MEADOWS BLOG

Matt,

Congrats on finding a new GM. The pressures off right!!!! Well probably not. Are you going to be continuing the blogs or will Tom?

Quick question: How much snow has Meadows recieved since Dec 15th? It seems like it's been a record month long span of storms.

Thanks for all your time and efforts Matt.

Matt's reply:

JLM: The pressure is actually just heating up!  We have a big agenda and so little time, but onward we go.

Unless you all dump me, I will continue to moderate this blog. We are working on some exciting changes to the blog, our website and other communication tools with our guests for next year so stay tuned for those. Tom will work with me and the team for the first few years focusing on operational changes, personnel development, and a host of exciting change initiatives at MHM and Cooper Spur.

Regarding how much snow we have received since Dec. 15, I beleive the telemetry has recorded well over 200".  I keep a little doodle pad on my desk and it reads 258' since Dec. 15.  Whatever the most accurate number actually is -- it's a bunch for sure!

Thanks for your post and your continued support.

-- Matt

Awesome. Maybe he can help us get a park up that is not 100% terrible.

Matt's reply:

Tom: Thanks for your insightful post.  Can you tell me specifically which park you don't much care for and why?

-- Matt.

Congratulations on filling this position.  He sounds like a good catch!

Will he be continuing with this blog?

RE:   He has been directly responsible for operations, expansion projects, USFS relationships, and environmental programs at several major day ski resorts and one destination ski resort in the US.

Excellent.  I'd love his first order of business to get on an expansion program!  I've asked for it before, but would love the topic of this blog to cover your master plan.  Give us some insight into the expansion plans, the process for moving this forward, and the likely outcome of these plans, with a timeline.  Of course we would all understand nothing would be set in stone, but would love to hear about the plans.  This, in my opinion, should be the number one priority.  The long lift lines, parking problems, and congestion probablems can be mitigated, but only really overcome with more terrain.

On a side note, dang it's been good for the last three weeks...

Matt's reply:

Steep and Deep: Thanks for your post. Tom is a great person and a total ski industry professional.  MHM, our community and our State is lucky to have Tom coming our way soon.

Regarding the blog, I will continue to moderate until such time as you the readers/guests deem that I suck and/or I get fired.  Seem reasonable?

With regard to our expansion plans, they are at a sensative place right now.  So at the risk of sounding like I am blowing you off, please know that we are working hard on our plans and working even harder to get through this sensative and important phase.  A blog dedicated just to this would be way too long, so I will start working on chapters by topic just as soon as possible. I believe your patience will be rewarded.

Dang, I have to agree with you -- the last three weeks have been nothing short of awesome!

-- Matt.

I think you have done a marvelous job in the interim. Welcome Tom

Matt's reply:

candi: Thanks for the kind words and your continued support. You'll be able to welcome Tom yourself later in February, but he is reading these posts!

-- Matt.

hey in earlier blogs you talked about a freestyle park called the "dog bowl" and you said we need alot of snow for this to open. Well now that we have the snow what is the dog bowl? And does your freestyle crew still have plans of building it??

Thanks

Bjorn

Matt's reply:

Bjorn: Thanks for the post. The "dog bowl" is yet to come - we're getting our regular parks and the superpipe built first. Then we'll be able to add that special feature.

--Matt

Welcom Tom, Were all glad to have someone as talented as you on board! Now maybe we can get some real backcountry access at Meadows?

Matt's reply:

Michael:  Thanks for your post. Tom will be here in late February and we will be working closely with Patrol, Lift Maintenance and Lift Ops on a wide variety of important improvement projects that will be implemented in phases over forthcoming seasons. Please stay tuned and stay positive.

-- Matt.

Hey Matt,

Happy Aniversary! Now that we are sure that this computer stuff isn't just a fad, how about using something like technology to take care of the ticket lines? How about a line just for 10 time pass holders? Especially on a day like yesterday where the longest line I was in all day was the line to get my lift ticket. I think ya'll can get it together using technology to get people out of the lift ticket line and into the actual lift line.

Your lift operators did an EXCELLENT job getting people up the hill and once I made it to a lift line we were only waiting a few minutes.

I can appreciate how a day like Sunday will happen only so often but to wait 45 minutes to just get up to the counter is frustrating. If not for the cheerful demeanor of your staff it would have been even worse.

Thank you for your consideration.

I did have a fantastic day and will be back next weekend.

Cheers,

Scot

Matt's reply:

Scot:  Thanks for your post and observations. I also noticed the wait at the ticket counter.  Even though we had all windows open, I agree with you that the wait time was too long.  We are working on a technology solution now for implementation next year.

We appreciate your input, your patience and your continued support.

-- Matt.

Welcome aboard!!!!!!

Open the

BACKCOUNTRY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt's reply:

Freak: Dude, at least you are consistent! Stay tuned for a future blog dedicated to this hot topic.

In the meantime, please pay attention to and abide by all rope lines, closures and signage.

-- Matt.

cool...

Matt's reply:

cool ... Thanks for the post.  You win the "blog brevity award" to date!

-- Matt.

Matt

I'm very enthused that you managed to lure Tom away from Jackson Hole. A guy with Jackson background will for sure be of added value. I spent 5 weeks hanging out in Jackson Hole years ago and the terrain they deal with makes Meadows a dwarf in comparison. They also understand the desire for experienced skiers that loves the backcountry (lots of them in Jackson)to venture outside boundaries with the understanding that you are on your own and not in patrolled area. (Meadows is just not very friendly from that perspective). Much like Whistler where a rope only means a signal that you are now outside the boundary of the ski area and therefore not patrolled. It doesn't result in getting yelled at, lose your pass, criminal actions, fines and being expelled from the ski area. That's at least how I remember Jackson. Perhaps Tom's stance will be more like people need to take responsibility for their actions and not trying to protect people from themselves. Jackson is truly a world class ski area and I hope Tom can be instrumental in raising the bar for Meadows and be a mountain that fires on all cylinders all the time. As an example, not opening Heather on a day like yesterday and it being 11:30 before letting people on Cascade puts Meadows in a solid minor league class firing on three cylinders instead of six for the day.  

