Backcountry Skiing Corn Report – Guest Blog from Mount Hood, Oregon

I’ve always have a place in my snow lovin’ heart for Mount Hood, Oregon, having first skied it for the first time while in the Northwest working for Outward Bound, and another time during my honeymoon in 1985 (and today it’s Mother’s Day, 22 years later — thanks to my bride for sticking with me for so long!). Somehow, during both trips good weather prevailed. I’ve always wanted to go back, but alas, have not done so. Thus, when this report from Hood came in a few days ago from blog reader Shane Parker it seemed like a natural guest post about backcountry skiing, so here goes:

On Mount Hood this past week. Guest blog photo from Shane Parker.

Hi Lou,
I have been a backcountry skier for several years over here in the Northwest. I love your blogs and appreciate the time and effort you put into Wildsnow. I have to admit that I sometimes feel a little jealous as to the vast variety and options that you Colorado natives have for ski mountaineering. Yesterday was not one of those days. My ski partner and I were on dawn patrol to get some of that sweet spring corn on the Wyeast Face of Mt. Hood. Our diligence paid off as we were able to capitalize on 3000 feet of 40 to 50 degree slopes and a 5400 descent back to the parking lot. The snow has never been sweeter…at least over here in the Cascades. I have included a few pictures that I took. Again, thanks for all that you do for our sport.
Shane

On the Wyeast Face, Mount Hood, Oregon. Mount Jefferson in background. Guest blog photo from Shane Parker

By the way Shane, you guys easily have as much mountain terrain as Colorado. I don’t think your weather is quite as good as ours, but your snow lasts longer into summer and overall you have less avalanche danger. So in terms of options I’d say you’re doing as well as we are down here. Lou