MEADOWS BLOG

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Meadows Extends the Season

Hi Folks,

I’m happy to announce that Mt. Hood Meadows is extending the season and will remain open 7 days a week through April 30, 2006. As many of you know, last fall we had scheduled our closing date for April 16th.

Late season skiing has always been a challenge for Meadows due to low participation. People seem to get distracted after March as the temperatures in the valley and the Gorge increase, the yard needs mowing, the golf courses open, the biking kicks in, and other recreational options expand. We’ve tried most everything: weekends only, closing and reopening for early summer skiing, and running 7 days a week into May. None of this has worked in the past and the company has run mostly empty chairs around in circles after mid-April.

I’ve had a fair amount of feedback over the last few weeks that people want us to stay open later than April 16th this season. It’s hard to gauge whether it’s a vocal few or representative of a larger population.

We’ve heard you and we’re willing to give it another try. Maybe things have changed and we’ll have visitors up here in late April! That would certainly help justify the decision next season (hint, hint)…

Historically, most every year we close with a lot of snow on the ground. The base depth really has had nothing to do with the closing date. It’s been based on the volume (or lack thereof) of people who want to ski and snowboard. Our closing date is not mandated by the Forest Service as some people have guessed. As long as we have adequate snow cover to protect the underlying vegetation the decision when to close is up to the ski area.

It’s a balancing act between guest satisfaction, operational costs, volume, and how our lift tickets and season passes are priced. We are trying to keep the price of our season pass from escalating while we’re getting hammered with increasing costs across the board. It wasn’t that many years ago when the least expensive adult season pass cost $800 in September. Those of you who have been purchasing 4x4s for just a few years are probably unaware of that.

We ask ourselves, at what point are we doing our customers as well as the company a disservice by continuing to run at a loss? You can imagine that there has to be a point where you have to call it quits if people are not coming even if you have snow on the ground. I’d like nothing more than to operate until we have no snow left to ski on. There simply has not been that kind of demand in the late season in the past.

In the 1980s I worked at Keystone Resort in Colorado. At the time, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin were jointly owned by Ralston Purina (yes, the dog food company) so I had a free pass at both areas. I was making $5.10 / hour working behind the front desk at the Lodge at Keystone while skiing the lift served areas a minimum of 120 days / nights per season. I had the early shift so most every afternoon and night was spent sliding. The ski patrol would let me bring my golden retriever on the gondola between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. each night to let him get some exercise running down the mountain. I drove a beat up Toyota Tercel and carried a canoe around on the top all winter for some reason – I guess I thought it was cool. When A-Basin would close around July 4th, we’d spend the next few months skinning and 3-pinning on snow fields at Loveland Pass, Saint Mary’s Glacier, and over at Independence Pass. Late season skiing is in my blood.

A-Basin always stays open as late as possible and maintains strong demand through the end from the Denver market. It was a lot of fun back then: The Beach, Pallavicini, East Wall, etc. We would love nothing more than to see the local skier and snowboarder culture change so that late season riding was a big deal at the Meadows!

Admittedly, we’re a bit skeptical that it will work. This feeling is based on past experience. Maybe this year and future years will be different. We’re going to pull the management and marketing teams together and put plans together to make it fun and exciting this April. Hopefully you all will prove us wrong and we can create what A-Basin has done for so many years.

Please feel free to click on “comments” below and post your thoughts. We love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Sincerely,


Dave Riley
General Manager

Posted: Mar 16 2006, 02:12 PM by Ski2Live | with 151 comment(s)

Comments

Kim said:

I would really love if you'd stay open longer. Last year was a terrible year and this year has been fabulous and you actually have the option. Spring skiing really is the best, it's so nice to shed the layers and just enjoy it. I have a season pass and i'm up there every weekend (and occasionally a weekday here and there), and will be until you guys close.
# March 16, 2006 3:30 PM

LeAnn said:

Dave to start thanks to all involved in the decision to extend the season, even if only for a couple of weeks. There have indeed been difficult years for both the resort and the patrons. I hope that the gesture is welcomed by the skeptics who feel the resort does not care about the patrons and only the bottom line for what I hope it is…a gesture in good faith. I will definitely try to make it up the hill more in April than I will in March, due to spring break interference to show my appreciation.

Again, I welcome the efforts on your part and hope the local winter sports community will come together to reinforce why you are doing this! And if that proves you wrong….I welcome that too.
# March 16, 2006 3:41 PM

David Schor said:

This is what we all wanted to hear, Dave. Thanks for making a lot of skiers and snowboarders very happy (and proud). Two more weeks will make a big difference, and I promise I will not waste the extra time. This is my first season at Meadows, and I'm glad to see that it will not be ending so soon as I had feared! Any chance of getting another two weeks if we keep on visiting? ;-)
# March 16, 2006 4:00 PM

Carl Goebel said:

Thanks for the insight Dave, but I predict we will prove you wrong! I know I am still planning on being at Meadows every Sat. & Sun s long as I can (and I will be bringing my friends). Especially after such a lame season last year, I expect people to keep coming back for more.
# March 16, 2006 4:21 PM

Eric Gross said:

Hurray for Dave!

While I'm all for extending the season, I certainly respect the need to make sound fiscal decisions. I believe in this case you can do both. Ideas include:

* Limited the week day schedule to Monday Wednesday & Friday.

* Reduced operating hours to 9:30 - 2:30. This gives the snow a little time in the morning to soften up and save a few twisted knees in the late afternoon when the snow get heavy.

* Create a festive enviornment by arranging some outside entertainment (a D.J. would be fine with me)on the weekend that would encourage people to hang around (drop a few coins) and enjoy the spring weather.

