TOP 10 'MUST DO' ACTIVITIES AT MT. BACHELOR
Not only does Mt. Bachelor hold the title of the seventh largest ski resort in North America with 4,323 skiable acres, but we regularly host one of the longest ski and ride seasons in the country, spanning from Thanksgiving to Memorial Day. With that much terrain and over 6 months a year to explore it, Mt. Bachelor is the place for endless winter adventure in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're in Central Oregon for the day or the week, don't miss out on these bucket list experiences during your visit.
1. Mt. Bachelor Events
Each season Mt. Bachelor's Events Calendar is stacked with unique on-hill happenings and fun aprés events. Join or spectate snowboard competitions with custom-built courses like Gerry Lopez's Big Wave Challenge or the legendary Dirksen Derby banked slalom. Check out live music on our lodge decks, snow beach parties with live DJs during spring, and our multi-day music and van-life festival dubbed Rendezvan—the quintessential spring event in the PNW! We even celebrate winter down in Bend, so keep an eye on the events calendar for passholder parties, happy hours at local breweries, and more live music downtown during Subaru Winterfest.
2. Ski 360° off the Summit
Mt. Bachelor is one of the only resorts in the world where you can shred 360° off the summit and still be in bounds. With vast open bowls and camera roll-worthy views of the surrounding Cascade mountains, the Summit Chair should be on the bucket list of every visitor. No matter which direction you choose from the top, these open bowls funnel down to one of two catchlines, which wind along the perimeters of the ski area and drop you off at the base of either Cloudchaser or Northwest lifts. If you do plan on venturing off the backside of the mountain, please be aware that this is considered "Expert Only" terrain. Always ski or ride with a buddy and keep each other in sight.
3. Explore the Terrain off Cloudchaser Lift
Built in 2016, Cloudchaser Lift added even more skiable terrain, expanding upon the intermediate-level mecca on the east side of Mt. Bachelor. Ride up Cloudchaser for access to long, rolling groomers, flowy tree skiing and riding, and many playful natural features. Located on the mountain's east side, Cloud gets the most sun throughout the day and is better protected from the wind. When stormy weather shuts down some west side lifts, Cloud can usually endure and stay open. A quick journey down to the Sun Rise Lodge makes for a good lunch stop, or hop on the West Village Get Back trail to cruise on down to the West Village Base Area.
4. Tree Skiing and Riding off Northwest Lift
Looking for some of the best tree skiing and riding in the Pacific Northwest? Mt. Bachelor's longest lift, Northwest Chair, serves some of the best off-piste turns in the region. With long runs, steep well-spaced trees, and a catch line that brings you back to the lift, Northwest Chair is the spot to be on a PNW powder day. Northwest is also home to some of the longest-groomed trails at Mt. Bachelor. When the snow is a bit too firm for the trees, the corduroy turns are fast and fun.
5. Woodward Mountain Parks
Equipped with 9 Woodward Parks, Mt. Bachelor is set up for ski and snowboard athletes of all abilities. Built with progression in mind, the Woodward Mountain Parks crew sets features that encourage confidence and inspire learning. Groms and first-timers can start out in the Start Park, and then work their way up to the Progression Park. More seasoned terrain park riders have the option of lapping through the Peace Park, 13' Halfpipe or the Skyliner Parks - each named after prominent surf spots along the Oregon coast. Lastly, The Point is where you'll typically find the largest jumps and rails at Mt. Bachelor — and where professional athletes often throw down huge tricks.
6. Explore the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Trail Network
If an aerobic experience is more your style, be sure to check out the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center. Home to over 56km of groomed trails and the longest Nordic season in the country, the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center is a premier Nordic destination. Our trails are freshly groomed each morning and most feature incredible views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains. Nordic rentals are available in both classic and skate ski sets, and the always friendly staff are happy to assist. Keep in mind that a Nordic Pass is a separate product from an Alpine Pass.
Pro tip: the XC Cafe located in the Nordic Center has some of the best food at Mt. Bachelor. Even if you are skiing or snowboarding on our alpine trails, it's worth stopping into this cozy lodge for a hot burrito by the fireplace.
7. Take a Lesson or Speciality Clinic
New to snow sports or trying to take your skills to the next level? Mt. Bachelor Ski and Ride School has lessons and programs for skiers and riders of every ability.
From our renowned Ski or Board in 4 Program for true first-timers and women's-specific clinics to Private and Group lessons for adults and kids, Mt. Bachelor's ski and ride school is all about fun and progression. Take your skills to the next level, get priority lift line access, and make some shred buddies along the way!
8. Take in the Views at Pine Marten Lodge
Mt. Bachelor's only mid-mountain lodge, located at the top of Pine Marten Lift, offers stunning views and delicious food at Sparks Cafe, plus a full bar. For grab-and-go options, Pinnacles Cafe has pastries and snacks as well as made-to-order espresso and hot beverages.
Pine Marten Lodge is incredibly scenic, making it the perfect spot to take a break from your ski day with a hot meal or a cold drink. Kick back inside next to the panoramic windows, or meander out on the deck for classic views of the snow-capped Cascades and one of the best photo ops on the mountain!
9. Try a New Winter Adventure
It is not just skiing and snowboarding that takes place at Mt. Bachelor. Operating out of our Sunrise Base Area is the local dog sledding team run by former Iditarod finisher, Rachael Scdoris. See the Cascade Mountains behind a dog sled team, a unique way to experience our snowy alpine backyard.
Interested in learning more about the local geography? Go on a Snowshoe Tour with a National Forest Ranger. These tours last about an hour and take you into the woods at the base of Mt. Bachelor. Rangers cover topics such as wildlife in the area, how the mountains were formed, history of the volcano, what trees make up the forest, and more. Spending the day Alpine skiing or riding? The National Forest Service also offers Ski With a Ranger Tours.
10. Spend the Night in your RV
Although Mt. Bachelor does not have any hotels or lodging at the mountain, we do have a dedicated RV lot with powered and non-powered spots. Drive your rig up to the mountain and spend the night, or a few, at the base. Wake up before the crowds arrive, enjoy a relaxing morning in the comfort of your RV, and get to the chair before everyone else. After the lifts stop spinning for the day, cookout during the sunset, and watch the groomers get the hill ready for the next day from this unique slopeside lodging.