Mt. Hood Meadows Improvements for 2008/2009 Season
MT. HOOD, OR (Immediate Release) – Whether it is access to new off-piste terrain or the new ticket scanning technology installed at the chairlifts, improvements at Mt. Hood Meadows this season will enhance the guest and staff experience on the mountain.
Medical Clinic & Patrol HQ Improves Medical Capabilities
The most ambitious and noticeable project is the construction of a new medical clinic and patrol headquarters in the base area. The building will double the space of the current medical clinic and supply additional space for the growing ski patrol department. The project is following LEED standards in construction and is a testament to the resort’s commitment to safety and sustainability. The building will also house the transportation department – a place for shuttle drivers and parking lot greeters to call home.
Howitzer Military Weapon Enhances Avalanche Control
Meadows is moving forward with the acquisition of a 105 MM Howitzer military weapon to enhance avalanche control work. The project includes obtaining the weapon as well as constructing a firing platform and magazine building. Resort officials are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service to move the project through the process in hopes of having the Howitzer ready for this season. The weapon will improve avalanche control work by getting in bounds terrain – particularly Heather and Clark Canyons – and increasing safety for ski patrol crews.
Direct to Lift Scanning Technology
Meadows lift attendants will be equipped with scanning devices to more efficiently validate tickets. The technology will also allow direct to lift access for 10 Time Passes and other products, no longer requiring a trip to the ticket window.
More Off-Piste Access
Nearly 200 acres of off-piste advanced terrain will become accessible this season. 150 acres skier’s left of the Hood River Express lift will open up gladed runs, steep chutes and cliffs, similar to the adjacent Private Reserve which is also managed with control gates and is for experts only. Another 20 acre area located skier’s right of the bottom of Hood River Express lift featuring similar terrain will also be opened for experts only.
Schuss Grill Remodel Reduces Wait Time While Improving Quality and Energy Efficiency
Meadows’ busiest food service outlet the Schuss Grill in the south lodge is undergoing a major remodel, completely replacing the kitchen with more energy efficient appliances and totally redesigning the front counter to reduce the serve time from order to pick up. All the food and beverage areas are undergoing general equipment upgrades and equipment replacement designed to improve quality and service for the guest as well as allowing the resort to become more energy efficient in those operations. The Alpenstube will have a fresh warm look with new carpeting.
Sunkid Wondercarpet Conveyer Makes Fun Zone More Enjoyable
Meadows is replacing the rope tow in its Fun Zone kids and beginner’s area with a WonderCarpet skier/rider conveyer. The 280 foot long track will be fully enclosed and far more comfortable uphill conveyance. The whole length is supported on a deck that can be raised and lowered with the snow depth allowing us to open this lift reliably on time, regardless of snowfall. It is more efficient to operate and provides a more comfortable, less intimidating ride, especially for kids.
Resort Lighting Enhances the Evening Experience
The resort is continuing its slope lighting project, replacing fixtures with brighter more energy efficient lamps, and increasing the lighting on the South Lodge Deck.
Bathroom Remodels Provide Efficient Water Flow Management
The 2nd level North Lodge bathrooms will be completely remodeled similar to the improvements made to the 1st floor bathrooms last year. Low flow toilets will conserve water. A new unisex bathroom is being constructed in the Season Locker Room.
Integrated Technologies Upgrades Improve Communications
The resort is significantly upgrading its season pass and customer relations management software, allowing greater flexibility for picture taking and products in the future. A new email server and phone system will improve communications both within the company and with guests.
New Rental Equipment
Meadows has essentially replaced its entire fleet of rental ski and snowboard equipment during its three year partnership with Salomon, including about a third of its inventory of rentals skis and snowboards for this season.
Three New Snowcats Add to Its Fleet
Meadows is purchasing three new Prinoth 350 snow cats all with terrain master tillers and blades to replace older cats. Meadows continues to differentiate itself from other ski resorts with one of largest and current snow cat fleets, and highly skilled team of professional groomers who are also riders and skiers.
The combined result of the summer improvement efforts will be to improve the guest and staff exprerience at Meadows, improve safety and help contain costs through more efficient operations, allowing the resort to provide a quality, affordable winter recreational experience.
We got the howitzer! Woo Hoo!
