Glory in Government Camp

The beauty of Government Camp in winter is hard to beat…just look at all the fresh snow! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

With spring officially beginning here quite soon, many have already forgotten about winter (or tried to) and are thinking about swimming, hikes and blooming flowers. That said, winter has kept its solid grip on the NW and many other parts of the country. It’s been a strange year indeed, with cold temps in the forecast for Portland even still!. So what does one do? Make lemonade out of what some might call lemons. Government Camp ends up to be the perfect pitcher for this sweet concoction. Indeed, just this last weekend, true winter glory was found in that tiny ski town, as well as at the resorts surrounding. In fact, in over 40 years of skiing and snowboarding on Mt. Hood, I have NEVER seen it so good. Saturday morning was the definition of “blue bird” with pure blue sky, zero wind, 12 degrees (F) and 19 inches of the freshest, lightest powder…well, it just doesn’t get any better.

Another look at Government Camp in nearly mid-March; you’d swear it was January! Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers

With my family, and some friends, staying in Government Camp over the weekend in a rented cabin, we experienced this amazing winter that just isn’t ready to quit. It really looked like late January out there as the pictures show. Just paradise, that is, if you enjoy the frozen stuff. Well, it’s pretty tough not to enjoy when it’s this good. Spoiled we now are.

One of mine getting some air on a jump track we made in our rented house driveway! Good stuff! Video Courtesy: Dan Meyers

Timberline Lodge

The conditions on both Friday and Saturday at Timberline Lodge (and elsewhere) were, in one word, epic. For the ages. Will I ever see it that good again? These thoughts ran through my mind multiple times. In fact, it was so amazing up there that for one of the few times in my life, I truly wish I had a time machine so I could keep rewinding the days to do them over again. And to top it all off, I was able to talk the chef at the Blue Ox restaurant into making the now off the menu pizza that I wrote so wildly about last year. Yep, the White Rooster pizza is something that you can indeed request…even though it’s been presently replaced by its cousin…the Red Rooster. …. Well, does it get any better? Fresh powder, personal pizza, and miles of un-tracked? I don’t think so.

Yes, this is what is was really like over the weekend at Timberline (and elsewhere on Mt. Hood). Unreal. Image Courtesy: TimberlineLodge.com

Summit Ski Area & Snow Bunny

For the little ones and those seeking a truly mellow, small town ski experience, Summit Ski Area, which is at the east end of Government Camp, makes for a wonderful experience. Recently purchased by Timberline Lodge, along with Snow Bunny lodge and sledding hill, the food and facilities at Summit are in the process of being upgraded. Well, the food has already seen an overhaul…and wow…what a difference. Yep, the Timberline-influenced menu really hits the spot. And the lift tickets here are very inexpensive when compared to the other ski hills. Just a great family spot when very mellow hills are sought.

Here’s a look at the mellow slopes at Summit Ski Area. Kids and those just learning can go crazy here with little to get into trouble on. Just a great, family spot with low-cost lift tickets and great food. Image Courtesy: MyFirstSki.com

Here is a short clip of a friend of mine’s son catching some real sledding air at Snow Bunny! Way too fun. Video Courtesy: Brian Brezinski

In summary, don’t give up on winter just yet! There are plenty of turns to still be made up on the hill, and, if you’re at all like me, you’ll be up there working it until it’s time to put on the swimsuit. And really, with skiing and boarding year round up at Timberline, you don’t have to actually ever quit! Enjoy.