Mt. Hood Skibowl announced today on its website that it plans to start operating chairlifts Friday, January 17 at 3 pm.

The resort made the announcement after another weather disappointment Sunday, when snow turned to rain at Skibowl’s lower elevation once again.

“Unfortunately we did not receive as much snow as we had hoped for,” Skibowl reported on its website, “and the liquid moisture we received on Sunday did not help.”

John Vermaas, Skibowl’s Mountain Manager, says upper mountain trails have been groomed and needs a few days to settle. “The snow now needs to sit for a few days and nights to set-up.  With the temperature so warm, if we tried to open for skiing right now, the base would be skied off in one day and we would have to close.  After a few clears nights, all the moisture in the snow should freeze up, giving us a more solid base to work with.”

After a very successful preseason Fusion Pass selling season bolstered by the new Powder Alliance deal, Skibowl has been unable to operate its chairlifts all season. The resort has plowed ahead with its Rope Tow Terrain Park at Skibowl West and its Tubing Hill at Skibowl East, but pass-holders eager to shred Outback and the Upper Bowl are getting antsy.

“Skibowl would like to thank all our loyal season pass holders for your patience and understanding during this difficult start to the season,” the resort posted on its website this afternoon. “Keep in mind that we normally ski well into April, so there is still a lot of time left to make up once the snow comes.  Stay positive, keep doing your snow dances and we will see you on the slopes soon!”

Skibowl plans to announce on Thursday exactly which lifts will operate this weekend.

Last modified: January 14, 2014