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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I check availability of your unit?
  2. How many people can your unit sleep?
  3. Will you hold dates pending deposit?
  4. What types of payments do you accept?
  5. Do you charge a cleaning fee?
  6. What are the check in and check out time?
  7. What do I need to do to get a late checkout?
  8. What are your web specials?
  9. Is there a minimum number of nights I need to book?
  10. What is your cancellation policy?
  11. What are your bed arrangements for the unit?
  12. Are linen and towels provided?
  13. What is included with the unit?
  14. Do you allow pets or smoking in your unit?
  15. Where is your condo located on Mt Hood?
  16. What services are available in Government Camp?
  17. Are you within walking distance of ski lifts?
  18. Do you sell discounted lift tickets?
  19. What amenities does the condo building have?
  20. Why do I need a parking permit for the basement garage?
  21. What is the clearance on the garage vehicle entrance?
  22. How many cars can I park in the basement?
  23. Why do I need a card key to operate the elevator?
  24. Where do I get a grocery cart to haul my stuff to the unit?
  25. What are the hours for the pool, sauna, and laundry facilities?
  26. How old do my kids need to be to swim in the pool without an adult?
  27. Can I rent additional condos in the same building?
  28. Do I need a snow park permit to park on the street in front of the building?
  29. How do I gain access to the unit?
  30. What if I have problems with the unit or building while up there?
  31. Can my kids play around the building?
  32. Mt Hood is a volcano and has an eruptive history doesn't it?
  33. What kind of internet connection do you have and how do I connect to it?
  34. What phones and jacks do you have in the unit?
  35. I want to make sure there's snow. What is the average snow for the Cascades?

 

How do I check the availability of your unit?

If you're interested in renting from us please first check availability up on our booking site at VRConnection. Make sure and note our rates and maximum occupancy. To check bed/bedroom arrangements view our layout page.

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How many people can your unit sleep?

Officially our unit can sleep a maximum of 10 non-related or 14 related people per fire codes and the Golden Poles Homeowners Association rules limit is 15.

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Will you hold dates pending receipt of my deposit?

You may book online or by phone at 503.614.1983. We'll verbally hold your dates for 3 days pending receipt of your refundable security deposit for reservation 60 days or more out. Dates inside of 60 days will require partial or complete payment with payment of the refunable security deposit. 

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What types of payments do you accept?

Payments can be in the form of a personal check sent through US Mail or we can charge your credit card online. 

To pay by check or money order, please make it out and mail it to:

Powder Lodging
16055 SW Walker Rd #189
Beaverton, OR 97006

Or click "to make an online payment with a credit card" link to pay via a credit or debit card at your reservation link that was sent with your reservation request.

When

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Do you charge a cleaning fee?

At this time we do not charge any cleaning fee and instead ask all renters and their guests to perform a simple checkout checklist that we provide asking you to remember all personal items, haul all garbage or recyclables to the basement and set the heat to the proper unoccupied setting that are on each heater or thermostat. Any cleaning or repairs required to return the unit to arrival condition beyond reasonable will be deducted from the refundable security deposit. Charges beyond that will be charged to the renter.

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What are the check in and check out times?

Check in time is 4pm on the day you arrive and check out time is 11am the day you're leaving. These times are often flexible if arrangements are made in advance depending on cleaning and occupancy schedules.

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What do I need to do to get a late checkout?

Please contact us at least the week prior to your arrival date. At that time we should know the cleaning and occupancy schedule which should allow the best opportunity to be flexible on the time you leave. If you're in the unit on the day your scheduled to leave and can't be out at the scheduled checkout time we need to know this as this could interfere with the cleaning schedule. Charges will be deducted from the Security Deposit. Occupancy sensors in the unit will track your arrival and departure times.

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What are your special deals?

We always offer a number of specials that can be viewed on our deals page. Read the terms of the specials and their conditions. Specials must be requested, when available, at reservation time so that we can make sure your rental contract has the correct cost and the taxes are accurately calculated.

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Is there a minimum number of nights I need to book?

Two days on any non-holiday day
Three days on Monday holiday weekends
Four days over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years rate periods
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What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations within the 60-30 day windows forfeit one nights lodging (the highest nightly rate) unless a replacement renter is booked. Your security deposit will still be refunded. 

Cancellations inside of 30 days lose their full rental fee unless a replacement renter is booked. Security deposit will still be refunded. 

All refunds are at sole the discretion of the owner operator and no refunds will be made due to inclement weather, road conditions or family feuds.

Please read our terms and conditions before booking.

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What are your bed arrangements for the unit?

Our layout page shows the unit's floor plan along with current bed arrangements.

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Are linen and towels provided?

Yes, normally linen and towels are provided based on the number of people in your party. The day of check-out we ask that you remove the linens from the beds that were used (part of the checkout checklist) to help facilitate the cleaning of the unit after you leave. For a complete list of what all is provided see the faq below.

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What is included with the unit?

