Westbound Boarder

As the snow season is literally right around the corner, it is time to start thinking about season passes. As there are many resorts to choose from, we have decided to bring you the gist on the best resorts in your neck of the woods. Most of you already know, Andrea and I are located in Oregon and California, respectively. With that said, we have a number of resorts to suggest to you in far west states although don’t worry, we won’t omit the legendary inland resorts…

Oregon -Mt Hood:

Timberline Lodge: Despite what some may call it (Flatline), Timberline Lodge is known for their killer parks and extra long season. In fact, I had so much fun spring riding there this year and had such a long season (my spring pass was good through June 14^th!!!!), that I am going to be riding Timberline exclusively this season. On top of the epic terrain parks and extra long regular season, Timberline Lodge has partnered with Ski Bowl and is again (for the third year in a row) brining you the Mt. Hood Fusion Pass.

• The Fusion Pass: The Fusion Pass is an unlimited, all access pass to both Timberline Lodge and Ski Bowl. $449 (Adults, 23-64), $349 (Teen, 15-22), $249 (Junior 7-14).  Fusion Pass prices good through October 31st.
• Weekday Plus Pass: Ride unlimited weekdays for only $209.
• Flex 5 Pass: $175
• Flex 10 Pass: $325
• Timberline Only Pass: Don’t bother as it’s more than the fusion pass…
• Prices good through November 8th.

Mt. Hood Meadows: If you are looking to purchase a season pass to Mt. Hood this year, it is never too early to getchya pass on (they have been selling them for quite a while now).

• Group Passes: Buy your pass in a group of 2, 3 or 4 (depending on your age) for $229, $339 and $449, respectively.
• The Mt. Hood Meadows group deals (4×4, 3×3 & 2×2) are back and the best prices of the season are good right now through October 31st

Ski Bowl: Known for America’s best and largest night ski area, Ski Bowl is a must ride at some point in time. Not only are they located in the heart of Government Camp, OR, but they have some super steep and diverse terrain. At this time Ski Bowl is offering the Mt. Hood Fusion Pass, exclusively.

• The Fusion Pass: The Fusion Pass is an unlimited, all access pass to both Timberline Lodge and Ski Bowl. $449 (Adults, 23-64), $349 (Teen, 15-22), $249 (Junior 7-14).
• Fusion Pass prices good through October 31st. 

Snow Summit: I am not sure this is the best place to buy a season pass, although if you want to learn to ride this season, Snow Summit is the best and most economical place to do so. Also located in the heart of Government Camp, Snow Summit is literally two single runs and one chair lift.

• Season Pass Prices: $175 (13 & Over), $125 (12 & Under).
• Lift Tickets: All Day for only $25!

Central Oregon:

Mt. Bachelor: If central Oregon is the place you call home, then it is likely that Mt. Bachelor is too. Bachelor boasts the largest resort in Oregon and deserves every praise that it gets. With a little something for everyone; backcountry, terrain parks, the bunny hill, sky high summit riding and a variety of season pass options, Bachelor is guaranteed to satisfy you’re your Winter spirit. With unlimited season passes, 10 time passes and even passes that are used based on the quality of your experience you are sure to find a pass that fits your needs at Mt. Bachelor this season. Check ‘em out!

• Full Season Pass: $799 (Adults), $349 (Young Adult, 19-23), $249 (Teen, 13-18), $149 (Youth, 6-12)
• 12 Day Pass: $399 (All Ages – Watch out for black out dates!)
• Mid-Week Pass: $519 (Adults)
• Prices good through September 30th.

HooDoo: Also in Central Oregon, HooDoo is a smaller resort and more affordable too!

• $349 (19-25), $299 (12-18)
• Family Prices: 1st Pass – $515, 2nd Pass – $395, 3rd Pass – $285, 4th Pass – $245, Additional Passes – $185 Each.

Southern Oregon

Mt. Ashland: Although Mt. Ashland is not the largest resort out there, it is a great option (and the only one) for those living in Southern Oregon.

