Bring on the snow!
Willamette Pass - If you're planning on taking the drive out Highway 58 to get to Willamette Pass for some post-Thanksgiving skiing, you might think again.
On a quiet day before Thanksgiving, the Lavin family has Willamette Pass all to themselves. "I was sledding," says 4 year old Sebastian Lavin.
They're taking advantage of the fresh made snow. "Was it really fast?" asks James Lavin. "Yea, it was fast," says Sebastian. Getting a head start long before the crowds pile into these lift seats and climb the lodge stairs.
"Yea, we were kind of wondering when it was going to open we're not positive," says Lavin.
Mountain manager Ray Gardner say's that all depends on mother nature. "We're waiting on some more natural snow, but until it comes, we'll make snow. And we'll continue to do that to help us get ready for winter," says Gardner.
Which means packing the parking lot snow into a base, and also getting a little help from 11 machines.
"Last night we were making snow and as you can see here there's a pretty decent pile of snow and that's about 12 hours of production," says Gardner.
Right now the base of this hill is about 6-8 inches deep, but they actually like it to be more like 18-24 inches deep, so then they can bring the snow cat out to groom the slopes.
"It's better to get the heavier, wetter snow pack built on the base sooner. Then we can build a stronger base, and provide a safe surface for opening day," says Gardner.
Which Gardner say's isn't too far away. "I think next week's the week. It definitely feels like the winter pattern and I think we're close," says Gardner.
Willamette Pass aims for opening day on Thanksgiving, but only makes it about half the time. They hope to be open next Thursday. Mount Bachelor ski resort opens tomorrow.
On a quiet day before Thanksgiving, the Lavin family has Willamette Pass all to themselves. "I was sledding," says 4 year old Sebastian Lavin.
They're taking advantage of the fresh made snow. "Was it really fast?" asks James Lavin. "Yea, it was fast," says Sebastian. Getting a head start long before the crowds pile into these lift seats and climb the lodge stairs.
"Yea, we were kind of wondering when it was going to open we're not positive," says Lavin.
Mountain manager Ray Gardner say's that all depends on mother nature. "We're waiting on some more natural snow, but until it comes, we'll make snow. And we'll continue to do that to help us get ready for winter," says Gardner.
Which means packing the parking lot snow into a base, and also getting a little help from 11 machines.
"Last night we were making snow and as you can see here there's a pretty decent pile of snow and that's about 12 hours of production," says Gardner.
Right now the base of this hill is about 6-8 inches deep, but they actually like it to be more like 18-24 inches deep, so then they can bring the snow cat out to groom the slopes.
"It's better to get the heavier, wetter snow pack built on the base sooner. Then we can build a stronger base, and provide a safe surface for opening day," says Gardner.
Which Gardner say's isn't too far away. "I think next week's the week. It definitely feels like the winter pattern and I think we're close," says Gardner.
Willamette Pass aims for opening day on Thanksgiving, but only makes it about half the time. They hope to be open next Thursday. Mount Bachelor ski resort opens tomorrow.
