MEADOWS BLOG

matt, it says there is a ussa slopestyle competition on sunday but nothing about registration times or where to register. Some info would be nice.

Matt's reply:

hoodskier: Here's the link to the USASA site which has that information. Registration is usually in the North Lodge slope level - the race room. In the past registration has started by 8:30 or so.

http://usasa.memberpro.net/main/body.cfm?menu=regions&submenu=regionsHome&region_id=1213

--Matt

Matt sorry this is off topic, but I just had to say it, because it's been bugging me for the last month.  I ride alot at night when it snows midweek.  I'm driving from portland just to ride for 2 hours at night, because it worth it to me.  Anyway, you guys have been doing a horrible job updating your snow phone midweek.  If I roll out of portland at 5pm it would be cool to know what's going on at the mountain.  I know what you are going to say, but I always look over the hour by hour weather data, but even that has an hour or two delay.  Anyway, if you guys could just do you best to update it at 4pm or 5pm every night you have night skiing that would be sick.  Alright, it's been a super deep and sick year and otherwise you have been doing a good job.

thanks

Matt's reply:

gnar: Great post and you are absolutely right on. We need to keep the snow phone updates going until at least 4 PM when we have night operations. I will discuss this with the snow reporters.

Thanks for the post.

--Matt

the music playing at the bottom of the lifts is definatly a plus.

especially if it was at the top of east rider, cause thats where a lot of riders go there to wait to hti park and everything

maybe some more public comps/rail jams?

Matt's reply:

jonnnnnnnnnnnn: Music helps set the mood, but unfortunately it is imporssible to manage for the wide variety of guests we serve. Hard to find the right mix, so for the time being we've actually silenced the music. There are many competitions coming up this month and this spring (and we usually have music to go with them).

Thanks for the post!

--Matt

jumps, jumps, and more jumps.  the more the better.  its honestly what inspires me to come up.  powder days are fine, but if the park is good and consistant that inspires me to get out of bed early.

i have friends that do enjoy the beer garden and live entertainment...

Matt's reply:

royale: Thanks for the input. Spring is the time we move entertainment outdoors on to the Deck scene. As wintery as the season has been so far, I have a notion that spring could just burst into sunshine, and we'll be able to kick back and soak up some rays in March, April and beyond!

--Matt

How about a World Cup race

Matt's reply:

steve: Ski or snowboard? In the past these races - even major competitions - haven't been able to build or hold a crowd. But we certainly have the terrain (and the snow) for presenting competitions of this magnitude.

We have the NorAm Finals coming to Meadows in March. That's actually an international calibre race since both Americans and Canadians receive points for their respective national teams. Should be some exciting snowboard racing action!

--Matt

Dear Matt:

The IT for me has been Mt. Hood Meadows canceling IT.  For the past 2 weekends in a row, Meadows has canceled our Oregon Interscholastic Snowboard Association (OISA) competitions.  This summer, Meadows met with the OISA presenting their "package" that they could provide for OISA competitions in 2008.  Meadows was chosen to host our league competitions based on the "package" they claimed to be able to provide.  As the season progressed it became obvious that Meadows was not able to provide what they had offered. With our season half complete, we have experienced 2 competitions that began late (1-2.5 hours late) due to course set-up or maintenance delays, and 2 competitions canceled.  The canceled competitions were due to the inability to maintain a half-pipe or Slope Style course.  Too much snow to host a SNOWboard competition, I don't get IT?

With all the events described in your article, it seems to me that the IT for Meadows is hosting and maintaing big money events for big business rather than support the local organizations such as OISA.  I would be willing to bet that Burton does not have to worry that their competition will be canceled due to the inability to maintain a half-pipe, boarder cross or slope style course.

To me, this is not what IT should be about.  Support the locals that support your resort year round. That's what IT should be about for Meadows.

Matt's reply:

mbost5: You're way off base here. Meadows has provided OISA with more support than any other entity or organization. We were intregal in getting the organization started and have been staunch supporters ever since. We have worked closely with the OISA Board and League members in offering some of the best competition venues on Mt. Hood over the years. OISA has been very supportive and understanding of Mt. Hood Meadows and the conditions on Mt. Hood the past two weekends. Officially MHM did not cancel any competitions…OISA canceled, which was the correct decision to make considering the conditions and the forecasted weather for competition time.

I understand your disappointment with cancellations, but this season's snow fall affects operations. There are ski areas that have been shut down and unable to even operate because of the snowfall. Others have limited park operations - Timberline's parks are closed for construction and dig out today, meanwhile the Sunset League is having a Border cross race here at Meadows today.

Here's a history of 24 hour snow readings Meadows received which affected your competitions.

Ski areas do cancel world class events all the time due to weather conditions. We would not have been able to present the Am Series under these same circumstances. We're sorry that your competitions were affected - but it has nothing to do with Meadows commitment to OISA - it is all about the weather.

--Matt

Hello,

 I'm happy that Meadows is getting recognized, but I still would like to focus on terrain opening.  I'm still looking forward to your blog on the subject.  The one and only reason I ski meadows is the steeper terrain available.  Let's get that going!

Matt's reply:

Kevin: We will be addressing that in a future blog. Let's talk about things other than terrain in this blog.

--Matt

What a great question to ask.  What will bring me to the mountain?  Knowing which days will have fewer people; Fewer people to jockey with in the parking lot, fewer people to wait in the line with for lunch, a table, the bathroom, fewer people for me to watch out for while skiing with my 8 year old.  Your ticket prices reflect your effort to try and even out your skiers but I still find the fabulous skiing tarnished by selfish behavior of everyone who shows up...but who can blame them?  There's just a lot of people chasing after your snow & conditions and it leaves me wondering if the 4 hour of driving there and back ( thru Hood River) is worth it.

