Mt. Ashland is hoping the community will come through with half a million dollars in donations as it prepares for a series of expansion projects that target growth areas at the nonprofit ski area and improved weather resiliency.

Toward that end, Mt. Ashland is launching a donation drive in which benefactors Sid and Karen DeBoer will match donations up to a total of $500,000 now through Sept. 30.

The donations will help fund projects intended to make the mountain more accessible for families and novice skiers, such as new terrain for the Lithia Chair and upgrades to night lighting at the mountain, according to a release from Mt. Ashland.

The new terrain will allow the area to stay open in higher winds that have traditionally closed the Sonnet trail, according to the release. It is designed to double the acreage of youth, upper beginner and lower intermediate trails, and will add more alpine racing terrain for youth.

According to Mt. Ashland, youth programs have been growing at a rate of about 5% annually.

The improvements also include new upgrades to “state-of-the-art lighting” and a lighting expansion, General Manager Andrew Gast said in the release. The lighting is designed to improve twilight and nighttime skiing at the mountain, as well as to improve its energy efficiency.

“These enhancements will provide a higher-quality, more enjoyable experience for new skiers and snowboarders, and families, making it easier than ever to learn snow sports at Mt. Ashland,” Gast said. 

New lighting will be installed at the Bottom and Windsor Chairline, which the release describes as a significant increase in night skiing capacity. It also adds Mt. Ashland’s first advanced night skiing terrain.

To make a donation, click on the link to the online donation portal at https://www.classy.org/give/598624/#!/donation/checkout or by calling 541-482-2897.