MEADOWS BLOG

Very exciting stuff happening this year!  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.  Probably way to early to tell, but any insight on when you are hoping Opening Day will be?  

Please keep the blog rolling, one of my favorite things about skihood.com last season was all the updates from Dave and his diligence on responding to customers.

First time season pass holder (Yippiee!),

Ben

Matt's reply:

Ben:  Thanks for your post.  As we get close to the start of our 40th anniversary season, our earliest opening was on October 20th.  We are hoping for an early November opening this year, but will be ready well before that just in case!

Look for continued timely blog updates and responses.

Congratulations on your first MHM pass!  I look forward to seeing you on the hill this season.

 --  M.

Holy ****!  A 40-year season pass? I hope I win that one...

Matt's reply:

Kevin:  Remember -- you have got to be in to win.

Good luck,

--  M.

Hi Matt , In an earlier post you had mentioned a later blog discussing opening more back country gates and improving the terrain that is already in your boundary area. Are we going to see any of these improvements? I think the family focus has been great and cheap passes are really the best in the West but lets take some time and see what the core skiers at Meadows would like the guys and girls  skiing 3-4 days a week The ones  never touching a groomed run unless they have to . Previous management had a very strong stance on no rope ducking and putting up more ropes when most all of the resorts in the West are taking down ropes and going with a more at your own risk European style of resort management. I also would like to hear your response and take on Heather Canyon rarely being open after a good storm and never open early by (11am). I understand it is difficult terrain and this and that but we have a fairly stable snow pack in the PNW compared the  Rockies. I have talked  to other ski area staff about the Heather Canyon situation at Meadows and everyone agrees each are may have its own unique situation but if you cant get it open with 10 guys by 11am then hire 5 more and start earlier. I know of a few people willing to drive the extra 1+ hour  to Crystal simply to do some front country resort skiing which can not be done at Meadows. Thanks for any feedback in advance Thanks John

Matt's reply:

John:  Thanks for your post.  As stated before, our boundary policy and the opening of Heather Canyon are predicated on safety considerations for our staff and guests. Now having said that, we are in the process researching additional means and methods for providing safe avalanche control in Heather Canyon.  Opening times, however, will continue to be at the discrection of Patrol.  Your observation that the Pacific Northwest has a more stable snow pack than the Rockies is not accurate. As mentioned before, look for a blog on this important topic later this season.

In regard to making more terrain available within the existing permit boundary, we will be continuing our study of this from last year, and hope to generate some viable options for consideration by the USFS and our partners in the environmental community.

Thanks again for your comments,

-- M.

Rock on Matt Rock On... hey that's sick it sounds awesome, and when you say that your shops are going to be open on the 3rd of october you mean the ones up at the mountian right??? cause that's my birthday and I need some new bindings and she shop that I work for doesn't carry salomon, (haters) so ya 40 off a pair of relay pros sounds awesome I hope you have them but ya just making sure it was at the mountian alright, let me know eh! Oh and all the event stuff sounds great except one thing, we need a band, a band that is more younger crowd you know?? like some Breaking benjamin or 3 days grace or maybe AFI ( they released an album last year that swept a few of the snowboarding movies) but just a sugestion you know... some rock and cheap beer sounds amazing right about now,  oh and I was wonder what the events were for vegatate... rail jam or Big air, I think a big air jump coming down yellow or something would be awesome... or a step up in the base area maybe??? it's a perfect set up with a clean run up.. anyways, thank again bro and we'll see ya this season!

Matt's reply:

Kris: We're all excited about this snow and YES the sport shop will be open this Wednesday 10/3 and you'll be able to get 40% off one item for your birthday. You'll need to talk to Reyna about those bindings.

I hear you on the band selection - we may be able to do something real special during Vegetate, incorporating a rail jam in the base area with more live bands over the weekend. We're working on that right now.

See ya on the mountain!

--M

Man almost ALL of my old season passes are employee passes.  Does that mean I am not eligible?  Oh well, I guess that just means I'll have to get a free pass the old fashioned way again.

Matt's reply:

Mike: Regarding the most complete season pass contest - up to half of the passes that you present in your collection can be employee passes. We realize that some of our most loyal guests were at one time staff members. But we want to keep it fair for everyone.

If "the old fashioned way" to get a pass is to work for us, Job Fair is coming up Friday and Saturday, October 26 and 27 at the ski resort. You only need to attend one day and we're looking for hard working, enthusiastic, guest-oriented, mountain-loving individuals who want to join our team.

Another way to earn a season pass is to become an "advisor" or group organizer and bring groups to the mountain. There are areas of growth in the Portland area that are currently underserved - that is - they don't have an established bus program. Those interested in becoming an advisor should contact Karen Lite in our Clackamas Sales Office - 503.287.5438 x182 or shoot an email to klite@skihood.com.

Thanks for your post,

--M

I like the idea of the Birthday Discount, but what about those of us with a birthday in the summer, when Meadows is closed?  How do we save 40% ??

Matt's reply:

Chris: Hmmm, good question. We'll have to think on that one. Be watching our web site as we will be posting new additions to the celebration throughout the season.

Thanks for your question,

--M

"We invite you to celebrate your birthday at Meadows – and will offer you 40% off the retail price of one item" - Matt, my birthday was last tuesday... :(  Any way to get a 2 week retro-extension?  The flip side is, if I win the 40 year pass, I could ski free soon after my 74th birthday...  Looks like we will have lots of January sick days, my wife and I are first time season pass holders this year, which is coincidentally my 20th anniversary of skiing at MHM.  Glad we got in before prices go up next year ;)

Are you guys gonna do Hawaiian days justice, and roast an in-ground Kalua Pig?  Maybe some Wild Chinook Poke, too?  I guarantee people would pony up $10 a plate or so.

