One of the biggest perks of living in Bend? Having the seventh-largest ski resort in the country practically in your backyard. Mt. Bachelor sits just 22 miles west of downtown Bend, and on a powder day, you can be clicking into your bindings in under 30 minutes.
The Mountain
Mt. Bachelor is a dormant volcano that rises to 9,065 feet, offering 360-degree skiing off the summit — something very few resorts in the world can claim. With 4,318 acres of skiable terrain, 101 runs, and 12 lifts (including the Summit Express), there’s terrain for everyone from first-timers to experts.
The Snow
Central Oregon’s high-desert climate means the snow at Bachelor is often light, dry, and plentiful — averaging around 462 inches per season. The season typically runs from November through May, and some years the skiing extends into June.
Beyond Downhill
If skinny skis are more your speed, Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic center offers miles of groomed cross-country trails. And the Swampy Lakes and Virginia Meissner snowshoe trails just down the road offer peaceful winter wonderland hikes through snow-covered ponderosa forests.
The Après Scene
After a day on the slopes, the Pine Marten Lodge at mid-mountain has some of the best views for a post-run beer. Or head back to town and hit up one of Bend’s 30+ breweries — you’ve earned it.
Season Pass or Day Pass?
If you’re a Bend local, the Ikon Pass or a Mt. Bachelor season pass pays for itself in just a handful of ski days. For a town that averages 300 days of sunshine, you’d be surprised how many of those sunny days are spent on the mountain.
Welcome to Bend, where your commute to the chairlift is shorter than most people’s commute to work.