MEADOWS BLOG

Matt,

Props to Meadows this year for the huge deals on tickets and package deals that have been available. This has been drawing so many people, new riders and diehards, to the mountain it is great. A question regarding the spring weather, when will superbowl be open? Or can it not be forecasted? I know my favorite part of Meadows in the spring is laps on Heather and then bootpacking the cattrack up to Superbowl to get one of the best rewards that hard work can bring. Thanks again for all the good work!

Matt's reply:

Bob: Your comments inspire our crews! The more spring-like the weather the more stable Heather and Superbowl are, so while I can't predict exactly when it will be open, I feel comfortable saying it will be open a lot once we get continued spring weather. Looking forward to some great riding!

Onward!

--Matt

THANK YOU! We always miss the big powder days, but look forward to upper HC days and lots of sun! Spring pass up 20 bucks from last year? So what! I'm on it! May be with some extra funds we can open up more terrain? Keep up the great work and awesome attitude!

Matt's reply:

E.A.K.: Thanks for the comments and you are welcome. Bring on the sunshine - but remember - March and April can give us some great powdery storms. See you on the mountain!

--Matt

Totally off topic, but I just watched the virtual run/immersive video and they are pretty cool. I gotta give you guys credit for those things. The only that was missing was on the Xpress to HRM video, they needs to be the random Meadows employee hanging out by the slow sign yelling, "SLOW DOWN!!". That would make it the absolute true experience. Never really understood why those people stand there but I guess it beats working in the Rental Shop. Anyways, cool video nonetheless.  

Matt's reply:

Mike: Thanks for the comments. Here's a link to the immersive video.
http://www.skihood.com/immersivemedia/
We've been working with this company for the past two seasons and there are other runs which we hope to get on the site soon, including Mt. Hood Express to HRM.

--Matt

I forgot to say, get that Freeskiing/Snowboarding contest going. Now that's an event I would actually go to. As well as bring my friends.

Matt's reply:

Mike: Vegetate is coming up the first weekend of April. More details are coming.

--Matt

Nice to offer the spring pass... but geez, the mountain is pretty darn packed as it is. Are you thinking of limiting how many season passes you offer next year?

Matt's reply:

great: We're reaching the time of year where crowds, even on the weekend, decline. The spring pass gives those who enjoy the sunny weather and corn snow a great deal. Limiting pass sales is a possibiity, however, our peak days are not caused by passholders. On our busiest days only about 40% of the people on the mountain have a pass. And no more than 15% of our pass holders have been on the mountain on the same day.

--Matt

Spring is all about parks. Hook it up. How about pushing some takeoffs up on forest park to spread out the crowd in park place. another pipe would be nice too. maybe vista/ cascade since it seems you have comps that shut down the pipe at least one day every weekend. the volcano is fun by the way. would be nice to throw a lip back on the step up at the bottom of park place too...

Matt's reply:

Parks: We're working on Forest Park and Park Place this week. The South Side parks (Rose City, SuperPipe, Shipyard, BoarderCross and the Zoo) are styling and now we're focusing on the flow parks.

--Matt

It's funny how people will still find something to complain about even with absolutely no reason to.  I think you should set limits next year.  How about this, those that complain don't get to buy season passes.

Matt's reply:

Raquel: There is a certain "Yogi Berra" mindset to all of this. Limits are an option - and to that end I would suggest that anyone who is interested in purchasing a spring season pass at $119 purchase online in advance. First it will assure you that you get one, second it will make the process of getting your pass faster since it will already be in our pass computers. Thanks for the post.

Here are some of Yogi's quotes. Some could be applied pretty directly to this blog. Enjoy!

Half the lies they tell about me aren't true.
Yogi Berra

I never said most of the things I said.
Yogi Berra

I wish I had an answer to that because I'm tired of answering that question.
Yogi Berra

If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be.
Yogi Berra

If you ask me anything I don't know, I'm not going to answer.
Yogi Berra

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.
Yogi Berra

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.
Yogi Berra

--Matt

So with the coming of the unlimited spring season pass, are those of us with 10-passes that still have some trips left on them able to start letting our friends use them?  I know this has been a practice in the past, and is a great way to get people up skiing that normally won't go.

Matt's reply:

Josh: Yes the 10 Time Pass will become "sharable" March 24. You'll still need to be at the mountain because it is a signature card, but you will be able to use additional days left on the card to share with others.

--Matt

It's the mad loads of terrain parks and beautiful sunshine that make spring on the hood so good!  I'm looking forward to some Vista parks.

Matt's reply:

Lark: Sun screen and shades. And hydrate! We have great plans for the parks this spring.

--Matt

is the superpark happening this year?

and with the base meadows will have a great spring i think meadows will be well into june

Matt's reply:

james: We have plans for the Superpark up on Cascade again this spring. And with the May Challenge we'll keep the season going weekend to weekend as long as you keep coming to the mountain. The challenge requires 4,000 skier visits total on one weekend for us to commit to the next weekend. And I agree, with the current base we should have a tremendous March, April and May!

--Matt

Matt, I love Meadows, and have been a passholder for quite a few years now, but I have to admit that the crowding is starting to get to me too. Even midweek, the powder will be tracked out in the first hour or so, and weekends it all comes down to getting the goods on your first two runs or not at all.

I'm seriously thinking about earning my turns next year...at least until the spring, when the spring passes roll out and the crowds thin out a bit. So, what are the chances that you'll have the spring pass next year? :-)

Matt's reply:

dan: Too early to make any commitments to next year - we'll see how this year turns out first. However, we are committed to creating guest loyalty, and one of the ways of measuring this is through growing season pass membership. The spring promotion has been a great way for those who haven't purchased a season pass to get great value at a spectacular time of year.