Driving to work was great yesterday, looking at a white mountain for the first time this season!

Matt's reply:

Brian: Happy belated birthday! And good luck on the 40th anniversary pass - the more days you are at the mountain in January the better your chances of winning.

Hawaiian Days will go off BIG TIME this year! We'll discuss your culinary ideas with our Director of Food Services Mark Fellows.

We are very happy to see the mountain changing to white. Prepare yourself and your family -- It's going to be an awesome season!

--M

Way to clebrate forty years of Mt Hood Meadows.  That's an unprecidented amount of give-aways.  A forty year pass, and twenty plus season passes!!!  I can't wait to meet the person that gets to ski for free until there is no more snow on Mt. Hood.   (yup, global warming's gonna win that race.  sorry...)

Matt's reply:

Paul: Purchase Green Tags and help keep winter cool! We all have a stake in this. Oregon State Climatologist George Taylor is predicting a La Nina season (colder wetter) so we're planning on a great season with plenty of snow. Good luck on winning the passes - we feel that is going to provide some great excitement for our 40th anniversary.

--M

One of the most disappointing aspects of the Meadows operations is the Nordic Center. Why can't the Center be open 7 days a week? And the grooming be done on an as needed" basis rather than routinely on Friday for a weekend. I'm an avid skier with an average of almost 100 days a year on snow - and many of those days I do both Alpine and Nordic skiing. Do you have any plans to expand the Nordic experience: upgrade the little trailer you run it out of, groom more often, or perhaps move the operation to the HRM building which could be expanded to accommodate both the Nordic and Alpine activities?

P.S. There is no better way to build strength and stamina for Alpine skiing than to do some regular Nordic Skiing. And learning to balance on 42MM wide skis is great for making Alpine balance a walk in the park.

Matt's reply:

Steve: Thank you for sharing both your passion and the benefits of nordic skiing. I wish there were more like you. Currently it only makes sense for us to operate on weekends when there is more demand for our groomed trails. That could change in the future, particularly as we look at the aging baby boomer looking for some alternative winter recreation. But for now we'll be open weekends at the nordic center.

I will look for you there this winter -- I will be the one towing a toddler in a funky looking sled with skiis.  We can chat about ways to expand our Nordic offerings in the future.

Thanks for your post.

--M

Thanks for the great seasons so far and here's to a good one this year!

About the "Celebrating your Birthday", is it on the day of your birthday, or is there lee-way on either side of the day?

Thanks!

Matt's reply:

Phillip: It's on your birthday - so make sure you plan to be at Meadows so we can celebrate together!

--Matt

Congrats on 40 years. I am stoked to get up to the mountain. Matt, I was hoping to get an update on the Snow Conditions page. I have been checking it daily since last week. The webcam and temperatures don't seem to be updated. When will it be operational?

Thanks

Matt's reply:

Spencer: We'll start updating our snow report on a weekly basis now - more frequently should our snowpack build. We're expecting more cold, moist weather this week so hopefully we'll have something to report.

The web cams have been updating, but the picture has pretty much been the same. We're having a "technical"  issue with our upper cam (top of Blue) but expect to get repaired this week.  As you know, stuff breaks at the mountain, and then -- we fix it! 

--Matt

But what about me....I frequent Meadows every year and have for the past 20 years.  My birthday is June 2nd.....am I going to be discriminated against just because I was born in the spring?  (if you can't tell I am being a bit sarcastic)  But hey I want a free ticket, and I do need a new jacket so right now a free ticket and 40% off jacket sound pretty sweet!

My advice, pick one or two days this year where you will honor B-Day guests who have B-Days during the time when meadows is closed.  Heck do it in the middle of the week to try and drive mid week ridership and business for the pro shop....just my $.02

Matt's reply:

Kale: Thanks for the suggestion. We'll discuss it with our retail director -- stay tuned to the website.

--Matt

How late are the shops open?  My birthday is midweek (next week!), but I work until 5.  I'd happily bomb up to shop to check out the goods if I thought it'd be open.

Matt's reply:

Ricky:  Until the opening of our 40th Anniversary season this year, the Shops at MHM are open Wednesday through Saturday until 4:PM.  If you can, come up the Saturday following your birthday.

--  Matt

All of this sounds amazing! I keep checking to see if you are bringing back the night skiing pass from last year-5 for $50. Any ideas on if it will be offered this year? With a family of 5 and 1 income it was the only way to go last year!

Matt's reply:

Alyssa: First of all - you are my hero! I'm sure you have seen the benefits of sharing such a great family activity and spending time together on this mountain. I applaud you.

The 5 Time Night pass was popular and we will most likely offer it but not at the same price. We haven't determined that yet. We will have some very family friendly options, including the Safeway Saturday which provides two FREE 14 and under lift tickets with the purchase of a 1 - 10 PM adult lift ticket.

We're also bringing back the family day pass - two adults and two 14 and under lift tickets for $125. Rentals can be added to the package for just $25 each person who rents.

