MEADOWS BLOG

I for one think the May Challenge is an excellent idea, for those of us who don't want the season to end. I always ski until you shut down the lifts, I know the weather does play a big factor in everyone's decision on if they come up or not. Rainy weather and they may stay home for fear of getting wet and sunny weather keeps some home as their thoughts turn towards spring & summer. Hopefully the fact that most area's do shut down will send the skiers & riders your way to keep the season going as long as possible.

One year on July 4th I snow skied in the morning & water skied in the afternoon, it's a great story to tell friends,it wasn't at Meadows but who know's maybe I can experience something similar at Meadows also.

Matt's reply:

Jeff: Thanks for the post and the story! I appreciate the vote for the May Challenge and hope to see you up here frequently.

--Matt

whatever happened to the avalanche control blog? you said that would be next....

Matt's reply:

SkiLikeCrazy: We are still working on this particular post.  Many groups are involved with this issue, including our partners at the US Forest Service.  We are working toward what is shaping up to be an historic blog post -- one that has been crafted through a joint effort of Mt. Hood Meadows and the USFS whereby myself and Mt. Hood National Forest Supervisor Gary Larsen will moderate and respond to posts that are on topic and do not use profanity.  As I mentioned, this post will also include input from many other groups and that takes a little time to organize.  Rest assured, we are working on this so stay tuned!
 
-- Matt

I think you're being ridiculous. First, Meadows has come into this option with an obvious bias towards it's riders. One, not only does Timberline offer a cheaper pass, but they have guaranteed riding until late May. Two they have consistency and quality in their park, which is in stark comparison to that of Meadows. Mt. Hood Meadows should have no excuse as to the lack of update on your terrain parks, In addition to the lack of progression on your parks. I have yet to see a decent sized jump for anything more than a 7, and demand to see a better result in the building of your parks. BUILD CASCADE PARK NOW. I understand if you do not want to continue to operate in May if no one comes, but to deliver an ultimatum in March, displays a lack of commitment on your part. Therefore you display an utmost displeasure in running this establishment. If you do not want to be running a Ski Resort, do not continue to do so.

Bring back Dave,

Regards,

Matt Bosworth

Matt's reply:
 
Matt: I appreciate the passion. Perhaps you misread the blog - we have already committed to the May Challenge this year and intend to operate weekends in May as we have the past two seasons. The purpose of this blog is to get feedback from guests for future seasons, and possibly for this season as well. In the current storm system building the Cascade Park would be futile as any features would be buried with drifting snow. But we'll build the park as soon as we get a forecast for clear weather.

Since you asked, it has been the pleasure of a lifetime to work directly with the talented team of dedicated professionals at MHM this season. Moving forward, I am really look forward to working with Tom Spangler and our entire team!  
 
--Matt

I think the May Challenge is a great idea.

Unfortunately I can't tell you that I'll be up there boarding, as just this Monday (the 24th) I managed to bring a quick end to my season by going a little too fast down the Face next Mt. Hood Express, giving me a minor back injury (spinal compression fracture).

However, I can tell you that your ski patrol team is first-rate and does an amazing job at responding to accidents.

Your medical staff in the clinic was great as well, going well above and beyond what I had expected from an on-mountain clinic.

And along those lines, particular thanks to patrollers Dustin and also Julia, for being awesome.

As of now, I'm looking forward to a great, blog-influenced 08-09 season!

Matt's reply:

Chris Z: Sorry to hear about the injury. We wish you a speedy recovery. Thank you for the praise for our ski patrol and medical clinic staff. We are proud of the service they provide and attention they give to our guests. I'll definitely pass on the kudos to Dustin and Julia.

--Matt

It is a great idea but one thing I really wish you would take a hard look at and give some consideration to is make these weekends a Friday, Saturday. Sunday affair. Many people (like myself) work weekend shifts and can not make it up on Saturday and Sunday. I have Fridays off and most weekend workers can manage to take a friday to ski or ride. So for me, the season at Meadows is done come April 27`th and I would like to ride to the end. Can you please give this some thought; even if it is a limited operation running just MHX (although I would love to have Heather open)

Thanks in advance for giving this some thought.

Matt's reply:

Snowolf: Thanks for the post. We'll give it a look, but the numbers from past Fridays that we have been open in May (including the week we were open last season) have not been substantial enough to justify being open. But that is what this blog about, to give us some different things to consider.

--Matt

I have enjoyed skiing into may and was one of the folks up there enjoying skiing on June 3rd of 2006! It was my senior year in high school and I walked across the stage less than a week later. This year I might only get to go once or twice. (really busy with moving and a trip planned to Hawaii.) I hope you can continue offering the may challenge so that I can get the max out of my ski season before summer and its activities!

Matt's reply:

Ryan: Thanks for supporting us and a belated congratulations! I hope you'll be around for our Hawaiian celebration - the Sno-Kona Pond Skim scheduled for April 26! It's going to be a lot of fun.

--Matt

Keep it going for sure. This season has been awesome but there have been very few sunny warm spring slush weekend days. Not complaining at all. Just not at all burned out on spring slush at this point. I'm all about two times a weekend in the spring until you guys shut it down. Keep the parks pushed up and I will keep coming till you won't let me anymore.

Matt's reply:

Cru: Thanks for the post - it's hard to think of "spring slush" with the powerful winter storm that is raging right now bringing us midwinter powder!

--Matt

Matt, the May challenge hopefully will have to be renamed this year to the July challenge!  This is a GREAT idea and the best way to make this better is to have the snowcat running every Saturday and Sunday to the top.  I know it could avalanche........I won't let this die since this has been the worst year EVER for having Upper Heather Canyon open; maybe we should start praying for no snow so the UHC can be open...NOT.  I think your ski patrol watches the Heli Skiing up in Valdes to make their decisions on opening the canyon.  By the way, how many big avalanches did you really see in the canyon this year; don't post the picture for 2 years ago please!!  Another suggestion, maybe the new manager from Jackson Hole can bring a couple of their lead ski patrol over for next season so they can help open the canyon next year.  I'm just sick of seeing 3" of fresh and the canyon is bombed like Iraq and I love the bombing of the bowl off to the right of Cascade Chair; scary avalanche danger.

