Headline News
Mt. Hood Meadows Celebrates Delayed Opening with 'Glacial Outburst' Party
Skiers and riders are known to look for just about any reason to have a party, and Mt. Hood Meadows, Ore., certainly has a worthy reason to celebrate. Meadows has had a rough start this year: Floods and a "glacial outburst" washed out its access road (Hwy. 35) at the beginning of November, just before its scheduled opening day. But as of Dec. 9, the road is repaired and they're open for the season. That's why on the weekend of Dec. 16 and 17, the resort is throwing the "Glacial Outburst 2006—I Survived Highway 35 Party."
Guests will be able to register both days to win Salomon skis and snowboards. Other prizes throughout the weekend's events include Glacial Outburst T-shirts and schwag from event sponsors such as Dakine, Black Fly, Utopia, Technine, Betty Rides and Tim's Cascade Chips. Free Glacial Outburst hot chocolate will help keep guests warm while they wander around the outdoor plaza of vendors.
Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., go to the beer fest for microbrews from Widmer and Fulll Sail. From 2 to 5 p.m., listen and dance to hard-hitting blues and R&B by the Paul deLay Band.
Sunday from noon to 1:30 p.m., Radio Disney and RD Frequency will play tunes and give away prizes. At a time yet to be determined, the Freeride Team will entertain with a jam session on what the resort describes as a "specially designed feature planned for the base area," to designed by the Paradise Parks crew.
Part of the celebration includes recognizing the extraordinary hard work of the men and women who helped get the road re-opened after the devastation. Not only did they re-open the road, they did it a week ahead of schedule.
Dave Riley, president of Mt. Hood Meadows, said, "Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Finish Line, we will be honoring several important people who made the Highway 35 reconstruction project possible. During a break in the Paul deLay Band, we will present appreciation plaques and give them a huge applause!" He added, "I'm asking that we pack the room and show our appreciation—because it's the right thing to do! Don't be late, we'll start at 4 p.m. sharp. Come help show these great Oregonians how much we appreciate their hard work!"
While Mt. Hood Meadows was closed, Mother Nature saw fit to hammer the resort with snow. With a mid-mountain base depth of 6 feet, there's good reason to head to the mountain—this weekend and during the rest of the season. We know that if we lived nearby, we'd definitely show up at this party to show our support. And here's a toast to a successful rest of the season for Meadows! Here, here!
For more information about Mt. Hood Meadows and the "Glacial Outburst" party, visit www.skihood.com.