Mt. Hood, OR – March precipitation set records in Portland, Ore., more than double the monthly average and the most in 81 years. Likewise, Mt. Hood Meadows received a heaping helping of March snow – more than 15 feet – growing the ski resort’s base snow depth to an impressive 174 inches. With that much snow on the slopes Mt. Hood Meadows officials announced on Monday that the lifts will continue to operate past their original closing date of April 29 and continue on weekends in May until the 20th.

May operations are dependent on good conditions and turnout, but the amount of snow and coverage should not be an issue. Mt. Hood Meadows has received 527 inches of snow — almost 44 feet — this season, most of it since mid-January, well ahead of its 430-inch annual average.  May hours will be from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays only, with Mt. Hood Express, Buttercup and Cascade Express scheduled to operate.

Spring lift ticket prices have yet to be announced, but the resort’s Unlimited Spring Pass currently on sale for $149 will be honored for the rest of the season, included the extended days in May.

Storm recovery efforts on Monday opened up the Cascade Express – the resort’s highest lift – providing high speed service to the 7,300-foot level. The lift had lain dormant for almost a week while the upper mountain was pummeled by a powerful spring storm dropping several feet of snow. Crews deiced the lift, knocking foot thick rime ice from the lift towers and haul rope. Snowcats plowed out the piled up and drifted snow from under the haul rope to provide clearance for skiers and snowboarders. Their tireless efforts resulted in opening the high speed quad with limited grooming shortly after noon on Monday.