Glade and Alpine Ski Trails

Although I've been skiing a ton at the resorts this winter, my backcountry ski gear has been sorely neglected.  This past President's Day I decided to change that and revisit a trail I'd done over the same weekend in 2014, the Glade Ski Trail.

Trailhead is at the end of this road

At the base of Mt Hood lies the tiny village of Government Camp.  Consisting of condos, ski shops, and cute vacation chalets, many trails fan out into the woods above this charming hamlet.  A few ski trails connect Govy (as the locals affectionately call their town) with Timberline Ski Area.  Two of the most well-known are the Glade and Alpine trails.

LOTS of snow this year!

Although I'd skied up and then down the Glade three years ago, the Alpine was a "new to me" ski trail.  I decided my plan for the day would be to ski up the Glade and then locate and take a trip down the Alpine trail, and return to my starting point via the Crosstown Trail.  A nifty six-mile loop and good bit of exercise for a snowy February morning.

Glade Trailhead

Temps were hovering right around the freezing mark when I parked my car along Govy's main drag and hoofed it three blocks up a residential street leading to the Glade's trailhead.  Giant snowbanks lining the road were evidence of this year's colossal snowfall.  Some homes had barely a slot tunneled into the snow to park their vehicles, while decks and rooftops sported thick blankets of the white stuff.

Ready to start

Heavy wet snow pelted my face as I attached climbing skins to skis and prepared for the day's journey.  After a couple of photos, I shouldered my backpack and was off.

Easy to follow, the Glade parallels an old clearing used for the short-lived Mt Hood Skiway, a unique transportation system in the 1950's that used regular city buses suspended on cables to shuttle skiers from Government Camp to Timberline Lodge.

Action selfie

The heavy, wet snow made for some slow going.  Globs of snow began sticking to my climbing skins, necessitating frequent stops to clear the undersides of my skis.  The warm temps had me sweating in no time.  I made more stops to shed clothing and of course, take photos.  One time I even laid my camera on the snow and used the self-timer to get a few action shots.

Uphill climb through the forest

About halfway, frustration mounting due to the constant sticky snow underfoot, I finally dug a block of skin wax out of my backpack and applied it to the climbing skins.  I'd bought the stuff many years ago, and this was the first time I'd ever used it.  I'm happy to report the stuff worked.  It made the going much easier thereafter, so I guess it was a good investment.

I spot the ski lift

The trail alternated between being mildly steep to navigating a few sharp uphills.  A couple of older cross country skiers passed me (I swear I'm the slowest uphill skier ever!) and I pumped them for information on where to find the Alpine Trail.

And then, just when I thought the trail would go on forever, I spotted a lift tower of Timberline's Stormin' Norman chairlift.  Hooray!

Entrance to Timberline Ski Area

The previous trip, I'd continued up Timberline's ski runs another 1000 vertical feet to it's famous lodge.  But not really wanting to dodge crowds of downhill skiers, I decided today's uphill trip would end at the ski area boundary.

There's the sign!

So I stood in the snow just beyond the rope, changed into a warmer jacket, donned my helmet, and peeled climbing skins off my skis.  Several skiers zipped by, a few stopping to inquire what I was doing.  When I told them I'd skied up from Govy, they were all impressed.

Beginning of the Alpine Trail

Up at this higher elevation the snow wasn't as wet and instead blanketed the ground in a soft layer.  I was happy for this - my gloves and hat were soaked from the wet snow-rain (or as I like to call it, "snain")

Ready for some downhill turns!

I was a little apprehensive about finding the Alpine Trail.  The other skiers I'd met directed me to travel down Timberline's Kruser run for a short distance, and I'd see it.  So I joined the other folks on this busy slope.  Not keen on having to retrace my steps uphill, I kept an eagle eye out for the sign.   And, just as I was told, it didn't take but a minute and I spotted a wide clearing with another sign.  Yahoo!

Lovely path through the woods

After two hours of grueling uphill sliding, it was time to reap my reward!  The newly-fallen snow looked wonderful.  I couldn't wait to sink my ski edges into it. 

Snow-covered fir tree

But these local trails were not groomed, and I found out quickly that the underlying snow was uneven and crusty.  After hitting a couple of surprise bumps and wiping out, I decided to slow down.  Cautiously sliding short distances, I made my downhill trip last a bit longer. 

Tons of moss

That was okay - the adjacent forests were quite lovely.  One section was lined with interesting moss-draped trees.  Another stretch featured a bunch of cute firs, flocked with a coating of winter white.  I felt like I was in a Christmas tree farm.