Tom,

Welcome to Mt Hood and Meadows. As a heads up, there's an area called Superbowl where some people love to earn their turns. It should be open for more of a backcountry experience more than a handful of days per season. If you feel the need, require people to have the proper equipment before they can go and the traffic up there will be less. That would be managing the mountain and its capabilities to the fullest much like what you do in Jackson Hole. People need to learn to take responsibility for their own actions and not expect a ski area to save them from themselves. Not to diminish what Dave and Matt has done for Meadows, but from my perspective, number 1 priority and area of improvement is to get the mountain open as much as possible as quick as possible. Mt Hood get nasty at times and we all understand why things are closed. Saturday was nasty, but I think proactive steps could have been taken to get ready for a glorious day yesterday. It just doesn't appear to be happening often. Many times we're left in disbelief why lifts are not running and areas are not open. Yesterday, the explanation given by a patroller was that it was too much work to dig out the Heather Chair.

From a hospitality perspective, Dan who runs the Mazot understands how to deliver customer satisfaction. Over the years, he has managed to turn a little hut mid-mountain into the most happening place on the mountain. Especially on sunny days. It's a place with little to no indoor seating (maybe 10 at the most), but you find people sitting outside even when the weather is not calling for outside seating. Meadows and its management has done a lot to improve the place, but still room for more. I can't speak that much for the experience outside skiing since I hardly ever use the lodge in the base area. Too crowded and too expensive. I'm there to ski, stop by to chat with Dan at the Mazot for a little while, then ski more. I care about what is open and when. I'm not alone with that being the priority.

Hope to see you on the slopes.

John  

Matt's reply:

John: Thanks for your passionate post. I agree with you that MHM has many areas where it can improve, and we are working on many change initiatives now for next season and beyond. I don't believe in making excuses, and prefer to stick with the facts.  Late last Saturday night we completed another storm cycle that deposited another 4' to 5' of snow within our permit area.  Much of the snow came with high winds causing large drifts.  Just look at the 8' snow walls cut in front of the Cascade Terminal up line doors, or the 10' cut around the lower terminal of the Heather LIft.  These types of conditions frequently happen on Mt. Hood, but are more rare elsewhere.  Tom is a very capable and experienced ski industry professional, and he will most certainly be instrumental in helping take MHM to the next level of performance, guest satisfaction and safety. Don't expect him to change the unique weather patterns and snowfall conditions at MHM! However, stay tuned for many positive changes in MHM operations.

-- Matt.

Great day yesterday Matt and good news about Tom. Looking forward to meeting him and working together. We do have a great mountain and having someone with fresh eyes seeing it for the first time every morning will be refreshing.

Matt's reply:

Andy:  I totally agree with your comments.  I am very excited to continue making improvements at a faster clip -- particular those with big impact to the guest experience at MHM!

Keep the faith.

-- Matt.

Hey matt, you mentioned fulfilling the master plan for MHM... Where would it be available to check out?  I'm really curious as to where future lifts will be, etc.  A URL or even your personal description would be great.  Thanks!

Matt's reply:

Transplant: This is a large issue that is best handled in discreet chapters by topic.  We will start a few of these chapters on the blog -- for lively discussion -- early this summer. In the meantime, enjoy the great snow conditions at MHM.

Thanks for your post.

-- Matt.

Hi Matthew,

Congratulations on hiring Tom Spangler for GM. He's a very qualified professional ski area manager and I'm sure he'll fit in well with the Meadows team and community.

I have not previously posted on your blog but I'd like to take this opportunity to share a few thoughts given this announcement.

Having worked in the corner office at Mt. Hood Meadows for many years, the main advice I'd lend to the skiers and riders at Mt. Hood Meadows is to relax and give Tom some space and time to learn. Even though Tom has lots of experience at other resorts, it's a very complex undertaking stepping in as the new GM at Meadows.

It may seem really simple on the surface but Tom will be faced with almost 1,000 seasonal employees, over two dozen new managers and directors, tens of thousands of really passionate local customers, and the task of learning hundreds of details about the resort.

It's not just a normal medium sized company he's coming into. There are few jobs where the visibility, customer interest and involvement exceed that of running a popular urban ski resort.

On top of that, he's got a new boss, a new board of directors, and many other new regulatory and political relationships to develop.

It will take Tom the good part of next ski season to master the complexities of Mt. Hood Meadows. He is blessed with a super team of leaders in the organization and a supportive ownership group which will make the transition easier.

Additionally, I think all the Mt. Hood skiers and riders owe Matthew a big "thank you" for his hard work in the interim. He has done an excellent job managing the transition and recruiting a new qualified GM.

Matthew, if there is anything I can do to assist you or Tom - please feel free to give me a call. Good work. - Dave

Matt's reply:

Dave: Greetings from snowy Mt. Hood Meadows and a hearty "thanks" for the advice and kind words.  I look forward to introducing Tom to you and your family as well as the entire MHM Team, community and loyal guests.

As you know all too well, MHM is at a critical transition point -- Base Camp One if you will.  Working closely with Tom, we are preparing our attack for the assent to Base Camp Two, then onward.  As always, these assents will take careful planning, good timing, teamwork and tremendous support. We are a team here, and we will continue to create opportunities, and look out for each other. And this is our journey.

Best to you and the family, and all the fine folks at Telluride.