• Unlimited Passes: Adults ($449,18-64), College Students ($350), Junior ($315, 13-17)
• Week Day Pass: Adults ($249), College Students ($249)
• Prices good through October 15th.

Washington

Crystal Mountain: Not only is Crystal the largest ski resort in the state of Washington, but with the purchase of the Gold Full Season Pass described below, you also get 10 free days at other Boyne resorts.

• Unlimited Season Pass: $799 (Adult, 18-69), $699 (Youth 11-17), $50 (Child, 0-10)
• Prices good through October 31st.

Mt. Baker: Located in Northern Washington Mt. Baker is 2 hours from Vancouver, B.C. and 2.5 hours from downtown Seattle.

• Unlimited Pass Prices (with tax): $680 (Adult 18-59), $600 (College), $485 (Youth, 16-17), $273 (Child, 7-12)
• Prices good through October 31st.

Are we missing any? Let us know what Mountain you call home and we will be sure to give our readers the skinny on it.  Look out for Andrea’s Resort Picks tomorrow as she outlines the lowest pass prices of the season in the state of California!

Hey guys!  We originally recorded this interview as a podcast to launch our very first “boardcast” series (original, huh?), however, we have been experiencing technical difficulties so unfortunately we are unable to share the audio file with you at this time.  Technology likes to work in mysterious ways sometimes (or just not work at all)  Our boardcast will come soon, I promise!

Anyway, a few nights ago I got the opportunity to interview a good friend and former coworker (from my past professional life), Cameron Nichols.  In addition to being an advertising whiz, Cam is an awesome snowboarder, and this Friday and Saturday he’ll be boarding for charity… for 24 full hours.  Called “Hope on the Slopes,” Cam and a group of his buds from U. Oregon (they’re calling themselves “The Downhill Ducks”) will be snowboarding for 24 hours at Ski Bowl this weekend to raise money for American Cancer Society.  Cam personally has a close relative who passed from cancer, so this cause is near to his heart; and he gets to snowboard while supporting the cause.

The catch – If Cam raises $500, he promises he’ll snowboard in a gorilla suit!  (Why he even has a gorilla suit, well, that’s a different story).  Help Cam reach his goal!  If you’d like to donate, follow this link here. (Yes, Westbound Boarder has officially donated).

This week, Cam will really get the opportunity to eat, breath, and sleep snowboarding.  Aside from lots of coffee, Cam is excited to combine his love for snowboarding with a great cause.  Good luck, Cam; be sure to send pictures!

Are you doing anything to combine your action sports hobby with a good cause?  e want to hear about it; leave a comment below!

The weekend I have been waiting for all winter is finally here! That is right; Burton Demo Days is coming to a resort near you (right here in the PacNW!) As Burton puts it, this is an opportunity to ‘unlimit your riding.’ Stop by one of the following locations and you can try the entire 2009 line of Burton gear, for FREE! Bring a credit card for a security deposit so you can, ‘truly understand what Burton EST’s supernatural performance can do to unlimit the way you see, feel and ride the mountain, you must try it for yourself.’

If you have been thinking about grabbing some new gear, there is no better time than the present (aka, the season’s end).  It’s also always great to try before you buy, so join me this weekend at Timberline Lodge where I will be picking out my new snowboard (I’m thinking the Stria, Blender or GTwin, but we will see ). So here are your local demo opportunities in Oregon:

• 3.14.09- Mission Ridge
• 3.14.09- Timberline Lodge
• 3.15.09- Ski Bowl
• 3.21.09- Hoodoo
• 3.22.09- Mt. Hood Meadows
• 3.28.09- Mt. Bachelor
• 3.29.09- Mt. Bachelor
• 3.28.09- Crystal Mountain
• 3.29.09- Stevens Pass

With over nine stops in the area, there really are no excuses not to attend Burton Demo Days! Let us know about your demo days experience by shooting us an email at westboundboarder@gmail.com.