A Brief History of the Ski Cabin
Built in 1949, the cabin was initially managed by members of the Outing Club, who were responsible for generating revenue to help offset the cost of construction. During this era, Reed students, faculty, and staff were considered cabin members and could obtain a cabin key at no charge. Community members could bring one guest for a $2 fee, while alumni and family members could make special arrangements with the Outing Club Board to stay at the cabin for $1. For perspective, candy bars cost about five cents at the time.
The condition and success of the cabin varied over the years, depending largely on the level of activity within the Outing Club and whether someone was willing to take responsibility for its upkeep. In 1974, a Senate ski cabin committee was formed to make recommendations regarding cabin management. One outcome was the hiring of a student manager. It was also decided that general care of the cabin would be shared by the Student Senate and Campus Facilities. This arrangement presented its own challenges, however. Because the manager was a current Reed student, only the most dedicated students could successfully balance their academic responsibilities with managing a cabin located 60 miles from campus.
By the early 1990s, the cabin's nonresident management model had created an opportunity for a new generation of unauthorized users. Skiers, snowboarders, friends of friends, and others who learned about the cabin viewed the unattended facility as an ideal overnight destination. Without regular oversight, the condition of the cabin deteriorated rapidly. After considerable abuse and damage, the cabin was locked while the college considered options for improving its security and management.
Significant changes began in 1996. A part-time, live-in manager was hired, the upstairs was drywalled, a manager's room was constructed, and fire-escape stairs were installed, allowing the upper level to be used as sleeping space. The dedication of the managers, combined with considerable volunteer effort, led to major improvements in the cabin's condition and hospitality. Alumni groups refinished the living room floor, removed the empty hard-liquor bottles that had decorated the room, and contributed ideas for making the cabin warmer, more comfortable, and more welcoming.
In 1999, supervision of the cabin was transferred to the Physical Education Department in support of the college's growing interest in outdoor programming. Dorm trips and small student groups began using the cabin regularly. This increased use also brought new challenges, including overcrowding during peak periods, occasional conflicts among users, poor judgment, and periodic but significant abuse of the facility.
In June 2002, a committee of students, alumni, faculty, and staff was formed to review the use and management of the ski cabin. The committee was charged with developing recommendations that would support the educational mission of the college, address potential risks, and bring the cabin into compliance with applicable laws and local codes. Over the following year, representatives from the Reed community worked together to develop those recommendations.
A fire suppression system was installed during the summer of 2003. In October of that year, President Diver announced that Reed would begin implementing the committee's recommendations, including keeping the cabin locked, adhering to the 15-person occupancy limit, and exploring the feasibility of a reservation system.
In January 2005, a preliminary web-based reservation system was launched. The system provided visitors with a convenient way to reserve space while also allowing the college to better track cabin use.
In May 2010, the ski cabin was approved for a major renovation. The renovation was made possible through a generous alumni gift and a long-term assessment of the cabin's functionality and needs. Among the most pressing issues were outdated plumbing, bathrooms in structural disrepair, and longstanding electrical problems associated with the sauna.
These improvements were intended to support the long-term viability of the ski cabin while providing students, alumni, faculty, staff, and other authorized users with a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable experience at the cabin and on Mt. Hood.
Please contact the Ski Cabin Manager, Eric Kallio, with your suggestions or ideas.
Thank you for helping care for our little mountain hideaway!