8
Features
December
Winter's early arrival breathes life into ski resorts
D rake E dwards ______________
It's that time of year again,
temperatures start to drop, and
the rain moves in. This could
only mean one thing. The
first winter flakes of snow are
beginning to fall on the barren
slopes of Mt. Hood, changing
it from a rocky wasteland, to a
beautiful blank canvas of new
fallen, untouched snow.
For those who have been
itching to ski or snowboard
since May, this is like their
birthday come early, causing
people to flock to their favorite
resort. But for those of who
have perhaps just started to
ski or snowboard, or haven't
done so on Mt. Hood yet, the
resort options can be a little
overwhelming, so here is a
beginners guide to all of Mt.
Hood's resorts.
Mt. Hood Meadows:
Known for its varied terrain
and very high average snow
pack, Meadows proves to
be a great resort for all types
of skiers and snowboarders.
There are plenty of basic
runs, as well as double black
diamonds. Meadows has a
reputable ski and snowboard
school, giving lessons every
day of the week. For those who
don't have skis or snowboards,
Meadows has gear for rent.
Another great thing about
Meadows is night skiing. After
dark, Meadows opens one half
of the mountain, still having as
much run variety as a normal
day. Also, for the thrill seekers,
most of their terrain parks are
still open under the lights, as
well as the 22-foot tall, 500 foot
long superpipe. Even though
lessons don't run during the
night hours, rentals do.
Mt. Hood Skibowl: Being
the largest night skiing area in
the U.S., it attracts many after
work skiers and snowboarders.
The lifts run until 10 p.m.
during the week and 11 p.m.
on weekends, making it a
perfect getaway from the
urban jungle. Skibowl isn't a
night only resort, it still serves
up some of the best powder in
the state with an outer chairlift
that supplies fresh untracked
goodness. Though some of
the runs can be very difficult,
a vast majority of them are
beginner friendly.
Skibowl is also a great place
to learn to ski or snowboard.
With a very extensive rental
program and great runs
for beginners, it's a perfect
combination. Skibowl has all
day lift tickets for $44, sharing
the cheapest lift tickets on Mt.
Hood with Timberline.
Timberline: Founded in
1936 by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt, Timberline lodge
was built as a work project
during the Great Depression.
For 73 years, Timberline has
been one of the iconic ski
resorts in the United States.
Accompanied by a beautiful
array of trees and long
winding runs, Timberline is
a great place to take in all of
nature's beauty while getting
down to some good skiing.
For those who like to ride
terrain parks, Timberline
has been a leader, boasting
some of the first ever ski and
snowboard jumps. It also
supplies some of the biggest
and most advanced parks on
Mt. Hood, so if airtime sounds
appealing, try Timberline.
For those who are just
fine keeping their feet on
the ground, Timberline has
great runs for beginners, as
well as a very short bunny
hill. Timberline, like the rest
of the resorts on Mt. Hood,
has a great rental program as
well. Another plus is Bruno,
the resort's mascot, who can
be commonly seen running
around the beginner lift.
Mt. Hood is known as
one of the premier ski and
snowboard destinations in the
country, and with three great
resorts, the possibilities for
fun are endless. Whether it be
night skiing, beautiful scenery
or a place to learn, Mt. Hood
has it all.
Holiday spirit is here; there's tons of fun for all to share
G unnar W olfe _______________
After a long year of
waiting, it is once again the
time to venture into the cold,
snowy w eather and enjoy the
smell of fresh cut pine. The
city of Portland has turned
into a winter wonderland,
filled with holiday lights
and decorations and
performances.
RUGBY
Some of the many
attractions include popular
live performances such
as Charles Dickens' "A
Christmas Carol" and
E.T.A.
Hoffm ann’s "The
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Nutcracker. "Attracting
thousands of
Oregonians each year,
they are timeless,
world-renowned
works of art. They can
be seen at Portland
Center Stage and
Keller Auditorium,
respectively. Check
www.pcpa.com for
a complete calendar
of times, dates and
locations.
If you would rather
see a spectacular
display of hundreds
of fascinating animals
and beautiful lighting,
the Zoolights are
a family friendly
attraction. During
the holidays,
the Oregon Zoo
becom es a magical
wonderland^ filled
with colorful lights
and decorations.
Zoolights will be open
through Jan. 3, from 5-8 p.m.
every night at the Oregon
Zoo. General admission is $9.
The Portland Christmas
Ship Parade features as
many as 60 boats every
night from Dec. 9 to Dec.
20. The uniquely lit and
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One of m any local h olid ay
attractions is the Oregon Zoo
Lights. There are more than 200
anim ated anim als including
swinging monkeys, leaping frogs,
flying bats, diving penguins and a
light sculpture featuring a dozen
animals.
decorated boats travel back
and forth on the Columbia
and Willamette rivers. The
parade is free of charge, and
specific locations and times
can be found at their website,
www.christmasships.org.
An outdoor event with a
lighted display of gorgeous
botanical gardens is The
Grotto Christmas Festival '
of Lights. The Grotto, is
a 62-acre Catholic shrine
and garden features music
and other attractions. The
Symphonic Band and Jazz
Choir performed at this
event on Dec. 10, but it runs
every night through Dec.
30 from 5-9 p.m. General
adm ission is $7.50.
If you'd rather stay out
of the cold, the Winter
Wonderland at Portland
International Raceway is a
fun event. Drive around the
racetrack and see the magical
Christmas lighting and
decorations. The wonderland
is open from 5-9 p.m.
Wednesday through Sunday,"
and will run through Dec. 27.
The cost is $16 per carload.
These are just a few of
the local holiday attractions
available in the Portland
area. M ake your holidays
a magical time by finding
a special way to enjoy the
season.