Completely furnished kitchen with microwave and dishwasher
Smooth glass top range with oven
27" Stereo TV with VCR/DVD Home Theater
20" TV/DVD in both downstairs bedrooms
26" TV in loft connected to Gamecube and Satellite receiver
Satellite receiver usually with movie channels (time of year dependent)
Satellite is modulated onto channel 18 on all TV
0ff-the-air TV stations modulated ont0 channel 16 on all TVs
Home Theater plays DVD/CDs, there is no cassette tape player
Wood Stove (wood provided)
Linen and towels provided
Gas Barbecue Grill on outdoor covered deck
Ski Storage room
Portable crib and a high chair
Wireless 802.11b and g Internet access (WEP encoded for privacy)
Ski/Board and bike storage room off main entry.
Telephone with local Portland calling access
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Do you allow pets or smoking in your unit?

Our unit is a NO SMOKING unit. Smoking is only allowed on the outside decks which are covered and an ash tray is provided. We have new decks on the back side so please don't put out your butts on the deck or throw them off the deck. If you smoke on the front side of the building please do so 50' away from the other units to prevent complaints.

Small dogs under 35lbs are permitted with a $50 pet fee per rental period. The pet fee is non-refundable. Sorry, please leave your cats and other pets at home..

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Where is your condo located on Mt Hood?

Our unit is located in the Golden Poles Chalet Condominiums. These condos are located on the south side of Hwy 26 in Government Camp just outside the parking area for Ski Bowl East (Multorpor Lodge side). Government Camp is located 45 minutes east of Portland. For a printable Government Camp Map click here.

Map.jpg (72167 bytes) Click to see large map image.

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What services are available in Government Camp?

Grocery store
State Liquor Store in the Govy General store.
Ski Bowl known as America's Largest Night Ski Area
Ski Bowl Snow Tube & Adventure Park
Summit Ski Area with Red Devil Tube Hill
Huckleberry Inn, 24 hour restaurant
Rat Skeller Pub and restaurant
Mountain Bakery
Charlie's Tavern and restaurant
Post Office
Chevron Gas Station
Timberline Brew Pub
Several Tube/Skis/Snowboard/Snowshoe Rental Facilities
Mountain Bike rentals with lift access in the summer.
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Are you within walking distance of ski lifts and Adventure Park attractions?

Our unit is located just outside the parking area for Ski Bowl East. In the winter if Ski Bowl has their East base open (check Ski Bowl's operating schedule) then it's a short walk to Multorpor Lodge. Lift and tubing tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth in that parking lot. In the summer tickets for all of Ski Bowl Adventure Park's attractions can be purchase at the ticket booth in the Ski Bowl East Parking lot or at the booth up by Multorpor Lodge.

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Do you sell discounted lift tickets?

We do not sell discounted lift tickets simply because there are so many ski resorts nearby that you can ski and weather can be a factor. Most people prefer to not purchase in advance and lock themselves into a particular resort. By not purchasing lift tickets in advance you preserve the option to choose where to ski depending on the weather or even just skip skiing and stay in Government Camp and go tubing, snow shoeing or hiking instead.

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What amenities does the condo building have?

Heated outdoor pool (open only on weekend and holidays in winter, summer Thursday-Monday)
Indoor sauna and changing rooms (open daily)
Coin operated laundry facilities in the basement
Underground parking available with access through remote garage door
Elevator with grocery carts to haul stuff up to the unit from the basement parking
Common stairs right out our front door
Ski wax room in the basement

Occasionally some of the common facilities may not be available. Usually this is related to unplanned repair and/or maintenance. Please ask to confirm for your stay. We can't guarantee that all facilities will always be available.

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Why do I need a parking permit for the basement garage?

The on site Caretaker requires each car in the basement have a parking permit. This helps them manage the number of cars each unit has to prevent the garage area from becoming over crowded. Additionally, it helps find vehicle owners in the event a car needs to be moved or relocated for some reason. 

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What is the clearance on the garage vehicle entrance?

The underground parking can take most normal size vehicles that don't have roof racks. The height limit is approximately 6 feet 6 inches. Vehicles that may have problems include ones with lift kits, full sized extended vans and sport utility vehicles with cargo or roof racks. If you are unsure please pull slowly into the garage and make sure your vehicle will fit. Beware that the garage door is on a timer and will automatically close in three minutes of opening so watch for surprise closings.

How many cars can I park in the basement?

Each unit may park only two cars in the basement garage area. Other cars must park in front of the building and have a valid SnoPark Permit during the period when they're required. 

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Do I need a card key to operate the elevator?

A Card key is required to get to the basement. We provide you with two of them and you must use them in the elevator and the doors to the basement to access the basement. For the elevator you simply hold the card key up in front of the sensor and then push the "B" button once you hear the beep. The doors on the ends of the building each have a card key sensor and you only need to hold the card up to them to unlock the door. All card key access in recorded and monitored by the Caretaker but there is no guarantee of security. Please don't leave valuables in your vehicles that are parked in the garage and in front of the building. There is a charge of $40 for each lost card key. 