Matt's reply:

Hound: It has been a great season for snow and it isn't over yet. No our patrol isn't watching Valdez Heli-skiing videos - they are totally focused on our A/C control operations within our boundaries. It demands it. There is very little margin for error and because most of the control work is done by hand the decisions are made pragmatically and with safety first.

I discussed your questions with Patrol Director Mel Toney. Here are her responses:

1)  We have seen evidence of several big slides this season at least one with extensive tree damage in the lower portions of the canyon near the bottom of Jacks.  Our snow pack is different than in years past so we haven't yet seen evidence of the large wet slides that we usually see. 

2) The blow hole adjacent to towers 16-18 Cascade is called Wong's Blowhole. We do not treat it lightly - that area can produce large cornices and slides.

The canyon has been very frustrating this season.  We have recieved tons of snow and we are doing the best that we can with the tools that we have to get as much of it open as possible. We have a very talented crew of patrollers that work extremely hard to get that terrain open. The public needs to understand that both employee and public safety are very important and can not be sacrificed.

We will be addressing this issue soon with a blog all its own.

--Matt

I think you should just set a date and stick to it.  Seems like it would be less costly for Meadows to be able to plan ahead of time all the resources needed for the season rather than spending cycles trying to plan for yet another week of operation.

All the money saved could go into improving the terrain parks.  It was pretty weak this year as it seemed like the Park Crew was under staffed.

Matt's reply:

Forrest: Thanks for the post. This approach is probably more practical. One of the things that I don't like about the May Challenge is the winding down weekend to weekend, until the season dies. There is something about going out with a bang on a big weekend that makes the memory more lasting heading into the summer. Hopefully, we can have both this year - strong weekends all the way to the end!

--Matt

This is a little off topic, but I was wondering if you knew the total snowfall for this season and the last 2 seasons. A little debate has developed over whether there was more snowfall this year or in 05-06. I can't seem to find this information anywhere.

 Also, you didn't answer my last question, but I understand why. I will just call about it. Great season.

brokedown: Whoever says this season has won the bet. We just surpassed our previous record for snowfall of 623 inches from the '82 / '83 season - yesterday's 15 inches put us over 625 inches so far this season. Two years ago at this point in the season we had received around 380 inches, so this season wins by a mile (or at least 20 feet)!

--Matt

I think the May challenge is great. I will keep coming if the lifts are open. May tends to offer a great time to get Superbowl open and I think there will be plenty of snow....

Matt's reply:

Friedrich: Thanks for the post! Don't wait until May - this powder is incredible!

--Matt

I wish you were able to stay open till there was no snow but I know there are other reasons why you cant stay open when no one shows up. I will always stay till the lifts stop.  I love the terrain parks in May.  Keep them great!

Matt's reply:

Bill: Thanks for the comment - I'm loving this powder, although it is holding up construction of the Cascade park. Once we get some high pressure we'll get the parks built, but enjoy this return to winter in the meantime!

--Matt

I love the May challenge, and I think you identified its greatest flaw - that one rainy weekend in May could bring the season to an abrupt end.  Is there some way to take bad weather out of the equation?  Perhaps by adding a minimum snowpack floor?  As an example - the season ends on any weekend when we have fewer than 4,000 visitors and the snowpack at the base of the mountain is less than 120".  This way if there's still plenty of snow, one bad weekend won't kill the season.

Matt's reply:

Mark: We have been lenient in each of the first two seasons when bad weather drove visits beneath the threshhold. We gave everyone a rain check and continued the next weekend. No guarantees that we would do it this year though.

--Matt

of course keep the resort open through may. spring is the best time to snowboard. sunny, good parks, and slush. with this much snow i will snowboard into june easy

Matt's reply:

what: You make a very good point, one we've been trying to make for quite a while. Spring conditions are exceptional but in the past people started giving up on the season after February. One of the reasons we started to May Challenge is to change that mind set and reclaim the months of March, April and May for riding on the mountain. See you on the mountain!

--Matt

I think that the May challenge is a great idea, because I know that me and my friends love coming up here and will keep on coming up as long as the lifts are running. I think is a good idea because as long as we keep on having traditional oregon winter/spring weather around here, the people will keep on coming up i bet.

Matt's reply:

Nick: Right on! I like the partnership the Challenge creates - we're all in it together and it does keep going to the mountain at the top of people's minds. I also like the social aspect - it gets people talking and friends hook up to enjoy the extended season.

--Matt

Hi Matt,

Being a die-hard spring skier, I am a big fan of the May challenge and think it has worked well over the past several years. Given this years' snowpack and the potential for one of the best springs ever, my preference would be for you to just say you will be open through May to take the suspense out of the week-to-week announcements. (Plus it would help your operational planning!) It is understandable why you may not want to do that so the next best choice is the May challenge. Just please factor in the weather if it is bad and affects the number of people who show up.

Also, sincere thanks to you and your team for the way you have operated MHM this year. I've been there almost every weekend since opening and have nothing negative to comment on. Quite the opposite in fact - your team is doing a great job, both in the lodge and on the hills. Like many others, I wish Heather would open sooner but understand that safety is paramount. Keep up the good work and please, please, please stay open through at least May.  

Matt's reply:

jj: It's always fun to have suspense - it keeps the season interesting! Thank you for your comments, I will share them with our staff. The snow-filled season has presented some challenges, but I am proud of the way our team has worked together to create great experiences at Meadows. I hear you about Heather, but stand by for some exciting information that we'll be posting in the next blog.

--Matt

Matt

I appreciate the effort your folks put into extending the season.  Some of the most memorable days with my family have been those late spring days.  

Our family has a tradition of transitioning from Snowboarding to Wakeboarding, which occurs in one day.  Morning at Mt. Hood Meadows, evening on the water.  The later into May the better.

