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Mount Bachelor ski area
Mount Bachelor ski area
Mount Bachelor ski area
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Mount Bachelor ski resort (stylized as Mt. Bachelor) is a ski resort in the northwest United States located in Central Oregon, approximately 22 miles (35 km) west of Bend, along Century Drive Highway. The ski area is on the northern side of Mount Bachelor, a stratovolcano rising atop a volcanic shield in the Cascade Range.

Key Information

Since 2001, the ski area has been owned by Powdr Corporation of Park City, Utah.[2] It is the largest ski resort (by area) by more than 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) in Oregon,[3] the second largest single-mountain ski resort in the U.S., behind Vail in Colorado, and the sixth largest of all ski resorts in the nation.[clarification needed]

Mount Bachelor offers one of the nation's longest ski seasons, mid-November through the end of May (weather permitting).[4]

History

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The Mount Bachelor Ski Area was founded by former 10th Mountain Division Elite Force ski trooper[5] Bill Healy on December 19, 1958, with $75,000 (equivalent to $837,000 today[6]) and a one-year lease from the U.S. Forest Service for the land.[7] The four other major stockholders were Felix Marcoulier, Dr. Bradford Pease, Oscar Murray, and Phil Gould. The founders raised $100,000 from local investors and made many important management decisions that would shape the path of Mount Bachelor and Central Oregon for decades to come.[2]

The ski area opened as Bachelor Butte in October 1958 with a rope tow and a 3,100-foot (940 m)-long platter lift rising 1,000 ft (305 m); a lift ticket was three dollars[2][8] (equivalent to $33.48 today[6]). The name of the volcano was changed to Mount Bachelor in 1983 after the Bend Chamber of Commerce persuaded state and federal officials to adopt the more descriptive term "mountain."[9][10] Well-known broadcaster and avid skier Lowell Thomas visited the young ski area in 1961, flying over from Sun Valley with agribusiness magnate J. R. Simplot.[11]

The first chairlift was "black chair" in 1961, shortly followed by "red chair" in 1964. In 1967 and 1970, the yellow and blue chairlifts were added,[12] and in 1973 the green and orange chairlifts were added. The "Outback chair" was added in 1976, "Rainbow" in 1980, and "Sunrise" in 1982. The first area of the mountain developed for skiing was the northeastern side.[13] The northwestern side was not lift-served in 1973, but those who ventured for the "Outback Trail Tour" paid a dollar in advance and got a return ride by a snowcat to the lodge.[14] A new trail was finished in 1975,[15] and the Outback double chairlift was installed at a cost of $700,000.[16][17] It was replaced by the $3 million high-speed quad (Outback Express) in the summer of 1987;[18] with a capacity of 2,800 passengers per hour.[19] The 8,377-foot (1.6 mi; 2.6 km)-long Northwest Express chairlift was added in 1996,[20] a high-speed quad with 2,365-foot (721 m) vertical.[21] This lift further expanded the terrain to the west and increased the resort's overall vertical, lowering the minimum lift-served elevation to 5,700 feet (1,740 m).

In 1976, Mount Bachelor had a severe drought and was only open January 2 through February 14, and February 26 through April 30. There was a loss of an estimated $4 million which took four years to recover. Following the drought, the Nordic initiative began and the main lodge expanded.[5]

Plans for the first summit chairlift were announced in autumn 1979;[22] the high-speed detachable triple was installed in the summer of 1983.[23] At the time, it was just the second detachable chairlift installed in the world. It was upgraded to a quad in 1997.[21] Original plans for a summit lodge and an accompanying service road[24][25] were abandoned in 1982 to attain approval from the U.S. Forest Service.[26]

Due to its challenging terrain parks and excellent snow conditions, Mount Bachelor is the official home training resort of many professional and Winter Olympic athletes, and hosts several professional USSA competitions each year.

