Timberline Lodge’s Insurance Crisis and the Real Threat to Oregon Skiing
The iconic Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood recently announced that prices are rising for peak-time lift tickets, tier two season passes, and summer ski products. For the TGR community, which lives to explore and ride, this news is tough. But the reasons behind the hike are not about luxury, they’re about survival. This situation is a sobering reminder of the financial pressures lurking just beneath the surface of the industry we love.
A Broken System
The core issue lies with Oregon's "broken recreational liability system". In fact, Timberline Lodge’s previous insurance carrier pulled out of the state entirely on October 1, calling Oregon an "extreme outlier" due to the difficulty of insuring recreation providers. This created an incredibly challenging situation for the resort.
The current crisis traces back to a landmark 2014 Oregon Supreme Court ruling. That decision drastically reduced the power of liability waivers, making them largely unenforceable for ski resorts and other outdoor recreation businesses. Consequently, the legal risk for operations has spiked, which means insurance companies are running scared or demanding astronomical premiums.
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By
Nico JohnsonUnavoidable Financial Pressure
In their recent statement, Timberline Lodge detailed the chilling financial reality:
- Premium Jump: The resort’s liability insurance premium has soared by an astonishing 166% this year. Since 2020, the cost has increased by 586%.
- Deductible Hike: This year’s deductible is now a staggering ten times higher than it was last year.
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The resort was able to secure coverage, but "only at an extraordinarily high cost". Therefore, they are absorbing what they can, but they “cannot shoulder all of it,” leading to the unavoidable price increases that hit consumers.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
This isn't an isolated incident; other ski areas and outdoor operators in Oregon are facing the same pressure. The resort warned that without legislative reform, the impacts will include “higher costs, reduced offerings, and diminished opportunities for recreation in Oregon”.
The fight for meaningful liability policy reform, like the unsuccessful efforts of House Bill 3140 and Senate Bill 1196, is crucial to protect the outdoor recreation economy. Without a fix, this threatens not just skiers, but also the rural communities, jobs, and families who rely on mountain tourism.
The takeaway is clear: The true cost of riding in Oregon is now more than just the lift ticket; it includes the fight to keep these mountains open and affordable for everyone.