Oh ya. Nickle beers.
# March 16, 2006 4:37 PM

Chip said:

Right on Dave! But is it me or has this season seen more days with the cars out all the way to 35 than the past 4 years? Really, I'm curious, I don't remember a season this busy, not counting last year of course. So money is really that much of a concern?

I'm stoked about the decision and I will be up there to prove y'all wrong.

Good Choice.
# March 16, 2006 5:12 PM

James said:

Dave, I've had plenty of issues with things in your blog this year. But I have NONE with this well stated post.

The joys of the spring are many: sunny days, less crowds, plenty of snow, and the occasional spring squall. I was very unhappy to think thoughts of Meadows closing while you sit on 20+ feet and I have a season pass. Obviously, that is not a great thought for anyone with a pass as we want to use them as much as possible.

I certainly can sympathize with the business concerns of a large operation such as Meadows, so let me say thanks for staying open as late as possible. I certainly have the intent to make good use of the bounty we have this year.
# March 16, 2006 6:41 PM

Ian said:

Dave spring shredding is the best by far, keep the park in good condition and you will see a bunch of riders up there until close.
# March 16, 2006 6:51 PM

Richard said:

We will be there every weekend until you close. We are scheduling weekday ski trips to be supportive. For years we have seen people put their boards away after easter. We enjoyed the crowd free skiing.

I like the idea "If you want spring skiing you better aks for it and you better show up"
# March 16, 2006 7:02 PM

Brandon said:

This. Is. Great. Thanks so much for your decision to extend the season. Me and DOZENS of my buddies have all been bummed out on the mid-April close. A couple extra weeks is awesome. Of course. I would love to see it open til May..... But I guess I wont be greedy.

Thanks much! News traveled like wildfire around text messages today between all of our friends.

Later!
# March 16, 2006 7:17 PM

Mikeg said:

Dave,

Thanks for all your insight this season with your blogs on Cascade and on thinning the trees for more tree skiing . Like all the rest writing in I will be up there just like I have been all season and will do my best to encourage other to do the same. I will keep my fingers crossed for a few more powder days and look forward to sunny spring riding with lots of my friends. Thanks and good luck with your numbers , would be nice to hear at the end if you think it was worth it .
# March 16, 2006 7:56 PM

Ron Besser said:

I am really happy that you are staying open and everyone i know is happy as well. My idea is that you stay open past April 30th if you still have enough people coming up. If you dont have the people after the 30th just go ahead and close. But if you do i am sure that all those people who are still coming up will be very greatful and more than likely ski with you all next year. I would love it if this season you stayed open into or through May. I know many wold enjoy that in order to, in a sense, make up for last season. This could also be a way for you as a resort to redeem yourselves (even though you didnt have anything to do with the amount of snow that fell last year). Anyway that was my little blog, and i am already greatful for the april 30th close, and would be even more greatful for a later one if the people continue to come, which i am sure they will.
Ron
# March 16, 2006 8:00 PM

Jono said:

YES!!!!! We have enough snow to stay open all summer! lets do it. Now we just have to keep making the turain parks bigger
# March 16, 2006 8:25 PM

Mike said:

Yaaaahoooo!! Where is spring? I love powder skiing as much as anyone, but I live for spring skiing, the crowds die down the atmosphere is cooler and more laid back. Thanks for the longer season! Maybe the sun will come out and make us some tasty corn snow.
How about some type of fesivities like Hawaiian Days ( similar to Jamacin Days), maybe pond skimming (I always wanted to try that). BBQ's, outdoor bands, bicycle slalom, naked skiing...ok now I'm just getting carried away, bathing suits maybe. Just thinking about a longer season is getiin' me all goofy, rock on Dave!
# March 16, 2006 9:16 PM

Michael Grinich said:

I'm thinking this is a great idea too. Late-season skiing may not be about the powder but with the new Zaugg, I'm sure the park can stay killer for another month.

I also agree with that other guy a few comments up: more entertainment. Throw a couple of parties and maybe another contest. Just something to get people up to the mountain.

And I seriously don't think you're going to regret this decision. I was just talking to a guy on the chair last week who was complaining about how he had to go to Timberline for spring riding. Meadows owns Timberline any day in my book.

Keep up the great work on the hill!
# March 16, 2006 9:19 PM

D.J. said:

It's great that you all have decided to extend the season to the usual deadline. April riding is the best. Sun,soft snow, and the super park. And just let me say that I notice the super park(or a good park at leat) is what gets more people to come up and ride in april. I meet a lot of people from out of town buying lift tickets during april. First year I boarded meadows( 2000-2001) it got soooo busy up on cascade when the super park was up. Many of the people came from far away just to hit up the super park, as well as the usually meadows crowd.

And just let me say the I speak for many of the riders out there when I say THANK YOU for putting up some more advance terrain in the parks. The 3 jumps on vista and the super kicker on red is GREAT!! I think it well get more people to come up and ride this spring. keep up the great work.
# March 16, 2006 10:05 PM

tyler rivenbark said:

you need to stay open later than april 30th. have you thought about bringing a big competion up to meadows or having some other sort of attractions. I mean we have been fortunate enough to have a really good snow season. You probably want to try to get as much out of it as possible. Especially since global warming is a very real and scary thing that will wipe out the ski industry, if serious change isnt made. I have been observing things and from what i have seen meadows has had a good/descent season about every other season in the last 7 years. What if next year if like 2004-2005 when meadows was closed in january. So basically what i am saying is first stay open later, because i will personally promise you that i will come up atleast every weekend meadows stays open. and second DO MORE about the enviroment. Find alternate fuels to use for the cats (bio-diesel is in the right direction because it emits less GHG's except Nitrious oxide but there are better fuels). Also think about turning meadows into its own independent self sustainable little village with its own wind mills and solar panels powering everything. Yes at first it would be very expensive, but in the long run you save much more money and pollute less.

