As warm rays of sun pound even the highest points on Mount Hood’s ski resorts, Portland’s weekend warrior skiers frequently fall into a comfortable rut, maligning the apparent premature end to the ski season.
To those of you guilty of said sin, hear me out—there is much fun to be had in the mountains.
To those who purchased season passes but spend their weekends at home, hoping to save their money rather than pay to have their skis fixed after a day of rough encounters with protruding rocks—stop by the Bargain Basement. Search Craigslist. Hit up your friend who gave up skiing years ago. Though the latest and greatest in ski technology is phenomenal in good conditions, you may want to wait until January (we’re expecting big dumps!) to pull it out. In the meantime, find a pair of rock skis—something beat up, ready to be core shot. Enjoy the sun and warmth, charge down the groomers and seek out the hidden stashes of powder (they are there, trust me).
To those of you who just got into backcountry skiing, only to find yourself grounded by the lack of snow. You’re lucky enough to live near the only place in the country with year-round skiing. This is the time to get comfortable with your gear. Lap up the Palmer snowfield, practice your transitions, dial in your boots, and enjoy the nicely groomed runs.
Let us not forget the occasional skier—the family accustomed to enjoying cold powdery days followed by hot chocolate at Timberline’s Ram’s Head Bar. Though the lack of cold may ruin the contrasting pleasure of the hot chocolate, there’s no reason to stay away. Some of my best memories as a child were running around Timberline Lodge. Rent one of their bunkrooms, bring the kids and their friends, and set them loose with some cross-country skis for the day.
The superior clarity of the air, the freshness of the alpine, and the beauty of our backyard should beckon every Portlander to visit Mt. Hood, regardless of the temperature and snowpack.
