Fresh powder alert: Mt. Bachelor set to reopen Northwest Lift before a busy weekend of events; Hoodoo reopens

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Mt. Bachelor received 17 inches of snow in the past week, and more is on the way, just in time for a variety of special events this weekend.

The resort said forecasts call for an additional 3-4 inches by Friday morning, then broken clouds and scattered light snow showers Friday and Saturday before returning to heavy snowfall on Sunday. 

Teams are assessing and preparing the Northwest chairlift to reopen on Friday, conditions permitting. 

They advised guests to check the Mountain Report and Lift & Trails Status page Friday morning for operational updates and safety advisories.  

Several events are taking place at Mt. Bachelor over the next few days. Here's the rundown: 

Friday-Saturday, February 20 -21 

• Nordic High School State Championships: Friday's race will be a mass-start free style race and Saturday will feature a classic race as well as a team relay. Expect impacts to the trail network and check the Nordic Report for updates. A free trail pass will be available inside the Nordic Lodge for spectators walking to the race stadium. Spectators on skis or snowshoes must have a valid Nordic pass or ticket.  

Saturday, February 21 

• Red Chair Round-Up: Join Mt. Bachelor and Deschutes Brewery at the base of the Red Chair chairlift to celebrate the fan-favorite Red Chair Northwest Pale Ale (only available during the winter season). The first 50 guests to show up will get a free beer. The event will also feature music, swag giveaways, and burritos.  

• Jr. Ranger with Discover Your Northwest | Mt. Bachelor: Discover Your Northwest and Mt. Bachelor invite families to explore the wonders of the forest and learn about the importance of winter, all while earning a Junior Snow Ranger badge. This free family event will be hosted at the Early Riser Yurt in the Sunrise Base Area. 

• Passholder Early Ups: Outplay 365 and Full Season Passholders can enjoy early access to the slopes via Pine Marten chairlift, which will open at 8:00 a.m., conditions permitting. Ski area boundaries will be Olympian on the east and Outback Way to Leeway on the West.  

Saturday-Sunday, February 21-22 

• FREE Telemark Demos: Join 22 Designs at the base of Red Chair and demo telemark skis for free. Plus, Mt. Bachelor’s Telemark Skills Clinic has openings on Saturday, February 1.  

• On-Snow Demos Presented by Mt. Bachelor Sports: Try out the latest skis and snowboards at the base of Red Chair. For $25, participants can test up to three different ski or snowboard options, based on availability. The $25 demo fee can be credited toward a purchase of skis or a snowboard. All demos require a credit card. Demo equipment is adult sizing only. Must be 18 or have a legal guardian present. Demo boots will not be available. Demo snowboard bindings will not be available, guests should bring their own bindings to better focus on board feel and performance. 

Sunday, February 22 

• Demo Day at Mt. Bachelor Nordic: This is Mt. Bachelor’s biggest Nordic Demo of the season. Test out the latest skis, boots, and poles from top Nordic brands including Salomon, Fischer, Atomic, Peltonen, and more. Demos are free, but a valid Nordic pass or ticket is required.  

Hoodoo Ski Area also reopened Thursday after a closure for several days due to low snow conditions.