MEADOWS BLOG

how bout push all the snow on to North canyon so that you can open up MHX and north canyon that's what many resorts do. So could you do this or why not?

Matt's reply:

Steven: At first this seems like a no brainier. But then the shear volume of snow required to properly cover the varied and rocky terrain that is North Canyon becomes more evident.  As soon as we receive more snow, however, we will be doing just that.  Right now, there is just not enough volume to work with. So just like at a Led Zeppelin concert -- pray for volume.

Thanks for your post.

-- Matt

is it true your opening friday?

Matt's reply:

Lisa: Yes, it's reality.  Check out the pics on the new blog.

See you Friday!

-- Matt

Easy Rider and Buttercup, that's it! C'mon why can't you get any of the better terrain open? Guess I won't get to start using my hard earned season pass until December.

Matt's reply:

Adam: Sorry to disappoint you.  Frankly, we are lucky to be able to open Buttercup and Easy Rider for those intrepid soles who just love to ski and ride and be at the mountain with their super positive attitude.

--  Matt

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Even if it <em>is</em> only Easy Rider up, you have just made me a very happy man, Matt.

See you all on the lift (most likely in line)!

Matt's reply:

Kyle: Thanks for your post and great attitude! Your thanks has been re-directed to our incredible crew -- where it belongs.

--  Matt

Jeeezzz, I guess there is no pleasin some people.....adam.  Any way, Im super stoked, even if it is two lifts and a ton of people, who cares, snow is snow.  Im sure all of us die hards really appreciate the 5 day scramble to get this show on the road!!  See ya on the mountain.

Matt's reply:

Nic: That's the way we see it too. Drive with care and we'll see you on the slopes.

--Matt

Hi Matt,

Congratulations on getting the mountain open!!!  It looks like next week could bring in some more good snow which will hopefully open up the rest of the mountain; I know we all want this to happen.  We all just have to hold off a little longer for the whole mountain and let the kids enjoy the after Thanksgiving groomers.....

Soon, Very Soon.........Steep & Deep out.

Matt's reply:

Steep and Deep: If someone who goes by the handle "Steep and Deep" can show patience, we all can! Thanks for the comment and I echo your enthusiastic:

Soon, Very Soon...

and NOW for those that want 14 inches of snowpack on two lifts.

--Matt

Is there any way we can take our own pictures, email them to your offices and have our passes sent to us? Just seems like a hassle to have to drive all the way up to the mountain just to have my picture taken. I got a perfectly good camera here. Not too mention the possibility of having to stand in a long line. They do it with passports. You send your pictures in and they send your document. It's greener.

-Hein

Matt's reply:

Hein: Thanks for your suggestion. We are looking into being able to use the previous year's picture and send out the pass - there are some technical and legal (liability release) obstacles we need to address, but nothing that is insurmountable. Our season pass crew is preparing for volume - we've relocated to the Sno-Blaster room (slope level of the North Logge) - we'll have up to six picture taking stations ready to go, which really expedites the process. If you haven't already had your picture taken, let me know how it goes for you.

--Matt

LA NINA what a load of crap! Last year (EL NINO) I was riding in 18" of champagne dry powder at Crystal the day after Thanksgiving. Truth is that nobody knows what the winter is going to be like La Nina or not. I am beginning to think that you guys over hype La Nina in order to increase Season Pass sales.

Matt's reply:

Adam: LA NINA LA NINA LA NINA LA NINA. What hype? I think we'll all agree that the 3 day forecast is much more reliable than the six month forecast. But then, if not the weather, what would Oregonians have to talk about in October and November?

--Matt

Hey why don't you guys get a real snowmaking operation like Mt. Bachelor who can make a lot more snow and thereby open much more terrain on their opening day (Thanksgiving Day).

Matt's reply:

Not Impressed: We are currently working on those plans. A more expansive snow making system would help us with early openings - it would be nice to guarantee a Thanksgiving opening with more terrain than we have to offer right now. This will be the topic of an upcoming Blog.

Thanks for your post.

--Matt

I know its hard to describe, but what jibs will be set on opening day? The picnic table?

