Meadows Blog

29 Comments

1. Harrison

   April 25, 2010

   Dear Mount Hood Meadows,
   
   Your place is fantastic. I try to come to your place often. I like your web site. I was wondering. Why did you change your hours to 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM instead of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM? Hope you're doing well.
   
   Meadows: Thanks Harrison. Warmer spring weather usually makes the conditions soft and slushy by the afternoon, so we focus more on the early hours.

2. Fred Simpson

   April 26, 2010

   With the forecast for this week looking like it does are there any plans for Meadows to open April 28 or 29th?
   
   Meadows: We're set for weekends only at this point. See you Saturday and Sunday!

3. Greg

   April 26, 2010

   Can you share the plans for replacing the Stadium lift this summer? I've heard it will be a high speed quad running to the top of the ridge that drops down to Shooting Star. Sounds like it will help clear the base area on those busy mornings, a still provide good access for race training on Stadium. A new name or still Stadium Express???
   
   Meadows: We have discussed replacing the Stadium lift with a high speed quad - unfortunately that won't be happening this summer. It will provide the access you mention above.

4. Steep & Deep

   April 27, 2010

   Thank you Meadows staff for keeping the mountain open above and beyond most all other ski areas across the nation. I only wished that you could have seen fit to keep at least Shoot Star also open for these extra weekend sessions. Another pretty good year coming to a close and lets hope for good weather on the weekends and for everyone to have a great summer.
   
   Meadows: Thank you for the comment. We understand the desire for Shooting Star and other lifts, but this late in the season we just don't get the turn out to justify continued operations at that larger scale. We are also hoping for great weather on the weekends to keep the season going!

5. Harris

   April 28, 2010

   I am thinking of bringing the grandkids up on the weekend. Will the Ballroom Carpet be running?
   
   Thanks,
   
   Meadows: The carpet runs during ski school lessons - which generally will be from 10 AM - Noon. But it does require having some people taking lessons in order to operate the carpet.

6. theresa

   April 28, 2010

   is the price for the buttercup only cheaper than $35? since you lowered the regular ticket price to $49?
   
   Meadows: Buttercup pricing remains the same since it allows the same access to terrain as it did all season.

7. Cyborg

   April 28, 2010

   Had more great times this year.
   Unerstandable that 2pm is the new close...what's the thinking behind not opening earlier...say 7 or 8am.
   ??
   
   Meadows: There's much to be done to prepare the mountain for a consistent 8:55 AM opening. In the spring our guests tend to arrive a little later than mid-winter weekends. We feel it is better to have one consistent opening time winter or spring - 9 AM.

8. Old Joe

   April 28, 2010

   Heather Canyon access?
   
   I appreciate you being open on the weekends, but would like to understand the reasoning behind not having access to Heather Canyon. This is the best skiing on Hood and we can’t get at it. Access from Shooting Star can be closed off as the upper canyon is the terrain that people want to access this time of year. Thank you for reconsidering.
   
   Old Joe
   
   Meadows: Thanks Joe. When Heather can be opened, it is great. However, there is a considerable amount of expense in preparing the Canyon for an opening which can be compromised by ever-changing spring weather. The last two weeks of April operations skier visits, including visits to the Canyon, plummetted; even though we continued to operate Hood River Express and Heather 7 days a week (weather permitting). With this advance indication of weakening business levels, it was prudent to focus more on the upper mountain which is the prefered terrain for our spring enthusiasts.

9. Dan

   April 28, 2010

   We were saving our last day on our ten time pass for some snow and some Heather. Well, snow is here but no Heather OR Shooting Star. You had no problem advertising that you'd be open weekends in May but we had no idea you were only having 2 maybe 3 lifts. NOT COOL! Next time, when you send out the email that says in the subject, "We're open weekends in May" why don't you say, "We're open weekends in May, BUT WITH ONLY 3 LIFTS, MAYBE JUST 2!!!"
   
   Meadows: On March 30 we announced the extension of the season to weekends in May on our blog, saying that scheduled lifts and operational hours would be announced shortly. On April 15 we updated the blog and included the following in an email to our eNews subscribers:
   
   "MAY WEEKEND OPERATIONS
   We've announced our intentions to extend our season on the first three weekends in May - Saturdays and Sundays May 1-2; 8-9; and 15-16. Here's the plan - hours of operation will be from 9 AM - 2 PM, with three lifts Mt. Hood Express, Cascade Express and Buttercup scheduled to operate. We should have the Cascade Park available for freestylers - we expect it to ride like a combination of Park Place and Forest Park - a fun flowing park using many of the same features from those parks. Shipyard may also be available for lower mountain riding. Weather can affect our operations so you'll want to check our conditions page throughout the week and especially Friday - Sunday for the most up-to-date May weekend schedule and lift operations."
   
