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It’s hard to state just how impactful Mt. Bachelor has been to Bend and Central Oregon since it opened in 1958 with a single tow rope and one lift. In the more than 60 years since Bill Healy founded the ski resort, Mt. Bachelor has become a hallowed destination for skiers and snowboarders from around the world. In search of fresh, fast-moving powder, enthusiasts today come to experience the resort’s 4,300 acres of skiable terrain—all of which can be accessed from the 9,065-foot summit, which provides 360º skiing and snowboarding on the forested slopes below. In recent years, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort has kept up with industry trends by unveiling a variety of summer offerings—including zip lines, chair lift rides, and an expansive network of mountain bike trails. Bend sits just 21 miles away, making Central Oregon’s largest city an idyllic basecamp for a weekend on the slopes. If you’re interested in seeing why so many flock to the largest ski resort in Oregon—and the seventh-largest in the nation—here’s a rundown of what makes Mt. Bachelor so popular:
Skiing and Snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor
While Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort offers fun in all four seasons, it is first and foremost a bucket-list destination for skiers and snowboarders. Beginners and experts alike appreciate the mountain’s wide range of terrain—buoyed by light, dry snow—and diverse lineup of experiences that take full advantage of every skiable inch on the mountain. The fun includes groomed runs, open bowls, forested glades, steep chutes, and a terrain park that invites skiers and snowboarders to improve their skills with a variety of challenges and obstacles—such as jumps, mini pipes, and rails. Depending on where you set off from, you may enjoy views of Mount Jefferson, the Three Sisters, and other nearby Cascade Range peaks. Learn more about trails, varied terrain, and difficulty levels with the Mt. Bachelor ski map. Best of all: Mt. Bachelor, which receives an average of 410 inches of snow each year, usually opens to skiers and snowboarders by late November or early December—and typically remains open through Memorial Day Weekend. That represents one of the longest ski seasons in the United States and offers some of the best skiing near Bend, Oregon.
Year-Round Activities at Mt. Bachelor
Skiing and snowboarding might be the most popular activities at Mt. Bachelor, but the mammoth resort offers fun for outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life.
In winter, the fun includes sled dog rides with Oregon Trail of Dreams (whose mushers lead tours through forests at the base of Mount Bachelor), 90-minute snowshoe tours on Mt. Bachelor (led by U.S. Forest Service rangers), and 56 km of groomed cross-country skiing trails (featuring a mix of beginner-friendly, intermediate, and advanced trails that are track-set nightly).
When summer arrives, Mt. Bachelor transforms into a playground that offers several weekends’ worth of fun. The Mt. Bachelor Bike Park, for instance, hosts a dozen miles of smooth flow trails and singletrack paths—all served by the resort’s lifts—for riders of all abilities and skill levels. One of the newest attractions at Mt. Bachelor is the ZipTour thrill ride—the region’s steepest, fastest zip line where riders descend more than 1,300 vertical feet while soaring above the mountain’s forested slopes. For a slower, yet no less scenic change of pace, take a chairlift ride from Mt. Bachelor’s West Village base area up to Pine Marten Lodge—all while climbing 1,500 feet; there, you can grab a salad, rice bowl, or local craft beverage at Scapolo’s while savoring views of Broken Top, alpine lakes, and other natural wonders. (If timing works out, make a reservation for Mt. Bachelor’s Summer Sunset Dinners, where a prix-fixe menu, crafted with local ingredients, is served in Pine Marten Lodge.) With so much to do, it’s no surprise that Mt. Bachelor is one of the best ski resorts & lodging near Bend.
Resort Amenities and Services
You’ll find plenty to love about Mt. Bachelor in between runs. Savor a hearty meal and quench your thirst at bars and eateries at three home-base areas across the resort. In Mt. Bachelor’s West Village, choose among four restaurants and bars that serve warm drinks, grab-and-go fare, local craft beer, burritos, and more. At Sunrise Lodge on Mt. Bachelor, fuel up for the day at Pinnacles Espresso, sip cocktails and craft beer at the slopeside Sun Bar, grab a sandwich for lunch at Sunrise Grill, and score a quick snack at the 360 Food Truck. The mid-mountain Pine Marten Lodge, meanwhile, dishes American classics, Mexican-inspired fare, coffee, and light bites at a trio of restaurants. Mt. Bachelor also offers plenty of amenities and services that help improve your day on the mountain. The Mt. Bachelor Ski & Ride School, for instance, offers a mix of group lessons, private lessons, and skill-building sessions for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. You can also rent ski and snowboard equipment, with various packages suited to specific needs. And if you forgot something at home, the Gravity Sports Shop sells apparel, equipment, accessories, and more. You won’t find overnight stays at Mt. Bachelor, but plenty of well-appointed hotels and resorts sit near Bend and within a short drive of the resort. Tetherow is one of Central Oregon’s most popular resorts—complete with spacious vacation rentals, a few appetizing eateries, and a heated pool that remains open all year long.
