Mt. Bachelor Announces Northwest Lift Upgrades and New Programs for 2025-26

Mt. Bachelor Targets Northwest Lift for Upgrades

Mt. Bachelor has announced plans to modernise its Northwest lift for the 2025-26 season, aiming to improve access to expert terrain on the mountain's west side. While the resort touts enhanced efficiency and reliability, the actual impact on skier experience remains to be seen. Construction is slated to begin in April 2026, raising questions about potential disruptions to late-season skiing in 2026 and early-season operations for 2026-27.

Kids enjoying a bluebird ski day. © Mt Bachelor Resort

The upgrades include replacing top and bottom operator shacks, updating electric drive components, expanding chair storage, and installing a night drive system. Mt. Bachelor claims this will allow for more consistent operations in challenging weather, but seasoned skiers know that high winds and ice buildup will continue to plague any lift in an exposed location.

Beyond the lift improvements, Mt. Bachelor is rolling out a series of new initiatives that seem designed more for marketing appeal than substantive enhancements to the skiing experience. These include a wood-fuel energy facility to reduce propane use, new Woodward Mountain Park layouts, and expanded rental operations in Bend and Sunriver.

The resort is heavily promoting its 'Kids Ski Free' offer, providing children 12 and under with a free Unlimited Season Pass when an adult purchases an Unlimited or Outplay 365 Pass. While potentially attractive for families, savvy skiers will want to crunch the numbers to ensure this truly represents good value compared to multi-day tickets or other regional resort offerings.

Mt. Bachelor's event calendar sees the addition of a 'cornice competition' off the Summit lift, which sounds intriguing but also raises safety concerns given the challenging nature of that terrain. The resort is also introducing 'Moonlight Dinners' at Pine Marten Lodge, though the price point for these events has not been disclosed.

Mt Bachelor Trail Map. © Mt Bachelor Resort

While Mt. Bachelor's announcements for 2025-26 contain some genuine improvements, much of the release reads like standard ski industry marketing speak. The Northwest lift upgrades should provide more reliable access to quality terrain, but skiers shouldn't expect a revolutionary change in their mountain experience.

The various new programs and events may appeal to some visitors, particularly families and those seeking off-slope activities. However, core skiers and riders are likely to be more interested in snow conditions, lift operations, and overall value – areas where Mt. Bachelor's announcements are notably light on specifics.

In the broader context of the North American ski industry, these types of incremental improvements and expanded programming are becoming standard as resorts compete for visitors. Mt. Bachelor's changes for 2025-26 keep it in line with industry trends but don't position it as a standout innovator.

Ultimately, skiers and riders considering Mt. Bachelor for 2025-26 should look beyond the marketing hype and assess whether these changes truly enhance the on-snow experience and represent good value for their specific needs.