thank you - tyler rivenbark
# March 16, 2006 10:37 PM

alan d said:

fantastic! i ride 1-2/wk(always mid wk) and think it would best serve the "$ man" and the sliders to only open the key lifts and maintain an excellent terrain park/pipe. You save money and keep the patrons happy with much better spring terrain than those "other guys" on the other side of the mtn. i think it can be a great success, planned & executed wisely. fyi, i ride weekly with at least 3-4 other self employed die hards who also bring up their young ones as well. They all concur with my sentiments... we look forward to a fantastic spring at our ONLY good resort on Mt Hood.
# March 16, 2006 10:43 PM

Mike Comatose said:

That IS the big question! When talking about the bottom line, running a few empty chairs is not really the point. Don't think of each empty chair as lost revenue. Think of it as building loyalty amongst your peers. I stopped buying season passes at meadows because it seemed to me that yáll were saving upper heather for the weekends. It was the same feeling I got when A-Basin was absorbed by George Gillet(the very guy who wants to build a gondola at Alpental). Dogs on the beach, the alpenglow bright pink, stopping at a lean-to for a breather. These things seemed threatened at the time. They survived because good folks have loyalty to that place. To blame the skiers for hangin it up in March is silly. You must first build a loyal fan base. People are loyal to meadows because of its great terrain, not its A-Basin atmosphere. To be honest, your resort is a tad sterile, no surprises, give us your money and we'll drag you up the hill. A big tent with hot dogs and blaring music is not the remedy either. Carl is right, nickel beers, cheap tickets, some decent rock bands(local yokels will do it for free if you comp some tickets to them and their friends). Spend a few bucks and hire a booker from PDX to pull some talent together. Do a discounted can-drive day with live music once a week. You could call it "Spring-ling-a-ding-dong"". Every full-price spring ticket gets you a half price voucher. A king of the hill snow-mountain the kiddies. Doggy day afternoons. Encourage R.V.s to stay for free in your massive lots. It works for Wal-Mart and they don't even have skiable terrain. You guys aren't owned by George yet, OR ARE YOU? Build it and they will come, again and again
# March 16, 2006 11:22 PM

TVwxman said:

What about following the Mt. Bachelor spring model? Beginning in mid-April, they reduce their operations (and costs) by running just 2 lifts, and they're open only from 8am-1pm... but they stay open through Memorial Day.

If you were to run just the Mt. Hood Express and Cascade Express lifts from 8am-1pm (with a skeleton staff and limited lodge operations), you could minimize your loss while keeping season pass-buyers impressed. Perhaps you could negotiate an agreement with a golf course to offer morning Meadows skiers/boarders discounted coupons for golf that afternoon. You could even offer a special ski/golf combo ticket... a ticket that the golf course could also sell at their end.

And, if you stayed open reliably through May each year, perhaps you might get some race camp business that would otherwise go to Timberline or Bachelor. That could bring in some extra income to offset the loss.

I'm sure you've already thought of these ideas... and have probably already tried them before. But just in case you haven't...
# March 16, 2006 11:31 PM

blake said:

How do passholders impact the financial decision? Money was taken in the fall for a full season of skiing. Now that season is governed by daily revenues? I thought we paid up front. Also, a lot of the scene at A-Basin was driven by the easy backcountry access late season. Maybe you guys could take a lesson there.
# March 17, 2006 2:39 AM

Mike said:

I'd also like to thank you Dave. I was pretty dissapointed when I found out that Meadows was going to close so early. I love hanging around in the park on a nice sunny day. I am also curious about the question raised by Chip about how the crowds compare this year to past seasons. I've been an employee at Meadows for the past five seasons and I agree that this seems to have been the busiest. Just wondering how the stats really add up.

Dave's reply: Thanks for your email. I think its going to end up being an all time record in terms of total visits this season.
# March 17, 2006 7:15 AM

Kevin said:

Thank you Dave!!! I am just finishing up recovering from a broken wrist and was bummed that I would only have two weeks left to ride. I purchased the 4x4 the past couple of years and after last year I would take advantage of the snow that is here this year. You never know what next year will bring, or not bring. I promis you that my group of 4 will be on the hill at least 1 or 2 days a week untill you close. Even if you extend the closing date again. Maybe until the end of May!! What are the chances? Thanks again!!
# March 17, 2006 7:35 AM

Chris said:

Dave,

THANK YOU! The incredible powder in March has been awesome, but I was beginning to wonder if we would get any good Spring skiing this year. I also envisioned having to hike (or go to Timberline) on the first powder day after Meadow's closing. This decision should give everyone a few more great days on the mountain regardless of the weather.
It is also a great public relations boost for Meadows. It goes a long way to show that you do listen and care about the opinions of your guests. Even if the extra two weeks aren't a huge financial success, they will end the 2005/2006 season on a very positive note and should encourage more repeat (and returning) pass sales for next winter.
# March 17, 2006 7:41 AM

Hinsley said:

Thanks to Dave and the rest of the crew at Meadows.

I for one, will be trying to help create a busy April for you folks. This is my first year to have a season pass and I intend on going until you say stop. That goes with the others in my crew. Thanks for making it possible for me to get some more turns in this year.

I've also rode A-basin in the spring, and can understand the culture you look to build. I hope it happens; it's a be beautiful thing.

Thanks again!!

