Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 3, 1963)
Features Sports MEDFORD Tribune SECTION B MEDFORD, OREGON, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1963 PAGES 1 to 8 AA t. Ashland Resort Work Ds (Progressing High on the slopes of Ml. Ashland work is speeding along in an all-out effort to get the Mt. Ashland Ski Area ready for the coming winter season. Construction crews employed by Batzer Construction Com pany of Medford, contractor on the ski lodge, and A. L. Harding, Inc., of Staylon, contractor building a road into the area, are fighting a struggle against limn and the elements. So far, they appear lo be winning, despite a week's delay brought about when leaders of the Mt. Ashland Corporation temporarily abandoned hope that the job could be done in time. A halt to work on the lodge was called shortly after the Columbus Day week end when corporation officials inspected progress on construction of the road a 7.5 mile, two-lane route from U. S. 99 at the Siskiyou summit to the north side of Mt. Ashland and concluded that it would not be completed in time. The road had been scheduled to get a crushed rock surface for the 1963-64 skiing season and then be paved during the sum mer of 1964. But one week later, the corporation announced it was re suming construction of the lodge, because it then appeared the road would be completed in time. In the meantime, Claude Harding of the Harding firm had informed the corporation that his company fully intended to have a road with a gravel surface ready at least by mid-January if not sooner. Harding put on two nine-hour work shifts and moved in addi- iJly Lip (SSaeM Workmen arc rushing to get the Mt. Ashland Ski Lodge third level of the lodge, which will be occupied eventually by the dining deck. Use of the lodge's facilities this first season in operation, however. ready for use this winter. This scene shows workmen on the a lounge and bar. The picture was taken from what will be is expected to be somewhat limited. A "skiers' grill" will be Si t if I s- It'1 ;-- 0 fit. iia-ssp - i mi 5 1 When skiers visit the Mt. Ashland Ski Area this winter, they will be treated to vistas such us the abuve with one minor change; the foliage in the fore ground will most likely he more while than green. This pholo looking south was taken last week on a day when the skies were partially clear and the lop of Mt. Shasta could be seen (near Ihe center of the photograph) sticking out of a sea of clouds. ' tional road building equipment In a determined effort to get the work done. 1 Weatherman Is Cooperative The weatherman has been fairly cooperative. Some snow has fallen at the ski area during the past month, but it has been followed by periods of clearing that were sufficient to melt the snowfall quickly. The lodge is now more than 50 per cent complete, according to Alex Murphy, Mt. Ashland Corporation manager. The frame work is up; the concrete floors have been poured. The four towers which will adorn the top of the lodge have been constructed separately and are scheduled to be lifted into place this week. A water supply system was installed during October. Water will come from a well and be pumped uphill to a 15,000-gallon tank which has been buried three feet underground (in order lo keep the water from freezing) about 150 vertical feet above the lodge. It will then be pumped back down to the lodge by gravity flow. Avoiding Short Cuts "We're trying 'to avoid giving in to short cuts," Murphy said. He cilcd the. facL.that the water tank was buried under three feet of earth. Some individuals assured him that it would be all right to pluce the tank on top of the ground, he noted, while others said two feet underground wnuid be far enough. But Murphy wanted to be certain it was done right, so he went to the extra expense of burying the lank, and put it three feet deep lo be sure. The lodge will have about 11,500 square feet of floor area. Ultimate facilities will include a dining area, warming area, lounge, and bar, ski rental shop, storage area and manager's quarters. Murphy will live at the lodge after it opens. 'Skier's Grill' Open Not all of Ihe facilities will operate during the first season, however. Murphy indicated that the main dining area will not be open, but a "skiers' grill" will be operated. Installation of the main T-bar lift is nearing completion. It will carry skiers from a- point 250 feet below the lodge up the slopes to a point near the summit. . The T-bar lift will travel about 2,500 feet, rising 900 vertical feet. A second lift, called a Pomalitt, designed for beginners, is ready for erection, a fairly simple operation, Murphy said. It will transport skiers 650 feet up a slope next to the lodge, rising 135 vertical feet on the trip. -"- Diners sitting on the northwest side of (he Mt. Ashland Ski Lodge will be able lo look out at this view of purl of the main ski dupe. Skiers will be trnnsiorlcH to a point near the peak of the mountain by a T-bar lift, from where they may ski down cither to the lodge or to the lower terminus of Ihe T-bar lift, at a point oft 10 the right of this pholo, about 250 feet below the lodge. 'fajr-vhi? -c ff S'fXU ! r. 1 lilt ill! ll J Mfkyv&Js The Mt. Ashland "ki Lodge, now more than half completed, may be seen in the center of this photo, taken from a vantage point on the southeast side o( Ihe project. At right are the other two of the four lowers which will be placed on top of the lodge. The lifting of the towers into place is scheduled to lake place during this coming week. The small building al the lcfl is the contractor's shack. It will be removed when the construction firm, Batzer Construction Company of Medford, completes the job. v,' Construction of Ihe ski lwlgn on Mt. Ashland is now reporled more lhan 50 per cent complete. The top of the lodge will be adorned by four lowers. They are being constructed separately, and two of them arc shown in this photo (right and center). At left is the lodge ilsclt under construction.
