and recovery work which will keep our mountain pros occupied for several hours.
Driving conditions are hazardous with blowing snow creating limited and sometimes zero visibility. An accident between Government Camp and Meadows has closed Hwy 26 for up to two hours according to the State Patrol. All traffic departing Meadows will need to take Hwy 35 to I-84 through Hood River (the Hood River Chamber of Commerce loves us!) And we advise not coming to the mountain today since any lift operations are highly unlikely.
But on the positive - this storm has dropped 18" of snow in the last 24 hours, 8" since 5 AM, and we now have 58" in the base area. We don't know how much we have on the upper mountain since 100 mile an hour winds can deposit that snow anywhere, but it gives a lot to work with as we prepare for this holiday week!
Here's how to stay connected with Mt. Hood Meadows:
Snow Conditions
MHM_Lifts Twitter feed with updates of lift status
Facebook - Making and keeping friends who love to ski and snowboard!
Onward!
November 22, 2009
by Meadows Team
in Connection
| 0 comments
High winds and heavy snow are creating near blizzard condtitions which will affect lift operations this morning. Upper lifts (Vista, Shooting Star, Mt. Hood Express) will be most affected, but this storm could affect all of our lift operations this morning. Winds are forecast to ease later this morning.
Lifts are scheduled to launch at 9 AM, but please check our conditions page or call our snow phone 503.227.7669 for updates as we get closer to that time. You can also follow a special twitter feed MHM_lifts for lift status updates, especially handy on a day like today.
The storm is also affecting your drive to the mountain - expect white out conditions on slushy, icy and snowpacked roads. Traction devices are essential - please drive with care.
The forecast says winds will subside later this morning - so that 13 inches of new snow (10 inches overnight) should be pretty tasty!
Kudos to our lifts crew which was mobilized early this AM for the extra shoveling anticipated.
November 21, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Connection, Media Center
| 1 comment
MT. HOOD, OR (Immediate Release) – A major winter storm which arrived Friday has dropped a foot of new snow on Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, bringing the base area snow depth to 4 feet. Resort officials report accumulations of five feet higher up on the mountain.
The resort has been operating daily since November 11 and has been delighting skiers and snowboarders with extraordinary early season conditions. Seven lifts are scheduled for 9 AM – 4 PM operation Saturday, and additional lift openings are anticipated thanks to the phenomenal November snow.
NORDIC CENTER OPENS
The Hood River Meadows Nordic Center will be open from 9 AM – 4 PM Saturday and Sunday. It is rare that the Nordic Center operates in November, but with the early snowpack has allowed the resort to set track and open. The Nordic Center is scheduled to operate weekends and holiday time frames.
Nordic Center information
November 19, 2009
by -- Mark C.
in Guestimonials
| 0 comments
I made it for the first time Saturday! It was grand snow. BUT........what a difference your team made. I have skied with the same buds for over 30 years now and I have skied at Meadows when it opened, I was 16!
The buds are all professional people and two of us own long term successful businesses in Portland. I am writing to tell you that the "company culture" at Meadows has made 180 degree turn. Your people was very helpful, pleasant and some of the best trained people I have ever done business with in or out of the ski industry. I got my season pass in 10 minutes Saturday! Everyone was there to help and to serve you customers...me! You have done a great job.
The people I talked with that gave us service all said the same thing....new middle and upper management changed and the message from the top was new and exciting...IT SHOWED!
It was a pleasure to enjoy a great team...it was way better than the snow. I did get a number of waste deep shots in 2 and 3 bowl and O-ring and all those fun places, but the people, what can I say?
Thanks and keep up the good work!
-- Mark C
November 19, 2009
by Mark C
in Guestimonials
| 0 comments
I made it for the first time Saturday! It was grand snow. BUT........what a difference your team made. I have skied with the same buds for over 30 years now and I have skied at Meadows when it opened, I was 16!