Paradise Parks reply: We will set up as many rails as we can (including some very cool new fun boxes one of which is 30' long).  Should be a sweet little park.

To the guy who wanted to push snow... are you crazy? Why don't we just rent the snow from Whistler and get some horse drawn sleds to ferry it down to our little mountain. Better yet if everyone cleaned out their freezer, put it in an ice chest, and brought it up, we could open everything. Patience is a virtue my friend.... good things come to those who wait... something tells me your wife is very dissatisfied. ohhh zing! See ya'll up there sooner or later...

Matt's reply:

Jo: Your ability to zing is a little above average. In fairness to all those who have only seen Meadows in the winter - the amount of snow we receive and our ability to groom it really hides the rugged nature of the terrain beneath the snow. We do use various snow farming techniques before and during the season to supplement areas that are exposed or become wind scraped, so the idea of pusing snow from one area to the other is a valid concept. But with this little snow we can't "farm" it very far.

I do like your suggestions though and we're looking into the cost of renting horses and sleds!

--Matt

Hey Matt, Great to hear you will be opening on friday. Let the bad attitudes of some of the other bloggers stay at home with them, I would rather use my season pass on flat, low snow trails than not at all. Keep up the great work, and bring on the snow!!!!

Matt's reply:

Taylor: That's the way we look at it too. We're a ski area - that's what we do. Turning on snow in the sunshine on beautiful Mt. Hood - even though the terrain may be limited - is a great way to spend the day!

--Matt

so does this mean that the lifts will be open on Saturday also, or just Friday?

Matt's reply:

Mitchell: We're planning on running lifts from 9 AM - 3 PM daily, as long as the snowpack allows. Keep in mind, these are very early season conditions, so it is highly adviseable to check the web site http://www.skihood.com/mountain/conditions/ and our snow phones for the daily updates.

--Matt

Way to go MHM staff! you guys are awesome. Even though it is only two lifts I'm very grateful. thanks for making my holiday break a million times better!

Nick

Matt's reply:

Nick: YOU are awesome - we're looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

--Matt

I hiked up North Canyon to the top of the Shooting Star chair this summer (great hike by the way) and with 14 inches of snow, there is no way that I would ski North Canyon or anything on Shooting Star.  People don't realize there are a lot of big rocks on those runs.  My skis cost way too much to bang them around on those rocks.

Matt - My question is:  If the snow starts falling on Sunday for all of next week, would Meadows do an incremental open - say on one day Daisy and Cascade Express (is it possible to download on Daisy?) open MHX one day and then Shooting Star a few days later and then HRE in a week or two?  Or are you waiting to do one big open with all lifts running?

I'm hoping that the last weekend in November will provide some great skiing for the whole hill!

Thanks!

Matt's reply:

Dylan: You're right on with your observations of the upper terrain. The lift opening schedule will be dependent upon coverage of the terrain each lift serves. We'd probably do a progression, opening a lift as soon as the terrain it serves is ready. But the nature of our upper lift terrain and the way storms hit Mt. Hood often coincide to allow us to open several upper lifts at the same time.

--Matt

Matt, tell your crew Awesome Job, having family that have worked in the Colorado resorts, its not easy getting going with the light volume of snow so far - happy for the chance to get on the mountain Friday!

Cheers,

Mike L.

Matt's reply:

Mike: Our crew is SO tuned into this Blog - your kind words energizes them. See you on the slopes!

--Matt

How about Learn to Ski classes for kids below 13. (specifically, I am looking for classes for 5yr olds) Will you have any such classes and how much will they cost.

Matt's reply:

Kiddo: Our Children's Learning Center will be operating - you can check out the programs and prices at this link: http://www.skihood.com/SkiSchool/youth.aspx. See you on the slopes!

--Matt

Matt,

Wow. That's great news. Thanks for the hard work from you and the rest of the crew to make Friday's opening possible. I'm sure they are just as excited as the rest of us to get the season underway. Now we get to take advantage of their hard-work. Thank you. It's appreciated. Way to go the extra mile to make the most of what you have available. More snow is in the forecast and it's only going to get better on the hill!

