Mt. Bachelor has sixth-highest snowpack of U.S. resorts

The weather might be taking a turn for spring, but it’s not preventing skiers and riders from making the trip to Mount Bachelor Ski Resort. The mountain currently boasts the sixth-highest snowpack total in the nation.

At present, the resort reports 50 inches of snow at the base and 91 at mid-mountain.

“The snow is great,” Ohio native and Villanova University ski team member Katelyn Bard said Friday. “It’s better than what we have back in Ohio.”

Mt. Bachelor has been hosting the U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association National Championships this week. The competition is drawing thousands of people from across the country.

“This is like spring conditions,” Bard said. “We’re super-excited.”

Others come to Central Oregon not for competition, but to seek out the best snowpack in the far West.

Brett Armitage brought his kids down to Mt. Bachelor from the Seattle area. They have season passes to Snoqualmie this year, but have only used them twice, as the resort was forced to close due to a lack of snow.

“They have eight lessons scheduled (at Snoqualmie), and they did two of them,” Armitage said. “It’s really sad because the whole industry suffers.”

Mt. Bachelor said it’s been fortunate this season, but gives special credit to the snow movement team, which keeps the snowpack alive.

Despite having a low snow total year, the resort has made up for local losses with out-of-state skiers and riders.

“We’re really excited to have people here from all over the country,” Marketing Manager Drew Jackson said. “Most of them have never been to Central Oregon or Mount Bachelor and they’re super stoked to be here.”