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Where do I get a grocery cart to haul my stuff to the unit?

Grocery carts are located in the basement and must be returned to the basement immediately upon unloading. Please help keep these available for others to use and prevent the Caretaker from having to come to your unit to locate them.

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What are the hours for the pool, sauna, and laundry facilities?

The sauna is available every day until 10pm. During slow periods the pool may be open by request only. You will find the official pool schedule in the GP301.pdf document you receive at full payment time. Generally it's hours are:

Winter: 

Open Friday night and weekends on request (to conserve heat) and all holiday periods
Normal hours when open are Saturday 9am-10pm and 9am-6pm on Sunday
Temperature: 90-92 degrees

Summer:

Open Wednesday-Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Hours are 9am-10pm
Temperature: 84-88 degrees

There are coin operated washers and dryers in the basement. Generally they are available during the same hours the sauna is open. Cost is $1 to wash and $1 to dry and you must bring your own soap as there is no coin-op soap is available.

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How old do my kids need to be to use the pool without an adult?

Children must be accompanied to the pool by a responsible adult (18 or older) if under the age of 14 years. The on-site Golden Poles Caretaker has authority to revoke pool and sauna privileges for any person or unit. 

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Can I rent more units in the same building?

All units in our building are rented through private owners. If you require more then one unit we'd be happy to refer you to other owners who rent so you can check their unit's availability. 

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Do I need a snow park permit to park on the street in front of the building?

SnoPark Permits are required on all cars parked on the street in front of the building. You must have a valid Sno-Park permit displayed in the windshield of your vehicle if you park in designated winter recreation parking areas (Sno-Parks) between November 15 and April 30. Each of these areas are posted with signs identifying them as a WINTER RECREATION AREA. You will find Sno-Parks in all mountain passes of the state as well as most recognized ski, snowmobile, and snow play areas. In Government Camp you can purchase these at the Village Store in Government Camp or at any Ski Area. 

There are three types of permits: an annual permit which costs $20, a 3-day permit which costs $7, and a daily permit which costs $3.

For more information see: http://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/SPpermits.asp

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How do I gain access to the unit?

We send you an email, a day or so before your first night, that contains access instructions including a combination to the keyless entry on the front door. The combination will allow access to the unit by everyone in your group without the need for a key. Card keys and a garage door opener can then be found on the kitchen counter. For more info on the keyless entry system we use see this pdf

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What if I have problems with the unit or building while up there?

There is a Golden Poles Caretaker to consult with if you have problems with the unit or building during your stay. His number is listed on the phone in the unit or he can be found on the first floor in unit #104 noted by a Caretaker sign outside his unit.

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Are there places for my kids play around the building?

There are plenty of snow play areas just outside the condo near the garage entrance. The only location off limits is in the front and back of the building in the winter due to safety concerns from snow coming off the roof of the building. Occasionally vehicles parked in the street can be hit by this same snow coming off the roof. During heavy snow periods it's best to park toward the ends of the building where parking is further from fall zone. 

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Mt Hood is a volcano and has an eruptive history doesn't it?

Mt Hood still has active steam and sulfur vents near Crater Rock above Timberline Lodge but is categorized as a dormant volcano. Government Camp is built on lava flows from past eruptions. It's always important to be aware of any hazards in the area you're visiting. To find out more about Mt Hood's volcanic history visit this USGS website

Here is the USGS Hazards Zone Map for Mt Hood. Click here for larger version.

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What kind of internet connection do you have and how do I connect to it?

We have 1.5mb asynchronous DSL connection hooked to a Dlink wireless router that supports 802.11g or 802.11b connections. The network's SSID is MECO which is broadcasted but for security purposes it requires a 128 bits, 26 hex digit WEP key to connect to it. The encryption key is changed often and the current key will be available in the unit when you arrive. 

We also have one DHCP enabled RG-45 hard wired network connection at the desk for those that don't have wireless connectivity. Please bring your own network cable to connect to this port.

Apple iBooks sometimes have problems connecting to our access point. If you use Apple products please be aware this could be an issue.

The Golden Poles Chalet Association has a wirelss Access Point named "GP-Open" also available. You're welcome to use either. Long term plans will remove MECO and everyone will use the Association provided APs. 

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What phones and jacks do you have in the unit?

The phone in the living room is on the wall and is a speaker phone. The local phone company is CenturyTel and it's connected to the local extended service for Portland so all calls to Portland are local. There are additional phone jacks. One near the living room wall phone at the desk for a modem or additional phone connection, another on the wall near the wood stove behind the couch and then they are jacks in both downstairs bedrooms with a cordless phone in the master bedroom. There are no phone jacks in the loft.

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I want to make sure there's snow. What is the average snow for the Cascades?

Below is a historical chart of Cascade Snowfall history over the years. It give you a rough idea of how much snow is around what time of year. This information is courtesy of skimountaineer.com. See their website for even more information on skiing the Cascade mountains.

 


Copyright © 1991-2012  Powder Lodging, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: November 11, 2012 .