MARCH 2008: AROUND THE STATE
Good snowfall
blesses resorts
STATEWIDE
Better-than-average snowfall covered Oregon ski resorts this
winter, creating a deep base that bodes well for spring
runs.
Through January, Mt. Bachelor tied its highest snowfall in
nearly a decade. In mid-February, estimates put the Mt. Hood
Meadows snowpack at 15% to 20% deeper than average; it was 35%
deeper at Timberline. Deeper snowpack makes for better
conditions in the off-peak spring season, and resort officials
are hopeful that will drive visitor traffic and prolong
operations — possibly into May and even June at
Meadows.
By mid-February, attendance there was near levels for the same
time in 2006, when the resort set its season record of more
than 500,000 visits. Timberline had no attendance numbers but
reported season pass sales were up 51% to date. Lodging
revenue, retail sales, and food and beverage sales were also up
from the previous season. Mt. Bachelor spokeswoman Frankie
Labbé would not release specific numbers but says she
anticipates attendance will be down slightly for the year. The
resort sold fewer passes this season, but a price increase
maintained revenue levels.
Scott Kaden, president of the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas
Association, says attendance at resorts around the state was
strong through mid-February, despite a late start to the season
and recent highway closures that impeded traffic in some
areas.
JAMIE HARTFORD
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