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Era characters like Juliet, Romeo, Brutus, and Tempest. The entire hill
has the feel of an amphitheater with get back names like Aisle one and
two, Betwixt, and a scenic showing of alpine biodiversity from each
lift ride.

Popping onto Ariel, the summit lift, the upshot of a clear day is that
the grand flanks of Mount Shasta, Mount McLoughlin, and other peaks
are visible during the ride up and from the top. Below your ascending
lift chair, white fir, Shasta red fir, and Pondarosa pine line the trails and
constitute spicy forested ski lines; though, in the midst of winter each
will be cloaked in a blanket of snow. Lighting your way like fluorescent
medieval wall sconces, bright lime green Usnia and Wolf lichen adorn
the evergreens. Hidden in the shadows, you could spy a coyote, bobcat,
chipmunk or Pacific fisher, while chickadees, towhees, hummingbirds,
and woodpeckers may make appearances above the tree line.

Once at the summit, skiers can decide on an array of descents from
the ridgeline connecting black diamonds on the cirque and its adjacent
chutes, blues headed back to the lodge or something off-piste in a maze
of moguls in the woods.

If the easily accessible side country terrain in the bowl isn’t remote
enough for you, uphill traffic is allowed from the parking lot along the
arete on the south side of the mountain. Be sure to wear a headlamp
and reflective clothing to be easily sited by the early morning or late
evening snow cat crew. Off the ridges of Grouse Gap many aspects are
discernible offering freshies. Though the runs are quick hits, they offer
outstanding views and leashed dogs are welcome.

For perhaps the dreamiest descent, check out night skiing. Offered
twice a week, Mount Ashland shares 40 acres of terrain with those
wanting to experience the magic of skiing after dark. Below stadium
lights, surrounding Windsor and Comer lifts, there isn’t much snow
worshippers like more than a chance to ski at night!

Looking for a little more Elizabethan throw-back? Explore the delight-
ful Tudor style lodge adjacent to the parking lot. Amenities like a gift
shop, rentals, ski school, a cantina and bar with fresh brews from local
favorites like Caldera Brewing are readily available.

If you aren’t sold yet on the small town (big pow) pleasantries of Mt.
Ashland, maybe the feel-good fairy tale story of how the mountain
became a non-profit will grant a change of heart. When originally
founded, the ski hill changed private ownership many times, until
1992 when rumor has it a series of snow-drought winters caused then-
owner Harbor Properties to threaten to dismantle the operation. At
that time the community came together, raised over 1.7 million dol-
lars to “save Mount Ashland” and formed the 501(c)3 nonprofit Mount Citrus Season is Here
Ashland Association. Presently, each year thousands are donated to
support Mount Ashland programs like after school youth adventures, a
free shuttle offered on weekends and holidays, Access Ski, Ride Against
Hunger Day, Winter Wellness Day, Special Olympics, and the Mount
Ashland Racing Association.

With a tradition of fun loving family vibes, Mount Ashland is famous for
throwing the best parties the powder room has to offer. During spring
break, when the mountain is open for a full week straight, they host a
Beach, Hallowednesday, and Homecoming theme days. Weekly concert Community Owned Grocery, Kitchen and Bakery
series, Bavarian Night, and fundraisers for victims of various wildfires
237 N. First St. Ashland, Oregon • (541) 482-2237
winter 2022 | www.southernoregonmagazine.com 65