Challenging portion of the Alpine Trail

The Alpine Trail was steeper than the Glade and a few of the narrow, uneven segments were quite challenging.  With better snow conditions, I would have had no problems, but today's crunchy snow caused me to take it easy (self preservation!)

Time to put the skins back on my skis

Even with my slow downhill pace, I reached the bottom in about 15 minutes.  The trail's terminus met up with one of tiny Summit Ski area's groomed runs.  After the Alpine uneven terrain, it felt good to glide on a groomer.  But now I kept my eyes peeled for the Crosstown Trail, the final leg of my journey.

Another action selfie

The Crosstown Trail was even rougher than the Alpine.  Mainly a snowshoe route connecting Govy's ski trails, it meandered through the trees behind some vacation homes.  Lumpy snow trampled by hundreds of snowshoers, navigating the track was a challenge.  After a couple of uphills had me sliding backwards, I decided to put climbing skins back on my skis.

Pretty creek

But the scenery was wonderful.  More snowy trees and a cute little creek to cross.  I placed my camera on a tree stump to get a few more action shots, and was surprised by a family of snowshoers, who graciously offered to take my picture.

"Skiville, Oregon"

Ending back at the Glade trailhead, the snowfall was again bordering on slushy rain.  Now soaking wet from being out in the weather all morning, I decided the day's journey was done.  Time to change clothes at my car and find a hot drink in town.

While walking back through Govy's streets, I passed by a cute little cabin.  A sign above the upper door proclaimed it "Skiville, Oregon."  I kind of liked the moniker....maybe Government Camp should consider a new name?

Six miles traveled, and 1000 feet of elevation gain - a great day to be up on the mountain!

Ski the Glade

President's Day weekend + new snowfall on Mt. Hood = ski resort chaos.  Knowing Mt. Hood Meadows would be a complete madhouse, I desired a nice, quiet backcountry ski tour.

Friends who were supposed to join me cancelled at the last minute.  Now by myself, I needed to find a Plan B.  If I'm alone and want to do some uphill skiing, I'll normally choose the Palmer slopes above Timberline Lodge.  But high winds and poor visibility dashed those plans.

Snow capped trail sign

Where, oh where, would I get my backcountry fix?  Then I remembered there was an extensive network of trails between the town of Government Camp and Timberline Lodge.  And the most famous of them all was the Glade Ski Trail. 

Beautiful vacation homes in Govy

Although I'd never before skied the Glade, I knew a little about it.  The trail serves as a connection between the slopes of Timberline Ski Area and the village of Government Camp (affectionately known as "Govy" by the locals).  Not nearly as steep as the neighboring West Leg Road, it's slope is good for uphill skiing and snowshoeing.  And even though it's considered gentle, the trail does rise 2000 feet in three miles.

Cute little cabin surrounded by snowy trees

Pluses for today's trip - the Glade cut through a thick forest, so no wind or visibility concern.  Since it connected two population centers (a town and a ski area), I wasn't too worried about skiing by myself.  And as a bonus, four inches of fluffy white snow had fallen overnight, turning everything into a winter wonderland.  Skiing would be fabulous!

Ramshackle old garage

I parked my car along Government Camp's main street, and hiked four blocks up a snow-covered lane to the trailhead.  Along the way, I stopped to admire some of the cute vacation cabins tucked behind Govy's business district.  And a few not-so-well maintained structures - ugly, but picturesque at the same time.

Well trod path at the trailhead

The Glade's trailhead is at the dead end of a local street.  I was worried about finding my way, but upon reaching the beginning, discovered it marked by a well-trod path through the snow.  I strapped on skis and added my tracks to the mix.

Pretty snowy branches

The new-fallen snow was quite lovely.  It coated the trees with it's icy frost.  I loved the thick accumulations on the branches of a nearby bush.  Mother Nature's best art, don't you think?

Soon my skis made the only tracks

About a quarter mile down the trail, I came to a junction.  Here, the wide packed path veered down another trail.  Uphill, beyond this intersection, a wide clearing indicated my trail of choice.  From this point on, the snow was totally untouched.  Although it was really cool to be the first person making tracks through this perfect white canvas, I soon discovered breaking trail was hard work.  In no time, I was stripping off my jacket.

The slopes of Skibowl came into view

Initially worried about finding my way through the untracked snow, I soon realized my fears were for naught.  The Glade followed an old clearing, created in the 1950's for a transportation system known as the Mt. Hood Skiway.  This system consisted of an old city bus, suspended on cables, that was pulled uphill to Timberline Ski Area.  The bus was supposed to transport skiers to Timberline Lodge, kind of like the modern-day trams you see at some of the larger ski areas.  Sadly, the Skiway only lasted a few short years before mechanical problems and lack of customers spelled it's demise.

