Mt. Bachelor has received an incredible amount of snow this early season, making it a must-visit for the holidays and beyond. Whether you’re a first-time skier, a pro who can’t wait to hit the slopes every winter, or you’re just looking for a one-of-a-kind getaway that allows you to immerse yourself in a stunning Oregon winter wonderland, Mt. Bachelor has something for everyone. Only 18 miles from Bend and 22 miles from Sunriver, it typically takes about 30 minutes to get to the mountain. It’s also home to some of the region’s best hotels, restaurants, and breweries, so when you’re done with your day of adventure in the snow, you can head back into town for some fun and relaxation. Explore deals on the best lodging in Bend and Sunriver, for as low as $199/night, all season long.

Why Mt. Bachelor?

This dormant volcano offers some of the most unique terrain in the world, with natural wind lip features, sweeping rollers, steep chutes, vast glades, and endless hidden powder stashes in the old growth trees. Once you get to the summit, the views are unforgettable and breathtaking.

Mt. Bachelor is the seventh largest ski resort in North America, offering 360 degrees of skiing and riding off the top. With 4,323 skiable acres and over 410” of snowfall on average each year, it boasts one of the longest ski seasons in the country. This year, Mt. Bachelor opened two weeks early on November 15, and will be open daily through Memorial Day.

If you’re a sun lover, you’re in luck, too. Climatologists have claimed that on average, Bend gets over 300 sunny days annually. While this is a long-debated statistic, it’s true that sunny days abound on the east side of the Cascade Mountain range, especially in spring, when the snow surface softens just right to make for buttery smooth turns and the Rock Bar patio is prime for Après.

“There’s truly no ski or snowboard destination quite like Bend and Mt. Bachelor,” said Lauren Burke, Director of Marketing and Communications. “The community is lively, and passionate – people really do come here for an authentic skiing and riding experience.”

Professional athletes have also fallen in love with the slopes of Mt. Bachelor and call it their home mountain, including Ben and Gabe Ferguson, Marissa Krawczak, Tommy Ford, Lucas Wachs, Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, and Curtis Ciszek.

Other Events:

Skiing is just one of the great activities available here. There are also some fun events and activities you can watch or participate in, too!  

RendezVan: Mt. Bachelor’s most anticipated event, RendezVan brings skiers and riders from near and far together to celebrate van-life culture, spring shredding, and live music. Set in the heart of the West Village base area, festival-goers can enjoy an array of free live performances and entertainment as well as food trucks, libations, and fun activities for the whole family.

Boneyard Backcountry Bars: On select weekends throughout the season, Boneyard Beer will take over Mt. Bachelor’s Backcountry Bar at the base of Skyliner or Outback, bringing the perfect blend of mountain adventures, delectable brews, and mouthwatering food. 

Or simply set your own pace and discover the area by yourself. New this year, the Salomon Performance offers online rentals and demos from the most extensive Salomon ski fleet in the region. There are also premium experiences to maximize time on the slopes, which include fast tracks, valet, and more. Want to get some one-on-one training from a ski expert? There are a variety of lessons available, and lift tickets are only $50 when you purchase any ‘ski & ride’ school lesson product. Also new this year is a series of women’s-only sessions designed for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders looking to take their abilities to the next level. 

After your day outside, travel back into town to experience the lively dining and beer scene in Bend. In fact, Bend is known as the unofficial beer capital of the U.S., with more than 30 breweries to choose from! Other fun things to indulge in are billiards and fried chicken at Cascade West, breakfast bagels from Bo’s Falafel Bar, ocean rolls from Sparrow Bakery, smash burgers from Americana or Blue Eyes, happy hour at 900 Wall, or ice cream from Handel’s.

One thing is certain: visiting Mt. Bachelor and Bend provide magical outdoor adventures just waiting to be experienced. A visit here is a bucket list item that you’ll want to plan for.  

“Mt. Bachelor has the best snow in Oregon,” Burke said. “The culture here is rooted in love for being in the mountains and sliding on snow.”

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Mt. Bachelor now, so you can see first-hand how amazing it really is.