Timberline Lodge's Famous 'Palmer Chairlift' Opens For Season

Palmer is open today, too, until 2:30 P.M.

The lift, which accesses Timberline's upper mountain, is only open in spring and summer due to high winds and snow. When the weather starts to warm up, Timberline gives Palmer a maintenance check before running it.

As Timberline is one of the only resorts offering summer skiing in North America, Palmer has developed something of an iconic status. The fact that its terrain is occupied by several legendary freestyle-oriented summer camps, like Windells, doesn't hurt. Ski racers also rely on Palmer to bash gates when the snow melts elsewhere.

But Palmer isn't just for an expert or professional crowd. Us regular folk can access Palmer's terrain with lift tickets, and typically, a more modest public terrain park is available for those not attending summer camp.

In short, the lift curates a magic, sun-soaked skiing experience, so locals were understandably stoked to see it open.

Last ski season, Palmer started running on May 12th.