Mt Bachelor
4,323 acres, 101 runs near Bend. Second-largest US resort, 360-degree summit descent, Ikon Pass.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
21 Dec 2026
Closes
12 Apr 2027
Days open
112
Annual snow
462in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Mt Bachelor's summit reaches 9,065 feet, dropping 3,365 vertical feet to a base at 5,700 feet across 101 runs spread over 4,323 acres near Bend, Oregon. Terrain splits 55 per cent intermediate, 22 per cent advanced, 20 per cent beginner and 3 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 462 inches, among the highest totals in the Pacific Northwest. The resort carries Ikon Pass access and is the second-largest single-mountain ski resort in the United States by acreage, behind only Vail. Fifteen lifts, including nine quad chairs and three triple chairs, serve the mountain alongside three surface lifts.
Mt Bachelor's volcanic cone shape allows genuinely 360-degree descent options from near the summit, a rare feature that gives skiers access to distinct terrain and aspects depending on wind and snow conditions on any given day. Its massive 4,323-acre footprint, more than 1,000 acres larger than any other Oregon resort, supports an exceptionally long season running from late November into late May. The mountain's substantial snowfall total underpins both its scale and its reputation for reliable conditions.
Former 10th Mountain Division ski trooper Bill Healy founded the resort with 75,000 US dollars and a one-year lease from the US government, opening on 19 December 1958 with a single lift and two rope tows operating on weekends and holidays only. The resort has grown enormously from those modest beginnings into one of the largest ski areas in the country. Since 2001, Mt Bachelor has been owned by Powdr Corporation of Park City, Utah, which purchased the resort for approximately 28 million US dollars.
In August 2024, Powdr announced plans to sell Mt Bachelor along with several other properties, but after reviewing the situation the company reversed course in April 2025 and decided to retain ownership of the resort indefinitely. Adult daily tickets run from 99 to 139 US dollars, with a full season pass at 1,199 dollars.
3,366ft
Vertical
101
Runs
4,323 acres
Skiable
462in
Annual snow
Ikon
Pass
The Terrain
101 runs across 4,323 acres skiable
Mt Bachelor is a volcanic cone in the Oregon Cascades near Bend, with 4,323 acres (1,750 hectares) of terrain across 101 runs. The summit reaches 9,070 feet (2,763 m) and the vertical drop is 3,370 feet (1,026 m) from a base at 5,700 feet. Intermediates dominate at 55%, with 22% advanced, 20% beginner and 3% expert. Nine quad chairs, three triples and three surface lifts cover the mountain, and snowfall averages about 462 inches a year. Because the mountain is a single cone, the runs radiate in every direction from the top, so wind and snow dictate where you go.
Summit Express reaches the top, where skiers can drop in any direction depending on snow safety, with the Pinnacles and West Bowl among the headline runs. The Cirque is a treeless bowl of about 1,300 vertical feet, and the two-mile Northwest Express serves steep bowls and tree runs. Pine Marten Lodge at 7,775 feet is reached by the Pine Marten chair, and the Cinder Cone above the main car park is hike-to terrain with open bowls and trees. Bachelor suits intermediates, tree skiers and anyone who wants scale and variety, though expert-graded terrain is thin.
Terrain split
101
runs
101 runs across 4 grades
Beginner20 runs · 20%
Intermediate56 runs · 55%
Advanced22 runs · 22%
Expert3 runs · 3%
Time it right
When to visit Mt Bachelor
The 2025-26 season at Mt Bachelor ran from 28 November 2025 to 25 May 2026, one of the longest seasons in the country at roughly twenty-six weeks. Average annual snowfall of around 462 inches, among the highest totals in the Pacific Northwest, supports this exceptionally long operating window running well into late spring. Season dates can shift depending on early and late-season weather.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions across Mt Bachelor's nine powder-filled bowls and varied aspects. As an Ikon Pass destination and the second-largest single-mountain resort in the country, the mountain draws substantial visitor traffic from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, with holiday periods bringing the heaviest crowds. Weekday visits generally remain calmer given the mountain's sheer scale.
The resort's 360-degree summit access means conditions and preferred terrain can shift throughout the season depending on wind and snow patterns, giving experienced visitors an advantage in reading the mountain. The late-May closing date, one of the latest in the country outside dedicated summer-ski operations, reflects both the mountain's elevation and its substantial snowfall total. School holiday periods and spring break bring particularly strong late-season demand.
Specific event programming beyond standard lift operations is not confirmed in available resort information. Powdr Corporation's April 2025 decision to retain ownership, after briefly exploring a sale the previous year, has provided continuity for the resort's long-term planning. Mt Bachelor's combination of massive scale, high snowfall and an unusually long season continues to define its position as one of the Pacific Northwest's premier ski destinations.
Season 2026 - 2027
21 Dec 2026
Opens
12 Apr 2027
Closes
112
Days open
462 in
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Mt Bachelor
Daily snow reports at Mt Bachelor go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
26 in
Snowiest day
5 Dec 2025
4 in
This winter · 2026-27
so far
225 in
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
in
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Mt Bachelor, and where to stay
Mt Bachelor sits in the Cascade Range approximately 22 miles west of Bend, Oregon, along the Century Drive Highway, with a base elevation of 5,700 feet and a summit at 9,065 feet across a 3,365-foot vertical drop over 4,323 acres. This volcanic peak rises prominently above the broader central Oregon high desert landscape.
