Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort

Mt. Bachelor is the 8th largest ski resort in North America, with more than 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain. Located on the eastern flanks of Oregon's Central Cascades, Mt. Bachelor is known for its light, dry snow, averaging 410" annually, diverse terrain, family friendliness, and one of the longest seasons in the country that runs through Memorial Day Weekend in May. 

Where Is Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort Located?

Mt. Bachelor is situated within the Deschutes National Forest and is only 22 miles from downtown Bend, Oregon – one of the PNW’s most vibrant and exciting ski towns with unmatched craft beer, a diverse culinary scene, and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Mt. Bachelor is easily accessed from major west coast cities like Portland, Seattle and San Francisco and is within 40 miles of Redmond Municipal Airport. There are 12 direct flights into the area each day from major skier markets, including Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco.

New year, Mt. Bachelor is operating a hotel property, Trailhead Lodge in Bend. Trailhead Lodge is a 70-room basecamp designed for outdoor enthusiasts, located just 10 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from Mt. Bachelor. Set on 6.6 acres backing directly to the Deschutes National Forest, Trailhead Lodge offers a functional home base for guests looking to hit the slopes or simply unwind in the beauty of Central Oregon. Campers take note that RV (with hookups) and van camping are allowed in the West Village base area in winter and summer. 

The most convenient airport for reaching Mt. Bachelor is Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), located about 30 miles northeast of Bend. From there, travelers can rent a car or use shuttle services to get to Bend or Sunriver. For those coming from Portland, the drive takes roughly 3.5 hours via US-26 and OR-97, offering scenic views through the Deschutes National Forest.

Mt. Bachelor provides free parking at all three of its base areas and partners with Cascades East Transit to provide daily shuttles from Bend’s Park N’ Ride for only $12 round trip. Shuttle options are also available through various lodging partners. Mt. Bachelor also offers a free interlodge shuttle that runs continuously between base areas for ease of access between lifts and lodges.

Mt. Bachelor’s terrain is as diverse as it is expansive, with 4,323 acres of skiable space and 124 trails that wrap around the volcanic cone. The mountain is divided into several key zones, each offering a unique experience, from groomed cruisers and beginner-friendly trails to wide bowls, natural glades, and world-class tree skiing. From the summit, skiers can drop into 360 degrees of terrain, making it one of the few resorts in North America with such access.

Families and beginners will feel at home in the Sunrise area, where short chairlifts and magic carpets provide access to gentle slopes and a comfortable learning environment. These zones are ideal for first timers and young children.

Intermediate skiers will find a playground of green and blue trails across the east and front sides of mountain. Runs like Wanoga, Marshmallow, and Leeway offer wide, flowing descents with mellow pitch and stunning views. These areas are perfect for building confidence and exploring more of the mountain without venturing into advanced terrain.

Advanced skiers can head to Outback and Northwest lifts, where trails like Boomerang and Osprey Way deliver steeper pitches and access to powder caches, open blows, and glades of trees. The longest lift on the mountain, Northwest, stretches 8,377'and serves 2,365' of vertical drop.

Expert skiers will appreciate the chutes and bowls accessible from Summit lift, including terrain off Pinnacles and Cow’s Face. These areas are often wind-loaded and hold snow well, offering challenging descents with minimal crowds. While avalanche control is in place, some terrain requires caution and experience.

Mt. Bachelor also boasts a variety of terrain parks which cater to freestyle riders of all levels. With rotating features including rails, boxes, jumps, and berms, the resort’s park system is designed for progression and creativity. Mt. Bachelor also offers a 13-foot mini pipe under the Pine Marten lift. Whether you're carving groomers or exploring off-piste, Mt. Bachelor’s terrain offers something for every style.

If you’re chasing powder, head far west to Northwest lift or far east to Cloudchaser lift. These lifts access some of the deepest snow on the mountain, especially after a storm. The trees off Wanoga Way and the natural gullies of the West Bowls tend to hold untouched lines longer than the front side.

Midweek mornings are golden. You’ll find fewer crowds and freshly groomed trails like Thunderbird and Olympian, which are perfect for carving at speed. Avoid holidays if you’re looking for solitude, and aim for first chair to get the best conditions.

For a quieter experience, explore the terrain off Red Chair lift. The runs here, like Grotto and Red Lift Line, are less trafficked and offer a mix of open glades and technical descents. These areas are great for advanced skiers who want to escape the main flow.

Don’t miss the Cirque Bowl on a bluebird day. Accessible from the Summit lift, it offers panoramic views and steep lines that challenge even seasoned skiers. The snow here stays fresh thanks to its elevation and exposure, and the scenery is unmatched.

Families should check out the Sunrise Lodge area early in the day. It has easy access to beginner terrain like Marshmallow and Dilly Dally Alley.

For après-ski, head to Rock Bar at West Village. It’s the resort’s official spot for post-run drinks and grub, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and a gas fire pit overlooking the slopes. Try the local brews and grab a seat inside near the back windows for stunning views of the Cascades.

Want to ride park features without the pressure? Visit Short Sands off the Sunrise lift. It’s designed for progression, with mellow jumps, boxes, and rails that are perfect for building confidence. The layout encourages creativity without the intimidation of larger parks, like Canon Beach or Pacific City, which cater to advanced free riders.

If you’re staying in Bend, take advantage of the Cascades East Transit shuttle. It’s only $12 round trip, and makes stops at both West Village and Sunrise base areas. Parking can fill up on peak days, so this is a stress-free way to get on the mountain early.

On storm days, skip the summit and head to the lower lifts like Red Chair and Skyliner. Visibility is better, and the snow stacks up nicely in the trees. These areas are often overlooked but deliver great turns when the weather rolls in.

Finally, if you’re looking for a unique experience, plan your visit around a recurring Mt. Bachelor event, like Backcountry Bars, Kids Après, or May Basecamps. These activations make any ski day memorable, with unique experiences like craft beers and burritos at pop-up bars, helmet decorating and s’mores roasting, and live music on snow. Mt. Bachelor also hosts signature multiday events like RendezVan, the Dirksen Derby, Winter Pridefest, and the Gerry Lopez Big Wave Challenge.