Timberline Ski Lodge Opens to Happy Oregonians

Published 05/27/2020 at 5:43 AM PDT
By OREGON TRAVEL DAILY STAFF

(Government Camp, Oregon) – While the Columbia Gorge remains not quite open yet, one of Oregon’s biggest attractions has swung open wide its doors: Timberline Lodge & Ski and Snowboard Area.

What was created out of the Great Depression as a response and need to heal by creating jobs, Timberline began welcoming guests on May 15 to much applause – especially those looking for an outdoorsy release.

The ski lodge and resort is saying thank you to loyal pass holders, skiers and riders for holding on as it now offers much needed relief through outdoor recreation.

“Timberline will continue adherence to federal, state and local guidance including the CDC and Oregon Health Authority,” said the resort in a press relelae. “We have created a Covid Response Management Team, implemented Covid employee training and developed a strategy to keep guests and employees as safe and healthy as we can.”

Timberline said you can expect a new and different experience. It’s being pared down to some degree to maximize social distancing and safety in this time of COVID-19.

Mountain operations will be limited to the best two chairlifts with entirely new processes for access, parking, lift tickets, pass holders and lift lines. The Wy’East Day Lodge will be open for grab-and-go food, repairs, retail and restrooms only. No inside seating will be available. The hotel will only be open to overnight guests, with a limited number of available rooms. All food and beverage outlets will be grab-and-go or take out orders only. Social distancing infrastructure and messaging will be prevalent with Timberline staff available to assist with and promote healthy guest interactions and choices.

Guidelines for All Visitors:

Do not visit if you do not intend to follow these guidelines
Only visit with members of your household
Complete a Covid questionnaire provided online for skiers or at front desk for hotel guests
Wear a cloth face masks at all times indoors and when unable to maintain physical distancing outdoors
Comply with monitoring and enforcement of Covid prevention protocols throughout the resort, including current physical distancing requirement of 6’
Continue to practice exceptional hygiene
Wash hands frequently with soap and water
Use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands
Report any confirmed COVID-19 exposure
Immediately notify Timberline Management if you begin to experience flu-like symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 after leaving our facility
Voice concerns, ask questions and seek clarification when necessary

“Any guest who does not strictly adhere to the guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension of their day ticket, Season Pass, or issuance of a Notice of Exclusion / Trespass,” a Timberline spokesman said.

Ski Area Guests:

Before coming to Timberline all skiers and riders will need to make a mandatory online reservation. This includes but is not limited to Timberline Pass Holders, Fusion Pass Holders, Subaru Pass Holders, pre-paid lift tickets, Cyber-Monday lift tickets, Black Friday lift tickets, etc. If you arrive at Timberline without an online reservation, even if you have a season pass or a pre-paid product you will not be allowed access. The online reservation process includes a Covid questionnaire.

There are numerous other new restrictions for the hotel and back country areas. For the full new protocols see https://www.timberlinelodge.com/