Where does that leave me in answering your question?  I am not interested in shows or special events...since I am unable to ski during the week, I hope you'll consider leaving some February and March weekends without entertainment, competitions and the like...

Thank you for this opportunity.

Matt's reply:

Celeste: Thanks for the post. January and February weekends tend to generate our peak days - they are the busiest of the season. There is a drop off in March and April - hopefully you'll still be coming up then when it's sunnier, warmer and mellower.

--Matt

Last year on Saturday CHEAP NITES (which I miss - although I have a season pass I would like to bring other people up with me that don't have a pass) the bar upstairs would have a snowboard or ski DVD (a premier/preview of the new DVD's out for the year) playing and would do little prize give aways after the movie was over.  I liked that and I miss it.  Although I didn't watch a lot of the movie's I did check out a couple, and during the movie times the slopes would be less packed.

That's my 'IT' for now - thanks

Matt's reply:

Shellie: Thanks for the post. Put Sunday, February 17 on your calendar. The Burton tour stop will have its party in the Finish Line from 3 - 5 PM  which includes the prizes, games and giveaways. And since we moved the Safeway night deal to Sundays ($10 off a night ticket with your Safeway Club Card) your friends will get a great deal for night riding!

--Matt

I think meadows should try to add a pro competition next year with a live stage on the mountain. I think that would gain a lot of attention and guests from across the states. I'm thinking events on the scale that mammoth, northstar, parkcity, or any other well known resorts like that.

Matt's reply:

Nigel: Thanks for the post. We have had some major competitions with some big name bands - Mighty Mighty Boss Tones, Third Eye Blind, Fast Ball, Pennywise, Social D - however, the risk of a bad weather day prevented the promoters from wanting to commit to all the up front costs of promoting, advertising and staging these bands. We won't give up though - a spring bash with some great music would be a lot of fun at Meadows!

--Matt

FIrst...I have always appreciated the open-minded approach that Meadows takes with its customer service.  I feel that Meadows has covered the full spectrum of events and activities over the years.  I have been a season pass holder for the past 4 years and last year stayed dry in the Pond Skim.  The Pond Skim needs to stay as an annual tradition...love it!!  

I have always heard rumors or myths that there is some form of Cat Skiing at Meadows.  Is there any way to make this more mainstream.  What about a day where a series of names are drawn throughout the day and  allow a few groups to go Cat Skiing??  I am not sure about the logistics, but I am just brainstorming.

You are all doing a great job up on the hill.  Take care.

Sincerely,

Dennis JouleIt

Matt's reply:

Dennis: The Sno-Kona Pond Skim is scheduled for April 26 and/or 27. We want to hit the best weather day of the two, so we'll make that decision the week of. It is one of the most entertaining events we have staged at Meadows.

Cat skiing is usually a spring activity once the weather and conditions stabilize. It loads at the top of Cascade Express (where we also sell rides @ $10 each) and the snowcat heads up to the top of Super Bowl (an extra 1700 vertical feet). Hard to do giveaways as the seating is limited and it is inconsistent as weather can close in quickly, ending the day.

--Matt

To tell you the truth, I really could care less about special events (concerts) and the like. I have a season pass at Meadows, and I come for the skiing and the snow. I mean, why would I drive for two hours to Meadows to go to a concert or something which are plentiful in Portland? I have to agree with Celeste Lewis for saying that the days with special events are always the worst because it means there are more people on the slopes. I don't mind competitions and stuff (that's part of skiing) but I don't see why we have to have a bunch of concerts and stuff like that.

Matt's reply:

Nathan: I appreciate your comments. That's why we chose this subject. Do you ever get a chance to come up midweek?

--Matt

How about selling those awesome kinco gloves the lifties wear to your customers?????  I can't find them anywhere in Portland.  HR said "only for employees".  That would be really cool.  Thanks.  

Great job with everything this year.  I can't wait to celebrate 7/4 on the hill.

Rod

Matt's reply: What kinco gloves? Now I'm feeling left out - I'm going to have to look into it! If it's an opportunity to satisfy guests I'm sure our retail director Reyna Flores will look into carrying them.

7/4? I hope everyone is up for the May then June Challenge!

Onward!

--Matt

Matt............

I'd throw in with the World Cup Ski Race of some kind,  most likely a giant GS or Downhill.  I was lucky enough to see the last World Cup downhill held a Jackson Hole around 1974.  Franz Klammer was the winner and I'll never forget watching him come thru the Downhill Chute at around 80 mph, a hair's breadth from crashing bigtime.  Of course,  I guess the reason for discontinuing the event had to do mostly with cost and maybe disruption of normal business operations.  I reckon this type of event would be a pretty tall order.

On another note, whatever happened to NASTAR Races?  I used to get together with a few of my best ski buddies and do a little racing a few times a month.  It also would make for some healthy rivalries between lifties, trollers and ski school.  Made for some great fun and a few after race bet payoffs, usually involving some kind of barley spirits.

These would be a couple of my IT's,  though I will be a completely satisfied customer at MHM and will not be missing the Pond Skim,  might even enter the next one!!!!!!

That's my $.02................

Jim

Matt's reply:

Jim: Thanks for the suggestions. One of our limitations to bringing in world class events is lodging - most require or at least strongly request slopeside lodging for ease and convenience. The NASTAR sanctioning fees and operations far exceeded the usage the courses were getting so it was discontinued. We have discussed some public brush course ideas which are easier to maintain.

The Pond Skim will be great again this season!

--Matt

Matt,

Great topic choice, perfect for this time of year.  My IT is very simple: meadows needs to form a team (forgive me if this already exists) for sbx racing.  That's my IT!  Also, how would one organize such a thing?

