Mt. Bachelor, OR Conditions Update: 6-Feet of Snow in 6 Days

One more shot enjoying the powder on Boomerang off of Outback — Enjoying the powder on Boomerang off of Outback

It has been a crazy week of snow at Mt. Bachelor and at ski areas across Oregon. Perhaps the snowfall that didn’t come down last year is finally here. Either way, this El Nino is doing much better for Oregon than what was predicted.

The skiing conditions have been incredible during these last five days. In the last six days it has snowed 72” at Mt. Bachelor. The snow has accumulated nicely and the coverage has improved lots. Hopefully by now, the mountain is close to opening Northwest and Summit, accessing the terrain that Bachelor is known for.

Bachelor parking lot yesterday morning. photo: mt. bachelor

The skiing Thursday-Sunday was solid storm skiing with more snow piling up each day and night. The weather brought slick roads, falling trees, multiple car accidents, a power outage, and for those willing to go out into it, the best powder skiing that Oregon has had in the last 18 months. With all of the new snow, the mountain was able to open Outback for the first time this season today at around 1:00pm. If you missed out on today, don’t worry; there are still plenty of powder patches remaining.

Everyone stoked for powder lined up at Pine Marten for first chair.

In the morning skiers and riders enjoyed 3” of light, fresh powder off of Pine Marten, Skyliner and Sunrise. As that got tracked out towards the afternoon, Outback opened. Given that it has snowed 72” this week, and NONE of that had been touched in the Outback area until today, stoke was pretty high when patrol dropped the rope for the Outback area.

For those venturing into the Outback area today powder skis were not just nice to have, they were a necessity. It really is that good right now! El Nino, you’re welcome to visit Oregon anytime!

What a great storm cycle! It looks like even more snow is on the way at Mt. Bachelor. It seems as if the El Nino is taking the phrase “you can’t have too much of a good thing” as some kind of challenge.

More ski areas in Oregon are opening this week. This comes as fantastic news, as some of these small ski areas didn’t open at all, or barely opened last season. Stay tuned for more details on these ski areas tomorrow!

It’s time for a short break in the snowstorms, but don’t put your powder skis too far away; the next storm is coming!