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The Grumpy Guide to Winter Driving

Bachelor is open. The road is slick. Don’t be that driver. 

When Mt. Bachelor opened on November 15, it was the earliest the lifts had spun since 1998. That means I got a jump start on being cranky. 

That has nothing to do with the mountain or Powdr Corp. or the way the Skyliner lot fills up hours before it used to back in the Old Timey times when two hand pulled pints at Deschutes with a burger and a side Caesar cost you $12. No, no. Bachelor is one of my favorite places to ski and I’ve skied in about 20 countries. It’s that damn drive up. And it’s not even the drive, really. It’s the people who can’t just chill out that make me a frosty Ebenezer. You know who they are. 

They’re the yahoos who loathe the conga line and inexplicably try to frogger their way up a 20-mile line of cars. They drive too fast for conditions, jamming out to music I hate, and spin off the road in disbelief. (“I wasn’t going fast!”). Most of the time, nothing happens, until it does, and then the rest of us who were at least tolerating doing 45 have to either abort, wait or turn around and go through Sunriver. I hope no one gets hurt but the impatience is enough to make me pop. 

The worst of the bunch, in my grumble opinion, are the drivers who are either too inexperienced, too ignorant or too lazy to be prepared. I sorta get it, though, having been “that guy” myself when I first experienced a proper winter, in Montana, when Bush 1 was president. It didn’t take long for me to learn that a two-wheel drive pickup with bald tires isn’t a great way to get to Bridger. So I made other arrangements. That was the first winter I’d ever heard of AWD. 

Accidents are accidents and not “on purpose-ents.” We live in a place that attracts a lot of people who may arrive in rental cars or in their little two-wheel drive Westsidemobiles. A lot of locals work their asses off just to afford a pass, let alone a $30,000 Suby. And so they set out on Century Drive with an “it’ll be fine” attitude. Maybe it will. Maybe it won’t. But you have a choice. So, for the love of Ullr, here’s what I’m begging you to do:

Get proper snow tires. 

All-season tires are not proper snow tires. Those “mud and snow” tires, the ones that say M+S on them, are not proper snow tires. Get something like what I’m running this year, Nokian Hakkepeliittas, the “granddaddy of all winter tires,” as the guy at Discount Tire said.  

At the very least, look for the three peak mountain snowflake on your tires. That means they have been verified by a third party to perform in extreme winter conditions. The tread is good, yes, but the rubber compound remains flexible and grippy in cold temperatures. Nokian Tyres even makes an “ice grip” tire that goes a step further, which is what you’d expect from a Finnish company that invented the snow tire. Don’t think you need them? Your AWD or 4WD does nothing to help you stop or turn. That’s up to your tires. 

Studs vs no-studs

This is like asking, Deschutes or BBC? Everyone will have an opinion and swear theirs is right. The simple answer: Studs are superior when the road is slick as snot or packed in rock hard snow. But that’s it. Most of the time, like 95 percent of Central Oregon winter driving, proper non-studded snow tires are the way to go. They handle better on dry pavement than most studs do, too.

Slow down. (That means you.)

“Most people try to go too fast,” says Michael Johnson, a retired sheriff’s deputy who taught cops how to drive for years. Brake before you enter a curve, he says. Accelerate after you’ve come out of the curve. When coming downhill, downshift. “If you get the tire sliding and you try to turn, the car is going to just go straight,” he says. “Start managing this weight and energy when you can drive in a straight line, before a corner.”

Take a course.

Johnson offers a “Skid Car” training class with hands-on instruction on how to handle skids and slides using a car set atop a special rig that mimics losing traction. Have a young driver who loves to ski in your family? (I do). Best $100 ever spent.

Leave lots of room.

The person in front of you driving way too slow? Maybe it’s a young driver who’s playing it cautious because they worked all summer to save up for their first car and don’t want to smash it. Maybe it’s a visitor. Maybe that person just doesn’t want to risk making everyone else go around through Sunriver. So chill out. Back off. Enjoy the drive. Breathe. (Bend has classes on that.) You’ll get there a whole two minutes later. Who cares?

Take the bus.

I’ve lobbied for years that we need a ski train but while we’re waiting for that $10 billion idea we have the $7 Mt. Bachelor bus. Don’t have those snow tires? Take the bus. Don’t feel comfortable driving in the snow? Bus! Want to be a lay-arounder and not a zoom-arounder? Stay home and watch ski movies. I mean, take the bus! 