We have all the makings of a great spring for the Mountain, hopefully Meadows gets the traffic to keep it going.

Thanks.

Matt's reply:

Troy: Sounds like a great tradition especially when it involves family and outdoor activities. Thanks for making Meadows part of it.

--Matt

You gotta do the May challenge. My son and I will be up on the weekends when he isn't playing baseball. I also want to be able to snow skiing in the morning and wakeboarding in just trunks in the evening. The snow season will have to go well into May to go wakeboarding without a wet suit.  

Matt's reply:

mastercraft: Another family ski / wakeboard Meadows tradition! How about a group ski trip to the mountain for the baseball team? Shoot George an email in our Clackamas Sales Office - gevans@skihood.com. A few groups each weekend will really help us meet the challenge!

--Matt

Personally, I've made plans to ski on Mt. Hood over Memorial Day weekend.  I even have friends flying into town.  If we must go to Timberline, then we will.  But I'd prefer to ski at Meadows.  It doesn't sit well with me that the attendance the weekend prior will determine whether or not we can ski at Meadows on Memorial Day.

I think you should commit to being open weekends (weather permitting) through Memorial Day.  But here's the catch:  only commit to keeping Mt. Hood Express and Cascade Express open (with limited base area services).  To keep the "challenge" aspect going -- tease that additional terrain (i.e. Heather) and services will stay open if your attendance conditions are met the prior weekend.  Also, make sure you allow for at least one "weather waiver" weekend.  One crummy weekend doesn't necessarily mean that people have given up on the season.  Factors such as the overall vibe and the forecast should be considered.  After Memorial Day, you should operate only if the attendance challenge conditions are met.

In the bigger picture... this discussion may be a bit premature.  May is more than a month away.  We've still got April, and the last two weeks of April will be quite telling about the enthusiasm & vibe headed into May.  A weather pattern change towards sunny & warm conditions (after this cold and wet winter) will inspire the masses to move on to other activities.  But if the winter-like weather hangs on... there will be more momentum going into May.

Matt's reply:

Looking Ahead: Thanks for the post. Perhaps the first step in extending our season is to get people planning to ski and ride here - and postponing their plans to start some of their other summer activities. I hope this conversation is premature - with this storm raging and bringing us primo powder, it's kind of hard to think about spring conditions right now!

--Matt

I like the May challene.  (in general).  My only down side to it is the fact that if a warmer weekend rolls around and brings in some rain, there goes the challenge.  Other than that though I think it is awesome idea.  It would be a definite minus (in my book) to see the mnt close at the end of April with a huge base still.  With the understanding of staffing (and having the apporpriate amount of staff) is there a way to extend the may challenge to include Fridays, as well as Saturdays and Sundays.  (some of us have to work every other weekend) so with Saturdays and Sundays being our only option it can be hard to contribute to the count.

Either way though, I think the May challenge is an awesome idea.

Matt's reply:

Jon: Thanks for the post. It is great to receive the support for the challenge and to hear from people that would like to see it expanded to more days. Let's focus on the weekends for now and see where we can take it in the future.

--Matt

I think your crazy if you dont continue the challenge. Hood still has 180 inches going into April, and its still snowing!!! I am really bumed you do not have nights anymore.Way to early to stop it. There are people who bought a pass that do work and nights were great to get a few runs in at the end of the day with out all the weekend maddness(also all lots have been full at about 10:30am on weekends). You run a ski resort, not a weekend hotel. People go up to hood to ski and board, I think you might be getting away from that a little. You have the rest of the year to do summer/spring stuff. Lets keep the winters long, we might not have them soon!!!

Matt's reply:

nik: I appreciate your comments. HIstorically, night business slows down after February to the point where it just doesn't make sense for us to continue operations - unfortunately the same thing happened this year. Let's not forget that we are operating daily through April 27, and then the May Challenge begins. And with the current storm dropping light powder, who knows how long winter will rage before spring begins!

--Matt

We have more snow now than we have in the past few seasons at this time, and we were able to ski through may.  I think we should be thinking about a June Challenge! I love skiing powder, but we know that in the spring it will be sunny which is the best for park which I enjoy just as much.  If a big park is built on cascade that alone brings alot of people up to the mountain.  Last years cascade park was built great, and there is only room to improve on.  I don't think we need to be talking about may, lets think June challenge!!! it is an achievable goal

Matt's reply: Bring it on! Round up your friends and bring them to Meadows. We'll extend the season one weekend at a time. The cascade parks will be built once we get some clear weather in which to build.

--Matt

I think it is great that Meadows stays open so long, especially in such a good season like the one we are experiencing this year.  It was a deciding factor for me and some friends to buy spring passes this year.

I can understand the operational difficulties of an uncertain closing date, though, so wonder if Meadows might be better off by simply establishing a set closing date based on the current snowpack and how long it is economical to operate based on best estimates of attendance (I'm sure this year the limiting factor would be $ not snowpack).  I'd guess that knowing for sure that one could ski all through May would be added incentive for more people to buy passes.  Just  thought, if the May challenge works better, that's fine by me, I'll be up there either way!

Matt's reply:

David: I hear you on the passes - but at $119 I think people are crazy for not buying the spring pass now and taking advantage of this great snow we're getting! April and May would be the topping on the cake!

--Matt

Did you ever get a chance to put up when each lift was running each day? Given the extreme sketchiness of your running Heather lift this year, that information would be greatly appreciated by many people, I'm sure.

For example, is it going to be open this Friday (3/28) or not? Well, it's a Friday, so that ups the chances. Pretty windy and snowy, so that lowers the chances. Looks like Thursday will be fairly clear, so can get control done then, and then a dump Thursday night. So, looks like you *could* get it open Fri if you wanted to - but without some historical data (i.e. hours of operation, precipitation and high/low/avg wind, for each day) to look at, I have no way to predict if you will!

The result of your "caution" opening Heather this year and being cagey with the dates/times of lift operation is that I have been up a grand total of 4 times this season. That's vs 19 last season and 17 days 2 years ago. No kidding.

