Idea revived: Deschutes County commissioner candidate proposes that county, locals try to buy Mt. Bachelor

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Eighteen months after POWDR Corp. put Mt. Bachelor up for sale -- and 10 months after the company decided to keep it - the idea of local ownership has arisen again, this time amid a political campaign. A Deschutes County commissioner candidate says the county should make it happen.

The proposal came this week from local business owner Rob Imhoff, one of three candidates for Position 5 on the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. It's one of two new seats on the expanded five-member board previously approved by voters. (The filing deadline for the May 19 primary is March 10th.)

Imhoff says the county should step up to "pursue strategic acquisition and/or partnership options" to bring the resort under "community stewardship."

After POWDR announced in August 2024 it was putting Mt. Bachelor on the market, a community group formed in an attempt to acquire the resort, but said it was unable to submit a bid "due to timing constraints."

KTVZ News has reached out to POWDR and county commissioners for any reaction or statement about the revived idea. We will update this story as warranted.

Here's Imhoff's news release, in full:

Rob Imhoff Calls for Deschutes County to Bring Mount Bachelor Home: Proposes Local Ownership to Deliver Affordable Access and “Protect Our Playground” 

Bend, Oregon – Rob Imhoff, candidate for Deschutes County Commissioner, today unveiled a bold vision to return Mount Bachelor – Central Oregon's iconic playground – to local control. As the current corporate owner, POWDR Corp., has decided to retain the resort indefinitely after briefly listing it for sale in 2024-2025, Imhoff proposes that Deschutes County pursue strategic acquisition and/or partnership options to shift the mountain from profit-driven corporate management to community stewardship under county control. 

"Mount Bachelor isn't just a ski resort – it's our playground, our family traditions, our winter economy, and the heart of what makes Central Oregon special," said Imhoff, a longtime Deschutes County resident, small business owner, and community coach. "Under corporate ownership, we've seen rising pass prices, mega-pass dominance, long lines, and decisions that prioritize shareholders over locals. It's time to bring it home: make it affordable for Central Oregon families, reinvest in our community, and protect it for generations to come." 

Imhoff's proposal draws inspiration from successful community-owned models nationwide, including: 

• Bogus Basin (Boise, Idaho) – The largest nonprofit recreation area in the U.S., reinvesting all profits locally for affordability and youth programs. 

• Bridger Bowl (Bozeman, Montana) – Community nonprofit emphasizing reasonable costs and reinvestment into the mountain. 

• Mad River Glen (Vermont) – Skier-owned cooperative preserving authentic skiing and offering shareholder perks. 

• Mount Ashland (Ashland, Oregon) – Nonprofit saved through community efforts, treating the mountain like a public park with affordable access. 

• Eaglecrest Ski Area (Juneau, Alaska) – Municipally owned, subsidizing tickets and supporting resident recreation. 

These examples prove that local county ownership delivers lower resident prices (e.g., deeply discounted "Locals Passes"), reinvests revenues into improvements, youth initiatives, and environmental care (like wildfire prevention), protects against overcrowding and corporate changes, and ensures long-term stability without heavy tax burdens – through bonds, grants, donations, and revenue-sharing. 

"This isn't about disrupting operations – it's about enhancing them with a focus on our community," Imhoff added. "As commissioner, I'll champion this dialogue, build coalitions, and fight for what's best for Deschutes County families, not distant shareholders.” 

Imhoff invites residents to join the conversation at upcoming town halls and via robimhoff.com. For more on his platform – including regaining local control, building more housing, delivering real help for homelessness, and responsible land & water stewardship – visit robimhoff.com. 

About Rob Imhoff 

Rob Imhoff is a 20+ year Deschutes County resident, small business owner in the housing and construction sector, devoted family man, youth sports coach, and dedicated community volunteer. Running for County Commissioner, Rob is committed to putting Central Oregon first by fighting for local control over our decisions, making housing more affordable and attainable, providing compassionate and effective solutions to homelessness, and protecting our land, water, and way of life from outside overreach. With a proven track record of building businesses, coaching teams to success, and listening to neighbors, Rob brings practical, common-sense leadership to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Learn more and join the movement at robimhoff.com.