And we have plans to extend our Children's Learning Center hours on Saturdays and Sundays at Christmas and in January and February. Get this - place a kid (age 4 to 12) in our twilight (3 - 7 PM) program and a Parent SKIS FREE! The twilight program includes supervision from 3 - 7 PM and a two hour lesson with lift ticket from 4 - 6 PM (equipment rentals for the kid is just $5). One free adult night (3 PM - close) lift ticket for Mom or Dad for each kid placed in the twilight program. After the lesson the family can ski together until the lifts close. It's a great deal for families!

Be watching our web site for more special offers.

Thanks again for your post. 

--M

Matt

Where were you 40 years ago on opening day?  Do you remember where the 1st ski patrol room was?  We all had to drive up from HR and we could stay over-nite in the patrol rm to patrol the next day--hope you continue to appreciate what the MHSP has done for your organization during the last 40 yrs.--best of luck this season.

Matt's reply:

sds:  Well let's see, I believe that day I was perfecting my "parallel" turning capabilities on T-Bar hill with my sister and cousins.  After that we ate cookies in my Dad's Buick (awesome snow car), got balled out for leaving crumbs everywhere, then passed out during the drive back home.

As far as MHSP goes, as I recall its original location was the main level at the SE corner of the original South Lodge.  Double doors from the outside led into a WWII-like facility that smelled like wet wool and antiseptic.  After Daisy lift was constructed it moved under the lower terminal where the Medical Clinic is today.  Today's Medical Clinic at MHM provides far more services than were available at MHM 40 years ago.

I think I speak for the MHM Team in saying that we are proud to have MHSP as a partner and we look forward to fostering an even better relationship over the next 40 years!

Thanks for your post -- and for giving me an opportunity to express our gratitude to MHSP!

--  M.

Hey Matt,

Me and some friends went and checked out 'Matchstick Productions' latest film, 'Seven Sunny Days' last night at Berbati's and it got me very *VERY* excited for the upcoming season.

See you on the slopes soon!

Matt's reply:

dclynn:  Right on -- see you at MHM real soon.

--  M.

Everything sounds like it coming along very well. My only question is has the road from Government Camp to MHM been fixed where it was washed out last year? If I remember correctly they did a temp fix to get it open and where going to fix correctly this summer. Towards the end of last season the East side of the wash out was getting pretty nasty.

Matt's reply:

mastercraft: Yes - ODOT has just completed a resurfacing project at the White River Bridge which took the bumps out that were appearing by the end of last season. They also installed a large culvert just north of the bridge where the wash out occured. This is culvert provides more capacity for run off in the event White River should jump its bank like last year, preventing the erosion which washed out the road.

Mark December 8 and 9 on your calendar - we're going to celebrate with Glacial Outburst - our partners Salomon will have a ski and snowboard demo both days and we'll have a beer festival in the Finish Line with brews from Widmer, Full Sail, Kona, Red Hook and Double Mountain.

Thanks for your post. 

--Matt

Whoa, a forty year pass!?, that makes my head feel funny... Can't wait for the season to kick off, It should be absolutely dope this year, with La Nina in effect. My gear is ready to go and I'm getting my 4buy4 ready, I think we may be riding in October this year!

Matt's reply:

peela: October sounds good to me. Our crew is getting excited and the snow has certainly stepped up the pace of preparation.

See you at MHM soon!

--M

My birthday was on the 28th of September, do I get the door prize for having my birthday on our first snow day of the season?  I think a 40 year season pass should do just fine.  

Matt's reply:

Scott: Happy Birthday! Sorry we don't have a discount for you in the sport shop - we'll try to make up for it with an early opening. Come on snow!!

--Matt

Matt

So you were a kid eating cookies 40 years ago and dropping crumbs in your dads car, just look what has happened to cookies now--they are everywhere left from the sites you visit on your computer!

You are sharp and have a good memory--most kids wouldn't have payed much attention to where the 1st patrol room was unless they had to make an unscheduled visit!  Some things have improved, some have stayed the same and we are 40 yrs. older--that's life!

One thing that hasn't got better is the traffic congestion at the top and just below the top of MH Express--old blue could only dump off so many skiers--now the new express quad can really offload more than twice as many skiers and boarders--a deadly mix as you witnessed last year.  I applaud yours and Mels' efforts to control the hoards speed and aggresiveness and I hope that continues this year unabaited, but a lot of customers have been knocked down and injured in that high traffic congested area.  The reason I bring this up is a conversation w/ an old ski buddy yesterday--a CEO of a Portland corp. who likes to ski midweek to avoid crowds--he was up on a Wed. on a good pow day, had just left the top of MHE off to the right side of the run carving a little fresh pow when he was slammed to the ground from behind by an agressive boarder who had gotten air on a drift near by--it broke his arm and ended his ski yr.--he wrote Dave and the patrol a registered letter about the incident--he didn't report the collision at the time because he had to catch his ski bus and didn't know his arm was broken until he went to emergency in town--of coarse the boarder that hit him never stopped, but another boarder checked on his condition shortly after the collision as he lay stunned in the snow--there are good people on your hill and there are a few hellions!  Keep up the good work and remember the PATROL is on a roll trying to keep all us riders WHOLE!

Matt's reply:

sds:  Thanks for your comments and observations. Your tale about your friend's incident again reinforces our continued efforts to educate our guests on the Responsibility Code and its importance.

Knowledge is good.  Knowing the Code and practicing the Code at MHM is critical.

See you at MHM soon!

--  M.

NORTHERN OREGON CASCADES-SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADES-

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...GOVERNMENT CAMP...DETROIT..

