BEND, Ore. — Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort in Central Oregon woke up to a fresh blanket of snow on Monday morning, marking a welcome turn in what has been a sluggish start to the winter season. The resort reported 6 inches of snowfall overnight from Sunday into Monday, with forecasts predicting an additional 2 to 4 inches throughout the day. This precipitation comes as temperatures hover in the upper 20s, providing ideal conditions for building the snowpack essential for the ski season.
The new snow arrives at a critical time for Mt. Bachelor, which typically opens its lifts in late November but has faced delays this year due to unseasonably warm and dry weather across the Pacific Northwest. Officials at the resort said the overnight dump has improved conditions significantly, though skiers and snowboarders are advised to exercise caution on the slopes. "Conditions improved drastically today, but it’s still variable out there," Presley Quon, the resort's communications and community relations manager, told reporters. She added that the weather pattern shift could lead to even more accumulation, noting, "We could see over a foot by Thursday, which would be great for the snowpack."
Mt. Bachelor, located about 22 miles west of Bend in the Deschutes National Forest, spans over 4,300 acres of terrain and is a cornerstone of Oregon's outdoor recreation economy. The resort's 430 inches of average annual snowfall usually draws thousands of visitors from across the West Coast, but this season's late start has tested the patience of locals and tourists alike. According to resort data, the area received minimal snow in October and early November, pushing back the planned opening date by several weeks.
The broader Pacific Northwest has experienced similar challenges, with mountain regions from Washington to Northern California seeing delayed snowfalls linked to a persistent high-pressure system that lingered through the fall. Meteorologists attribute this to shifting climate patterns, though they emphasize that such variability is not uncommon in the region's weather. The National Weather Service in Pendleton forecasted continued light snow for Mt. Bachelor through Tuesday, with accumulations potentially totaling 8 to 10 inches by midweek.
For the resort's staff, the fresh powder is a relief after weeks of preparation without substantial natural snow. Grooming crews have been working overtime to maintain base layers using man-made snow, but Quon stressed that natural snowfall is irreplaceable for optimal conditions. "The new snowfall points to a positive change in weather patterns," she said, echoing reports from the resort's daily updates. Skiers are urged to stick to open and groomed runs, avoiding off-piste areas where visibility and stability could be compromised.
Local businesses in Bend, a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, have felt the impact of the delayed season. Shop owners along Wall Street, the city's lively downtown corridor, reported slower traffic in recent weeks as would-be skiers held off on trips. "We've been crossing our fingers for this kind of news," said Mike Harlan, manager of a nearby gear rental shop. Harlan noted that bookings have picked up since Sunday's snowfall announcement, with families from Portland and Seattle inquiring about lift tickets and lessons.
The resort's management has implemented safety protocols in response to the variable conditions. Patrol teams are monitoring avalanche risks, which remain low but could increase with heavier accumulations. Mt. Bachelor operates 101 runs across 10 lifts, including the iconic Summit Express serving the 9,065-foot peak. With the current forecast, officials expect to open additional terrain soon, potentially bringing the total open area to over 50% of the mountain by the weekend.
Environmental advocates in the region view the snowfall as a mixed blessing. While it bolsters the snowpack vital for summer water supplies in the Deschutes River Basin, concerns persist about long-term trends. The Oregon Environmental Council has highlighted how warmer winters could disrupt ecosystems, though they welcomed the immediate boost for winter sports. "It's good to see nature cooperating for now," said a spokesperson, who requested anonymity pending further data.
Historically, Mt. Bachelor has weathered lean snow years before, adapting with snowmaking capabilities that cover about 20% of the beginner terrain. In 2019, a similarly slow start gave way to a record-breaking February, salvaging the season. Resort president John McLeod, in a recent interview with local media, expressed optimism based on long-range forecasts showing a wetter pattern through March.
As the snow continues to fall, excitement is building among the skiing community. Social media posts from the resort show early risers carving fresh tracks under clear skies, with the pine-covered slopes transforming into a winter wonderland. One visitor, Portland resident Elena Vasquez, shared her experience: "It was worth the wait—the powder was perfect, even if it's just the beginning." Vasquez, a season pass holder, plans to return later in the week if the predicted foot of snow materializes.
The influx of visitors could provide an economic jolt to Central Oregon, where tourism accounts for nearly 30% of the local economy. The Bend Chamber of Commerce estimates that a strong ski season generates over $100 million annually in visitor spending on lodging, dining, and activities. With holiday travel approaching, the timely snowfall positions Mt. Bachelor to capture a share of the market typically dominated by bigger resorts like those in Colorado.
Looking ahead, meteorologists warn that while the current system is promising, the winter remains unpredictable. El Niño influences could bring more volatility, alternating between storms and dry spells. Mt. Bachelor officials are preparing contingency plans, including extended operations into April if the snowpack holds. Quon reiterated the call for caution: "Skiers and riders are asked to stay near open and groomed terrain to ensure everyone has a safe experience."
In the end, this snowfall represents not just a meteorological event but a lifeline for a community intertwined with the rhythms of the mountains. As the flakes settle and the lifts begin to hum, Mt. Bachelor stands ready to embrace the season it was built for, one run at a time.
— Sarah Mitchell, The Appleton Times