--Matt

Please don't ruin the slopes on Cascade with more parks. If you must put a 60 foot booter at the top of A Zone ;)

Matt's reply:

Mike: Thanks for the post. We will have our Superpark up on Cascade this spring, although we're still in the design stage. But between Cascade, Vista and Heather there'll be plenty of wide open spring skiing for everyone!

--Matt

I love the Berra quotes.  Spring is that wonderful time of year when the greatest sport ever overlaps with summer's classic sport.  You must have one eye on Spring Training, Matt. Spring is also when the only way I can escape constant sneeze attacks is to head to the high elevation on the hood.

Matt's reply: The spring pass - hay fever reliever! I love it! See you on the mountain.

--Matt

Best things about spring:

speedy cruisers

goggle tans

tail gaters

dry parking lots

t-shirts and ski pants

the list goes on...

speaking of parking lots, how about an update on how all that parking hype went...

Matt's reply:

Emily: This is a great list! Let's see if some of our other bloggers can add to it! We'll be talking about parking in a blog in between seasons. We've been able to collect a lot of input this season, directly from guests and through the blog. It has given our director of guest services a lot to work on.

--Matt

Hey Matt thanks for a great season so far.

I have to give props to your medical staff right now. I am out with what could be a season ending injury. The ski patrol did a great job getting me out of where I was. I was not in an easy area. The ski patrol guy said he was from the east coast. Can't remember his name. I should be able to ride the first weekend in May. So I hope you use all this snow to good use and allow for a long, long season. Also I hope to see some great parks then.

See ya in May.

Matt's reply:

Ethan: Sorry to hear about the injury, but I am glad that you received assistance from our best. I'll pass on your post to patrol - they really do like to hear how the folks they helped are doing. The parks will be awesome this spring at Meadows!

--Matt

It is way too crowded you can't even park!

Raise prices and provide a quality mountain experience.

Powder is gone in the first 60 seconds and the singles line goes 1/2 way up HRM face.

There are way too many people on the slopes already and now you do more cheap deals.

What about your customers who bought the $400 pass and were looking forward to some good days in the spring without as many people?

Expand the area or raise prices you can't keep stuffing more people on to the mountain.

Matt's reply:

Greg: We have an awesome mountain and in the spring when the conditions allow more consistent operation of the upper lifts and Heather Canyon the crowds are really dispersed. The peak days are behind us. And after a season like this, I'm not hearing many complaints from those purchasing the $400 pass. If they didn't get their money's worth with the epic snow we had this season they really have no one to blame but themselves

--Matt

so I read a post up above that where you reply by saying to  buy the spring pass ahead of time to ensure you get one. Does this mean you will be limiting the number available.  I plan on buying one but not for about 2 weeks.  Im trying to wait until after the high school competitions get done this weekend.

Matt's reply:

John: It is unlikely that we would cap the spring pass considering the capacity that we have during the spring months at Meadows. The peak crowds are behind us and the wide open expansiveness of Cascade, Texas Trails, Vista and Heather are before us. So get your pass, head on up the lift and point the tips (or tip) towards glorious spring snow!

--Matt

its nice to ride park again after all that pow earlier!

..but one observation...

the other day while enjoying park place i kept getting stuck with/ or having the flow interupted by a group of skiers and little ski kid groups. i'm all for people learning, but when a whole gaggle of intermediate skiers , and ski group kids keep interuprting the flow through the "intermediate/advanced" park it kinda sucks. couldnt those groups use more user freindly, beginner parks or non park trails for their teaching?

otherwise, rock on

Matt's reply:

decoy: Thanks for the observation. I've seen the same behavior where some inexperienced guests enter and don't appreciate the flow - they seem to focus on one feature at a time. That does interrupt the normal tempo. Usually taking the time to explain how the park is set up and directing them towards the smaller features of The Zoo is helpful.

Onward!

--Matt

that greg guy is an idiot! dont raise your prices please.

build better terrain parks. if you compare hrms park to last year it is about half as good. and i remember when there was a park and pipe on vista, and a park on voyager, and forest park is a complete waste. and because you have made so much money this year. which i know you have, you should at least go till the end of may to reward the pass holders who like good parks and snowboarding and skiing.

Matt's reply:

what?: Thanks for the comments. You've laid down a challenge to our parks crew - they are working on the areas you mentioned. Extending the season through May or longer is all up to you and the rest of our guests. We'll keep extending on a weekend to weekend basis through the May challenge as long as you keep showing up. Two seasons ago we went all the way through the first weekend in June.

--Matt

Just thinking ahead to May and hopefully beyond...

What is Meadows policy with regards to camping in the parking lot?  For the May (and June) challenge, me and some buddies are thinking of riding on a Saturday, then throwin' up the tent and some steaks on the grill in the lot, and spending the night to ride again Sunday. Does Meadows allow this? If so, is there a certain camping area? If not, why? We promise to properly dispose of all trash and recycleables.

Great season so far! Let's get a little more fresh pow and keep livin' the dream!! AAAAhooooooo!

Matt's reply:

merk: We have a designated overnight parking area along the "ice wall" (which may be more of a snowbank as the season progresses). Our parking attendents can direct you to it. There's no charge (totally self service - no hook ups, electricity or sewer dump) but it is limited space based on first arrive first get - although I doubt that it will be maxed out in the spring. The steaks sound like a lot of fun - thank you for taking care of the trash and recycling.