On April 4, 1968, a single-engine light airplane crashed on the slopes of Mount Bachelor with three fatalities. Bound for Eugene from Boise and Billings, it was found three days later at the 8,100-foot (2,470 m) level by skiers after a multi-day regional air search in limited visibility.[27][28]

Terrain

[edit]

The mountain is famous for its getting heavy amounts of snow off the Pacific Ocean, unfortunately, quite often the snow is quite wet and heavy, [citation needed] with typical snowfall of over 462 inches (1,170 cm) per year and a mid-winter base over 150 inches (380 cm). The resort boasts a lift-served vertical drop of 3,365 feet (1,026 m) with a lift running to 9,000 feet (2,743 m), just 65 feet (20 m) below the volcano's summit, which is accessible via a short hike. As one of the tallest mountains in the vicinity, Mount Bachelor often experiences high wind speeds causing the chairlift to the summit to be put on standby.

Trails and lifts

[edit]
Ski area in the winter
Chairlift in the summer

Total lift accessible area is 4,323 acres (17.5 km2)[29][30] with approximately 1,600 acres (6.5 km2) groomed daily. The longest run is just over 4 miles (6.4 km). There are 12 chairlifts: Alpenglow, Early Riser, Northwest Express, Outback Express, Pine Marten Express, Rainbow Chair, Red Chair, Skyliner Express, Summit Express, Sunrise Express, Little Pine, and Cloudchaser. Northwest Express, Outback Express, Pine Marten Express, Skyliner Express, Summit Express, Sunrise Express, and Little Pine [31] are express quads.

Following the Summit triple in 1983, the Pine Marten was the first express quad, installed in the summer of 1986.[18][19] The accompanying lodge at the top of Pine Marten was built two years later.[32] The Pine Marten Express was the world's first height-adjustable detachable quad. It was overhauled in 2006 for $3.5 million, with new terminals, cable, and all new moving parts.[21] The Outback Express was installed in 1987 and the Skyliner Express in 1989.[33]

Mount Bachelor has outlined in its master plan that it intends to replace its Sunrise Express to a high-speed six-pack, along with replacing its Rainbow triple chairlift with a high-speed quad. In addition, the ski area plans to expand its downhill mountain bike terrain.

In the early 1990s, Mount Bachelor had intentions of installing an 8 passenger high speed gondola which would run from the Sunriver access road. However, while marketed in ski magazines, this gondola was never built.[34]

In recent years, Mount Bachelor has made sweeping efforts to attract freestyle skiers and snowboarders. A 400-foot (122 m) super pipe is among the best on the continent, and hosted the 2006 USSA Olympic Qualifier.[citation needed] The resort's Bachelor Parks terrain park encompasses 3 parks, is nearly a mile (1.5 km) long, descending 850 vertical feet (260 m) and featuring a number of jumps, rails, boxes, and jibs for freestyle riders. Other parks include "Slopestyle Arena", and "Sunshine Park" for beginners.

In 2003, Transworld Snowboarding magazine (editors & readers) ranked Bachelor as the fourth best snowboarding resort in North America.

Mount Bachelor also has a cross country skiing area with 12 groomed trails covering 35 miles (56 km) and 850 feet (260 m) of vertical.

Activities

[edit]

Skiing/ Snowboarding

Mount Bachelor offers lift accessed skiing and snowboarding seven days a week from late-November to the end of May. Hours are generally 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On nice weather days Mount Bachelor offers skiing 360 degrees off the summit of the mountain. Bachelor holds some of the driest snow[citation needed] relative to the Cascades. The mountain's wide variety of elevation and aspect allows skiers and snowboarders to find good snow nearly every day of the season. Many avid skiers and snowboarders can access a bulge on the north side of the mountain referred to as 'the cone' by hiking before, during and after the resorts typical hours of operation.

Nordic skiing

Mount Bachelor has the longest groomed Nordic season in North America, running from late-November through late-May. Snow conditions may extend into June.[35]

Mountain bike park

Starting in the summer of 2013, Mount Bachelor was granted a special use permit from the Forest Service allowing chairlift for downhill mountain bike laps. Mountain bike trail continue to be developed, varying from a family-friendly single track trail to "bad to the bone" downhill bike park. In addition, a zip-line system was installed in 2020 and is a three-span dual line system that spans over 1.3 miles. It offers panoramic views of the Three Sisters Wilderness and is considered the highest-elevation, steepest, and fastest in the Pacific Northwest, starting at 7,800 feet and descending nearly 1,400 vertical feet.

