The History of Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon

The middle of Oregon is not the first place U.S. or international skiers think of when it comes to downhill snow skiing. Mt. Bachelor is a ski resort located near Bend, Oregon. Located in central Oregon, it was established in 1958 and has since become one of the largest ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States – but is also still relatively unknown and underappreciated. The resort was originally built and operated by a group of local skiers and businesspeople, who saw the potential for a ski destination in the area despite its somewhat remote nature.

In the early years, Mt. Bachelor operated as a small ski area with just a few lifts (including its infamous “rope tow” adjacent to the main lodge) and runs. Over time, the resort expanded, adding new lifts, runs, and other amenities, as well as becoming more accessible with the construction of better roads and an airport in the nearby city of Bend. The tubing hill is pretty incredible as well – great for the kids of all ages who might not want to ski.

In the 1980s, Mt. Bachelor became known for its progressive freestyle skiing and snowboarding program, attracting young skiers and snowboarders from across the country. The resort continued to grow in popularity and today, Mt. Bachelor is known for its diverse terrain and challenging runs, attracting skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The best part is that you can basically just drive up and ski.

In recent years, Mt. Bachelor has also become a popular destination for summer activities, offering mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides. The resort continues to be a major economic driver for the surrounding communities and is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The drive from Bend is pretty incredible. Nearby there is plenty of lodging of all types.