Putting the aaaahh in AWESOME! Spring skiing and riding at Meadows!

--Matt

The powder has been amazing this year and tree runs on HRM have been epic, but with all this powder we haven't seen much in the way of the parks. Spring is all about riding park so if you can get park crew to keep setting it up nice I'll keep coming as long as you're open and have snow. You should try to keep Park Place set up nice as much as possible because that's your best and longest park on the mountain and last year you had it up all through spring and it was amazing. I've only had one really good day in that park so far this year due to unlucky timing and crazy snow fall, but I'm hoping I'll still be able to get in some more great park days. Thanks and great job so far this year... and thank the food service people for their dank biscuts and gravy and chili fries!

Matt's reply:

Guy: Great obseravtions - with more consistent weather our crew will be all over the parks! Riding will be great. Let's not forget the Nachos - they're dank too.

--Matt

You've talked about having trouble with parking this year...

I've been checking out other slopes like copper mtn and I think keystone and I've noticed that alot of them offer payed parking towards the front near the lodge and free parking at the back. I think this could be considered to keep from pissing off us poor younger folks that are fit enough to walk the distance and can't afford paid parking on top of season passes, but also make those rich snobby people who like to get premium parking without arriving extra early happy as well

just an idea...

great job this year by the way. keep it up

Matt's reply:

other guy: We're considering different options regarding parking - I appreciate your input here as well.

--Matt

Did I pick u accurately that you will not be running nights after the 9th?  I hope not.....I had the sickest night sesh last Sunday w/o the kids. You had goomed N Canyon at 4:30 (nice to see that back, tough to ride ice!) and I got to go REALLY flipping stupid fast (which I haven't really been able to do this year due to traffic and pot holed runs.)

Think we can keep nights for the Fri-Sun?

Matt's reply:

RV Dad: March 9 is our last scheduled night of night operations - after that we're open daily. We have been doing some grooming for nights, but we urge all of our night skiers and riders to know the code and always ski / snowboard in control (Rule #1).

--Matt

I'm a broken record, I know.  Let's hear about the master expansion plan.  Let's hear about that Feb. blog on avalanche control and backcountry future access plans, we were to expect...

What is "IT", interesting for some, I'd bet not many.  The Spring pass, very nice for most, and a great deal.  More terrain, less crowding, VERY important to your customer base.  I think we would all LOVE for this to be the next topic.  

Matt's reply:

Steep and Deep II: We are working on the avalanche control and backcountry blog - it is coming shortly. It will be very comprehensive and we need to get input from several agencies before publishing. I know you will find it to be very interesting and informative. It is the next scheduled topic.

--Matt

So, I have never been one to say limit passes, or skiers on the mountain, but Meadows is a bit ridiculous. When a lift line approaches the 30-45 minute mark, that is not acceptable.

Having moved to Utah last June, I have changed my mind a lot.

My longest lift line so far this season has been about 5 minutes. Mostly, we just ski straight to the chair.

Getting freshies ALL DAY LONG. Even three days after a storm.

Meadows has some amazing terrain, and a massive amount of snowfall. But unless you don't have a normal job,and can ski midweek,or get their super early, you would never know.

I learned to ski at Meadows 3 seasons ago. I love that mountain. It could be better though.

Matt's reply:

Tim: Thanks for the post - glad to hear you are enjoying Utah. Which resort are you getting freshies all day long three days after a storm? That is impressive. Our lift lines really haven't approached 30 minutes other than a few times on specific lifts during peak days. In fact, when the upper lifts are open most of our lift lines are less than 10 minutes, even on the weekends. Now that the peak days are getting behind us and we move into a consistent spring weather pattern, lift lines should not be an issue at Meadows.

--Matt

Hey Matt, If I see you write "peak days are getting behind us" I'm gonna lose my lunch.  Every time you write that you're dodging the core issue, which is overcrowding.  When you have single lines going up the hill, park cars all the way out to Highway 35, and major congestion around the Vista/Buttercup area there is a problem.  

Speaking of the Buttercup/Vista area, I was spoken to a Meadows staff the other day because of a avoided collision.  I was coming out of the Mitchell Creek trail working my way towards the Vista Chair when someone cuts across the trail going from Buttercup to Easy Rider.  I avoided a collision but not without an Easy Rider lift op. wanting to speak to me.  I explained that I "know the code" and that because I was uphill I had right of way and he should have looked uphill before crossing.  The lift op had no comment.

Matt's reply:

Tom: Thanks for the post. I'm not dodging this issue at all - take a look at the blogs we posted this season in anticipation of peak day issues, to present plans, get guest feedback and develop new ways to address the issue. The northwest continues to grow in population. Winter recreation is popular, particularly at Meadows because of our natural terrain, our infrastructure and our commitment to guest service. It has been an extraordinary season worth celebrating. And that's what we intend to do in the spring - when less people head to the mountain.

I appreciate your comments about knowing the code - we will continue to share and educate our staff on the rules of the responsibility code.

