Imagine if you will sitting upon Mt. Hood. The air is crisp and the sun is caressing your skin with its warm tendrils. In front of you awaits your first run of the day, and a chance to become a part of history. You smile and turn your tips downward….
Saturday, March 3rd marks the 10-year anniversary of the “Ski the Historic Glade Trail Day” on Mt. Hood. The 1-day event is held by special permit from the Mt. Hood National Fores. The Glade Trail is opened and groomed for this living history event by the fine staff at Timberline Lodge. Now some of you are thinking, “Where is that run? I’ve been all over Timberline and have never skied that run!“ Well, let us set the “Way Back” machine to the 1930’s.
When the construction of Timberline was completed (Yes! 75 years ago THIS YEAR), ski lifts were still a few years off. Skiers would climb up above the tree line and ski either downhill or cross-country down the glades. The US Forest Service had the Bosson trail for hiking already. So they added two wide trails specifically for skiing; The Alpine and Glade trails. In 1939, ski lifts were added to Timberline. However, many did not want to pay to use them. So they would continue to climb up and over to the Glade trail with the $1 pair of Army surplus skis from G.I. Joe’s and ski for free.
Over time, more lifts were added and with the change in skiing equipment, the Glade trail proved to be more of a hassle for the ski patrol as many skiers, mostly novices, would ski for free, but pay the price in broken limbs. The USFS closed the trails in the 1960. They were re-opened for 10 years when a wealthy skier bought a snow cat and ran skiers (injured or not) up and down the mountain. After he quit running the snow cat, the USFS permanently closed the Glade run.
Ten years ago, old-time skiers were reminiscing about the days of the Glade Trail. At the same time, the Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum were looking for a fundraiser to help with operating costs.
And now you know the rest of the story.
The “Ski the Historic Glade Trail Day” event is limited to 75 skiers. The shuttle bus will have you at the top of the run by 9 am and you can glide the Glade until 4 pm. The Glade trail covers about 3 miles according to Cheryl Makie, and will take you all the way down to Government Camp. Local Guides will accompany all skiers. Be sure to introduce yourself to Lee Perry, a longtime Mt. Hood ski instructor and a pioneer in enabling amputees to ski. Lee first skied the Glade Trail in 1943 and has done so every years since, except during his time in the service for the Korean War.
Continental breakfast and lunch are provided as well. Afterwards, join others for a special party and raffle. So what are you waiting for? Get your ticket and leave your tracks in history!
I’m a volunteer at the museum. This is a fantastic event, especially considering the historical aspect of the Glade Trail and is a wonderful fund raising event for them. Even if one doesn’t ski there are other activities that day that can be enjoyed.
I do feel compelled to note that the proper spelling is Mount Hood especially in writing. There’s no reason to abbreviate the word in a story such as this. When you verbalize the abbreviation it is “empty hood”… which can’t be further from the truth. This rule is supported by the AP Stylebook which is a standard for journalistic writing.
Thanks.
Gary, Glad you enjoyed John’s article! Likewise, we love getting a view of your tremendous Mount Hood photos – they’re the next best thing to being there! As to your well-considered position in the “Mt.” v. “Mount” discussion – the decision stems from having taken a long look at what area tourism partners are doing (Mt. Hood Cultural Center, U.S. Forest Service, etc.) combined with considered best practices for advertising copy. In order to maintain consistency, we continue to use “Mt.” throughout our materials. Best, Jae