Onward,

-- Matt.

Greetings to Tom, hope you love this place as much as I do...

OK, I know there is a push for carpooling, and I think most people do. This season, I have yet to park next to a car with less than three people in it...BUT it is clearly not enough to have everyone carpool, as it is taking far too long to get to and from the mountain.

What the heck is the carbon footprint of hundreds of cars moving 10 feet an hour between the Meadows exit and Gov't camp. Yeah, I know of other ways to get back and forth and have been doing that as well, even if they add a bit of time.

I know it sounds absurd, but really what would a high speed train take to get running between PDX and the mountain?

Since so much of the local population are here for quality of life issues, I'd imagine it would be in the best interest of the City of Portland, local businesses, and parts in between...

yeah, I know it's a pipe dream...but common, there is a sick aerial tram that no one could have imagined here in portland 10 years ago...

what are the real, long term solutions to absolutely crap traffic? no one want to spend 6 hours on the road and 6 hours on the mountain...

BTW, every day up there this year [most weekends since first weekend of Dec] has been epic

Sick season...

***other options:

-blimp travel?

-monorail from downtown PDX to meadows?

-arial from Portland City Grill to the mountain?

-highspeed boat from PDX to Hood River + Highspeed train from HR to Meadows?

-elevated superhighway? one entrance in PDX one exit in Meadows?

Matt's reply:

Hyphen: Dreams precede reality. We need dreamers in order to extend our horizons. Ultimately the solution will be the combination of car pooling, mass transportation, satellite parking with shuttles, and perhaps a "dream" like one that you have presented above.

--Matt

Well I knew it would happen one day where someone would step on my Steep and Deep handle.  Luckily this person wasn't too far off base but definitely not me!

Congrats on the new hire from Jackson Hole; welcome on board Tom.

Now to make up a new handle????????????  The original Steep and Deep is now signed-off!

Matt's reply:

To "The Real": Thanks for the congrats. We're excited about having someone with Tom's expertise join our team. Good luck on the handle - consider it a step forward - every one and every thing, including ski resorts, must "recreate" themselves occassionally.

--Matt

Matt,

Thanks for recognizing areas of improvement. I think there's a common thread with regards to the backcountry. More and more people are discovering that there's more to it than what meets the eye inbound skiing groomed stuff all day. Which becomes boring pretty quickly. You see more and more hybrid set ups with Fritschi bindings(or other AT bindings) on fat skis ready to earn turns via skinning for a little while, get away from the masses and enjoy the freedom to explore new areas. In fact, I see so many "almost" accidents in big clusters of people on any given day (especially weekends)that I question "what are my chances to get smashed by an out of control person?" Not to pick on snowboarders, but the incidents I see usually involves a snowboarder or two. No news to you that the number of customers have increased with cars parked all the way down to Hwy. 35 on busy days. With that in mind, number one priority should be to open up the whole mountain as fast as possible. Oh' yes...very passionate about skiing and the mountains. Part of my DNA from birth.

J

Matt's reply:

J: Thanks for the contribution. Some people are born with it, others get turned on to it. I'm glad you are finding different ways to enjoy the mountain and appreciate your perspective. We'll be seeking feedback and input from our guests as we approach these backcountry issues in the future.

--Matt

Welcome from the FOG

1)   Perhaps a limited backcountry access policy

       Gates, gear, buddy, knowledge

       Educational program ie. Mt Baker & Whitewater

         (see; powder mag, feb 08, pg 30)

2)   Maybe utilize the "annex lot" more often

       A surface lift or chair as transport to

       base area.

3)    You could replace daisy with a high speed quad

     to clear the base area quicker. Vista missed

     the mark.

4)    Seems like lift operations and patrol would

     benefit from increased staffing.

5)    Return to 8am limited opening.

Good Luck !

Matt's reply:

Chris: Thanks for the input. Many of your points are currently, or will soon be, under consideration. I have to disagree with you on point 3 - Vista did not miss the mark. It is accomplishing exactly what we wanted to - serving an under-utilized area of the mountain thereby spreading-out the crowd, while offering one of the most magnificent views in Oregon. Can you tell I'm kind of proud of this lift?

---Matt

Wow! I'm excited to see what ideas Tom has to add to MHM coming from his experiences in Jackson Hole.

So, this Sunday was sold out! Wow. I'm a season pass holder, and drove up w/ another season pass holder and a 10-time pass holder. We all aggreed that it would be really great if there were an 'express' line for 10-time pass people. Or even better, a way to purchase & print a voucher or something similar from home so that when they arrive they can go to some kind of 'fast pass' line to get their daily pass.

See ya on the mountain!

Matt's reply:

dclynn: Thanks for your post. We are also excited to have Tom join the team and apply his experience and ideas to our operation.

Quick question - where did you park and where was the 10 Time Pass holder picking up the ticket?

Thanks for the fast pass line suggestion. What do you think about leaping over that and put some "direct to lift" technologies and products out there, bypassing the ticket purchase altogether.

--Matt

Regarding your answer to Hyphen's pipe dreams, the reality is that the constant "weather stand-by" lift closures, the mountain roads and the parking are not compatible with the marketing and increasing population of nearby metro areas. It's like trying to fit 20 people in a phone booth. You just can't do it. So, every one's experience on weekends will continue to be compomised. I do hope Tom Spangler brings a fresh look to the gated access to OB hiking/skiing on stable spring or non-storm days without the heavy handed threat of arrest, which today is so neanderthal. I also hope Tom negotiated a parking spot as part of his package.  

Matt's reply:

Ron: Thanks for the post. Tom has experience in all the areas you mention and is very familiar with the processes which need to take place in order to first assess the situation, and make changes for improvement. It will take time - we're talking a bureaucratic process here.