Also, one thing would be cool, can you guys get a clock somewhere on the hrm area?  Most of your lift shacks have a clock of some kind, but I noticed hood river express doesn't have one and I tend to ride that a lot and I come up early and have to leave for work early, and it's kind of a bummer to have to pull out my phone or watch and get snow in my glove, etc, its just a pain.  

Other than that, keep up the great service and here's to an amazing year, one to be remembered for many to come!!!

Ohlaph

Matt's reply:

Ohlaph: Thanks for the comment. We do have an sbx course skiers left of Rose City. Competitions are organized by USASA and we'll also be running an SBX for the Revolution Tour.

--Matt

How about an Ice skating rink at the mountain or at Cooper Spur Lodge?

This would be an additional reason for folks to come enjoy the mountain aside from skiing.

It would be a blast!

Matt's reply:

Mark: Now we're thinking! Expanding the kinds of activities we offer could provide additional reasons for guests to visit.

--Matt

I agree with Celeste.  The weekends are already crowded enough.  Why plan special events to make it even worse?  If you want to even out the weekday/weekend crowds, why not offer a midweek pass that costs less than the 4X4 unlimited pass.  I'm sure a lot of the 4X4 buyers would opt for the cheaper midweek pass and stop coming on the weekends thereby helping to aleviate the congestion in the parking lots, lodges, lift lines, and slopes.

Matt's reply:

Chris: We're finding that our season pass holders are moving to midweek naturally, in pursuit of less crowds and great conditions. The prices we are charging currently are pretty much as low as we can offer.

Seems that less crowds, more parking lot and lodge capacity, no lift lines and wide open slopes would be enticement enough to come midweek!

--Matt

I guess I come to the ski area to ski(sorry ride) I love to ride the banked slalom when it is there and I love try the slope style courses (of course I love to rip in Heather Canyon too but we aren't talking about that today). But what would be IT for me would be a City league style racing (similar to Seattle) I raced in college and did some City League after and I would love it if Hood did IT to. It is just fun to get out and race with a bunch of other has beens that just love the competition.

Matt's reply:

Chris: Thanks for the comment - these leagues used to be held at night - would you still support it if we were to offer them a couple of nights a week - say Thursday and/or Friday?

--Matt

Matt -

It is about Hooters Girls.

That, is it.

Lot's of them,.... And big gear discounts and tons of give-a-ways.

You will sell more beer and lift tickets on a late March weekend then ever befoe.

Matt's reply:

Keith: Maybe we'd need to call them the "Hooders" girls, for trademark violation. Our sport shops have great sales in the spring - and the HPC also marks down and sells this year's demo equipment - so that is a great reason to visit the mountain.

--Matt

Matt...

Snow....some more snow.  Ohhh...a little more snow.  That's what brings us to the mountian.  

The concerts, the deck scene...could really care less.  We are there to ski.  

Half the time when have something going on the deck, I can't sit out there and eat my lunch in the sun because the music is way too loud.  Another picnic area somewhere??  Perhaps a family area??

You are a skiing area..not a nightclub.  The competitions and ski/snowboard events are what you should focus on.  Make the mountian better.  Make a name for yourself.  You have a half pipe that is way cool...now utilize it.  

Build it and they will come is a old saying.  Make meadows into one of the best skiing venues in the west.  

Did I mention snow???

My 2 cents...3 with inflation.

Bill

Matt's reply:

Bill: OK snow. Got it. And a vote for focus on the mountain.

--Matt

What about opening lifts at 8:00 AM on weekends (like Mt Bachelor) since you've raised lift ticket prices?

Opening at 8:00 would allow those of us that get there early a few runs before the buses and racers show up and clog the lift lines.

Matt's reply:

Roy: Thanks for the suggestion. We're looking into it - for now we have an announced opening 9:00 AM opening but we frequently open lifts ahead of schedule.

--Matt

I too am a little frustrated with the canceling of oisa competitions(2 weeks in a row and rescheduling is not looking good), on friday we were told that our slopestyle was canceled due to "too much snow and wind"...yet when i went up on saturday it was clear, hot and not windy at all. Another frustrating factor is how little the parks have been built recently. Often times my team will go up to the mountain mid week to practice slopestyle and whatnot only to find that the jumps have no lips and there are only a couple open rails. While up yesterday the hrm park had the potential to provide a great day, but again there were no takeoffsit would be nice if you could maintain the parks a bit better, and i know that sometimes there has been too much snow to make this possible, but possible you could close the parks in the early mourning, build them as much as possible, then open them later so that some park riding is avaible.

Thanks

Matt's reply:

Geoff: Check out my reply to mbost - it does detail the accummulations we have been receiving. Saturday's forecast was for continued snow throughout the day so the sun break was a pleasant surprise. Our Paradise Parks crew will get the parks groomed and built as quickly as possible - they've been doing it all season and will continue to do so.

--Matt

I'd second the 8 am opening for the same reasons Roy mentioned above.

Other than that, I'd have to ask you to save your (our) money and simply run the chairs. The cheapest lift ticket possible is what will make me come up to the mountain. The concerts and other events don't have any effect on whether or not I come up and ski, I'm not going to pay for a lift ticket and then sit around listening to music. If you saved enough money by not doing these events to make tickets a dollar cheaper it would be well worth it.

Also, I can't help worrying that with all the alcohol bought during these concerts and events there are a whole lot of people driving drunk on roads that are sketchy even when sober.

Matt's reply:

Ian: Thanks for the post. I appreciate the comments.