# March 17, 2006 7:53 AM

Aaron said:

Thanks, Dave, for pushing the close date out a little. I think everyone can see how it is a little financially sketchy to stay open longer. And I know that weekend only operation is really not an option. I have long been frustrated that so many of my fellow riders lose interest in coming up late season to Meadows, but they are more than happy to go to Timby and ride the flats. Maybe a sustained and maintained terrain park and rail park will keep the young blood coming up and we can reverse the trend to head to the other side of the mountain. I join you in hoping that "Spring Culture" becomes a reality here at The Hood. Maybe all the folks who were turned off by the HUGE weekend crowds can see that this the best time to ride with less people in better weather. During the regular season even the weekdays were plenty crowded. In late season the weekdays are so empty I get a little lonely. It's kind of sad, don't you think? All that sun and snow and so few to share it with. Come on people, lets get up on the hill and make Dave proud!
# March 17, 2006 7:54 AM

Scott said:

Very nice to hear Dave! I hope that it works out well for Meadows financially. This year must look good in the books, I know the lines have been long most everytime I've been up...:)

If we see conditions like the end of last week, you can count on me, half of Portland, and all of Hood River being there!!! (Did it remind you of Colorado? That was some nice snow quality) If it's not those type of conditions...I'm out. The golf course calls. Spring conditions used to be fun, but now I'm more into powder turns, and cold winter days. I suspect this is the case for many.

I heard mention of nickel beers? That could change my perspective. Nickel beers, and ten dollar burgers could be a good call financially speaking!
# March 17, 2006 7:59 AM

Troy Ingersoll said:

This has just made my morning. My friends who enjoy the mountain will really like to hear the news. It makes me feel like meadows cares about keeping its customers happy. I do have a comment about parking lot patrol. I was up last weekend on 3-11-06. I parked in the annex parking for the main lodge. At lunch I went down to my car and moved it up to the main lodge. I saw opening in the parking lot while I was skiing down. The parking lot attendant let the 5-6 cars enter the parking lot infront of me. Then when I drove up he told me the parking lot was full, when it was obviously not. He then told me to turn around. He was very rude and did not have and acceptable tone while he was speaking to me. He wore a red stocking hat that covered his entire face and wore goggles over his eyes. I then noticed dozens of cars parking in the main lot. I want to know why they shut down the main lot at noon when there are a few dozen parking spaces open from people who have left early. I would also like to know why all the cars in front of me where let in and I was told to turn around. Just a little bit dissapointed in how I was treated by your staff. The skiing was great though. Thank you for your time.

Dave's reply: Thank you for your email. I'll meet with the supervisor on this today and try and find out what the problem was so that it is not repeated.
# March 17, 2006 8:02 AM

Shannon Wipf said:

Thank you so much for hearing us, Dave. Your decision makes me feel an even stronger loyalty to Meadows. I am certain that you won't be sorry!!!
# March 17, 2006 8:17 AM

Michael Travinski said:

Dave,

This is great news. As a pass holder, I really appreciate the extended season. I think I can speak for all of my family and friends when I say that we'll all be there until you close the doors.
In regards to the 4X4 pass, it's made it affordable for me to be able to ride all season, so I hope it's here to stay. Thanks again.

Mike
# March 17, 2006 8:38 AM

James said:

I was devastated when I heard the Season was going to close on April 16th. I called the Operations Office to verify and sure enough………“WORST!” I decided to make the best of it and started skiing twice on the weekends and not merely once, but man, my dogs hate it when I do that. So Dave even my dogs thank you.

Now we all need to come up with some ideas and a plan to have you folks explore the option of staying open through MAY.

What about just running two chairs, Meadows and Vista, come May? The trails may end up being a bit more crowded, but your operations cost would be down. There is a lot of terrain to explore off those two chairs and we’d understand if only certain areas were groomed. I’m sure you folks have thought of this before and that even doing that wouldn’t be cost effective, but the diehards sure would appreciate it.

Or how about "Clothing Optional Sundays"!?!
# March 17, 2006 8:42 AM

Sean said:

You GO Dave! One Question: Is my Spring Season Pass good past April 16? If so I will buy two more for my kids too. This makes it worth the $99.

Dave's reply: Thanks for your email. The $99 unlimited spring pass is good through the last day. Enjoy!
# March 17, 2006 8:48 AM

Scooter said:

Hi Dave... thanks for extending spring skiing for a few weeks. Last fall we purchased weekday season's passes at Timberline and have skied there all winter. We've been meaning to get up to Meadows to give it a try, and by offering the $99 Spring Unlimited Pass, it afforded us the opportunity to get up there and experience the much wider variety of skiing that you offer. Although more expensive, we will most likely purchase season's passes at Meadows next season as we find the area's skiing far superior to Timberline. Also, we appreciate the fine customer service at Meadows. Something that is a little lacking at times at Timberline. We will ski Meadows as long as you keep the lifts open. Thanks again.
# March 17, 2006 9:00 AM

Another stoked boarder! said:

Thank you, we've all been waiting to hear this very news. I knew after the last big storm there'd be no way you guys could close early! I know my fellow pass holders and myself are amped for some spring riding days and will be up there as much as we can-while still keeping our jobs!
# March 17, 2006 9:16 AM

Kara said:

Dave, this is GREAT news! I'll be up almost every weekend in April. See you on the slopes.
# March 17, 2006 9:19 AM

Seth said:

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to patron feedback about extending the season! I was very disappointed when I first realized that (unlike last year) the snow would far outlast the season and I'd be stuck down in the valley, looking sadly at my snowboard and wishing for late November to arrive faster.

Thanks also for being so clear and honest with the factors that influence your decision about the opening and closing times for the season. I've been extremely impressed with your candor and willingness to explain the whys of your decisions; it helps immensely to hear the actual reasoning instead of trying to puzzle together guesses based on hearsay or wild speculation.

