The massive storm that hit Oregon mid-December has brought the glorious snowpack back. Timberline and Skibowl were in full swing for the holiday season as a winter wonderland returned – cold on the heels of several years of winter misfortune.

“These are the best holiday snow conditions the ski areas on Mount Hood have
had in many years,” said Jon Tullis, director of public affairs at Timberline.
“People are really enjoying themselves on the slopes.”

Skibowl Public Relations Director Hans Wipper echoed the sentiments.
“This is the best opening we have had in a few years,” Wipper said. “Skibowl
had a fantastic opening night for skiing and snowboarding (Dec. 16). The
snow was epic and skiers were eager to hit the hill.”

Oregon’s ski areas are among the leaders in North America with the deepest
snow depth. The massive five-day storm dropped more than four feet of snow
at the local resorts, returning Oregon to its rightful place in the country.

The Mountain community will enjoy the economic boost of ski areas opening
for the holiday season. The economic impact associated with the ski industry
tops $482 million annually – figures that include ski areas, retail equipment
purchases – as well as provides 6,800 jobs in the state generating nearly
$200 million in personal income, according to analysis by ECO Northwest.

“Opening in time for the Christmas holiday is critical for ski resorts as much of
the business for the year occurs in those two weeks,” Wipper said, also noting
the importance of providing job security for staff and the erasing of
uncertainty after last winter.

Greg “Chopper” Moreno, resident guide at Mt. Hood Adventure in Government
Camp for more than 10 years, is fired up for his snowmobile tour business.
“The snowmobile trails are in good shape and we are ready to show our
guests a wonderful adventure on a snowmobile,” Moreno said. “Or a quiet
snowshoe hike through the woods if that is more your style.”

Wipper summed up the sentiments of all in the ski resort business.
“Everyone is excited and ready for a nice, long, snowy winter.”

There was holiday joy beyond the resorts, as Mountain businesses were
feeling the return of welcome visitors.

Brigette Romeo, owner of the Still Creek Inn, rejoiced in the return of winter.
“Yes, there has been an increase in travelers and snow enthusiasts,” Romeo
said. “The holiday season should be back to normal with all this fresh snow.”

Kim Perry, owner of The Shack, echoed Romeo’s sentiments with a “Woo Hoo.

The snow is finally falling,” she said. “And when the snow comes everyone
benefits in a positive way. First, all our locals get to go to work. It’s been kind
of a hard-candy start of the season for Mountain employees. Soon, the
paychecks will start coming in and we’ll see some of that business. But the
Mountain in general benefits from the ski season.”

Meanwhile, at the Skyway Bar & Grill, a hub for skiers and boarders, the snow
has made the last couple weeks fun.

“Customers are giddy and the overall feeling is that we’re all excited and
thankful, and I’ve been hearing that people aren’t going to take the snow for
granted ever again,” said Tracie Anderson, owner of Skyway. “The snow is
really exciting and it has definitely increased our business. But even more
than the numbers, it has made our business more fun and positive. The kids
are having fun and the adults feel like kids.”