Oregon is a well-known hotbed of winter sport action. Now that spring has officially arrived, adrenaline junkies may turn their attention to other interests. But true slope enthusiasts know that spring may be the most ideal time of year to hit the mountains. This year, Mount Bachelor might be a little busier than other spots, thanks to its recent placement on SkiSnowboard.net’s list of the nation’s top 10 locales for spring skiing and snowboarding.
Located in the Bend, Redmond, Sisters and Sunriver area of central Oregon, Mount Bachelor is one of the most well-established ski resorts in the country. Spring weather offers perhaps the best opportunity to experience the incredible views and varying activities Bachelor has to offer.
Mount Bachelor, an extinct volcano, placed No. 2 on the list compiled by the contributors to SkiSnowboard.net and the Ski America and Canada Guidebook. The selection was nestled between Mammoth Mountain and Lake Tahoe, both in California, but the full list included destinations from Colorado to Vermont.
For many skiers and snowboarders, spring is an ideal time to hit the slopes — a time when goggles are traded in for sunglasses, temperatures are often mild and skiers don’t have to huddle around the fireplace at the lodge between runs.
In fact, SkiSnowboard.net contends that Mount Bachelor is better for spring skiing than mid-winter skiing. This time of year, the entire mountain is almost always open, compared to the winter when the 9,065-foot summit can be closed much of the season because of high winds.
Mount Bachelor communications manager Chris Johnston says the mild weather creates an ideal snow environment.
“Conditions are great this time of year,” Johnston said. “We might get 50 inches of snow, but then three days of sun, and you’re left with this beautiful light, dry powder.”
These ideal snow conditions are due in large part to Mount Bachelor’s position on the eastern side of the Cascades, where snow falls lighter and drier than most Northwest resorts. When the weather is clear, Mount Shasta is visible 180 miles south.
Avid skier and University student Joe Dimick said Mount Bachelor is one of his favorite ski spots, especially in the spring.
“It’s just nice not to freeze to death out there while you’re trying to enjoy the slopes,” Dimick said. “Spring skiing at Bachelor is just a lot more relaxing.”
On Monday, Mount Bachelor began offering a spring season five-day pass. The $125 picture pass is available online and is valid from April 21 to the end of the season — scheduled for May 26, depending on the weather and customer demand.
Johnston said that spring holds many more activities than just skiing or snowboarding at Bachelor. On May 2 and 3, the resort is offering the Subaru Race and Ace Challenge, an event combining skiing or snowboarding and golf. Johnston said participants ski or snowboard on a gated course one day, then golf 18 holes at Sunriver Resort the next. Registration is $99 per player or $396 for four-member team entries.