In this March 12, 2022, file photo, Open Slopes PDX participants ski at Mt. Hood Meadows. The resort is opening earlier than usual this year.
Ed Jahn / OPB
This year, cooler conditions and increased snowfall have allowed ski resorts in Oregon to open earlier than anticipated.
For some, it’s the earliest they’ve opened in over a decade.
That’s true for Mt. Hood Meadows, which is kicking off its 57th season Friday with a soft-launch opening. Other resorts, including Timberline and Mt. Bachelor, have also announced their plans to open early this season.
The National Weather Service says a La Niña winter is on the way, and signs point to a better snowpack this year.
Mt. Hood Meadows president and general manager Greg Pack says they typically shoot for Thanksgiving Day, but they often don’t open until around the first week of December.
He said Friday’s opening marks the earliest the resort has opened in 15 years.
“You know all of us that work at Meadows, like we’re excited to ski and ride as well, ” said Pack. “We’ve been training returning team members and new team members already up at the resort, getting everything set up ready to go.”
This weekend’s preview will include the resort’s south-side lifts Buttercup, Easy Rider and Daisy as well as its Ballroom Carpet conveyor.
As of mid-week, Pack said, the resort has received 49 inches of snow. The resort will fully reopen Nov. 21.
Mt. Bachelor also plans to open Friday through Sunday for season pass-holders only. This marks the resort’s earliest opening in 26 years. It will reopen to the general public on Nov. 22.
Timberline has already opened for the season.