At least 1 Oregon ski resort plans to reopen this spring

PORTLAND — Some ski resorts in Oregon are preparing to reopen, but exactly when is still up in the air.

Gov. Kate Brown announced earlier this week that some outdoor recreation activities can resume as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Brown is expected to issue an executive order to officially allow ski resorts to resume operations in the coming days, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.

John Burton, spokesman for Timberline Lodge and Ski Area on Mount Hood, said the resort, which touts year-round skiing, has been getting ready to reopen and plans to hire back workers it laid off in April. He said they also plan to hire additional full-time cleaning crews.

Depending on when the governor’s executive order comes out, Burton said Timberline could reopen at a limited capacity as early as the end of next week.

Operations at other ski resorts in the state are less clear.

Dave Tragethon, vice president at Mount Hood Meadows, said it plans to reopen later this year, but the skiing and snowboarding season there has already ended.

“We’re working through plans for lodging and culinary services and possibly for some summer operations.”

In Bend, Mount Bachelor spokeswoman Leigh Capozzi said their crews are waiting for more guidance from the governor before making any decisions.