Friday nights at Hoodoo Ski Area are unrecognizable compared to the normal weekday hubbub.
Amid the magical ambiance of lights reflecting off the snow-covered slopes, one seven-year-old skier told her father, “It feels like this is a dream,” according to the Statesman Journal.
A bonfire outside the lodge shines brightly for all to see, and inside, a local band plays for skiers breaking for pizza and beer– creating a perfect Friday night for all ages. According to general manager Matthew McFarland, live music has been a part of Friday nights at Hoodoo for the past five years. Additionally, bonfires are lit typically every other week.
Although Friday nights have the most benefits, night skiing is also open at Hoodoo on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, making the two-hour drive to Sisters something special for any Corvallisite.
“We increased night skiing to four days per week just because we were seeing more demand,” McFarland said. “We also changed how we were selling lift tickets. All the tickets are now good until 9 p.m., instead of having an artificial cutoff at 4 p.m. It just makes it easier when you can show up whenever and ski as long as you feel like it.”
Late skiers also have a nice perk: discounted lift tickets. From 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., an adult lift ticket costs $35 instead of the $60 for the 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m time slot.
On Fridays, those cheap tickets include a live show.
“I honestly don’t even remember why we started it. At some point we just said, ‘Let’s get bands up here,’” said McFarland. “We always try to make it more of a party and more than just ‘come ski and go home.’”
Although Hoodoo does not currently list the bands they have playing – perhaps next year, McFarland said that Daniel and the Blonde, a bluegrass band from Eugene, has made an appearance, and may come back. Additionally, soon they plan to feature a Star Wars cosplay cantina band and an Irish folk music band. McFarland also mentioned that Hoodoo has been in contact with school groups, and may have students visit and play music on Thursday nights.
“It just adds to the fun,” he said, “when you can ski under the lights, roast a marshmallow on the fire and come in and listen to live music.”
By: Rebekah Harcrow
Do you have a story for The Advocate? Email editor@corvallisadvocate.com