Other features at Mount Bachelor include snowshoeing, dog sledding, and on-mountain interpretive tours. Seven restaurants, three bars, and three coffeehouses on the premises are distributed in three day lodges. Additional accommodations and lodging are nearby at Sunriver and in the city of Bend.

Hiking

In the summer of 2024, Mt. Bachelor opened the Evergreen Trail, its first multi-use trail for both hikers and mountain bikers. Roughly 4.5 miles in length, this free and beginner friendly trail connects West Village with the Pine Marten Lodge. The trail features a 5% grade with a wide variety of scenic views.

U.S. Ski Team

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Mount Bachelor ski area

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from Grokipedia
Mount Bachelor ski area is a major winter sports resort in , , situated on the southwest slopes of the dormant , which rises to 9,065 feet (2,764 meters) in elevation and is located approximately 22 miles (35 km) west-southwest of Bend within the Deschutes National Forest. The resort spans 4,323 skiable acres with a vertical drop of 3,365 feet from its summit to a base elevation of 5,700 feet, featuring 101 named runs serviced by 12 lifts, including several high-speed quads, and receiving an average annual snowfall of 410 inches that supports a season typically running from late November through April or May. Founded in 1958 by ski pioneer Bill Healy as Bachelor Butte Ski Area with a single rope tow and basic lift, the resort underwent significant expansion, including the installation of its first in 1962 and the addition of high-speed quads starting in 1987, before being renamed in 1983 amid growing popularity that drew over 500,000 skier visits annually by that time. It was acquired by Adventure Recreation in 2001, which retained ownership as of 2025 following local acquisition efforts, and has continued its development, such as the 2016 addition of the Cloudchaser Express lift that expanded terrain by 635 acres and elevated the resort to one of the largest in the U.S. by skiable area. The terrain at Mount Bachelor is diverse, encompassing 15% beginner, 35% intermediate, 30% advanced, and 20% expert runs, with notable features like the expansive powder bowls on the northwest face and terrain parks for and , including the Woodward park system that hosts competitions and attracts Olympic-level athletes. Beyond , the resort offers year-round activities such as on over a dozen miles of trails, the ZipTour—a high-speed zipline added in 2020 that is the steepest, fastest, and highest-elevation in the Northwest—and or snowshoeing on adjacent trails, all accessible within a 20-minute drive from Bend or Sunriver.

Overview

Location and Access

Mount Bachelor ski area is situated within the Deschutes National Forest in , approximately 22 miles (35 km) west of the city of Bend. The volcano's peak is at coordinates 43°58′44″N 121°41′17″W, with an elevation of 9,068 feet (2,764 m); the ski area is on its southwest slopes, with the highest lift-served summit at 9,065 feet (2,763 m). The resort lies on the western flank of the , surrounded by protected old-growth forests and alpine terrain, with nearby features including to the southwest and the jagged peaks of Broken Top just to the north. This location offers visitors access to the expansive Deschutes National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, emphasizing conservation of the region's volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Access to Mount Bachelor is primarily by car via south from Bend, followed by a turn onto Southwest Century Drive (also designated as Route 372 and Forest Service Road 46), which leads directly to the base area after about 25 minutes. The route traverses the scenic Cascade Lakes Highway through the national forest, with winter conditions requiring chains or all-wheel drive due to snow and ice. For those arriving from larger cities, the drive from Portland takes roughly 3 hours along and , while is about 5 hours away via Interstate 90 and . Public transportation options include shuttle services operated by Cascade East Transit (CET), which run daily from Bend's key locations like the transit center and hotels, providing a convenient alternative to driving with drop-offs at the base. Ample is available at the base, including free lots for day visitors and designated areas for carpoolers, with overflow options during peak periods; reservations are recommended for overnight stays. The nearest airport, (RDM), is 30 minutes from Bend and offers direct flights from major hubs, facilitating easier regional access.

