Skiing the endless winter

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So you think the ski season is over.

Well, don't put your skis away yet. Clean 'em up, wax 'em up and get ready for year-round snow on the Palmer Glacier snowfield.

Located not far from the tiny town of Government Camp, just south of Mount Hood, the glacier is the only place in North America where you'll always find snow and a maintained ski slope with ski lifts.

Spring, summer, or fall, any skier will jump at the chance for an endless winter.

Although there is always talk of building a gondola to take people up the mountain, these days you still have to drive up five miles from the village, gaining about 3,000 feet over a twisting road before you reach the Magic Mile and Palmer ski lifts.

At 7,000 feet, the slopes at the end of the Magic Mile tend to be relatively gentle and suitable for most skill levels, while those on the higher Palmer lift, at 8,500 feet, are definitely meant for the intermediate or experienced skier.

Get details from the Mount Hood Information Center at www.mthood.info or by phone at 888-622-4822. For descriptions of the runs and snow conditions, visit Timberline Lodge, www.timberlinelodge.com.

Writer Bill Miller lives in Shady Cove. Reach him at newsmiller@yahoo.com.

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