Opening day, I let my daughter skip school. We were giddy as could be until the guy in front me was doing 44 on dry pavement. Still, ever the role model, I backed off. Good thing. My brand new snow tires got a workout near Virginia Meissner, where winter really began. 

You know who didn’t have brand new snow tires? The guy in the white SUV who spun out near Swampy and got stuck in a snowbank. 

The Bachy 500 had begun. 

Keep up with the winter weather cams at Mt. Bachelor, or with our weekly report here.

Mt. Bachelor – More Than a Winter Destination

Year-Round Fun Just 26 Miles Away

Mt. Bachelor likely offers much more than you may think. For many skiers and snowboarders in Central Oregon, when the snow melts, the mountain may seem closed until next season. This is especially true if they aren’t taking advantage of the lift-access biking throughout the summer.

But this mountain offers so much more than skiing, snowboarding, and biking. Whether you are looking for a new place to grab dinner, hike, or descend 1,400 feet on the Northwest’s fastest zipline, Bachy has you covered. 

From winter to summer, spring and fall, something is always happening up on the hill — and it could be the gem you’ve been looking for.

Hiking Evergreen Trail Mt. Bachelor

Bachelor’s History

Over 65 years ago, local business owner Bill Healy had the idea of turning what was then known as Bachelor Butte into a downhill ski slope. On December 19, 1958, the renamed Mt. Bachelor opened with one pomalift and two rope tows. The slopes were only open on weekends and holidays, and patrons could expect to fork over a steep $3 per day for a lift ticket.

Over the years, we have seen growth from one lift and two ropes. In 1962, the first chairlift took skiers up the mountain to 7,700 feet. Two more lifts were installed in 1973, while Nordic skiing grew in popularity in the 70s. Bachelor continued to grow steadily through the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.

Today, Bend has North America’s 7th largest ski resort in its backyard, with over 4,300 acres of skiing terrain to tackle. There are 101 runs to choose from off of 12 lifts and over 3,300 vertical feet of elevation to ski down, with the longest run covering four miles.

Summer activities were soon to follow. The bike park started taking bikers up the chair lifts in the summer of 2013, and the infamous zipline opened in 2020.

Ditch the Lifts

Not all skiing has to start with you riding a chairlift to the top. Nordic and backcountry skiing are great alternatives to lift-access skiing. Bachy is home to world-class terrain in both categories.

Nordic Skiing Mt. Bachelor
Photo courtesy of Mt. Bachelor

Nordic Skiing

Do you want to take advantage of the nation’s longest-groomed Nordic ski season? You can, roughly 30 minutes from your front door. Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic Center boasts 56 km of groomed trails. 

No skis? No problem! The Nordic Center’s shop has everything you may need for a Nordic track for rent. They also offer a range of XC ski lessons and clinics throughout the season. After you’re done, warm your toes in their Nordic Cafe with a warm beverage.

Backcountry Skiing

Yes, you can actually ski uphill, which has grown in popularity over the past several years. Backcountry skiers place “skins” on the bottom of their skis, allowing uphill travel without sliding back down. Once they reach the top, the skins are removed, and hard work pays off with turns through chest-deep powder.

Backcountry skiing allows skiers to get away from the crowds and groomed trails to fully experience the beauty and solitude of the mountain. Snowboarders can also get away into the backcountry. Splitboards are designed in two pieces that form a snowboard when attached together but skis for going uphill when apart.

Terrain Park – Snow

If backcountry riding isn’t extreme enough, head to one of the many terrain parks. Woodward Mountain Parks puts on Woodward Mt. Bachelor, which brings jumps, rails, and a halfpipe to the slopes. 

Mt. Bachelor Woodward Terrain Park
Photo courtesy of Mt. Bachelor

The terrain parks are set up with sixteen Woodward Park Zones on the hill to encourage progression. Woodward categorizes the features in these zones, rating them on a scale from XS (extra small features) to L (large features). This allows newer riders to choose what zone they want to spend their time in— and which to avoid — based on their ability level.

Downhill Mountain Biking

As sunset dinners have laid the stage for the summer season, we can’t forget about the Mt. Bachelor Bike Park. Undoubtedly, Bendites are spoiled by the number of trail options. But, every once in a while, it is good to give those climbing legs a rest, riding the chair lift up to experience the adrenaline of downhill again and again.

Mountain biking at Mt. Bachelor
Photo Jules Jimreivat

Bikers can choose from over 13 miles of downhill trails accessed by the Pine Marten and Little Pine lifts. Trails range from beginner to expert, making this the perfect bike Park for any rider. There is also a full rental shop, bike lessons, camps for kids, and clinics for women.

