Mt Bachelor is one of the largest ski resorts in the U.S. and it’s potentially up there as one of the best ski areas in the U.S., but it’s definitely not a heavy hitter when it comes to being high profile. Mount Bachelor Oregon is not a household name and many international skiers and snowboarders have never even heard of it. The main reason for Bachelor’s lack of profile is that it’s not a destination resort. Mt Bachelor Ski Resort doesn’t have any on-mountain lodging so it’s just a day trippers' area that’s mostly frequented by Bend locals, along with visitors from Eugene and Portland (and as far as Seattle). Actually, Mt Bachelor doesn’t even call themselves a “resort”- that’s how unresorty it is, which is just how the locals like it.

Mount Bachelor itself is a large inactive conical volcano that sticks out above Oregon’s high desert and can be seen for miles. The mountain is lonely out there, which is how it got its name for baching it away from the ladies such as the Three Sisters which are just to the north.

Pros and Cons of Mt Bachelor Oregon

Pros

• Mt Bachelor is the largest Pacific Northwest ski resort and one of the largest ski areas in the US.
• Mount Bachelor receives plenty of snowfall, and the quality of it is far superior to the typical Cascade Concrete found elsewhere in PNW.
• The tree skiing for advanced riders is excellent and it varies from snow ghosts up high to old growth forest down below. The terrain is very playful because of wind lips and an inconsistent fall line that’s been created by lava flows.
• Intermediates have plenty of terrain to play with.
• A large proportion of the lifts are high speed.
• Mt Bachelor Ski Resort enjoys a long season.
• Nearby Bend Oregon is a cosmopolitan town with great restaurants and copious breweries.
• Terrain park junkies will be kept very happy with multiple parks, a half pipe, and natural terrain to freestyle on.

Cons

• As to be expected for a mountain hanging out there on its own, Mt. Bachelor is exposed and often windy. The top chair is frequently closed, which reduces the advanced terrain significantly.
• Mt Bachelor has mostly low angle terrain. Experts looking for burly lines and cliff hucking should head elsewhere.
• Mt Bachelor Oregon is not close to other main ski resorts, so a multi-resort road trip will involve mega driving and major commitment, which is probably why it doesn’t attract too many international powder hounds or other destination travellers.

Pro or Con Depending On Your Perspective

• Mount Bachelor is on the Ikon Pass which may increase crowds somewhat.  
• The amenities are reasonably well developed without being flashy, although the cafeterias, ticket offices and equipment rentals don’t cope too well on busy days.
• Mt Bachelor doesn’t have the convenience of slopeside lodging.

Mt Bachelor Ski and Snowboard Terrain

The Mt Bachelor Ski Resort is definitely impressive on paper, with 4,318 acres (1,747 hectares) of skiable terrain, 101 named runs, and a vertical drop of 3,365 feet. Mt Bachelor has 8 high speed quads along with 3 triple chair lifts. The top lift runs almost to the summit of Mount Bachelor, and even though one half of the mountain doesn’t have a chair lift, you can ski the cone 360 degrees because there are a couple of catch lines to feed riders back around to the lifts. The backside sort of feels like sidecountry terrain, even though it’s in-bounds.

Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort has lots of groomed trails for intermediate riders, and the beginner terrain is reasonably good. The advanced terrain is epic and includes sub-alpine bowls and tree skiing, and it’s popular with snowboarders, especially those who’ve learned to keep their speed. The lava flows have created really interesting transitions and gullies, and combined with the oft found wind lips, the terrain is very frisky.

At the top there are some rock features and steeps for experts, but it’s mostly a one turn and one hit wonder before it mellows out. The backside is rated as double black which Bachelor calls “extreme” – baa haa haa! It’s fun but not really that challenging, especially compared to the expert terrain at some of the other PNW ski resorts.

Mt Bachelor Snow

Mt Bachelor is blessed with 462 inches (11.7 metres) of snowfall on average each season. Unlike other PNW ski areas that sit on the western side of the Cascades, the Mt Bachelor snow quality tends to be drier, and thankfully it rains less than other PNW destinations.

Where is Mt. Bachelor Oregon?

Mt Bachelor sits on the eastern side of the Central Cascade Mountain Range in Central Oregon, 22 miles southwest of Bend. Bend Oregon is 129 miles east of Eugene, 132 miles southeast of Salem, and 159 miles southeast of Portland.

You’ll need to have a car to visit Mt Bachelor Ski Resort, and if you want to go road tripping, the closest “major” ski resorts are those around Mt Hood such as Mt Hood Meadows. These are not really destination resorts and are mostly frequently by people from Portland and surrounds.

Mt Bachelor Lodging

Unless you count the ski-in RV parking, there is no on-mountain lodging at Mt Bachelor. One option for Mt Bachelor lodging is the Sunriver Resort, about 13 miles southeast of Bachelor. It is a full service family friendly resort with golf courses, various dining options, swimming pools, a day spa, and an array of other amenities. Accommodations include deluxe hotel rooms and suites, which are surprisingly affordable.

The most popular choice for Mt Bachelor accommodation is the town of Bend.

Bend Oregon

Bend is a delightfully upbeat and cosmopolitan town. With a population of 95,000 and growing fast, it’s become a funky base for people who love drinking beer. Bend Oregon has a mighty LOT of breweries, and it also has hip bars, and plenty of fabulous restaurants with cuisine that goes way beyond boring burgers. It’s a hot spot for outdoorsy people, and outdoor recreation in winter doesn’t just involve skiing and snowboarding. The town receives very little snow, so the town folk can get out and easily play with their other toys.

Downtown Bend hotels are few and far between and attract a major premium. They are only worth the extra dollars if you’re super keen to be within stumbling distance of the Deschutes Brewery (and other bars). As you’ll need to have a car anyhow, you can save a little by staying just a few miles from the CBD.

La Quinta Inn is a good option for affordable accommodation (ask for an upstairs room). It’s about 3.5 miles from the middle of town.

Best Western Premier Peppertree Inn at Bend is a good spot to stay. It’s on the road out to Mt Bachelor and 2 miles from downtown.

Bend Oregon Hotel Listings

Facilities & Activities

The facilities at Mt Bachelor Ski Resort for skiers and snowboarders are quite extensive for a day-trip mountain and include multiple day lodges and dining options, equipment rentals, child care, a retail shop, and snowsports school.

Besides the downhill skiing and snowboarding, other Mt Bachelor activities include a tubing park, sled dog rides, snowshoe tours and scenic helicopter tours. And Mt Bachelor is cross country skiing heaven, with 56km of Nordic trails.