I guess it's to be expected that some people will complain no matter what the news. Or maybe it's just pent-up excitement for the new season. Anyway, the hill is opening weeks before it did last year and I'd rather ride limited terrain then not be able to ride at all. Bring on the new season; bring on the snow. You all are great.

Matt's reply:

Dan: I will pass your comments on to our staff who are looking forward to being reunited with our guests this weekend! It's like having family over for the holidays.

--Matt

The season is here! Great news! Can't wait to ride the canyon. Mother nature will be bringing the goods soon. And the road is intact this year!

Matt, I been reviewing all of North America's ski resort webcams. Especially in places that are open right now. I am wondering if Meadows could add a few webcams and up the quality. After this blog, the cams are my favorite source of information. Check out Banff as a prime example. Big, clear, (and open right now!) And of course Whistler, lots of angles and views. Maybe a view of the Cascade lift from the base facing up and one half way up by the jumps? And in the main lodge area? Just a thought. When I am trapped here at sea level I like to see what's happenin' !!  

Cheers to a great 40th season!! Let's go for a new record of most weekdays that the Cascade lift opens in a season!

-Peter D.

Matt's reply:

Peter: A great suggestion. We are actually running the fiber we need for getting those cameras into positions on our upper lifts. Plan to go "live" with it this season. Keep tuned in!

--Matt

I see that we are expecting some more snow sometime this weekend, any word on this storm and if it will dump enough snow to open other runs like Mt.Hood express or Vista?

I must say though, I am very happy to see that you are opening at least a couple runs, I think a "open as they are ready" policy is good to have.

See you all on FRIDAY!

Matt's reply:

Faris: Looks like "Faris" is taking a day off! Conflicting forecasts at this time for next week, but looks like there is snow in them thar clouds. We'll need more natural snow for either Mt. Hood Express or Vista to open - the upper mountain base is around 20 inches and steep and rugged terrain requires substantially more to open. But we will open lifts as soon as we have enough snow!

--Matt

This is so tight, I am stoked! I just hope my buddies wanna head up to help with gas!!! I cant wait!!!

Matt's reply:

Jeff: Way to go! We encourage car pooling - parking lot space will become more of an issue during our busy days at Christmas, and weekends through February and into March. You might also check out http://www.carpoolmatchnw.org/ for hook ups to the mountain.

Go Green.

--Matt

Thank you SOOOOO much for opening!!! Even if it is just Buttercup and Easy Rider. Is there gonna be any small freestyle terrain on easyrider? just a rail park or something?

Matt's reply:

Dylan: You are welcome. We're all excited about getting open. The word from our Paradise Parks crew is that "We will set up as many rails as we can (including some very cool new fun boxes one of which is 30' long).  Should be a sweet little park."

-- Matt

are jumps going to be open

Matt's reply:

50 cent: Not enough snow for building the jumps and the landings. We will have some rails though.

--Matt

You've got to be kidding me!  You're charging $40 and you only have those two lifts open?!?  That's a complete rip-off.  I guess I'll be waiting until December before I spend my hard earned cash on a lift ticket.

Matt's reply:

Omid: We look forward to you visiting later when more of the mountain is open and you feel there is more value. You'll want to check out the specials that we will have on our web site: http://www.skihood.com/Pricing/Deals/Default.aspx which make skiing and riding Meadows even more affordable.

--Matt

Pleazzzzeee, Maybe just one small jump???? PLEEEAAAZZEEE!!! :)

If Easyrider is open, What runs will accessible?

And I love the webcams, when you add a few more can you have the images posted in a simple .jpg format? Why? because you can view em with an iphone and my OS X dashboard widget wont display any flash or java cams... :P

Matt's reply:

Johnathan: Negatory on the jumps - just not enough snow yet. So the Paradise Parks crew will be focusing on rails initially. The snow will come and so will the jumps, we'll just have to wait.

We are adding some web cams this season. I'll pass on your format suggestion to for the pictures to our I.T. Director Paul Thomson.

