This just in from Mt. Hood Meadows:
Mt. Hood Meadows announced it will run lifts Friday, Saturday and Sunday this holiday weekend. Meadows plans on operating the Easy Rider and Buttercup chairlifts, as well as the Ballroom Carpet from 9 AM – 4 PM each day, offering a limited amount of terrain for holiday snow sports enthusiasts. A special preview rail park is under construction for freestylers. Additionally, Meadows will offer cross country skiing at its Nordic Center all three days and open a snowshoe trail as well.
A slow moving storm that deposited four inches of new snow since Monday night continues to drop flakes at Meadows, which now has a one foot base depth (at the 5400 foot level) and 26 inches at mid-mountain. Resort spokesman Dave Tragethon says, “We’re making the most out of the 26 inches of snow we’ve received so far this season. We know families are going to want to play in the snow this holiday weekend, and we’ll be ready to show them a great time on the mountain.”
With the limited terrain lift tickets are reduced to $39 for adults, $29 for ages 7 – 14 and 65 – 74.
The Easy Rider and Buttercup lifts access primarily lower level runs for those seeking early season turns or wanting to take lessons. The popular Ballroom Carpet over the snow conveyer will also be operating, ideal for beginners and young children new to the sport. Keep in mind – with just a one foot base, early season conditions exist so skiers and snowboarders should be aware of thin snowpack and stick to the groomed runs.
For those wanting to learn to ski or ride this holiday, Meadows has an online special that includes a lift ticket, 2 hour lesson beginning at 1 PM and equipment rental for just $49 for adults (or $69 for ages 4 – 12). The package is available in Meadows web store at Skihood.com through Thanksgiving Day, and must be used this Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Meadows ski and snowboard school is fully operational, offering children and adult lessons and taking Day Care reservations. Meadows equipment rental center and two sports shops will be open. Culinary services will have the Schuss Grill, Higher Grounds and Alpenstube Bar operating for breakfast, lunch and Apres Ski.
To summarize: a limited open at Meadows this weekend, with discounted lift tickets. The snow level at 5,366 feet is reportedly 11 inches as of Wednesday morning.
On the other side of the mountain, Timberline began running Pucci in addition to the beginner’s Bruno chair Wednesday from 9-4.
About 1,000 feet downhill, Skibowl is still waiting on snow to open for skiing and snowboarding, although tubing could begin at Multorpor this weekend.
The weekend mountain forecast calls for clear skies and sunshine.
Last modified: November 24, 2015