The buds are all professional people and two of us own long term successful businesses in Portland. I am writing to tell you that the "company culture" at Meadows has made 180 degree turn. Your people was very helpful, pleasant and some of the best trained people I have ever done business with in or out of the ski industry. I got my season pass in 10 minutes Saturday! Everyone was there to help and to serve you customers...me! You have done a great job.
The people I talked with that gave us service all said the same thing....new middle and upper management changed and the message from the top was new and exciting...IT SHOWED!
Dave, thanks, it was a pleasure to enjoy a great team...it was way better than the snow. I did get a number of waste deep shots in 2 and 3 bowl and O-ring and all those fun places, but the people, what can I say?
Thanks and keep up the good work!
-- Mark C
November 18, 2009
by -- Andrei I.
in Guestimonials
| 0 comments
I want to thank Mt.Hood Meadows staff for providing honest and detailed information on the conditions page! When I read "Windblown powder in wind-favored slopes. Otherwise, really good groomers and variable to icy conditions elsewhere", I have a very good idea what to expect, and I know that someone actually thought about this statement and made effort to make it accurate. Not every ski resort does it! Not only you got the web site updated, but you are also working on its content! Thanks!
-- Andrei I.
November 17, 2009
by Meadows Team
in Connection
| 8 comments
We like the forecast - it's just what you want to see to build up the base and get some great powder turns in as well. Thought we'd send out an early Powder Alert for Wednesday - looks like it could be a good one. The forecast says snow the rest of the week!
We're opening HRM Wednesday - operating the Hood River Express and parking in the HRM lot. Trails will be open but remember it is early season conditions - be aware of unmarked obstacles. Our Hood River guests enjoy parking at HRM - the skier services center will be open (tickets, lockers, restrooms) and the Rennaisance Cafe.
It's still wait and see for any Heather Canyon or Meadows After Dark openings. Heather requires a lot of snow to build snow bridges across the creeks in the lower canyon. And we want to have a great coverage on our night lighted terrain before we turn on the lights. But we're optimistic - if the storms keep producing we could be looking at opening both earlier than normal. We'll keep you posted here on the blog!
Hood River folks - there are a couple of events worth attending.
Thursday night Meadows photographer extraordinaire Richard Hallman will present a slide show entitled "Chasing Down a Dream" at Dog River Coffee at 7 PM. The show is free, but a donation of $5 is suggested, with proceeds benefiting Gorge Grown Food Network in memory of Maggie Guth Bleakley. Bleakley was actively involved in the GGFN along with her husband, Silas, before her death Oct. 27 on their farm in Mosier.Purchase some raffle tickets for a chance to win a Meadows season pass along with other great prizes.
The Hood River Snow Sport Show Ski & Snowboard movie premiere event featuring Sammy C in "Can't Stop" along with Standard Films "Black Winter" & Level 1's "Refresh" will be presented Saturday night (November 21) at the Hood River Inn. $5 Admission - proceeds beneft local youth ski and snowboard teams.
We hope you can attend these great events, be entertained, enlightened and support some great causes all in the same evening!
Onward!
--Meadows Team
November 16, 2009
by -- Jay B.
in Guestimonials
| 0 comments
in the praise department, the help I got from staff after my mishap was unbelievably good. I plowed into some wet snow, and from what I can tell, I didn't get a good release from one of my bindings and ended up breaking my fibula. Anyway, I thought it was a sprain and struggled part way down the hill and then just sat down in a snow bank. In about 30 seconds, two patrollers stopped by to see if I was O.K. and talked me in to taking the sled of shame down the hill. The sled driver, Mot, (that's Tom backwards) was an awesome skier and just a really nice guy -- give all those people raises (except that Mot is volunteer -- give him some more passes). The clinic staff was great. Except for the fact that I *#%* my leg, I would have had a great time. Thanks.
-- Your faithful season pass holder, Jay B.
November 15, 2009
by Meadows Team
in Connection
| 3 comments
What a terrific opening! Those that made it up here this week were treated to some incredible early season powder. Saturday especially was epic with 15 inches of snow Friday followed by clear blue skies with no winds Saturday morning.
