Ski and Snowboard at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon: Total Snow-Sport Paradise
Those Pacific storm systems that swirl across the Weather Channel map can drop from 8 to 10 inches of new snow per storm in the Oregon Cascades. The natural snowfall can exceed 25 feet per year. Mt Bachelor is the place to go for the total snow sport package. http://www.sunriverlodging.com/mtbachelor.htm
Mt. Bachelor in central Oregon is touted as being the top ranking snowboard and ski resort destination in the Northwest. Mt Bachelor is a short twenty miles from the city of Bend, Oregon. It is located in the Deschutes National Forest and can be accessed from all sides. The peak of the mountain is 9,065 feet and the resort boasts 71 runs with 3,365 feet vertical and a world class lift system. In fact Ski Magazine ranked the lift system #1 for 4 out of the last 5 years. http://www.skisnowboard.com/mtbachelor
Nice reputation and the mountain lives up to it. The ability to access the mountain from all sides means there is a wide variety of terrain available so snow lovers of all skill levels can find just what they are looking for.
Do you like the uncontrolled rush of tubing? Look for the Snowblast Tubing Park. If Cross country sking or snowshoeing is really what you would rather do then find the Nordic Center. Ever been on a dog sled ride? Go over to the Trail of Dreams and find out what dog sleds are all about and go for a ride of your life. What ever your favorite activity or secret wish is for a snow sport vacation you can find it here. Check out all the information you need at http://www.mt.bachelor.com/ or call 800-829-2442 or (541) 382-2442.
Really Little Ones: To start out with the wee ones there is the Mt Bachelor Daycare Center that is staffed by highly trained professionals whose prime focus is ensuring the comfort and fun of your child while you are on the slopes. If you have a season pass you receive 10% off daycare during midweek/non-holiday times. (Daycare starts at 6 weeks and up)
Just Learning: The Wonder Carpet is a children’s ski school that combines correct technique with having fun.
Snowboarders: Mt Bachelor has welcomed snow boarders from the beginning of the sport. Snowboarders head to the North West part of the mountain to zing down deep powder chutes that cut right through the Deschutes National Forest. You will find the slalom, giant slalom, half-pipe and free ride area. New to snow boarding players should take advantage of the Guarantee Package: $49. for a snowboard, boots, and instructions for as long as it takes for you to make a successful ride on the beginner lift.
Cross Country ski or Snowshoe: Look for the Mt Bachelor Nordic Center in the just off the parking lot at the West Village base lodge. There are miles of machine groomed trails with easy to more advanced trails with names like First Time Around, an easy loop. The Zigzag, is an intermediate trail that meanders off to a heated shelter (worth the trip just for the views). An then the Common Corridor for those more advanced snow adventurers who are looking for freestyle terrain.
Mt Bachelor is world famous for its big terrain, dry snow and high desert ambiance. The resorts offer some of the best deals in the snow world on lift tickets and if you would rather spend time on the ice there are ice skating rinks at Sunriver and Inn of the Seventh Mountain.
The Mountain itself does not offer hotels or condominiums but the city of Bend just 20 minutes away has an array of accommodations. Two rather well known places to stay are:
Mt Bachelor Village
http://www.mtbachelorvillage.com
19717 Mt. Bachelor Drive, Bend, Or. 97702
1-800-547-5204
The Inn of the Seventh Mountain
http://www.seventhmountain.com
Seventh Mountain Resort
18575 SW Century Drive
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 382-8711
(800) 452-6810 (Reservations Only)
There are many Hotel and Motel listings for the Bend area plus extraordinary shopping opportunities. Going to Bend for the Snow sports is only half the fun. The four towns that service the Mt Bachelor area (Bend, Sisters, Redmond, and Sunriver) have all the amenities from destination resorts to intimate Bed and Breakfast accommodations. Shopping in the area includes the latest in ski and snowboarding apparel and equipment.
How to Get to Mt Bachelor:
Mt Bachelor is just 20 miles from Bend out the Cascade Lakes Highway to the southwest. Shuttles to the mountain and back to Bend are only $5. one way. There are direct flights into the Redmond/Bend Municipal Airport from San Francisco, Seattle and Portland. Greyhound service goes directly into Bend. Amtrak service goes to Chemult about 45 miles south of Sunriver. Driving from the North or South is on Highway 97 and from the West on Highway 20
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