Tom will get a parking spot (and if he car pools he'll be elligible for the drawing!)

--Matt

Matt,

Okay, so maybe I'm too demanding and not very hot on excuses, but the facts you are giving add up to excuses. Other places get similar weather. Whistler being one of them and I wish I could include a few pictures to prove my point. Both from a caked in weather station and some backcountry pics from a chute off Blackcomb where we checked in with patrollers for safety before going and them telling us "should be good, have fun". Maybe it's unfair to compare the two, but if you want to play in the major league (hope you do), I'd look at the Whistler/Blackcomb operations as a benchmark for how the mountain operates from a lift and terrain opening perspective. They get it done. MHM will never be Whistler in size and terrain, but you do have guests with high standards that leave disappointed time after time. Again, what will impress those guest is consitently showing max effort in opening the mountain.    

Matt's reply:

John: Thanks for the post. Our goal is to become the "Best in the West". It's actually an honor to be compared to Whistler/Blackcomb. You've issued the challenge - and I believe our staff is up to take that challenge on. You are so right about consistency and showing the effort. I think those are areas we can and will improve in.

--Matt

Congrats Tom! I know there is a lot of things on the plate, but I just wanted to comment on the parking. Is there anyway we can STOP parking people on the access road?Sunday I saw two cars get hit and one person who sliped and almost fell right into oncoming traffic, not to mentioned there yard sale was all over the road, and backed it up all the way down. I just think it is unsafe and causes more problems. Good Luck!

Matt's reply:

Nick: We are working on plans now to mitigate this issue in the future.  Tom will play an important role in implementing these plans for sure.

Thanks for your post.

 -- Matt.

Hey Matt

Shame Tom can't bring Corbets and the Hoback with him :)  Matt, could you make that one happen too?

Matt's reply: It was actually part of the agreement - that's why he can't get here until February. Jackson Hole is an amazing mountain. But so is Mt. Hood Meadows, now and in the future. Having conducted more than fifty interviews with very knowledgeable and qualified ski industry executives, I know now more than ever that Meadows is a great ski and snowboard property, and that it has even greater potential. I had a chance to see this operation through their experienced eyes, which was a great learning experience for me as well.

In this our 40th anniversary season, I can honestly say that I am proud of our past, confident in our present and absolutely stoked about our future. Thank you all for being a part of Mt. Hood Meadows!

--Matt

Congratulations on finding such a qualified manager.  Jackson Hole is a true world class resort, and hopefully he can help Meadows approach that same status.  In my opinion, the number one thing that needs to change at MHM is opening all of its terrain.  In Jackson, the morning after a storm sounds like a war zone with all of the avalanche control going on.  I ski a lot at Meadows, and I never hear that same amount of blasting.  I feel like opening Heather Canyon isn't a high enough priority for Meadows, and it is treated like "sidecountry".  It needs to be treated like the in-bounds, lift-served terrain that it is, and Meadows should invest in the resources necessary to get it open on time.  Get a howitzer, more explosives, and more patrollers.  Backcountry access would also be a great change.  Best of luck to the new management, and I hope this great season keeps it up.

Matt's reply:

Eli: You are mistaken about the amount of avalanche control work that goes on at MHM on a routine basis.  A good deal of control work goes on before most guests arrive in the morning at MHM, and some control work involves ski cutting which you can see, but not hear.  Having said that, however, we have been busy laying plans for many future improvements on avalanche control work, patrol and safety initiatives at MHM.  Tom will be playing a key role in this on-going planning and implementation process.

Thanks for your post.

-- Matt

MHM Season pass 4x4= $400

Jackson Hole season pass $1,970

Is this whats going to happen to MHM????

Matt's reply: 

El CheapO:  Interesting handle.  Anyway, pretty unlikely MHM pass prices will be on par with Jackson Hole! Having said that, MHM pass prices can't and won't stay the same forever.

Thanks for your post.

-- Matt

You said; "You'll have plenty of chances to meet him - he'll be on the slopes and in the lodges, learning about our operation and talking to staff and guests."

but how will we know him, is he going to be wearing a big NEW GENERAL MANAGER sign or shirt or something?

I'd like to welcome him to Meadows but I'll probably walk right by him thinking he's just another skier or employee.

Matt's reply:

Jeff: Well, just like all of us at MHM, Tom will be in a shiny new MHM uniform with a shiny new name tag.  And he will be out and about frequently on skis, a board, or walking about the decks and the lodges, riding the shuttles, working the lots, etc. -- just like I do along with all other MHM management team members. I doubt you will miss any of us and we look forward to meeting you!

-- Matt.

so what ever happened to daves blog from last year??

Matt's reply:

Taygut:  Although I have been working the blog since last July, all prior blogs remain on the website for your review and reference.

-- Matt

I had the pleasure of getting up there this last Sunday, unfortunately so did everybody else.  It was wonderful spring-like conditions - a little new snow, sun and no wind.  

Much to my frustration, however, Cascade remained closed until after 10:30, Vista was also late opening and I don't think Heather opened at all (can't be sure, I gave up pretty early).  The snow report incorrectly listed all lifts to be opened at 9.

For our local little mountain that charges as if it's a world-class resort, I see no reason that your crews can't get these areas cleared and open on time, especially on a day like this.  Now I understand that Sunday was a very busy day, but it sure would have helped things along if more lifts were open early on.  This happens time and time again.  I encourage this to be an area of focus to improve upon for the new GM.

Matt's reply:

Steve: Thanks for your post.  I was with our Lift Maintenance Crew very early that morning.  When it got light enough, we shot some very interesting video of the lift de-icing process on Cascade and Vista.  I intend to post a new blog on this topic in the very near future.  Rather than blather on more about this process now, let me work on getting this blog posted with the video.  If a picture is worth 1000 words, then this video should be succinct.