To your point about population tapering off as the weather warms, I can only say that I'm making plans to drag several friends up to the mountain in April (especially now that I've got a couple more weeks to work with) so they can experience the amazing conditions of spring season: blue skies, sunshine, warm breezes, and smooth meadows of soft snow.

Please continue adding to your blog over the rest of the season and into the summer months. I know we'll enjoy reading your insights into the work that goes into preparing Meadows for another incredible season.

Thank you again!
# March 17, 2006 9:22 AM

Michelle said:

I do not live in Oregon and have visited Mt Hood in January. It wasn't a good trip since it did nothing but rain in portland and snow(heavy wet) on hood. I want to come back and experience it with some sunshine. I think more marketing needs to be done about the late season availability. Maybe more people will start coming when all the snow is gone from Tahoe and Mammoth. Just a thought.
# March 17, 2006 9:52 AM

Allison said:

You made many people very happy with this decission. Thank you for listening!
# March 17, 2006 9:52 AM

foster said:

Thanks for extending the season. April is always a great time to get out and ride on the mountain.

It's also a terrific time to introduce new people to the sports of Skiing and Snowboarding. It's comfortable (warm) and there's little hassle getting to the mountain (no chains, etc).

I hope Meadows also sees it as an opportunity to become aggressive in promoting learn to ride programs. Maybe a 3 pack program for newbies? 2 days this season to get them hooked and one next season to keep them going?

Thanks again for keeping the mountain open through some of the best riding of the season.

Oh yeah, I too would appreciate nickle beers.
# March 17, 2006 9:53 AM

Steve said:

To Dave & the Meadows Team:
Thanks for taking a chance on your customers. Hopefully more than just the few hard core will reciprocate. I will certainly do so -- the skiing is just too good! Besides, as last year proved, you never what next year will bring. Seize the moment and live for today!
# March 17, 2006 10:02 AM

Leif said:

Dave,

Thanks for the input on all of the decision making that goes on at the mountain. I know that a lot of people are convienced that since this season has been so good, Meadows has made up for last season; and with the amount of season pass holders, lobor cost wise it isn't important to keep the hills going.

I will make it my mission to inform people what has actually been going on. Thanks for extension and look for some more awesome days up at the mountain starting today with some friends from Colorado!
# March 17, 2006 10:31 AM

Dan Kneip said:

Dave!!! Way to go! As a long time late season skier, you will see me there until the end! You have a lot of pass holders who would probably pitch in and help with activities too (like me). Spring skiing screams bands, beer and babes! This is awesome!
# March 17, 2006 10:39 AM

Kathleen said:

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

OK everyone, we have to put our feet & money where our mouths are and get up there as much as we possibly can! It's up to us to make sure this is a good decision by Meadows management. If you let them down, don't think about complaining next year when they have to close early. And...forget packing a lunch! Help Meadows do this for us and buy lunch there every day! It's worth it!!
# March 17, 2006 11:04 AM

marie said:

My perfect saturday morning:
*coffee in the yard w/dog
*pick up kathy who's having coffee w/cats
*a couple of hours skiing at Herm in jeans & fleece vests w/sunglasses
*stop at elliot glacier for nachos on the deck
*back home with plenty of time to garden
Thanks for the spring skiing! it's THE BEST!
# March 17, 2006 11:10 AM

Rich said:

I'm pysched you're staying open! I love skiing late season up there -- sunny skis and lots of snow! Plus, it'll give me more of a chance to get use out of my 4X4 pass.
Thanks, Dave!
# March 17, 2006 11:20 AM

Paul Johnsen said:

First post for me. Thanks for all the blogs and extending the season, that is great news. This season has been bittersweet/frustrating for me, while the snow has been great, more weekend days than not have I dealt with the 11-1 pm opening of Heather/Shooting Star cluster-grouping and some ridiculous parking/lift-line situations (which I realize is out of your hands and as you pointed out earlier lift lines are better than 198?).

I have to second an above comment (Eric Gross), with such weekends like most in January, March 11/12th probably putting you well into the black for the season (an assumption...with cars down to Hwy 35/huge attendance), it is time to give back and not worry about profiting for the last 2 weeks. I know you are not running a charity but it goes to satisfying the customer (for possible future pass sales!). I have some buddies flying in from New York this weekend, to check out Mt. Hood Meadows for the first time, so I am more than just a 4x4 pass holder, I bring in business, too. Thanks again for season extension.

Dave's reply: Thanks for your email! Just so there is no confusion, I do hold tremendous respect and appreciation for our season pass holders. Personally, my objective is for everyone to have a season pass as opposed to paying full price for a lift ticket. I also believe that season pass holders do continue to spend throughout the season even though we've already collected the ticket revenue. I've heard some people say that "once we have the season pass holders money we don't care about them". That is so far from the truth. Season pass holders are our most influential core customers and clearly most important to the short and long term success of the resort. I hope your friends enjoy the Meadows when they visit! Have a great weekend and thanks again for your comments.
# March 17, 2006 11:29 AM

Paul said:

Well, I think it's great. However, like many NW sliders, I am a powderhound and usually only go when the (snow) conditions are good. Which is why I go to Meadows vs say Skibowl. So, I usually don't get up there in the late spring when the snow gets wet and heavy. Which means I don't have a lot of spring Mtn experiences. However, I have heard other swear by it. SOOO, I am excited to get a full month of spring ski opportunities this year to change my mind. Perhaps your marketing crew could focus on the benefits of warm-weather, "perfect corn" skiing and riding. That might bring a few more peeps to the Mtn this yr.

