Hoodoo ski area in full swing for the holidays

After a false start earlier this month, Hoodoo ski area is operating with all lifts for the holiday vacation period.

Having battled weeks of meager snowfall during the early season, the popular local ski area headed into the post-Christmas week with a snowpack of nearly four feet.

Just before Christmas, Hoodoo celebrated by posting a "powder alert" at its website after a very successful first full week of operation. Skiing conditions were quite good all last week.

More often than not, skiers were able to ski right up to a waiting chair, and more slopes were groomed.

Hoodoo will be open every day this week -- and every night, until 10 p.m. Hoodoo has the only night skiing in Central Oregon and the slopes will stay open until midnight on New Year's Eve.

The ski area will also be staging a New Year's "bash" with live music.

After the holidays, Hoodoo will return to its regular schedule of six-day-a-week operation.

The slopes are closed on Wednesdays but open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Last year, a new lift -- Hodag -- was installed; and the addition opened many new runs on the west side of Hoodoo Butte.

In another major improvement, the North Lodge will be torn down at the close of the current season and replaced with a brand new facility.

Hoodoo's many changes also include new management.

Tasha McFarland assumed the role of resident manager only a few weeks ago, and she's excited about the new direction that the ski area is taking.

McFarland also announced plans for a new arrangement with the nearby Suttle Lake Resort.

"Suttle Lake has the closest available accommodations," she said, "so we're in the process of developing a closer relationship with the resort."

Last year, Hoodoo was the successful bidder on the Forest Service's campground management contract for the area. Mike Abbott, who manages the Suttle Lake Resort, now spends part of his winter working in the Hoodoo ski shop.

"Our resort is surrounded by the Forest Service campgrounds on the lake," said Abbott, "and we've always had a great relationship with the campground hosts. So, this is a good fit."

Actually, it's not the first time that Hoodoo and Suttle Lake have teamed up.

According to Forest Service records, in March of 1941, a local publication advertised Hoodoo ski parties at the lake.

"Get your crowd together at Suttle Lake for a weekend of skiing where the evenings and days of fun will be unequaled to anything before offered in Central Oregon, the ad suggested.

Suttle Lake Resort and Hoodoo plan to revive that tradition. The resort has steadily improved its facilities, and Abbott indicated that the resort will upgrade its existing cabins to full-service, all-season accommodations.

Next month, the ski area is sponsoring a new promotion called "Trader Tuesdays."

Beginning January 9, and on all remaining January Tuesdays, skiers are encouraged to bring a lift ticket or season pass from any other ski area and receive a half-price lift ticket.

Winter Carnival is scheduled for February 10, and additional special events are planned throughout the season.