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Winter near Bend Oregon. Mt. Bachelor tree runs.
Winter near Bend Oregon. Mt. Bachelor tree runs.

PLAY FOREVER

PLAY FOREVER

Sustainability

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Our commitment to protect the environment and support our communities.     
 

We believe there is nothing better for the soul than living a balanced life full of adventure. Play Forever is Mt. Bachelor’s commitment to ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities for an adventurous life that we enjoy today. Through our Play Forever commitment, we are changing the conversation to recognize the importance of impacts beyond carbon accounting to embrace a more holistic perspective; a perspective that acknowledges that environment and community matters must be addressed as a holistic ecosystem.

VENTURE TO CHANGE

Mt. Bachelor celebrates the interconnectedness of well-being, the environment, and community, and we are proud to share that vision with the Play Forever Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization. Collaborating with the Play Forever Foundation to align local, regional, and national efforts gives Mt. Bachelor’s efforts the cumulative effect of greater impact. Through strategic partnerships and resource allocation, the Foundation drives sustainable development and innovative research. We prioritize outdoor recreation, health, and community well-being, leveraging research, technology, and volunteerism. Together, through education and innovation, we strive for a resilient, sustainable future.

2025-2026 Season Recap

$224k

INVESTED IN LOCAL NONPROFITS

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569 lbs

OF RECYCLING VIA OREGON BOTTLEDROP GIVE

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101 Beneficiaries

OF IN-KIND OR FINANCIAL DONATIONS

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579

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WINTER ACTIVITIES

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ENVIRONMENT

Through our Play Forever commitment, Mt. Bachelor holistically invests in environmental sustainability projects, participates in scientific research, and proactively advocates for policy change to help create a more resilient world.

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ECOSYSTEMS

Contributing to resilient ecosystems at the intersection of ecology and communities.

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ENERGY

Reducing total energy consumption and expanding renewable and alternative energy use.

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WASTE

Landfill diversion through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.

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COMMUNITY

Mt. Bachelor supports our communities through financial and in-kind contributions. We also prioritize direct engagement activities within our local community and around our interconnected world.

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INVESTMENT

Providing financial or resource aid to strengthen causes aligned with our values.

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ACCESS

Creating welcoming places where all have the opportunity to enjoy the adventure lifestyle.

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ACTION

Taking direct action in partnership with our employees, guests, and other purpose-driven organizations.

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Play Forever In Action

Mt. Bachelor's New Wood Fuel Energy Facility

October 15, 2026

Mt. Bachelor’s Wood Fuel Energy Facility Nears Completion

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Mountain Clean Up at Mt. Bachelor in 2026.

July 12, 2026

1,812 Pounds of Litter Removed at Mountain Clean Up

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Upper Deschutes Watershed Council Rallies Community for 30th Annual River Cleanup.

July 11, 2026

30th Annual River Cleanup

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LEARN MORE ABOUT POWDR PLAY FOREVER

Mt. Bachelor is proud to work alongside all of POWDR’s adventure lifestyle brands on our commitment to Play Forever. Together, we believe a holistic approach to community and environmental ecosystems is our best path to creating a more sustainable future.

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ECOSYSTEMS

Contributing to resilient ecosystems at the intersection of ecology and communities.

Forest Stewardship – Mt. Bachelor is located entirely within the Deschutes National Forest and operates under a Special Use Permit issued by the United States Forest Service (USFS). Partnering together for more than 50 years, Mt. Bachelor and the USFS aim to provide popular year-round recreation opportunities in balance with respectful stewardship of the beautiful Central Oregon Cascades and the Deschutes National Forest.

LEARN HOW TO LEAVE NO TRACE IN CENTRAL OREGON

 

Habitat Preservation – We share this landscape with a variety of endemic and migratory species, and it is our duty to protect their habitats.   

  • Mt. Bachelor provides critical habitat to endangered species and species listed under the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Oregon Conservation Strategy. These species include Sierra Nevada Red Fox, Pacific Marten, and Whitebark Pine. Mt. Bachelor is one of six resorts in the world certified as a Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area through the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation. 
  •  Mt. Bachelor hosts a mountain cleanup every year to promote a litter-free landscape. Sun Country Tours has been a sponsor of the annual River Cleanup hosted by the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council since 2021, becoming a title sponsor in 2022. 
  • Through our partnership with Nokian Tires and One Tree Planted we are working to restore disturbed forests in the US and abroad.  

Water Use – It’s no secret that water is one of the most pressing issues in Central Oregon. Levels in the Deschutes River are declining, and we do everything we can to protect groundwater and surface water resources.

  •  Through Play Forever, we sponsor impactful organizations like the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council and the Deschutes River Conservancy. These organizations specialize in restoring the river, improving the quality of water, and educating community the next generation of watershed stewards.  
  • All of Mt. Bachelor’s water is sourced from our on-site well, creating an almost 1:1 ratio of water in and water out. We run filtration systems in key facilities to make sure that drainage is free of contaminants and compliant with local and federal standards. 

 

ENERGY

Reducing total energy consumption and expanding renewable and alternative energy use.

Purchasing and Generating Clean Energy — Mt. Bachelor’s electricity is 85% renewable and 95% carbon free, with utility-specific emissions of only 0.01 MTCO2e/MWh (more than 70x lower than the national average). Our Nordic Lodge sports a solar array which partially powers the building.

Embracing Electric Car Technology — Mt. Bachelor has invested in three Level 2 chargers (with two charging cords each) that are free for our guests and travelers to use while they explore our resort and/or the Cascade Lakes Highway. These chargers provide enough energy for EV’s to drive over 150,000 miles every year. 

LED Retrofits – Mt. Bachelor has updated about 2/3rds of its lighting to LEDs to minimize electricity use. Smart sensors in offices ensure that lights are turned off when not in use. 

WASTE

Landfill diversion through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.  

Reduce - Let’s all use less. Lowering our consumption of single use products is the first step to waste reduction.  

  • Our food and beverage team has committed to avoid single use products whenever possible, and to expand their inventory of reusable dishware.
  • Guests can top off their reusable water bottles at one of our water refill stations.        

Divert -  We aim to separate waste into up to 7 streams to keep material out of the local landfill.  Corrugated cardboard, mixed recycling, and compost are collected by our waste partner Republic Services. 

  • Rubber (bike tires, lift sheaves, etc.) and metal are collected by our Vehicle Maintenance department and recycled.  
  • Bottles and cans are sorted and redeemed. All redemption proceeds are donated to our non-profit partners. 
  • Clear soft plastic is recycled through a partnership established by The Environmental Center and Deschutes Brewery. 
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