Season off to good start at Hoodoo Ski Area

The snowy start to the winter season is good news to skiers at Hoodoo Ski Area, who are finding the conditions very good.

"Ski conditions are great. Last year was a drought year, and now is the time to make up for that," said Mike Obymako, vice-president and general manager of Hoodoo. "You can enjoy January or February snow conditions in mid-December."

This time of year Hoodoo usually has a 36-to-42 inch snow base. Right now there is a base of somewhere between six-and-a-half to eight feet.

"We certainly have a good snowpack," said Obymako, "that gives us a bit of a cushion and lets us breathe easier before Christmas break."

Cheryl Damerell of Redmond skiied at Hoodoo on Dec. 19 -- her fourth trip so far this year.

"The snow was perfect," she said. "Hoodoo is a well-kept little secret. There are no lift lines and people are really friendly."

Hoodoo is open every day except Wednesdays, but is open New Year's Day.

Day lift tickets (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) cost $23 for adults, and $16 for juniors (under 12 years old). Night skiing (4 to 10 p.m.) will begin on December 26, and costs $14 for adults and $10 for juniors.

All three of Hoodoo's chair lifts and the rope tow are scheduled to run each day. Most runs are groomed.