--Matt

The negative comments are too bad.  We are all frustrated with early season riding.  The snow falls when it falls.  The park crew and Mountain operations managers have no control over the weather.  Many years we have waited into the Christmas holiday before the mountain opens.  It will be good to get up there and stretch our legs on the rails and take a few runs.  

Matt's reply:

rob: I sincerely believe that we have \the most talented, knowledgeable and committed team of mountain professionals who will take what little snow we have and turn it into the best product possible. They are up to the challenge. A little leg stretching will be good after sitting and watching a football game or two. By the way, we will have the games on up in the Finish Line for those who want to watch the action this weekend.

--Matt

Geez, the season hasn't started and already I've gotta complain.  Not how I like to operate since by and large I'm happy with Meadows.

Your web site the other day said pix would be available at Clackamas through Wednesday, the 21st (11A - 4P were the hours, I believe).

I call on my way there today and the cameras are "already up on the mountain."

WHAT??? Do what you said you'd do!  You don't have ONE camera that could be used today??

As someone who travels and couldn't get there to take pic until Wednesday (and planned for it, BASED ON THE SCHEDULE PROVIDED!!), I'm really disappointed.   C'mon guys!  

Matt's reply:

Mike: I am sorry that you couldn't get your picture taken at the Clackamas office. The camera was there throughout October. We were at the ski show, and then we extended the schedule to take pictures the last two weeks in Clackamas.

The schedule also had this disclaimer - "Once an announcement is made that the ski area will open all cameras will be taken to the mountain." We also updated the message on Monday to say that Tuesday could be the last day that pictures would be taken in the office.

We really need the advance preparation to set up our pass network to take pictures at the mountain, where there will be a lot more volume. And as I mentioned above, we are looking at ways to make the picture taking more convenient in the future.

--Matt

YEs!! mat i told you in the forecasting blog that there is a chance to open MHM and guess what... it really happened... im going to do that more often when you guys dont have snow =). and tell your a crew a gigantic thanks for opening, and what and amazing job they have done.

Matt's reply:

aaron: Hmmm, what's your forecast say about getting the upper mountain open? Nail that one and we will all really be impressed. Thanks for the kind words. I met with our dedicated crew today and passed along the excitement our guests have about the opening, and thanked them for their hard work. We look forward to seeing you on the slopes.

--Matt

Hey, to all you complainers:

After moving to Minn last year, Buttercup and Easy rider would be a welcomed 'challenge'.  Want to know what we have to ski on?  Cut Buttercup in half and that is our terrain.  And our black diamond runs are the lower half of Easy Rider.  We now spend our time skiing the runs backwards for entertainment.  And as for snow, we have NONE!  What My kids and I would give to be there on Friday to carve some turns.  

Remember that this is just the beginning and better days are ahead.  Someone please make some turns for the 3 Minnesotans who dream of returning to Meadows for some REAL SKIING!!!

Matt's reply:

Hound from the Great White North: We'll take some turns for you and look forward to a time when you can join us back here in Oregon! Stay warm.

--Matt

Sooooooo excited to ride this year! We don’t care how many lifts are open, We’re just glad there isn’t a few tons of rocks and a 100 ft. chasm in-between us and the snow. We will see you soon!

Matt's reply:

PSU: Good point. This time last year we had exceptional early season snow conditions, but the glacial outburst cut off our access road. So opening this early, even with the thin conditions, is cause for celebration. We have the Glacial Outburst II celebration December 8-9 with a huge Salomon ski and snowboard demo, and the G.O. Beer Festival that Saturday and Sunday.

--Matt

can you hike up and ride powder or set up a small jump on a closed run?

Matt's reply:

ryan: Thanks for the question - the answer according to Patrol Director Mel Toney is no. Building jumps anywhere within our permit area, whether the run is open or closed, is not allowed. We also don't want people hiking or skinning into closed areas from areas that are open. We can't patrol/monitor all areas outside of where we are operating.  We won’t be able to efficiently respond to any injuries that occur outside of where we are open.  If jumps are built in sight of where we are open that interferes with the operation of the ski area by drawing folks into closed terrain. So our advice (which you should take as fair warning) is no hiking into closed areas and no jump building on or near our permit area.

