Mt. Hood Meadows Suspends Non Mask Wearers Passes

Mt. Hood Meadows is cracking down on those not complying with face mask requirements. The resort has posted a video message from the General Manager, the Lifts Manager and the Chairman and CEO asking guests to wear appropriate face masks that cover the mouth and nose snuggly to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.

Meadows Chairman and CEO Matthew Drake appreciates the vast majority of guests who are complying, and the planning that has made this season possible, saying, “From the outset of the extensive preparation of our COVID operating plan, we focused on maintaining the health and well being of our team and then our guests, so we could continue to provide our guests the physical and emotional outlet the healing nature that 'Your Mountain Home' can bring. I am so proud of our extremely dedicated and resilient team members here at Mt. Hood Meadows who are committed to providing our guests enrichment during this pandemic.”

Drake says Mt. Hood Meadows is a community that looks out for and respects one another, "Whether in our parking lots, shuttles, lift lines or buildings, there’s just no room for those who choose not to comply and thereby threaten the health of our team, our guests and our season."

"It’s hard to believe that a month into our season, and almost a year into this pandemic, we still need to remind some guests to wear a face mask covering their nose and their mouth," observes Meadows General Manager Greg Pack. "What’s even more disappointing is the belligerent, argumentative and downright disrespectful behavior that a few of our guests express towards our team when asked to wear their face masks."

Those who continue to threaten the season with their ignorance or defiance, will no longer be welcome at Meadows, according to Pack who confirms that, “We have removed some people from the mountain and suspended their passes for not complying with our masking guidelines and for their hostile behavior towards our team.” Pack says the lift attendants have taken the brunt of this disobedience and protocols are in place to address this behavior, saying, “If a guest needs to be reminded to wear a mask you will receive a warning. We will ask for your pass to take down your information. If you are polite then we will put a note in your pass profile and you can move on with your day. If you are disrespectful or treat our team members poorly, your pass will be suspended for a minimum of two weeks.”

Meadows has posted a video from the General Manager, Lifts Manager and CEO warning suspension of pass privileges for those who don't or won't comply with face mask requirements. 

Before a pass will be reactivated, offenders will need to meet with the Department of Public Safety manager and other members of the management team. If there are any further issues, the pass will be pulled for the entire season, and that person will jeopardize any season pass purchase in the future.

Meadows Lifts Manager Cody speaks on behalf of the entire Meadows team when he says, “We are taking this pandemic very seriously and we need you, our guest, to take it seriously as well. Your behavior is putting our entire operation at risk. This place is beautiful, the snow has been great. If you want to be here with us, you have to act like it. We will not accept anything less.”

Cody notes that arguing about things such as wearing a neoprene mask with breathing holes is an example of this behavior. “We have provided an abundant amount of information and guidance regarding masks on our website and throughout the resort. We have been clear in our messaging that a face mask that snugly covers the mouth and nose is required.”

The requirement to wear face masks and the penalties those who don’t comply will face are not limited to the chairlifts. Mask compliance is required throughout the resort - on shuttles, in parking lots, in lodges, in lift lines, on chairlifts and all other outdoor locations where you can’t maintain six feet of distance from those not in your party. The Meadows team is working extremely hard to continue to provide outdoor recreation which is so critically important at this time. But as Cody says, “We can not do it alone. We need everyone to jump on board with our safety procedures - and if you don’t then you will not be welcome up here with us.”