Industry News
After one of the shortest and most frustrating winters in recent memory, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Skibowl is making a move that’s turning heads across the ski industry. Following a season that lasted just 22 days, the ski area is offering last winter’s pass holders a 72.5% discount on next season’s pass.
That number is no coincidence — it reflects just how far off this winter was from normal. Over the past decade, Skibowl has averaged around 97 operating days. This season fell 72.5% short of that, and the resort is effectively giving that percentage back.
In an email to pass holders, Skibowl said that offering the discount was “the right thing to do.” General Manager Mike Quinn reinforced that sentiment to The Oregonian, emphasizing the importance of loyal customers who stuck with the resort through an exceptionally tough winter.
This comes during a season many skiers and snowboarders across the West would rather forget. A widespread snow drought led to thin coverage, exposed terrain, limited terrain openings, and very few powder days. Even Timberline Lodge recorded its third worst snowpack in 75 years of data.
Higher elevation resorts like Mt. Hood Meadows and Mt. Bachelor managed to stay open for more than 100 days, but not without significant effort and expense. Meanwhile, Skibowl, sitting at a lower elevation, took the full brunt of the lack of snow.
The result has left many pass holders across the region questioning the value of committing to a season pass. While some resorts offer limited guarantees or small discounts when seasons fall short, most do not compensate for poor conditions alone.
For comparison, Mt. Shasta Ski Park, which missed its 60-day guarantee by five days, is offering an 8.33% discount. Mt. Ashland, which only operated for 17 days, is offering between 24% and 33% off next season’s pass.
Skibowl’s response stands out not just for the size of the discount, but for the reasoning behind it. The resort acknowledged the gap between expectation and reality and chose to address it directly.
At the same time, the broader industry is facing rising costs and increasing uncertainty. Even resorts that stayed open longer are already looking for ways to cut expenses, including earlier closing dates and operational adjustments.
For Skibowl, a resort that’s been operating since 1928, this winter marked the lowest snowpack it has ever seen. And while no discount can replace a lost season, this one comes closer than most.
