‘You don’t have to be a hardcore mountain biker’: Mt. Bachelor kicks off the summer season with ziplining, mountain biking

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With July's arrival, summer activities at Mt. Bachelor are back for the whole family. Ski season has come to an end, but that doesn't mean the resort it closed. Mt. Bachelor just recently opened up for its summer season, busy with a variety of warm-weather activities.

"I'm glad they're finally open," Bend resident Larry Waters said Monday. "The few trails have opened in great shape. And you get this bike among the snow."

Mt. Bachelor Director of Marketing and Communications Lauren Burke said, "There really is something for everyone up at Mt. Bachelor this summer."

Last Thursday, Mt. Bachelor kicked off summer's opening weekend with mountain biking, ZipTours, scenic chairlift rides, sunset dinners and hiking. 

For zipline rides, the cost 48 hours in advance is $89 and day-of is $99.

As for the downhill mountain bike park, single-day all-mountain and Little Pine Bike Park passes and tickets are available. You can get an adult all-mountain bike park day ticket at the window for $69, while a summer ride on the chairlift for same-day booking for an adult is $28.

Burke said, "You don't have to be a hardcore mountain biker. You can come up, take a scenic chairlift ride, enjoy a drink or a bite to eat mid-mountain. It is a beautiful time of year up there."

There are currently two lifts and eight trails open in the bike park.

Robert Fredricks is visiting from San Diego. This is the first time he's been at Bachelor.

"Really looking forward to going off the chairlift and getting to the top of the mountain, and then seeing that beautiful view of the Three Sisters and the whole Cascade range," he said.

Comparing seasons, winter is Bachelor's busier time of year, operating from November (snow permitting) to the end of May.

General parking in the West Village, Sunrise, and Skyliner lots is always free and spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Burke said, "We see a ton of skiers and riders come through from all over the country. Summer, while there are more activities to do, it's definitely not as busy on a day-to day-basis as it is in the ski season."

Before you head to Mt. Bachelor, be sure to check the mountain report at MtBachelor.com. You can see what is open each day as the bike park expands.