Resort Statistics

Mount Bachelor Ski Area encompasses 4,323 acres of lift-served terrain, establishing it as Oregon's largest and the second-largest single-mountain resort in the United States, while ranking seventh overall in as of 2025. The resort features a vertical drop of 3,365 feet, with a base of 5,700 feet and a of 9,065 feet. It receives an average annual snowfall of 410 inches, supporting reliable snow cover, with the 2024–25 season receiving 450 inches, exceeding the average. The resort opened on November 15, 2024, marking its earliest start in 26 years due to exceptional early-season accumulation, and is scheduled to open for the 2025–26 season on November 28, 2025, weather permitting. Operations typically span from mid-November to late May, weather permitting, with lift hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Since its acquisition in 2001, the resort has been owned by POWDR Corporation, which retained ownership indefinitely as of April 2025 after initially considering a sale.
StatisticValue
Skiable Acres4,323
Vertical Drop3,365 feet
Base Elevation5,700 feet
Summit Elevation9,065 feet
Average Annual Snowfall410 inches
Annually, Mount Bachelor accommodates over 500,000 skier visits, predominantly from where it plays a pivotal role in regional by drawing local and passholder crowds. Accessible via a 22-mile drive from Bend, the resort enhances the area's appeal as a year-round destination.

History

Founding and Early Years

The Mount Bachelor ski area traces its origins to the vision of Bill Healy, a veteran of the U.S. Army's who served as a ski trooper during . After the war, Healy relocated his furniture business to , in the early 1950s and became active in the local Skyliners Snowshoe Club, where he honed his passion for ing in the Cascade Mountains. Inspired by the post-war skiing boom and the need for a dedicated in , Healy partnered with Gene Gillis and Don Peters to form Mt. Bachelor, Inc., in 1957, securing a temporary permit from the U.S. Forest Service to develop the site on Bachelor Butte. In 1958, Healy raised $100,000 in startup capital by selling 4,000 shares at $25 each, primarily through his Bend furniture store and local networks, drawing on community enthusiasm to fund the venture despite limited external investment. The ski area opened on October 18, , as Bachelor Butte Ski Area, with a formal ceremony on December 19 attracting 800 skiers, and basic facilities including two rope tows, a 3,900-foot platter lift, and a modest 30-by-50-foot base lodge known as Egan Lodge. Operations were initially weekend- and holiday-only, with tickets sold from Healy's and water trucked in from Bend, emphasizing accessible, in the region's recovering economy. Early development faced significant hurdles, including a one-year Forest Service permit that required annual renewals and skepticism about the site's potential to draw skiers from distant cities like Portland and Eugene, which involved four-hour drives over rudimentary roads. The inaugural 1958-1959 season was marred by heavy snowfall that closed slopes for five days, testing the resort's rudimentary infrastructure and reliance on local volunteers. By 1962, expansion efforts culminated in the installation of the first double , Chair #1 (later renamed the Black Chair), reaching 7,700 feet and costing $100,000, which broadened access to intermediate terrain and solidified the area's role as a community hub for Oregon's burgeoning ski .