No excuses, please. Read them all at least 6-7+ times already. Where's the (Heather) lift operation data for us to use? Please answer that question only.

Thanks for considering your season pass holders' pov.

-Sweigert

Matt's reply:

Sweigert: Here's an email I received from a very happy guest who came up today:

With how well received the May challenge has been, here's my thoughts. To help the employee's out, keep the area open through the end of May for sure, then create the June challenge with a 3,000 number to hit. Fair for all and we might even get some wide open uncrowded slopes this spring. You will get 4,000 per weekend through May, and it won't hurt your bottom line this year to operate at a break even or slight loss for a weekend or two. With this snowpack we have we deserve it!!!!!!!

On another note, to help our bases out, put a plastic cover over the aluminum feet on the maze rails. Crystal Mt does this and it sure helps. I haven't skied anywhere but MHM the last 2 seasons,(skied Crystal 3-25) and it sure is fun to be on a trail that isn't over-crowded. Yes, MHM has packed them in so hard since the 4X4 pass that skier/rider slope density is reaching unsafe levels. With bigger vehicles and the price of gas, 2.5 people per car is too low IMO.

Matt's reply:

Mike: Thanks for the post. I don't think we would drop the qualifying level if we were to move into June. Thanks for the suggestion on the maze rails. I have to ask whether you think it is fair to compare the crowd on a Monday in March at Crystal with our weekends midseason at Meadows? We have surveyed car occupancies throughout the season and the average has been consistant at 2.5 people per car. Ideally that number will increase as more people car pool and bring their friends to the mountain.

--Matt

Didn't take very long before everyone in Portland figured out if they'd stop car pooling and drive their own car we can ride into the Summer!

I hate to admit it, but even I start meeting the crew at the hill instead of at Jefe's house.  You should make the May Challenge about bar/hospitality cash inflows or something else that doesn't involve us all killing the environment just to kill it in the environment!

TRON

Matt's reply:

TRON: With the cost of gas and the commitment our loyal guests have to the environment, I really don't think people will start driving single just for the Challenge. In fact, if you're planning on coming up by yourself, make a few phone calls and convince a friend to come up with you - don't waste the ride!

--Matt

this is slightly off topic,  but no end to daily snow in site,  any word from ODOT on extending studded snow tire season?

Matt's reply:

Bill: Your question prompted ODOT and Washington State DOT to extend the studded tire date through April 5. Here are the details from ODOT:

Studded tire season extended through Saturday, April 5
Forecasts from the National Weather Service predict a slight rise in temperatures statewide beginning late this coming weekend, which may not provide enough time for motorists traveling this weekend to remove their studded tires by April 1. So ODOT is extending the studded tire season through Saturday, April 5. The Washington State Department of Transportation has made the same decision. ODOT is not planning to extend the studded tire season past April 5; motorists should plan to remove their studded tires by then. Motorists who are not traveling through the mountains this next week should remove their studded tires early to avoid the rush. Drivers with studded tires on their vehicles in Oregon after April 5 can be charged with a Class C traffic violation, which carries a maximum $145 fine.

Way to go Bill!

--Matt

keep the lifts running as long as you can.

as a student, i would love to ride in june when im done with school.

also, its imprtant to keep your parks awesome in the spring. That is the main reason i go when its sunny and there is popcorn snow.

build new features, and keep them well built.

maybe throw some random events during may to attract people back to the slopes

Matt's reply:

ben: Thanks for the suggestions - it's a good plan which hopefully the weather and our loyal guests will allow us to fulfill!

--Matt

We (our family) has very mixed feelings about your May challenge.  Many times in the spring we take the kids out of school and go skiing....however we are unable to ski at Meadows because you are closed during the week!  We don't purchase a season pass to any one resort because we like to ski them all....when we can.  I think you lose alot of business by only being open on the weekends in May.  I'm sure someone in an office did a "study" and came up with this.  

I'm also curious if that person realizes that Washington Spring Break is the week after Oregon's?  I've seen some huge days at Meadows while our children are on spring break and overheard lift operators asking "where are all these people from?  It's a Tuesday!"  Duh!  In case you don't realize it, there are alot of skiers north of the Columbia River, and they would like to ski the whole mountain!  I know....there is a bean-counter somewhere that has to justify his/her salary by coming up with the next "new" money making/saving idea.

Here's a great money making idea for your "idea person"; after you shut down the lifts for the season, and have established what sections of the ski area will have maintainence personnel working on it, how about opening the rest of the mountain to snowmobiles?  Same deal as a lift ticket, only you don't have to pay an electric bill to run the lifts or have operators top and bottom!  Of course I don't know what you would charge.  However, I know alot of sledders that would gladly pay $20 per machine to ride up there.  And the snow is just going to melt....might as well make a few extra bucks!  (Tahoe does it!)  Let me know on this one.  I can get the word out!

Thanks and good skiing to you!

Erik

Matt's reply:

Erik: Thanks for the post - yes we do know that next week is Washington Spring Break - that's why we schedule our three day holiday kids camp March 31 - April 2. The study we have done the last two seasons is to put the challenge out to drive skier visits to the two days we commit to be open. We were open for four week days in May last season with the US Snowboarding team and our skier visit count on those days was less than half of the weekend day turnout. But our bean counters will talk to our pencil pushers and commission a further study - we'll get back to you on that one

The snowmobile concept isn't going to fly according to our insurance company. But thanks for the suggestion!

--Matt

We have more snow at this time than we have in the past couple years, and we were able to ski through may.  We shouldn't be thinking may challenge....lets think June!!!  I love to ski park, and last years cascade park was alot of fun.  Hopefully this season another park will be built on cascade.  lets improve this season and many riders will come up.  Skiing through june seems very possible.

Matt's reply:

Bryon: We'll take it one day at a time (through April 27) then one weekend at a time into May. It's been a great winter, and spring should be sensational (whenever it gets here)!

--Matt

We have so much snow why not wait for a "June" Challenge? I just hope that you don't start putting limits on the season if there is no reason.

