Mt. Hood Meadows will present anxious skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to take some runs Saturday on limited beginner terrain served by the Buttercup lift. The lift operation and a Jib Party in a park created especially for this event will be offered, adding to the already scheduled kick off festivities of a sport shop preview, a dinner with CEO Matthew Drake and a Pray for Snow party featuring the popular cover band Hit Machine that evening.
This week’s storm dropped plenty of moisture and piled up a half a foot of wet and heavy. Crews have already begun harvesting efforts to build a snowy swath under the Buttercup lift. With colder temperatures the resort is also using it’s snowmaking capabilities to build up the Buttercup snowpack. The resort officially reports a 10 inch base at the 5400 foot level, and 27 inches at 6000 feet.
Buttercup is scheduled to run from 3 - 7 PM, allowing crews time to haul snow and create the best experience possible on the limited terrain. Snow sliders should expect a run under Buttercup that will be a few snowcat runs wide and should be well aware of early season conditions and the need to stay on the designated run.
Jib sessioning on the five rail set up planned for the rail park will go from 3 - 8:30 PM. A season pass or the special $10 preview day ticket is needed to enter the park.
Unlimited season passes, Southside, Midweek and Night passes will be honored on Saturday. Otherwise the cost for a Buttercup lift ticket which includes entry into the rail park is just $10. For those 21 and older that will also provide admission to the Pray for Snow party with Hit Machine from 8 - 11 PM.
Season passholders and locker holders can arrive as early as 11 AM to get their passes issued or to check into their lockers. Culinary services will be offered at the Higher Grounds Cafe and at the Alpenstube Bar from 11 - 4.
The High Performance Center and Outer Limits Sports will be open from 3 - 7 Saturday, offering the greatest selection of ski and snowboard equipment, outerwear and apparel of the entire season. They will also be fulfilling season passes.
Ski school and equipment rentals will not be operating on the preview weekend, so those coming up should bring or rent their equipment on the way to the mountain.
A sneak preview dinner featuring Meadows CEO Matthew Drake will be presented from 5:30 - 7:30. In a brief presentation, Drake will talk about the preparations Meadows is making to not only have an awesome winter season, but diversify into a year ‘round recreation, lodging, entertainment, education and culinary company.
Meadows new Executive Chef Matthew Stine has prepared a wonderful evening of culinary sensations. The plated dinner requires advance purchase and reservation, choosing from Mushroom Ravioli, Blackened Catfish, Hood River Chicken Melt or Chef Matt’s Legendary Mac And Cheese. The dinner includes appetizers, salad, entree, dessert, two glasses of the Meadows private label wines and coffee and tea. There is very limited seating for the dinner, which is $25 ($35 includes the party with Hit Machine).
The evening is capped off with a live performance by Hit Machine - guaranteed to get the everyone up and dancing from 8 - 11 PM. The popular high energy party band plays hits from all eras and the great vibes will help conjure up a great season. In between band breaks Meadows will present fashion shows and raffle off prizes, including a private photo shoot with Grant Myrdal Photography, a Meadows night season pass, and prizes from Dakine, Widmer Brothers Brewing, KEEN and Yakima Racks. Passholders receive bonus loyalty rewards points by attending the party.
Space is limited for the dinner, reserve by November 20th for the best price. There's plenty of room at the Party!
Dinner and Party Package Reservations
Sneak Preview Dinner Reservations
Pray for Snow Dance Party Entry