MEADOWS BLOG

Not running Shooting Star is a mistake. It takes almost 40 minutes to make the Heather loop via MHE and Cascade. It takes a little over 25 minutes to make the Heather run through twilight or half moon. By eliminating shooting star in advance - you are predetermining conditions that really can only accurately be assessed the day of or the day before based upon predicted overnight temps and the freeze thaw cycle.

On another note - if you have a gate up blocking entrance to the HRM parking lot it would seem like common courtesy and good customer relations to put a sign up at the road so we don't end up driving all the way in to the gate. I did that this Sunday and I was not the only one who was forced to turn around and go back.

Matt's reply:

steve: Thanks for the post. Based on Sunday's conditions the extra 15 minutes to drop higher into Heather will be well worth it. With Daisy running it actually may be quicker to ride up Daisy to Cascade than taking Mt. Hood Express up, if running laps is most important.

Regarding the sign placement - are you talking about right at the intersection off of 35 to HRM? We usually have a sign posted there indicating the lot is closed. I'll follow up on that.

--Matt 

I missed in the last blog what the count for last weekends challenge was?  It may be hard this Sunday being Mothers Day and all filling up that parking lot.  I know many people are still stoked on snowboarding.  I wanted to offer an alternate view on the parks being off topic...I think they are on topic as to what will get people to still come up throughout may.  I am not the only person that will only come up if I know there is a good park.  I think waiting until after the season to do a park blog will be a bad idea, there could potentially be at least a month of riding if people are kept happy.  Dont turn off a large segment of your customer base, the park riders, which are pretty much the bread and butter.  There really should be some medium hits on cascade as there were last year.  This is on topic, because people want diversity to keep them coming up all throughout may.  It seems that every other post is about this, so Im not the only one.  If you cant to anything about changing the layout, start a parks blog immediately.  That is free and would be a big customer service gesture.  Ball's in your court...

boarder patrol: Thanks for the post. Saturday was a bit below the target Sunday was above thanks to the weather. In total the weekend produced the business levels which makes it possible for us to continue. I think we'll have a great turn out again this weekend, weather providing.

I'm still committed to producing the parks blog later on. We will continue to focus our efforts on the features we currently have in the parks, and the superpipe. There is variety in what we are offering and they are fun parks for our guests. I hope you'll come up and ride this weekend.

--Matt
 

great call on closing shooting star and opening daisy

will there be anymore features on superpark?

on sunday i saw someone clear the hip

intense!

Matt's reply:

Cole: Good to hear from you and thanks for coming up this Sunday. The current features is what we're committed to and focusing on. I think there'll be a lot of people taking laps on Daisy / Cascade, hitting all three parks and the superpipe each run. Should be a great weekend!

--Matt 

I think your proposed lift matrix is an excellent compromise!  Adding Daisy is a smart move given the location of the parks this spring.

And for those who might be inclined to complain about Vista Express not being scheduled, recall that in the spring, the Texas Trail ridge-line (including Vista Ridge) melts-out fast due to exposure.  The prevailing west wind transports that exposed dirt/dust and deposits it onto the nearby snow.  It happens every spring, and it gets really brown & gross up there.  As a result, the runs near the top of Vista and along the ridge are not pleasant runs to ski/board this time of year.  Farther north and east (Cascade & Heather areas), this isn't nearly as much of an issue... so spring conditions are usually much better away from that western ridge-line.

Matt's reply:

wxman: Not a bad handle for spring riding! Thanks for the post - Daisy is a great lift and it will serve its purpose well, transporting our guests, particularly those hitting the parks, to Cascade with an easy drop into Rose City.

--Matt 

you know the snow was so great this season I think we all got spoiled. I  had some of the best ski days this season. It seemed as thought each time I went up was beter than the last time. Last Saturday was awsome even though I couldn't see. I'm very glad that you are going to be open next week. I thank you for the great 4*4 deal and all the good times.