--Matt

Matt,

Meadows is going to continue to face the challenge of trying to increase revenues by attracting more people while still being able to manage infrastructure and customer service.  While IT is all well and good for those that want to come up to the mountain and buy a lift ticket, only to hang out in the lodge or at the base area, most of us come to MHM to ski/ride.  What Meadows REALLY needs to focus on is better crowd management--whether it is at the parking lot, the liftlines, OR in the lodge.  I think it's great that you are trying to diversify the experience on the mountain but bringing more people up to the resort demands that you find better ways to manage it.  I think MHM has lost focus on that and really needs to work on providing a better, safer experience for all of its customers.  I didn't buy a season pass this year primarily because of the poor crowd management on peak days and a lot of folks that I've talked to have similar sentiments.

Please remember this as you consider ideas for IT.

Matt's reply:

Drew: Thanks for the thoughtful post. One of the reasons we consider enertainment or activities is to provide variety to guests who come up repeatedly, week after week. We're just trying to make it memorable. I do understand your concerns about crowd management - but I think you'll find that except for a couple of major days we had earlier in the season that crowd management starting with the parking lot, flowing through the lodge and on the lifts has been very good this year. These activities can also provide a nice diversion for some of our guests, who would prefer to hang and listen to music, demo equipment, or sample some product. If these guests are involved with the entertainment then they're not on the lifts.

--Matt

The mountain is IT-  I'm another one who comes to ski.  I actually have had more days skiing in Colorado this year than Meadows- one reason is weekends are way to crowded. Please don't add more "concerts" let's focus on the reason Meadows opened 40 years ago! and  yes,  I try to ski midweek.  

Matt's reply:

ski gal: Thanks for the post. Midweek skiing is great!

--Matt

how bout a no-limit poker turny.that all the money rasied goes to a charity..and the winners could get cool swag like a season pass ,snowboards cothes..ect.ect. im good for $50 to $100 if the swag is nice..

Matt's reply:

leifdaddy: Sounds like fun! We'll look into it - I'm sure there's enough players out their who ski and snowboard to put together a fun event.

--Matt

hey

I go to meadows atleast once a week but what makes me go want to go even more is the sring parks

can u tell me what there will be this spring on cascade?

Matt's reply:

cole: The abundant snow gives us some options going into the spring - I'm pretty sure we'll have the spring parks going but that's something our Paradise Parks crew will be determining.

--Matt

i think you guys should move the shipyard on the roptow

the shipyard is a great place to just chill and jib what you want when you want but having to hike back up is irritating yes you could take buttercup but it takes forever to get up buttercup its a long flattrail to get to the shipyard

or you could just build another roptow at the shipyard

Matt's reply:

matt: Thanks for the suggestion.

--Matt

Thank you, thank you, thank you for canning the loud music at the lifts (except over in the learning area).  

I love music.

I listen to it all the time.

I just don't like it in the pristine mountain environment, where I am trying enjoy the outdoor experience without hearing the SAME music over and over. If I do listen to music while skiing, I listen to what I want to hear, not the repetitive top 40 stuff I've been hearing at Meadows.

As far as what else to add to Meadows? You guys are doing a great job in most ways. The only thing I would like to see is more festive stuff. You know, outdoor games, goodies, competitions, (yes, and music) etc.... to liven up the near-the-lodge (not on the lifts) scene.

I still have fond memories of Portland radio stations having ski day broadcasts from Ski Bowl when I was a kid, including pie eating contests, giveaways, celebs, request lines, etc...

Keep up the great work.

Matt's reply:

38: Thanks for the post. I was becoming a little worried as most of the comments to this point have said to do away with the festivities. We believe they are important, particularly for families, to be able to make each trip to the mountain a little different than the last. As we move into spring we should have a lot of fun things to do in the Village.

--Matt

Let's see

1. A heated pool like the Thunderbird lodge down in Govy.

2. Heli-ski operation ;)

3. More cats for Superbowl (had a pass for 15 years, never seen it running once)

4. Maybe a tubing hill for the little ones

5. Covered smoking area away from the entrances

Matt's reply:

Dic: Thanks for the post. The pond skim may have to suffice this year for the heated pool LOL. Meadows actually had a heli-ski operation in year two or three of our operations - believe it or not. Regarding Superbowl snowcats - I'm hopeful that after such severe weather in December and January, that we'll actually have a spring with sunshine, corn snow and stable conditions which will allow us to operate the snowcat frequently.

--Matt

"City League" would be great on Friday nights. People could go up and grab a swing shift and then race under the lights! I currently buy a pass but it might be nice if you offered a yellow only lift ticket for a real good price so others that don't have a pass can race w/o spending a lot. (that always bugged me to buy a full ticket at "The Pass" and then only race)

Matt's reply:

Chris: Our race department is paying attention to this - the "Reverend" loves to put on races, and perhaps it is time to organize some fun leagues again!

--Matt

Hey Matt, will there be any volunteer opportunities for the NorAm finals? I'm a carver myself, and I'd love to get involved.

Matt's reply:

Dan: Thanks for asking. Give Chris Kastner (ckastner@skihood.com) or Sean Horner (shorner@skihood.com) an email - they'll be able to let you know what opportunities we have.

--Matt

big air for vegetate.

more jumps.

more rails.

speakers throughout the parks.

Matt's reply: This isn't supposed to be parks focused, but the Big Air at Vegetate has been an event that wasn't offered last year. My question is, if it's something we present in the base area, will people either come up specifically for it, or hang out in the base area to watch it?

I'm looking foward to the replies..

--Matt

I must admit I enjoy watching X-Games highlights on my 50-inch HD TV while enjoying pizza and beer ... but when I'm riding on Mt. Hood I'd prefer NOT to have my favorite runs bull-dozed for parks, or closed off for racing.  Simply put, I come to Meadows to ride and not watch races, and I'm too old to be crashing on jumps and falling off rails.  Meadows should consider the number of people who actually use the jumps against the number of people who avoid them; same goes for racing (which is contrary to the whole "space not speed" motto pasted everywhere).  Sorry, that's just my 2-cents.

