Powder greets skiers as Willamette Pass opens for season

GOT WEATHER? Share Your Videos & Photos on KVAL.com or email KVALNews@KVAL.com

Weather Forecast | School Delays/Closures | Weather Cameras | Road Closures | Power Outage Info

WILLAMETTE PASS, Ore. - Skiiers and snowboarders came out in force as Willamette Pass Resort opened for the year with 36 inches at the lodge and much more higher on the mountain, much of it fresh powder snow.

"Oh, it's fabulous," said resort owner Tim Wiper. "I'm out taking a few runs myself and checking out the product."

Wiper said it's an anniversary for the Pass: 30 years since he purchased the resort and opened the first chairlift.

"It is kind of a milestone for us," Wiper said. "We're actually the longest operator also."

The ski area plans to be open every day through January 6, 2013.

After that time, Willamette Pass will operate on Wednesdays through Sundays, one more day per week than in years past.

The tradeoff: the area doesn't plan to offer night skiing this season.

DO YOU SKI? Share your homemade videos and photos