Record-high temperatures stall Central Oregon’s ski season start

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Record-high temperatures have kept Mt. Bachelor from opening as planned, leaving slopes bare well into December and raising questions about how the delay could affect Central Oregon’s winter tourism economy.

Typically, by mid-December the mountain is drawing skiers and snowboarders from across the region. But with little snow in the Cascades and warm, sunny days in Central Oregon, this season’s start is on pause.

Across Bend, some in the tourism industry are already seeing mixed effects. Visit Bend told KTVZ News in an email Thursday that December is historically the region’s most affordable month for lodging. While official hotel data for this month won’t be available until January, they expect any dip in occupancy now could be offset by a surge in demand once the snow arrives.

Still, the unusually warm start has changed how visitors and locals alike are spending their time. With open trails and clear roads, mountain bikers, hikers, and even Christmas tree hunters are taking advantage of conditions rarely seen this time of year.

KTVZ’s Claire Elmer is speaking with our meteorologists and Mt. Bachelor officials to learn more. Tune in for her full report tonight on KTVZ News.