Back in 2022, Mountain Capital Partners and Willamette Pass Resort announced that they would be operating as a joint venture. The first season was a major success, as they stayed open until May 14th. With it now being September, Willamette’s focus has now shifted towards the 2023-24 season.
The first major announcement was the introduction of their new general manager: Mindy Ingebretson-Wolowicz. She has worked as a ski patroller at Willamette Pass for over twenty years. She said the following in a blog post published last week:
“I can’t wait to welcome you back to Willamette Pass and show you all the amazing improvements that we are making. We’re confident that this will be one of the best seasons ever and we hope you’re as excited as we are.”
In addition, Mindy announced in the blog post what is coming for the 2023-24 season. Here are the offseason improvements that have been announced:
- The Peak 2 chairlift is being converted to electric. This allows for a more efficient lift, reduces the ski resort’s carbon footprint, and decreases the lift’s noise.
- After years of inactivity, Willamette will be reopening the Midway chairlift. This lift, which services the terrain park, will reduce lift lines.
- They added another Prinoth Leitwolf groomer to their fleet. According to the resort the new groomer “has a 530-horsepower engine, a 20-foot-wide tiller, and a 12-foot-wide blade that can move up to 5 tons of snow per minute.”
- More snowmaking coverage has been added for earlier openings and later closings. In particular, they have updated the pumps and hoses, which will lead to more snow produced in less time.
- The parking lot is undergoing major repairs, which allows for improved plowing and a simpler parking experience for guests.
- A new Atomic demo fleet, which includes the Maven 86c and the Bent 100.
- The lodge and other facilities are also undergoing upgrades, with one of the additions being new lockers.
More improvements are on tap and will be announced by the Oregon ski resort in the coming months.
Mountain Stats
Trails: 29
Lifts: 6
Average Annual Snowfall: 430″
Signature Trail: RTS (52 Degree pitch)
Skiable Acreage: 555
Vertical Drop: 1563 feet
Image Credits: Willamette Pass