Wrap up the day of riding park with food and a beer on the deck at the West Village Lodge.

Other Summer Activities

If biking isn’t your thing, a variety of other fair-weather activities occur throughout the summer. 

Hike the New Evergreen Trail

Officially opening August 1, 2024, Mt. Bachelor’s newest trail, Evergreen, is a multi-use trail stretching 4.5 miles from the West Village base area. Hikers can ascend and descend Evergreen, while bikers can only descend it. The moderate hike offers phenomenal views of high cascade lakes and surrounding mountains.

Couple hiking the Evergreen Trail at Mt. Bachelor

The mountain is also home to several other hiking trails, including two options for reaching the nearly 10,000-foot summit. Summit East and West Ridge trails are black diamond hikes stretching far above the tree line, so bring sunscreen and be prepared!

Biking Mt. Bachelor Summer

Zipline

For the most unique alpine experience, reserve a spot for their ZipTour Adventure. Starting at nearly 8,000 feet, the ZipTour is the nation’s highest, fastest, and steepest zip line. The three-stage zip tour will have you drop 1,400 feet as you start high above the treeline before dropping in amongst the pines.

Disc Golf

If you’ve played all the disc golf courses Bend and surrounding cities offer, it is time to head west. Bachy’s 18 holes are free to play (no lift ticket required) and will challenge even the most experienced disc golfer.

Photo courtesy of Mt. Bachelor

Sunset Dinners at Bachelor

Bend is known for its phenomenal mountain views and some of the most gorgeous sunsets. But nothing will beat watching the sunset at 7800 feet over drinks and world-class food.

Gorgeous plated sunset dinner at Mt. Bachelor
Photo by Dan Price

During the summer, sunset dinners are offered at the Pine Marten Lodge on Thursday through Sunday evenings. Space is limited, as seating starts at 5:00 p.m., ends at 7:45 p.m., and only goes through September 1, so make your reservations now. Reservations for the dinner include a complimentary chairlift ride up and down from the Pine Marten Lodge.

The Sunset Dinner Views at Mt. Bachelor
Photo by Dan Price

Annual Events

Any season high in the Cascades wouldn’t be complete without the phenomenal annual events hosted on the slopes and at the lodges. Whether you aim to participate or want to go as a spectator, Bachelor’s events don’t disappoint. 

Here are just a few.

Peace Park Party!

Fun music, free giveaways, and good vibes all day. This party starts at Peace Park and then picks up again on the deck of the West Village Lodge. More music, drinks, dancing, and live DJs make this the terrain park dance party to go to!

RendezVan

Van-lifers, RVers, and car campers make the West Village parking lot their home for a long weekend. Ski during the day and dance by night as you grove with fellow travelers to the live music dotted throughout the time there. You know what they say: home is where you park it.

Pond Skimming

As winter ends, we in Bend say goodbye to the snow each year with the annual Pond Skim Championships. 100 participants are tasked with taking on the pond, attempting to skim across the surface 100 feet to the other side. Prizes are plentiful and include a season pass for the following ski season.

Is turning your snow skis into water skis, not your thing? No worries. But don’t miss out on being a spectator of this event! Crack a beer and be ready to cheer the skimmers across those icy waters.

Pray for Snow

It isn’t just the name of a great beer by 10 Barrel Brewing. As fall slowly turns toward winter, skiers and snowboarders around Bend start praying for snow each season. And even before Bachy opens, we are connected to its slopes.

Many will head to the Cinder Cone on the mountain’s north side to get those preseason laps in. Climbing more than 700 feet to the cone’s summit is a bit of a bear, but many say it is worth it to get that feeling again before the chair lifts start turning.

Keeping You Connected

Mt. Bachelor prioritizes keeping its community up to date with all events and happenings. Whether you are on the hill or not, daily reports are provided on their website to help patrons prepare for a day on the slopes. 

In addition to the weather and conditions, culture is shared through video and media projects. You can explore what they are up to at the hill on their YouTube channel and other social media platforms.

Mountain Fuel

Staying hydrated and fueled up is an essential aspect of all outdoor activities. Even though Mt. Bachelor feels like it is in our backyard, it is important to remember that you will be exposed to much higher elevation. Biking takes place well above 7,000 feet, and skiing and hiking can reach the summit, just over 9000 feet. Elevations like this can be more strenuous on your body than you’d expect.

Egan's Outpost at Mt. Bachelor
Photo by Tambi Lane

Bring snacks and lots of water for your adventures. The different lodges have places to refill water bottles between laps, so plan accordingly. In addition to water and food, wear sunscreen and bring extra to reapply between laps. 

