With the opening of Palmer Chairlift on Sunday, October 8, Timberline Lodge & Ski Area on Mt. Hood became the first ski resort in North America to open for the 2017/2018 season. Weather permitting, the Palmer Chairlift will continue to be open Saturdays and Sundays, 8am to 3pm, for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Weather forecasters are anticipating another La Niña winter in the Pacific Northwest this year, meaning lots of precipitation and cold temps. Timberline received over 600″ of snow last winter, which was also a La Niña year. By opening on October 8, Timberline got a six week head start on the winter season compared to last year.
With a possible twelve to eighteen of snow in the forecast for this week, followed by mostly sunny skies on Saturday and Sunday, Palmer should be stellar this coming weekend. Conditions on Palmer can change rapidly, and the terrain is for advanced skiers and snowboarders only. Lift tickets for Palmer can be purchased at Timberline Lodge for $61. Timberline Season Pass holders are welcome to use their pass starting immediately.
Constructed in 1937, Timberline Lodge stands on the south slope of Mt. Hood at an elevation of 6,000 feet. This beautiful 55,000 square foot National Historic Landmark is still being used for its original intent – a magnificent ski lodge and mountain retreat for everyone to enjoy.
