Despite the late snowfall, the Adventure Park at Skibowl is slated to open June 18 with the Alpine Slide plus 20 other attractions and several guest-friendly renovations.

Crew members have been working hard to transition the winter ski resort into the summer park, according to owner-operator Kirk Hanna.

“The heavy, late snow pack had crew members still digging out later than
usual and closing up winter operations late into May,” Hanna said. “From that
point, it takes several weeks to get the popular Alpine slide and our other
summer attractions in place and ready for operation.”

Besides the typical transition, several renovations are also part of the work
load during the busy off-season.

“Every year, we make significant investments in the resort for the benefit of
both our summer and winter guests,” said Hans Wipper, operations manager.
“Despite the snow, we are still accomplishing many improvements.”

Among notable improvements for the summer season, the Adventure Park
crew is revamping and extending the existing zip line attraction, adding
another exit platform, and replacing the man lift used in past summers.
After a long zip line ride, guests will now be able to more easily disembark.
Additionally, a conveyor lift is being installed at the summer tube hill that will
replace the existing tube tow. This new conveyor lift will provide easier and
more efficient access for tube riders and provide an alternative for everyone
walking uphill to the Multorpor Lodge.

Wipper added that a major upgrade to the electrical system on the east side
of the park will allow Multorpor Lodge, the Cascade chair and the conveyor to
operate independently on generators in case of a power outage.

On the west side, besides ongoing trail maintenance on the Mountain Bike
Park, the crew is completing the intermediate level trail in the Freeride Park,
finishing up a trio of trails. The beginner and advanced trails were completed
last summer.

The Adventure Park employs more than 100 seasonal workers from June
through late September, in addition to more than 20 year-round managers
and administrative staff, according to Wipper.

Besides Timberline, Skibowl is the largest employer in Government Camp.
The Adventure Park welcomes more than 120,000 visitors each summer –
from individuals and families to groups up to 5,000 for company picnics,
family reunions and even weddings. A summer concert series is in the works
as well.

“With 9,600 acres, more than 20 attractions, the Scenic sky chairs and 40-
plus miles of trails for biking and hiking, there’s something for everyone and
plenty of room to enjoy the best days of summer on the Mountain,” Wipper
said.

Prices for the various attractions at Adventure Park depend on the length of
the visit and the attractions guests want to go on.

Many attractions have height, weight and age requirements.

The Adventure Park at Skibowl is located on Hwy. 26, less than an hour east
of Portland. The address is 87000 Hwy. 26, Government Camp 97028.
For more information go to www.mthoodadventurepark.com, or call 503-222-
BOWL (2695).