You could argue (as many locals do) that there are actually five seasons in Central Oregon—the fifth, of course, being ski and snowboard season.
As temperatures plummet each fall, our collective attention turns toward seven-day forecasts, snow reports, and the growing white jacket covering Cascade peaks to the west. We plan weekends around ski season, buy passes months in advance, wax our boards, and even skip work when conditions are right—just don’t tell our boss.
Snowy season can run between Thanksgiving and Memorial Day around Central Oregon, with a trio of resorts affording downhill and cross-country trails for skiers and boarders of all abilities and skill levels. So if you’re looking to hit the slopes this winter, we’ve put together a guide.
Mt. Bachelor Resort Near Bend
Photos courtesy of Mt. Bachelor
Mt. Bachelor is a dormant volcano offering over 4,000 acres of skiable terrain ranging from family-friendly bunny slopes to steep glades and wooded powder caches. The resort has one of the longest ski seasons in North America, often running from November through May and is known for its playful natural features and unique family-friendly events.
Mt. Bachelor is the place where true winter enthusiasts come to escape the curated ski village vibes and enjoy epic mountain views, endless laps, and a thriving après scene. Its close proximity to places like Bend, Sunriver, Tumalo, and Redmond enhance the resort’s appeal, offering visitors both outdoor adventure and access to vibrant towns known for their many breweries, eateries, and year-round attractions.
Check out our First-Timers Guide to get pro tips for your visit.
For operations information, events, tickets, rentals, lessons, and all other services, visit Mt. Bachelor’s website.
Ikon Pass Access at Mt. Bachelor:
- Ikon Pass: 7 Days
- Ikon Base Pass and Base Pass Plus: 5 Days*
- Ikon Session Pass: 4 Days*
*Blackout dates apply
Getting to Mt. Bachelor
Driving
Mt. Bachelor is located at 13000 SW Century Drive, only a 30-minute drive from Bend and Sunriver, just over 100 miles southeast of Portland and 150 miles north of the California border. The Cascade Lakes Highway takes you directly to the resort, with the first point of entry being Sunrise Lodge, the best place to access beginner terrain and the east side of the mountain. The next point of entry is Skyliner parking lot, home to the resort’s only high speed 6-pack lift as well as intermediate and advanced terrain park offerings. The final and main point of entry is West Village, the hub for rentals, retail, lessons, and guest services as well as the Nordic Center.
Mt. Bachelor offers a free Interlodge Shuttle to connect guests between all three parking lots and base areas. Parking is free and does not require a permit or reservations, though you may choose to purchase premium parking via Mt. Bachelor’s website.
Flying
Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is the nearest full-service airport to Central Oregon and Mt. Bachelor. The airport is approximately a 20 minute drive from Bend and a 40 minute drive from Sunriver. Carriers include: American Airlines, Alaska Air, Delta Airlines, Breeze, and United Airlines – offering non-stop flights from PDX, SEA, SFO, SAN, LAX, BUR, DEN, SLC, PHX, DFW, and LAS (starting in March 2026).
On arrival, there are a number of ground transportation options available to get you to your final destination. In addition to ridesharing apps, local shuttle and taxi services are readily available with many lodging properties offering free airport shuttles. Car rental services are also available. Visit Ground Transportation – Redmond Airport to learn more.
Please check out our Getting Here page for more on getting to Central Oregon and Mt. Bachelor.
Hoodoo Ski Resort Near Sisters
Since opening in 1938, Hoodoo Ski Area has been a local’s favorite—and it’s easy to see why.
The popular resort sits just less than an hour from Bend (and only a half-hour from Sisters) and boasts a little of everything for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities—not to mention friendly service. Situated on a rounded butte with plenty of wide-open terrain, Hoodoo features more than 800 skiable acres, 34 runs (with roughly 25 trails geared toward intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders), and the family-friendly Autobahn Tubing Park. Hoodoo is also the only resort in Central Oregon to offer night skiing, with 23 night runs remaining open until 9 p.m. throughout the season.
The ski area’s on-site lodge also features a restaurant that dishes burgers, chili, soup, and other cold-weather fare—along with a bar that pours local beer, wine, mixed drinks, and casual bar food.
Discover the Hoodoo Ski Area for more on conditions, lessons, tubing, and everything you need for a memorable day on the slopes. And be sure to visit Sisters, Oregon, if you’re looking for an après-ski meal or overnight accommodations.
Ski & Snowboard Rentals in Central Oregon
If you need gear before hitting the slopes, you’re in luck: Numerous shops throughout Central Oregon offer high-quality rentals and helpful services to ensure you hop onto the lift as quickly as possible.
In Bend, a few shops are situated along Century Drive, the road that leads to Mt. Bachelor. Since 1976, the family-owned Powder House has earned acclaim for its expansive rental fleet that includes more than 100 demo skis, as well as snowboards, cross-country skis, poles, snowshoes, and helmets. Nearby Pine Mountain Sports is likewise renowned among Bendites for its extensive rental and demo fleet, which includes alpine and touring skis, cross-country equipment, poles, snowshoes, and even avalanche beacons.
In Sisters, meanwhile, Eurosports is known for a wide range of gear that’s suited for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities—from children 3 and older to plus-size adults. Downhill, cross-country, backcountry, and snowboard packages are all available for rent—and, for a small fee, take advantage of hot wax, tune-up, and binding adjustment services.
Visitors in Sunriver can stop by Village Bike & Ski, which in winter offers skis and snowboards from established brands, cross-country skis and snowshoes, and even fat bikes for backcountry outings. Skis and boots can be rented separately or as part of a larger package, and the shop’s downhill selection (comprising alpine, performance, and demo ski packages) is among the newest and most extensive in Central Oregon.
Looking for overnight accommodations, wherever you may wind up this winter? Check out our page on places to stay in Central Oregon for the low-down on hotels, boutiques, vacation rentals, and other memorable lodgings.
