Timberline Lodge Achieves Gold Standard of State’s Sustainability Program

Government Camp,OR - Mt. Hood’s Timberline Lodge is proud to have become the first Oregon hotel and ski area to achieve gold level recognition in Travel Oregon’s new “Sustainable Business Challenge.” The Oregon Tourism Commission, otherwise known as “Travel Oregon,” has recently created “Travel Oregon Forever.” This program is dedicated to helping partners in the tourism arena identify, develop, and promote their business with a dedication to sustainability initiatives. The overall goal is one of preserving and protecting Oregon and its’ natural resources. Timberline spokesman Jon Tullis said “Of all our resources that we utilize to promote Oregon as a tourism destination, it is our natural resources, particularly this state’s marvelous scenic beauty, which is the most important.” Operators of Timberline lead the company through the “Sustainable Business Challenge” in order to quantify and qualify Timberline’s sustainability efforts at the coveted Gold Level of recognition. “We recognize that we are operating in a cherished landscape valued for its scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, and economic characteristics” Tullis added. “So we are dedicated to stewardship and sustainability, and we are pleased that the good folks at Travel Oregon are strong allies in these efforts.”

Mt. Hood Meadows Extends Season Offering Bonus Days in May

Meadows will operate daily through May 1 then offer two bonus weekends to finish season April snowfall lifts snowpack to150 inches
Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows will operate daily through May 1, and then offer two bonusweekends in May. The resort has already had one of the longest seasons in its 43 year history – operating daily since an early opening on November 20. In total Meadows will operate 167 days this season, including the four bonus days in May.

The resort has received extended winter weather through March and April fortifying its snowpack which is now at a season high twelve-and-a-half feet (150 inches). Long-awaited spring weather is expected, as clear days are in the forecast. The resort has not seen consecutive days of sunshine since before January. The sunshine and epic snowpack should createperfect spring skiing conditions.

Meadows Operating Daily 9 AM – 4 PM through May 1
With the favorable conditions, the resort will continue lift operations from 9 AM – 4 PM daily through May 1, a full week longer than last season. All five high speed quads are scheduled daily (as weather conditions allow) providing access to its entire 2,777 vertical feet. The resort is committed to running terrain parks including the popular Forest Park and Park Place serviced by the Hood RiverExpress, as well as Rose City Park, the SuperPipe, the Zoo and Shipyard serviced by its Easy Rider lift. The resort is offering its unlimited spring pass for $139 – good through April as well as the bonus days in May.

Bonus Days May 7-8 and May 14-15
Mt. Hood Meadows will offer bonus days for two weekends into May, May 7-8 and May 14-15. The resort plans operating three lifts – Cascade Express, Mt. Hood Express and its Buttercup beginner lift, from 9 AM – 2 PM daily. The lift ticket will be discounted to $49. Ski and snowboard adult lessons, children’s lessons, day care, equipment rentals, retail and demo center are scheduled, as well as two restaurants including the resort’s popular Paradise Sun Deck which comes alive with BBQ, refreshment and entertainmentduring the warm sunny days of spring.

Timberline Lodge Awarded a 2011 Oregon Heritage Excellence Award

Government Camp, OR - RLK and Company, operators of Timberline Lodge
, together with the Mt. Hood National Forest and the Friends of Timberline, a non-profit group dedicated to the preservation of Timberline Lodge, have been selected to win a 2011 Oregon Heritage Excellence Award. The Heritage Excellence Awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations for outstanding efforts on behalf of Oregon heritage. In addition, they honor those people and organizations that have made the most of available resources in these efforts.

The three-way partnership is being specifically recognized for its long-term collaborative stewardship of Timberline Lodge, a National Historic Landmark, and for defining public/private partnerships at their best. The award’s nominating committee was particularly impressed with the “Timberline Compact,”
a cooperative action plan and statement of principles that recognizes the joint interest that the three organizations share in maintaining the viability of Timberline Lodge and in meeting their mutual obligations to the American people, as stewards of Mt. Hood and historic Timberline Lodge.

2nd Annual Meadows Film Festival Entry Deadline Sunday, February 27

Mt. Hood, OR - The second annual Meadows Film Festival will be presented March 5 to showcase the magnificence of the mountain and the creativity and talent of Meadows riders. The deadline for entry is Sunday, February 27.