SANTIAM PASS...COLDWATER RIDGE VISITORS CENTER...MOUNT ST. HELENS

338 AM PDT WED OCT 3 2007

...SNOW ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 PM PDT

THURSDAY FOR THE SOUTH WASHINGTON AND NORTH OREGON CASCADES..

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A SNOW

ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 PM PDT

THURSDAY.

SNOW WILL INCREASE TODAY AND CONTINUE TONIGHT INTO THURSDAY OVER

THE SOUTH WASHINGTON AND NORTH OREGON CASCADES AS COLD AIR AND

SNOW SHOWERS STREAM INTO THE AREA BEHIND A PACIFIC COLD FRONT. UP

TO 4 INCHES OF NEW SNOW IS POSSIBLE TODAY...WITH 4 TO 8 INCHES

TONIGHT...AND 2 TO 4 INCHES ON THURSDAY. THE SNOW LEVEL WILL LOWER

TO AROUND 4000 FEET THIS MORNING AND 3500 FEET LATER TODAY...AND

THEN BETWEEN 3000 AND 3500 FEET TONIGHT AND THURSDAY. THESE SNOW

LEVELS ARE BELOW THE ELEVATIONS OF THE MAIN PASSES THROUGH THE

CASCADES. THE SNOW WILL BEGIN TO EASE UP LATER THURSDAY AND

THURSDAY NIGHT.

A SNOW ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY

TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW COVERED ROADS AND

LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

NICE !!!!!!!

Matt's reply: I think the forecast speaks for itself. Come on snow!

how much snow do you need before you open?

Matt's reply:

Marshal: There are too many variables to give you a precise answer. Much depends on how the snow comes in - over a series of days or just one big dump. How much water content there is in the snow to set up a good pack, and whether we are able to get cats on the snow for a few solid days of track packing. Our commitment remains to open as soon as we can provide a quality product.

Thanks for your question.

--Matt

I just passed my b-day and wanted to put in another dont forget about us not born in the winter!!  This is my third season pass and love that the 4x4 stays.  Without it I dont know if I could afford it, so thanks for another great year!  I will now begin the praying it comes back next season :)

Here's hoping we are all soon a** deep in snow!!!!!

Matt's reply:

JonO: We kept the 4x4 price at $400 - isn't that a great b-day present Keep checking the 40th anniversary web page on our site - it's under the events section. We'll be doing special things all season.

--M

Opening Heather canyon would help "make winter fun".  I understand that opening Heather is a difficult task, but it shouldn't be too difficult for the Patrol staff to get it open.  It has obviously been too difficult in the past, but it is time to make the changes that are necessary to open it regularly and early.  If there were too few patrollers, hire more; if you didn't have enough explosives, buy more; if you need a large avalanche cannon, get one.  More than anything, I think that the mindset of the management and patrol needs to change.  Last season Heather Canyon went days or even weeks without opening.  If opening the canyon became a priority, it would get open.    

Matt's reply:

Open Heather may be an alias for the enthusiast who sent the same message in the last blog topic. My response is the same:

I appreciate your passion and enthusiasm for Heather - it does truly distinguish Meadows from the rest of the west. Many of your suggestions are under evaluation.  Please understand that safety will always determine when we open the Canyon - and that there are unique and specific conditions both terrain and weather that require us to manage Heather Canyon differently than the other resorts you have mentioned. But being able to offer Heather Canyon once cleared on a more frequent basis is a worthy goal that will help us on our journey to become "The Best in the West."

But let me add - anyone who thinks we have a mindset or are otherwise inclined not to open Heather Canyon is crazy. We are well aware that this important to our guests, and tdhat Heather Canyon uniquely distinguishes our resort from others. We also respect its unique character which is why we approach it as I have just described.

Thanks for your post.

--M

Matt:

Will you be offering the Safeway Sunday deal again this year?  With two kids, it has really worked well for us the last couple of years.

Brian  

Matt's reply:

Brian: We're moving the Safeway Family Sunday offer to Saturday - so you'll be able to receive two 14 and under lift tickets with the purchase of a 1 - 10 PM lift ticket - when you show your Safeway Club Card.

We're moving the Safeway Friday and Saturday night offer to Sunday night so you'll be able to purchase a Sunday evening lift ticket (3 - 9 PM) for $15 ($10 off the regular price).

Also - we're bringing back our popular Family Day Package - 2 adult lift tickets and 2 14 and Under lift tickets for $125.

Look for a very special Saturday and Sunday evening offer that we're going to be announcing soon regarding FREE night lift tickets one parent when placing a kid in our Twilight (3 - 7 PM) Saturday or Sunday evening program, which includes indoor supervision before and after the 4 - 6 PM on-snow lesson. Looks like the price will be $50 (+ $5 for kid's rentals). What do you think?

--M

Just got my first season pass at MHM..Went often last year and I am very excited for all the new things MHM will have to offer. I give my thnks to everyone who has been a part of it. Snow is on the mountain and I am stoked to be up there in the upcoming WEEKS!

Matt's reply:

MD: Congratulations on joining the club! Hope to see you up here often (and soon)!

--M

this is really on topic of the 40 years of making winter fun, which by the way congrats to MHM, could you update us newschoolers on what new features and set ups we will see this year in the park?

Matt's reply:

KC: I've forwarded your message to our parks and grooming departments. We'll be updating our freestyle page with this information soon. We do want to make all elements of Meadows fun - including the freestyle experience. That's why we named them "Paradise Parks".

