Mountain Times: In light of last season, we thought we’d check in with
Timberline’s Jon Tullis about the coming ski season. Jon, how bad was last
season?

Jon: Well, in the industry we have a technical term for a season like last
season – we call it a “crappy season.” This season is going to be much better I
can tell you, because it can’t be much worse! But truthfully here in the
Northwest, even a crappy season is better than a bad season in most regions.
We are a bit spoiled in that regard. As your readers know, we actually had
some great ski days last winter, and we skied every day until Aug. 3 this
summer, so that’s pretty amazing. The Cascades have a track record of some
of the most dependable snow on the continent, and that is particularly true up
at Timberline where we have the highest elevation skiing on Mount Hood.

Mountain Times: How did a bad season like last winter affect Timberline?

Jon: Bad seasons like last winter come down to two things, good snow
management and good business management, and we did real well in both
areas, thank you. We also stayed real strong in our hotel and food business,
and this summer we had a very robust summer tourist season, so we’ve been
very busy up here!

Mountain Times: And this season?

Jon: We are looking forward to a great season. As far as snow goes, we don’t
really get into the forecasting business, and in a way it doesn’t matter. I can
assure you we will have plenty of snow for skiing, but I must say we were
pleased recently when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
revised their outlook away from a dry, split jet stream model, to a normal wet
winter pattern, and the last time I checked, snow has only two prerequisites:
moisture and 32 degrees, so I think we’ll see plenty of snow up here this
winter.

Mountain Times: Is there anything new at Timberline?

Jon: Yes indeed! We are particularly excited to be unveiling two new food
venues. We are completing a million dollar remodel of our skier’s restaurant in
the W’East Day Lodge, which is going to really be spectacular, and out on the
hill we have taken occupancy of the old Phlox Point Boy Scout Cabin, which
we have fixed up, and will be operating as a warming hut, and serving drinks
and tacos. We can’t wait to get that going, so we hope to see you all on the
slopes soon!