Be safe up there!

Your Guide to an Unforgettable Spring Break in Central Oregon

Springtime in Central ​Oregon is never just one thing. You can spend a bluebird day skiing at Mt. Bachelor or lace up your tennis shoes for a run on one of Central Oregon’s many river trails. Those brave enough, and able to get their hands on a wetsuit, ​can surf at the Bend Whitewater Park. You might even do all three in one day, known as a Bend trifecta, topping off the action-packed fun with an après-beer on a local brewery’s patio.

Whether you’re visiting ​for a spring break getaway or a local in need of a little inspiration to enhance your staycation, this is your guide for planning the perfect spring break in Central Oregon.

Springtime Weather in Central Oregon

Spring in Central Oregon boasts a ​wealth of diverse activities, thanks to its varied weather forecast. Temperatures range from the refreshing 40s to the balmy (for us) 60s, and while the sun often graces the region with its presence, don’t be surprised by the occasional spring shower or flurry of snow. Come prepared for the whims of Mother Nature by packing for every possibility, from ski boots to hiking gear, puffy jackets to​ tank tops. Ensure that you’re ready to seize the day, snow or shine.

kayaking near smith rock oregon

Spring Hiking in Central Oregon

As winter loosens its grip on Central Oregon, spring is an ideal time to grab your boots and hit the trails to soak up the changing season. Take the family for a tour at beautiful destinations such as Smith ​Rock State Park, Tumalo Falls or the Deschutes River Trail and enjoy their stunning scenery. Or, head off the beaten path and explore hidden gems like the Larry Chipwood Loop through the Badlands or the Preserve Rim and Creek Loop in Whychus ​Canyon—where Central Oregon’s rare but colorful wildflowers bloom. Grab your daypack, embrace the crisp spring air and enjoy the beauty of spring hiking in Central Oregon.

Spring Skiing in Central Oregon

Spring skiing in Central Oregon is hard to beat, with Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo Ski Area both boasting longer-than-average ski seasons, ​you can expect to be carving tracks well into the sun-kissed days of April and May. This means spring-breakers in March are likely to enjoy a solid snow-base and bluebird conditions. With an array of exciting events filling the spring calendars at both mountains, ​from whimsical costume contests to après-ski soirées, there’s​ never a dull moment on Central Oregon’s mountains.

spring fishing
Photo by Arian Stevens

Spring Fishing in Central Oregon

Cast your line into the crystal-clear waters ​of the Deschutes and Metolius rivers to discover why spring is the angler’s paradise in Central Oregon. As the snow melts and the rivers swell, hungry trout eagerly await their next meal. ​Whether you’re a fly-fishing pro or a novice angler, Central Oregon rivers offers endless opportunities to reel in your next trophy catch. ​Join local guides as they lead you to secret fishing spots in Central Oregon, sharing their expertise and tales of the one that got away.

Spring Mountain Biking in Central Oregon

The melting snow also uncovers spring mountain biking trails ready to offer hours of adventure. Embrace the thrill of spring ​mountain biking in Central Oregon, whether you’re cruising some of the renowned Phil’s Trail network or taking the whole family for a spin around on the Maston Trail system. For seasoned riders ​and novices alike, spring is the perfect time to jump behind the handlebars and explore the natural beauty of Central Oregon on two wheels. Click to read the full guide on mountain biking in Central Oregon.

Phil's Trail in Bend Oregon
Photo by Samantha Weald

Indoor Activities in Central Oregon

Don’t say we didn’t warn you–our weather really is dynamic and unpredictable. But worry not, when the forecast isn’t cooperating, there​ are plenty of indoor activities in Central Oregon to enjoy when the sun is elusive. Wrangle the family for some fun at Mountain Air Trampoline Park or treat yourself to a relaxing soak at McMenamins Old St. Francis School before unwinding with a movie at their on-site theater. Challenge your crew to a board game battle at Modern Games or show off your skills at Pickleball​ Zone Bend. No matter what the ​weather brings, there are plenty of ways to fill your days in Central Oregon.

K1 Speed
Photo courtesy K1 Speed

Dining and Après Adventure

After a thrilling day on the slopes, rivers or trails, unwind with the vibrant après-activity culture of Central Oregon. Check out an array of lively food cart lots, such as The Lot or The Podski, offering laid-back vibes and high-quality ​fare. Visit longtime après-ski, bike or hike hangout Parrilla Grill for their hearty burritos, or cozy up with a beer and pizza by the fire at 10 Barrel Brewing. Families will ​find fun at Pacific Pizza & Brew, Jackson’s Corner or Bend Brewing Company.