--M

Matt!  I see inches on the website, can you post a picture so i can see the sweet glorious snow?  The pictures from the blog last year really helped raise my stoke, so keep 'em coming this year!  Thanks dude. And I gotta say, I like the sounds of all the ideas you're throwing out here in your blog.  Sounds like the Meadows  ship is in good hands, headed onward and upward!  

Here's to a sweet season of downward, eh!?

Matt's reply:

Rando (or is it Lando): We added some shots to the front page movie and have our web cams up to show the snowfall. We'll be updating our conditions page and snow phone frequently as we get accumulation. Star Wars fan?

Thanks for the post.

--M

Matt, a friend of mine got a Meadows pass brochure in the mail on Monday of this week.  After reading it he decided to buy a 10 day pass because, as he said to me, "they are shareable all season long, so me and some of my friends can have cheaper tickets."

This is his first full year of riding, so I pointed out that 10 day passes don't become shareable until the last month or so of the year.  He insisted it was indeed shareable and I had to do was look at the brochure.

Later that day, at his house, he showed me the brochure...sure enough, in the 2007/08 Pass Brochure it states "10 time passes become shareable after March 24th, 2007"...not 2008, but 2007.  He then said "see, it's already October 07, so they're shareable"

Was this a misprint or will you be honoring the March 24th 2007 date for sharing the 10 day passes?  I know that if you don't he is going to be very upset and in a way rightfully so, because the literature you sent out had the wrong date on it and he is a newbie.  I didn't have the heart to tell him he is pretty much SOL so I wanted to ask you and at least bring this to your attention.

Any thoughts?  Are you even aware of this date in the brochure?  Check it out for yourself, I am sure you guys have a few of the flyers floating around.

Matt's reply:

Phil: Thanks for pointing out the error in the season pass guide. It is an obvious mistake that got by our crack team of copy proofers. That's why we always add prices subject to change without notice to our materials, but nonetheless -- we goofed. As typos go, that one is a beauty. The information is correct on our web site, on the 10 Time Pass application and on the card itself.

The 10 Time Pass is a great value at $330 and even better at $295 through the group of 10 offer. It is an individual pass which becomes sharable March 24, 2008. At that time you can use your remaining days to bring guests and "sign" for their lift ticket as well (you still need to come to the resort to sign for the ticket).

Have your friend contact Dave Tragethon at trag@skihood.com. Dave would like to thank him for finding the mistake and possibly hire him as a copy proofer!

Thanks for your post and for bringing this to our attention -- we can and do fix most everything that we know about!

--M

Matt,

I'm looking at using the parks more and as I looked through the freestyle page there seemed to be little mention of beginner parks.  I see most parks rated at Int/Adv and some without a rating.  I know it might be to early as they yet to exist but what parks are there for people just starting out?  Also, is there anyway the park layouts could be posted.  It'd be nice to get an idea of where to go ahead of time instead of having to cruise by each one.  Thanks!

Matt's reply:

Steve: The lower level parks are located off of Buttercup / Easy Rider lifts. The Zoo usually has smaller jumps and rollers - we usually have a mini-pipe at the bottom of it. Shipyard features rails - some of them low profile. The park locations are noted in the trail map, keep in mind that the locations and features within the parks can change with conditions and the season.

--M

Hey i was wondering if you guys will be adding any additional rails this year? Last years were just normal stock rails you would see everywhere else, so why not add some interesting rails that make you guys stand out? Oh, and could you ask your freestyle team to add some rails that are nearer to the ground, shorter, and flat. To practice trikcs on

Matt's reply:

Jack: We have a pretty good variety of rails comparatively speaking, and a few are new for this season. Sometimes the challenge is getting them all out particularly when we're getting a lot of snow. Great suggestion on the low profile rails - I'll pass it along to our parks crew.

Thanks for your post.

--M

Although I went to this area only once, it was one of the best areas I have gone to. From looking at the trail map I was worried that there wouldn't be enough expert tarrain, ok so I was wrong. The Heather canyon was the best bowl I've been in and the smaller bowls off the Blue lift where nice to! The chair I enjoyed most was the Heather Canyon lift, how it went up then down and over another lift then up again.

That day was also a very strange spring day as in it was hard snow and blue sky to a slushy mess and raining. Still it was one of my favorite days I've had for a very long time, thank you for such a great ski area and unlike a lot of places, friendly workers!

P.S. I learned that the chutes near "Yellow" have very little snow in late spring. :)

Matt's reply:

Jeff: Thanks for sharing your experience. The weather can be variable here on Hood but you can have a great time skiing and snowboarding in most any condition. While we can't control the weather, we are committed to creating exceptional guest experiences through our "Making the Difference" guest service program. Thanks for noticing!

--M

Hey Matt, it sure would be great for the Portland crowd if there was a way to get our photos taken in town, and not just at the ski show, where you have to pay admission to get in.

Have you ever looked into setting up a pass photo operation for a few weeks somewhere like US Outdoor Store, REI or the Columbia Store? I think it could be a win for both of you - shorter lines on opening day, and additional traffic for the store.

Matt's reply:

Dan: We're taking pictures at our Clackamas Sales Office Wednesdays through Sundays this month. The office is located across from the Clackamas Town Center. Here's a link to the picture taking schedule and the address to the office: http://www.skihood.com/Pricing/SeasonPasses/PassPictures/Default.aspx

--M

Matt, a 40-year pass would be great.  I and my nephew will be there for our chance to win!

