On bluebird day, lots of snow pumps up the party for skiers, boarders enjoying Mt. Bachelor’s earliest opening in 26 years

(Update: Adding video):

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Mt. Bachelor pass-holders lined up to party on the snowy slopes Friday for their own early chance to check out all the fresh powder at the resort's earliest opening since 1998.

Long lines of happy skiers and snowboarders showed up early for a rare-of-late chance to hit the powder in mid-November, well ahead of the typical Thanksgiving weekend target.

NewsChannel 21's Kelsey Merison and Meteorologist Shannon Brady were on the slopes to check out conditions and reactions, and heard plenty of cheers.

General Manager John Merriman joined the crowd in a toast to the bluebird conditions:

“Our 67th opening day here at Mt. Bachelor – one of the top six or seven earliest we've ever had. And holy cow, could we have not picked a better day? Thank you to Mother Nature!"

Some danced to the music, others just hit the lifts and the slopes. One visitor since 1967 called it the best first-day coverage he’d ever seen.

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Here's the resort's Mountain Report Friday afternoon:

Mountain Report 11/15

3:00pm Update:

Day one of the 2024-25 winter season is in the books, and it was a fantastic opening day with clear skies and awesome snow conditions. We’ve got our sights set on tomorrow, when our early opening festivities continue with a DJ at the Rock Bar and continued Passholder Perks/Discounts. The forecast calls for another clear and cold start on Saturday, with the afternoon seeing temps climb into the upper 20’s, paired with a chance of snow showers.

9:30 AM update

Today’s the day we’ve all been waiting for, with our early opening taking place on the earliest date since 1998, thanks to a monumental effort from our teams coupled with over 60 inches of seasonal snowfall thus far. Today through Sunday, 11/17, we expect to spin Skyliner and Little Pine for Mt. Bachelor & Ikon Passholders only (including Midweek and 4-Day Passes). 

Although we received no new snow overnight, we’re starting things off with a 34-inch base depth this morning. Early season snowpack means that marked/unmarked obstacles exist- please ski and ride with caution and stay on marked/open trails. Current temps are in the upper teens to low 20’s and are expected to remain there throughout the day. Our forecast calls for mostly sunny skies, with a chance of snow showers throughout operating hours. The long-term forecast shows a steady influx of storm systems that could bring significant snowfall throughout the next week. Leave early and, as usual, expect winter driving conditions as you approach the resort this morning.

Woodward Mountain Park offerings this week include:
Pacific City: 7 Jibs

Be Advised: Our Uphill Policy goes into effect today through Sunday 11/17, then will return to a full closure during weekdays until we open daily for the season on Friday 11/29.

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