As we enter the holiday week with winter storm warnings all over the place, we first want to reflect and thank our team and our guests. In these unprecedented times it truly is remarkable that we are able to experience and share the joy of mountain recreation with each other. Let’s face it - we need both the physical and emotional outlet that winter snow sports provide. We appreciate you working together with us to help fulfill that need.
Masks are required BEFORE entering buildings or riding shuttles
Thank you for masking up before entering our buildings or riding our shuttles, and helping us to remind those that forget or resist that this is the only way we will be able to continue to operate during this pandemic.
Winter Storm Warning on top of Winter Storm Warning
Now let’s talk holiday week weather - because it is SIGNIFICANT! We’ve already received nearly four feet of snow this week and the forecast has another three to five FEET through Sunday! We’re at 67 inches in the base area - and over 100 inches at midmountain. Don’t expect any upper mountain openings (Vista or Cascade) until a few days of storm recovery following the storm cycle. There’s a lot of snow to move, ice to knock off and damage to repair before we can access the upper mountain. We may see gated access terrain by mid-to-late next week. Patrol is assessing and reports tons of terrain traps so it is imperative that everyone stays out of these areas until we open the gates. Any rope ducking results in suspension for the entire season.
We encourage guests to ride with a buddy and keep them in sight, especially if venturing off the trail, and avoid tree wells. Refresh your knowledge of the dangers of tree wells / snow immersion suffocation (SIS) with a visit to DeepSnowSafety.org.
Be prepared before you leave home
It all starts with the trip to the mountain, so make sure your vehicle is winterized, that you have snow tires or chains, and that you know how to put them on when required at the designated chain-up station. Please don’t wait until you spin out to decide you need your chains on. Fill your tank up with gas before heading to the mountain and prepare with a winter safety kit for your vehicle - here’s a link to a great list recommended by the National Safety Council. During storm cycles you'll want to bring a shovel as several feet of snow can fall through the day and you may need to dig yourself out of your spot.
Purchase your ticket, lesson and rentals in advance
Before you leave home you will want to have your pass, or purchased your lift ticket, lessons and rentals online in advance. That assures you the best price and availability - as day of tickets may be sold out. A reminder to our Value Pass holders that your pass is valid every day during the holiday, but not until 2 PM. And yes we are open Christmas Day - with lifts scheduled from 9 AM - 9 PM. The holiday week we're open 9 AM - 4 PM Monday and Tuesday, 9 AM - 9 PM Wednesday - Sundays just like our normal operating schedule.
Tickets Lessons & Rentals
Nordic Center open daily and Snow Shoe Tours start Sunday
The Nordic Center is open daily from 9 AM - 4 PM through January 3 before resuming the normal Thursday - Monday operations for the season.
We’re offering Umbrella Falls Snow Shoe tours daily starting Sunday through December 31, and then weekends in January and February beginning January 8 and 9 as well as MLK and Presidents Day Mondays. Reservations and advance purchase is required.
HRE Early Loads Start Sunday
The Hood River Express (HRE) 8:30 AM early load starts Sunday all the way through the holiday week, and then weekends and holiday Mondays in January and February. The early load allows pass holders and those who have their ticket and equipment to park at the HRM lot and get an extra half hour in. This also distributes our arriving guests between our lots making it easier for those who need base lodge services such as lessons and rentals to get to the Sahale Lodge.
Park and Ride hits the road starting Sunday
Park and Ride is scheduled to run from Sunday to Sunday this holiday week. There are three pick up locations and the round trip cost is just $35. Once you add the bus ride to your cart you’ll want to purchase a lift ticket, lessons and/or rentals for the same day.
Pickup Locations
6:10 AM – Tualatin Park and Ride (SW 72nd and Bridgeport Rd, Tualatin, OR)
6:30 AM – Beaverton Park and Ride (10455 SW Butner Rd, Beaverton OR)
6:50 AM – Gateway Park and Ride 1249 NE 99th and Pacific Ave Portland OR)
Purchase Park and Ride
We wish you and yours a happy holiday and safe riding into the New Year!