--Matt

Matt,

I'm with "the fake steep and deep." I expected to see a blog about backcountry access and avy control vs a "pat yourself on the back" blog about the Spring Pass. All of us can see that when opening the Meadows Website and in my opinion, writing a blog about it comes across as self indulgence. As the snow layers consolidate and stabilize, let us hear what you have to say about backcountry access. In my opinion, this issue has been skirted for whatever reason. Personally, I'd love to see more patrollers and equipment (Howitzer) to be able to open the areas that are interesting to ski. If you are concerned about the Wy'East face or the upper reaches of Heather coming down on us, get some fire power to control it. You know you can't send patrollers up there and I think it's about time Meadows open the wallet to implement measures that matters to people that is there for the skiing and stop spending a boat load on happenings in the base area. Personally, I couldn't care less and I'm not up there to sit on a deck and drink beer...I can do that at home. I'm there to ski and I'm tired of feeling trapped. In my opinion, this year has been worse than other years. The backcountry is not for everyone and based on my observation of the average skier at Meadows, you're not going to see masses of people out there. The only time you see people that perhaps shouldn't be there is when you run the snowcat. For those who are willing to part with $15 (I think...don't really know since I've never taken the snowcat)to ride up to the top of Super Bowl...great. Please don't make that the standard for when people that like the sound of skins rubbing the snow can get out. We know when we should and shouldn't be there. We have no death wish and I'm far more concerned about injuries dealing with the crowds and out of control people inside the main area than anything out there. So, the Spring Pass is a great deal but it also means maintaining the crowds. You need to entice people to keep coming up, but how much of the revenue from the Spring Pass do you need to cover fixed overhead? I'd be curious to find out how much of your fixed overhead is funded by the people buying passes pre-season? If most of it, then most of the Spring Pass revenue is gravy and please re-invest in initiatives that matters for people that's there to ski.

Matt's reply:

Steeper and Deeper: Great post! We are working on the AV blog in partnership with the USFS. It's going to be co-authored by the supervisor of the Mt. Hood National Forest - so it is taking us a little longer to put it together. However, it will be much more meaningful I'm sure. This isn't an issue of just opening up the pocket book, the process for changing a boundary policy and providing the AC resources and tools that go with it involves many agencies and many processes. It is something that we have been working on and with the blog posting we are preparing, will be able to share this information and get feedback from our loyal bloggers. It is in the works, it is coming soon.

--Matt

Matt,

I want to cheer Mt. Hood Meadows on for offering GREAT discounts to allow everyone the opportunity to ski at Meadows.  I'm a season pass holder but really don't worry about the lift lines, you know where my concern has always been...........HC!  I know that my concern has been addressed and can only hope for a better way to open the canyon earlier next season on powder days and most likely a couple more times this year!!  I've skied at over 30 different ski areas in my life and can't remember any of them being so scared to open inbounds terrain on powder days.  I'm sorry but this is my pet peeve and will be until HC is open daily by 10 a.m. at the latest; please let this happen.  What is amazing up at Mt. Hood Meadows is that after a 3" snow fall you guys are out there bombing the hell out of the canyon, shoot send those ski patrol over to fight with our troops if they're that into bombs.  I know about snow drifting but 3" isn't going to form a big enough drift if the canyon was open the day before.  THE BEST DEFENSE AGAINST AVALANCHES IS A WELL SKIED SLOPE.

As always, keep up the good work up at the mountain and please hire more ski patrol with backcountry experience to expedite my pet peeve of HC opening on time.  Note, the powder isn't as good 5 days after a big dump in the PNW!

Later

Matt's reply:

Powder Hound: Thanks for the post. I think you will be impressed (and hopefully pleased) with the information we'll be sharing regarding the AC control plan we have been working on that we'll be posting in the next blog. Regarding your comments about using explosives - we bomb when the conditions warrant. Keep in mind that almost all of these bombs are hand carried and hand deployed into the areas we are controlling. We do use an avalauncher for some of the work, but the majority is done by hand. Believe me, we wouldn't be going through that process unless our snow patrollers (who I trust implicitly) said it was necessary. Hopefully, in the future we will have a more effective means of AC that will allow us to open HC more quickly after a storm.

--Matt 

Hi Matt,

Great to have the spring pass back (not for my family, who all have season passes, but for guests we bring up in the Green RV - incidentally still waiting for you to drop by for a coffee/beer/gluwein).

Since you've put the price of the spring pass up 20%, could there be a counter balancing discount for your younger skiers/riders aged 7+?

Night skiing ends March 9th - what a shame! Could it be worthwhile for you guys to keep it open a bit longer say 2 days per week - perhaps just Friday and Saturday evenings through say mid April?

Keep up the good work!

Matt's reply:

David: Thanks for the post. The spring pass at $119 is the best price going  even for ages 7 and older. As much as we'd like to continue night operations, unfortunately, it just isn't feasible. If everyone shared your passion then it would be no problem. Unfortunately night business wanes in March and it just doesn't make sense to continue those operations.

--Matt

What do i like riding during the spring. I like the HRM park, last year when your park crew had set up a step up and a down rail. SO please could you ask them to at least build the step up again. Thanks again for another great season :)

-John

Matt's reply:

John: I have passed along your request to our parks crew. Thanks for the post.

--Matt

this has been an amazing year at meadows! SPECIALLY  on some of the saturday nights when you got a decent snowfall during the day then clear out at night. which is my favorite! never boarded on ice so far this year at night and ive gone 6 times this year (night because its cheeper). keep up the good work with the parks on easy rider. i had some pretty good times.

Matt's reply:

snow addict: Thanks for your kind words. We're glad to hear that you're enjoying the night product. It really has been great under the lights this season.

--Matt

Are we still able to use our winter pass for spring?

Last year i did, just wondering if i could?

Matt's reply:

Matt R: Yes - you can still use your season passes into and through the spring and May Challenge promotion. Exceptions are Night Season Passes end with night skiing (March 9) and when we go to weekends only the midweek only passes are no longer valid. But Unlimited season passes (such as the 4x4, 3x3 and 2x2) are good.