Bend is the resort's primary gateway city, offering extensive lodging, dining and services as one of central Oregon's fastest-growing communities, with a strong outdoor recreation culture built substantially around the mountain's presence. The drive between Bend and the resort along Century Drive is a defining part of the Mt Bachelor experience for the region's many local season pass holders.
Oregon State Route 46, the Cascade Lakes Highway, known locally as Century Drive, provides the sole road access from Bend to the resort. Winter driving conditions on this route can include snow and ice, and the Oregon Department of Transportation maintains the road specifically to support the resort's winter operations. There is no direct public transport service beyond seasonal shuttle options connecting Bend to the mountain.
Redmond Municipal Airport, serving the greater Bend area, is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service, roughly 40 minutes from the resort. This reasonably convenient air access, combined with Bend's broader tourism infrastructure, supports Mt Bachelor's role as a genuine destination resort within the Ikon Pass network rather than purely a local mountain.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Mt Bachelor, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Mt Bachelor's ski season?
Mt Bachelor's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from December 21 through April 12. That window is roughly 112 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Oregon, Usa often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Mt Bachelor have?
Mt Bachelor lists about 4,323 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 101 named runs (1,749 hectares alongside 4,323 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Mt Bachelor?
Trail grading at Mt Bachelor breaks down roughly as 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, 22% advanced, 3% expert. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Green/Blue) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical feet. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Mt Bachelor have?
Mt Bachelor operates 15 lifts across 3 lift types. The fleet includes 9 quad chairs, 3 triple chairs, and 3 surface lifts.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Mt Bachelor?
Base elevation at Mt Bachelor is about 5,699 ft (1,737 m), with the summit around 9,065 ft (2,763 m), giving roughly 3,366 ft (1,026 m) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Mt Bachelor get each season?
Mt Bachelor averages about 462 inches (1,173 cm) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Does Mt Bachelor accept the Ikon?
Mt Bachelor is affiliated with the Ikon. Pass holders should confirm current season benefits, blackout dates, and reservation rules on the pass issuer's site. Policies change year to year and can differ between international and domestic products.
If you are not on Ikon, day tickets and multi-day bundles are still available; see the lift tickets page for published rates and purchase links.
Where can I buy Mt Bachelor lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$79 to US$139, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (multi-day passes, season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Mt Bachelor before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 8 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Mt Bachelor so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Mt Bachelor have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Mt Bachelor. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Mt Bachelor located?
Mt Bachelor sits in Oregon, Usa. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace
Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.
30 Oct 2026
Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing
Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.
29 Oct 2026
Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup
Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.
29 Oct 2026
Arapahoe Basin Opens First for North America’s 2026/27 Ski Season
Winter has officially started in North America, and it is one blue run long. On Wednesday 28 October, Arapahoe Basin fired up the Black Mountain Express at around 10:30 am after a surprise announcement just hours earlier, becoming the first major North American resort open for 2026/27. Cold nights, a dusting of natural snow and a lot of snowmaking made it happen in the resort’s 80th winter. More terrain is promised as the snow guns keep running.
28 Oct 2026
Sulden am Ortler Pushes Its Season Start Back a Week to 7 November
Sulden am Ortler has called off its 31 October opening. The South Tyrol ski area has pushed its 2026/27 start back to Saturday 7 November, citing current weather and snow conditions and saying it will use the extra week to get the slopes in the best possible shape. The season is still scheduled to run through 2 May 2027. Elsewhere in Europe, around a dozen areas are already open, led by Sölden’s 30 kilometres of groomed runs.
28 Oct 2026
Pinheiro Braathen Wins Sölden Giant Slalom Opener by 0.48 Seconds
Two days at Sölden, two races decided by a hundredth somewhere on the podium, and one very quick Brazilian. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen led from the first run to win the men’s World Cup opener by 0.48 seconds, with Loïc Meillard second and Marco Odermatt third. River Radamus charged from 15th to fourth on a rutted course, and Britain’s Freddy Carrick-Smith banked his first World Cup points. Braathen still hasn’t lost a giant slalom since Olympic gold.
25 Oct 2026
Alps Snow Forecast: Up to 64 cm Headed for the High Glaciers as the Snow Line Drops
The Alps are about to swap mild, sunny October weather for something far more wintry. A cold front arrives Tuesday, and SnowStash forecasts have Monterosa Ski out in front with 64 cm over 14 days, ahead of Blatten Belalp (55 cm) and Verbier (43 cm). The snow line should fall below 2000 metres by Wednesday night, and glaciers across Switzerland, Italy and Austria are in line for the best of it. The wind will have a say too.
20 Oct 2026
Four Dead After Avalanche Near Ski Portillo in Chile
A large avalanche struck near Laguna del Inca adjacent to Ski Portillo on Saturday afternoon, killing four people and injuring four others. The group were day visitors mountaineering in the backcountry after reportedly being warned about elevated avalanche risk by resort staff.
18 Oct 2026