Mount Bachelor

Western United States Ski Resorts, Oregon Ski Resorts

About Mount Bachelor

Mount Bachelor is one of those places that quietly wins people over. It skips the mega-resort vibe and flashy village, but delivers where it counts most: terrain, snow quality and a playful mountain that rewards riders who love natural features and treat the mountain like one big natural terrain park.

Mount Bachelor doesn’t market itself as a destination resort and doesn’t try to be one. There’s no slopeside village or ski-in ski-out lodging. All lodging is found in the town of Bend or Sunriver. It's a massive, dormant volcano rising out of Oregon’s high desert. That low-key, no-frills approach is exactly what keeps Bachelor feeling laid-back, genuine and local.

Why skiers and snowboarders love Mount Bachelor

Massive footprint: Mount Bachelor is one of the largest ski areas in North America and the biggest in the Pacific Northwest, so there’s plenty of room to roam without it ever feeling overwhelming.
Built by a volcano: This is a true Cascade volcano, and you feel it in the terrain. Natural gullies, rollers, wind lips and drops are baked into the mountain for never-ending fun and creativity.
Endlessly playful: The fall line isn’t uniform, and that’s a good thing. Old lava flows created terrain that keeps each run feeling different, even after a full day of laps.
Standout tree skiing: Advanced riders get excellent trees from top to bottom, from eerie snow ghosts up high to widely spaced old-growth forests lower on the mountain.
Terrain for all skill levels: Long cruisers, off-piste pockets and room to explore make this a great place for beginners, intermediates and experts to explore.
Freestyle-friendly: Multiple terrain parks (15 Woodward Terrain Parks!) and plenty of natural features make it easy to mix freestyle laps into your day.

Visibility can be challenging on stormy days, but that is part of the Bachelor experience. On clear days, the wide-open views and dynamic terrain make it an incredibly fun mountain to explore.

Bend, Oregon: The Perfect Basecamp

Mount Bachelor sits in the Deschutes National Forest, just 20 miles from Bend, which makes off-mountain time just as appealing as your ski days.

Off-mountain highlights

Great food scene with cafes, healthy bites and some fine dining
Art galleries, shops and local events year-round
Easy access to snowshoeing, fat biking, nordic skiing and winter hiking

Beer Town USA

Bend is famous for its craft beer scene and is often called Beer Town USA
The Bend Ale Trail links local breweries, including the iconic Deschutes Brewery
Grab a brewery passport and collect stamps as you explore town

Mount Bachelor delivers big-mountain riding without the crowds or pretense, paired with one of the most fun mountain towns in the Pacific Northwest.

5 best things about Mount Bachelor according to our Mountain Travel Experts

Unique setting with a volcanic setting and terrainExtended ski seasonProximity to Bend - live music, good food, hiking and lots of PNW beerSnow Ghosts and Tree SkiingTerrain for all skill levels to spreadout across the Mountain

MOUNTAIN STATS

Number of runs: 124

Beginner runs: 17%
Advanced runs: 23%
Intermediate runs: 55%
Expert runs: 5%

Skiable acres: 4,323

Base elevation: 5,700 ft
Summit elevation: 9,065 ft
Vertical drop: 3,365 ft

Average snowfall: 411"
Terrain park: YES

Where to stay in Mount Bachelor

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Mount Bachelor Trail Maps

Getting Around Mount Bachelor

To get around Mt. Bachelor, visitors can utilize shuttle options provided by the resort. The Ski Bus service offers convenient access from Bend, Oregon, to the resort, eliminating the need for parking. Additionally, ample parking is available at the resort's base areas with clear directions and policies to ensure a smooth experience for all guests.

How to get to Mount Bachelor

Getting to Mt. Bachelor is convenient, with the resort located just 22 miles west of Bend, Oregon. Visitors can fly into Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), which is about a 30-minute drive from Bend. With the town of Bend and its many inns, hotels, boutiques, shops, and restaurants a short 22 miles away, a Mt. Bachelor ski vacation meets a wide variety of lodging and budget preferences.