Same with night skiing. I was surprised to see that with all this snow, and with the early daylight savings change... that night skiing came to such an early end. We have great snow and more night time light! Come on? Why not milk this season for all its got without putting limits on it?

Wind blown dirt sucks, but I bet if you run the snow cats and make WIDER trails people will keep coming!

...also can we get a radar gun somewhere so we can see how fast we are going? Wouldn't that be fun!

Matt's reply:

Lots: Let's see how May turns out before we Challenge June. Unfortunately night numbers drop off after February - a trend we've seen for several years. Radar gun? I think we'll pass on that one.

--Matt

I love the May challenge - PLEASE keep it going.

On another note - I hate paying $32 for a 7 year old that rides up the lift 5 times in a full day.  I love how mt. bachelor has 10, 20, 30 rides or however many you want to buy instead of paying for a full day ticket ... don't get me wrong we're up there the full day, but children get sidetracked easily.  I know this would be a huge expense for the resort, but has there been any talk about the automatic reader ticket system like they have???

Oh - and I can't find the TOTAL snow fall accumulation for the year ... any idea's?

Thanks so much for the great season :)

Matt's reply:

Shellie: I've recorded your vote for the May Challenge! We are currently evaluating whether a scanning system (hand operated scanners, not the gates) would be beneficial at Meadows. I'll have more about that in a blog this summer. We're around 614 inches for the season - well above our annual average of 430 inches.

--Matt

Hi Matt,

The May Challenge is an excellent way to get people to keep coming up to Meadows. However, I think a better idea would be to stay open every weekend until the conditions no longer merit staying open. There are clearly plenty of people who still want to ride late into the spring....probably a lot of them just go to Timberline because it's difficult to make plans when Meadows' days of operation are so uncertain. If too few people show up maybe it's possible to limit lift operations to Mt. Hood Express, Cascade, and Heather.

-Evan

Matt's reply:

Evan: Thanks for post and the suggestions.

--Matt

When we get sunny weather in May, I think,"What a great day for riding on the mountain!" Even if it is overcast, and or a little rainy, I still want to go riding during the May challange because the next weekend probably will be nice sunny riding again. I want to snowboard year round if I could, and the snowpack right now Im sure will hold out through May. All my partners in riding, and their partners would agree with all I said, the longer Meadows is open the better. I don't want to have to go to Timberline(IT SUCKS) because the May challenge ends early. SO ALL YOU OREGONIANS, ACT LIKE YOU ARE OREGONIANS AND SNOWBOARD IN THE RAIN TO KEEP THE LOVE FLOWING!(cmon we do everything else in the rain so make it last!!!)

Matt's reply:

LOYAL: I love the enthusiasm and the message. This is the state of ducks and beavers - but hopefully the weather will accommodate and we'll have some great spring conditions with blue skies and sunshine in May.

--Matt

Like the previous post, I would love to see the challenge include Fridays. All season I've been going every Friday, and then Saturday or Sunday. If I start going every Saturday and Sunday to get my twice a week fix the wife will kill me. Then I wouldn't be able to go at all. I understand if it's not profitable you can't do it. Guess the once a week fix will be good to cut back so I don't go into total withdrawls when it does end.......When do you or are you going to run the snowcat? I keep getting icicles on my chin from looking up there and drooling......

Matt's reply:

sideways: You need to get your wife a spring pass so she can come up with you! With the current weather pattern it could be a while before the snowcat runs. We need to get back into some clear weather to cut the road and stabilize the canyon. Right now I say let's enjoy the powder!

--Matt

One more comment after seeing the other posts show up after posting mine. If you are going to go with the suggestion of "just set a date and stick to it", pick Sunday, June 1st. It works for me.....

Matt's reply:

sideways: We're already committed to the May Challenge - so it's up to you to get us to June 1st!

--Matt

Personally i think that the may challenge should be considered based on the amount of snowfall in a given season. if the snowfall is sufficient to continue then the resort should remain open regardless of whether or not there are enough visitors to maintain operation. I'm very sure that with the amount of snow we've had this year there will be more than enough people to stay open through May, however for the few die hard such as myself it would be great to know that even if there aren't enough people, we'll still be able to ride until there's    nothing left to ride!!!

Matt's reply:

NYC: We'd prefer to partner with our guests and pass holders to keep the season going. I agree with you - with our current base and continued snowfall there shouldn't be a problem meeting the challenge. But we have seen many seasons when we reached May, April (and sometimes March) where we have had substantial snowpack and few skiers and snowboarders. Hopefully the challenge is changing the perception and getting more people planning and focusing on riding in the spring.

--Matt

Snowolf wants Fridays. I want Mondays. 3000 people over those four days. What do  ya think? Works for me.:)

Matt's reply:

Clay: You're going the wrong direction - now you want 3000 people in four days - instead of the 4000 skier visits in two days that the May Challenge requires!

--Matt

yesss

the may challenge is a real good idea

i just hope that we will make it to june!

Matt's reply:

cole: We made it to June two years ago - perhaps we'll get there again this season! Thanks for the post.

--Matt

i know im a little off topic but

why are the jumps on the zoo rolled over?

Matt's reply:

frankk: During heavy snow periods the landings can tend to fill in, requiring a reshaping of the whole feature. So we'll roll over the features until the snow stops and rebuild based on the new snow amounts.

--Matt

ok

may challenge is dumb

I know this sounds stupid but...

I think all the snow from meadows should be pushed to cascade and 1 run below cascade to the lodge.

than there could be enough for may, june and july

but I thinkthat meadows is doing realy good

the more shredding the better!

Matt's reply:

james: We do snow farm throughout the season, stockpiling snow that we can draw upon during the spring time frame. Probably not as important this year as in past seasons. We did snow farm a lot at the beginning of the season, in fact much of the snow on Buttercup and in Shipyard in November and early December was from the parking lot. Our grooming crew has been very creative this season.