Any word on the yellow chair contest, I haven't seen anything on it and the contest said they would announce the winner in September or August?

I just had my picture taken for my pass so where's the snow?

Matt's reply:

Ohlaph: We're working on some additional prizes as part of the 40th anniversary drawing on January 27 so there'll be more than just one grand prize winner. The new name for Yellow is Stadium. Glad you got your picture early - the snow is on its way!

--M

Hi Matt.

Regarding the Nordic Center possible experience improvements in a previous post. I'm excited to hear that is a possibility. Skate skiing is growing so fast. The Nordic Center at Mt. Bachelor is always hoppin' and I'd venture to guess their numbers have grown each year. It's kind of an addicting sport and I agree with your assessment that boomers may turn to the Nordic experience as their joints become less inclined for impact.

That said, I would like to push for a "build it and they will come" scenario, vs. waiting to see if there will be a demand. With an expanded operation and alittle advertising I predict you could make alot of folks happy, AND build a nice little money maker for the mountain. Thanks for the consideration!

-Karen

Matt's reply:

Karen: Thanks for your comments. In addition to the Hood River Meadows Nordic Center operating on the weekends, we also have around 6.5 km of groomed and set track at Cooper Spur Mt. Resort which is open daily. We've built it (and we groom it). It's a great "outing" course whereby you can stop along the way and have a picnic lunch and enjoy the awesome secenary. When you are done, go have a great dinner at the Spur Steakhouse located at the Inn at Cooper Spur. Come on up and enjoy it!

--M

could you ask the freestyle team to add some rails on the flat parts of some of the runs. Thanks

Matt's reply:

Steve: I'll pass along the suggestion. Thanks for riding Paradise Parks, and for your post.

--M

Hey Matt, I know about the Clackamas Sales Office, but it's not really in town - it's kind of a pain to get out there. The old Portland office was nice because I could run out there during lunch and get my photo taken, as opposed to having to drive to Clackamas. Maybe you have statistics that prove me wrong, but I think that a lot of people would appreciate the option to get their pass photo taken in or around downtown.

Matt's reply:

Dan: With the extended hours on Wednesdays to 7 PM, and being open on Saturdays, we're making the Clackamas option pretty accessible. It's just a 12 minute drive on the Milwaukie Expressway from the old office location. But I do understand your point - we do want to make it more convenient for our pass holders. We are working hard on internal systems technology upgrades and anticipate that by next year we should be able to fulfill passes through the mail for those who are renewing and want to use their picture. Can't get much more convenient than that!

Thanks for your post.

--M

MHM has a oppurtunity to become the "best in the west" freestyle resort in the country, but MHM is far from it at the moment. it needs more jib features, more technical rails, a unversal rail color (all rails at mammoth are pink, all rails at northstat are yellow,all rails at timberline are orange) a continious park (make the park extend all the way down vista lift)

Here is several resorts park pages, look at how more advanced their features are then MHM's.

Boreal- http://www.jibassicpark.com/

Mammoth- unbound.mammothmountain.com

Northstar- currently updating site

Timberline-www.timberlinelodge.com/.../freestyle_terrain.php

Here is a Great company that it looks like you have bought from before

planet snowtools-store.planetsnowtools.com/Terrain-Park-Equipment

in particular look at the

Park Bench

Staircase Rail

Custom Fun Boxes

Flat Down Rail

S-Rail

Roller Coaster

If these features are implemented MHM will truly become "The best in the West"

Matt's reply:

Toby: Thanks for the links and the suggestions for rails. We'll look into them. Our parks crew is very excited about getting Paradise Parks going this season. Give it a ride and then let me know how you like our parks.

--M

"We have selected “40 Years of Making Winter Fun” as our tag line –"

matt, i don't understand the need for a "tag line." as a former employee as well as non-employee season pass holder, i find the atmosphere at meadows trending toward the big corporate mountain.  while i will not attempt to speak for others, i find this most unappealing.  i do not appreciate being bombarded by corporate logos and contrived catch phrases everywhere i go.

what is the phrase "40 Years of Making Winter Fun” expected to accomplish? is this phrase going to be plastered all over the place? will it increase ticket or retail sales?  or will it create an atmosphere of nostalgia for the times when the whole point of riding was less about consumerism and fashion. it makes me feel very icky to be subjected to pre-fabricated tag lines.  

I understand that you are running a business and that marketing research has shown that droves of consumers will respond with their wallets to big yellow banners indicating a celebration, but please, scrap the silly tag line, it isn't worth it.

I was a supervisor at meadows last season, when everything was about "making the difference." i remember feeling the meaninglessness of those words echoing from dave's memos and the mouths of the department managers from day to day as i did my job to the best of my ability, but with no greater sense of duty or urgency. I believe that by applying these catch phrases to the entire mountain you are working towards McDonaldizing the ski area. you are blending it into the corporate landscape that reduces human beings into customers, or "guests," to be herded through  your product (in this case the ski area) and encouraged to consume as much as possible (or more).    

Please try to drop the fakeness, no one wants to be reduced in that way.  

Please do not force us to ride at Mt. Hood McMeadows.  

Matt's reply:

MBT: What are the four simple steps that Making the Difference consists of? We have created this program as a way to involve, support and coach our staff to engage the guest. Smile, make eye contact, initiate small talk and thank the guest. If this seems meaningless, then we needed to provide better supervisory training, because this really does make a difference for both our guests and employees. We started the program two seasons ago and will continue to refine and improve it as we move forward. I do appreciate that you and other employees worked to the best of your abilities - it is also one of our goals to recognize those efforts.