Grant Myrdal Photography
We'd like to take a moment to introduce professional photographer Grant Myrdal. He will be at Meadows weekends and holidays and during races and special events. You can see some of his shots Grant took Saturday in our photo gallery - or you can get more information on his services.
Daily Operations Continue 9 AM - 4 PM
Looking ahead this week we're continuing our 9 AM - 4 PM daily operations. Monday and Tuesday Mt. Hood Express, Shooting Star Express, Vista Express, Buttercup and the Ballroom Carpet are scheduled. We're holding off on Hood River Express - with the current snowpack at Hood River Meadows we don't want to attempt grooming until we get some more snow. We also need more snow to open Cascade. The freezing levels rise Monday but are expected to drop down Monday evening and snow is forecast for the rest of the week! We'll evaluate this again by Wednesday to determine what lifts we can add to the matrix.
Meadows After Dark
Our night operations aren't scheduled to begin until mid-December, but we'll consider opening Meadows After Dark earlier if we get good snow coverage under the lights. It could be on a limited basis - just 3 nights a week, but we need to see how the snow treats us. No firm dates yet.
Stay Connected
We're sending out our daily snowpack report - you can select what days of the week you want to receive the report on this page. We're also posting frequently to our Facebook and Twitter pages, and have started sending out lift operational updates on our special Twitter feed MHM_Lifts. We suggest you follow us, and turn your device "on" to receive Tweets when you're at the mountain informing you of lift operational changes.
It's been a great start to the season. We hope to see you on the mountain soon!
-- Meadows Team
November 14, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Guest Stories
| 1 comment
Luke asked Emily to marry him while shredding together on opening day. It was a beginning of a great season for Meadows, and the beginning of a life together for Luke and Emily. Love is in the air!
Congratulation Luke and Emily and thank you for sharing your story with us.
Submit your story and a picture here.
November 14, 2009
by Meadows Team
in Guest Stories
| 0 comments
Story: My husband, Danny, and I have been riding together at Meadows for five seasons now and even longer separately. Our love for snowboarding brought us together and you will find us here every Saturday this season. We can't wait for tomorrow... our first day up this season. Thanks for all the work you guys do to make Mt. Hood Meadows Oregon's best ski resort. We LOVE you, Meadows!
November 13, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Parks Blog
| 5 comments
Just a quick heads up - our Paradise Parks groomers are constructing the Zoo tonight. The Crew will be in early to touch up the jumps and landings. This just in from Jason who heads up parks grooming:
ZOO: Groomed
Rollers, 3 table tops, and 1 mini pipe
-- Paradise Parks Crew
November 13, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Connection, Media Center
| 1 comment
Hi folks!
A major storm is blanketing Meadows with light November powder, accumulating at a rate of more than an inch an hour. It started snowing just before our lifts launched this morning at 8:55 AM, and as of 3 PM nine inches had fallen. The wind at the top of Mt. Hood Express is wind loading powder back into the bowls so it's first track powder every run. The forecast is calling for another 6 - 10 inches this evening so we're not done yet! And how about this to celebrate:
WE HIT 40 INCHES AT THE BASE AREA STAKE!
Six lifts are scheduled from 9 AM - 4 PM Saturday, including four high-speed quads. Mt. Hood Express and Shooting Star Express, which have been operating since opening day, will be joined by Vista Express if the weather system clears the upper mountain by morning as forecast. Keep in mind that with this storm raging it will take some time to prep the lift, but we will get it open as early as possible. That should offer guests chest deep powder stashes on virgin terrain since no one has been up there yet this season.
Hood River Express is also scheduled to provide uplift service from the Hood River Meadows parking lot. If we get enough snow that we can pack we may open a lane for skiing or riding back down to the parking lot, but we won't know until Saturday morning. Otherwise we'll shuttle you back to your car if you're parked at HRM.
