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It won't be long before Mount Bachelor looks like this, but it still has a ways to go this fall.

(The Oregonian/2008)

Brrr! Mornings have been chilly, Crater Lake has seen eight inches of snow (though roads should soon be back open). Must be time to go skiing!!

Well, not yet. A September opening has never happened in Oregon, except at

where skiing in September on the upper Palmer snowfield has often been offered. This year, Timberline's target opening is Friday Oct. 4, for skiing Friday to Sunday, until daily operation commences on the lower mountain as snow conditions allow.

Oct. 20 would be record early for the other ski areas, with Nov. 20 more likely. Dec. 20? Well, that would be panic mode, because they all need the Christmas business.

To help get skiers jacked,

put out word this week of what new to expect at the resort this winter, after three inches of snow fell Tuesday to Wednesday. This upgrade at Mt. Bachelor is the biggest thing happening at Oregon's resorts this year.

Here's what Mt. Bachelor ski area spokesman Andy Goggins says:

With Deschutes National Forest approval of Mt. Bachelor’s 10-year master development plan last spring, work began this summer on Mt. Bachelor’s first new trail pod since 1996. A new, lower east catchline has already been constructed and trees have been felled for the new lift line and several trails in the pod.

While the lift installation is still at least a year away, the ski resort is making preparations to open all the terrain down to the new, lower east catchline this winter. That’s 646 acres of new glades, bowls and natural features. While generally intermediate in pitch, the resort will restrict this area to experts only this season since the terrain will be mostly un-groomed and 100 percent natural.

A 20-minute hike-out to the Sunrise base will be necessary upon reaching the future lift’s bottom area. Tow-out transport for a fee may be offered on select days. More information and specific logistical details will be announced once the 2013-2014 winter season gets under way.

-- Terry Richard