The “films” – up to 5 minutes in length – will be evaluated on several criteria:

Skiing / snowboarding at Mt. Hood Meadows in a compelling, positive, entertaining and/or intriguing way.

Quality of finished piece – video, post production, audio quality, use of music.

Creative aspects and approach to the project.

Story telling.

Overall impression.

The top 10 selections will be presented at the Film Festival at the Vertical Restaurant Saturday, March 5. The top 10 receive a logoed backpack from Columbia Sportswear, a $50 Meadows gift card and a KEEN footwear certificate. GoPro HD Cameras are awardied to the top three – and best of show receives a $500 cash prize. Event sponsors include Columbia Sportswear, vitaminwater®, Go Pro Cameras, Full Sail Brewing and KEEN.

“Chairway 2 Heaven” Speed Dating at Mt. Hood Meadows February 13

Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows presents “Chairway 2 Heaven” – speed dating on its Blue chairlift this Sunday. There will be two “singles” lines – one for women and one for men. In total randomness (which is an awesome way to start a relationship) the singles will be paired up on the Blue chairlift for a nine-minute ride to the top. The couple can decide if they want to take some runs together, go off to another chair lift, or split up and take another shot at a speed date. There is no additional cost for “Chairway 2 Heaven” other than a lift ticket or season pass.

The “Meadows Mingle” will also be presented near the bottom of the Blue chairlift to get everyone in the mood. There’ll be a fire pit, cheese and crackers and a drawing for fabulous prizes, all while listening to the velvet tones of Barry White, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass and others. The Mingle and Chairway 2 Heaven events are scheduled from noon - 4 PM.

The Blue Chairlift has it's own romance. It was one of the original two chairs offered at Meadows when the resort opened in January of 1968. Countless numbers of couples were introduced on the double chair over its lifetime, as well as proposals for marriage (and other perhaps less permanent relationships) have been made, turned down and accepted while riding the chair. It offers a magnificent view of the resort - in fact one of the resort's primary web cameras is mounted on the top of Blue.

Mt. Hood Meadows Presents Friday Night Rail Jam Series @ Shipyard

Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort presents the Friday Night Rail Jam series this season. The series will allow freestylers to session on selected rails, progressing from lower level abilities through more advanced riders as the evening unfolds.

The event is all about fun, but also progression allowing freestylers to hang with each other and learn some new tricks. Helmets are required, no inverts are allowed. There’s no charge to participate, although a liability release is required (signed by parent or legal guardian for those under 18). Sign up is at Shipyard during the event.

Series event dates are Fridays:
January 28; February 11; February 25; March 11; March 25

Meadows Saturday Safety Fair Celebrates National Ski Area Safety Week

Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort celebrates National Ski Area Safety Week this Saturday with a Safety Fair. The National Ski Areas Assocation has designated January 15 – 23, 2011 as National Ski Area Safety Awareness Week. The event promotes and encourages responsible practices and etiquette designed to make skiers and snowboarders more aware of safety on the slopes. Essential to courteous and safe sharing of the mountain is the Responsibility Code – seven simple rules which if followed can provide an extra margin of safety on the slopes.

Saturday’s Safety Fair will encourage guests to find the seven Safety “Codesters”, learn the rules and win prizes ranging from safety whistles to safety messenger bags. Those who collect all seven Codester stamps on their Code Card will be eligible to win a 10 Time Pass given away in drawings in the afternoon and evening.

Representatives from Meadows Pro Patrol will be on hand to discuss safety issues and introduce guests to the safety search and rescue dogs. A contest will also be presented to allow guests to find hidden targets with tracking beacons used by backcountry enthusiasts. The Safety Fair is presented by Fuel TV, Monster Energy Drink, Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital and the Anheuser-Busch Responsibility Matters Program.

Meadows Extends New Year’s Eve Lift Schedule to Midnight!

Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows will operate lifts until midnight New Year’s Eve as part of the Brrring in the New Year celebration featuring fireworks, a feast and a party.

Lifts are scheduled to run until midnight. A fireworks celebration will launch at 10:15 PM, and party goers can dance to the soulful music of “The Essentials” – the West Coast’s most popular party band from 8:00 PM – 12:15 AM, enjoying party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. An elaborate dinner buffet will be served earlier in the evening. Reservations are required for the dinner buffet and the party, but not for night skiing or enjoying the fireworks.

