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In this article, Kenlee reviews Hoodoo Ski Resort. Is the drive worth it?
The First Double Chairlift; Hoodoo Ski Resort
The First Double Chairlift; Hoodoo Ski Resort
By: Kenlee Rapport
Skiable high-peak mountains are abundant in the Pacific Northwest. This region is known to offer a great range of snow sports. Hoodoo ski area is located in the Cascade Mountain range, near a quaint town called Sisters. The slopes of Hoodoo are known for their family-friendly environment. It is perfect for beginners and intermediates. Hoodoo is open to the public from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Wed. through Sat. and from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sun. It is closed on Mon. and Tues. There is so much to offer, with the rich history and affordable prices.
Hoodoo has been founded for over 80 years by Ed Thurston, who grew up in Bend; he was a passionate skier who coincidentally owned a rope tow at White Branch. According to Bend Bulletin- a Bend newspaper, “The U.S. Forest Service, however, recognized the growing popularity of the sport and organized a team of pioneers from Eugene, Salem, Albany, Corvallis and Bend to survey the Central Oregon Cascades in search of a ski area.” The team then set off. As true skiers, they skied all day around Santiam Ski Pass, which did not look promising enough. The team stumbled upon Lost Lake near Hoodoo Butte while surveying the Three-Fingered Jack. They decided it was the perfect spot. Succeeding the next winter, Ed Thurston opened the only rope tow which, at first, did not gain much business. In 1948, he added a new rope tow, hoping for more business. Skiers and snowboarders know the feeling of being able to take a relaxing ride up to the summit and shred down to the bottom again. Until 1950, Oregonians who participated in snow sports did not have such a luxury. That is: until Ed and The U.S. Forest Service teamed up again to build the first double chairlift in Oregon. This brand-new, convenient technology caught the attention of many, and Ed was proud of his work.
Image of sporty snowman, taken by Kenlee Rapport
Image of lodge, taken by Kenlee Rapport
From 1939-1945, many suffered from the great conflict of World War ll, which took place only a couple of years before Hoodoo was excavated. Ed was aware that the ski resort needed a lodge, and how he acquired the ski resort lodge is quite fascinating. Located in Corvallis was Camp Adair-- a military training site during World War ll. Left behind was an old officer's quarters that survived the travesty of the war. Ed thought to himself that this must be put to good use. He ordered a crew to cut the lodge into 30-foot sections and lay the disheveled building into the bed of a couple of trucks. The crew hauled it to Hoodoo, where the officer's quarters were laid right on top of an already constructed building that was 11 feet tall. On the report of Hoodoo, Bend newspaper The Register Guard shared with the public that “The lodge will have 50 private rooms, and probably will be completed enough to use this ski season.”
The lodge has transformed in the modern day, not offering a place to stay but, by preference, a resting place for skiers and snowboarders. The lodge offers accessible bathrooms, a cafe that provides a variety of food, and a dining area upstairs/downstairs. Downstairs is a shop filled with gear and merch for the Hoodoo resort, as well as a rental area for beginners. Upstairs is a bar for snowboarders and skiers who meet the age requirement. The bar serves a humongous nacho tray. Nearby is a kiddy corner with a big bookshelf, candy-painted walls, and comfy couches. An interesting fact about Hoodoo is that avid campers who ski or snowboard can take residence up at Hoodoo. There are designated spots in the main parking lot for RVs.
Hoodoo is known for its steep cliffs and slopes. This resort is great for perfecting tricks and dealing with high inclines. Intermixed on the mountain are wide passages, connected with smaller trails. One featured ski lift is the Green Machine, where skiers can ride up to the summit or midway. Additionally, Manzanita is the best ski lift for beginners and intermediates. A personal favorite is the ED chair, which goes almost to the tippy top of the mountain but not quite. The lift splits off onto the Green Machine and daring black diamonds. The mountain's main ski lifts are all intertwined, with small trails leading to one another, so navigating around the whole mountain is efficient.
Image of Hoodoo at night time, taken by Kenlee Rapport
Upon a visit to Hoodoo, the forecast on the first day was not the best, it was plummeting rain and, as predicted, the parking lot was empty. The second day was the best out of all three. It was light snow, which is not a burden at most times, and the snow was smooth and delightful, especially after a wax. The third day, unfortunately, did not have much to offer, with its hail and hard-crunchy snow, leaving many to take multiple breaks in the lodge or camp out in their cars. It is evident that the weather did not coincide with planning, but it is always a gamble going to new resorts since the weather is unpredictable.
Something that most can agree on is the value of Hoodoo tickets. As seen on the Hoodoo website, lift ticket prices are more affordable, when compared to those of other ski resorts. For visitors 13 to 64, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on certain days, the cost is 75 dollars. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., it is 39 dollars. For juniors, ages 11 to 12, and elders 65 plus, it is 40 dollars from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For people in these groups who only want to ski from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the cost is only 25 dollars. For beginners, the easy rider all day costs 29 dollars. Keep in mind that prices may vary when it is peak season. Additionally, children under the age of 10 are cost-free for all day, including the variety of lifts available.
Hoodoo Ski Resort is a fun getaway for winter break, with its systematic trails and friendly frequenters. The biggest recommendation is to plan out skiing and snowboarding days for the best forecast that is predicted. Also, remember that, from Grants Pass to Sisters, it is a lengthy four-hour drive. Plan, plan, plan, and enjoy the slopes!
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