See you on the mountain!

 --Matt
 

Hi Matt,

I'm sorry this is a little off topic, but I didn't know where else to post it.

This has been an epic season for me!  Overall, I would say your staff has done an amazing job, from dealing with practically no snow for a Thanksgiving weekend opening, to dealing with tons of snow the rest of the season.

I was fortunate enough to purchase a season pass and have had some fun all season long.

However, my season came crashing to a violent end on Sunday, February 17th.  On that day, I fell and broke my hip on North Canyon.

I am a bigtime safety advocate, and have been a big proponent of knowing the code and living the code.

The fall I took was at low speed on an easy green run.  I just fell wrong at the wrong time (Early on a hard, Icy Morning)  I feel great sadness that not only is my season over, but my skiing experience may be over as well.  For all the pain of the break, and the ensuing surgery, the biggest hurt is the realization that I may not ever do the sport I love so much.

So I guess I just want to say thanks, Meadows is where I learned to ski, I made so many friends, had so much fun.  So, if I don't see ya, Thanks.

Johnny T.

PS  Does Meadows offer partial refunds for seasons cut short due to injury?

Matt's reply:

Johnny T: Sorry to hear about your injury and we do wish you a speedy and full recovery so that you can resume enjoying this sport that brings you so much pleasure. Rehab hard - I wish you all the best.

Our refund policy is no refunds, but we do make exceptions for medically documented injuries. We pro-rate it based on the date you were injured, and there is usually an administrative fee. For more information please contact Kerry Blake - kblake@skihood.com.

Keep positive - I hope to see you back in great spirits and on the mountain!

--Matt
 

Im with "steeper and deeper."  C'mon Matt, what's with the self-pat on the back?!  How about addressing some issues that the people on this site actually give a *** about?

Lets start moving in the right direction....

WE WANT BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS

Matt's reply: 

Ben: The blog posting is in the works. Please have patience so we can present it accurately.

Thanks! 

--Matt 

Any news on spring season single day ticket rates?  We've got friends coming up in April.

Geee, epic snowfall and lots of people show up to ski.  Go figure. When all or most the lifts are open, Meadows can absorb a huge amount of guests very well.

You want freshies?  Get up early.  Or find the edges of trails, or get into the trees.

I've got two ski-mad girls, 9 and 7 seven years old.  Because of them, over the last few years, I've found all sorts of less-used trails that are great challenging fun.

Too crowded?  Quit whining.  It's a great year.

The base lifts will always be crowded from 9-11 as people get started.  We come up a little later, and it's much more relaxed.

But joining in the fun.  Food prices have passed reasonable.  We spent less at Disneyworld recently!  Burger prices at Big Sky are $2.00 cheaper.  We brown-bag it now.

Keep up the great work.  Love Meadows.  Not perfect, but a great job with a very complex organization.

Matt's reply:

Doug: Thanks for the post. I appreciate your objectivity and providing comparisons. It really helps.

Our lift ticket price will continue at $54 from 9 AM - 4 PM ($64 peak days which includes this weekend March 1 and 2). The spring season pass at $119  is a great value - I think you should plan on bringing your friends up at least three days in April!

--Matt 

What is the date that you can use more than one "Ten Time Pass" ticket on the same day?

Matt's reply:

Jeff: 10 Time Passes become "sharable" March 24. The pass holder still needs to be at the ski area to sign for the passes as it is a signature card. Thanks for the question.

--Matt 

What about 4x4 season passes, will these become share-able or transferable?

Matt's reply:

Fattyjay: No - the season passes are not transferable or shareable.

--Matt 

Matt....

You keep talking about parks this parks that.  Stop it.  You have enough parks.  You are a "Ski Resort"!!

Still waiting for that family area where we can ski a few gates, a few bumps, things skiers love.  Not going to happen I think.  Kinda like the bump run down blue.

You talk about catering to familys but you really have become a teenage playground.  Kinda sad.

Bill

Matt's reply:

Bill: I'm just responding to the people who are posting. It's obvious that parks are an important aspect for some of our more energetic and involved guests. For them the parks are "it" and they are using this forum to communicate that. I appreciate your post - we are striving to find the right balance for our customers and it is great to hear all of your voices on the blog.

--Matt

I love going to meadows for vegetate every spring since it is fun and well run. I keep checking the meadows website but nothing about it gets updated even though it is march now. I was wondering when there will be more information about it?

Matt's reply:

Colby: Vegetate will be presented April 5 - 6, with the Superpipe on Saturday and a Rail Jam in the base are Sunday. It will be a great event again this year that we hope everyone comes out, enjoys and supports. We'll update the website with info soon. See you there!

--Matt

Hi, might be an obvious answer to this question but, I am wondering why night hours stop the same weekend that we get more daylight hours.  Seems like running a mid shift instead of a morning shift might be kind of cool for people.  No getting up early, the sun is out til 7ish.

Anyhow i am wondering why spring gets reduced hours and why there isn't shifted hours.  Thanks.

Matt's reply:

Nate: Night skiing ends at this time of year for two reasons - the first is because of lack of people who come up. Our business drops off significantly once we get to March. Another issue is that spring conditions tend to ice up at night so it isn't as enjoyable (which may be why the numbers drop).

--Matt

if night ski ends march 9th, will i be able to use up the rest of my times on my 5 for $75 pass on march 8th or do i have to eat the rest of the those?

Matt's reply:

j-me: The 5 night pass ends with night operations - so plan on coming up this week.