New Year’s Eve busses will run from the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas, making shuttling to the mountain New Year’s Eve convenient. The buses head to the mountain around 3 PM and depart from the mountain at 12:30 AM. The Monarch Hotel is offering special room rates for those wanting to spend the night when the bus returns (and drive home the next day).

Mt. Hood Meadows Holiday Schedule

Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort holiday season kicks off this weekend. For the next two weeks Meadows has scheduled special Après Ski live performances and holiday entertainers, as well as ski school clinics and camps. Lifts are scheduled to operate daily beginning at 9 AM, including Christmas and New Year’s Days and there will be extended night operations during Christmas week. It culminates with a New Year’s Eve spectacular, exquisite dinner, fireworks and a party with “The Essentials” the top rated dance party band on the west coast!


Mt. Hood Meadows celebrates New Year's Eve with a fireworks display, spectacular buffet dinner and party featuring “The Essentials” – the top rated dance band on the west coast! We'll run the lifts until Midnight to allow revelers to ski or ride in the New Year. A fireworks display will be launched at around 10 PM. The dinner has two seatings (5 - 6:30 and 7 - 8:30) and “The Essentials” will perform from 8 PM - 12:15 AM!
Brrring in the New Year at Mt. Hood Meadows - presented by Widmer Brothers Brewing and Brrr Seasonal Ale. Adult party buses scheduled from the Monarch Hotel in Clackamas.

Mt. Hood Meadows Receives Up To a Foot of Light Powder – A Thanksgiving Week Blessing!

Mt. Hood, OR - An early-season storm has dropped 8 – 12 inches of snow overnight at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, with more in the forecast today and tonight. The resort opened Saturday and this storm is a holiday week blessing for which skiers, snowboarders and resort operators are thankful.

The storm is a primo powder maker – thanks to the arctic blast of cold frigid air, which creates fine, light powder. Eight inches has fallen at the base area with a foot or more higher on the mountain. A 40” base is reported in the base area, and even with the new powder early season conditions exist so skiers and snowboarders should expect unmarked obstacles and as always ski and ride with care.

The resort added Vista Express to the other five lifts it opened over the weekend, however high winds could affect lift operations today. Scheduled to operate are the Mt. Hood Express, Shooting Star Express and Vista Express high speed quads, along with the Daisy, Easy Rider and Buttercup lifts. The “Fun Zone” and the Ballroom Carpet beginner area are open.

A New Puppy for Timberline Lodge, and the Tradition Continues

Government Camp, OR - Oregon's famous Timberline Lodge is a place of traditions, and one such tradition continues this week with the arrival of Heidi, an adorable St. Bernard puppy. Since 1937, when Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the lodge, St. Bernards have been a part of the alpine landscape. The first Timberline St. Bernards were Lady and Bruel.

This week, Front Office Manager, Kristin Garrett is the proud and pleased owner of a particularly lovable and docile new pure-bred female St. Bernard mascot, Heidi, who at just 8 weeks old is of course getting a lot of attention at the lodge!

Mt. Hood Meadows Holds Prices on Season Passes Added Value Incentives Offered for September Online Purchase!

Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows is holding prices on season passes - offering the same prices as last year’s early season group deals, but not requiring a group to be formed to get the special pricing. Mt. Hood Meadows season passes provide direct-to-lift access to Oregon’s most popular ski resort. Unlimited season passes offer the best bargain and most convenience - with 150+ days of operation scheduled this season, an adult unlimited season pass brings the cost down to under $3 per day!

Early Purchase Individual Unlimited Season Pass Deals!
Mt. Hood Meadows is offering individual discounts on unlimited season passes purchased on-line by November 7. In the past these deals were available only by forming a group!

$449 for ages 23 – 64 regular price $900

$339 for ages 15 – 22 regular price $600

$229 for ages 7 – 14 regular price $400

$349 for ages 65+ regular price $450

Kids 6 and under receive a FREE season pass when a parent or grandparent purchases an unlimited season pass for themselves

September Online Value Add Bonus
Those purchasing a pass online in September can receive a 25% bonus when adding value to the pass. This added value can be used for purchases at the resort's restaurants, ski school, retail and rental shops. $100 of added value will get the pass holder an extra $25; $200 of added value will get the purchaser an extra $50. The added value bonus is offered at time of online purchase through September 30.

