Film on Mt. Bachelor founder Bill Healy to debut to sold-out Tower Theatre; group ski in his honor planned Thursday
(Update: adding video from 5PM broadcast)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF) and Mt. Bachelor are proud to jointly present a special celebration of Bill Healy, the visionary founder of Mt. Bachelor, whose determination transformed Central Oregon’s skiing community.
In honor of what would have been Healy’s 100th birthday year, a heartfelt film will premiere at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend on Thursday at 7 p.m. (FYI: the film has sold out, but a second showing is planned in February, with details to be announced soon.)
The film, which was locally produced, includes the reflections of friends and family members and captures Healy’s remarkable character, pioneering vision, and enduring legacy.
The evening will also feature an engaging discussion between friends, family members and the filmmaker, as well as an exhibit of early Mt. Bachelor memorabilia and Bill Healy artifacts curated by the Healy family. This special event also serves as a fundraiser for the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF), which is honored to uphold Bill Healy’s legacy and share his story.
"MBSEF’s roots trace directly back to the Skyliners, the first ski club in our region and a key part of Bill Healy’s journey to Central Oregon," said Amy Tarnow, Executive Director of the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation. "The Skyliners’ passion for winter sports helped lay the foundation for everything MBSEF stands for today. As we celebrate Bill's birthday and approach the 100th anniversary of the Skyliners’ founding, we are proud to honor their legacy and Bill’s vision, which have inspired generations of athletes and established Central Oregon as a hub for winter sports."
Proceeds from the event will support MBSEF’s mission to inspire young athletes, foster a love of winter sports, and create opportunities for the next generation of snowsport enthusiasts.
To honor Bill Healy and celebrate the premiere, Mt. Bachelor will offer early access to Red Chair with the Healy family on Thursday, January 16. Skiers and snowboarders can participate in a group ride down the Grotto run and write notes of gratitude on a banner in the West Village Lodge.
“None of what we get to experience each day here on Mt. Bachelor would be a reality without Bill Healy,” said John Merriman, President and General Manager of Mt. Bachelor. “Our community and beyond has been able to create memories and share meaningful experiences on this mountain because of his vision and passion. We are excited to honor his contributions and hear about his life from those closest to him through this film.”
In addition to Mt. Bachelor, MBSEF would like to extend their thanks to Brooks Resources Corporation, Cameron Healy & Suzy Snow, and Sean & Hilary O’Hollaren for their significant contribution toward the production of the film, as well as to the event’s supporting sponsors First Interstate Bank, Waypoint Hotel, Charley & Lauri Miller and Deschutes Brewery. To learn more about this special event, and to view of teaser of the film please visit mbsef.org/bill-healy-celebration
Click here for images of Bill Healy and event related artwork and logos.
Brief Biography of Bill Healy:
Bill Healy was born in 1924 in Portland, Oregon, and was raised with the Cascades as his playground. By the time he reached high school, Bill was a champion ski racer and jumper. After graduating from high school, Bill joined the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division, an elite force of ski troops specializing in winter warfare during World War II. The life skills learned in the 10th Mountain Division by the young soldiers influenced many veterans when they returned to their mountains of home and subsequently revolutionized winter sports and outdoor life in the U.S. Bill’s professional pursuits brought him to Bend in 1950 where he ran the family-owned Bend Furniture Co. and raised a family of his own. Bill’s interests in the outdoors were also pursued, and his vision of central Oregon as a year-round recreating destination blossomed. While living in Bend, Bill befriended local members of the The Skyliners Ski Club, which was founded in 1927 and whose members initiated winter sport opportunities in the area. The Skyliners Ski Club introduced Bill to Bachelor’s terrian. With the help and support of fellow Skyliners member Gene Gillis; Regional head of Forest Service, Don Peters; and many other Bend community members, the dream of a ski resort on Mt. Bachelor became a reality in 1958. In 1980, Bill was diagnosed with Neuromuscular Disease. He remained involved with the resort as Board Chair throughout the eighties until his passing in 1993.
About Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation:
The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities through competitive snow sports programs to support Central Oregon athletes in achieving their individual athletic, academic, and personal goals. Its vision is to positively impact the life of every athlete it serves. For more information on MBSEF, its programs, and how to support MBSEF athletes, visit www.mbsef.org.
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Here's a look at Mt. Bachelor's planned events this week and weekend:
Fair-weather skiers and snowboarders are rejoicing in the forecast this week. With sunshine, blue skies, calm winds, and warm temperatures allowing 360 degrees of top-to-bottom skiing and riding, conditions are ideal for beginners and pros alike. Here’s the scoop for the week and MLK weekend:
Bill Healy Film Premiere & Early Up Group Ski - Trailer
Join us on January 16th at 8:00am for early access to Red Chair and a group ski in honor of Mt. Bachelor founder Bill Healy. MBSEF and members of the Healy family will say a few commemorative words at the top of the lift, then everyone will descend the slopes together. Starting tomorrow, January 15th, guests can sign a banner celebrating what would have been Bill’s 100th birthday in the West Village Lodge. The banner will be displayed at the Tower Theatre for the premier of the sold-out film, Bill Healy: A Man Who Loved A Mountain. We look forward to gathering on January 16th to tell the story of how Bill’s vision and passion founded Mt. Bachelor and transformed Central Oregon’s winter recreation community. A valid lift ticket is required to participate in the group ski and can be purchased online.
Boneyard Backcountry Bar - Photos
Boneyard Beer will be taking over Mt. Bachelor’s Backcountry Bar at the base of Outback from 11:00am – 3:00pm January 18th and 19th, bringing the perfect blend of mountain adventure, brews, and grub to the most remote food outlet on the mountain. With sunshine in the forecast, conditions should be perfect for kicking back on the snow lawn and enjoying music by the fires between laps.
FREE Kids Apres - Helmet Decorating
Kids Apres is back from 12:30pm – 2:00pm January 18th and 19th, this time featuring helmet decorating. Head to the first floor of the West Village Lodge with a helmet and we’ll supply the rest. Mt. Bachelor Sports Pro Shop is selling discounted helmets in recognition of National Safety Month. Take 20% off January 18th – 25th.
Play Forever Thursdays – COCC Foundation
With two Play Forever Thursdays in the books and 11 more to go, this initiative is a great way to ski or ride for a cause and learn more about the important community-centered work happening in Central Oregon. Back again for season two, Mt. Bachelor is offering $99 lift tickets every Thursday in January, February, and March 2025. A portion of every ticket purchased will be donated to a local non-profit as part of Mt. Bachelor's Play Forever initiative. This week’s beneficiary is COCC Foundation. Click here to see a full list of 2024/25 beneficiaries and buy tickets.
Subaru Stoke Weekend - Photos
Mt. Bachelor and Subaru are spreading the stoke this weekend on January 18th and 19th. Guests carpooling in Subarus with 3 or more passengers will be given a swag bag and priority parking in the West Village parking lot until all spots are filled. With bigger crowds anticipated during MLK weekend, getting to the resort early and carpooling will be key to having a good time.
