Warren Miller film premiere set for Saturday evening at SOU
By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.News
’Tis the season for downhill skiing and snowboarding.
That’s because the Mt. Ashland Ski Area, which has benefitted from recent storms and is expecting more snow over the next several days, opens for the 2022-23 season on Saturday, with lifts operating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, to Monday, Dec. 12.
Ashland’s daily holiday schedule will begin Thursday, Dec. 15, with more information at the operating schedule on the area’s website, mtashland.com.
Trails on the upper mountain will be ungroomed and for experts only. Skiers and snowboarders are cautioned to “expect early season conditions, meaning some natural obstacles will be present.” Trails off the Comer and Sonnet chairlifts will be groomed and provide intermediate and beginner terrain.
“We are excited to announce the beginning of the ’22/23 season,” said Curt Burrill, president of the Mt. Ashland Association. “The team has worked hard to prepare the mountain and we are ready. The mountain base looks great, and we are excited to introduce the First Act Magic Carpet to our mountain community. Early snowfall has allowed us to open on schedule and we are excited for the forecast of more snow in the next week.”
To celebrate the opening day, or “Day Onesie,” skiers and riders who wear any one-piece style clothing will receive a special $25 ticket.
A winter storm watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon for the Siskiyou Mountains and Southern Oregon Cascades, including the Mount Ashland area, the National Weather Service has announced, with 3 to 5 inches of snow accumulation on Friday, 9 to 13 inches Friday night, and 4 to 8 inches on Saturday, along with wind gusts of up to 60 mph, which will blow the snow and reduce visibility.
Also offered this Saturday is the premier of the latest Warren Miller ski film, “Daymaker.” Doors will open at 6 p.m. at the Lithia Motors Pavilion at Southern Oregon University with the movie starting at 7 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Pete McAfee, a skier featured in the film, will attend and sign autographs. The ski area is partnering with Southern Oregon University Outdoor Adventure Leadership. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for youth 12 and younger.
Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at 337lee337@charter.net.
