Mt. Hood Skibowl invites those who dare to "Come Fly with Us."

The ski area is one of the oldest, consistently operated ski areas in the
country and marks its 80th year in operation by opening up its legendary ski
jump hill to the public.

"Come Fly with Us" is the theme for the Feb. 6 competitive ski jumping event
to be followed by an awards ceremony and social at the Multopor Lodge.

Skiers must preregister online at Skibowl.com. Participation will be limited to
the first 25 people to register. The cost per jumper is a $20 donation to
benefit the Mt. Hood Ski Education Foundation. MHSEF volunteers will be
working along the jump hill during the competition.

The competition will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Each ski jumper will
take one practice run, followed by a second jump which will be measured for
distance.

The ski jump hill was originally developed by local skier Everett Sickler in
1928. By 1929 Skibowl gained wide-spread recognition after hosting an official
National Ski Association jumping event, supported in part by members of the
then newly formed Cascade Ski Club.

"Winter sports started here with ski jumping and inviting people back to jump
seems like the perfect way to launch a year of events to celebrate Skibowl’s
80th year in operation," said Kirk Hanna, owner and operator of Mt. Hood
Skibowl. "The event promises to be exciting for participants as well as
spectators."

Each season a ski jump hill is built on the slope known as Yumper near the
Cascade chair, providing ample room for the jump ramp and landing area. The
jump is created for the Oregon 4-Way Challenge, a major ski competition
hosted by the Mt. Hood Race Team. The 41st Annual Oregon 4-Way will take
place over three days, Feb. 6 to 8, attracting 200 youth skiers.

Hanna, a former racer, expects to be one of the intrepid at the jumping event.
"There are many older racers like myself who are eager to fly off the jump
again," he said.

Several thousand skiers have jumped the ski hill since the inception of the 4-
Way Ski Championship. Area ski club members, coaches, instructors, past
employees and other friends are expected to compete.

The "Come Fly with Us" awards ceremony and social will follow the jumping
competition at 8 p.m. in the lodge near the base of the hill.

Spectators as well as participants are invited to attend. The first beverage will
be free.

Prizes will be awarded based on the top three longest distances traveled. Each
participant will receive a commemorative award.

"We are looking forward to a fun event and great opportunity for friends of
Skibowl to get together to mark this anniversary year," Hanna said.

Plans are underway for other special events, including a major anniversary
party in March, according to Hanna.