God Bless the Mtn People!
# March 17, 2006 11:36 AM

Charity and Walter in Vancouver said:

Yay!!! We got into skiing again this year after years off, but only started late in the season. We are SO happy you are staying open, we will be there at least one more time, hopefully twice. Thank you!!!
# March 17, 2006 12:10 PM

Emilio Trampuz said:

You are right, Dave. People do seem to lose interest in skiing just when the skiing is at its best, ... the most snow, the most sunshine, fewer crowds.

Still, this year HAS been exceptional in many ways. More snow than usual. Greater crowds than usual. So, I do hope people will keep on coming throughout April. I know I will. And I DON'T have a pass this season, so all my visits will be cash in the Meadows piggy-bank.

Dave's reply: Thanks so much for your email. You might want to consider purchasing the $99 spring season pass.
# March 17, 2006 12:25 PM

Stephanie Perry said:

Thank you so much for extending the season!!! Whoo Hoo!! I was hoping that you'd have enough demand to see fit to remain open a little longer.

I've been a faithful mid-weeker for years and will be up several more times before April 30th!

Thanks again!
# March 17, 2006 12:43 PM

stephen loudon said:

Hello Dave,

You wrote: "It’s hard to gauge whether it’s a vocal few or representative of a larger population."

I created a petition to extend the current season past the April 16th close date and received 70 completed petitions the first day. More came in each day, circulated entirely by riders. Mind you, I was able to contact only a tiny percentage of riders. I am confident that had I had access to email addresses of the larger ridership, the response would have been overwhelmingly in support of the extended season. In addition to the completed petition, I received many copies of previous emails sent to your attention requesting an extension of the close date. What struck me most was the level of passion eveident in those emails. It was as if you had taken a cherished toy from a a few hundred children. I am extremely pleased that you have chosen to listen to your riders and remain open until April 30th.

I understand that you have a tough job. You are both the steward of an area and activity that inspires passion and you also have to make money. But I think in fairness to your season pass holders, you need to keep your closing date aligned with that of Mt. Bachelor and Timberline. If they can remain open this season until May 15th or later, why shouldn't Meadows?

I think this has been a step in the right direction in satisfying each of those competing responsibilities.

Thanks for not making winter any shorter.

Loudon
# March 17, 2006 12:46 PM

Alfred T. Jones said:

I am absolutely thrilled to hear the great news about keeping Meadows Open. Dave, in case you were wondering, about the really cool resorts in Colorado staying open really late. I have a dream to make it work at Meadows, it's called combining Timberline and Meadows with a new lodge in the White River Canyon. Tell me what you think everyone - how sweet would it be to have a massive resort like that and to then have a greater village in Government camp for even more skiers, not just from Oregon but from all over the Country!

Dave's reply: Thanks for sharing your vision. That's probably worthy of a different blog sometime in the future ;)
# March 17, 2006 1:54 PM

Foster Nostrand said:

Dave,

Thank you for the Blog and your commitment to keeping your customers informed. When I heard the April 16th closing date I was very dissapointed as a 10X pass holder my extra passes would only be usuable for other people for 16 days. The ability to let other people use my 10 pass days at the end of the season has been a big factor in deciding to purchase one for the past 4 seasons. I hope that your company is glad to see 100% of 10X pass days get used be it the original buyer or their friends at the end of the season.

No will you please get the ticket windows at HRM open and have more than 1 attendant at least 1/2 hr. before the lifts are scheduled to open?

My main gripe this season has been going to HRM to get my ticket at 8:45, having no outside windows open, then going inside to where there is 1 person at the counter both selling tickets and helping the espresso bar open. The line inside snakes literally into the mens bathroom. Very frustrating especially with the later 9:00 am lift opening.

Regards.

Dave's reply: Thank you for your comments. I'll look into the issues you have raised today.
# March 17, 2006 2:34 PM

paul smith said:

Hello, I would just like to say thanks for listening to the hundreds of angry customers. I am not sure just how many people voiced their opinion on this but I thank each and everyone.

As a pass holder I was very insulted by the choice to close on such a early date. Personally I think they should stay open well into may but I will take what I can get. I do not work for the mountain so I know I can only see this from one side but to me I think meadows is more worried about cutting into big profits then they are about loosing money .

To me the mountain looks at our money as passholders as money they already recieved. Money that does not get taken into consideration when they decide on closing dates. Sure, if they stay open into may and only passholders come ski they will infact not take in new money and spend a great deal in the operation of the mountain. Anyone can see that they are loosing money at this point.
But, to me I consider my money spent on my pass as payment for this time of year. They need to think about that more. Because after all, if they piss off the passholders that just means less passholders the following year, they make them happy then they have a return customer.

As for the price of passes I would love to learn why it is that meadows cannot make then even cheaper. Colorado, Tahoe, East Coast all sell multi mountain passes for much cheaper. I grew up on the east coast and to this day you can buy a three mountain pass for under 200 dollars. Now, on the east they blow snow, goom everything and the cost of operation has to make meadows look like a joke. But, they are selling passes way cheaper. Sure there are more people but still, if meadows had to blow snow everyday, ha.. I would love to see them work that one out.

Anyway, I am happy that meadows did infact make many customers happy with this decision. They did one smart thing.

Now, lets all show them that people do want to ski and ride in the spring.

thanks
# March 17, 2006 2:47 PM

Steve said:

Sweeeet!!!!
# March 17, 2006 4:18 PM

David said:

I still have $ for gas so I'll be skiing. Looking forward to it.
# March 17, 2006 4:30 PM

Greg Pitts said:

Thank you for extending the season. I understand the financial risk you're taking and I hope you'll get the volume of people you need to break even.
# March 17, 2006 4:52 PM

Al said:

I think it is great that you have two-way communication with your customes! Love the Blogs.