The 40th anniversary slogan "40 Years of Making Winter Fun" was selected so we could celebrate. It's what our founder had in mind - to introduce families to a wonderful mountain experience and share winter fun. It's also something that both our employees and guests can relate to - after all, having winter fun is what we're all about.

I wouldn't be concerned about the over commercialization of Meadows. We do have partnerships to create more fun and festive events, but this is generally contained to the base area or a competition arena. There's plenty of mountain for those who want to enjoy the sport in its purist form.

Thanks for your post and I hope to see you at MHM during our 40th anniversary season! 

--M

Matt - passes by mail? SWEET! What a great idea - that would make me a very happy snowboarder!

Matt's reply:

Dan: Our IT task force has now been officially challenged to get this project in development! It also has a new mission - "Using technology to make happy snowboarders (and skiers)!"

--M

YEAH TOBY. Thats what we need for sure im sick of the boring down rails and little rainbow rails. you guys HAVE listen to toby if you honestly do want to become the BEST IN THE WEST. People would rather ski meadows but timberline puts much more time into their parks and rails.

Thanks for reading look forward to the 40th anniv.

Matt's reply:

Johhny: I appreciate the suggestions. We have a stellar parks and grooming crew and the most state of the art grooming equipment on Hood. We also have the benefit of terrain which has character and is naturally playful. I respectfully disagree with your assessment that any ski resort on Hood puts more time into their parks than we do. Know that our emphasis will be to create fun experiences in Paradise Parks this season for different ability levels. We will continue to provide variety --  particularly for those who are just learning.

Thanks again for your post. 

--M

Hey i just read tobys post from above and think that it is a great idea and that you should consider adding some of those rails especailly the picnic bench that things sick!

Matt's reply:

Dan: The bench was used a lot last year, particularly in events. I'm sure our crew will get it into the park in an appropriate location. It is a great featue since it provides a variety of approaches, for different abiities (take the low bench or the high table surface) and treats riders equally (goofy stance or normal, skier or snowboarder). It's a great addition to our rail offerings -- look for other new additions as the season unfolds.

Thanks for your post.

--M

40 years is awesome. But I want 1 at a time. (I could bite the rail tomorrow.) The snow is starting to fall. Any idea on when the hill could open? Give us a new blog. Tell us when to start waxing. (Make Dave proud keep us informed, Up to date.) I know your busy. Just sayin'.

Matt's reply:

Clay: We'll see what this storm brings and what kind of delay there is before the next one hits. There's great intensity in this storm - it may be enough to allow us to start track packing which really helps keep the base between early season storms.

We're updating our snow phones (503.227.SNOW in Portland / 541.386.SKIS in Hood River) and our web site conditions page with this information as conditions change. You can also see for yourself with the web cams on this page - we'll be adding some more web cams before the season.

Believe me as we get near a potential opening we will let you know, but we have been doing this for a while and don't want to jump the gun.  As in year's past, we will open as soon as Mother Nature has delivered a competent base.

--M

I am an old man boarder and dont ride the parks much but I have seen much better on Timberline.  We had some good ones on Meadows too, but I think T-Line had the edge.

Of course not of that really matters to me as I go to Meadows for the terrain.  I do think that pulling the parks up a notch will pull the trickters into it to play and leave less for the skiers to complain about.

And yes Matt, the 4x4 is s great b-day gift that i BOUGHT for myself.  Just thought you might extend the same gift to all your season pass holders, after all we would still be buying something.

Matt's reply:

JonO: I never thought I'd see old man and boarder in the same sentence. It speaks to the maturity of the sport - and how we are all basically mountain riders pursuing, enjoying and appreciating the same "high" we get from the freedom of soaring - that sensation you get only from these sports.

Our parks and grooming crew members are tuned into this blog so they're getting the message. Again the emphasis will be on variety and fun and I know they are up to the task.

Oh - and Happy Birthday! Saving $400 on an Unlimited Season Pass is a GREAT gift - even if you had to buy it for yourself!

--M

hey matt, when do you think opening day will be?

Matt's reply:

We're all "excited" about this new snow. It is perfect for building a base that we will be skiing and riding on the whole season.

I can't tell you exactly when opening day will be - it depends on a lot of variables. We have 2 feet of unsettled in the base area - when we track pack we'll squeeze the air out of it and it will pack down to less than half that amount. But that's good for this early in the season and will provide us with a firm base to build on.

We will open as soon as Mother Nature has delivered a competent base that we can sustain. We'll see what develops over the next several days.  In the meantime, stay tuned to <skihood.com> and the snow phone (503-227-7669).

Thanks for your post. 

--M.

Any word on opening day yet?  It looks like we might be close.  Maybe even before the ski & snowboard show from november 2-4?

Matt's reply:

Raquel (love that name):  Boy that would be a real gift alright!  We are grateful for the great early snow that we have received and will commence track packing immediately. Forecast looks like a ridge of high pressure and warmer temps for a few days, so it's a "wait and see" game that we play each year around this time.  The Oregon State Climatologist's long range forecast for the season does, however, appear promising. Everything at the Mt. Hood Meadows and Cooper Spur Mountain Resort is ready to go for the season, so stay tuned to <skihood.com> and the Snow Phone (503-227-7669) for current conditions and status.