   Last fall we announced our operating schedule starting around Thansgiving and operating daily through April 25. These weekends in May are bonus weekends - over and above our announced schedule. Additionally, we added two weeks of operations in November - due to the early snow fall opening November 11. So far we have operated 167 days this season - which is one of the longest seasons in North America.
   
   We've announced this informaiton and our intentions as soon as we make these decisions - so that you can make good decisions as well.

10. bk

    April 28, 2010

    why not Heather if the weather is good and snow is white? It was really good last wknd AND lots of skiers there
    
    also suggest you go in future weather permitting Fri to Sun should be more net cash
    
    Meadows: Thanks Bill. If we could just flip a switch and open the Canyon, believe me we would. There's so much up front preparation to running the resort that we really can't just wait for the weather and decide the day before that we'll open that day. These days in May are bonus days that we've added to an already lengthy season. We hope our guests can enjoy the terrain that we are prepared to offer (as the weather allows).

11. Lauren

    April 29, 2010

    Any plans to be open Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting?
    
    Meadows: At this time we have no plans to operate beyond May 16.

12. Harris

    April 29, 2010

    It's been a great season and I was thinking of bring my grandkids up on the weekend. Will the Ballroom Carpet be running?
    
    Meadows: The Ballroom Carpet will operate when we have lessons - that generally would be from 10 AM - Noon if we have people taking beginner lessons. Otherwise it is not scheduled.

13. mike

    April 29, 2010

    Will you still be able to purchase the 5 time spring pass this weekend at the resort?
    
    Meadows: Yes. And a reminder to all of our 5 time spring pass holders - you can continue to use up your remaining days here in May.

14. Chwong

    April 29, 2010

    Are we going to have to waint until saturday morning to see what park features are available or will you post friday? It would be nice to know what's up.
    
    Meadows: This week's weather presented challenges for construction up on Cascade so our crew was building through Saturday AM. Here's what we had prepared to open Saturday (if the weather cooperated) and are shooting for on Sunday:
    Saturday May 1st, 2010
    
    Super Pipe: Fresh cut.
    
    Mini pipe: Fresh cut.
    
    Rose City: Groomed. 2 table tops, 1 battle ship, 1 hip, 1 step up, 1 down rail, and 1 wall ride.
    
    Cascade Park: Groomed. 3 table tops, and 1 step down.

15. Got Jumps?

    April 29, 2010

    Where's the SUPER PARK????
    
    Meadows: Right now it's invisible due to high winds and blowing snow. Hopefully we'll have at least the following for Sunday (based on this morning's report):
    
    Cascade Park: Groomed. 3 table tops, and 1 step down.

16. summer

    April 30, 2010

    did you ever think most of us like soft and slushy snow as long as it gets below 32* the night b4 thats called corn snow just as fun as powder so keep it open!! skiers like hard pack and snowboarders like corn so seems to me the meadows caters to the skiers..when theres twice as many boarders!
    
    Meadows: Visits are pretty evenly distributed between skiers and snowboarders so we cater to all. Something that has become increasingly evident is our guests are very diverse in their wants and needs. It is very difficult to satisfy everything that everyone wants, particularly in May as the season is coming to an end (and has already ended for the majority of our pass holders). We'll continue to be guided by historical numbers, traffic patterns, and turn out as we make these late season operational decisions.

17. dan

    April 30, 2010

    What's your best guess for the surface conditions on Saturday, May 1? Fluffy, or crusty? Is it going to rain before tomorrow morning?
    
    Meadows: Sorry for the late response - it was fluffy and crusty. High winds affected Cascade Express. Here's what the snow reporter summed up on the conditions page:
    "On the groom, it's carveable fresh wet snow with areas of carveable hardpack. Off the groom, there are some fresh tracks, soft crud, and a few icy spots. In one word: variable, but good. (okay, that's three words)"
    
    Sunday we're expecting a more typical spring-like day with partly sunny skies and warmer temperatures.

18. Nancy

    May 2, 2010

    I just wanted to say that I am a spring season pass holder who would definitely be up there every weekend you remain open - but I was in an auto accident 2 weeks ago and so was forced to end my season early on April 11. Just wanted to be counted in the numbers of folks with a pass, who are still interested in skiing even if it seems others are now turning to warmer weather activities. Thanks for a great place. I'm already looking forward to next season!

19. cameron

    May 2, 2010

    hey i love the cascade park, and rose city etc. but forest park was majorly killer rails, i was hoping to see more than a battleship and a down rail and a wall ride. if cascade pard is supposed to be a combination of forest park and park place, i can see your almost halfway there with nice jumps, but dude!!?? wheres my rails?? :p
    
    Meadows: Construction on Cascade was limited with the snow we received last week, and may be this week as well. We're continuing to add features to it to create a great flow, in essence connecting Cascade Park to Rose City to the SuperPipe and on to Shipyard. That's the plan anyway.

20. jack

    May 3, 2010

    Any chance of opening for some of this pow pow. It looks like 15 inches for tues. Will it help if we say please?????
    