--Matt

no offence but the parks this season were crapp this year compared to last year, I mean they were good but MHM could do better. we are looked at as a great park resort and this year was good we can do better and its ruining our reputation!

Matt's reply:

John: Much of the season has been in dig out mode - responding to all the snow we received. We really weren't able to implement our park plan fully until mid-February, at which time I feel the combination of the parks we offered provided a terrific experience for the broad spectrum of guests who enjoy them. We appreciate the constructive criticism - any specifics as to what you would like to see to improve the parks?

--Matt

I think you should cut the "Challenge" part and just stay open on weekends through May no matter what (unless there's not enough snow).  Then when June comes around, just hang it up.  Those who must keep riding can go hike up to Palmer.  Summer is for Baseball, not Skiing!  That would take away the guessing part.  Bad weather weekends wouldn't ruin other great May weekends and the cool employees will be able to properly plan their summer lives.

Peace.

PS:  My last Blog comment never was posted, but I'm sure it was because it was well off subject.  I did notice a response on the Mountain though, which is much more appreciated that any rhetorical response on a blog.  Is there a better way to notify you of situations without using the blog?

Matt's Reply: 

Meadows Lark: First off, thanks for your many quality posts this season.  Your passion and ideas have been, and continue to be inspirational.  Thank you for that!

Given our incredible snow conditions at this point, your comments and valid and we will take them into serious consideration so stay tuned for further information regarding the schedule and program for May 2008.

Regarding your prior post, I don't know what happened.  We may have had some techincial issues when we installed some new hardware when Tom came aboard.  Go ahead and send your email to the skihood.com site and we will respond in a timely manner.  Sorry for the goof on our part.

Keep the posts coming.

-- Matt.

I love the idea of the May challenge but as you and others have pointed out it ultimately makes it more difficult on the resort and its employees. I think (as you previously mentioned) that a date should be set and that’s it, go out with a bang. I also feel that this year was quite different at MHM and shouldn't be compared to years past. There were so many storms that hassled you and your crew that ultimately the season did suffer for some. (The snow parkers, and heather canyon runners) It would be nice to see the resort open for all of May (weekends only of course, with maybe 2 or 3 Fridays) then have the challenge for June.

This idea may be a stretch, but it would help you key employees plan for summer jobs, allow enough time for some great park development and give some regulars some nice groomed days that really have been few and far between this year.

Finally, I typically would never disagree with your people count methods, but this year since you implemented the carpool drawings, myself and all of my riding friends have really made more of an effort to fill up the car prior to heading up. In the past we would usually just go up in twos, but now were packing 4 and 5 in a vehicle.

Good luck with your blog analysis, hopefully you can use a few of my suggestions.

Matt's reply:

Jered: Thanks for the post - good food for thought. I am glad to hear that the car pooling initiative affected change - we'll make sure we have a count. We really do want the season to continue and hope that people respond to the challenge.

--Matt

Dude.... I just feel really bad for Sweigert.  I mean the guy has only got 4 days in because he has been chilling at home and trying to figure out if Heather Canyon is going to open.  I've had at least 15 days of knee deep this season not counting all the boot deep days.  Come on Sweigert you gotta play like a pirate.....

Matt's reply:

Cru: Good point. This has been a monster season - but I still feel sorry for those who haven't taken full advantage of it, regardless of their reasons. Perhaps that means there'll be a little more left for the spring.

--Matt

with this base there willl bprobably still be snow after the mountain closes. do you permit people to go 'skinning' up the mountain and then ski down in the early summer?

Matt's reply:

matt: Once we stop operating lifts you can skin up and take turns down.

--Matt

Mike:... I have to ask whether you think it is fair to compare the crowd on a Monday in March at Crystal with our weekends midseason at Meadows?

--Matt

I'm not.

I'm comparing a typical March mid-week at MHM (non Spring Break)to a Tuesday during Spring Break at Crystal. I have skied at 33 areas in 11 states and Provinces so I'm not a rookie at judging slope density. When I mentioned,to 3 different people, the pass price at MHM ,spring $119 and 4X4, they were shocked. It's a fast food mentality now, cheap and lots of it. It's not about the skiing/riding slope quality, it's about how many parks and people you can cram on the slopes. It was refreshing to see no parks at Crystal, just the mountain, and a non maintained 1/2 pipe. No bells and whistles or carnival attractions to get people up (I do hit Forest Park on occasion), just the mountain. And I miss that.

BTW, I'll be there at least one day every weekend in May to do my part! I want to ski/ride in June, yes I go both ways :D

Matt's reply:

Mike: The explanation helps - and I do appreciate your support. But I still don't think we have any issues of crowding at Meadows midweek in March. Thanks for the clarification.

--Matt

So we gotta wait till it stops snowing at a ski resort to have a decent park? I've been up every sunday this year and the last few (aside from last weekend) have been fairly dry. The zoo has been rollers for a while. And every time I go to check it out I think "what the heck? its not like they have had to dig em out"

So heres the question. If you can keep Park Place going? why not the other ones? Last sunday it was snowing all day. Park Place and Forest Park was open. No dig out needed. But the zoo still stuck in roller land.

Many times I've come up (During heavier snow) this year to see a great park only to find out its all fixed up was because there was a closed event going on.

Makes one wanna go looking to other places. Or bring my own shovel and make my own jumps.

I know what your thinking. "Why wont these guys just shut up about the parks?"

Because we've all seen Meadows do better and with less snow.

On one hand your saying we've had too much snow to do a good job, (unless there is a closed event) and on the other your wondering how long until you can close the resort.

Make a commitment. Stay open all May. Go to a June challenge.

Up keep the parks and focus on events and reasons that make people wanna coming back. Skiers and Snowboarders don't wanna stop boarding if there is good snow and fun to be had.

Matt's reply:

Mr. O: Thanks for the post. I was referring to the six week stretch from mid-December through the end of January when we had constant heavy snow as affecting our park develop plans. We encourage and appreciate comments from our guests on all aspects of the resort including parks. The blog is an interesting community - just take a look at Mike's post above you and you'll get a good feel for diversity.