Matt's reply:

Dave: Thanks. I appreciate the input. It is something we take into consideration and as I'm sure you understand we have quite a large population of park riders and racers in our community.

--Matt

Thanks Matt,

We would really like to see Meadows support SNOWKITING. Y'all could be the first resort in the NW to permit Snowkiting. Perhaps a snowkite demo would be a good introduction. Perhaps snowkiting in designated areas during designated times would be a winner. Maybe folks could use the lifts to access inbounds terrain but would only be able to snowkite after the resort has closed. I've heard Powder Mtn in UT has engaged in this type of support and has already seen great success. Your thoughts?

Matt's reply:

Gunther: We'll look into it - sounds kind of cool to watch, but scarey to try! We'd definitely want to have some discussions with ur insurance company (which right now does not include cover that activity).

--Matt

Matt, I don't understand IT.  Meadows wants to make more money by attracting different groups of people to the mountain!  YES, I get what Meadows is trying to accomplish and I appreciate that but we're trying to give a resort style feel to what is ultimately a weekend warrior ski area.  I, as I'm sure many others, would love a resort style experience at a Hood ski resort but Meadows just doesn't have the property to expand and do it right.  We can't even expand parking to accomodate MORE people!  Where are people going to eat lunch?  How about larger restrooms?  We talk about the patio as an eating space but it's hardly availbale during peak season due to weather conditions.  Infrastructure is beginning to become a major problem up there and not just at Meadows.  I have a season pass and I've had to re-arrange my work schedule to ride mid-week.  Great for me, right? Sure!  But now there are many of my friends that I never ride with anymore.  I'm blessed that I can do what MANY others can't but I simply refuse to come up on a weekend during Jan. or Feb. and that's unfortuante.  It's slightly off topic but IT needs to focus on infrastructure before IT focuses on attracting even more non-skier/borader types to the hill with more attractions/events.  IT is about enjoying the hill, the snow, and the company of your friends.  These side events make IT more enjoyable and provide options but in doing so I think you are pushing away your core group of riders in hopes of attacting a more diverse group.  You have a touchy task of balancing IT and I commend you on your efforts.  But I think Meadows needs to do a lot more brainstorming on the infrastructure at the mountain to help spread poeple out across the mountain.

I know this was just a suggestion but based on your response, where do plan on installing a ice skating rink?  You complain that you can't keep up the parks due to snow but how do plan on keeping up a ice rink without making it indoor?  And if you can afford to build something like that than you can afford to find a fix for the parking issue.

Being in the construction/engineering industry, I see this all the time.  Grand ideas but no infrastructure to support IT!  We all want to make money while spending as little as possible..  Good luck, Matt.  I think I'll keep my feet in my own shoes on this one!

Jimmy  

Matt's reply:

Jimmy: Good points. A lot of the infrastructure you mention we are addressing in our plans. We are seeing more and more of our pass holders moving their days to midweek. We are looking for ways to broaden the appeal of Meadows, but primarily in the off peak time frames, which is why we focus on events and outdoor activities more in the spring, when the peak days are behind us.

Thanks for the post.

--Matt

I think it would be tite if you could get some pros and have a competition on the arena pipe and the big spring park.

Matt's reply:

Amp: Last season we had the US Snowboard team at Meadows training in that pipe - we used a 22 foot Zaugg to cut it and we had some phenominal athletes training. We're in discussions with the team about coming back to Meadows to train again this spring. There were also a decent amount of pros at Meadows last spring, shooting videos. They haven't really expressed interest in competing as they were focusing on their film parts.

--Matt

will all the hits be cut by this weekend since it seems we might have caught a break in weather? i know its about terrain but i dont know where else to go.

Matt's reply:

Kevin: Our crew is diligently working on the parks - Tuesday could dump some more snow but the forecast is looking good for the weekend.

--Matt

more mountain.....less "festivities"....I come to ride...that is IT. Today (Monday 2/11) Cascade opened at 2:30 and closed at 3:00. PLEASE...the lifties that actually spoke were rude and condescending....we wait all day to ride and then you close the lift early!...of course you still post that the lift was open 9-3:30. Spend more money and effort on the activity we are actually paying for....not alcohol sales and music...I too enjoy the quiet on the lifts...it reminds me of heather and cat-skiing (once upon a time)

Matt's reply:

ryder: The mistake was made by the snow reporter switching the closing times of Cascade (which should be 3:00 PM) and Vista (which should be 3:30 PM). Our apologies for the mistake and for setting expectations which the lifties couldn't keep. If nothing else it does show that we will continue to work on Cascade and Heather (which opened around 2 PM) until we can get it open - a lot of other areas would have thrown in the towel at lunch.

--Matt

You know what would really be IT?

Not censoring blog comments. Not selectively posting the ones that mke your mountain look good, and ignoring the legitimate complaints that passholders have. I'm sure this blog comment won't get posted just like my last two, but whatever. Keep up the good work.

nick: You're other post was off topic. This blog is talking about what competitions, activities or entertainment that we culd provide which would make you want to come to Meadows more. You might want to repost your comments under the "How Are We Doing" blog which is the appropriate place to share your concerns or make suggestions for improvements.

--Matt

what about a pro level competition in the base area like a big air competition off stadium.  That way it wont be taking much away from the rest of the mountain and now that the face is filled in the racers can move there or other areas temporarily for a weekend. Sound realistic at all?  also when will you be posting the blog about improvements to come and proposals about expansion, more lifts, parking, etc?

Matt's reply:

nick: We're considering stadium as a Big Air location for Vegetate the first weekend of April - we've held events there in the past so it is very realistic.