Matt's reply:

steve b: I have to agree with you - it's been an amazing season and this past weekend really topped it off. Saturday the snow conditions were awesome for May - although the visibility was a bit problematic at times. And Sunday was the epic spring ski day. More to come this weekend!

--Matt 

Closing Shooting Star is fine by me Dave: Upper Heather in spring corn is where I want to be.

I do have one complaint about this past weekend. I think the lift operators have done a great job this year keeping the lift lines running smoothly, but the guys on Cascade were AWOL Sunday. When there's no control in the lift line, you just have to push your way forward. Some folks can't seem to do that, and if you get behind them you'll see many chairs go by before you get your chance.

But all in all, I think you and your staff have done a great job this year. You're taking a lot of flak on the blog, but I just want to thank you for giving me over five months of skiing.

Matt's reply:

Robert: Thanks for the post. I'll pass the comment along to our lift attendants. Some of the lift ticket checkers may be "new" to the position - I'm sure you'll see some of our directors and managers on the line this weekend!

--Matt 

I ski Shooting Star 50% of my day but

this being late spring you made a great choice.

Daisy will keep the borders happy and

I can find other runs for my 50%.

I just want to keep skiing, if the snow is white,

the sun is out, 1 lift is running and it's the middle

of May who cares which lift!!!! Go sun go!!!!

Matt's reply:

CHRIS: Way to get everyone stoked for the weekend! Come on up - the skiing is great!

--Matt 

What are the main reasons for not running easy rider, as it is the most convenient for lapping the park.

Matt's reply:

Zach: Good question. Two good answers - Easy Rider isn't a base area lift - Daisy is which means it can take up some of the load from Mt. Hood Express. That also means those hitting Shipyard have a faster way up than Buttercup.

The other reason is because Daisy connects with Cascade - Easy Rider doesn't. Daisy is still a very convenient lift for those wanting to lap Rose City, the SuperPipe and even Shipyard. Or - take Daisy to Cascade and start your run in the Cascade Park (then hit the others).

--Matt 

great work on the lift ideas. good to see such a good response to the feedback on this blog. i was thinking all sunday that daisy would be the perfect lift for all 3 reasons you listed. great work, and thanks for staying open

Matt's reply:

charles: Thanks for the post - we'll see you this weekend!

--Matt 

This past weekend raged, especially Sunday! We did the hike twice and rode Superbowl down thru Clark Canyon, which we’d never done before. The steeps and snow out there was the best thing since that last March dump! Props to the Meadows crew and all the riders & skiers who are enabling us to 'Live the Dream' another weekend! We’ll be up both days again!

One small request: Can you hire Yanni to play the Sundeck this weekend? ‘Cuz he’s 85 times more hardcore than those jokers who were putting the crowd to sleep with their ultra-weak Cyndi Lauper covers. Bring us the rawk, dude!

Matt's reply:

Live to ride, ride to live!: Thanks for the suggestion - Yani it is! We'll see what Sara has cooked up for us - we like ot get a peak at the weather before committing to be assured that we have a good chance of going out onto the deck.

By the way - I did receive clarification on drinks on the snow. It's OK - it is included in our permit. However, when the snow gets really slushy our servers go as far as the deck (where there's good footing) to avoid accidentally dousing our guests. Sitting in the spring sunshine on the snow at Meadows - drink it up!

--Matt
 

--Matt 

I think your choice of lifts to run will fill most everyone's needs. But, if the crowds turn out like they did last Sunday, closing a HSQ and opening a FGD will add more crowding on MHE.

Here's a thought on closing for the season; why not give us one more weekend (day?!) after the "May Challenge" isn't met? Knowing when the "last day" will be is something I look forward to, the core people come out in droves and it has a different feel knowing that this is the last day. Besides going on the best weather day on the weekend, my other requiem is, do I want fresh corn tracks and go Saturday, or do I go Sunday so I can ski on closing day?

Please, please, please, consider this idea. After a very profitable year for MHM, the least you could do is give us one last day or weekend after the numbers fall off your challenge minimum. Even if it's only MHE and Cascade, the "last day" isn't about the conditions; it's about comradery and closure.

