Low snow shuts down Mt. Bachelor early, alters iconic event, impacts local businesses

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- After one of its latest opening days ever on Dec. 23, Mount Bachelor has announced it will close for the season on April 19, the earliest closing date on record. That marks a season lasting just three months and 28 days. The short season was heavily impacted by abnormally low snowfall across Central Oregon.

Local Businesses Feel the Impact

For many businesses that rely on Mount Bachelor’s long winter season, the shortened run has taken a toll.

Todd McGee, owner of Powderhouse, said his team was fortunate to make it through the tough season.

“I’m just grateful with the year we did have. It could have been a lot worse than a lot of other mountains,” McGee said.

He added that business wasn’t as strong as usual, but he was proud to keep his staff employed.

“Traffic has not been as heavy as normal, but we made it through. We didn’t lay off any employees, which I was very happy with. Some of them have been with me for 25 years,” he said.

Pole Pedal Paddle Event Adjusts to Conditions

The Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation’s iconic Pole Pedal Paddle event, celebrating its 50th year, is also adapting to the lack of snow. Organizers announced that the skiing portion of the event will be canceled this year due to limited snow, replacing it with a 2.5- to 3-mile mountain run and a 1.5-mile fun run.

“This year marks the 50th year of the Pole Pedal Paddle, and it has a long tradition of being adapted to weather conditions like water levels and snow levels,” said Marieka Greene, community engagement and development coordinator for MBSEF. “Many course changes have been made in relation to development in Bend. And so this is just another part of the Pole Pedal Paddle story.”

This isn’t the first time organizers have had to change the course. During what was known as the Great Drought of 1976-77, the event was also modified to fit the challenging weather conditions.

Ending a Short but Memorable Season

Despite the shortened season and lower-than-average snowfall, many skiers and riders still made the most of the slopes this winter. As Mount Bachelor prepares to close next week, the community is already looking ahead — hoping for deeper snow and a longer season next year.