The Paradise Parks Crew has been busy building "The Zoo" on Mitchell Creek - so we expect to have a line of mini-jumps there, if the wind doesn't fill them all in. You can check the Parks Blog for details.
Lift tickets will be priced at non-peak rates: $57 for adults, $35 for Juniors age 7 – 14, $35 for Seniors age 65+ and $9 for a season pass for kids 6 and under.
We'll operate our Adult Ski and Snowboard School and Children's Learning Center out of the South Lodge Learning Center. We'll also have our equipment rental center, Meadows Boutique retail shop, High Performance Center for demos, Day Care, and five restaurants, including the Finish Line opening up for the season, and the Renaissance Cafe at HRM.
Get ready for a sensational day at Meadows! Drive careful and use your traction devices - please don't be the guy that spun out and backed up traffic!
We'll see you on the mountain!
-- Meadows Team
November 12, 2009
by Daryl M.
in Guestimonials
| 0 comments
Great job getting the mountain open! That was a really fun opening day with good energy. Way to go Meadow's Team.
-- Daryl M.
November 11, 2009
by Noah R.
in Guestimonials
| 0 comments
Hi MHM Team!
First of all, hooray for an early opening! I'm excited for a great season! I can't wait to get up there and use my season pass.
I wanted to commend MHM and ISITE Design for an excellent re-vamp of the MHM website. The skihood.com site needed a face-lift, and the work that you have done has paid off. Your new site is extremely interactive and informative. The information is displayed effectively and reads extremely well. I attended a conference recently where I found out who re-designed the site, and think that it is important that you in some way credit them for the re-design (put their name on the bottom of your webpage).
Great job! Have a great season and I'll see you on the slopes!!!
-- Noah R.
November 11, 2009
by Meadows Team
in Connection, Media Center
| 8 comments
What an incredible opening day! The day broke with 4 inches of new snow on top of our 30" snowpack offering some opening day powder for those fortunate enough to kick off their season today at Mt. Hood Meadows.
We wanted you to have a place to comment on the day, as well as to see some of these awesome pictures taken by photographer Richard Hallman. If you have some good shots, upoad them and we'll put them into our Opening Day Gallery!
Richard Hallman Photos of Opening Day!
Kudos to the crew for making the most of the 42" of snow that fell since Friday and turning into some fantastic early season fun! It was a great way to open an epic season, and we are glad to share it with you here today!
KOIN LOCAL NEWS - 6 Opening Day Coverage
KPTV-12 Opening Day Coverage
See you on the slopes!
-- Meadows Team
November 10, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Parks Blog
| 10 comments
The Crew is On It!
Shipyard is shaping up to be a major rail park on opening day. The crew has been KILLIN' IT, putting in four different lines with 11 different features.
Take your pick:
Flat down box top into a Down rail
Plastic culvert jib
Log spine
Booter rail
Kink mailbox
Picnic table
Fun box
C rail
Dance floor box into ledge into a mail box
Shipyard - where imagination, sweat, technology and "what if" meet! Kudos to the crew - we'll see you at the Shipyard on opening day!
Our crew is working late into the evening to get Shipyard ready for you Wednesday. We'll see you on opening day!
November 10, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Connection, Media Center
| 16 comments
Hi Folks!
Here's what you've been waiting for - we're opening Wednesday with four lift scheduled from 9 AM - 4 PM: Buttercup, Easy Rider, Mt. Hood Express and Shooting Star Express. We're working hard to get the terrain served by these lifts ready for opening day. The current base is 30 inches at the base area, deeper higher up on the mountain. That's good coverage for November, but early season conditions exist, expect unmarked obstacles and as always ski and ride with care.
Having said that, we're stoked! This storm that has already given us nearly 40 inches is forecast to stick with us this week. Looks like powder on opening day! Check our snow conditions page or call our snow phones:
Snow Phones
503.227.7669 (227.SNOW) Portland
541.386.7547 (386.SKIS) Hood River
Mt. Hood Express and Shooting Star – are scheduled for opening day, along with the Easy Rider lift, Buttercup and the Ballroom Carpet in the Fun Zone. The two high speed quads serve up some of the tastiest terrain on the mountain, well worth an early season plunge, especially if there's some powder sprinkled on top.