Having said that, we contine to plan expanded processes and procedures to continue to hasten the amount of time it takes our crews to get our upper lifts open after a signficant storm cycle.

-- Matt.

Welcome to MHM and some of the best skiing in the world close to where you live and work.  Few other places have so much to offer so close to the urban center.  Salt Lake for sure but in the summer its equally close to the beach and surf/windsurf.  As a born local and a world traveling skier you can do worse than the majestic flanks of my beautiful Mt.Hood.  

As for the backcountry, those of us that enjoy that challenge don't need your permission to do so.  I don't understand the pressure some are putting on you to allow access to the backcountry from mechanized lifts.  If we want to access white river or super bowl we can, just have to do it from the lot.  I've skied from the summit and never had to ask permission but I started in the lot.  I think some people also do not understand that as a 'vendor' on public land you have some unique constraints.  Many of the nutbags (sorry but it fits) that object to any development on the mountain have enough political leverage that you guys have to be very careful as to what you allow for threat of not being allowed any future projects.

That was one of the major concerns with Vista, masses of people venturing into white river canyon aided by the lift.  Most people are lazy and will not 'earn their turns' but if there is a lift/cat/heli then they suddenly become backcountry skiers.  Anyone can ski white river canyon, just put on your skins and and start at the white river snow park.  Believe me you will have a pure backcountry experience, much more so than 500 people streaming off a lift through a gate.  

Why would I pay you to ski on public land?  I ski inbounds on weekdays and OB on weekends.  

It does need some explanation though that a lot of what you can or can't do isn't up to you but part of federal, state, or contractual regulations.

Matt's reply:

Mark: Very well stated. There are many communities that we serve and there are many "communities" that are involved in determining how we will go about serving them. I really appreciate your insight into this matter. I hope everyone reads it. It is important as we welcome Tom Spangler to the position of General Manager. He will be very instrumental in advancing our resort regarding these issues, but it will take time. There is a process which involves many entities and requires great effort and skill to successful negotiate through.

Thanks for the post!

--Matt

I'll keep an eye out for him as I will for you also, I don't think I've ever shaked your hand either.

Just a thought, & maybe you've already done this, the 3:30 season ticket drawing might be a good place to meet him.

Matt's reply:

Jeff: Good thought, but Tom won't be moving to Oregon until February. The drawings have been well attended - and the one on January 27 when we give away the CMH 3 day heli-skiing trip and the 40 year season pass will be great!

--Matt

Matt,

I was with DCLYNN on Sunday.  When we got there, parking patrol was turning away everyone who didn't have passes, and I can understand why.  We got a super sweet parking spot (In my opinion, the best on the mountain.)  It was the spot closest to the buttercup lift and access road, right under where the groomers park.

It was great for us, because we have passes, but a bit inconvenient for our friend, who had to walk to the ticket office and wait in a long line of disgruntled people upset by a 2 hour drive followed by not being able to buy a ticket.

I think a direct to lift technology would be great, but I am not a big fan of the bachelor style gates.  They malfunction regularly, are expensive, and cause lots of empty chairs on busy days due to people getting stuck behind the gate.

I think the best way to do it to allow direct to lift capability is also the simplest and least expensive.  Issue paper lift tickets to 10 time pass holders, and date stamps to lifties at buttercup, MHX, and HRM.  Lifties check the pass for todays date stamp, and if there isnt one, they stamp it.  Easy as pie, and a zero cost solution. As an alternative, on busy days, you could set up a ticket computer for 10 timers only at those three locations.

Also, congrats on a long search finally fulfilled.  

Matt's reply:

Johnny: Thanks for the post. Do you know where your friend purchased the ticket? Could be that they were cued at our Concierge in the lodge, instead of at the ticket window outside - we had several windows open and that line did not get very long Sunday.

I like simple, but I don't think we'll go back to the paper lift ticket solution you provided. Technology will allow us to have direct to lift products at some point in the future that are even more convenient than the process you described.

--Matt

change. is good.

Matt's reply:

elly: Change is inevitable. Having a plan, focus, talented and commited people can make change good. Thanks for the post!

--Matt

Kudos to Mark P and others who park in the lot and hike to their favorite OB terrain on weekends. FYI, the rest of us are not lazy, just curious about Meadows extending its terrain through gated access, a process used elsewhere. It is not like it has never been done before. Meadows historically did not prevent, under threat of arrest, leaving the area and hiking up high. Did you know you can hike up high, traverse to Cooper Spur Ridge, climb the route, and ski from the summit to Govy for burgers by 5? Some of the freedom is just gone from the mountain today. Some of us think it would be fun to get it back. And none of us want to do an alpine start from the HRM parking lot only to have someone toss a charge into God's Wall and watch it release standing below.  

Matt's reply:

Ron: Thanks for the post. We will be addressing these issues in a future blog. I appreciate your comments and agree that AC work in most cases is best viewed from above.

--Matt

Thats cool that we got a new GM. This is off subject, but I wonder why Meadows brags about the natural terrain, and then you go mow down everything fun with your groomers. I understand curbing all the windlips when they stretch into the run, but you guys just went through and flattened everthing out you could get to. Leave a little fun on the side of the trail for us jibbers. We'd go to T-line if we wanted everything flat :)

Matt's reply:

jibless: Thanks for the comment. I'll pass it on to our groomers. The natural terrain at Meadows is one of the characteristics which distinguishes us from other ski areas. We groom to enhance the natural character, not to diminish it. In some cases there are issues of safety which dictate the way certain runs can be groomed. But Meadows has a lot natural terrain that is just plain fun that grooming can enhance.