There was a fairly significant post in my last blog http://skihood.com/cs/blogs/daveriley/archive/2007/11/03/the-art-of-weather-forecasting.aspx#comments which addresses hiking.

Again thanks for the question.

--Matt

Ya'll need to lay off meadows for not opening when you want them to.  If you really want to go get some turns in, get out of your chair and go ski backcountry.  Maybe if you worked for your runs you would appreciate them more.  Listen to the dude who moved to minnesota last year and be thankful for what we have; it is afterall thanksgiving...  

As for meadows staff, keep up the good work and hope for some snow.  Be patient and disregard all the complaints because you have absolutely 0 control over when the conditions will allow a full opening.

Think snow and be thankful!!

Matt's reply:

Hunter: Thanks for your post and your support. This Thanksgiving, be thankful for the MHM staff who have poured their hearts into acheiving this opening - they will appreciate it and your positive thoughts will likely be rewarded.

-- Matt

Well I'm really excited yo get up there friday I just hope its not too crowded.  Funny thing about this is that I predicted this opening about two weeks ago when I was bored at school.  I said friday and I was right!  Well thanks for doing all you can to get the mountain open me and my sister and dad really appreciate it.  Just a few quick questions.  Is there going to be forrest park this year? and How much snow do you need to open the whole mountain?  That dog bowl feature sounds interesting so keep up the good work.

Matt's reply:

Andrew: We appreciate your kudos - it really revs up the crew. Forest Park was located on North Canyon last year but we are planning on moving it over to Tamarack, serviced by the Hood River Express lift this season.

I just received this update from the Paradise Parks crew regarding rails for this weekend:

"Rails are the name of the game. Not enough snow to scrape together any jumps. As it looks now, the only place we will have rails set up is Shipyard. I estimate we will have 12-15 rails. They will be rails that everyone will be able to enjoy. We will have ledges, box-tops, fun boxes, mail boxes, flat bars, double barrels, and some fun little jibs. We will be as creative as the snow will allow. Almost the whole parking lot of snow has been hauled up on the hill. A portion of that is going into Shipyard. Without it we would have been struggling to put something together. The forecast looks good for early next week. Hopefully we will be able to expand our operation."

Our parks crew is stellar! They can't wait to get the dog bowl set up, but of course that will take a lot more snow for that feature.

Thanks for the post!

--Matt

I'm stoked! Following the weather like a hawk I was hoping y'all could pull it off! I knew you could Well done! See you friday!

Matt's reply:

Sam: I see snow in our future (possibly by Saturday night) - and I'll see you on the slopes Friday!

--Matt

I was wondering if I were to go up boarding this friday if it would mess up the bottom of my board (meaning scratching it) from the snow being so low.

I've heard yes and no's.

What do you think?

Matt's reply:

Greg: With a 14 inch snow pack it is likely that you're going to scrape the bottom of your board, depending on where you are. The best coverage is going to be on Buttercup because that's where the snowmaking is. We're farming the snow from the parking lot and moved it up on to the slopes to provide additional coverage. We're doing all we can to bolster the 14" of natural, but we can't guarantee you won't scrape bottom occasionally.

Time for my shameless plug - the sport shop is celebrating our opening with 10% off hardgoods (30% off if you're a season pass holder!) This sale is Friday through Sunday only, so that's another great reason to come up this weekend. And there are some great deals on last year's demos which we'll edge and wax for free with the purchase of a ski/binding package, board/binding package or board only purchase. Check out the inventory and pricing http://www.skihood.com/ResortServices/HighPerformanceCenter/Demos.aspx#ski

--Matt

Is there enough snow to go tree skiing or sould us boarders stick to the main trails

Matt's reply:

Nick L.:  Definitely stick to the established groomed runs and pay careful attention to closure signs.  Very early season conditions prevail.

Know the Code. Live the Code.

Thanks for your post.

--  Matt 

Im going up friday because it will be awesome.

