Ski resorts open runs as new snow piles up in Cascades

MOUNT HOOD, Ore. - Put down that turkey leg and grab your hat and gloves, ski season has arrived.

Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline and Mt. Bachelor near Bend have all announced they are opening Thanksgiving Day as new snow piles up on Cascade ski slopes.

"The resort currently has a 33-inch base, thanks to almost two feet of snow which has fallen since Saturday," Dave Tragethon with Mt. Hood Meadows said in an email on Wednesday. "And with more snow forecast this weekend, resort officials are confident the resort will continue daily operations for the season."

Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, located at a lower elevation, will not be opening this weekend and did not show an opening date on their website.

Timberline has been operating two lower lifts in recent weeks and all the runs at area facilities won't be open on Thanksgiving Day. Meadows will operate four chairlifts, while Bachelor will run three lifts.

KATU Meteorologist Rhonda Shelby said snow levels will dip to about 3,000 feet heading into Thanksgiving Day, with resort locations picking up several inches to over a foot of new snow. Conditions in the mountains Thanksgiving Day may be fairly clear as a break between weather systems passes through the region, Shelby said.

The snow level pops back up to 7,000 feet on Friday but lowers again to 5,500 feet Saturday. Timberline Lodge is located at the 6,000 foot level on Mount Hood and Meadows' lodge is at the 5,300 foot mark. Both facilities have runs extending above 7,000 feet in elevation.

Skiers and snowboarders are advised to check travel and road conditions before heading up to the mountains. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect and drivers can expect to see snow on roadways at pass levels.

Drivers should carry chains or traction devices and drive at speeds suitable for the conditions.

• Take a look: KATU's Oregon Ski and Snow Report Page with pass cameras