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
38ft
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
38 ft
Annual snow
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.
Latest News
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Mt Bachelor Webcams
8 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Mt Bachelor's live webcams
Check live conditions across Mt Bachelor with 8 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Mt Bachelor Snow Stake7,740ft
- Track precise snowfall measurements through this Mt Bachelor webcam focused on the official snow stake at 2359 meters elevation. This specialized Mt Bachelor live cam provides real-time powder accumulation data throughout the day, essential for planning your approach to Central Oregon's premier ski destination. Powder hunters rely on this live snow cam to monitor exactly how many inches have fallen across Mt Bachelor's 4,300+ skiable acres.
- Mid Mountain Pine Marten Lodge7,740ft
- Experience mid-mountain energy through this Mt Bachelor webcam at Pine Marten Lodge positioned at 2359 meters elevation. This Mt Bachelor live cam captures the bustling mid-mountain hub where trails converge and skiers refuel. Perfect for monitoring conditions in the heart of the resort, this Mt Bachelor web cam showcases the diverse terrain that makes this Oregon's largest ski area.
- Cloudchaser Summit7,703ft
- Witness commanding summit perspectives through this Mt Bachelor webcam at Cloudchaser's 2348-meter elevation. This live snow cam delivers breathtaking panoramic views across the Cascade Range and surrounding volcanic peaks. Essential for assessing visibility and snow quality, this Mt Bachelor live cam reveals the high-alpine terrain that defines Central Oregon's premier ski destination.
- Pine Marten Base6,375ft
- Monitor the main base area through this Mt Bachelor webcam at Pine Marten base's 1943-meter elevation. This Mt Bachelor web cam provides real-time views of guest arrivals, lift operations, and current snow conditions at the resort's primary facility hub. Families planning their Central Oregon ski adventure use this live snow cam to check crowd levels and base area activity before the scenic drive from Bend.
- The Cone & Red Chair6,352ft
- Discover Mt Bachelor's distinctive volcanic landscape through this webcam capturing The Cone and Red Chair at 1936 meters elevation. This Mt Bachelor live cam showcases the resort's unique geological features and advanced terrain. Skiers use this Mt Bachelor web cam to assess conditions on the mountain's most iconic runs before exploring Oregon's volcanic ski playground.
- Rock Bar Patio6,352ft
- Experience the vibrant après-ski atmosphere through this Mt Bachelor webcam at Rock Bar Patio positioned at 1936 meters elevation. This live snow cam captures the social energy and mountain views from this popular gathering spot. Visitors use this Mt Bachelor live cam to check current weather and activity levels at Central Oregon's premier mountain destination.
- Summit Lift Line7,238ft
- Monitor summit lift queues through this Mt Bachelor web cam at the Summit Lift line positioned at 2206 meters elevation. This Mt Bachelor live cam helps skiers assess wait times before committing to the upper mountain. Essential for planning your summit ascent, this live snow cam shows real-time lift operations on Oregon's highest chairlift.
- Sunrise Base6,470ft
- Check conditions at Mt Bachelor's eastside terrain through this Sunrise Base webcam at 1972 meters elevation. This Mt Bachelor live cam captures the quieter side of the mountain with access to advanced runs and backcountry-style terrain. Locals use this Mt Bachelor web cam to monitor snow quality on the less-crowded eastside before exploring Central Oregon's most diverse ski terrain.
Mt Bachelor snow cams FAQ
How often do Mt Bachelor snow cams update?
All Mt Bachelor snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Mt Bachelor.
Which Mt Bachelor webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Mt Bachelor Snow Stake webcam at 2,359m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Mt Bachelor webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Mt Bachelor lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Mt Bachelor snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Mt Bachelor snow cams?
Check Mt Bachelor webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Mt Bachelor lift tickets?
Use our Mt Bachelor webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Mt Bachelor webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Mt Bachelor snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Mt Bachelor intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.