Fresh snow covers Mount Bachelor as crews prep for ski season
Kelsey Merison
(Update: Adding info and video from KTVZ News trip to Mt.Bachelor, comments from Director of Operations)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Winter arrived early on Mount Bachelor with a fresh blanket of snow Sunday night — about five inches at the base by morning.
KTVZ News cameras captured a wintry scene of fog and frost across Mount Bachelor Village, where trees were coated in ice and visibility dipped low through the early hours. While the resort hasn’t yet opened for the ski season, the overnight snow has staff eyeing the forecast and ramping up preparations for winter operations.
“We’re still in a wait-and-see situation after the five inches we received last night,” said Dustin Smith, director of mountain operations. “We have several projects still underway that we need to wrap up before opening, but for now, we’re targeting November 28th.”
Maintenance crews are currently servicing ski lifts and clearing vegetation around the mountain ahead of the busy season.
And although the slopes remain closed for now, visitors still have a reason to head up the mountain. Mount Bachelor is debuting its new “Movies in the Mountains” series — a lineup of drive-in films projected in the village parking lot.
The first showing, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” is set for October 17, with the soundtrack broadcast straight to car radios.
KTVZ has issued a Local Alert Weather Day as the area is expected to receive a mix of rain and snow. Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions by clicking here.
Credit: Mt. Bachelor
Here are some reminders and additional information from Mt. Bachelor:
“The resort is closed and the slopes are uncontrolled and unpatrolled. Biking on Mt. Bachelor trails is NOT allowed during this time. Hikers should call 911 in the case of an emergency.
Looks like our snow dances paid off! The mountain is covered in white and the snowstake is out, so keep tabs on the webcams to get stoked for Opening Day on Friday, November 28. Conditions permitting, we’ll spin Skyliner, Little Pine, and Pine Marten lifts to kick off the 2025/26 season.
Lock in your season pass or daily lift tickets online.
In the shoulder season, join us for nostalgic drive-in movies on October 17 and 24. We’ll be showing Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus – two classics that the whole family will love – slopeside in the West Village parking lot. Check out our Events Calendar for details and to purchase tickets.
As a reminder, Sun Country Tours in Bend is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday-Friday and 10:00am to 5:00pm Saturday-Sunday. The Mt. Bachelor Sports Pro Shop is open Friday-Sunday starting October 17th. Shop from the best selection in the PNW, and don’t forget we offer Season-Long Rentals at the best value in town. Visit our Schedule & Operating page for more details.
Follow us on social @mtbachelor or sign up for our email newsletter to stay in the know.”