    Meadows: Thanks for asking so kindly and sincerely, but we won't be changing the Saturday and Sunday only schedule.

21. ecimmortal

    May 4, 2010

    I just wanted to be one of the ones to comment on how I appreciate Meadows staying open on weekends late into the season. People who have complaints need to really open their eyes and realize that a BUSINESS such as yours does have a break even point. Day to day operations cost money . They also need to realize how good we have it. The vast majority of resorts around the country have been closed for a long time now.
    I bought my pass on the other side of the mountain this year, and only got a spring pass at Meadows. I'm pleased to say that the great spring operations have earned my patronage back full time next year.
    I can't wait to get back into PR next year. The REAL best terrain on Hood.

22. parknut

    May 5, 2010

    With all the new powder any chance ANY of heather opening with the lift running! "yah baby" I know it sounds crazy but the lot was full Sunday I know because I was there. I am not ungrateful this season has been great and I understand we are in bonus time I just see the mountain every day and it doesn't hurt to ask.
    
    Meadows: We'll be sticking to our schedule this weekend. The amount of prep work required to open and run the canyon makes it unaffordable, particularly when the conditions can snap quickly in the spring requiring closure of the canyon. We appreciate your patronage this season, and will continue to work on creating a sustainable spring operational plan.

23. Juan

    May 6, 2010

    I was planning on going up this weekend, but now that I see Heather is closed, there's no way I'm heading up. You create a self fulfilling prophecy by not opening heather and having reduced numbers.
    J
    
    Meadows: Thanks for the comment. We really needed your support and the others who enjoy Heather the last two weeks we operated in April. Unfortunately attendance dropped to half of what we normally received and had planned for. And that was with all of our lifts operating, including Heather, Shooting Star and HRM. We just can't continue to bear the cost of operating those lifts and that terrain when turn out drops off. Had we finished strong in April we would have felt more comfortable about adding more lifts / terrain on our bonus days in May.

24. k2skier

    May 12, 2010

    Meadows: Thanks for the comment. We really needed your support and the others who enjoy Heather the last two weeks we operated in April. Unfortunately attendance dropped to half of what we normally received and had planned for. And that was with all of our lifts operating, including Heather, Shooting Star and HRM. We just can't continue to bear the cost of operating those lifts and that terrain when turn out drops off. Had we finished strong in April we would have felt more comfortable about adding more lifts / terrain on our bonus days in May.
    
    You need to take into account the weather being backwards this year, spring in winter and now winter in spring for the numbers dropping off. Heathers' no fun in bullet proof conditions...
    
    The motivation to come up with 2 lifts open is minimal, but we will be there this weekend, shy of a rain storm, to close the season for us.

25. Chris

    May 13, 2010

    I think it is fine that Heather was closed. Maybe not for the reason stated, but for safety.
    
    I was in Heather on the last day it was open and the rock fall from pea gravel ridge onto the run out to the lift was quite alarming. If you got hit by one of those rocks, I think you'd need to consult a mortician. That coupled with the creeks opening up, lower heather was becoming unsafe.
    
    Meadows: It is amazing how quickly conditions can deteriorate with more daylight hours and with the sun having a more direct angle as it gets higher in the sky.

26. TW

    May 14, 2010

    How do you base attendance? Do you still count rows of cars in the lot or are you basing attendance numbers on tickets/passes being scanned? BTW... great job by the park crew this year. Maybe I just had more fun in them this season but it seems like the park conditions were the best they've been in years.
    
    Meadows: We base attendance off of scans. We also count cars and estimate attendance for comparisons with previous seasons since that's the way we've done it in the past. Thanks for the kudos to the parks crew - we'll definitely pass it along!

27. cajun

    May 14, 2010

    I went earlier this year and loved the mountain. Just one question though, why do yall stop in may if there are still over 100 inches of snow?
    
    Meadows: Unfortunately there just aren't enough skiers and snowboarders to keep the season going.

28. Desiree'

    May 14, 2010

    When the weather warms I was wondering why you don't open earlier like 7 or 8 while the snow is still firm? 9 makes for such a short day.:(
    
    Meadows: We've tried it in years past - but only a relatively few people arrived early. 9 AM seems to be the time that everyone knows our lifts open so it is a hard habit to break. There are also operational issues for preparing and clearing the mountain getting ready for guests.

29. Double D

    May 24, 2010

    Please keep your web cams running. Meadows has a coterie of devoted fanatics that hike for turns. When we left Saturday morning there were 10 skier cars at the gate.
    
    You wouldn't want the devotees to rely on, ahem, Timberline's telemetry and cams would you! Marketing, like nature, abhor's a vacuum.
    
    So keep them cams up and trained on places hikers want to go. And see you next weekend.
    
    Best,
    
    Double D
    
    Meadows: Will do, although we sometimes have intermittent outages due to power issues at the different cam locations as we perform mountain maintenance.