Ski in the morning, windsurf in the afternoon - near Portland, Oregon

Sunset, June, 1991

Ski in the morning, windsurf in the afternoon Only in the West can you ski on a June morning and windsurf that afternoon. Here we follow a day in the life of three Portland families who've created their own private biathlon. Between skiing and windsurfing, they picnic and nap. Visiting families from elsewhere might enjoy a day following their tracks and wakes.

7 A.M.: hit the road

8:30 to 11:30: ski Mount Hood

The group arrives at Timberline Lodge, which offers skiing every day--weather permitting--through Labor Day weekend, assuming snow lasts that long. (Note: slopes are closed May 20 through 24.) Here the group splits up.

The experienced skiers ride Magic Mile and Palmer lifts up to 8,500 feet, where terrain is recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers. Early on, the snow is generally hard and fast, but it softens to good corn by midmorning and to slush by noon. Lift tickets cost $22.

Novices stay below. You'll often find patches of skiable soft snow east of the lodge--where warmer air, gentler slopes, the absence of schussboomers, and the proximity of rest rooms make ideal conditions for younger learners.

Details on skiing. Lifts run 8 to 2:30 through June 7, then 7 to 1:30. Ski rentals are $15 adults ($24 for high-performance skis), $9 ages under 13. Rent a snowboard for $20 (with boots, $24). Private ski lessons are offered for all abilities through late June, intermediate and advanced after that ($45 for 90 minutes). Snowboard lessons (same cost) need reservations; call (503) 231-5402

11:30 to 12:30: load up and head out

Our group allows lots of time for changing into dry clothes and getting the youngsters settled. Then they follow U.S. 26 east for 2 miles and State 35 north 8 miles. They turn off at Robin Hood Campground and claim a table. (Two more campgrounds are nearby.)

12:30 to 2:30: lunch, then more driving

After a leisurely lunch and some playtime, our expeditioners drive to the town of Hood River (considered the capital of windsurfing), following State 35 along that river's east fork. In town, they turn north on Second Street, then take a left on Portway Avenue, parking at the end of a Columbia River jetty called The Hook.

2:30 to 5: windsurf and water play

Upstream from the breakwater is a sandy beach somewhat protected from wind; shallows here can be a good 5 [degrees] warmer than the 60 [degrees] open water. This is a pleasant spot for paddlers, and a great place for beginning windsurfers. The children hit the water as sailboards are unloaded.

Details on windsurfing. A 2- to 3-hour beginner lesson (including wet suit, life jacket, and sailboard) costs $35 to $45. Advanced lessons with high-performance gear cost $40 to $55. In Hood River, these shops offer rentals and instruction:

Big Winds, 505 Cascade Street; (503) 386-6086. Front Street Sailboards, 207 Front Street; 386-4044. Hood River Windsurfing, 4 Fourth Street; 386-5787. Sailboards Hood River, Fourth and State streets; 386-5363. And Windsynergy, Port Marina Park; 386-9463.

5 to 6: return to Portland