I would love to see Meadows stay open late for spring skiing. I am originally from New England and late season all the die-hards go to Killington which stays operating into May and longer, depending on the snow. (My mother did not appreciate the fact that we skiied there on Mother's Day at least once!) Of course, late season they only had one lift running, and it was mainly slush bumps.

But I enjoyed it. I am not sure everyone else does though - especially families. My observation was that it was mainly males 18-35.

I am glad you are willing to experiment and I hope it is a success! But if push comes to shove, I would rather have a cheaper seasons pass than a later season; I would rather be able to afford to ski in the winter when there is nothing else to do than ski late in the season when there are other options.

Thanks for listening.
# March 17, 2006 5:18 PM

Kristy said:

Thank you so much!!! OMG, this has made my day and my week! This is my first season skiing in Oregon (grew up in Colorado where, ironically, I too drove a beat up Toyota Tercel!, but I never got into the skiing there, my loss probably...). I *just* purchased a Spring Pass and it would have been worth the price just using it until April 16th, but now I'm *SO* excited to have another 2 weeks of skiing with my brandie-new pass! YAY!!!!! More more more! Now all I have to do is not get fired for ditching work to go skiing all the time... ;-)
# March 17, 2006 5:37 PM

Ken Sowinski said:

I lived in colorado for a year and a half...around 2003-2005ish and mainly all I rode was A-basin. I can give you two reasons that I know of that allow A-basin to get customers late in the season.
1) A-basin is included in the 3 mountains season pass for $300 or the 5 mountain pass for $500. Why is this important? Not only is it rediculously cheap to snowboard in colorado but it created a larger base of season pass holders because of the cost. Most people who get the season passes ride at Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail for most of the year while you still have a lot of locals at A-basin. When the more popular resorts such as Breckenridge and Keystone close for the season, you have all of those pass holders who still want to ride going to A-basin because it is included in thier pass. If the resorts around Mount Hood would do something like Colorado with say a pass that would be good at Meadows, Ski Bowl and Timberline for $300-$500, you would draw a bigger customer base.
2) A-basin puts on a lot of events late in the season such as bands, beer festivals as well as snowboard comps.
From what I can tell, the combination of the cheap season passes that are good at multiple mountains as well as the fun events on most weekends in the spring there combine to push thier season into late may if not june.
# March 17, 2006 5:47 PM

Craven Morehead said:

Dave,
First, thanks to you and all your staff for making this an exceptionally enjoyable year at Meadows. The atmosphere has been much more pleasant this year. Of course, the great snow hasn't hurt either. I hope everyone supports the extended season so you will consider it in the future. I know most of my fellow ski friends are stoked at the thought of skiing until the end of April.
Keep up the good work.

Craven Morehead
# March 17, 2006 8:32 PM

Bill Karsten said:

Thanks dave, I hope you know how happy this has made us season pass holders. After last year I think many of us feel like we could just keep on going. May ???? June ???? If your open me and my family are skiing.
# March 17, 2006 9:28 PM

Jeremy Johnson said:

Thanks for making that decision Dave. I absolutely love spring boarding. The weather is great, and the snow usually is too. hopefully there will be a big turnout this spring to justify staying open longer. I know my friends and I will come up as late in the spring as you are open, be it in April, May, etc.
# March 17, 2006 9:31 PM

Radha Sosienski said:

YOU ROCK! I was hoping you'd do that.
I had such a blast skiing last weekend that I bought the spring ski pass just so I"D go at least one more time !!! NOW I CAN go two or three times! CHEERS TO MEADOWS!
# March 17, 2006 11:19 PM

Eric said:

One fairly obvious reason that A-Basin stays so busy in the spring is that it is the only area that stays open much past mid-april in the area. And not only is Denver a larger metropolitan area, but people migrate to the area solely to pursue their ambitions of becoming a ski bum.

Here in Oregon, Bachelor stays open through May, Timberline stays open forever, and so there just aren't enough people with the need to ski until July to fill the slopes.

The true answer requires governmental involvement. Starting with children in kindergarten, a systematic brainwashing should occur which creates an internal need inside of these children to ski all year long. As these children grow up, the demand for late season skiing will increase to such an extent that every area that has snow will need to stay open as long as they can, simply in order to avoid social chaos. Everyone contact your state representatives immediately and demand action!!
# March 18, 2006 7:29 AM

TC said:

I'm glad you're staying open,too,now I don't have to go back to MT til may.if you build a park like the year there was the $60 may pass,people will come.My friends are STILL talking about that spring.I have always loved spring riding &seriously can't comprehend finding other things to do(?)Thanks,MHM
# March 18, 2006 10:17 AM

Steve said:

AWESOME!!! I will be there... I always try to get a few days in the spring... It is great skiing...unless of course it is raining.

It would be great to ski in May...but I do know I would not make it up as much as I do in the winter...yard work, ect...