Mt. Bachelor Promotes Two Employees

Bend, OR - Mt. Bachelor is pleased to announce the advancement of two longtime
employees, Amy Ohran and Curtis Norsen. Amy leaves her former position as Director of
Snow Sports School to become Director of Staff Resources and Development, overseeing all aspects of the employment experience for the resort’s 700+ employees. Curtis Norsen expands his current role as leader of the Ski Patrol through the addition of risk management and safety awareness and education responsibilities for the entire company as Ski Patrol & Risk Manager.

Amy’s experience and knowledge working with all ages of guests and staff throughout her 19 years of service at Mt. Bachelor will make the transition into her new role seamless as she cultivates connections between the mountain environment, staff and guests. “I am ecstatic about the opportunity presented by this new position. I strongly identify with the initiatives I have been charged to carry out on behalf of our team and am excited to utilize my operations and guest services experience to support and guide the management and staff of Mt. Bachelor,” said Amy Ohran.

While in his previous role as Ski Patrol Manager, Curtis Norsen managed the professional Ski Patrol staff, coordinated alignment with the volunteer Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol chapter, and was directly responsible for all aspects of mountain safety. Now in his 15th year with Mt. Bachelor, Curtis’ new role as Ski Patrol and Risk Manager will encompass all previous duties and the added responsibility of assessing and mitigating risk and safety concerns of every operating department and area of the company.

“As a patroller and patrol manager I have always been involved in the risk management side of Mt. Bachelor and I look forward to the opportunity to expand our safety and education programs at the mountain for our guest's and all our employees,” said Curtis Norsen. “We are very proud to see Amy and Curtis in new roles with expanded responsibilities. They both exemplify the positive attitude, dedication and commitment we value highly in our leaders at Mt. Bachelor. I’m eager to see their continued growth and development and where their new positions take them as individuals and Mt. Bachelor as an organization,” said Dave Rathbun, President and General Manager of Mt. Bachelor.

Timberline Lodge and Ski Area Receives the Coveted Sustainable Travel International Eco-Certification

Timberline Lodge, OR, - Sustainable Travel International announced today that Timberline Lodge and Ski Area in Oregon's Mount Hood National Forest, has become the first ski resort in the world to receive third-party certification through its Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Program™ (STEP). RLK and Company, operators of Timberline Lodge are being recognized for their strengths in the areas of environmental conservation, cultural heritage, historic preservation, and economic development.

STEP is the world's first comprehensive, global sustainable tourism eco-certification program offered by a non-profit organization, which is aligned with the minimum baseline Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC). STEP addresses the major environmental, socio-cultural and economic issues facing the tourism industry and the planet at large, including global climate change, biodiversity preservation, water and waste management, economic development, and social issues.

Summer is Just Around the Corner at Timberline!

Government Camp, OR - Recent storms have blanketed Timberline with fresh snow. With 12 new inches falling in the past 72 hours, it still feels like mid-winter up here at Timberline. That being said, spring is here and summer is just around the corner, and with that comes a new round of fun on the south side of Mt. Hood…

The Palmer Snowfield is THE place to be in the summer. Wide open turns, amazing views, and plenty of Vitamin D. We’ve recently moved our freestyle terrain operation up the hill onto the Magic Mile chair lift. With a freshly cut half-pipe, and a new park on Otto Lang, there is plenty to ski and ride as you slide into Summer 2010.

Timberline Summer Snow Camps
We’ve re-invented our summer camp program this year — adding a new Family Freestyle Camp, complete with more affordable Day Camp options for kids looking to have fun on our summer snow. Click here to see what the new camp has to offer -- and to enter our 'win a free camp session' promotion with StillNotSponsored.com!

4th Annual Sno-Kona Pond Skim at Mt. Hood Meadows!

Mt. Hood, OR - Snowboarders and skiers, get ready to launch yourself across 90 feet of frigid water at the 4th annual Sno-Kona Pond Skim, where you could win a free trip for two to Hawaii. Brought to you by Kona Brewing Company, the Sno-Kona Pond Skim takes place Saturday April 24 at Mt. Hood Meadows with festivities kicking into high gear from 9 am to 4pm. The day will be jam-packed with live music, Polynesian décor, leis and other giveaways, many on-snow high jinks and of course, plentiful Kona beer sampling. The tension builds throughout the day with all contestants vying for the grand prize of a trip for two to Oahu, including round trip airfare and hotel, courtesy of All About Hawaii.