--Matt

Hi, Matt, just got the spring pass today. What a deal! The weather is awesome, especially after the fresh snow. Thank you

Do have a quick question for you! Your website listed the day pass for Sno-park for $4. But the guy at HRM asked for $5. I don't really mind for the extra $1. But is it how Meadow randomly change price as a normal business practice? or it is is an act of some employee by himself?

Matt's reply:

Charles: Thanks for mentioning this - I'll look into it. The charge for a day Sno-Park permit at Meadows is $4. We haven't changed the price.

--Matt

Matt,

So I was wondering about the ski patrol and what channel they monitor on the radios. I'm pretty sure that I saw something that said "your friendly ski patrol monitors channel 9-11"  Well yesterday and many other days I have seen people hurt on the slopes and nobody around, I have tried to radio for help on that channel and never gotten through, not once! Nobody anwsers me. So just wondering if that whole saying is true or not? Because it is a great idea, but not if nobodys ever listening.

Matt's reply:

Ski Patrol???: Patrol does monitor 9.11 but its range is limited to line of sight, so depending on where you are on the mountain our PHQ may not be able to receive your transmission.  This is a good reminder that we should test our radios for range.  We do get a few calls over that channel.  It is also very difficult to get public to switch to another channel when they are using 9.11 for non-emergency use. The most reliable way to report an accident is to a patroller or to a lift attendent.

--Matt

Hey, what's up?  I have been riding Meadows for a long time and this Sunday was informed by a lifty that they will not let 4 singles from the single line form a group when the single line is huge.  On Sunday, the single line was all the way up the hill on many of the lifts.  This is a very dangerous situation.  I don't see why a couple of people whinning stops this saftey issue when the line in onto the hill?????  Does it need some gaper flying through the single line hurting someone to change this back???

Matt's reply:

Jack: The singles line should be self-regulating - meaning if that lines get's too long then "singles" should double up and get into the other lines. The singles line is not meant to be an express lane - it is there solely to make sure that our chairs are filled for boarding. So if the singles line is too long, get into the regular maze.

--Matt

When do season passes expire?

Matt's reply:

Passholder: Unlimited season passes are good through our regular season, which runs daily through April 27th then weekends into May and maybe even June with the May Challenge. Night season passes end with night operations this Sunday March 9.

--Matt

Matt;

We are season pass holders and have been for many years. There is an increasing problem with people "poaching" parking spots on the outside rows so they don't have to walk so far to the lodge.Someday a skier will be crushed between a bus and one of these cars.There is simply no room to squeeze by.Also, imagine our frustration when we dutifully parked at the bottom of the upper lot yesterday and when I reminded a poacher that they were creating a hazard for other skiers, they,,, well you can guess what they said.On one hand MHM has lowered the hammer with skier safety but is ignoring parking lot safety.You need to tow these people,the orange warning stickers are worn like a badge of honor by some cars.

This is not the first complaint about parking lot problems,you have the personnel and you have the responsibility to fix this situation before someone is injured.

Brad Fowler

Matt's reply:

Brad: Thanks for the post. I'll discuss with our parking crew to be on the watch for encroaching poachers.

--Matt

hey matt kyle again

spring time is very good for boarding and its always nice to see the crowds thin out a little

the only sad thing about spring skiing is saying goodbye to night skiing, and now having to take days off too board instead of staying all night.

but the weather will be amazing. i was up there on sunday and the weather was great on cascade fresh powder from saturday amazing sun and almost no wind.

taken all in effect it will be a great spring and hopefully a long season.

Matt's reply:

kyle: Thanks for the post. The season will be as long as our loyal guests make it. Daily through April 27 and then weekends into May and even June with the May challenge! See you on the mountain!

--Matt

Just wanted to post some ideas I had to help the traffic issues or to promote care pooling. These ideas could work separate, but would be better together.

1.  Have a parking area for cars with 3 or more.  

2.  Have a park and ride down by Zig-Zag (somewhere below where people normally have to chain up).  I am picturing a pull off area like the weigh stations with a parking lot next to them.  People can park there and then get in lines to car pool up. This is done near Washington DC to get into the HOV lane.  They call it the slug line.  The ski resorts would have similar lines for the ride down.  This would allow people who don't have 4 wheel drive or are driving single to carpool up safely.

I would pick up someone everyday, except where they are thumbing is often dangerous to pull over, or I don't see them until too late. Having a safe spot I can prepare for would be great.

Oh yeah, and spring pass yeah!!  Hope I can get my brothers to get one.

Also we like the guy at the carpet.  He is very nice and helpful.  

Thanks for the new rails by buttercup.  

Matt's reply:

carpooler: Great post! We've considered many options to increase carpooling - but the slug line is the first I've heard of that concept. It's worth studying. Thanks for the kudos for the "guy at the carpet". Steve and Tom dutifully attend the carpet, assisting the young ones onto the wondercarpet and helping them on to the snow at the top. These guys are awesome and truly embody the spirit of sharing the enjoyment and bliss this activity creates.

--Matt

Hi Matt,

Thanks for the March updates!  My son is in high school and he came home with a flyer today about the Friday Night High School Rail Jam happening on March 7th.  I didn't see anything about it in your blog, and was hoping I could get some details.  Will the Park and Ride buses and after-party be chaperoned?  Is this a serious competition or can my son who has been snowboarding for 2 years participate?  

The High School Rail Jam is a great idea and what a deal!  Is the $39 price good only through online e-tickets?  We have been looking for ways to get him to the mountain without having to drive him up and you can't beat the price.  My son is excited to come up Friday night and hang out and compete with his friends.  

