April 13-14, 2010 Mt. Hood Meadows & Timberline

We are starting our annual trip to Tahoe and The Sierra with a couple of days on Mt. Hood.  We spent Monday evening in the RV area at Meadows.  We woke to a couple inches of new with strong winds.  Cascade and Vista Express were on wind hold all day, but 3 other express quads provided plenty of cruising terrain.  It was a typical spring storm with cold, windy conditions on the upper mountain and soft corn on the lower portions accessed by the Hood River Express.  Heather Canyon was open, but the crusty conditions under 2” of wind-blown powder were not appealing.  Coverage was excellent for the few of us on the mountain.

We spent Tuesday evening in the camper in the overnight parking area at Timberline as the stormy conditions persisted, until 9pm when the “mountain came out”.  Wednesday was clear and sunny with brisk conditions.  The forecast was for morning sun and afternoon clouds and thunder.  All 4 express quads were running at the opening, so we darted to the top on the Palmer.  It was obvious by looking at ski patrollers tracks in the ungroomed that yesterday’s powder was wind-hammered and crusty below.  We spent the morning cruising the groomers, and around noon the clouds started drifting over the upper lifts.  The light became flat and it was time to head towards Bachelor.  We had bought spring passes in March which are valid until May 31.  The coverage has improved since our March visit and should provide excellent spring skiing.  The natural halfpipe which is about halfway between the Silcox Hut and Timberline Lodge provided plenty of entertainment for Jill (and me).  There are times I think Grandma Jill is a snowboarder in disguise.