Matt's reply:

Ex Lift Op Mike: Thanks for the post. Hedging your bet a little are we? We're looking forward to keeping the season going so rally everyone to come up this weekend. I appreciate your comment on camaraderie - every day should be that way! Hey - you never answered. Did you ever work here at Mt. Hood Meadows?

--Matt 

It would be really nice if you could have Easy Rider open like last weekend. It stayed pretty busy for people lapping the park and Daisy is the longest lift ride at Meadows. I understand if you can't open Easy Rider, I'm just letting you know that if you did, it would get used. It's the most convenint for lapping Rose City and the Superpipe.

Matt's reply:

Cameron: Thanks for the post. I really think Daisy will provide the service and convenience you're looking for and give you the option to head up to Cascade and hit the Cascade Park. I appreciate you coming up and supporting the May Challenge!

--Matt 

Great call on the mix of lifts. Adding Daisy is perfect, and restores my belief that you guys are actually committed to the challenge. I was up Saturday, and it was more than a little frustrating with Cascade on standby pretty much all day not to be able to get over to that side really (I know that technically you could traverse from MHX, but yeah no I'm not doing that). And being able to keep Heather in play as well is awesome (upper is all I want anyway)! See you this weekend!

Matt's reply:

RW: We are committed to the challenge and hope that our guests are too! See you this weekend!

--Matt 

Sunday was the fourth time this season I drove to the HRM lot and had to turn around. There was NO sign at the 35 intersection on any of those occasions - and there was NO sign there last Sunday.

Also - since the parking lot is a designated snow park that requires a permit - how is that you are allowed to put a gate across that lot? In the late spring through September I enjoy inline skating in that lot - it's smooth and safe being out of any traffic.

Matt's reply:

steve: Sorry for the inconvenience - I've addressed it with the parking department. We should have a sign right at the intersection announcing when the lot is closed.

We use gates for security reasons when we're not open at both HRM and the main base area. That part is addressed in our forest service permit. The time of the year that you can inline skate falls pretty much outside of the time frame that Sno-Park permits are used. 

Here's an alert to everyone - the Sno-Park tag is not necessary in May -  that ended April 30!

--Matt 

Matt,

May friends and I were up on Sunday and we noticed that they didn't groom the face nor was lower Heather groomed, the rest of the mountain was groomed very well. The face is great early in the morning. I see Stair is now going to be closed so that won't be a issue unless we hit it from Outer Limits..

Regards.

Matt's reply:

Capt: Thanks for the post. Most of our focus for grooming is on the upper mountain - the cruisers off of Cascade and down through Mt. Hood Express. Hopefully we'll get into a real sun / melt / corn snow cycle before the weekend - that really improves the spring corn in the steeps. We didn't have that kind of weather going into last weekend.

--Matt

matt,

sorry to hear that shooting star is off the list. as said in an earlier post, using it makes for faster laps in heather. understand the trade off of daisy for the boarders though, so i can live with it. question though: the forecast does not look that great for this coming weekend so if visibility is an issue on cascade, will you consider opening shooting star instead? thanks

Matt’s reply

Steelhead: Thanks for the post. It’s hard to say – it worked well last Saturday when Shooting Star provided access for turns in Lower Heather while Cascade was down due to visibility. But depending on how conditions are in the Canyon and crowd size we may opt for a different lift.

--Matt

Dear Matt,

Great job last weekend - skiing was fine both days and held up remarkably well on Sunday.

Lift access with Daisy running rather than Easy Rider is a great call.

Superbowl and Clark canyon were awesom on Sunday. However (there always seems to be a "however"), why can't the cat run up to the highest point that the crew determine is safe, and let us hike the rest, rather than having to slog all the way up from Cascade. My two boys would love to ski Superbowl, but they can't physically carry their skis all the way (and I'm getting too old to do the complete hike).

See you this coming weekend - for sure!

