The Oregon Trail Ski Safari

Adored Oregon. Beautiful state and really friendly and positive people. Despite the pitiful snow this year we did manage to ski every day although it was limited and probably only half the runs were open in the 3 places we skied. We enjoyed the scenic drives to and from the mountain and between the resorts. We had cobalt blue skies almost every day. It was in the 70's (F) at Hood River and Bend so we had to go out ad buy t-shirts! Great running trails in and around Bend and we also hiked in the Smith Rock Canyon we read about in Andy's blog. Seaside was a tacky place and the only disappointment: Cannon Beach next door was much better and I really recommend the amazing EVOO cooking school at Cannon Beach for a fantastic dining experience. Unfortunately it was deluging rain at the coast but we nevertheless enjoyed a hike in the Ecola National park. We had a couple of nights to see Washington on the way in to Oregon... that was fun although all the locals in Oregon told us that Portland has more to offer so we wished we had stayed there and given Seaside a miss.

We started planning this trip last August for departure mid March. We had lots of different requirements and Andy worked tirelessly and patiently with us to work out the best routes, sights, ski areas and accommodation. We had had a brilliant Ski Safari to California in 2012 and were totally confident in booking another trip. We started with a sunny weekend in Seattle which allowed us to enjoy a boat trip and good views from the Space Needle. Collecting the SUV from Downtown Seattle was seamless as was the journey to Mt Hood via the stunning Multnomah Falls. We had chosen Collins Lake Resort in Government Camp and were thrilled with the beautiful, privately owned 3 storey chalet with basement parking and huge dryer - VERY necessary as it turned out. The property was close to the outdoor hot tub and it was great to be able to walk into Govt Camp to eat in the evenings. With our arrival came the snow - 4 days of it. We skied 3 days at Mt Hood Meadows and 1 day at Timberline. We never saw the top of either mountain but for those of us who could ski and board fresh powder, it was a dream. A visit to the amazing Timberline Lodge is a must, just to take in the history and to enjoy a beer or a cocktail in the beautiful lounges. The next road trip took in Smith Rock, an epic scene, particularly in the sunshine which allowed us, finally, to see the top of Mt Hood, albeit from the road! Arrival at Sunriver Resort via the quaint town of Bend and the view of Mt Bachelor took our breath away. This, again, was superb accommodation with first class meals and breakfasts in the Lodge, only a few steps to the hot tub and on demand mini bus service to restaurants further away on the complex. Andy had arranged for us to be met on our first day skiing by an ambassador, a free service of volunteers happy to show new visitors around the mountain. Our daughter and son-in-law had an amazing day boarding with Scott who took them up the Cone. Jerry accompanied my husband and I at a slightly slower pace but filling us in on all there was to know about Mt Bachelor, the surrounding views and Oregon. 3 days of snow, snow and more snow, but much drier than at Mt Hood and then, finally, our last day of skiing - a bluebird day. We could see the summit - but we couldn't get there because they couldn't get the lift to work! Jerry came out with us again and showed us all the places we hadn't been able to see before as they were covered in cloud. The Customer Services at Mt Bachelor were second to none. Sadly, we packed the skis and boards away and embarked on the last leg of our trip, to the coast. We arrived at the coastal town of Seaside - yes, really, Seaside - in pouring rain. Andy had recommended the quirky Sandy Cove Inn Motel and we were not disappointed. Each room had been refurbished to a theme. We had the "garden" room, our daughter and son-in-law, the "blue" room. It was like going back in time. About an hour after checking in, with the weather still quite overcast, we left the Motel to walk along the coast to go to eat and were greeted with the most unexpected and stunning sunset. The next day, we drove along the coast looking at the spectacular scenery of Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, the Lewis Clarke trail and much more. One final night at Seaside and then the drive to the airport via Astoria and its Tower, the views from which, I believe are stunning, but not visible in the rain. The Oregon Trail was completely different from anywhere we had been before. The countryside is stunning, everywhere you look there are trees, more trees, waterfalls, rocks, cliffs, rivers, lakes, creeks, sea. I'm sure it wasn't an easy trip to put together, especially with our diverse requirements, and there were many phone calls and emails between myself and Andy. We thoroughly enjoyed it all. It was an experience of a lifetime. Everything Andy recommended came good, for which we are extremely grateful. Our only problem now is having to decide where to go next. Wherever it is, it will definitely be with Ski Safari.

We loved it! Thank you for another great holiday and for supplying the inspiration to take this particular trip! As far as we are concerned we have never been disappointed. We have had 4 very different trips with you and because we are open to trying new things, the fact that you come up with interesting suggestions takes the hassle out of sorting something different out. And the staff we have dealt with have all been helpful, knowledgeable and a pleasure to deal with.