The timing on blog topics - we will be addressing boundaries and back country next - probably by the end of the month. The only delay in that timing is so that we can fully involve our new General Manager Tom Spangler, who will be on property February 29. Expansion, lifts, parking, etc. will be adddressed as individual topics towards the end of the season and during the summer months.

Thanks for the post.

--Matt

Great job Matt!

I read a lot of this every week with my two young sons. (6&8)  We have passes and come every weekend.  The IT for them is the free birthday cake.  The 10cent safety whistle and the free cheese.

Of course we are there for the montain, but you are right when you help to differentiate one weekend from another and another.

After a few weeks, my kids can't tell you which days dumped 13inches or 17inches etc.,but they can tell you they remember the stuff including cookies.

Thanks for the diversity.  I also have a great time when I come by myself as well.  Music in the base is nice.

Matt's reply:

Two Sticks: Thanks for the post. I think that mixing it up does make it special each visit and will create memories that your family will look back at fondly.

--Matt

Do away with the whole Jam/Rider vote at vegetate. IT DOESNT WORK! The same kid wins every year by hucking himself into a concussion. Get judges! 3 runs judged. otherwise im bringing all my friends and i'll win it with bad riding. And maybe count how many ballots are turned in comparred to how many riders are in it. that way nobody can take 3 ballots anymore and vote for themselves. it happens!

Matt's reply:

stunt monkey: Thanks for the comment.The advantage to the jam format is it allows continuous drop ins by the competitors, vs. a judged event which allows only one competitor on the course at a time, followed by tallying. If we have 80 competitors and go three runs each it will take more than four hours to complete the competition. We'll take a look at it to find the right balance of action (moving it along) and judging to crown the correct competitor.

--Matt

Not to go all "blue light special" on this particular thread, but I have to say this. Events are nice. Really, there's a time and place for everything and I enjoy that kind of thing. What is the "IT"? I believe it is specials. We're in a resession folks, regardless of what the Fed says. People who ski/snowbaord are keeping their money close to the hip. You've got to come up with some ways to get people to the mountain that involves the mighty dollar bill. Sure, weekends will always be busy and no need to mess with it. Mid-week however is prime "Specials" ground. Why not drop the price? Why not run some $29.00 every Tuesday specials? Isn't $29.99 better than $0.00? ($29 by the way is just a number I pulled out of my *** for example purposes).

Matt's reply:

Once: We were thinking about a $29 special - I don't know if we can use it anymore because of the visual you provided - I don't think anyone would want to touch it! We'll toss it around at our next pricing meeting.

--Matt

Shhhh, Matt.  Come on now.  Every one should know that Mondays are NOT a good day to go to the hood (except for the parks crew).  Any ideas when we can expect them parks to be back in business?  Looks like the snow has stopped for a little while.

As far as events go, I could really care less.  I think it's cool to have all that stuff going on you've done in the past couple years, but I can't say that any of IT would be THE reason I go to the hood.  Some of the Live Music and Fun Events have caught my interest, but I am usually enjoying my ride way to much to stop for the shows.  I do like to hear the grooves on the slopes, though, and just hearing the Pond Skim annoucer from my car at lunch was kinda fun.  You need a longer pond though.

What it really comes down to is this...

Skiing is the most fun activity/entertainment in the whole world.  If I have the opportunity to ski, no matter how cool the event, skiing will always rule.

Matt's reply:

Lark: I appreciate and respect your summary. If it weren't for the tremendous appeal, and unmatched sensation of the sport, we wouldn't even be here. I realize this blog is about the "frosting". Thanks for the post!

--Matt

I really, really wish you had slopeside lodging. Cooper Spur just doesn't do it for me.

You can edit the rest of this if you want. I'm a season pass holder, and I do go exclusively mid-week when I am solo. But weekends are the only time I can take my family. My wife, well into her forties is still learning, and I don't know why for the love of God, you intermingle a freestyle park with beginner runs. Easyrider is the next logical step for folks who have mastered Buttercup and it is just hell for her coming out of Mitchell's Creek. ANd I know, "know the code, know the code," but i can't tell you how unpleasant it is when someone you love is in tears because people are zinging by.

Next year, I think we'll just do select weekends at Whistler or Telluride or Alta. We don't mind paying the money for the better experience. Sorry.

But I'm glad MHM is doing well, making money and has such a nice venue. I wish the wacko-environmentalists would realize that a "National Forest" belongs to everybody, and not just their narrow Hood River County agenda. As I understand it, MHM gives 3% of it net to HRC. I say renegotiate it lower as you enter the permitting process.

Matt's reply:

jamie: No editing necessary. It is important that our guests can relay their concerns to us - that's what this blog is all about. It is a sharing and an education issue - the gentle slopes that are best for teaching people new to the sport has also the grade which is ideally suited for building terrain parks. We will continue to make people aware and look toward adding more suitable learning terrain in the future.

If possible, take a few days off midweek and have your wife take lessons. I am confident that our pro instructors will be able to improve her technique and confidence so that she advance to and enjoy the terrain served by other lifts beyond Easy Rider.

We have developed constructive relationships with the environmental community and have been able to work together on different projects. Regarding Hood River County, MHM does pay property taxes, as well as other state and local fees/assessments, to the state or county. Other business entities in Hood River County have similar obligations.  MHM does not pay a percentage of revenues to Hood River County

As a permit holder operating on National Forest property, we pay a percentage of our revenues to the US Forest Service. Other permit holders operating on Mt Hood National Forest land have similar obligations to the US Forest Service.

--Matt

The extra activities just aren't worth getting stuck in weekend traffic for. So I try to avoid them. I think the biggest IT MHM could use is a HSQ that that serves the lower mountain, that would help overall the most. I still don't fully understand why Vista went over the ridge, if it stopped before and lower than it does, it would probably run a lot more often.

