Local group fails to make Mt. Bachelor bid by deadline but still hopes to play role in its future
(Update: Adding video, comments by co-founder)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The community group that formed in an attempt to bid for and acquire the Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort has acknowledged they were unable to submit a bid and also revealed that the process has come to a close.
Parent company POWDR Corp. announced last year that it was putting the resort and two others up for sale, prompting a group of Central Oregon citizens to create the Mt. Bachelor Community effort.
In an update sent Monday evening to friends and supporters, the Mt. Bachelor Community Inc. group said it was “unable to submit a bid due to timing constraints – competing against bidders who had a five-month head start.”
They said they still hope to ensure the community has “both an equity stake and board representation” when Mt. Bachelor comes under new ownership.
But co-founder Dan Cochrane says the group is not done fighting for a greater public role in the mountain's future.
"That doesn't mean the mountain has sold. It just means that the bidding window has closed," he told KTVZ News Tuesday. "So that could mean they have a buyer, but it could also mean that there are negotiations between multiple buyers."
KTVZ News has reached out to a POWDR Corp. representative to learn what we can about where the bidding and potential sale process stands now.
Cochrane added, "We would love to be able to sit down with the new ownership and see how the community can be involved in the future process of Mt. Bachelor operations."
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Here’s the community group’s full e-mailed statement:
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As the bid process for Mt. Bachelor has come to a close, we want to provide an important update on our path forward. While we were unable to submit a bid due to timing constraints—competing against bidders who had a five-month head start—our mission remains unchanged: to ensure that the broad community that loves this mountain has a meaningful equity stake and a voice in the future of Mt. Bachelor.
Our Vision for Democratized Ownership
Our goal has always been to establish democratized ownership, ensuring the community has both an equity stake and board representation in Mt. Bachelor’s future. To achieve this, we recognized the need for a layered approach—integrating well-capitalized investors, strategic debt financing, and broad community investment in a synchronized manner. This structure would bring significant financial support from the community, ensuring that ownership remains focused on long-term growth and innovation. More importantly, it ensures that those who know and love Mt. Bachelor have a real voice in shaping its future.
Our Growing Momentum and National Recognition
This movement has gained national recognition, reinforcing the strength of our vision. We continue to work diligently with all parties involved in the sale for the benefit of the community.
We have been featured in The New York Times, and an Emmy Award-nominated director is now exploring a Netflix film about this community-led effort. This attention highlights the significance of what we are building together—not just for Mt. Bachelor, but for the future of ski resort ownership.
A Smarter Path Forward
Any potential buyer would be wise to recognize the depth of community support behind this initiative. Our model presents a win-win solution—one that secures the capital necessary to maintain and improve the resort while incorporating the insights and passion of the community. By partnering with future ownership, we can ensure that Mt. Bachelor operates at the highest level, remains financially sound, and reflects the values of those who cherish it most.
This is a pivotal moment, and we remain committed to working toward a shared vision for Mt. Bachelor’s future. We will continue to push forward and advocate for an ownership structure that includes the community.
Thank you for your continued support—we are just getting started.
Powder to the People!
Mount Bachelor Community Inc.