Expansion and Renaming

In the and , Mount Bachelor underwent significant infrastructure growth, including the installation of the Green double chair and Orange triple chair in 1973, followed by the Summit triple chair in 1983, which extended access to higher elevations and supported summer skiing operations into . By the mid-, the resort added the Pine Marten Express in 1986, the first high-speed quad lift in the , replacing an older double chair and improving uphill capacity to serve expanding intermediate terrain, along with the Outback Express high-speed quad in 1987. The 1990s saw further modernization with high-speed quads like the Accelerator Express in 1993, Northwest Express in 1996, and conversions such as the Sunrise chair to a high-speed quad in 1993, which collectively enhanced skier flow and opened new runs totaling over 10 additions by decade's end. A pivotal identity shift occurred in 1983 when the ski area, previously known as Bachelor Butte, was officially renamed to better capture the volcano's full 9,065-foot profile and distinguish it from other regional buttes, a change advocated by local business leaders and approved by state and federal authorities. This rebranding aligned with the Summit chair's completion, emphasizing the resort's scale and volcanic prominence while attracting broader visitation, which surpassed 500,000 skier visits that season. Ownership transitioned in 2001 when Corporation acquired the resort from local interests, providing capital for investments such as the Snowblast Tubing Park and ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the Nordic day lodge established in 1984 to support development. Under , terrain expanded notably in the 2010s, with the Cloudchaser lift opening in 2016 to add 635 acres of skiable area—bringing the total to over 4,300 acres and ranking it as the sixth-largest in the United States—focusing on east-side glades and groomed runs. Recent milestones include the 2018 celebration of the resort's 60th anniversary, marking six decades since its 1958 founding with events highlighting its evolution to 4,318 acres and 11 chairlifts, alongside the addition of over 15 Woodward terrain parks ranging from beginner areas to advanced halfpipes and slopestyle venues. In 2023, the Skyliner Express was upgraded to a high-speed six-person chairlift, the first of its kind at the resort. To address climate variability, Mount Bachelor has extended its season to one of the longest in , typically from mid-November to late May, leveraging an average annual snowfall of 410 inches to maintain operations amid fluctuating weather patterns.

Physical Features

Terrain Characteristics

Mount Bachelor, a stratovolcano in the , features a broad basal overlain by a steeper composed primarily of and lavas and pyroclastic deposits. This geological structure creates a symmetrical, conical profile rising to 9,068 feet (2,764 meters), with skiable terrain spanning 360 degrees around the peak. The mountain's four primary aspects—north, west, south, and east—offer diverse exposure to sunlight and shelter from winds, influencing snow conditions across the slopes. The north and east faces typically receive less solar radiation, preserving colder, drier snow, while the and west aspects warm earlier, creating varied microclimates that enhance overall reliability. This configuration supports a range of natural features, including extensive gladed areas below treeline, expansive open bowls like Pine Marten, and rugged, backcountry-like zones with natural undulations and sparse vegetation. Snow quality at benefits from its location on the drier eastern flank of the Cascades, yielding lighter, more powdery conditions compared to the heavier "Cascade cement" typical of western slopes. The averages 410 inches of annual snowfall, fostering a deep, consistent base that holds well due to the protective and volcanic substrate. Microclimates from the varied aspects ensure prolonged coverage, even in transitional seasons. Situated approximately 9 miles (15 km) southeast of South Sister, Mount Bachelor borders the Three Sisters Wilderness, integrating pristine natural surroundings into the skiing environment. The resort commits to through initiatives like efficient operations that minimize water use from local sources, supporting conservation in this ecologically sensitive area.

Lifts and Infrastructure

Mount Bachelor features a comprehensive lift system comprising 12 chairlifts and 3 surface lifts, enabling access to its expansive terrain. The chairlifts include 1 high-speed six-person detachable lift, 7 high-speed four-person detachable quads, 1 fixed-grip quad, and 3 fixed-grip triples, providing a total uphill capacity of approximately 32,660 passengers per hour. The longest lift ride is offered by the Northwest Express, spanning 8,377 feet (2,553 meters) and serving as a key access point to the resort's northern aspects. The primary hub is the base area, which serves as the main entry point with facilities including the Day Lodge for ticketing and dining, rental shops, and a ski school. This village accommodates extensive free parking on a first-come, first-served basis, supplemented by shuttle services from nearby Bend and Sunriver on weekends and holidays. Additional mid-mountain lodges, such as the Pine Marten Lodge, provide warming areas, restrooms, and food services accessible via lifts like the Pine Marten Express. Infrastructure has seen significant evolution in the 2020s, with upgrades focused on enhancing reliability and capacity. In 2023, the Skyliner Express was replaced with a high-speed six-person , increasing throughput to 3,200 skiers per hour and improving energy efficiency. Further improvements are planned for 2026, including modernization of the Northwest Express with new drive components and safety features to reduce downtime from icing, alongside replacement of the North Ridge Triple with a new quad. covers 20 acres primarily at the base, supporting early-season openings and lower-elevation runs. Safety and technological features underpin operations, with a dedicated avalanche safety program involving forecasting, monitoring, and control measures using explosives in designated areas. Grooming is conducted nightly by a fleet of snowcats to maintain over 20 miles of trails, ensuring consistent conditions. Ticketing employs RFID-enabled passes for seamless access, integrated with photo verification systems to prevent fraud at lift gates.

