PORTLAND, Oregon — It's been a slow start for ski resorts around Oregon hoping to kick off their season. Some areas on Mount Hood are expecting to open their lifts this weekend, but the weather forecast does bring some uncertainty.
Snow levels are expected to rise near 6,000 feet on Saturday afternoon, which would bring rain to the Cascade passes, according to KGW meteorologist Rod Hill.
Here's a round-up of some ski resorts and when they expect to operate lifts. For the most up-to-date information, visit the ski resort's website and social media pages.
Mount Hood Meadows
This Saturday, Dec. 9 marks the soft season opener for Mount Hood Meadows. The south-side lifts of Buttercup, Easy Rider and Daisy are expected to be open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., along with the Ballroom Carpet conveyor.
A storm brought 11 inches of new snow to Meadows between Wednesday night and early Friday morning. It's enough to allow the resort to open, with help from remaining snowfall from last weekend's storm.
"Our team has worked extremely hard preparing for the start of the season and we are very excited to open," said Greg Pack, the president and general manager.
Mount Hood Skibowl
The recreation area has suspended tubing operations for Dec. 9-10. Mount Hood Skibowl is focusing on snowmaking to deepen their base (average depth of snow on the mountain) over the weekend. Their next update is expected to come on Dec. 13 by noon.
Timberline Lodge
Weather permitting, Timberline is scheduled to open its Pucci and Bruno's ski lifts on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Timberline reported that 10 inches of snow has fallen in the area over the past day.
Mount Bachelor
In Bend, Mount Bachelor is now open to skiers and snowboarders. The Little Pine and Sunrise Lifts were operating on Friday, Dec. 8. Skiers and snowboarders can check the resort's website and social media pages for daily updates on lift operations.
Mount Bachelor opened for the season last weekend, but had to shut down lifts for a few days after heavy rain washed away about a foot of snow from their base.