Spring at Mount Hood Through the Lens of Alex Zimmerman

All Images: Alex Zimmerman

It's that time of year when nearly all skiing has ceased around North America. Nearly, but not all. Beneath the glaciated peak of Mount Hood, skiers have long sought refuge during the warmer months. For decades, the most passionate among us have made the pilgrimage west to find turns on the volcano.

But Hood has not been immune to what could politely be described as an "odd" winter. Low snow totals left us questioning how spring and summer would look at what's usually considered the sure-bet for late-season skiing. Whether it's in the Timberline park, at Windells camp, laps on a kicker, or summit pushes, Hood always provides. So how has it been this year?

To answer that question, we tapped longtime photographer and all-around good guy Alex Zimmerman. Zimm has been a staple in Oregon for years, and though he's actually a snowboarder, his passion for the ski scene is unmatched. It's possible he's shot more skiers at Hood's spring sessions than anyone alive.

From random skiers impressing the pros to established skiers whose poster likely hangs on your wall, he's seen it all. His enthusiasm and zest are a magnet for anyone looking to smile on snow, and so it comes as no surprise that he's already stacked shots and stories over the first few weeks of summer.

FREESKIER: How would you compare this season to previous ones at Hood?

AZ: There’s no sugarcoating it: Mount Hood had a rough year. It seemed like an endless string of storms coming in two to three degrees too warm. We had no lack of moisture; it just wasn’t the right kind. But even the most sour of lemons can be sweetened with sugar to create lemonade - which is exactly what the locals did on Hood for most of the season. 

When the dry spells came (and damn did they linger), we made the best of it. When all else failed, some of us opted for a different medium altogether. Miles Kemph and I linked at the Oregon Coast for some fresh tracks in the dunes; Chris “Topher” Newett and I built a bunch of features that didn’t work (some did), and the Government Camp locals kept their go-to spots going as much as humanly possible.  

(Left) Miles Kemph manages a different type of sluff before jumping off the grass ledge

(Right) Mayor of Timberline Chris Topher plants a classic tophaloaf daffy on a QP

With a winter like that, did you expect a lackluster spring for shooting?

I knew it would come around! As the snow drought (and rain) subsided, Hood’s famous volcanic corn cycles fired up. I expected the usual suspects to show up and was able to coordinate with a few friends. But truly, this spring and summer have been fantastic so far. Everyone is hungry to get some after a poor winter, that's my guess.

What were some standout moments of the last few weeks?

May 1, the Entourage crew, led by filmer Jack Price, showed up to an incredible forecast and prime conditions - a much-needed reprieve after they'd had what sounded like a tough season of mediocre snow and some serious injuries. I’ve been lucky enough to get out with them annually for three years in a row, and we always seem to come away with incredible memories and content. As you can see in Jack’s expression on the walk out after a day of filming in the backcountry, Hood’s magic graced us not just in the form of good snow but with one hell of a sunset to enjoy together to close out their trip. A moment that none of us will soon forget. 

"Jack Price after a big day of digging and shooting for Entourage. Normally, I'd be bummed to have missed shooting this sunset, but sometimes it's important to have the camera down and enjoy moments like this." - Zimm

Right on the heels of Entourage, the Tahoe-based crew Truancy, led by filmer Wade Peek, rolled into town and picked up where Entourage left off. Like a well-defined charcuterie plate, cheese wedges were cut all over the place (and yes, there were “cutting the cheese” jokes to go along with the rotten egg sulfuric gases spewing out of Mount Hood, or were those smells actually me?).

Regardless of the mountain farts, it was a pleasure to spend some time with such talented skiers. Between the two crews, I was left in awe more times than I’d like to admit. I look forward to whatever Wade and Jack cook up for their respective films, which are set to be released this fall.

(Left) Jack Price, Rylan Messner, Daniel Johnson, Andrew Bird, Miles Kemph and Sam Klein hard at work

(Right) Nathan Saier punting a flip after Zimm helped craft this stepdown

Most people only think of Hood in the spring. But as a local, what's your favorite time to shoot at Hood?

Well, not to be basic but... [Laughs] I would have to say spring. With long days in April and May combined with the Timberline Spring Pass, the stage was set for another annual migration of skiers of all types to descend on the mountain. I ran into a few larger groups from the Midwest (Minnesota and Wisconsin), Montana, Vermont, and California… everywhere! The volcano is, without a doubt, a magnet for skiers in late spring. Which is exactly why there is nowhere I’d rather be shooting during that window.

Your arc as a ski photographer has been anything but typical. What advice do you have for those looking to break into the scene?

Get your reps in. You don't need a flagship model camera to create incredible images, nor do you need the best athletes in the world. While both of those things definitely make it easier, we don't always get to ski on bluebird pow days, as they say. Most pro photogs started off with a point-and-shoot or entry-level SLR with a kit lens. They got their reps in at their local hills shooting through all types of weather and light, with athletes of every skill level, capturing not just the action but also the in-between moments that tell the story.

In my experience, that grind prepares you for the opportunity to shoot for a brand or a specific pro. For myself, it was years of shooting with my wife and our friends. While my wife is a great skier, and some of my favorite photos I've ever taken are of her, she can't quite gap an 80-foot step down while doing a cork 7 blunt. However, if it wasn't for the reps with her, I wouldn't have the confidence I have now when shooting the pros.

The other thing I'd say is don't be afraid to ask. If you're having trouble with any aspect of photography - equipment, location, editing, athlete relationships, anything at all, reach out to a professional and ask for advice. The worst-case scenario is getting no response, which just puts you in the same position. I've certainly been ghosted after reaching out, but on the flip side, some of my mentors have become friends. I can't stress enough how much I look up to so many who came before me, and I'm constantly inspired by the next generation of photographers. Just like in skiing, photography is constantly changing, and lessons can be learned from everyone who participates.

Some sound life advice right there. Any upcoming project you're looking excited for?

As we transition into summer, I very much look forward to all the pro teams that will inevitably be coming through. Thank you in advance to all of the skiers who let me point my camera in your direction and trust me to get the shot (even though some of my ideas can be a bit far-fetched). See you on the volcano!

Park laps, pow slashes, kicker builds and alpine missions: it's all in a days work for Zimm at Mount Hood

Skier: (1) Miles Kemph greases metal at Timberline, (2) Joe Blount does his best surfing impression, (4) Zach Joseph tames a lesser skied chute on Hood's rugged west side