Winter Activities

Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding

Mount Bachelor offers a diverse array of 101 named runs catering to all skill levels, with approximately 15% designated as green circle terrain, 35% as blue square intermediate trails, 30% as black diamond advanced runs, and 20% as double black diamond expert challenges. The longest run, Lone Pine, spans 4 miles, providing an extended descent that showcases the mountain's varied pitch and scenery. This breakdown ensures accessibility for beginners on gentle slopes while challenging experts with steep, technical terrain that wraps around the . The resort features 15 dedicated terrain parks under the Woodward program, designed for progression across all abilities with elements such as jumps, rails, and berms. A highlight is the 400-foot-long superpipe, measuring 13 feet high, which supports advanced aerial maneuvers and has become a draw for freestyle enthusiasts. These parks emphasize safety and skill-building, with features scaled from small rollers for novices to large venues for pros. Snowboarding at Mount Bachelor is supported by boarder-friendly policies that prioritize smooth downhill flow, including requirements for uphill travel—such as —to occur only on designated routes during operating hours. This approach minimizes interference with lift-served descents, enhancing the experience for snowboarders navigating the resort's expansive, wind-sheltered glades and open bowls. Daily grooming maintains optimal conditions on select runs, covering key intermediate and beginner areas to support consistent progression. Progression zones, integrated into the terrain parks and base-area learning areas, allow novices to build confidence through controlled features and gentle gradients before advancing to more demanding lines.

Nordic and Other Winter Pursuits

The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center offers 56 kilometers of groomed trails dedicated to , providing options for both skate and techniques across a variety of terrain suitable for beginners to advanced skiers. These trails are meticulously maintained daily, ensuring consistent conditions throughout the season. The center boasts the longest groomed season in , typically spanning from mid-November to late May, weather permitting, which allows for extended access to this low-impact winter activity. Complementing the Nordic offerings, the center features 10 kilometers of signed and packed snowshoe trails, ideal for exploratory hikes through forested areas and scenic vistas around the base of the mountain. Additional pursuits include dog sledding tours operated by Oregon Trail of Dreams, where participants ride behind teams of huskies on guided excursions through snow-covered landscapes near the resort base, typically lasting about an hour and emphasizing the thrill of mushing with trained animals. For a more educational experience, interpretive snowshoe tours led by U.S. Forest Service rangers focus on wildlife viewing and ecology, covering topics like local fauna tracks and habitat during 90-minute donation-based sessions from mid-December to late March. Rentals and lessons are readily available at the on-site Nordic shop, which stocks equipment for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, along with options for private or group guided tours to enhance skill development. These services cater to all levels, including family-oriented programs that introduce newcomers to the sports in a supportive environment. Accessibility to the Nordic area is facilitated by free parking in a designated lot on the north side of the resort's main parking area, with easy trail access gates nearby; integration with the alpine side is supported by the resort's shuttle system, allowing seamless transitions between activities.

