Hoodoo opens for 75th season

Fresh powder and a lightly falling snow greeted skiers and snowboarders as Hoodoo Mountain Resort kicked off its 75th season of operation last Friday, December 7.

With just over two feet of groomed trails only the Manzanita, Ed, and Easy Rider lifts were in operation. The Big Green and Hodag lifts were closed due to a lack of snow on the upper mountain. But with forecasts for snow falling in the near term, both lifts look to be open "soon," according to Chief Marketing Officer Leif Williams.

The Autobahn Tubing Park was also not quite ready for the opening, but with more snow expected, it too was expected to be operating before long. In the 'good news' department, Hoodoo's cross-country trails were groomed and ready for skiers and snowshoe

enthusiasts.

Mark Owens of Bend, who had the day off from his job, took the opportunity to check out conditions on the first day.

"I checked the website yesterday and saw they were going to open so I decided to check it out," Owens said. "They could use a little more snow on some of the upper runs, but overall the snow is good and it's always great to come ski here."

Hoodoo sits on the summit of Santiam Pass. With 32 runs, five lifts, abundant cross-country trails and the Autobahn, Hoodoo has been offering family fun since 1938.

Although the summit of Hoodoo is only 5,703 feet, it's location in the Cascades helps it receive over 400 inches of snow annually. While it can get off to late starts, late-season snow is often the norm, with the resort being open well into the spring.

With only three runs being open initially, Friday and Saturday night skiing wasn't scheduled to begin until December 21.

Last season, Hoodoo got off to a rousing start with a Thanksgiving opening, but poor snowfalls later caused the resort to close and not reopen until December 30. But with forecasters recently predicting a "normal" winter in Central Oregon, Hoodoo and skiers all over the region are hoping snow conditions keep Hoodoo operational through the season.

For more information about Hoodoo, or to check conditions, visit www.hoodoo.com or call the Snow Phone at 541-822-DEEP (3337).