Ski resorts see hope in bad economy - but no snow
By Adam Ghassemi KATU NewsMOUNT HOOD, Ore. – It’s quite a contrast from last year. In 2007, heavy snowfall early in the fall had Mount Hood ski resorts opening early, and it piled up all winter. There were smiles on the faces of local business operators who rely on the skiers buying everything from a new pair of gloves to gas to locally made donuts. This year, the ski slopes sit bare, with only machine-made snow covering the ground in sparse patches at Mt. Hood Meadows. Parking lots are empty. At Timberline, some upper-level runs are open due to a permanent glacier-based snow pack, but that hardly qualifies as a full season opening. It would seem the one-two punch of no snow and a sagging economy would be a killer for Oregon’s ski economy. But locals say that isn’t the whole story; in fact, quite the opposite is true. Certainly, the sooner the snow arrives, the better, but Dave Tragethon of Mt. Hood Meadows isn’t worried. “When the snow comes, it will come fast, and it will come hard,” Tragethon said. “You don’t have any base, and then three days later you have 2 or 3 feet” of snow. He compares the ski season to a marathon race. “It's how you finish, not how you begin,” Tragethon said. He also sees a benefit for ski areas due to the weak economy. Tragethon said people tend to plan their recreation closer to home when money is tight. Rather than taking an expensive trip to Lake Tahoe or Vail, Colo., Tragethon said they see more people buying money-saving season passes to Mount Hood facilities and spending their money closer to home. That means more money spent at local businesses in the small towns near ski resorts, such as Government Camp. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the weather report for signs of the first big snow maker. |
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