A MESSAGE FROM TIMBERLINE LODGE REGARDING THE CORONAVIRUS
UPDATE
MARCH 18, 2020
As the impact of COVID -19 accelerates, we understand there are many questions and concerns from our customers and employees. With that in mind, we have provided a list of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS to address the most common concerns. All of Timberline's regular updates are also listed below.
UPDATE
MARCH 17, 2020 at 4:25pm
Dear Timberline Guests, Skiers and Snowboarders,
Since our last update, the COVID-19 impact has continued to accelerate. Timberline is committed to managing this situation with care for the well-being of our guests, employees, and community. We are continually consulting health experts and government officials to help inform our decisions.
Winter recreation, including skiing and snowboarding, is undoubtedly a wonderful activity for not only our physical health but also improving psychology surrounding difficult circ*mstances. We know you share in our sentiment that opening the slopes would be the escape many are looking for. We will get there, but today, it does not look prudent to reopen the ski area by the previously mentioned date of Monday, March 23.
In recent days, regardless of challenges, Timberline employees made exemplary efforts in their duties with admirable attitudes. To help minimize adverse personal disruption, employees will be paid to stay home through March 22.
Timberline is fortunate to have the longest ski season in North America. As such, pass privileges will be added to the end of the winter/spring season. At this time, there are no details on when skiing and snowboarding can resume, but when the time is right, we will give you the best we have. As we are confident in reopening with extended days, no refunds will be given on any pass or lift ticket product at this time.
For when re-opening seems right, we have developed different operational scenarios. In order to implement proper social distancing measures, we are leaning toward a limited services model. Simply put, this would mean the ski lifts are running but the Wy’East Day Lodge is closed. There would be Ski Patrol services, bathroom facilities, and lift tickets being sold at outside ticket windows. While nothing is finalized, this seems like the option providing the best guest experience while promoting exercise, outdoor recreation, and healthy environments.
Stay tuned here and on social media for updates. We at Timberline hope you stay well and active.
Jeff Kohnstamm
President / Area Operator
Timberline Lodge & Ski Area
Please read below for other updates.
UPDATE
MARCH 17, 2020 at 2:00pm
Most of Timberline’s food and beverage outlets are now closed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. The Cascade Dining Room will remain open for overnight hotel guests only serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Mt. Hood Brewing Co. Tilikum Station in Portland is open for pizza and beverage takeout.
Please read below for other updates.
UPDATE
MARCH 15, 2020
Dear Timberline Guests, Skiers and Snowboarders,
We have made the very difficult decision to suspend Timberline Ski Area Operations until March 23rd.
As the coronavirus COVID-19 situation evolves, RLK and Company is pausing operations to evaluate options and protocols for the remainder of the 2019/2020 ski season.
All ski operations will cease and the Wy’East Day Lodge will close today, Sunday March 15th, 4:00pm. We will monitor and reassess during the coming week with the intention of resuming ski operations Monday March 23rd.
The Hotel, including the Cascade Dining Room, Ram’s Head Bar, and Wy’East Gallery remain open. We encourage anyone who is showing flu like symptoms to remain at home. Hotel customers can be rebooked or refunded depending on their desire and situation.
Timberline season pass customers can expect days added to the end of this season.
Ski School customers with reservations next week can reschedule for a future date or get a refund.
There will undoubtedly be many unforeseen customer requests and special circ*mstances. We will have staff available and responsive to email and phone communications in the coming days. Please stay healthy and calm. Timberline is proud of our great team we will come together for the best possible outcome.
This is truly an unprecedented situation and a very difficult time. We will get through it and we will be better for it.
Sincerely,
Jeff Kohnstamm
President/Area Operator
UPDATE
MARCH 14, 2020
The health and safety of Timberline guests and employees has always been our highest priority. While the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve we have implemented measures to reduce risk and promote social distancing as the resort continues to operate. We have teams meeting daily to evaluate and update procedures and practices.
- Restaurant seating has been reconfigured and reduced to allow for more space between dining guests. The buffets in the Cascade Dining Room have been replaced with plated service. Because of their tight nature and general popularity, Phlox Point Cabin and the Blue Ox are closed until further notice.
- For now, Timberline Resort Shuttles have been canceled. An update for the remainder of the season will be released soon.
- Ski area events are canceled through April, including the USO Demo and Sisters in Action Sports Day.
- Customers have the option to form their own groupings on chairlifts and queues are reworked to promote space while waiting to load.
- We have increased the frequency and rigor of sanitizing throughout the resort. Timberline staff members have been trained on proper hand-washing and sanitizing techniques, all public surfaces are sanitized multiple times throughout the day, and hand-sanitizing stations are in place in public areas.
- Employees and guests are encouraged to maintain personal hygiene, modify personal greetings, and minimize personal contact. If you are sick, please stay home.
- In the event you believe it is not safe for you to travel or stay at Timberline Lodge due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, we would be happy to find a future date for your visit. If a future date is not possible, we are waiving our 7-day cancellation policy.
Hotel Guests: email or call 503-272-3410
Groups & Conferences: email or call 503-272-3251
PR and all other inquiries: email or call 503-272-3345
As this situation continues to evolve we will closely monitor guidance from the CDC as well as our state and local health officials, and will continue to rely on their recommendations to inform our decisions. Timberline is a wonderful place to get outside, enjoy winter recreation, disconnect from difficult times and promote general well-being.
Thank you.
ORIGINAL MESSAGE
MARCH 12, 2020
As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, the health and safety of Timberline guests and employees is our highest priority.
Due to Governor Kate Brown’s measures prohibiting large gatherings, Timberline will be releasing an updated event schedule and evaluating gatherings in crowded areas. Otherwise, spring skiing conditions are great and the resort is open and operating normally.
In response to safety measures recommended by health officials, Timberline has increased the frequency and rigor of sanitizing throughout the resort. Timberline staff members have been trained on proper hand-washing and sanitizing techniques, all public surfaces are sanitized multiple times throughout the day, and hand-sanitizing stations are in place in public areas.
As this situation continues to evolve we will closely monitor guidance from the CDC as well as our state and local health officials, and will continue to rely on their recommendations to inform our decisions.
In the event you believe it is not safe for you to travel or stay at Timberline Lodge due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, we would be happy to find a future date for your visit. If a future date is not possible, we are waiving our 7-day cancellation policy.
Hotel Guests: email or call 503-272-3410
Groups & Conferences: email or call 503-272-3251
PR and all other inquiries: email or call 503-272-3345