--Matt

Oh, I didn't realize he won't be here until Feb., but I was there at the drawing on Thur. hoping to meet him.

And if I couldn't meet him the next best thing happened, I "won" the season pass that day, WOW!!! what a surprize that was. I couldn't beleave it when they called my name, I still can't beleave it. Thank you for having such a great contest going, I got the pass that same afternoon and kept it hanging around my neck all the way home.

Wow, Thanks again  

Matt's reply: Congratulations and you are welcome! The Monday - Thursday daily pass drawings continue this week and next week - through the 31st. The big grand prize drawing - which everyone who has registered during January is automatically entered into - will be held at 3:30 PM this Sunday, January 27. You must be present to win the 40 year season pass. A 3-day Canadian Mountain Holiday Heli-Skiing trip will also be given away (but you don't have to be present to win that one).

--Matt

Just curious...  Way off subject, but I was wondering who runs the MHM MySpace Profile?

Matt's reply:

Lark: The MySpace Profile is updated by the marketing department, primarily by our information specialist who also responds to email inquiries to mhminfo@skihood.com. Send her an email about what you think about the myspace profile.

--Matt

You all make me laugh with this wanting to be the best in the west I am sorry but that will never happen.

Matt's reply:

Kyle: Let me know why you feel this way. It would be a great opportunity for us to address what you believe are shortcomings, and along the way may help us accomplish our mission.

--Matt

hey matt,

from a 30 of 40 year rider, why no grooming of south and then north canyon around 4:00 p.m. for the night riders "guest experience".  the anticipation of the ropes opening up was a (lost) tradition!  closed monday and tuesday night?  like being stabbed in the heart...

thanks for listening...

Matt's reply:

Mike: Thanks for the post and the reminder. We are considering the best way to work in a regroom for evening guests without interupting the flow. We need to rope off the entire trail while grooming which takes those runs out of service during the groom. We've haven't operated Monday or Tuesday nights in the past, although I appreciate the enthusiasm for nights.

--Matt

Are Vista and Cascade (or Heather Canyon) *ever* open at 9am?  I've been up a dozen times at least so far, and even on the most perfect days, they're not close to being open by 9am.  I think maybe once Vista was maybe open by 9:20am or 9:30.  I'm sympathetic to the very real issues of getting these lifts open in the morning.  

However, I'm not sympathetic to the apparently unrealistic opening times you list on the web site.  List them as opening at 9:30 and 10am respectively if you can't get them open by 9am.  But don't continue to wrongly advertise all lifts as being open (weather permitting) at 9am.  It just never (or very rarely) happens.

Matt's reply:

Chris: Thank you for the observation and suggestion. I'll review this with our lifts department. As we get into more stable weather patterns we are able to open those lifts and the terrain they service by 9 AM routinely, so that's the schedule we plan on. Of course weather and conditions can affect this.

--Matt

Hey Matt,

I have another off subject question for you.  This Friday the 25th is my Son’s First Birthday.  My Wife and I plan on taking him to The Hood for his first real snow experience (other than the light dusting the valley got on Christmas).  We’re gonna stop at White River for some Snow-Play, then head over to Meadows to introduce him to Skiing (just watching, not doing YET) and have some lunch in the South Lodge Cafeteria.  I already have a pretty good game plan, but I was curious if you had any suggestions to help make his first day on the Hood and First Birthday as enjoyable and exciting as possible.  No real suggestions, no worry.   I just like to make sure there wasn’t something special I should know about.

Thanks

PS:  I’ve also sent the same question to the Marketing Dept E-Mail.

Matt's reply:

Lark: You'll want to stop by our sport shop - since it's his birthday (hmm, can you bring proof that it is his birthday?) he can get 40% off one softgoods item. We have a great selection of kids clothes. You might want to stop by Cooper Spur Ski Area - its open Fridays at Noon. The carousel ski trainer which used to be at Meadows is being used as an amusement ride - tubes are towed behind the arms and the little ones love it!

--Matt

Today was beautiful...until my friends and I rolled up to the pipe only to find that it hadnt been cut, and a very understaffed park krew doing their best to shape the sun wall after it had drifted in. I understand that the elements are one of the parks BIGest challenges. But lack of heart is just lame. Grooming a pipe is not easy, but to have the skills and the tech and not use them, thats just a shame. Next time I roll up on that pipe, I really hope it is cut. its just too bad, meadows dosnt seem to care about its locals.

Matt's reply:

eastcoastkid: I appreciate the passion you have for the parks but you're being unreasonably harsh. Monday through Tuesday morning we experienced severe winds which limited our operations (and closed Timberline). We had mechanical issues with the pipe cutter, so Tuesday our crew cut the pipe by hand so our guests could enjoy it. No lack of heart - these guys are committed and courageous. The department is not understaffed and there certainly isn't a lack of energy or effort. We're proud of the crew and the park features they create. Should have the pipe cutter operating tonight, so hopefully it will be fresh cut the next time you roll up.

About 85% of our business comes from our drive market. To say that we don't care about the locals quite frankly is off base.

--Matt

Hey there,

I haven't been up in a couple days, so maybe this is outdated but i'm wondering why the terrain above Cascade has remained closed during this high pressure period.  I understand the road may not be in, but why not let us hike up?  If there was avy danger, A-zone wouldn't be open.  There was no visibility concerns.  Last friday, there were tracks from above but there was no access. Patrollers? Please explain.

Thanks

Matt's reply:

Kevin: I just spoke with Brandon from patrol - he says it is "scarey bad" up there, so we're not accessing or opening that terrain yet. While the weather has been clear, it has been very cold, so there hasn't been any set up or transition to corn at this time. Lots of wind drift, scour and slab right now. But give it time - there's a long season ahead of us.