Year-Round and Summer Activities

Mountain Biking and Hiking

Mount Bachelor Ski Area transforms into a premier destination for and during the summer months, leveraging its extensive lift infrastructure to provide access to diverse trails on the volcano's slopes. The mountain biking offerings center on the Mt. Bachelor Bike Park, established in , which spans over 13 miles of lift-served singletrack trails combining machine-built flow sections with hand-crafted technical descents primarily on the southeast face. These trails accommodate riders of varying abilities, from beginner-friendly loops near the base area to advanced downhill (DH) runs featuring jumps, berms, and rocky challenges. The season typically runs from June through October, depending on weather conditions, allowing visitors to experience the area's alpine terrain in snow-free months. Key lifts, including the Little Pine and Pine Marten Express, operate for biking during this period, with dedicated summer passes required; safety protocols include mandatory helmets, closed-toe shoes, and restrictions on equipment such as prohibiting e-bikes beyond Class 1 models and ensuring bikes meet full-suspension standards for haul compatibility. Guided clinics and lessons, offered through partnerships like Cog Wild, provide instruction for skill progression, from foundational techniques to advanced DH maneuvers, catering to solo riders, groups, and youth programs. Hiking networks at emphasize lift-accessed paths from the summit and mid-mountain lodges, showcasing the Cascade Range's volcanic landscapes, wildflower meadows in peak season, and sweeping vistas of peaks like South Sister. Approximately 10 miles of trails radiate from the 9,065-foot summit, including multi-use routes suitable for pedestrians; a notable example is the roughly 5-mile loop option combining segments of the West Ridge Trail with peripheral paths to South Sister viewpoints, offering moderate difficulty with elevation changes and interpretive opportunities for the area's . Other featured hikes include the 4.5-mile Evergreen Trail, dedicated in August 2024 as the resort's first mixed-use trail, a gently graded multi-use path from base to Pine Marten Lodge at 7,800 feet, and short summit paths for easy access to 360-degree panoramas just below the peak. These trails range from beginner-friendly base-area loops to expert-level summit ascents requiring stamina for steep switchbacks, with the same summer lift operations—such as Summit Express—facilitating uphill transport via hiking-specific passes and enforcing safety measures like yield-to-downhill traffic on shared paths. The overall summer program, including these activities, extends the resort's usability into warmer months, complementing its winter focus.

Additional Seasonal Offerings

Mount Bachelor offers a variety of dining experiences that complement its seasonal activities, ranging from casual base-area eateries to elevated mid-mountain options. At the base, Cocoa's Cafe provides self-serve breakfast and lunch items, including made-to-order selections, pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. The Sunrise Lodge features the Sunrise Grill for hearty meals, while the Pinnacles Cafe offers grab-and-go pastries, snacks, and drinks. Mid-mountain, the Pine Marten Lodge serves gourmet fare with panoramic views, particularly notable for its summer Sunset Dinners held Thursday through Sunday evenings, featuring award-winning cuisine inspired by local ingredients. Year-round programming at includes wellness and inclusive events that extend beyond traditional sports. The Yoga in the Wild series offers free all-levels Vinyasa and Hatha sessions on select summer evenings, though a scenic ticket or pass is required for access, designed for outdoor enthusiasts to address activity-related strains like those from biking or , set against the Cascade Mountains' twilight backdrop. For accessibility, the resort partners with Adaptive Sports to provide adaptive and riding programs for individuals with disabilities, a collaboration spanning over two decades that enables participation across various abilities during the winter season. Supplementary summer pursuits diversify the resort's offerings with adventure and leisure options. The ZipTour, a three-stage dual zipline adventure starting at 7,800 feet elevation above the treeline, descends nearly 1,400 vertical feet and operates daily from late June through early September, requiring reservations for participants aged 10 and up. At the Nordic Center, an 18-hole Professional Disc Golf Association-listed course winds through varied terrain, wooded trails, and mountain vistas, providing a low-impact recreational activity open throughout the summer. Seasonal highlights include the Summer Opening Day event on June 26, featuring live music, barbecues, drinks, and giveaways to kick off activities like the Bike Park and ZipTour. Mount Bachelor integrates into its operations through educational and conservation efforts that support year-round engagement. The resort commits to by hosting annual mountain cleanups and sponsoring the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council's River Cleanup, fostering community involvement in preserving the surrounding Deschutes National , including the launch of a Green Team initiative in 2025 at the RendezVan Festival. tours, offered in partnership with the U.S. Service from mid-December through late March, provide donation-based 90-minute explorations of winter , highlighting forest conservation and the area's pristine . These initiatives underscore the resort's role in balancing recreation with ecological responsibility across seasons.

