Discover What Makes Mt. Bachelor One of America’s Best Spring Skiing Destinations

BY OnTheSnow Staff
January 28, 2025

Sponsored by Mt. Bachelor 

No ski resort delivers spring skiing quite like Mt. Bachelor, one of North America’s largest ski resorts. Rising high above Central Oregon’s high desert, just outside of Bend, Mt. Bachelor is known for its volcanic landscape, expansive ski terrain, and one of the longest ski seasons in the country. Thanks to its elevation, consistent snowfall, and unique 360-degree layout, the mountain stays open late into spring, offering skiers and riders a chance to extend their ski season long after many resorts have closed. 

But spring at Mt. Bachelor isn’t just about squeezing in a few final turns. It’s a complete, one-of-a-kind experience, headlined by soft snow, sunny days, unique events, and easy access to the best that Central Oregon has to offer. Discover why Mt. Bachelor stands out as one of America’s top spring skiing destinations and start planning your trip. 

Mt. Bachelor Has Some Of The Best Spring Skiing In America 

Spring skiing at Mt. Bachelor benefits from an extraordinary combination of elements that you won’t just find anywhere: A 9,065-foot summit, consistent snowfall that continues late into spring, a whopping 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain, and 360 degrees of skiing off a dormant stratovolcano. The mountain often receives snow far into spring, helping preserve deep coverage across its wide-open bowls, groomers, and glades late into spring.  

As temperatures warm, Mt. Bachelor’s terrain transforms into classic spring conditions—firm in the morning, soft and carvable by midday. With 360 degrees of skiing off the summit, guests can follow the sun and find prime snow throughout the day. Spring also brings lighter crowds and longer days, giving skiers and riders more space and time to explore. Mt. Bachelor is on the Ikon Pass, with full Ikon Pass holders getting 7 days with no blackout days. Ikon Base Pass holders get 5 days and Ikon Session Pass holders get 4 days, with blackout dates that apply. 

Skiing through soft spring snow at Mt. Bachelor
©Mt. Bachelor

Cloudchaser lift is a good starting place for intermediates, who can access rolling groomers and veer off for fun tree skiing and riding. Northwest, with its 2,365’ of vertical, is popular with more advanced skiers and riders who are looking for off-piste powder stashes, glades, and some of the resort’s longest runs. Freestylers love Mt. Bachelor for Woodward Mountain Park, featuring a network of terrain zones across the mountain. It has everything from learning-based terrain zones to progression-focused parks to the Performance Venue near West Village.  

The fun continues once the lifts stop spinning with Mt. Bachelor’s incredible après-ski scene. There’s the aptly named Sun Bar, at the southwest corner of Sunrise Lodge overlooking the Woodward Learning Zone. It boasts a sprawling patio and a solid selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Over at West Village Lodge, the Clearing Rock Bar, aka The Rock, enjoys a perfect view of the mountain from the lodge deck, and has a great selection of rotating beers on tap and a good food menu. 

Group of friends toasting cans
©Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor Has An Incredible Lineup Of Spring Events 

The slopes are just the beginning of the action at Mt. Bachelor. Spring is chock-full of amazing events, from live music and on-mountain parties to themed ski days and end-of-season celebrations. Headliners include the Subaru WinterFest, a one-of-a-kind music and mountain lifestyle tour in late March, and RendezVan, a celebration of spring skiing and RV/van life in April with free music, spring pass deals, food and drink vendors, and fun competitions over four days. At the tail end of the season, don’t miss Base Camp, which happens over most weekends in May, featuring a beer garden, live music, and more at the West Village base area. 

Musicians playing on stage at festival at Mt. Bachelor
©Mt. Bachelor

There Are More Adventures Than Almost Any Other Ski Destination 

One of Mt. Bachelor’s biggest advantages is what lies beyond the lifts. Located in the heart of Central Oregon, the resort sits near an incredible range of outdoor adventures that extend well past skiing and riding. At the resort itself is the world-class Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center, featuring the longest groomed Nordic season in North America and a sprawling network of 56 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. There are also 10 km of snowshoe trails. 

An endless number of adventures can be found nearby. Hike to beautiful waterfalls, enjoy hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails, go for a float or paddle on the Deschutes River, get a round of golf in at one of the area’s 25-plus golf courses, or drive the beautiful Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. Mt. Bachelor, and the stunning outdoor landscapes that surround it, are your proverbial adventure oyster. 

Aerial of Mt. Bachelor
©Mt. Bachelor

The Town Of Bend Has An Amazing Après Scene 

No spring ski trip to Mt. Bachelor is complete without spending time in Bend. Just a short drive from the resort, Bend is known for its laid-back mountain-town energy, incredible food scene, and legendary craft beer culture. Visitors can explore the Old Mill District—home to more than 55 restaurants, bars, and shops—sip patio drinks overlooking the Deschutes River or Mirror Pond, and dive into downtown Bend’s lively dining and nightlife, which includes high-end restaurants, renowned breweries, and charming speakeasy bars. Bend is also where most travelers stay, since it’s conveniently located less than a half-hour from both Mt. Bachelor and Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), which has 30 daily flights by several major U.S. airlines. 

Start planning your trip at mtbachelor.com.