Shipyard is under construction and we'll have several rails for jibbin' and grinding.
Lift ticket prices will be
Lift Ticket Pricing for Opening Day
$52 for adults
$30 for juniors age 7 to 14
$30 for seniors age 65+.
Kids 6 and under get a season pass for just $9.
Veterans and military personnel receive a $10 discount with I.D.
Passholder Services will be taking pictures in the new location - South Lodge down from Concierge across from the Tully's coffee cart.
Passholder Services Open at 8 AM
Season Pass Liability Release Link for parents or legal guardians to sign for their kids
Adult and Children's ski school lessons will be offered. Adults can purchase group and private lessons at our Daycare Center, which is also open daily. Children's Lessons can be purchased in the North Lodge Rental Center or at Daycare in the South Lodge.
Children's Ski School
2 hour lesson and lift ticket $75 / rentals $5 extra
Must be registered at least half hour prior to the lesson start time.
Lessons go out at 10am and 1pm daily.
Two - 2hr lessons for $100 / No supervision between lessons.
You can rent skis and snowboards as well as helmets from our Salomon Equipment Rental Center in the North Lodge, or demo equpiment at the HPC. Bring your appetite - The Alpenstube, Schuss. Meadowmart and Tully's Coffee Cart will be open for your eating enjoyment. And you can outfit yourself for the entire season in fashions with function at Meadows Boutique.
Here's some trivia - oening dates at Mt. Hood Meadows for tha past 15 seasons:
Opening Dates
94-95 11/4/94
95-96 12/3/95
96-97 10/21/96
97-98 11/24/97
98-99 11/22/98
99-00 12/3/99
00-01 12/1/00
01-02 11/24/01
02-03 12/17/02
03-04 11/20/03
04-05 12/18/04
05-06 11/11/05
06-07 12/9/06
07-08 11/23/07
08-09 12/14/08
09-10 11/11/09
So as you can see, we're already getting a better start on the season then 12 of the past 15 years!
Drive careful and we'll see you at the mountain Wednesday for the opening of the 2009/10 season!
-- Meadows Team
November 10, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Connection
| 18 comments
The pace has picked up as we prepare for our Wednesday opening. By Tuesday evening we'll be able to let you know what lifts will be operating and what terrain will be open.
KGW had a great report from Amy Troy on getting Meadows ready for opening - it included a favorable forecast for more snow from Matt Zafino.
We thought you'd enjoy these pictures taken early Monday morning by Executive Director of Mountain Operations Steve Warila and Guest Services Director Paul Jones. Something to look forward to as we prepare for opening!
Enjoy! And we'll see you on the mountain soon!
-- Meadows Team
November 8, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Connection
| 11 comments
This storm has been amazing - and the weather statement issued last Thursday by the weather service could not have been more accurate. They forecast 2 - 3 feet and so far since Friday we've received 34"! This certainly is helping to propel us into an early opening.
We thought you'd enjoy this picture of the snow from the South Lodge Deck.
And the good news is that it continues to snow and there is more in the forecast before our opening. In fact, Meteorologist Rod Hill who was at our booth Saturday and Sunday at the ski show sees powder on opening day - scheduled for this Wednesday, November 11!
Check our blog or the conditions page - we'll give you updates as to what lifts and terrain will be open. So get ready - the 2009/10 is almost here!
November 8, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Connection, Parks Blog
| 4 comments
We'll be setting rails on Shipyard for opening day, Wednesday. We'll keep you updated regarding other park openings - hopefully this snow will allow us to proceed with some jump building. We're packing snow right now to set up a good base and we'll be setting rails by Tuesday. Come on up and get your jib on!
-- Parks Crew
November 7, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Connection, Media Center
| 52 comments
Hi Folks!