Matt's reply:

erik: Thanks for the post. We have one of the most awe-inspiring mountains in the world right here - AND we get to slide around a little too. That is awesome.

--Matt

yalls iS CHUNKY

Matt's reply:

Dude: that's a good thing, right? If so - Chunky back atcha!

--Matt

MHM crew killed it. Just want to thank all of the people working hard just to start the season as earlier as mother nature allows. It kind of bothers me when people retaliate for meadows not having enough snow. Go some place else like AK and sit on your thumb.

MHM will hopefully not be too packed but o well.

have a good day

Derek.

Matt's reply:

D-: Thanks for the comment. Words of recognition mean a lot to the crew that's making it happen. Enjoy!

--Matt

heyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

you guys are awsome opening so early.sucks on 2 lifts are only opening but when it opens i will be there having lots of fun!!!!!!

                   thanks!!!

Matt's reply:

Randy: That's my cue to remind everyone that this is our 40th anniversary and we're celebrating "40 Years of Making Winter Fun." At the end of the day, fun is what it's all about. Let the celebration begin!

--Matt

Come on people, even if it's a couplea runs...it's better than nothing, I don't know about you, but the thought of being able to get a partial lift up the hill, and then get a bit of hiking in, makes it all worth while, or even just getting a couple of turns in...it's all the same, better to be open than not, don't you agree????? See ya on the flip side..

Matt's reply:

Powder junky: Thanks for the post. Please refer to Ryan's post regarding hiking - we need everyone to take their turns on the trails we have opened. No hiking, please.

--Matt

Glad to hear you guys are opening this weekend. My 7 year old has been impatiently wanting to try out his new skis. I've had to yell at him to put them away quite a few times in the last couple of months. lol.

I'll be content hanging out with him on BC, and ER until we get some more fresh pow wow up top. This is his 2nd season, and we've all got season passes here.

For all the bashers, it's not even winter yet. If you can find better snow elsewhere, feel free! One less person in line. Besides, my 7 year old owns you on the slopes anyways. HA!!!

Good work to you and your crew gearing up for another awesome season. I got my moneys worth last year, and plan on the same this year too.

Matt's reply:

C Dub: This is a great time to send a shout out to all the parents who introduce their families, especially young familes, to this great sport. The bonding which occurs on a family day at the mountain is enduring. Riding together to and from the mountain in the car, spending time together talking on the chairlift, taking turns together on the snow. These create lasting memories. Years from now as you sit around a Thanksgiving table I bet your conversation will shift to "Remember when we skied together Thanksgiving weekend? There wasn't a lot of snow but we sure had a great time." Skiing (and now riding) together is a family tradition in Oregon which we are proud to be a part of.

And by the way - Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Matt,

I'm goin nuts down here at work looking at your photos! You guys did a tremendous job to get Meadows open in 5 days.  I've been paying attention to the reports in CO and you guys are certainly on track with them and working with many fewer resources.  Nice work!  I can't wait to join you guys in December when I'm back home!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Matt's reply:

Tert: Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. We may not have a lot of snow, but we certainly have a lot to be thankful for. It is amazing what a little bit of snow and a whole lot of passion by talented and dedicated individuals working together as a team can accomplish.

See you in December - travel safe!

--Matt

You guy are the best. My family loves all the MHM crew. My son really gets a kick out of the lifties that have fun at work! Keep up the great attitude, you guys ARE the best!

Matt's reply:

Good Times: KIDS are the best. Their pure love for being on the mountain inspires all of us. Thanks for introducing them to this wonderful sport. I'll pass along the kudos to our lifties. Having fun on the job makes for a great experience for everyone.

--Matt

hey you guys are awsome opening so early.that just makes me so happy. i hope to go to mt. hood meadows every week to have fun and meet new friends.

          you guys rock!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt's reply:

swayze: We do rock - especially with only 14 inches of snowpack LOL. I'm very proud of our crew and the effort they have made and will continue to make to present the very best product possible. Time to get up to the mountain, take some runs and wear off some of that Thanksgiving turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving and see you on the slopes!