Matt's reply:

David: Thanks for the inquiry about the snow cat. We probably won't be running it any longer - it ran too infrequently and was always iffy due to changing weather and conditions. If you were up on Superbowl this weekend then you're not too old! I commend you - I'm sure the reward of Superbowl was well deserved.

--Matt 

I'm going to echo Steve's initial comment that I think planning to not open Shooting Star is a mistake. I definitely plan to enjoy upper Heather, but I have favorite runs all along Shooting Star, too.

And running Heather laps via Daisy??? How does one get from the top of Heather down to Daisy, without hiking across the flat area down by the lodge?

Matt's reply:

TooMuchSakeMan: Thanks for the post. It's good to get the feedback. I just wanted to mention that the option was there to ride Daisy out of the base area as an alternative to Mt. Hood Express up to Cascade to get to Heather. Hopefully the conditions in upper Heather will be tantilizing and keep everybody happy all day.

--Matt 

The last 2 May Challenges you had all  the lifts operating, now you cut the lifts

down. I think its a big mistake not too run Shooting Star. It seems you cut the size of the parks as well. I was up last weekend and spent most of my time using Shooting Star. It appears that Mount Hood Meadows is taking a downward turn since the new GM Tom has arrived. There have been on the mountain and also in Guest Service. The employees do not seem to be as happy. I have seen him out and about on the weekends but he is very unapproachable .

This snow has been excellent tho, Thank you for the May Challenge, its just not what it used to be.

Matt’s reply:

Love: I appreciate the enthusiasm and your love for our mountain, however, you are misinformed. The last two years we did not have all the lifts operating – we’ve always operated on a reduced schedule. In order to extend the season, we must be creative and find the balance with our guests that is going to offer the most suitable terrain efficiently. The decisions that are being made at Meadows through this season have my input and support, along with that of our executive team. Our new GM Tom Spangler is adding his expertise and considerable knowledge of resort operations, and our staff, our guests and Meadows will benefit from it more and more over time. Those dedicated staff members who have been able to commit to the extended season schedule are continuing to provide great guest service. I have been at the ski area during the challenge and they are doing great.

One of the benefits of this extended season is it is giving Tom and other management team members the opportunity to observe the operation. This knowledge will be put to good use to benefit our guests as we continually improve the experience.

I do agree with you that the conditions have been excellent – and I hope to see you up at the mountain again this weekend!

--Matt

Sorry I didn't respond to your question, I even went back and looked and couldn't find where you asked me. Yes, 3 seasons; 1986-87 was my first year, I was the Relief OIC on HRM, 87-88 I ran Blue on the weekends, which turned into 3-4 days a week somehow. I then took a year off and came back for my final year in 89-90 and filled in on whatever lift needed the help.

Seriously, 1 more day or weekend after the may challenge falls short would be an excellent bonus for your loyal guests this season.  

For all of you complaining about the parks, consider this; back in the early eighties when we tried to build a little kicker somewhere fairly remote on a steeper trail, ski patrol would knock it flat every time they found it-TOO DANGEROUS! Now, with jumps big enough to cause serious injuries for anyone to huck off, a lot of you complain because every time "you" come up the parks aren't perfect. Here's an idea for the complainers about the parks, get yourself employed at MHM and find out first hand what it takes to build and maintain the parks.

Matt's reply:

Ex Lift Op Mike: Thanks for the post and for the suggestion. I appreciate your reference to the parks and our HR doors are open to talented, energetic and guest-oriented folks who would like to join our parks team

--Matt 

I think there should be some consideration for mothers day. Kind of hard to dog out on mom. Luckily my mother totally understands. My crew drives down from seattle every sunday for this...we need to get through mothers day and then its on.

will there be any consideration since it is mothers day when looking at the numbers to continue another weekend?

Matt's reply:

DaLinkwent Rider: Thanks for supporting us - particularly making the drive down from Seattle! We'll look at the business levels at the end of the weekend and make a decision at that time. I think we'll get a good turnout so we'll see how many people want the season to continue!

