PORTLAND, Oregon, Dec. 15, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Holiday visitors to Oregon ski areas will find some of the best terrain and ski conditions in North America, from fresh powder turns to perfectly manicured groomed runs. Early seasonal storms have deposited deep layers of fresh snow, ideal for skiers, snowboarders and cross country skiers, as well as people who just want to come out and play. Currently three of Oregon's 11 ski areas are leading the country in snow base depth and offer fantastic skiing and riding conditions for the holiday breaks.
At Mt. Bachelor in Central Oregon
At Mt. Bachelor in Central Oregon, 75 inches of snow have accumulated at the resort's base. Low temperatures have kept it in prime condition, making tree runs and trips to the backside of the popular Summit Express chair epic experiences for experts. Low temperatures have also kept the resort's groomed runs in perfect condition for beginners.
"We have something for everyone," said Mt. Bachelor spokeswoman Janette Sherman. "Beginners can learn on snow that is forgiving, and experts can experience some of the best powder conditions available anywhere." Sherman also mentioned Mt. Bachelor offers many other activities outside of skiing and snowboarding including tubing, dog sled rides, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The mountain's many winter activities led MSN.com to rank Mt. Bachelor as one of the Top Ten Resorts in the United States.
Since last season, Mt. Bachelor has invested $3.5 million in renovations and improvements to the resort. Included in the improvements is a $2 million remodel of West Village Lodge. This full-interior remodel includes three new restaurants, ample seating, improved views and a whole new experience for guests. Mt. Bachelor will also continue the tradition of transforming Dilly Dally Alley, a popular run on the front side of the mountain, into Candy Cane Lane starting Dec. 19. Santa makes an appearance on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
For updated conditions and detailed information on what's happening at Mt. Bachelor, visit http://www.mtbachelor.com or call 800-829-2442.
At Mt. Hood Outside of Portland
Skiers and snowboarders will find more than 100 inches of snow at the top of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, with 68 inches at the base. Along with offering the highest snow pack in North America, Meadows has five different terrain parks and one of the only Olympic-sized half-pipes in North America. The in-ground Superpipe stretches 500 feet long and is 50 feet wide with 15-foot walls. Currently the pipe is scheduled for fresh cuts every day. Meadows' five distinct terrain parks offer something tailored to each level of skier or rider, including table top jumps and beginner, intermediate and advanced rail parks. Heather Canyon -- some of the best steep terrain in the Northwest -- opened last week. And Meadows has enough snow for U.S. Snowboarding to relocate the Snowboard Cross National Championships (Friday, Dec. 16). For updated conditions and detailed information on happenings at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, visit http://www.skihood.com.
In addition to great terrain and snow for skiers and boarders, Timberline ski area on Mt. Hood gives visitors the opportunity to stay overnight in the Historic Timberline Lodge. Filled with history and elegance, Timberline Lodge offers the only ski-in, ski-out opportunities on Mt. Hood. Timberline has 90 inches of snow at its summit and on the weekends is offering complimentary cat skiing on the Palmer Glacier (with season pass or day ticket purchase, weather permitting). For updated conditions and detailed information on what's happening at Timberline, visit http://www.timberlinelodge.com/.
Mt. Hood Ski Bowl is America's Largest Night Ski Area, open nightly until 10 p.m. Night skiing and riding begins at 3 p.m., lift tickets are $22 and Ski Bowl offers over 34 lit runs, including the 3-mile lit Skyline Run. Dec. 31 is the 18th Annual New Year's Eve Fireworks Extravaganza Party with local radio stations covering the festivities, fireworks at midnight and skiing and snowboarding until 2 a.m. Ski Bowl is just an hour drive from Portland, Ore. For updated conditions and detailed information, visit http://www.skibowl.com/winter/home.cfm.
At other Oregon Ski Areas
Ski Areas Snow Snow at Hours of Operation
Base Summit
Cooper Spur 30 30 Hours vary (night
www.cooperspur.com skiing),
Dec. 19 - Dec. 30
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Hoodoo 44 44 Hours vary (night
www.hoodoo.com skiing),
Dec. 15 - Jan. 1
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Mt. Ashland 28 62 Hours vary (night
www.mtashland.com skiing),
Dec. 16 - April 9
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Ski Anthony Lakes 30 50 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.,
www.anthonylakes.com Dec. 15 - Jan. 1
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Willamette Pass 31 61 Hours vary (night
www.willamettepass.com skiing),
Dec. 15 - Jan. 1
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To gain more information about skiing or snowboarding in Oregon, please contact Jerry Krieg at marketing@skioregon.org or 541-856-3277 x12.
Editors Note: Video available online at http://share.ise10.tv/MTB/ENR_12-8-05/enr_12-8-05_preview.wmv. Please contact Blake for high resolution footage at 541-948-1216 or blake@ise10.tv.