--Matt

I am so stoked for this weekend.  All i have to do is get a ride though.  Why wouldn't you open up mount hood express since there is more snow up above then there is below?

Matt's reply:

Andrew: Believe me, if there was any way we could open the Mt. Hood Express we would. The terrain that lift serves requires a lot more snow than the runs we are opening. They're steeper and more rugged, and we don't have any snowmaking in that area. Good luck on finding the ride - check out www.carpoolmatchNW.org. And in a few weeks we'll be starting up our weekend Park & Ride program.

--Matt

Is the Nordic Center open or usable yet?

Matt's reply: Not yet. However, we have opened the nordic center at Cooper Spur Mt. Resort and it operates daily, so you can get a good work out or just enjoy the beauty of the Mt. Hood National Forest and the awesome view. You can get more information at www.cooperspur.com.

--Matt

Nice job on the early opening, but when di you suspect to open the whole mountian?

P.S. People need to stop complaining, i have a friend who lives in AK and he says the resort outside of Anchorage is only offering limited runs, not to mention the biggest resort there is about as big as Skibowl so we should be lucky for what we have!!!

Matt's reply: We have our eyes on next week's weather forecast. It is all dependent on when it snows. I can assure you that we will open as much of the mountain as we can that the snowpack will allow as soon as it gets here.

--Matt

soooo stoked. even if it is just two lifts, that still super sick.

will there be a park set up at all?

Matt's reply:

Maurizio: Here's the word from our Paradise Parks crew:
Rails are the name of the game. Not enough snow to scrape together any jumps. As it looks now, the only place we will have rails set up is Shipyard. I estimate we will have 12-15 rails. They will be rails that everyone will be able to enjoy. We will have ledges, box-tops, fun boxes, mail boxes, flat bars, double barrels, and some fun little jibs. We will be as creative as the snow will allow. Almost the whole parking lot of snow has been hauled up on the hill. A portion of that is going into Shipyard. Without it we would have been struggling to put something together. The forecast looks good for early next week. Hopefully we will be able to expand our operation.

--Matt

thank you so much for opening. This is only my second season and I've realized that waiting hurts much more than falling. Are all the runs on easy rider going to be open?

Matt's reply:

Colin: It is our pleasure to open and serve our guests. And the runs served by Easy Rider and Buttercup will be open.

--Matt

hey i was just wondering if any park stuff will be up for tomorrow?

Matt's reply:

Jeff: Yes. Check the response to Maurizio just above.

Ride on!

--Matt

matt...you are the man. those lifts are minimal but still way better than sitting around studying for finals. I was just wondering how much snow you think we need to open up mt.hood express. thanks!

Matt's reply:

J: I'll pass your kudos on to our crew where it is deserved. Hard to speculate on how much snow for Mt. Hood Expess since there are so many variables - moisture content, temperatures, wind. We could get a three foot snow fall, but if the wind whips up it could displace the snow from the runs where we need it and blow it into the trees. However, we will make the same effort to open our other lifts when the snow allows as we have to get these first two lifts open.

See you at the mountain!

--Matt

Just wondering, Buttercup is normally a really slow lift for the beginners on the hill.  Will you guys run the lift at a faster speed to compensate for the large number of people?  If I'm going to spend $40 to ski all day on a bunny slope, I want to make sure that at least I don't spend all day in lift lines.

Matt's reply:

Dan: We expect we'll still have beginners out this weekend. Buttercup will most likely run at its normal speed.

--Matt

What other option does  Meadows give to the people that have paid for thier passes and have thier confermation codes but cant get the pass because of a parent signature.  Thanks

Matt's reply:

Nate: Those under the age of 18 can download the liability release from this page on our web site: http://www.skihood.com/Pricing/SeasonPasses/PassPictures/Default.aspx. You'll also find other useful information needed in order to pick up your pass.

--Matt

Hi Matt:

Looking forward to the season!

15 years ago today I actually met my future wife while skiing at Meadows.......we now have 3 little skiers in tow...gotta love it!

I guess I owe you one!