Great news - this storm is delivering the accumulation we need to open the resort next week, most likely Wednesday. We've received 23 inches of snow since Friday and the storm continues to rage dropping two inches of snow per hour the last few hours. We're confident that with this snowfall, the forecast for more accumulation through the weekend and colder weather through the week that we'll be able offer and sustain a great early season experience.
The number of lifts and trails, as well as confirming an opening day will be announced here on our web site.
Season passes are on sale through Sunday online and also at the Ski Fever and Snowboard Show at the Expo Center. Monday season pass prices increase significantly, so pleae take advantage of these deals!
See you on the slopes - real soon!
--Meadows Team
November 7, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Connection
| 4 comments
We're at the Porltand Ski Fever and Snowboard Show through Sunday - lots of excitement particularly with the snow hitting the mountains.
Local meteoroligist Rod Hill is at our booth - he says there's still a good amount of precip in this storm (possibly matching the 17 inches we already received). And possibly more importantly he sees weather that should sustain this snowpack, with another few storms before Thanksgiving, making for a great early season snowpack! Rod is offering a subscription forecast service you an find at RodHillForecast.com
Sammy C stopped by Friday and picked up his pass. He's stoked and will be headin' to Sweden to see if he can win the same early season jam he won when he was 16.
The season pass picture taking process has been streamlined moving folks through FAST! Lots of people taking advantage of the show specials - free season ski check when they purchase their $449 Adult, $389 Age 15 - 22, or $279 Age 7 - 14 passes here at the ski show. Our instructional staff is here to talk about kids packages, adult programs our popular consecutive week programs and the special learn to ski or snowboard deals.
At this posting it's pouring at the Expo Center, and that means Mt. Hood is going to get pounded this afternoon and evening. Keep an eye on our conditions page and this blog for any early season opening announcements.
--Meadows Team
November 5, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Connection, Media Center
| 9 comments
It’s exciting when important and significant things converge – almost like Jupiter aligning with Mars. This is the dawning of the age of … Recreating Yourself! OK enough with the singing..
There’s a significant storm heading our way – and all the models and forecasts say this has the potential to dump two to three feet or more on us. Check out the special weather statement. More importantly, the system is forecast to persist into next week bringing cold temps and more snow. So we’ll state it here:
This storm has season opening potential.
When? There are a lot of variables – how much, how fast, how much moisture content, how much the wind blows it around, where it deposits, etc., etc., etc. We’re all anxious to get the season going, but remember that this first snow is precious – we’re building the base for the entire season on it. So while we can’t say exactly when (particularly since it hasn’t started snowing yet) – we can say that it shouldn’t be long.
We are prepping for an early opening – that is – an opening before the November 20 or so average opening date. We’ll see how the snow falls, give our crews time to groom it into a sustainable snowpack, and keep you up to date on the progress through the storm.
Meanwhile – you should prep for the opening of another great season as well! If you haven’t already purchased your unlimited season pass, you have until Sunday (November 8) to take advantage of the early season discount. You don’t need to join a group – you can purchase them right now on line. There is huge savings on Adult ($499 / normally $900); Ages 15 – 22 ($389 / normally $600); and 7 – 14 ($279 / normally $400) passes. If you buy these passes at the Portland Ski Fever ski show and get your picture taken there, we’ll include season ski check (a $35 value).
If you already have your pass bring it to the ski show and have it “Scanned to Win!” We’ll scan your pass to automatically enter you into a drawing to win one of three great prizes:
- Up Front Parking Pass for the entire season!
- Season Locker Rental ($425 Value!)
- $250 Meadows Gift Card
So we’ll see you at the ski show this weekend, and on the mountain soon!
Onward!
Meadows Team
November 3, 2009
by Dave Tragethon
in Guest Stories
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I think the trip that I landed my first 360 was the trip that made me an addict. All I could think about this whole summer was the mountain. Landing big air jumps just makes you feel like a boss. It's awesome!
Thanks for sharing Sam! That's what this blog is all about - a place for those who love the mountain to share their experiences with others!
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