Skiers and snowboarders may not notice the largest investment at Mt. Hood Meadows  going into the 2016-17 season, but it should improve operations for the largest resort on Mount Hood.

Meadows recently completed a new vehicle maintenance facility at an inconspicuous location tucked away from view near the Sunset Lot. The building will be used for servicing a growing fleet of snow grooming machines and shuttle buses, and it should improve working conditions for Meadows mechanics, while also opening up some prime real estate near the resort base for beginner terrain and lessons.

The area where the old maintentance shed used to be located will now contain a new 60-foot Sunkid Conveyer for beginners progressing from the Ballroom Carpet to the Buttercup lift.

Meadows also invested in the following improvements going into 2016-17:

• Two new Pisten Bully 400 Snowcats. That brings the resort’s number of groomers up to 16. One of the new Pisten Bullies will be used for general grooming, the other for terrain park sculpting.
• A rental fleet’s worth of Rossignol RTL skis. The RTL has an “auto-turn rocker” feature that makes it easier for beginners to maneuver the skis and pivot them at slow speeds, while also improving flow for intermediate to advanced skiers.
• A Wintersteiger boot rack and drying system for the 1400 ski boots stored at the rental shop. Drying racks are definitely a good idea in the Pacific Northwest climate.
• High Def Mountain Cam Upgrades. Meadows mountain cams are among the most viewed web cams in the Pacific Northwest, and now four of the resort’s cameras will be upgraded to high def to bring an even more addictive view for mountain snow junkies.
• New Nordic Center rental equipment: new skate skis, classic skis and boots to supplement the current stock.

Meadows also has updated its selection of lift pass options going into 2016-17. Check for details here, and keep in mind that prices will rise after November 6th.

Last modified: November 4, 2016