Mt. Hood, OR – Mt. Hood Meadows plans to open for the 2011-12 season this Saturday with limited operations. Currently, two lifts – Buttercup and Easy Rider – are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but more lifts may be added as additional snow is forecast through today.

Meadows has a current mid-mountain snow depth of 21 inches at press time, with more higher up on the mountain. Early season conditions exist, with what resort officials are calling good to thin coverage on the groomed runs with exposed grass and rocks. Resort officials caution that Saturday’s opening is dependent on receiving more snow. The forecast is calling for a foot or more by Saturday, which will affect both conditions and the scheduled lift operations.

With enough snow the resort could open high-speed quads, including Mt. Hood Express, Shooting Star Express and the new Stadium Express Saturday or Sunday.

Uphill hiking not allowed within the ski resort boundary. The resort has machines and people on the slopes moving snow, placing boundaries, and starting early season preparations. Those seeking backcountry skiing, are directed to use designated uphill routes outside the ski area and should not descend within the ski area boundary.