Skiing in Mount Bachelor

As you drive up to the resort, you’ll notice how the volcano formed natural halfpipe-like gullies which extend from the summit and wind down into tree level. Designated trails have been cut to match the terrain’s natural flow. You won’t find anything like Mt. Bachelor’s playful trails. Blessed with an annual snowfall of 411 inches, a Mt. Bachelor powder day is unforgettable.

Beginner Skiing in Mt. Bachelor

Beginner skiers and snowboarders, don’t let this dormant volcano fool you. You can ski and ride at this jutting monstrosity and enjoy its unique terrain and epic Cascade Range views just like intermediates and experts. In fact, you can ski 17 percent of the resort, and ski on green runs well above treeline.

First-time skiers will want to start from the Sunrise Lodge base area village, specifically on the Alpenglow lift, since it’s free every Saturday and Sunday for beginners.

The Rainbow Chair or Sunrise Express chairlift is a great place for novice skiers or snowboarders to start their Mt. Bachelor ski vacation, as there are nearly entirely green runs in this area.

Once you feel ready, you’ll want to take on the Mt. Bachelor beginner terrain out of the West Village area. From the top of Sunrise, you can ski down West Village Getback to the Pine Marten Express. At the top of the lift, take in the views and nab a picture, then head down Summit Crossover, which you can take back down to West Village or Sunrise.

The Little Pine lift is also a great short green run to lap out of the West Village base area. The lift offers prime views to watch beginner progress at the small terrain park.

Expert Skiing in Mt. Bachelor:

With half of the resort’s 4,323 acres designed as intermediate to advanced, adrenaline skiers will find that the Mt. Bachelor expert skiing is massive. The majority of Mt. Bachelor’s above-treeline volcano terrain is reserved for experts. This high alpine playground features some of the most unique and playful skiing and snowboarding in the U.S.; lava flow created natural half pipes 360-degrees around Mt. Bachelor.

To get to the goods and the best view, make your way to the highest chairlift in the Pacific Northwest, the Summit Express, which whisks skiers and snowboarders to Mt. Bachelor's 9,000-plus-foot summit. Enjoy the full circle views and scope your line. The Cirque is ideal for extreme- seekers and West Ridge will appease those looking for fast and steep terrain. Or you can head Northwest down the mountain and ski more than 3,300 vertical feet to the Outback or Northwest Express. Skiers in search of backcountry-esque terrain will love exploring Mt. Bachelor’s double black diamond backside. This area is a powder heaven, and you’ll often find snow conditions that drastically differ from those on the frontside and vice versa.

From the summit, you have your pick of runs from the wide-open Serengeti Plains or Upper Plains tOnce at the ski boundary, you can take the East or West Catchline traverse back to the lifts. The West Catchline is probably the best option, since it’s mainly downhill and provides quicker access back to the Summit Express.

Family vacations in Mount Bachelor

With varied terrain, a stunning high-alpine setting and easy access to Bend, Oregon, Mt. Bachelor is a great pick for family ski trips. Add in a kid-friendly snowsports school and fun activities in Bend, and it’s a destination that works just as well for first-timers as it does for seasoned ski families. The Sunrise parking lot also allows for parking within 300 yards of the resort, making it easier to schlep the whole family’s equipment. The beauty of a Mt. Bachelor family ski trip is that Bend restaurants are varied and quite affordable. Families can pick from steakhouses, contemporary American, classic American, Thai, Latin or restaurants serving up an eclectic mix of seasonal, local produce and meats.

Mt. Bachelor family lodging is mainly found in Bend, Oregon, which is a mere 20-minute drive from the resort. Everyone will love the spectacular drive through Deschutes National Forest to and from Mt. Bachelor and Bend. Having all the restaurant, activity and lodging options in Bend at their fingertips is also a major plus for those on a Mt. Bachelor family ski vacation.

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