Matt's reply:

happydan: You need to post your story on our 40th Anniversary "Memories of Meadows Blog" http://skihood.com/cs/blogs/40/archive/2007/06/26/celebrating-40-years-of-making-winter-fun.aspx.

And send Dave Tragethon on email at trag@skihood.com so he can talk to you. Congratulations and thanks for introducing this great sport to the next generation.

--Matt

I'm so excited to ride!  Noticed that Mt. Bachelor has text message weather/mountain alerts.  Does Meadows have such a service - I'd love to sign up

Matt's reply:

Paolo: We're working on the text messaging. We do have daily snowpack email reports and weekly updates you can subscribe to at: http://www.skihood.com/subscribe.aspx

--Matt

Alot of folks appreciate the effort you guys are making (and chances you are taking!) by opening with this shallow of a base.  For those who don't want to spend $40 for two lifts, wait.  They could have waited to open, and gotten negative comments for that.  You just can't win with some people.  My wife doesn't want to risk her new skis, I can't blame her.  I might have to come up saturday and wait in line, just because we have passes, and free skiing, lines or not, is free skiing.  Even if it's only Buttercup and Red, it's been a loooong summer.

MHM still gets my love, even if you can't waive your magic wand and change the weather.  I can't blame you guys for stoking La Nina, I feel there's nothing wrong with a positive attitude about things that aren't under your control.  To the nay-sayers, I have this: If you want it to get colder, stop blowing so much hot air!

Matt, stoke it like it owes you money!

~Brian

Matt's reply:

Brian: Thanks for the kudos. It was a great opening today and we look forward to tomorrow. I'm posting a new blog with photos of the day.

--Matt

Whooo! Just got back (i have to work at three) amazing day! Everything that is open is covered really well! Well done guys! See you tommorow!

Matt's reply:

Sam: We're glad you enjoyed your day - and we will see you tomorrow!

whats up with enforcing a leash law after 15 years of not enforcing it? it would have cool to read about it on the web site and not find out in the lift line. you guys were great today and the rails were well maintained, but everytime I got on the lift I was asked where my leash was. "Well, I havent had one the last 15 years Ive ridden meadows." I appreciate your drive for saftey, but its always the kid walking down the slope that looses their rental board. Im more afraid of boards with a rider on them. Some people really need to learn how to stop. Oh well, atleast the gift shop and leash industry will profit. thanks for getting the lifts running on such a beutiful day:)

Matt's reply:

Steezen: Time to start Live'n the Code.

Know it. Live it.

--  Matt

Is the price of a lift ticket reduced while only the two lifts are operating?

Matt's reply:

Ryan: Yes - the price of a lift ticket will increase as more of the mountain is opened. By the way - we have a 40th Anniversary Special this season - you can purchase a $40 lift ticket Monday through Thursday online through our eTicket system. The next day's lift ticket goes on sale at noon the previous day. There will only be 40 tickets a day available, so you'll need to jump on this to take advantage of it. We'll start that promotion after we get more of the mountain open.

For other deals at Meadows check this page: http://www.skihood.com/Pricing/Deals/Default.aspx

--Matt

Hey great job on the opening!  Couple of suggestions though.  The forest park on north canyon was a huge hit last year and the jumps were perfect.  Without them it seems that there would be a huge jam up on rose city park.  Also rose city park gets pretty gnarly thru the nite.  It would be great if the park crew could close it off for a little bit so that they could groom it.  They did that with forest park last year one day and it made a world of difference.  Hope to see y'all up there soon.

Matt's reply:

Freddy: Thanks for your input -- I will pass it along to our incredible Slope Maintenance Department.

--  Matt

such a sick opening weekend. i had as much fun as ive ever had at meadows just hiking the rails. nice work... i just finished a video of the weekend, ill post the link when its finished uploading to youtube

thanks again

Matt's reply:

maurizio: Thanks! I look forward to seeing your video.

--Matt

sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet mama-jamma!!  i'ma goin' ridin today!!

Matt's reply:

brdrgrl must have just seen the snow report!

--Matt