Training and Events

U.S. Ski Team Involvement

Mount Bachelor has served as a significant venue for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization since its early days, with the national alpine team conducting its inaugural summer training camp there on August 25, 1963, marking a foundational moment in the program's development under coach Bob Beattie. This historical role positioned the resort as a key domestic site for elite athlete preparation, leveraging its consistent spring and summer snow conditions on the volcano's upper elevations. In recent decades, Mount Bachelor continues to host specialized training for U.S. Ski athletes across disciplines, particularly during off-season camps. For the alpine team, it provided a 10-day technical camp in early June 2020 for the men's squad, focusing on and slalom on the Thunderbird run, where snow was salted to simulate race conditions, supported by on-site access and coaching from figures like Forest Carey. As of October 2025, the resort continues to support elite athletes, with Mt. Bachelor alumnus Tommy Ford named to the 2025-26 Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski . The Nordic Center has been a staple for annual cross-country camps since at least 1996, attracting top athletes like for early-season conditioning on groomed trails with deep snow bases, often exceeding 90 inches in late spring. The resort's partnership extends to youth development through the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF), a Silver Level Certified Club by U.S. & , which offers competitive alpine, freestyle, and Nordic programs for ages 7-18, including speed camps and scholarships that feed into national team pathways. These initiatives have contributed to the success of athletes like Tommy Ford, a longtime U.S. Alpine Ski Team member who grew up skiing at Mount Bachelor and achieved multiple podiums.

Competitions and Notable Achievements

Mount Bachelor serves as a prominent venue for competitive and events, particularly through the efforts of the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF), which organizes annual U.S. & (USSS)-sanctioned races and FIS-level competitions. These include the Sun Cup, featuring and downhill events, and the FIS Wrangler Cup, a developmental series for junior alpine racers held on the resort's groomed courses. In 2025, the resort hosted the U.S. Collegiate & National Championships from March 10 to 15, drawing 685 athletes from 75 institutions across four disciplines including alpine, nordic, freestyle, and , marking a record participation for the event. The resort has achieved notable milestones in extending its operational season to support competitions. In November 2024, opened two weeks earlier than planned on November 15—the earliest start in 26 years—allowing for an above-average snowfall season of over 450 inches and facilitating a prolonged window for race preparation and events. This early access enabled MBSEF programs to commence training and local competitions sooner, contributing to athlete development in FIS and USSS circuits. Mount Bachelor has been instrumental in the success of competitive athletes, with alumni from its programs achieving international recognition. Tommy Ford, who grew up skiing at the resort through MBSEF, secured four gold medals at NorAm Cup events and represented the U.S. in the and in alpine skiing disciplines. The resort's terrain and coaching infrastructure have supported dozens of athletes qualifying for national championships, underscoring its role in fostering high-level performance. On the community front, promotes inclusivity through adaptive sports events organized by Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS), including the annual Ski For All on March 14, 2026, which features and for participants with disabilities across various categories. The Dirksen Derby, a banked slalom race held December 19-21 at the , further engages adaptive athletes and spectators, emphasizing accessibility and skill-building. Local races, such as the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle multi-sport event in May, draw thousands and support youth programs while enhancing regional engagement.

References

  1. https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mount-bachelor
  2. https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/snow-sports/downhill-skiing-snowboarding/mt-bachelor-ski-area/
  3. https://www.mtbachelor.com/the-mountain/resort-policies-safety/mountain-stats/
  4. https://www.mtbachelor.com/culture/history/
  5. https://www.centraloregondaily.com/news/local/mt-bachelor-powdr-retaining/article_de43eb43-6b6f-4815-a95a-bbc9435efe38.html
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  33. https://www.powderhounds.com/USA/Oregon/Mt-Bachelor/Skiing.aspx
  34. https://www.peakrankings.com/content/best-tree-skiing-in-north-america
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