--Matt 

We drove up on Sunday to ski with our two girls at your ski resort only to find the parking lot was full with the only parking available at HRM which had no lift running. Do you really expect us to spend another 30-60 minutes riding a shuttle over to the main lodge with all of our gear and kids when we could simply ride the Hood River lift? It does not make sense to sell people spring passes and advertise your May challenge when we cannot even ski at your resort because you do not have all the facilities in operation. We promptly turned around and settled for Summit and had a great time with our 2 1/2 year olds. Over the 13yrs we have owned our shop we have sent many people to your resort as well as spending our own money for season passes. I can guarantee you that our family as well as our business will no longer be recommending nor skiing at your resort.

Matt's reply:

Dan: Thank you for sharing your frustration and concerns with me. I am glad that you found the experience for your family to be satisfying.

Sunday we had three shuttles operating, so there was continuous service to HRM every 10 - 15 minutes. One of the issues that we have with extending operations into this time of year is that we need to reduce expenditures in order to make this commitment. Many people think we just need to operate a lift such as HRM. But to do so also means we need to groom the runs, perform patrol work, open the skier services center and provide additional assistance such as a parking crew. These are considerable costs - which quite frankly, would prevent us from even opening at this time of year.

Now we continue to provide full services from our base area - including day care (with reservations in advance), Children's Learning Center and adult ski school lessons, rentals, and food services. Since they are all located in the main base facility there are efficiencies in presentig these services. We presented our operational plan on our web site and on our snow phones, as well as in email correspondences to our guests well in advance of the weekend, to better set the expectation.

I am glad that you had a great experience with your family on Sunday. That is paramount. However, I can't help but feel that you are being unfair to Meadows to judge the experience we present based on the limited operations we promoted and are presenting in this extended season. 

--Matt 

Daisy is a great idea.  I would rather see Vista or Daisy open then Shooting star.  Thanks Matt!  Also Can the park crew start prep work on the Super park first this weekend?  Just my personal request.  Let try and make this season last.

Matt's reply:

TFCO: Thanks for the post. I'll convey your request to the crew. No one wants to get our parks open early as much as they do.

--Matt 

How can you sell spring passes and never mention the fact that they don't work during the "May Challenge". That is one marketing scheme I thought Meadows was better than. I understand the econ I already got plenty of value with my spring pass earlier this season, so I am not mad.  I come up from N. California for a change of pace now and then and was hoping to do it one more time. Ohh well. TLine it is.

Matt's reply:

Rodney: Spring Passes are unlimited from the time of purchase - and are valid during the May Challenge. Sorry if there was confusion on this. So for clarification you can use your Spring Season Pass throughout the May Challenge.

--Matt 

If the chance of rain causes a bad turnout does this mean the seasons over?

Matt's reply:

nick: It would be a bummer to end on a soggy note - but we'll wait to see what business levels are produced over this weekend and make a decision. The challenge is on  - see you on the mountain!

--Matt 

Good call on Daisy - that should make for the best of all possible scenarios.  I'm glad to see there are not many people complaining about SS being closed, too.  Looks like another prime weekend for riding the corn.

I would like to echo a few posts above - Mom's Day is going to have an impact on turnout, but please don't let that be a deal-breaker for the challenge.  My mom would feel pretty guilty if she caused me to miss the last day at MHM!!

Thanks for listening to your dedicated customers.  Here's to another weekend!  (and another... and...?)

Matt's reply:

David: Thanks for the post. I thought it was Mom's job to make us feel guilty =0} Now Mother's Day is Sunday, but Saturday is looking pretty stellar for a trip to the mountain. We'll see how the weekend turns out and make a decision then.

Thanks for your support - see you Saturday?

--Matt 

Is the gate open so people can camp in the lot Friday night?

Matt's reply:

bilbo: Thanks for the question. The gate won't be open Friday night - you'll need to wait until Saturday morning to pull in. The parking lot is open from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. Those wanting to park overnight need to check in with our parking lot supervisor or Concierge. Same rules apply as the regular season - there's no services so you have to be self contained, no fires and always remember to pack out your trash.

