Mt. Bachelor officially opens, kicking off long-awaited ski season in Central Oregon
(Update: adding comments from Mt. Bachelor manager, local skiers & snowboarder, video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- After weeks of waiting, the lifts at Mt. Bachelor are finally spinning again.
The popular Central Oregon resort officially opened Tuesday morning, and eager skiers and snowboarders lined up early to make the first tracks of the season.
Warm early-season weather meant a slower start than usual, with limited terrain and a modest snow base, but that didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. Visitors filled the mountain with excitement and energy as the long-awaited season got underway.
“It’s such a huge relief,” said Mt. Bachelor general manager, John Merriman. “The waiting game the last few weeks has been difficult for all of us — whether it’s employees or guests. But we’re just so happy to be open. Everyone is so excited, they’re being so great. There’s the easy drive up to the mountain today and people are just so stoked in the lift line.”
The mountain drew everyone from first-time skiers to seasoned locals eager to kick off winter. Bend residents Saylor, Winter, and Neve said the best part of opening day was “just being up on the mountain” — and agreed their favorite run is Cliffhanger.
Snowboarder Chris Gilbert, also from Bend, summed it up simply: “Snow is great. Happy to be out here. Any day not working and at the mountain is a great day.”
Despite the delayed start, many guests believe the best is yet to come. Mt. Bachelor plans to operate through the end of May, offering one of the longest ski seasons in the country.
“I just really want to thank our team for making this happen,” Merriman added. “It’s just so great to see all the smiling faces again. We can’t wait to get going. Here we are!”
The buzz at the mountain marks the official start of ski season in Central Oregon — and for many, the start of months of winter fun ahead.
Earlier Story -- BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Opening day at Mt. Bachelor is finally here! The resort said it's excited to welcome everyone back to the slopes. Eager mountain-goers are already lining up at Pine Marten to try and grab the first chair.
Skiers and snowboarders can expect to hop on Skyliner, Little Pine, Pine Marten, and Red Chair, conditions permitting. Today's forecast calls for a low around 20 degrees and a high of 30 degrees with light winds and a chance of snow showers starting at Noon that could bring another 2" of snow!
"There will be 10 groomed trails and a small Woodward Mountain Park in Pacific City with approximately 10 features. Ski area boundaries will be Leeway on the west and the top of Sunrise lift down to the West Village Getback on the east. Chipmunk carpet will be available to guests and requires a $0 lift ticket," the resort said in it's daily Mountain Report.
Guests can enjoy a variety of on-hill celebrations, including the annual opening day banner breakthrough at 9 a.m.
Beginning at 10:30 at Rock Bar, enjoy free cake and beer and music by DJ Da Funk Conductor. A toast to the season will take place at 11 a.m.
For the full schedule of events, click here.
Mt. Bachelor says to be advised of early season conditions. Expect marked and unmarked obstacles across the mountain and please ski or ride with caution and stick to open, groomed terrain.
"Starting today, Mt. Bachelor's uphill policy will take effect and a free Uphill Pass & armband will be required. The CET shuttle will be running but the Interlodge shuttle will not. Sunrise parking lot is closed. All food & beverage offerings are out of West Village Lodge. Pine Marten Lodge will be open for restroom use only," the resort said in it's daily Mountain Report.
