Conditions Report
Following the Bend Ale Trail to Mt. Bachelor
My quick ski trip to Oregon had a highlight: a stop at Mt. Bachelor. I had skied here a few times when I went to the University of Oregon, so was eager to reacquaint myself with this volcanic mountain.
The approach to this dormant volcano is pretty spectacular – about 22 miles west of Bend, OR.
I knew Mt Bachelor was a big ski area, but it surprised me to find out that it is the 2nd largest single-mountain ski area behind Vail.
There is still a lot of snow here: snow depth at the base is 48” at 6300 ft. and 98” at mid mountain (7300 ft.) and coverage is very good. Bachelor received 468” of snow since last October. Bachelor tops out at 9065 ft. and lift served vertical drop is a respectable 3300 ft.
Looking down towards the base area from the Pine Marten Express
Rainer working the spring conditions
Looking towards the shrouded peaks of Three Sisters across the valley
The Summit Lift did not open due to wind, which was unfortunate as I had not skied it before and was looking forward to it.
Summit of Mt. Bachelor
Corn waiting to be harvested off the summit of Mt. Bachelor
Bachelor is going to cap off their excellent season on Sunday May 29th with a pond skim and not any old pond skim: it’s the North American Pond Skimming Championships! Live music with Eugene’s Reeble Jam funk band.
Rainer, former semi pro amateur, from Maine
Last but not least: when in Bend, follow the Beer Trail:
There are more breweries in this area than 7-Elevens and the food alone is worth a visit to these fine establishments. On our way out of town, we stopped at Sunriver Brewing and had the BEST nachos EVER.
I will be back, in winter, to ski the wide and open glades off this magnificent mountain. Thanks Bachelor!
I have been skiing Bachelor since the 80s and moved here in 2010. Truly one of the best ski areas on the planet. The summit backside is the closest to a true backcountry experience you’ll find that’s lift-served. Heaven on a powder day. We’ve had a great season this year with more days on powder skis this year than I have in the previous four seasons combined. Love this place.