--Matt 

So i have heard that Ski bowl i offering free lift services on Sunday this week.  So now it seems we have three things working against us this weekend, weather, mother's day, and now ski bowl being free.  Not looking good.  Please everyone lets rock it this weekend cause next weekend it looking awesome.

Matt's reply:

TFCO: Stoke everyone for a visit to Meadows Sunday! Let's keep this 40th Anniversary Season going!

--Matt 

Hey,

How about this. Ex Lift Op Mike can be head of parks next year. Thats a great idea you came up with Matt!

But seriously, Didn't Dave R. open Meadows for one last day after the challenge failed last year?

I'm worried that with possible rain, Mothers day, and Ski Bowl being open for free that its going to hurt us. Can you make a smaller show allowance just this once?

Matt's reply:

Case: Thanks for the post. The parks will be great this weekend - they'll be a lot of fun. Let's not talk about not meeting the Challenge - let's talk about getting everyone up to the mountain this weekend. Spread the word!

--Matt 

Hi Matt,

I noticed that in addition to Mother's day on Sunday, it's also SkiBowl's last day and they are offering free skiing/riding to all comers.

Maybe you can turn the SkiBowl last day additional competition for guests into an opportunity for Meadows, by having your truck with lightboard down on 26 near skibowl on Sunday afternoon and evening evening, promoting continued sking at Meadows next weekend (17/18).

Anyway, see you this weekend, and here's hoping for sufficient turnout despite Mother's Day and SkiBowl free sking to justify continued operations through May and into June!

Matt's reply:

David: You're always thinking! That would be a little premature - we still need to see how things turn out this weekend. I have faith in our guests and pass holders. See you on the mountain!

--Matt 

the kids will now ride free. thanks meadows for listening to the majority of your customers and opening daisy. word.

Matt's reply:

parky: You are welcome. Enjoy the weekend!

--Matt 

Good call on doing Green over the Star.  I was kinda right, wasn't I?  The cut-over to South Park wasn't too bad last weekend, but still more work than I care for.  Green offers a good release point to get to what is most wonderful riding this time of year.  Thanks for your professional response.  Not neccessarily on the blog, but on the slopes.

I've noticed that many times this year.  On Mountain response.  I've had a few service-issues blog comments that did not get posted/replied too this year.  But it always seemed like I saw the response on the slopes.  Those are the responses I really care about.  Thanks, keep up the good work.

Sadly, I went up last Saturday instead of Sunday as originally planned.  Which wasn't the smartest idea.  But it meant I was able to go to the Beavers game on Sunday and watch 'em pounce the opponent.  And we did find a few breaks in the fog that allowed for some nice launches in South Park & the Pipe.  Good times, good times.

An okay way to end this year.  I got them last few monster hits to reflect at through the summer.  I'd love to keep it going, but my wife is sick of me being gone every weekend.  She's had enough of this absolutly wonderful ski season; though, I have not.  Oh well, it is May.  And all good things do eventually end.  Doesn't mean all you other park people have to stop riding though.  Go shred them parks this weekend and show Meadows what's up.

What an absolutely epic year this has been.  I think I got in at least 30 trips this year, with no rain and lots of powder & airs.  Well eclipsing the standard 10-15 occasionally rain-soaked trips that I usually get.  Thank you Matt & MHM (and the snow gods) for helping make it happen.  I look forward to next year's rides.  You definitely aren't perfect, but you are undoubtedly trying to be.  Onward as you say...

Peace.

PS:  Check out my YouTube Channel to see some vids of my bro & me at Meadows.  The production & the riding definitely aren't professional, but might be interesting for some.  Meadows Lark Moments @ www.youtube.com/DuhSplashEKS

Matt's reply:

Lark: It has been an amazing season. Thank you for your contribution to both it, and to this Blog. I thoroughly enjoy your comments - they are some times entertaining, and some times challenging, but they do make this Blog a better place to visit.

Have a great summer and be ready for an early winter.

--Matt