The weather forecast is calling for a foot of snow on Mount Hood Friday, which should only add to the hype as winter preseason festivities reach their peak this weekend.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement at 3:41 this morning predicting that a major storm will hit the Cascades Friday afternoon, dumping more than a foot of snow at elevations over 5,000 feet. The freezing level is expected to drop to 2500 feet, with heavy winds and poor visibility. Another three inches is expected to accumulate on Saturday.

News of a big storm on the mountain will only add to the hype surrounding the SkiFever and Snowboard Show going on all weekend at the Portland Expo Center.

Resorts and gear companies will be out in full force at SkiFever, and there will be a “Hot Dog Skier Lounge,” a New School freeride show, a Les Schwab tire chain contest and a newly added Wine Chalet.

There will be heaps of discounted used gear to sift through for deals. Individuals can sell their old gear and keep up to 80 percent of the proceeds.

SkiFever also offers coupons and discounts for all sorts of things including two-for-one lift tickets. But the SkiFever event itself is not cheap, between $13 for admission and another $8 for parking.

For those of you who prefer free parking and less noise, the Northwest Ski Club Council’s Ski Fair will be Monday night at the Portland Airport Holiday Inn, with resorts, retailers and ski clubs in attendance.

Up on the mountain, the Palmer and Bruno lifts are scheduled to operate Friday through Sunday at Timberline, if weather permits. That is a big if. It is definitely worth checking the Timberline Conditions page before heading up, because the weather may not permit, given the forecast for winds as high as 55 miles per hour.

Also, anyone planning to attend the Pray for Snow party at Charlie’s Saturday night should be prepared for hazardous driving conditions. If you don’t have a place to stay in Govy, you might want to find one quickly.

The sun is expected to make a brief appearance on Sunday before the snow returns Monday and Tuesday. It’s expected to turn to rain again later next week, but hey, you never know. Maybe the snow gods will show us some love this time.

Last modified: November 14, 2013