Page 43 - NSAA 2017 Fall Journal

overview of the science and history of solar eclipses. Guests sales, and communications. “There were also a lot of
were then able to view the eclipse via the outdoor telescopes, people that stayed at Mt. Hood Meadows the night before
and were also treated to a complimentary ride down the the eclipse, then drove south early Monday for the total
mountain via Snow King’s mountain coaster or alpine slide. experience,” he added.
In addition to co-hosting events with Wyoming Several ski areas began receiving calls and reservations
Stargazing, Snow King offered a limited number of 250 Big for the solar eclipse as early as 2010 and Mt. Hood
King Passes for $125 that provided a lift ride to the summit Meadows was among them. The resort went to work early
for the eclipse viewing, set apart from the VIP crowd. After on its planning, and obtained special permitting from
the eclipse, the pass was good for the remainder of the day, the US Forest Service that would allow it to operate a
providing unlimited rides on Snow King’s mountain coaster, commercial campground within its permit area during
alpine slide, bungee trampoline, miniature golf, and a trip the summer.
through the Treetop Adventure Course. “The initial challenge was creating an attraction or
experience that we could sell in advance, and since most
till, it wasn’t all about being in the path. Larger resorts campsites in Oregon were already booked, we determined
S situated slightly outside of the prime zone, including overnight camping was the best way to engage the audience,”
Oregon’s Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline Lodge, and Tragethon said.
Mt. Bachelor, also hosted events that sold out in days, and The permitting also allowed Mt. Hood Meadows to
in some cases even hours. increase its summer PAOT (people at one time) allowance
Although Mt. Hood Meadows was about 15 miles north from 500 to 2,000 on Saturday and Sunday (August 19–20),
of the path of totality, the area hosted a variety of events for and 2,500 on Monday (August 21), the day of the eclipse.
a sell-out crowd. “We made it clear that those viewing from Campsites were $50 for two nights, and 75 percent were
our permit area would only witness a 97 to 98 percent eclipse booked within a week of the offer. With the camping in
of the sun, and we still were completely booked up,” said place, Mt. Hood Meadows added a wine festival to the
Dave Tragethon, the resort’s vice president of marketing, weekend with food and live music.

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FALL 2017 | NSAA JOURNAL | 41