GOVERNMENT CAMP, Ore — The combination of a decent snowpack and a three-day weekend brought a surge of skiers and snowboarders out to Mount Hood Meadows on Sunday.
Ski resorts aren't complaining about the big rush, considering they had to close a few times this season due to poor weather.
"We didn't have a lot of snow early on through most of December, then we got hit pretty hard in January with the big blizzard," said Jeremy Riss, chief operating manager at Mount Hood Meadows. "We definitely had some operational challenges during that time period, but we're in an awesome spot right now."
The Mount Hood Meadows staff anticipated working a little extra over the long weekend.
"We staff up for it," said Riss, who has worked at the ski resort since he was 16. "We kind of work a little extra. It's pretty exciting to have the three-day weekend and have folks here for multiple days."
Claire Goldsmid was at the mountain Sunday with with her father, Tim. They've made trips up to Mount Hood a family tradition.
"It's really fun and I always prepare the night before. I get really hyped up," Goldsmid said. "We always get McDonalds for breakfast, which is kind of like our routine, I guess, since this is a special treat for us."
Mount Hood Meadows even added an express line that lifts six people up at a time to help speed up the busy lines.
Jessica Caldwell woke up at 6:30 a.m. Sunday just to snowboard on fresh snow.
"Last season, there was a lot more snow earlier," she said. "It seems to be coming a little later, but it's nice when it does hit; obviously everyone comes out, it's busy."
Mount Hood Meadows was full of snowboarders and skiers just like Jessica, appreciating the fun and hoping for more days of snow.
"Just getting after it, have some fun and enjoy time with friends," said Omar Johnson, another snowboarder visiting for the day.