Thanks!

Matt's reply:

Erin: Thanks for the post. This event was designed for the recreational high school snowboarder and skier who wants to hang at the park, have fun and meet some new friends who also enjoy the mountain. We are presenting this session Friday to lay the foundation for next year when we plan many similar events. The bus(es) will be chaperoned, and so will the party. Our events and marketing crews will be there to cheer on the participants of the rail jam. It is much more a "fun" competition with a chance to win prizes - although there's a snowboard and a pair of skis for the rider and skier deemed to have "ruled" the session! We have some great sponsors involved to award a lot of prizes. Here's the link for more details - and a reminder to purchase online through etickets!

http://www.skihood.com/events/railjam/

--Matt

come on... saved parking spaces for platinum pass holders? this means that of the already very limited parking spaces offered, 50 of those are going to be reserved meaning no matter how early you get up you still dont get a good spot. and if the pass holders dont show up thats just extra people in the annex that dont need to be there. I'm insulted that meadows would further inconvenience its general population to get a few extra bucks from people willing to pay unprecedented amounts of money because they believe they deserve an executive parking space. please just keep it the way its always been. its going to piss off everyone that has to park an additional 3 rows back.

Matt's reply:

chuck: The platinum pass program worked very efficiently this year and we plan to offer it again next year. It is a great convenience for those that want guaranteed up front parking and want to arrive and leave on their own schedule. We were able to accommodate those who purchased the pass without inconveniencing our other guests.

--Matt

i don't understand why night skiing ends so early in the season when it can keep going.. just curious

Matt's reply:

ben: We are very responsive to our guests. And unfortunately, at this time of year, our guests decide not to ski and ride at night. Our night volume drops to a level that we really can't justify continuing night operations. We would like to extend the season, and will work towards this in future years. But for now night operations end this Sunday, March 9.

--Matt

Matt the one thing really missing at Mt. Hood Meadows is good communication between the Ski Patrol and Lift Opps!  The other day I was up there and asked the liftie at HRM if PR was going to open today? The answer was no, which bummed me out but I went up the chair skied down along the line and low and behold a ski patrol opening the gates.....This shouldn't happen.  Also on Saturday (not the same day as the PR info SNAFU) I was skiing and read the electronic board at Shooting Star stating that "Cascade wouldn't open today", this made me laugh since I had just come from a great run off Cascade chair????  I know I fight to get PR & HC open on time but knowing when they may open can also reduce the pain of waiting; I know it's not always easy to update HC but a little communication would be great.

As always, Thank You for listening.

Matt's reply: Hmmm, almost sounds like a disinformation campaign. I wonder if Hillary or Obama is involved? You are correct - we can and will improve these communications as well as training. Some times the best answer a staff member can give is "I don't know" as opposed to a yes or no, when they don't know for sure. Of course, the ultimate answer is "I don't know, but I'll find out" and then we should have a mechanism in place for them to get that latest information. This system does exist - it works every day - we just need to do a thorough job of training all of our staff members. Thanks for the post - it's an area we can improve on.

--Matt

hey matt...

i just wanted to thank all of you guys up at meadows! this is my first time having a season pass...and it has been a sweet season. pass on my thanks to the ski partol dudes. i had a concussion in january, and didn't get a chance to thank them, i was still kinda out of it when i left. so anyways...thats pretty much all i have to say. im stoked to FINALLY coming back up to meadows...after 2 months of being cooped up. you guys are amazing!

Matt's reply:

ready: Thanks for the kudos - I will pass them along. Welcome back to the moutain and enjoy!

--Matt

Don't you think the reader boards should be accurate?  Last year I was hearing all the thousands of dollars being spent for those boards and as I see it they are useless most of the time.  Then again, if the website conditions page can't be updated accurately how on earth could the reader boards be expected to work correctly.  By the way its been a great year and I am just hoping for more information to flow through the information highway (e.g.: website, reader boards, patrollers, and most importantly the lifties).  Don't let Clinton or Obama have any control folks!!!  Be afraid, very afraid!

Matt's reply:

Hound: Thanks for reminding us to keep our current means of communications updated. I will pass it along. Let's not go all political now..

--Matt

Hey Matt,

Sunday's got a 30% chance of rain.  Would we be rewarded with some Rose City/IGSP laps if we play the odds and come up?  Or will South Park be shut down for competition, again?  Park Place is set-up as good as it ever has been (props to parks crew), but I am still looking for that elusive Pipe Laps day.

Hmn, what shall I do...

Lark: When did a 30% chance of something ever keep you away from the great spring conditions we have? There aren't any competitions scheduled for Rose City Park Sunday. Park Place is in great shape. Unfortunately the superpipe rebuild is taking longer than originally planned as the snow isn't cooperating. We extended the life of the superpipe as long as we could, and are recutting it for spring. We need the snow to set up and consolidate - our scheduled reopening is this Wednesday.

--Matt

Matt,

I know you are canceling night skiing after this weekend. But how about running Mt Hood Express 'til 5pm on weekends for pass holders in March. This would help out with traffic and the after ski beverage rush. Maybe you could structure it like the May challenge, only running the chair on busy days. I would hate to see the mountain shut down at 4pm on a day like 3/2, and have to sit in traffic when peak season is over.

Matt's reply:

Vancouv: Thanks for the post. We try to remain flexible but it is very difficult to flex on certain days depending on the weather. It is primarily a workforce and transportation issue. But your posting here has prompted some discussion on this topic, if not for this season possibly for the future.

