Current Uphill Status
Updated 4/23/23
Uphill travel is permitted in accordance with the following policy at this time:.
* All travel closed Monday, April 24: 8am-4pm
*All travel closed Wednesday, April 26-Friday, April 28: 8am-4pm

NEW: Get uphill-specific text updates from the mountain!  To sign-up, text UPHILL to 541-500-0124.

Uphill travel in the ski area boundary requires skill and flexibility.  Anytime the ski area is not open, activity is considered backcountry and users should be properly equipped and trained.  It is highly likely and frequent that uphill travelers will need to adjust their path if they encounter equipment and vehicles in order to maintain the required 100 yard distance.  For example- if transitioning at base area the usual climbing paths may both become blocked by vehicles; user must avoid equipment by climbing into Brutus or other tree area, or simply waiting until work is completed and paths are open.  It is always the user’s responsibility to maintain the vehicle bubble and ensure their own safety.

2022-23 Mt Ashland Uphill Travel Policy

Uphill travel in Mt Ashland’s permit area and its surrounding areas by means of skinning, snowshoeing, hiking, and running has gained popularity. Mt Ashland is located on public land. Public land is governed by a Special Use Permit issued to Mt Ashland by the USFS.

Users must abide by the rules and regulations established by Mt Ashland and the USFS when accessing the ski area both during and after operating hours. It is prohibited for any person to approach within 100 yards of grooming machines, winch cats, and winch cables. Access to Mt Ashland’s trails or property at any time, with or without a ticket/pass, is at your own risk and you assume all risks of injury or death associated with your use of ski area property for any reason.

Respect all closures, warning signs, and ropes no matter the time of day or season. If you decide to leave the ski area boundary, you are responsible for understanding and accepting the risks that you choose. You may not enter, leave, or re-enter Mt Ashland ski area through a closed area.

Under Mt Ashland’s “Special Use Permit”, Mt Ashland Association has the legal right to restrict access to the ski area.

There may be occasions when Mt Ashland will be closed to ALL traffic, including uphill, downhill, or both uphill and downhill traffic. Signs will be posted advising of these occasions at the USFS Kiosk and the Mountain Safety Information board by Ski Patrol. Information will also be on Mt Ashland’s website on the mountain report page.

The following are the policies you must follow for uphill travel at Mt. Ashland Ski area. Use common sense and good judgement at all times.

Uphill Travel Policy During Operating Hours;

Operational hours when NO UPHILL TRAVEL is permitted within Mt Ashland’s boundaries are;

• 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday, Saturday, & Sunday.
• 8:00am to 10:00pm Thursday & Friday (during night skiing operations).

Operational changes may affect these times and updated information regarding times will be posted at the ski area and on the Mt Ashland website. (be specific)                                                                                                                                                     

1. The only uphill route during operational times is from the back parking lot to the Eastern side of the “Ski Area Boundary” sign line. Egress from the base of Windsor/Comer is on the North side of the Aisle II boundary rope, marked with advisory/directional discs (“Abyss Route”).
2. You must abide by the Skier’s Responsibility Code (ORS 30.970-30.990) and the USFS “Rules of Use”
3. Be aware of other skiers and riders approaching from above and below when on the mountain.
4. Snowmobiles, snow cats, winch cables, and other equipment may be encountered at any time. You assume all risks of encounters with this machinery and equipment.
5. Dogs are not permitted in permit area at any time (except leashed in parking lot).
6. Anyone accessing chairlifts or using marked runs for downhill travel within the permit area during operating hours must have a valid lift ticket or season pass.
7. Uphill access is not allowed on any of Mt Ashland’s trails after 8:00 AM and during operational hours. At 8:00 AM sharp uphill travelers must begin their descent no matter what their intended destination.

Uphill Travel Policy After Operating Hours:

Uphill Travel is permitted within Mt Ashland’s boundaries:

• Before 8:00am on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• After 5:00pm Monday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• After 10:00pm Thursday and Friday.
• All day Tuesday and Wednesday

 Respect the privilege to have use of the ski area on days we are closed and recognize our limited terrain and the impact on other guests when you track up the entire mountain, especially during storm cycles. Take tiny turns…..

There are exceptions to these times during early season, late season, and holiday periods. Check Mt. Ashland’s Mountain Report page for more information.

1. You must abide by the Skier’s Responsibility Code (ORS 30.970-30.990) and the USFS “Rules of Use”
2. Always be on the lookout for snowmobiles, groomers, winch cats, and winch cables. Do not enter areas where machinery is in use. Most machinery operations occur after hours.
3. Wear reflective and visible clothing, make yourself visible.
4. Headlamps are required to be on before 8:00 am and after 5:00 pm.
5. Dogs are not permitted in permit area at any time (except leashed in parking lot).
6. If your presence on Mt Ashland’s property presents a hazard or if staff feels that you are impeding the operations of the ski area, you may be directed to utilize a different location. You must follow such direction, or you will be asked leave the permit area.
7. Stay to the sides of the trails and make your presence known when visibility is limited.
8. Use of the Terrain Parks and Terrain Park features is prohibited after operating hours.

Participants must be aware of mountain hazards. These include but are not limited to:

1. Avalanche Danger and Explosives – Avalanche danger may exist at any time along many uphill routes. Travel with appropriate rescue gear. Uphill access is prohibited when Avalanche mitigation work is being conducted.
2. Snowmobiles – Stay to the sides of trails and make your presence known. Stay away from snowmobiles and make yourself visible if you see one.
3. Snow Cats – Give snow cats a wide berth and make yourself visible to operators.
4. Winch Cat Operations – Cables are dangerous. Under no circumstances may anyone access any area where winch cat operations are taking place. Skiing into a winch cable may cause serious injury or death.
5. Other hazard areas, operations, or conditions may exist on the mountain including but not limited to the following risks: collisions with other skiers or snowboarders, natural and man-made objects, trees, rocks, fences, lift towers, and over the snow vehicles; loss of control; variations in terrain and snow conditions; surface and subsurface snow conditions; bare spots; bumps; moguls; ice; stumps; forest growth and debris; erosion control devices; rocks; cliffs; steep terrain; avalanches; and traveling beyond the ski area boundary which poses additional hazards because such areas are not patrolled and are without avalanche control. Other risks include those associated with the use of facilities, lifts, terrain parks, and other park features, walking in lodges and parking lots.
6. Mt Ashland is a mountain environment that requires your common sense and caution. Read and obey all signs.
7. There is no on-site medical/rescue response after hours and assistance may take a long time to arrive. In case of emergency during non-operational hours, dial 911.

Non-Compliance with Mt Ashland’s Uphill Travel Policies may result in the loss of uphill travel privileges, downhill privileges, and possible legal consequences.