Matt's reply:

Mike: Thanks for the post. Vista is well placed to service the upper terrain which is spectacular. Daisy services the terrain below the ridge if Vista is unable to operate.

--Matt

oh yeah, I love the season locker thing.

maybe family lockers for families. coin-op boot warmers, spiffy it up a bit.

and a valet service (might require changing to MHM provided locks), i.e., I drop off my gear to the tech shop for a waxing, and they put it away for me.

I'd pay for that.

a "skeleton" run would be awesome. I don't think I'd do it, but I sure would like to watch.

Matt's reply:

jamie: Thanks for the post. I appreciate the suggestions for additional services that would improve the experience. How about doing the cardboard derby again?

--Matt

finally, and this is just an FYI, probably off topic. I wrote this to Dave some years back. I'd be thrilled to see the glen behind Mitchell's Creek/Vista open up to Annex with a small venue like HR, you know, restrooms, maybe snaks/burritos/wraps and a concierge ticket booth; and move Daisy over to accomodate it. maybe not open always, but on peak days. MHX and blue already cover Daisy's terrain, and you have to admit, getting up to Daisy is a ***, unless you are going fast, which is probaly not such a good idea in a Beginner zone. Even the stump from the Daisy uplift would make a swell sledding hill for the daycare set.

I know you sunk a ton of money into the new Patrol HQ, but it was for the most part not a tangible improvement for many of us. anyway, I hope you announce something great for next year before this year is over. I've been hedgin lately.

Matt's reply:

jamie: Thanks for the suggestion - we are looking at the very terrain you identified between Mitchell Creek and the annex lot - more on that in another blog. I have to disagree with you regarding the patrol HQ. Our professional staff deserved a space that accommodated their expanding numbers and was also high profile. Our commitment to safety will result in very tangible improvements for our guests.

--Matt

1.  Keep the pipes and park cut when it is not snowing, or has not snowed recently.  

2.  Get faster at parking the cars.  I thinks some simple ideas could increase the speed with which the cars are parked.  i.e. Put a big rope or cone out that you can move, so cars know where to stop.  This way you don't risk a kids life waving a 5 ton SUV even closer to running him over.  Also cars will be able to pull in faster.  Right now it slowly placing each car in the exact spot by hand is a major bottlekneck and can add 20-30 minutes to the driving experience.

3.  Maybe a mid day groom down some of the busy trails on snowy days.  This would get rid of those nasty hard to see bumbs that cause alot of accidents.

4.  More terrain, tree thinning, a demo schedule...

Thanks, I love the changes meadows has done recently, especially the new lifts, smoother parks, and more open back country.

Meadows.

Matt's reply:

Mike: Great comments. More in line with the last blog topic - but our staff is tuned into this topic as well always looking for ways to improve the experience.

--Matt

Please stop trying tp get more people on your mountain.  If you want more people add more terrain.  The last two weekends myself and large groups of my friends drove long distances to get away from your crowds.  At Bachelor there was talk about how we're witnessing the downfall of Meadows.  Even more surprising was the talk of getting one of those Skibowl Timberline passes next year (coming out of the mouths of 4-12 year season pass holders). Too many people taking the powder lines and creating lift lines just makes me feel like I'm in the city...not in nature.  Nothing worse than being deep in your secret spots and havin another crew roll thru.

Matt's reply:

Tron: Interesting take. We are concerned about making the peak day experience exceptional for our guests - that is one of our corporate goals. We believe the current terrain and lift system is capable of handling the peak day numbers we have seen this season, although the constant snow rendered Cascade and Heather inoperable adding to that peak day pressure. I'm sure you'll see as we get sunshine and the upper lifts are open on a regular basis that we can disperse the crowds. By the way - where's your secret spot? That way all of the bloggers will know not to go there LOL.

--Matt

As a local rider i find responding to this blog very difficult.  Provide you with ideas on how to get more people to my mountain so it is more crowded, fewer fresh tracks, busy (dangerous) roads....jezz what i am thinkin.

On the other hand, the more people who show up, the more money you make, the better the chances for improvements....a risk i am willing to take!!

My suggestion on IT is to improve promo deals.  A free lift ticket for seeing a Warren Miller show, wow what a deal....but wait, a free lift ticket in April, lets get real.  I can spend $99 and get a spring season pass.  You want people to show up so provide them the incentive to do so.

I have also been stocking up on Shell Ski Free deals.  Meadows night skiing on Wednesday....come on i know you can do better than that.

How about improved lodging/lift tickets.  I really do not want to drive to Hood River.  Arrange some lodging/lift ticket deals with those in Govy, Welches, etc so we have options.

Keep up the good work and thanks again for your blog.

Matt's reply:

ACP: Thanks for the comment. We have directed our promotional offerings towards off-peak times, such as the Wednesday night 2 for 1 and the Warren Miller free ticket in April. We may get a little more aggressive with our promotions later this year through our eTicket offerings. Right now you can purchase a $40 midweek ticket online (Monday - Thursday) - 40 each day are offered but you have to purchase in advance through eTickets. That $32 lift ticket we offer through the Hood River lodging properties is a sweet deal - and we also offer FREE midweek lift tickets when you stay Sunday - Thursday nights at Cooper Spur Mt. Resort. That's a great value.

--Matt

The IT would be... More Concerts, and I am not talking about Moe Dixon... I am remember back in the 90's you had your Snojobs, which were absolutely amazing... Pennywise, Social Distortion, and the Specials, along with Budweiser Big Air Finals there as well... Last year, Meadows started the Kona pond skim, which I thought was great... Everyone looked they were having a great time, with great food, beer, and sun you could not go wrong... But overall what the IT for me, is that its my home away from home a place to unwind, make a few turns, eat some good food, and socialize with some great people... but if you were able to get some Big Concert like you have done in the past.... IT would be Amazing!!!!