--Matt

You gotta stay open. This amount of snow is amazing and spring corn snow on Cascade followed by a parking lot bbq under sunny skies is one of the highlights of my season.

It would be a tragic injustice for us to miss out great spring days because a weekend rainshower wiped out a single weekend.

Perhaps you should offer additional incentives, further reduced ticket prices, food disounts, end of season sales, and rental disconts to encourage spring ridership. Some advertising to let people know that there is still good skiing to be had wouldn't help either.

I think spring would also be a good opportunity to explore other demographics and expand your ridership for next season by introducing new people to skiing - with some discounts on the rental equipment - because the roads are better for those with non 4WD cars and they do not need the technical clothes for the cold winter weather.

Another great option would be to close part of the mountain and reduce your operating expenses, allowing you to remain profitable with less traffic. You could only open Mt. Hood Express, Cascade, and Vista - allowing us to ski but saving money on expenses like grooming, lift operators, ski patrol, and parking at HRM, among others.

I'm just trying to give you ideas to remain profitable so you can keep the mountain open for me. I know you can do it...

Matt's reply:

Jake: Thanks for the post. So now I want to start the debate - if we were to only run three lifts on a beautiful spring day, which three lifts would they be?

--Matt

I'm personally ambivalent about the May Challenge. But I do want to say something about the weather. Two years ago, when you were open into June, you did close the weekend of May 20th because of a gloomy weather forecast.

That turned out pretty well for me: a buddy and I skinned up into Heather Canyon and got some fantastic turns under blue skies:

So, do us all a favor: don't close on a weekend based on the weather forecast.

Matt's reply:

Robert: Thanks for the advice. It is difficult to forecast even short term. But the decision to not operate that weekend last year was due to the small turnout the weekend before. If this blog is any indication we shouldn't have problems hitting the numbers this year in May!

--Matt

How about charging us a little more for season passes and lift tickets, and then guaranteeing you'll stay open as long as there is snow? If you can sock away some extra coin throughout the season, expecting to operate at a loss during May/June, everybody wins. When the hobbyists quit for the season, we enthusiasts are forced to quit too. How about rewarding your loyal passholders by making the mountain available as long as possible? I can guarantee you'll have at least one skier every day!

Matt's reply:

Jordan: We put a pencil to it - we need at least two skiers every day - 2,000 that is. At some point the season will come to an end - so far the May Challenge seems to be the best way for everyone to be involved in determining exactly when that will be.

--Matt

I would have to agree with several of the comments i saw above in saying that Meadows is really lacking in any sort of progression in there regular season terrain parks. Don't get me wrong, you guys put together some great spring parks, but i have been extremely disappointed in your parks so far this season, i have yet to see a jump over 20 feet... I know you guys have had some substantial storms that have made it a bit more difficult than in past years, but i have also noticed that it seems that the parks have been highly neglected this season...

Matt's reply:

Where: We have all kinds of parks - Park Place, Forest Park, Ship Yard, Rose City, The Zoo and the SuperPipe. I'm sorry that you're finding the size to be smaller than your liking, but we are focused on creating a park experience that a great variety of our guests can enjoy. We will be building our Cascade park when this weather relents.

--Matt

I think you guys would do well to take a cue from some of the other resorts that consistently provide innovative parks such as Whistler and even the Summit at  Snoqualmie. How about some ground work like whistler has to make building and maintaining parks easier, and also i think a system of have some advanced parks which require a park pass that you can get by taking a quick class like that have a the summit now would also be a very good idea.

Matt's reply:

Where: Thanks for the comments. I am struck by the oxymoron of providing consistent variety - but that really is an expectation of park enthusiasts and a key to success for terrain parks. We have discussed the park pass concept - I appreciate you suggesting it.

--Matt

the problem with the may challenge is that one fluke weekend, ie mothers day or bad weather, and its all over.  fluke weekends happen even in the middle of the season.  what a waste of over 200 inches of snow.  this season should be treated uniquely since having so much snow is something we should never take for granted.  if meadows isnt at the break even point with X amount of visitors, give us a surcharge because there are so many people that want to keep riding.  i have never liked the may challenge idea.  meadows is the only resort that does so much scaling back, first nights, then weekdays, then the season...

and i do agree that a good consistant park, and the beer garden and live music will get people to continue to visit.  how long is the hrm park going to be open for?

Matt's reply:

royale: So what if we guaranteed operating a certain number of weekends into May, regardless of the skier count on those weekends. Would you prefer a guarantee that would run the season through, say, May 18, as opposed to taking a chance that it could come to an end before then due to bad weather?

--Matt

I know many folks who are EXTREMELY CONCERNED about the park maintenance this season.(please continue to read, this fully applies to the topic...) Please IMPROVE the parks. More park crew??? Compared to last season, this has been terrible. I asked a question about the park maintenance a while back, you answered and said that the park crew is in and out of the parks throughout the day maintaining, I RARELY see anyone, and the parks get destroyed as the day goes (lips,landings)... It is just such a step down from the prior years, please get on your park crew, this way - I, AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS WILL CONTINUE TO COME, please take this advice as they are not doing a proper job on the current parks. It feels like such a lack of passion is going into the creations of our parks this season, it is so sad :(.. Most come late in the year to ride PARK, please step it up MHM PARK CREW, or else, we many not come, thus leading to early closure, and unhappy customers.  

Matt's reply:

JAM: Sorry - I have to disagree with you. I do see the crew in the parks throughout the day on a regular basis. But I'm sure your posting here will inspire them to work extra hard to make the improvements you have suggested. Thanks for the post!

--Matt

This year could all the snow lead to staying open during high cascade summer camp? And you guys have a closed gate policy right? Anyways looking forward to this summer up there shredding(1st time at high cscade). And maybe riding to the parking lot on my board!

Matt's reply:

montana: The camps start in mid-June that will be after we have closed. I'm sure you'll enjoy the camp - it's a great vibe and a lot of fun.

