EUGENE, Ore. — Skiers and snowboarders in Oregon delivered $482 million in economic impacts across the state in 2010-2011. According to a report prepared by the University of Oregon, the industry contributed 6,772 jobs and $194 million in personal income. The report reviewed the amount of money spent at the mountains, in communities and along … Continue reading »
Storm Dumps Feet of Snow
WILLAMETTE PASS, Ore. — It was a bit of a slow start to the ski season, but some powerful winter storms packed a good punch, bringing heavy snow for the ski area and a treat for the skiers. Willamette Pass Ski Area has a fresh blanket of white ready to be carved and shredded this … Continue reading »
Drivers Battle the Snow Over the Passes
WILLAMETTE PASS, Ore. — The Cascades passes were blanketed in white Monday and Tuesday. Willamette Pass got about 18 inches and Santiam Pass around 28 inches. Just last week, the area near Willamette Pass was experiencing relatively warm and dry weather, but that all changed come Sunday night when the temperatures dropped below freezing and … Continue reading »
Willamette Pass Opens
WILLAMETTE PASS, Ore. — Nearly five feet of snow fell in the Cascades this week, creating prime conditions for those lucky enough to take a day off and head to opening day at Willamette Pass. At 9 a.m., it was time to take advantage of the days of dumping in the Cascades. Opening on a … Continue reading »
Snow Continues to Pound Mountain Passes
WILLAMETTE PASS, Ore. — The Cascades continued to see about a foot of snow Tuesday. Winds weren’t as high, but conditions were still challenging for drivers. It’s a lot whiter out there and the ground is slicker, after the pass saw another foot of snow overnight Monday night. There were significantly less passenger cars on … Continue reading »
Layer of New Snow at Willamette Pass
WILLAMETTE PASS, Ore. — The colder weather and snow is a welcome sight for those in higher elevations. At the Willamette Pass Ski Resort, flakes started falling around 2 p.m. Tuesday and continued Wednesday, although light. But every little bit counts to get the park open. “This morning we are moving some snow around, putting … Continue reading »
2012 Ski Swap Begins
EUGENE, Ore. — Want to get a deal on some new or next-to-new ski equipment? Friday’s your chance when the annual Ski Swap starts at the Lane County Fairgrounds. Through Friday afternoon, local ski patrolers are collecting gear for consignment. Twenty percent of the money from sales goes to the Santiam Pass, Backcountry and award-winning … Continue reading »
First Snow Falls on Willamette Pass
WILLAMETTE PASS, Ore. — While the valley dealt with hail, winds and rain, about four inches of snow landed on the passes overnight. The base of the Willamette Pass Ski Resort is at about 5,100 elevation, but snow on the pass starts at a way lower elevation. There was about four inches on the ground … Continue reading »
Late Spring Snow Falls on Mountain Passes
WILLAMETTE PASS, Ore. — The unofficial start to summer got off to a chilling start. Some folks woke up Friday morning to three inches of snow at Willamette Pass. People living in the area say the weather in the region can be pretty unpredictable. So despite being so close to June and summer, many weren’t … Continue reading »