Matt's reply:

Michael: Thanks for the post. Looking back at some of the big names that appeared at Meadows as you described is really impressive. Spring is the time to hold those kinds of events and as you can see from the schedule we've already layed out we plan on having some fun on the mountain.

So I'll open up this question to everyone - what band or entertainer would you like to see perform live at Meadows?

--Matt

Matt,

All the IT is fine and more can be fun for competitors and visitors to the resort but one of the problems relates to the overall experience that Meadows provides.  The resort is weather prone to being only half operable throughout the season.  What I mean is when Cascade, Vista, and Heather Canyon are closed, Meadows become a two or three chair resort.  Add in the numerous competitions that further restrict access to the our favorite play areas, and you have some frustrated customers.  I've seen GS school competitions on more than one occasion being held on the Face and Lower Face that effectively closed down one through three bowls, prime free skiing terrain.  To close this portion of the mountain on weekend days and especially on bad weather days is really a disservice to Meadows clients. The same goes for Middle Fork to Show Off.  School races need to be held on Stadium or mid week if runs on Mt Hood Express are required.  The snow boarding events have been isolated to the Easy Rider/Daisey Chair area that has worked quite well, but when it comes to high school ski races, the whole mountain seems to be available.

Please, if you add more events don't do it at the expense of the free skiers and boarders.  We already have a constrained resource that doesn't need to be constrained further.

Doug

Matt's reply:

Doug: Thanks for the comment and I do understand your concern. Meadows will host OISRA (State High School Ski Racing Championships) in March and you'll be happy to hear that the races on the trails you mentioned will be held on a Thursday and won't affect the weekend. Having said that I think that the support we provide both High School ski and snowboard athletes is important, and I hope our guests understand that we are offering young people an opportunity to compete, make friends, build skills and create memories that will last a life time. Today's ski racer will most likely be tomorrow's parents bringing their families to the mountain to continue the great tradition of Oregon skiing and snowboarding.

--Matt

please make the park really sick it would help meadows name for having bad parks try this weekend thanks

Matt's reply:

Johnny: The stars (and the moon, and sun and clouds) are lining up for a stellar weekend of freestyle at Meadows. The Paradise Parks crew is stoked and ready to show what they can do.

--Matt

Abe (Lincoln) and I would really love it if you could get the superpipe re-cut and open and all of the jumps in the parks re-built in time for the great Spring weather that is expected for President's weekend!  That is IT!

Matt's reply:

George: Honest? You wouldn't be telling a lie now would you?

--Matt

Matt,

I'll have to agree with the posts that point out that the 'IT' is InfrasTructure. More capacity on the weekends:

1. Parking (enough said)

2. Parking your butt during lunch

3. Mount Hood Express uplift capacity (adding blue doesn't cut it)

4. Buttercup capacity. Get some classes on there and the lift becomes unusable for everyone else.

5. Restroom capacity in the North lodge.

6. General lodge capacity. Pull down the North lodge, raze the top of the south lodge and put up a lodge worthy of Meadows. Then add another at the top of HRM. Your lodge looks dingy, tired, overworked and is waaay too small for what you want to be.

7. New terrain. (and I don't mean terrain parks - yeah this is hard. Nothing attracts me to a resort like terrain I've never skiied)

If I could ski on week days I would, unfortunately I and many, many others are still stuck in M-F jobs. I would guess that all those who can go to MHM on M-F are already doing so. I'd love to bring up friends but weekends are so insane I don't want to scare them away.

On the other hand, I'll tell you one 'IT' for me is the free access to the magic carpet and rope tows. If anyone is interested getting their kids to ski I always mention Meadows to them because their kids can give it a go. (we're talking really small kids here).

C

Matt's reply:

Colin: Thanks for the post. Many of the improvements you have suggested are on our capital improvements list of projects which will be addressed in the future. I appreciate the broader spectrum - it takes a look at our operation from a holistic perspective and "flow". It is important to connect these touch points as our guests move from one experience to another.

--Matt

I like the ice rink idea, not that I would use it but it would expand your offerings.  Also a tubing area for the kids/non skiers with a tow, that way those who have family members that have no desire to ski/ride can do something that might get them to try it again (tubing is a gateway drug to skiing/riding) Better lounges, south lodge is looking dated, maybe something a little more inviting, I was laughing at your 'big screen' the other day old,old, rear proj. job.   But some nice places to sit down and take the boots off, someplace that the ski bunnies can wait it out in comfort.  Restrooms still need improvement.  They are dark and stinky and the flush cycles don't work, either they flush while you are prepping and then not at all when you are done, and they NEVER flush the goods down in one shot and then they just get nasty.  

And how about making a normal size stall?  The handicap stall is nice except that you have to walk across the stall to get TP, the others are so narrow that you bump your shoulder in that huge f*&^%ing toilet paper holder.  Need some balance there.

If people feel comfortable they will come back, if you have to overcome a big negative they will likely stay home next time.  

Races and such don't interest me, the best way to watch skiing competition is on TV, that way you see more than 100yds of the course.  

Sex always sells, if you had a 'Tag' for singles to wear that signals they are looking for someone to hang with, that might attract some people, you could even discount womens tickets that were that special color (aka ladies night) to get more single women up there and in turn get more single guys up there.  I suppose you could work the gay angle too if you were so inclined.  

How about a bikini wax/ board wax combo?

Just idea diarrhea ....

Just remember, anything that takes resources from getting the mountain open and running and getting better terrain/lifts/cheaper prices is not in MY interest and if you let the other stuff slide your core customer may leave you.

A side note about my own personal habits; I ski weekdays and bring something to tide me over in my pocket(power bar) and when I'm