--Matt

Matt

The cat is out of the bag and Dave is doing it at Telluride!!  He is opening up more extreem terrain this year and next than there is in all of the MT. HOOD wilderness area!!  Steep and Deep and all you hike to outbackers take a look at his

Telluride blog site and lick your lips at what Dave is doing in just one year removed from MHM!!

Matt's reply:

sds:  Thanks for your post and the heads up.  Stay tuned to this blog for some exciting MHM announcements regarding this topic this spring and summer!

--Matt

So, what exactly have you been trying to show us from the Vista Cam in the past couple days?  Are you showing us the rebuild, or the tear-down of the pipe?  Am I supposed to be getting pumped for a fresh pipe, or cry and say goodbye?

Matt's reply:

Lark: The Superpipe has been in the process of reconstruction. We finally got the weather needed for the snow to consolidate - it was having issues last week with the warmer weather. The sides will be chainsawed today and the final cut Thursday. It is scheduled to open Friday, 3/14.

An update on Rose City - Sunday there is a high school slopestyle competition scheduled. Other than that the parks and pipe are wide open!

--Matt

hey

im 13 years old and super into snowboarding

what compititions could I compete in at mt hood meadows?

Matt's reply:

cole: Thanks for the post. I would suggest looking into the USASA amateur snowboarding. Paula runs the Mt. Hood series and presents several events over the season. These events are winding down as nationals are coming up the end of this month. You can get info on the series at:

http://www.usasa.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=63&Itemid=62

--Matt

As a reply to Bill_in_pdx, not really sure whats he's talking about, it if wasn't for snowboarders, and your parks here at meadows, you guys probably wouldn't even be able to open. Meadows has been known for there parks for as long as I can remember, so mr. bill in pdx, stop crying and if you want a 'ski resort' go to 'skibowl'.

Just want to mention that I wish you guys could do alittle better job at posting when there will be a comp, especially on the weekends, that causes a park/or pipe to be closed. There have been a lot of comps lately that have shut down rose city, and the superpipe. If I would of known there was a comp on sat. 3-8 I would of come up on sun. 3-9.  All you need to do is put "comp in rose city" park will be closed. Thats all.

Good spring conditions so far!

When will you guys put up the rest of the rails that are in the trees off easy rider?

Matt's reply:

Park rat: Great post with some good suggestions. Meadows does have a long freestyle history - dating back to the Wide Open halfpipe competitions of the early 90s and continuing with Vegetate (13 years). Park Place was the first dedicated terrain park on Hood 12 seasons ago. Freestyling is a part of our mix, but like everything else it's all about balance. We have several differnt types of mountain users - skiing and snowboarding - and very popular terrain.

The superpipe is scheduled to be completed Friday, 3/14. Heads up - there is a high school competition in Rose City on Sunday, 3/16. I've posted this on the conditions page, per your suggestion, and passed on the question about the rails to our parks crew. Thanks!

--Matt

whats up with vegetate? looks like for the prize purses you need way, way more entrants than are likely. what happened with it compared to last year? i cant imagine skiers or boarders getting 25 each for pipe and 25 for rail. thats a lot of people! impractical?

Matt's reply:

Jared: Thanks for the post. There shouldn't be any problem getting 25 in each division, both skiers and snowboarders. And if the division falls short, we still have a way of matching the entry fees for that division and awarding the cash prizes.

Registration is now open - if you register in advance online the fee is just $35 per event, or $60 if you register for both. If you wait and register on the day of the event the fee is $50 / event. So I suggest you register online to save some cash.

Get more info on Vegetate 08 at http://www.skihood.com/events/Vegetate08/

--Matt

Matt,

  Another off topic comment. Just want to give kudos to the ski patrol team that hauled my friend out of the bottom of A-Zone/Highland area after he broke his rib. They were very curteous and professional. They did state their names but in all the excitement I forgot them. They know who they are.......So, thank you for a job well done.

Matt's reply:

sideways: Thanks for the kudos - I will pass them along to the department. And we hope your friend has a speedy recovery.

--Matt

 What is up with the obnoxious and loud intro when visiting the meadows site?

 I think that noise blew one of my speakers.

 If you want a sound edit done right, than you should hire professionals.

  Horrible display of unprofessionalism!!!!

Matt's reply:

12 year: We have muted the video that was added to the conditions page, allowing browsers to turn the audio on if they want to hear it. The video was professionally produced, although the execution of getting on to the site needs to be improved to optimize streaming and sound levels. We are looking at incorporating more video on our site in the future - and we're doing some experimenting with it right now. I do appreciate the feedback - it will help us improve the site and the experience our guests have while visiting it.

--Matt

When are you going to do something cool for Meadows Matt?

 All talk thus far..  not much walk....

Matt's reply:

Joe: Actually, I think providing the recreational and inspirational experiences that we offer every day at Meadows is pretty cool. Did you have something specific in mind?

--Matt

So Matt, I have had the weather report page as my homepage all season, great to see what is happening on the hill. Yesterday there was a video posted on it, that screams out an alarmingly loud "welcome to mt hood meadows..." This is a horrible placement for such an atrocious thing, if we are checking the weather report, chances are we know what site we are on, and most likely a pass holder.

Please, please make it stop!

Matt's reply:

skiwa: Thanks for the post. We muted the sound. As I mentioned in the post above we are experimenting with video on our site to determine the best places and ways to present it. We have a designated area for videos - http://www.skihood.com/Mountain/Videos/Default.aspx - but we'd like to incorporate more within the site itself.

I appreciate the feedback.

--Matt