--Matt

hey matt is the heather snow cat running at all or has it been with this nice weather?

Matt's reply:

nick: We haven't cut in the road - first do to the snow then because of high winds. The snow cat is usually run when we have more stable corn conditions - and while the weather has been clear (can't really call it nice with the winds we had earlier this week) the temperature has been very cold, so there's been no transition to corn yet.

--Matt

Matt,

So I noticed the two new shiny red signs comin out of Heather last Sunday. One just up from God's Wall and one at the entrance from HRM parking lot. The signs are telling the backcountry traveler that MHM have the right to turn people away regardless if you have a pass or not. If you continue, you risk being prosecuted under Hood River County Ordinance #140 (if I remember the number correctly) Just thought I'd enlighten you and the readers how this is handled at other areas that can be viewed as alternatives to Meadows. It varies from a pretty open policy to a collaborative education effort with the requirement that you are equipped properly and understand the circumstances. I think it's appropriate to start with Jackson Hole in Tom Spangler's honor.

Tom, Please don't lose sight of this when arriving at Meadows.  

Jackson Hole

THINKING OF GOING OUT-OF-BOUNDS?

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort neither encourages nor discourages backcountry touring. Skiers/snowboarders crossing out of the JHMR boundaries, do so at their own risk. Read the posted signs at the designated access gates before proceeding. Call the Bridger-Teton National Forest Backcountry Avalanche Hazard & Weather Forecast at 307.733.2664 for more information or contact the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Guide Service at 307-739-2663.

IF YOU DON’T KNOW, DON’T GO!

Whistler Backcountry Awareness Page (link not supported)

Mt Baker

EXTREME DANGER ZONE & HAZARD ADVISORY ROPELINES

a) At your own risk, you may access Extreme Danger Zones, Hazard Advisory rope lines, or signed Cliff areas. DO NOT access CLOSED areas at any time.

b) There is a minimum $500 rescue fee for any rescue in an Extreme Danger Zone, Hazard Advisory, Cliff, Closed or Backcountry areas.

c) Access into backcountry through boundary rope lines is subject to the Backcountry Policy.

RESCUE MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE

If you leave the ski area boundary into the backcountry or re-enter the ski area from the backcountry, you must have all of the following or you will lose your ski area privileges:

1. Avalanche transceiver and demonstrated ability to use it

2. A partner

3. Shovel

4. Knowledge of the terrain and your ability.

5. Avalanche knowledge

6. Knowledge of local avalanche conditions;

 • know this winter’s snowpack layers

• know the recent snowfall & type

• know current NW Avalanche Center forecast

• know today’s weather forecast (snowfall, temperature & visibility)

Probes and Handi-com radios are recommended.

RESCUE MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE. You or your heirs $500.

Alpental

Backcountry Terrain

The backcountry is outside the designated ski area boundary and the terrain is rugged, steep and avalanche prone at all times. For backcountry registration and current conditions, contact the Ski Patrol at the top of Edelweiss Chair lift. Beware, Alpental is a Class "A" avalanche area and avalanche beacons, probes, shovels and knowledge of the backcountry terrain are STRONGLY recommended.

Matt's reply:

John: Thanks for noticing the signs and doing this research. I can assure you that Tom will not lose sight of this. We plan a fairly comprehensive blog for mid-February on this topic through which we can discuss our back country options.

--Matt

I just wanted to speak up about your "techi" solutions for lift ticket lines. I think that anything that keeps people out of lines is great but also think that you shouldn't go completely automated.

You have some of the most civil and efficient lift loading procedures I've seen and I would hate to see a ticket reader take the place of lifties. With machines there is no "official presence" to keep people from crowding and trying to get ahead of others. I've never been there, but I hear Europe's lift lines are a free for all which sound like way to much angst for me! I really like it when your lifties are on the ball and keeping the hoards back in the lines and calling out alternate sides. Yes theres always the bozos who will cut in and sneak in early but assertive personnel keep that to a minimum.

So please don't get rid of the humans!

Matt's reply:

Snodge: First - that is a great handle! And this is a great post. We do not want to take the personal element out of the lift process, for the reasons you mention above. We would only consider switching to a scanning system if utlimately it improves our guest service.

--Matt

In response to John's comment earlier today....The two signs in the Heather runout are designed to keep people  out of the runout during avalanche control work only.  They are not an effort to close "backcountry" area or keep people from going up the runout all the time.  Also, keep in mind that the runout is within the permit area and is thus "In Bounds"

The signs are flipped to "Closed" only when AC work is being done.  Patrol can't do this work if people are in the runout...then everyone freaks out about the canyon not being open.

Matt's reply:

Wavefin: Thank you for the post and clarifying the signage. As you pointed out, if the sign says "Closed" then don't proceed further - it's the same as crossing a rope line and going into closed terrain.

--Matt

Hello Matt,

Kyle said:

"You all make me laugh with this wanting to be the best in the west I am sorry but that will never happen."

You then asked:

Matt's reply:

"Kyle: Let me know why you feel this way. It would be a great opportunity for us to address what you believe are shortcomings, and along the way may help us accomplish our mission. "

1.  Expert Terrain.  (See Whistler Blackcomb, Baker, Crystal, etc...)  Heather Canyon is not comparable.  There really is no place to expand.  I am a broken record, I know, but we are all dying to here about the expansion process.

2.  Slope side accomodation - The drive to Hood sucks.  A village like Whistler, would be sweet.

3.  Too crowded. (Lack of expansion, existing bottlenecks, and simple people to lift capacity problems)

4.  Lack of on slope dining\drinking.  (Pine Marten, the multitude of Whistler\Blackcomb mid mountain lodges)

5.  Parking\access to the mountain.

Those are the things that jump to my mind.  

