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Brains
Spring skiing can be magical in the snowsports world, and few places do it better than Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon. With long sunny days, a deep snowpack, and a vibrant mountain town just down the road, the combination of the volcano and the town of Bend creates one of the best spring ski trips in North America. Here’s why spring at Bachelor belongs on every skier’s bucket list.
One of the Longest Ski Seasons in North America
One of the biggest reasons Mt. Bachelor stands out in the spring is its incredibly long season, which gives skiers and riders months of additional time on snow after many resorts have already shut down for the year.
Through April 19, Mt. Bachelor offers access to more than 4,000 acres of terrain, making it the sixth largest ski resort in the U.S. After that, the mountain transitions to a spring operating footprint that still provides upwards of 1,500 acres of skiing and riding through the end of the season.
For skiers who aren’t ready to hang up the boots, Bachelor keeps the lifts spinning long after most mountains close.
Thanks to its base elevation of 6,000 feet, the mountain averages more than 400 inches of snowfall each year, which helps build a deep base that sticks around well into late spring. Even late-season storms can still refresh conditions on the expansive terrain. Last year alone, the resort picked up over two feet of snow between April and May. This season has been a more challenging snow year as has been the case with much of the western U.S., but the resort still plans to stay open as long as conditions permit.
A Spring Event Calendar That Brings the Party
Spring at Bachelor is about more than just skiing. The resort leans fully into the season with a lively lineup of events, music, and on-mountain après gatherings.
Some of the highlights include:
- Big Wave Challenge: March 27-29, the legendary surf/snowboard event
- Subaru Winterfest: March 27–29. Live performances from Emily Nenni, Shakey Graves, and DJ Ground$core.
- Party in the Peace Park: April 3 with Danny Davis.
- Snake Run Rally: April 4
- Red Bull Roll the Dice: April 11, a head-to-head snowboard rail jam
- RendezVan: April 16–19, the most iconic festival in the Pacific Northwest. Music lineup featuring The 502s, Kitchen Dwellers, Dug, Andy Frasco & the U.N., Horseshoes and Hand Granades, and Vincent Antone.
- Base Camps: Live music and on-snow bars every weekend in May
- Annual Pond Skimming Championships: May 24
The vibe is classic spring skiing. Sunny days, followed by live music, barbecues, and après gatherings that keep the energy going long after the lifts stop spinning. For a full lineup of events, visit the events calendar.
Bend Makes the Trip Even Better
Part of what makes a spring trip to Mt. Bachelor so unique is the town just down the road.
The town of Bend is known for its laid-back mountain culture, sunshine, and endless outdoor recreation. Spring is one of the best times to visit because you can ski in the morning and explore the rest of Central Oregon in the afternoon.
Popular spring activities include:
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
- Golfing
- Fishing
- Paddleboarding
Visitors can also catch local events such as Balloons Over Bend, First Friday Art Walks, or concerts at the popular Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Add in Bend’s legendary craft beer scene, and you’ve got the perfect post-ski hangout.
Mt. Bachelor also makes it easy to find a place to stay, with deals available through preferred lodging partners. Bend is one of the coolest ski towns in the country and is still relatively affordable compared to many major resort destinations. Visitors can choose from a range of hotels, vacation rentals, and lodges, all while enjoying Bend’s laid-back vibe, great food, and renowned craft beer scene after a day on the slopes.
And for those who prefer to camp slopeside, that is encouraged as well. Spending the night at Mt. Bachelor can be a memorable experience. Instead of driving back to town, you can relax in the parking lot with friends and family after a day on the slopes and wake up to alpenglow over the mountains. The resort offers several overnight parking options, including powered hook-up sites.
Easy Access from Across the West
Getting to Mt. Bachelor is easier than many skiers realize. Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) sits just 18 miles from Bend and 38 miles from Mt. Bachelor. It offers nonstop flights from major cities, including Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Burbank, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Dallas Fort Worth, and Las Vegas.
For Ikon Pass holders, it’s even more appealing. The Ikon Pass includes seven days at Mt. Bachelor, while the Ikon Base Pass includes five days.
Few places combine long seasons, deep snow, sunny weather, and a vibrant mountain town quite like Mt. Bachelor and Bend. Whether you’re chasing corn snow, soaking up live music at après, or biking along Bend’s scenic trails after a morning on the mountain, the experience captures everything people love about spring in the mountains. If you’re looking for the ultimate late-season ski trip, it’s hard to beat the combination of Mt. Bachelor and Bend, Oregon.
