MT HOOD HISTORY
First Tracks
The History of Mt Hood Skiing
Mount Hood, our iconic reason for being, has the well earned reputation for world class skiing and ski resorts, but it hasn’t always been that way. In the early part of the 20th century, skis weren’t necessarily made for swooshing, but were used as means of transportation in snowy conditions.
It was a common sight in the early days to see those intrepid souls that challenged the summit of Mount Hood taking off for their attempt with two, very long wooden ski’s strapped to their backs. The ski’s served two purposed. The first allowed climbers to stay above the snow, much like snowshoes, and the second purpose was a means of a quick return to the warmth and comfort of a local mountain lodge after their adventure.
Skis’s back then were quite cumbersome as they were made of wood and were quite large. Bindings were, in many cases, nothing more than a leather thong that tied your feet to the ski, a stark contrast to today’s Space Age composite construction and high tech quick release bindings. Many people back in the day made their own skis, some developing styles and features that are still used today.
When Work Became Play
Skiing as a sport didn’t really take off on Mount Hood until after WW-II. The construction of Timberline Lodge just prior to World War Two was bad timing for the lodge and for recreation throughout the country, skiing included. Timberline Lodge closed in 1942 for the duration of the war. The end of the war spelled a new beginning for the sport.
The Magic Mile ski lift, which was constructed in 1939, was the longest ski lift in America at the time. The facilities that were put into place before to the war were now being used to usher in a new era of skiing. One where a person could hop on the ski lift, ride effortlessly up the slope and swoosh down casually and enjoyably; then turn around and do it again! Ski’s were no longer just a utilitarian device… they became a very popular source of weekend recreation that continues today.
Skiing today on Mount Hood includes more than just gliding downhill on two slats. It has developed into different styles and innovative new methods, including snowboarding and freestyle skiing. Mount Hood is now one of the Nation’s premier ski areas, and boasts one of the only summer skiing opportunities in the country. Ski teams from around the world come to Mount Hood to train.
Hit The Slopes
Those of us that live close to Mount Hood are lucky to have this gem in our back yards. The many friendly businesses in the Villages of Mt Hood are designed to accommodate the folks that come to visit and include top class lodging and dining.
Does your ski equipment belong in a museum? No problem, stop in Welches to rent your equipment from Mountain Sports — they’ll set you up with skis and snowboards. Come as you are, The Villages of Mt Hood will provide the rest.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010
Publisher Information
www.mthoodmagazine.com is published by:
Villages of Mt. Hood Tourism Marketing Alliance (501(c)6)
Serving the Oregon Villages of Alder Creek, Brightwood, Wemme, Welches, Zigzag and Rhododendron
Post Office Box 819 Welches, Oregon 97067
Ph: 503.622.3017, Fax: 502.622.4881
TheVillages@MtHoodMagazine.com / www.MtHood.info
(Most of the stories) in this issue were written by Andrée Larson. Andrée grew up in the Portland/Vancouver area. She earned an MA in Art History at the University of Oregon, and writes about the history and culture of people and communities. She’s spent time in Europe and on the East Coast, and says the Pacific Northwest is hands down the best place to live. She currently lives in Tacoma with her husband, an artist.
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