Thanks for your post.  See you at the Portland Ski Show -- or on the hill at MHM.

--  M.

--  M.

Hell Matt!

I was just curious how much snow is required to provide enough cover for an opening? You folks are doing a great job, can't wait for the season to open!

Thanks

-Skiwa

Matt's reply:

Skiwa: I wish I could give you an exact date - or even a precise amount of snow depth, but there are too many variables. We'll open when we believe we can offer a quality product and sustain the opening. Meanwhile, let me show you some pictures that Chris Boston emailed to us from this past Sunday:

 
Shot from the base area looking up at beautiful snow covered Mt. Hood. 

 
The new patrol HQ at the top of Blue.

 
The SuperPipe looks almost ready to ride!

 
Top of Cascade with some wind-loaded slopes.

Thanks to Chris for the great shots. Hopefully it won't be long before the lifts are turning and we'll all be skiing and riding at Meadows!  Stay tuned to <skihood.com> -- also, got your gear squared away for the season?  Come up and check out our shops for the latest gear at great prices!

Thanks for your post.

--M

Matt

TL's web cams seem to show more of what is going on at their ski area (weather-wise) than yours do--any way to correct that??

I know you have snow phones for Portland and Hood River, but what about the crowd who live north of the Columbia in that other state with a 360 area code??

Matt's reply:

sds: We are adding several web cams this year at the tops of Heather, Cascade, Vista and a new base area cam. This network of cams will give viewers current and accurate weather conditions from all over the mountain. We hope to have them operational soon!

I have some bad news regarding the Vancouver snow phone which we've provided for the past six seasons -- so let me give it to you straignt. We can no longer maintain the mailbox in Vancouver without paying really wicked access fees -- way more than we had been paying. With more people using cell phones (which don't charge long distance between Vancouver and Portland) and with more people getting their info through the web, we decided not to renew the Vancouver snow phone this season. We'll continue to update our snow phone in Portland (503.227.7669) in Hood River (503.386.7547) and at the ski resort (option 1 when you call 503.337.2222).

Thanks for your post.

--M

Hello Matt,

I was living in Portland and riding at MHM the past three season with a pass and loved it so much. I was living in Steamboat, Co for 7 years before so I do have some years around a hill and understand that you can not make everyone happy all the time. Now in Co again in the front range and just bought the 4 mountain pass here and already getting days in at A-Basin. You maybe be wondering whats your point, point is I really liked MHM but buying the pass and the lack of remote location to get your picture taken with very limited hours was and is a very easily solved issue that can and would pay you back instantly. Here in Denver I was able to buy my pass at REI and they also offer them at other larger shops as well. Also if you had a season pass the years before they let you renew them on line and have you check off the release of liability issue on-line and just reactive your old one.

I hope you understand this is just a heads up on simple way the local businesses would help you and themselves out by getting more season pass holders in there doors and you making the process more painless than the hours waiting in lines on a Saturday at a office. I know what do I care, well I will be back in a few years and just trying to help my friends still there. I am sure if you talked to REI, US Outdoor and a few others you could make this happen and make a lot of die MHMers very happy that bought the 4x4 early.

On a positive note great thought about making Cooper Spur a mountain bike destination in the summer, I would think that could very big indeed.  I loved your contest to be able to have more days on the hill, June 4th was by far the latest I have ever been riding on my season pass. I will also be writing Breckenridge and asking to start this type of blog so the people who want to try to understand why things work the way they work can do so. Finally it seems MHM is at least open to suggestion from the people who take the time to make suggestions worth reading. Good luck and props to your father for getting this place started, I look forward to a few days back there this year riding powder in Heather!

Matt's reply:

Mikeg: Thanks for the comments - you would have been impressed with our Hood River operation Sunday - we took 1,250 pictures! We'll be geared up to take pictures in Portland this week with an extra camera and additional staff. I hear you on additional outlets, unfortunately our current system has to be networked to the central computer making remote locations tough right now. We are working to remedy that for next year.

Thanks for your kind comments - the blog has been and will continue to be an important communication tool for and with our guests. We're committed to it. Have a great season in Colorado - and we look forward to seeing you on the slopes at Meadows during your visit. Be sure to let us know how we are doing by posting another comment or two!

--M

Matt,

How is the base doing with this warmer weather? How does the snow forecast look for the next few weeks? You think we'll be riding before turkey day?

Matt's reply:

Adam:  It's been pretty warm at MHM the past two days.  Let's hope for some cooler temps and more precipitation soon.

For the past few years, when we have had a cool and wet winter, our dog digs holes in the yard in the fall -- really irritates the wife.  Our yard has many holes in it right now.  Go figure.

Thanks for your post.

-- M.

Hey Matt,

My 7 year old daughter and myself decided to try this skiing thing for the first time today(on your opening day of year 40!) while my husband and son went off boarding, We all had a great time, I didn't catch my daughters instructor's name but he did a great job, she can't wait to get back! As for myself, I had DJ Carson, and he was fabulous, I went from never having put skis on to sliding down the first chairlift with ease. You have one heck of a good staff up there, thanks for the fun day, we will sure be back soon!

Matt's reply:

InVancouver: A heartfelt "Thanks" for your comments. I will be sure to pass them on to our Snow Sport Learning Center staff -- who, by the way, are the most talented and dedicated collection of quality ski and snowboard teaching professionals in our region.

I can tell you from first hand experience that the family that skis/rides together, stays together.  I look forward to seeing your entire family on the mountain this season.

-- Matt.