The Mt. Hood Skiway

Slogging uphill through the thick snow, sweating and breathing hard, a tram ride sounded pretty good about then!  During one of my rest breaks, I noticed a group of snowshoers not far behind.  Tired of breaking trail, I deliberately slowed down, hoping the group would catch up and pass me.

Happy skier

It wasn't long before the snowshoers and I met.  We exchanged hellos, took each other's pictures, and I then encouraged them to go on ahead of me.  Yahoo!  No more trail breaking!  But the snowshoer's trailbreaking was short-lived.  Shortly thereafter, two snowboarders came cruising downhill, creating a nice wide path through the snow for all of us.

I was joined by this lone snowboarder

The snowshoers soon turned around, and I was again by myself.  Then I noticed another traveler coming up from behind.  It was a man on snowshoes, a snowboard strapped to his back.  He caught up to me, and after exchanging pleasantries, we began traveling together.  Being my first trip on the Glade, it was nice to have a companion.  This guy was a regular visitor, and generously shared his knowledge of this trail, and the entire local ski trail network.

The sun came out for a brief moment

Near the junction with Timberline Ski Area, the clearing began to widen out.  A thick cloud bank that had been hovering overhead all morning, parted slightly to reveal the narrow, white runs of nearby Skibowl.  We began to see a few skiers coming down the trail from Timberline's in-bounds area.  I looked longingly at the perfect white powder.  By this time, I was more than ready for some downhill turns.

I made it!  At the top of Jeff Flood Lift

My initial plan had been to turn around at the Timberline Ski Area's boundary.  However, my companion invited me to have a cup of hot chocolate at Timberline's day lodge.  To reach the lodge meant traveling uphill through the ski area.  Although not wild about skiing up a slope full of downhill snow-riders, the thought of having a hot drink and using a real restroom sealed the deal.

Skiing back down through Timberline's slopes

The snowboarder and I shuffled up the side of a run beside Timberline's Jeff Flood Lift.  Although most ski areas forbid uphill travel during operating hours, Timberline grudgingly allows folks following the Glade or West Leg Ski Trails access to Timberline Lodge through their runs.  Our plan was to reach the top of the Jeff Flood Lift, and then ride downhill to the lodge. 

Crossing under T-line's lift

The last few hundred feet were tough.  After skiing uphill all morning, my legs were tired.  But finally the lift's unloading station came into view.  A most welcome sight!  I gratefully pulled off my climbing skins and enjoyed a quick schuss downhill to the lodge.

Entering the trail proper - always lots of warning signs

Never before have I so enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa!  I think it was the best I've ever tasted (and at $3 a cup it better be).  Or maybe the cocoa tasted wonderful because I'd worked so hard to earn it.

Excited by the fresh snow

My belly full of warm cocoa,  I bid my new friend goodbye, and prepared for the moment I'd been waiting for all morning.  It was time to ski down through that wonderful new snow!  It took a little bit of route-finding through Timberline's ski runs, but I finally located the beginning of the Glade.  Off the side of an established ski run, signs ominously warned that you were entering an out-of-bounds area.  From that point on skiers were on their own.

Wonderful wide path

But having just traveled up this trail, I knew precisely what I was in for.  And eyeing the fresh, white clearing, with few tracks, I couldn't wait.  With a loud whoop, I launched myself downhill.

Tall trail signs

The trip down was uneventful.  I ran into a lot more parties all heading uphill, mostly skiers, with a few snowshoers mixed in.  Since this trail is not groomed, there were a few tricky areas (and I did fall exactly twice - but the new snow made for soft landings).  I enjoyed skiing through new snow, without the resort crowds.  And the scenery was gorgeous.  I returned to my car happy and refreshed.

Admiring my tracks

Back home, I did a little internet research and found more interesting facts about this famous ski trail.  People have been skiing through the forest between Government Camp and Timberline Lodge since the early 1900s.  Trail skiing was so popular in the 30's that as many as 15 buses worked on weekends transporting skiers back to Timberline.  In the early 1960s, a local man groomed the Glade, and continued this tradition for over 20 years.  There have also been informal ski patrol races from Timberline to Govy, with the loser buying rounds at a local watering hole.  But in modern times, the Glade, and it's sister trails are left unmaintained for use by backcountry skiers.

From the internet, I also learned that the Glade is groomed one day a year, for a special fundraising event.  Although I missed it this year, I'm keeping my eyes and ears open for next year's date.

I had a great time skiing the Glade.  I've discovered another good alternative for backcountry travel when the weather is bad above timberline, or the avalanche danger is high.  I'm hoping to fit in another trip yet this year and explore more of this wonderful ski trail network.


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