Boss Rambler Coffee

Seeking a lively scene? Boss Rambler Beer Club and The Commons Cafe regularly host lively afternoon parties. ​For a touch of upscale dining, make a reservation at Lady Bird Cultural Society, Dear Irene or BOSA Food & Drink. Wherever you ​end up, we trust you’ll find a hearty meal and enough fuel to keep the spring break fun going.

 

Ski for All

Join us for the 7th Annual Ski For All at Mt Bachelor on March 16th, 2024 to celebrate the OAS community and raise critical funds to support our mission to create high quality outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities. The Ski For All Games are a rite of passage, designed to challenge even the world’s greatest and most fun loving skiers & riders to see who can truly have the BEST DAY EVER on snow!

Score as many points as possible by completing a variety of fun and inclusive challenges on the mountain. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants in youth, teen, adult and masters age groups (inclusive of ability and gender). The more points you score the more raffle tickets you can redeem to win epic prizes at the After-Party at Bend Brewing Co!

Cloudchaser Lift
photo by Jon Tapper
Photo by Jon Tapper

We aren’t sure if Mt. Bachelor officials intentionally named the high speed lift after a “My Little Pony” character, but we are giving them props for it anyway. Cloudchaser, as the lift and the pony are known, is expected to debut in time for holiday break at Mt. Bachelor, opening up more than 600 acres of new east-side terrain, including lower Cow’s Face area.

Blackhawk ConcreteWhile locals are familiar with the chutes, glades and secret powder stashes tucked below Cow’s Face, the terrain has not been easily accessible. When conditions and operations converge, the skiing and riding can be without equal, but so is the hike out. Frequent winter storms result in less than predictable operation of Summit chair, and Rainbow chair remains a last resort for many locals. The Cloudchaser lift should resolve those access issues, opening a significant swath of moderate terrain to families and younger skiers. It should also help spread out crowds during the peak visitor days over winter and spring break, particularly around Sunrise, where lift lines can grow painfully long. “The capacity of that entire area is going to be completely improved,” said Stirling Cobb, Mt. Bachelor’s director of communications. In addition to the roughly six miles of new groomed terrain opened by Cloudchaser, Mt. Bachelor is shortening the Rainbow chair, cutting the ride time from almost thirteen minutes to just about eight minutes.  Lifts aren’t the only things being tweaked. West Village Lodge is getting a makeover with an expanded patio that will stretch from the Clearing Rock area across the front of the building. The slopeside staircase will be removed with access points moving to either side of the building.

Dinner with a View

MtBach

Sunset dinners serve up one of Central Oregon’s best-kept summer secrets.

For six months of the year, dining on the slopes of Mt. Bachelor typically entails handwarmers, hot chocolate and chili cheese fries, but summertime takes Mt. Bachelor cuisine to new heights. On weekends, guests can ride the chairlift up to the mid-mountain Pine Marten Lodge for dinner and a sunset at 7,800 feet, with stunning views of nearby Broken Top and South and Middle Sisters.

“The drive up to the mountain is beautiful and the chairlift ride up to the restaurant is thrilling—especially for those who normally don’t ski, it’s an amazing experience,” said Mt. Bachelor’s hospitality director, Chas Savage.

Started in 2009, the first sunset dinners on the mountain were originally served on Labor Day weekend. They became so popular that Mt. Bachelor staff extended the service through summer, starting in early July. Food is served buffet-style, with a different theme each week. After dinner, guests gather out on the deck for sunset and linger until twilight, then ride the chairlift down (blankets provided on chilly nights). This year, the lift ticket is included in the price, with beer and wine tasting as well as live music scheduled throughout the summer.

This year also brings a fixed price menu. For $39 to $49 guests can feast on fare centered around rotating themes. Currently planned themes include Tuscan, American barbecue, Hawaiian and seafood, all served at one of the highest elevations in the state.

During the day, the Pine Marten bar is open with limited lunch options at Scapolo’s, the lodge’s year-round restaurant. Stirling Cobb, Mt. Bachelor’s marketing director, said that dinners are diners’ favorite because the sunsets beat even the dessert.

“With the Sisters and Broken Top right in front of the lodge, at night it’s pretty special up there,” Cobb said. “It’s something that most people have never seen, and coming down on the chairlift after dark is definitely one of the cooler things to experience at Bachelor in summer.”

Dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting at 5 p.m.
July 8 through Labor Day. Reservation-only, 800.829.2442

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