SISTERS, OR -- Following unusually warm weather and only 10 days of skiing on the books, Hoodoo Ski Area has officially closed for the season. But with the bad comes the good: The Deschutes National Forest, through a partnership with Hoodoo, has already opened a number of campgrounds.
"This is a relatively early opening for several campgrounds. We do try to have several campgrounds open by May, but here by April with this incredibly warm weather, we’ve opened several campgrounds, working with our concessionaire, Hoodoo," Jean Nelson Dean with the Forest Service tells KBND News.
Ten Deschutes National Forest campgrounds opened over the weekend, including North Twin, Big River, Pringle Falls, South Twin and Crane Prairie. Nelson Dean says campers should check Hoodoo Recreation's website to see what's open before making plans. "Visitors can actually expect some of the facilities in the locations that are actually fully open, restrooms will be available to them. There are still some campsites that don’t have facilities open yet." Hoodoo Recreation manages more than 150 campgrounds in both Oregon and Washington, many in conjunction with the Forest Service.
After two consecutive less-than-ideal ski seasons, the ski area announced yesterday it would offer refunds to season ticket holders or allow them to roll unused passes over into next season.
