Oregon's Beloved Ski Resort Is An Underrated Outdoor Adventure Destination

December 2025 brought unexpected challenges to winter sports enthusiasts across the United States, as widespread warm spells disrupted the usual snowy start to the season. In the Pacific Northwest, temperatures soared higher than anticipated, leading to low snow accumulation in many areas. Central Oregon, particularly around Bend, felt the impact deeply, as daily highs often surpassed typical monthly averages by more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Residents there, accustomed to crisp winters, watched as the landscape remained unusually bare of snow.

Mt. Bachelor, the cherished snow destination in the region, was forced to delay its opening due to these conditions. Traditionally kicking off its opening day right after Thanksgiving, it was forced to hold off until late December for sufficient snowfall. Many were praying for snow. Fortunately, as 2025 came to a close, cooler fronts arrived, delivering the much needed powder to Mt. Bachelor, allowing skiers to finally hit the slopes at the west coast ski destination.

Found just 20 miles west of Bend, Oregon, about a 30-minute drive from town and under three hours from nearby Eugene, Mt. Bachelor stands as a beacon for those seeking an authentic mountain experience. Unlike the mega resorts with bustling villages, it offers a more mom-and-pop, community-oriented energy. People return for the pristine natural setting, reliable snow, diverse terrain, and great community. As a true volcanic peak in the Cascade Mountain Range, it offers breathtaking vistas and a sense of untouched wilderness. This underrated gem has quietly built a loyal following, making it a staple for Oregonians and a hidden treasure for out-of-towners looking to use their Ikon Pass. 

What makes this resort impressive is its legendary terrain, solidifying its status as one of North America's premier ski destinations. It is ranked as the seventh-largest resort on the continent, spanning about 4,323 acres of skiable terrain, with ample space for visitors to spread out and enjoy the mountain without the congestion that resorts often see. The mountain's elevation spreads from the base at 5,700 feet to the summit, which reaches 9,065 feet, offering a substantial 3,365-foot vertical drop. It typically receives about 410 inches of average snowfall annually, which supports one of the longest ski seasons in the country, usually from late November to late May.

The terrain's variety is another major highlight. The mountain is shaped by its volcanic origins that naturally create dynamic features, like gullies, rolling hills, wind-sculpted lips, and unexpected drops. These natural gifts offer a playful energy to each run. The resort features about 135 runs, of which around 20% are beginner-friendly. Those trails are closer to the parking lots, and include the "adventure zones." Intermediate riders might have the most fun, as they get the largest selection of runs on the mountain, especially on the east side where the Cloudchaser Lift opens up a haven of rolling terrain and gentle tree skiing. Advanced trails are found on the west side, particularly from the Northwest Lift, and expert riders can take the Summit Lift to the backside of the mountain. 

The mountain offers wonderful standout features, like top to bottom tree skiing for those seeking challenges, huge open bowls accessible from the summit, and the unique ability to ski 360 degrees down from the peak all while staying in bounds of the resort. Freestylers will appreciate the multiple terrain parks geared toward progression and learning, and Nordic skiers will appreciate the 56 kilometers of groomed trails.

Mt. Bachelor receives high marks in its unique experiences and programs. The Ski or Board in 4 program, formerly known as the Ski or Ride in 5, is an award-winning program honored with the Conversion Cup for its success in transforming total beginners into lifelong mountain and snow-sport enthusiasts. This structured series of four lessons includes rentals and lift tickets, and often ends in "graduation gifts," like a season pass and discounts in the pro shop. It deeply encourages ongoing engagement with the sport. 

For personalized instruction, private lessons suit all ability levels and are ideal for families or groups. All instructors are certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America offering top tier expertise. Options for lessons range from half-day to full-day sessions. If you're taking lessons and know that driving in the winter is the most dangerous, fear not: The Cascades East Transit shuttle connects the resort to the broader Central Oregon bus network, allowing accessible shuttles to the mountain. 

If you'd rather choose a different adventure, dog sledding is available from the Sunrise Base area, operated by a veteran of the Iditarod race, making a truly unique experience to enjoy Mt. Bachelor's heavy snowpack. Ranger-led snowshoe tours, lasting about an hour, are also available for those who are keen on learning more about the ecology of the area. Check out Mt. Bachelor's events calendar for more fun up at the mountain. And while there aren't any overnight lodges or hotels at the resort, visitors can park their RV in a designated lot offering powered and non-powered spots for a unique way to engage with slope-side sleeping.