As of November 25, Mount Hood has begun its 2022-2023 ski season. Many Camas High School students are ready for the season to start.

“I’m going to Timberline this weekend,” said junior Kristianna Vaznaugh.

Although Timberline is one of the choices for ski resorts, many students prefer Mt. Hood Meadows.

“I don’t like Timberline because it’s on the other side and is windier. They don’t have as many runs, but they do have a better park.” said junior Elise Parkinson.

With an elevation of 7,300 feet, Meadows has 85 runs with lengths up to three miles. Because Meadows is on the wind-protected side of Mt. Hood, it gets more sun than other areas. A pass for Meadows can cost from $239 to $389.

“I have a season pass for Meadows. Just because I go so often, it’s really convenient and you don’t have to keep paying. It’s really fun,” said sophomore Allegra Berumen.

Some students are still debating which pass to buy.

“I was thinking about getting the fusion pass that you can go to both Timberline and Ski Bowl with, but it depends on price and availability,” said Vaznaugh. The various passes offered all offer different benefits. The fusion pass, for example, allows the buyer to visit any day or night on either Ski Bowl or Timberline. The value pass at Meadows allows you day access on any day that is not considered a peak day, and the night passes allow buyers to visit anytime from 2 pm to 9 pm.

One aspect to consider when purchasing a pass is the predicted weather conditions for the season. Last year Mt. Hood received 454 inches of snow, but this year many students expect there will be more snow. “I think it will [be good snow]. I really love fluffy snow, like powdery snow, I love just plowing through the snow,” said Berumen.

Despite the predicted less-than-average snowfall due to the drought La Niña brought to the West Coast this year, snow is already falling on Mt. Hood. “It started snowing really soon compared to last year, it’s just dumping snow up there,” said Parkinson.

So far, the 2022-2023 season seems like it will be a normal season, and many Camas skiers hope that it will remain this way for the remainder of the ski season.