Lift operators were still shoveling snow when the first dedicated skiers arrived at the Manzanita chair around 8 a.m. on Jan. 10 for Hoodoo Ski Area’s opening day.

Even a blizzard warning couldn’t deter the faithful from an early morning start.

“We’ve been waiting patiently,” said Brian Danner, of Lebanon. “Or impatiently,” he added with a laugh.

With snowpack significantly below average for this time of year, it’s a late start to the season at the ski area near the top of Santiam Pass. The last time Hoodoo delayed opening past Dec. 31 was in 2018 when the ski area wasn’t able to open until February. But that hasn’t deterred those who are devoted to this small, family-owned ski resort.

“We’ve gone through this before. Hoodoo has had bad years … (but) the forecast for the next week looks encouraging. Who knows what we’re gonna get,” said Danner.

Danner has a season pass and recently retired from 20 years working at Hoodoo. He thought when he quit his day job he’d quit the mountain, too, but here he is. At least now he gets to sleep in.

Although it was a slower opening day than Hoodoo has had in years past, General Manager Matthew McFarland said the staff was nothing but smiles and excitement.

“It’s late in the season, but Wednesday is a great day to open … Rather than opening on a Saturday where you hit the biggest crowds, it gives all the employees a chance to warm up and get back into the groove so we are in full swing on the weekend,” McFarland said.

And for those who love powder, Hoodoo’s slow opening day was an excellent opportunity to set fresh tracks. It’s “peaceful” being out on the mountain before everyone else, said Molly McFarland, 13.

Matthew McFarland said this is the fourth year his daughter has gotten first chair on opening day. It’s a tradition she used to do with her older brother, but now that he’s in college, Molly decided to go out on her own. Indeed, she was one of the first four skiers waiting patiently at the Manzanita chairlift while the snowcats groomed fresh terrain for opening.

The recent blizzard that moved through Central Oregon — with more snow to come Friday and Saturday — was still blanketing Hoodoo with a fresh dusting of snow when the first chair departed with Molly McFarland and Brian Danner aboard.

Officially, Hoodoo saw 27 inches of fresh snow in the 24 hours before opening, but McFarland said the area’s official estimates are always a little bit low. Because of the way the wind blows, sometimes the true amount isn’t reflected on the measuring stick, he explained. Unfortunately, with blizzard conditions, Hoodoo was not able to open the summit.

A big reason Hoodoo’s opening day was more subdued is because of road conditions leading up to the ski area. Although the roads were plowed, conditions were icy and slick during the early morning hours. McFarland said with all snow, Hoodoo staff members plowed the road into their lodge five times to keep the accumulation at bay.

“It’s great to be open and happy and see the smiles on people’s faces. It’s interesting opening in such a big storm,” McFarland said. “People are a little more subdued, but they’re super happy. They’re still lining up to get the first chair and the snow will be fantastic.”

Lack of snow impacts operations and employment at Central Oregon ski areas