Thanks, for staying open for a couple more weeks. I will see you there

Steve
# March 18, 2006 10:30 AM

Joe said:

1) It's been a busy years with cars parked down to the highway on several occassions. I am sure you guys made some good money
2) Running just Cascade and Mt. Hood Express on Friday, Saturday, Sunday would keep most of the mountain open, when most people could use it, and shouldn't cost too much
# March 18, 2006 11:39 AM

NATHAN said:

AFTER LAST SEASON I THINK EVERYONE IS DOWN FOR A LONG SEASON....SPRING SNOW HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY CREWS FAV. TIME TO HIT THE PARKS! SNOW
IN THE WINTER SOMETIMES KEEPS YOU FROM DOING ANYTHING BUT HITTING THE POW, AND SOME PARK TIME IS AT THE BOTTOM OF OUR LIST. I CAN SPEAK FOR ME AND MY CRE OF 20+ RIDERS THAT AS LONG AS THE LIFTS RUN WE WILL BE THERE EVERY CHANCE WE GET....KEEP IT OPEN AND THEY WILL COME!
# March 18, 2006 12:22 PM

Danny said:

Dave,

This is great news. Judging from most of the replies, most people intend to ski on the weekends. Why not take a cue from many other ski areas in the country and operate (1) through April on full service and (2) after that on the weekends only with limited lift service like Hood Express, Cascade and maybe Shooting Star and Heather until the snow is gone. You seem like an old ski dog yourself. Don't YOU and the owners want to be on the slopes too?
# March 18, 2006 3:50 PM

Noah said:

I'm so glad Meadows will be open late this spring!! Now if only you borrow More of the colorado ski culture and start having live bands (reggae and bluegrass) playing outside the lodge, and also More Theme Days!!
Generate some party excitement!
# March 18, 2006 3:53 PM

Mark said:

Thanks Dave, I may have seen you at A-Basin in the 80s after Aspen closed for the season, I had great times on the Pallavicini chair when my knees were still pain-free. Spring is the best!
Mark
# March 18, 2006 5:16 PM

Mick said:

Fantastic
I'll be skiing to the end of April for sure
# March 18, 2006 6:21 PM

Trevin Pieh said:

Good move.

This is my first year back at Meadows in ten years. I spent lots of time there as a teen and always thought the combination of terrain and conditions was the best on Hood. Ski Bowl is unfortunately so low. But Meadows has always been the most expensive and seemed to have a corporate attitude. I'm pleased to see the concern for what the public is looking for. The extended season is great, now I am thrilled that I picked up the spring pass. Some late season events would be fun such as outdoor live music, beer gardens, a DJ at the superpipe, amateur comps, pro comps, Chinese Downhill. I remember being at Timberline every year for memorial weekend with my family and friends when they would have a bbq and music and we would ski in shorts and come home with racoon eyes. A variation on that for late April or early May would be better at a place with more advanced terrain.
# March 18, 2006 7:38 PM

Paolo said:

Great! Just to add to the comments, spring skiing is best for bringing to the mountain our little ones and here in the NW we are a little limited since the weather is often not that easy for little kids, so we will sure visit in the last weeks.
Thanks
# March 18, 2006 10:05 PM

Conor said:

Thank you so much for extending the season. I have not missed a weekend yet, and I want nothing more than to continue my run as long as possible. I only hope that the mountain gets enough business to stay open through May too. Please!
# March 19, 2006 12:33 AM

Kris said:

Great choice I believe, for sure I have been looking forward to continue my riding into the summer, then when I heard rumors of an extended season I was thrilled! thanks again Dave and maybe if there is enough interest after that, may and june look a little blank on my calander, and Im sure there are plenty out there just like me so keep the posts comming people!
# March 19, 2006 3:56 PM

kate said:

Sweet! I am looking to come up there April 15th, and I was really hoping some good snow would be left--and the resorts still open. I'm from Utah and I love the snow here, but I also wanted to try some different terrain. Thanks for the good news and I hope to see y'all in mid-April. :)
# March 19, 2006 4:16 PM

Jeanie said:

Thanks Dave! I was really looking forward to spring skiing and was disappointed when I heard you were closing in mid April. This will give me a couple of more weeks. This has been the first year with all three of my kids up there every weekend and they just love it and want to be up there all the time. Count on me to be up there with my whole family every weekend until you close. Thanks!!
# March 19, 2006 6:34 PM

MIKE said:

Dave, I wanna express my joy on seing your post. I was looking at the 99$ spring pass deal that you guys offer, and I was waiting for a word on when the lifts will close. SO, now that we know, it's a STEAL. I'm a cheap guy (a real ski bum :) so I sky mostly nights either on Wed or Fri/Sat. But my best days at Meadows so far were in APRIL. Last year for exemple I was up there only twice, both in APril and after 5 consecutive days of 1 foot dumps. It was magical. COUNT ME IN!!!!!! And a few of my buddies from work probably!

Also, I talked with some of your employees at the SnowFever show last fall, and I was trying to see if there is any way Meadows will have a MIDWEEK PASS at a competitive price. Timberline had one for 179.... I think a 200$ MEEDWEEK PASS will be very beneficial for MEadows. I work at Intel in a compress work week schedule. Our weekend starts on WED and ends on Sat or SUn. I know a toooooooon of people that are interested into this deal, but they ditched it for Timberline, ONLY DUE TO PRICE. So, instead of having the lifts running almost empty on meedweek, you could litterly have hundreds of people extra comming up there from Mon (front shift), trough Thu/Fri(back half of week shift). ANd it will make me happy too. I know it's hard management decision, but look at the full part of the cup. I can have a list with signatures just from my shift with at least 100 ppl that are gonna jump on it if you'll have it next year. GUARANTEED.

Thanx, Mike
# March 19, 2006 8:36 PM

Murray said:

I broke my hand and thought my season was over. I'm so glad you'll be open after my cast comes off. Thanks!
# March 19, 2006 10:12 PM

Evan said:

Spring snowboarding has always been one of my favorite memories growing up riding meadows. It has always been the best having bluebird days with a perfectly maintained park and pipe. The spring of 2000 was by far the best spring season in my mind. The park and pipe were very extensive and awesome on cascade. Also the late opening until May was awesome, I spent many days playing hooky from high school to ride. I more than anything with meadows would be able to stay open late into the season with the great snowfields that the resort has. I am glad the mountain is staying open later, as I will be adding 4 days of snowboarding over my easter break from college. Thanks meadows.
# March 20, 2006 12:26 AM