The Pond Skim’s local celebrity judges will include weather and all-around outdoors guru Matt Zaffino from KGW-TV, 105.9 The Brew afternoon radio personality Bozyk and Squid from 94.7 FM. Judging will be based on: Best skimming style, Best costume, Best impression made by a woman, and Best showmanship comprised of Best costume and Best crowd reaction while skimming the pond. With grand prize winners nabbing the trip to Hawaii, second place will receive a Kona prize pack that includes two beach chairs, a skimboard, a backpack cooler, Kona beach towel, and a set of 12 Kona glasses. Third place winner will be treated to a $50 gift certificate from Bamboo Grove.

“Last year we had a record amount of participants and everyone had an incredible time,” said Dave Tragethon, executive director of communications for Mt. Hood Meadows. “2009 was also the loudest year to date with the crowd really supporting the contestants trying to win that grand prize trip to Hawaii and everyone made the best of a crazy weather day. No matter what, the Pond Skim is memorable for all of us!”

Retiring Timberline Lodge Chef Leif Eric Benson Named Chef of the Year

Government Camp, OR - Executive Chef Leif Eric Benson, CEC, AAC, has announced his retirement from Mt. Hood's National Historic Landmark, Timberline Lodge, effective April 9th. His Timberline career began in 1979 when area operator Richard Kohnstamm hired him to improve the culinary offerings at Timberline Lodge. Over the past 31 years, Benson has done just that, and more. Almost immediately, Benson's culinary approach fused the culinary traditions of his native Sweden, as well as an eclectic blend of other influences from around the world, with what he called "The Bounty of Oregon," featuring high quality, fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients. In the mid 1980's he helped pioneer this into the popular regional cuisine now generally referred to as "Northwest Fresh." In 1987 he authored one of the trend's seminal cookbooks titled "Timberline Lodge Cookbook - Northwest Regional Recipes" and it went on to be a regional best seller. That same year, he served as the president of the Chef's de Cuisine Society, and in 1988 he founded the first Oregon Culinary Olympic Team featuring Oregon products in Frankfurt, Germany. The team brought home 16 culinary medals. Since then, Chef Benson has served as a consulting chef for many of Oregon's governors, and has served as an ambassador for Oregon's culinary agricultural products, including various official trade missions to Asia.

Storm of the Decade Drops 33" on Mt. Hood Meadows

Mt. Hood, OR - The storm of the decade raging on Mt. Hood has dumped nearly 3 feet of snow in the last 48 hours at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort. Snow accumulated at rates of up to 2 inches of snow an hour and has increased the base depth to almost 11 feet. In the past 24 hours, 19 inches of fresh light powder has fallen.

The awesome conditions have prompted the resort to extend the season. Meadows will operate daily through April 25 and will continue on weekends in May through May 16. The additional six days in May will bring the total days of operations this season at Meadows to 172 days.

The resort is offering a special 5 Time Spring Pass for just $99 beginning April 1. The direct-to-lift pass allows the holder 5 days of epic spring riding at Meadows for under $20 / day. It can be purchased online to save time at SkiHood.com or at the resort and it can be upgraded to the unlimited spring pass for just $80.

Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort Raises $21500 fort Mercy Corps Haitian Relief Efforts

Mt. Hood, OR - Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort raised more than $21,500 for Mercy Corps during Monday evening’s Haitian Relief night. The resort announced the fundraiser less than two weeks ago, offering to extend operational hours on the President’s Monday holiday and challenging skiers and snowboarders to purchase their $10 night ticket online, pledging all $10 of the online purchase would be donated to the Mercy Corps Haitian Relief efforts.
More than $8,000 was raised through the generosity of advance purchasing guests, some of whom didn’t even use the lift ticket. Meadows officials are donating an additional $12,700 from the evening’s proceeds to up that total to $20,760. Meadows guests also dug deep into their pockets offering spare change and bills (some with big numbers on them) to Mercy Corps volunteers attending the event. In total the evening generated $21,533 for Haiti.
Click Here to Donate!
Mt. Hood Meadows Info

Mt. Hood Meadows Received 8" of New Snow

Most of it falling overnight. Fresh powder will be served up throughout the day Wednesday as the forecast calls for continued snow with another 2 – 4 inches of accumulation.

Mt. Hood Meadows lifts are scheduled from 9 AM – 9 PM daily this holiday week, with extended hours until midnight Thursday, New Year’s Eve, as part of the resort’s New Year’s Eve celebration.
Mt. Hood Meadows Info