It's your job to promote, we understand that.   It's also great to set your goals high, understand that also.  However, best in the west?  That's a HUGE reach.  Deep down in your heart, can you honestly say that we will be anywhere close to Whistler\Blackcomb?  I, and probably everyone in Portland would love this to happen, just cannot see it.

Matt's reply:

Kyle: Thank you for responding. You've outlined a pretty good wish list, some of which we will be pursuing. I do have to say that "Best in the West" is a truncated version of our mission statement which is to "Become the Best in the West in Employee and Guest Loyalty". So while there may be places that are bigger, or offer more terrain, we will be measuring our success based on employees who want to continue to work and grow with us, and guests who want to return season after season. In those terms I can honestly say that Mt. Hood Meadows is on a course to achieve our mission.

We have set high goals. We want to take on the challenge of being compared to Whisteer\Blackcomb and other premier resorts in the West. That in itself shows a commitment to challenging ourselves to continually improve so we can be compared to these other resorts.

I appreciate your post and we will work hard to improve the experience at Meadows and "Provide an ideal mountain resort experience while respecting Mt. Hood" - which is our Vision.

--Matt

"Best in the West"?? c'mon, you all need to be realistic and shoot for best in Oregon first. I still have a hard time saying Meadows is the best ski area in the state. Though, y'all do a lot of this well, nothing is really knocked out of the park. I like the lofty goal though.

All of the top ski areas in the west are known for something (Baker: epic snowfall, Utah: Powder, Crystal/Jhole: epic terrain/backcountry, Whistler: the whole package.) Nothing at Meadows jumps out at me as to why I'd take a trip there as opposed to those other places.  

All you need to is find some actual "expert terrain" where crashing means real consequences (kind of like what you find at Crystal, W/Blackcomb, Mt Baker, Tahoe). Educated Backcountry Access (kind of like what you find at Crystal, W/Blackcomb, Mt Baker, Jhole). On mountain lodges (How many of the "best of the west" have only one day lodge?).

I'll still ski at Meadows most of the time just because it's close to home, but I just think it could be much better. Sure can't complain about the snow and commute this year. Every year I look forward to my roadtrips the most when I can ski the best places in the west.

Keep on keepin' on.

Matt's reply:

hoodskier: Thanks for the post and the challenge. We don't want to compare ourselves just to those mountains with just one day lodge - we are inspired by the resorts you have named and want to challenge our team to raise the bar. This is great dialogue and the kind of response we want from our guests, particularly as Tom comes on board to help us achieve what we will aspire to be.

--Matt

Hey Matt,

 Just to follow up on your "transition to corn" comments about conditions last week.  I was there in the afternoon and the north side of Heather Canyon (facing south) was unbelievable spring skiing.  We can argue about the nuances of corn, but it was good and the south facing aspects above Cascade would have been good too.  Those are the tracks I was referring to in my previous post.  Because patrol deems an area scary, does that mean I can't decide for myself?  A-zone was ice sheet when I went down it to access the south facing slope.  I would have called that "scarey bad" but I used to access some excellent turns.  

If you want to promote your image of advanced terrain, you need to have heather (all of it) open when there is perfect visibility, no wind, and no avy concerns.  The law clearly exempts you from liability should I chose to ski 'scarey bad' terrain and get injured.  Please let me make that choice.

Thanks for your previous response.

Matt's reply:

Kevin: Thanks for the post. I appeciate your passion for the steeps and the variable conditions they can present. It is apparent that you have more experience in these areas than our average guest. Which leads me to anser the question you posed "Because patrol deems an area scary, does that mean I can't decide for myself?" No. Not within our permit boundary, when ski patrol makes a determination that the area shouldn't be open. Having said that we will be reevaulating these policies - when to open and access different terrain when Tom Spangler arrives on property. He has a great amount of experience in these areas and will help us as we addres these issues.

--Matt

Nice job up there this year. Excellent crowd control, including opening blue chair on weekends for added capacity.

Suggestions: replace Yellow Chair with a high speed quad to move people to that side of the mountain without wasting space on Mt. Hood Express.

Porta potties at the top of Mt. Hood Express; nothing like dragging four little kids up a hill to the lodge because one has to go.  Put the porta potties on a sled for easy mobility by snowcat for maintenance.

Groom the the little slope off to the left of tillicum, just above 3-D, down into Nettie Run. I know it is steep, but it is short, and if you did that, we wouldn't have the congestion of all the boarders un-booting on the ridge for the long walk to HRM and Shooting Star.

Go check it out: head down Tillicum from the top of Mt. Hood Express, head up the Tillicum hill toward SHooting star, just as you pass the trail merging in from uphill at Shooting star, take a hard left through the gap in the trees and down to Nettie's run.  Try it, you'll like it. If you can groom parts of Heather, you can certainly groom this little hill one groomer-path wide.  It will save countless people (especially kids and boarders) a long walk up Tillicum. And if you want to name this run after me (Pat's Gap?), that would be OK too.  :)

Keep up the great work.

Matt's reply:

Pat: Thanks for the suggestions - they show your familiarity with Meadows. Briefly:

A high speed quad to upgrade the Stadium (Yellow) lift is in the master plan. We still have a lot of studying to do and will want to review this when Tom Spangler arrives.

Porta-potties are problematic - servicing them and transporting them. They are not the most stable (tend to be tipsy) when being pulled on a sled (consider the slopes, nuances, side hills they must travel). We do not want to create any "accidents" on the mountain. But we have looked into this as well.

Pat's Gap - we'll look at this more closely.

--Matt

Hey Tom,

Make Meadows more like JH and less like Meadows.  WE WANT BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS!  Please help!

Matt's reply:

Ben: We hear you. We will move steadily, but responsibly, towards this goal.

--Matt