--Matt

I worked at meadows two years ago when we were having the best snow fall in years and I really havent been able to go up like I have this year. I got a season pass in hopes that la nina would be as stong as people have been talking and luckly I (and everyone that has enjoyed meadows this year) have been rewarded with another amazing year.

Spring boarding (or skiing) is a blast! I personally would like to see this season stretch into june beacuse this is my last year here in the NW. I'm moving to Oklahoma for school and that place is quite the opposite. I for one will be going up every weekend.

To go off what someone said above...the jumps havent been the best but I understand. My buddies and I have a couple favorite spots in the woods where theres a sweet little jump. since st. patty's day we watched it slowly turn into more of a mound than the lip we have been enjoying. snow drifts havent been helping.

I hold my loyalty there at meadows and ask you to keep meadows open as long as possible and all you boarders/skiiers to enjoy this great season to help prove once again that meadows is the best place on the mountain!!!

Matt's reply:

Jon: Thanks for the post. Great to have you back at Meadows - you sure know how to pick your seasons! You need to come back next year as well.

--Matt

I can't see May spring skiing through this January-like winter weather! I would very much like to ski in June if possible, and with the weather that we are currently having, I feel like the snow pack should be sufficient to get us there, right? It is really exciting to think of spring time skiing but I am really looking forward to enjoying this "Winter, part deux" for now!

As far as parks go, last spring the parks crew put a few rollers in the Cascade park and there was also the remainder of the skier/snowboard-cross course. Could you try to bring those back once the conditions allow? I saw in a previous post (perhaps another blog) where a person requested a "speed/race" area and I second this request, only adding that parks crew be sure to clearly mark-off the area for safety concerns. Maybe have a ski patrol positioned at the entrance to monitor entrants? It would be really, really fun to have these features available for those of us who don't particularly crave massive air and grinding rails but would rather feel the spring air rushing through our hair!

Also, I have always heard rumors, but never been privy to the experience, that there are occasional snow cat rides above heather in the spring? Is this a possibility this year???

Otherwise, thanks for the great season! Your staff and crew have been fantastic and made my second season at Meadows very memorable.

Matt's reply:

MLB: You are most welcome - thank you for being a repeat pass holder. Cascade should offer the experience you're seeking this year - our crew is scoping out the park and we'll begin construction as soon as the weather breaks. The snow cat exists but it is elusive - only appearing when conditions are ideal. See you on the mountain.

--Matt

Hahahaha. Go back to Colorado fool, Meadows is not for you if you make up excuses like we recieve too much snow for terrain parks. Too much snow for terrain parks? you've got to be kidding me, there have been a number of days where the consistency of the snowpack has allowed for the promotion of greater features in your terrain parks. Ask Timberline's park crew, and some of the jumps there alone have displayed the enormous amount of potential Meadows has to be one of the best terrain parks in the nation. In the past we have made parks rivaling that of the best parks in Colorado, Utah, and California, and your customers need a committed crew that have the support and funding from Meadows to build adequate parks. Stop half-*ssing it the whole way and get on it, no more excuses just build it and we will come.

Matt's reply:

Matt: I'm not from Colorado, although I have skied there often. If you don't think that snow fall affects park construction or operation then you are no where near the park expert you profess to be. Yesterday we eclipsed our previous record for snowfall ('82-'83 with 623") - that 15 inches put us up over 625 for this season - and it ain't over yet. This includes a stretch of six weeks from mid-December to the end of January that saw substantial snow nearly every day, without dig out breaks between the storms. That is what I was referring to when I said the snow affected our original park construction and operational plan. It's not an excuse, it's fact.

We are continuing the plan with talented and dedicated groomers and parks crew - they will make this an incredible spring for our guests to enjoy.

--Matt

ummm

rails on the left side of rose city park

better features in shipyard, no jumps, you have to hike for shipyard and hiking for a jump is alot longer than hiking for a rail(you have to have a long tranny because shipyard is flat) and fill it up with flat boxes.

park place and forest park super good this year.

and you should put rails next to the zoo jumps

Matt's reply:

john: Thanks for the suggestions - they'll be reviewed with the crew.

--Matt

The only scary thing about the May challenge is it could be over with a bad weather weekend! A couple comments on avy control and Heather canyon. I ran two avy control programs at ski areas.At one of them we'd be on the lift at 6:00, throw 60 bombs on a good day and have the area open for the public at opening time. Could your patrol get a earlier start? Skier compaction is the best way to keep a slope stable, I was amazed some days when very little snow had fallen and no Heather. I've also seem bombs thrown where I never would. But it's not bad to be over cautious, so your patrol does a good job at that. So what about a June challenge??

Matt's reply:

dp: You didn't start until 6 AM? Slackard! Just kidding. Our patrol is here before 5 AM, earlier depending on weather events. The main issue is our hand delivery system when performing snow safety - and the sequence which needs to occur. Patrol is literally blasting a path over the Basalt Cliffs, out on to Clark Ridge and then to Accordian Bowl.  A more direct delivery method would expedite snow safety efforts considerably.

You mentioned the scary part of the May Challenge - hitting the bad weather weekend. Would you prefer to see a guarantee - such as we will open weekends through May 11, or May 18, regardless of the turnout the previous weekend?

--Matt

i think the may challenge is a great idea.

also, what happened to nights??!! you got quite a few people asking, so why not extend and make it a night challenge!! do the same thing as the may challenge. makes sense doesnt it.

one last thought, the radar gun is an excellent idea. then we could have speed contests to see whos going the fastest. =) im jk. its BREAKING your rules, and plus i wouldnt want to have my pass taken.

Matt's reply:

Boarder4life: Thanks for the post. May challenge? Night challenge? Friday challenge? After a while we'll be "Challenge challenged!" Nights went away when people stopped turning out at the end of February. I guess the lesson is - don't make a challenge out of it, just keep coming! I do appreciate the levity about the speed contests. There are plenty of places on the mountain where it is appropriate to ski and ride faster - we really don't need to set up an area to promote it.

--Matt</