A Masterpiece in Central Oregon
Story by Kim Cooper Findling
Bill Healy and the Skyliner Ski Club began exploring Bachelor Butte, 9,065 feet elevation, with ideas of founding a ski resort over 50 years ago. On December 19, 1958, a tow-rope and Poma lift opened and the Mt. Bachelor Ski Area was born.
Facilities have improved considerably since the mountain’s beginnings as a recreation destination. Today, 3,683 acres of terrain and 71 runs are accessible by lift. 1,600 acres are groomed daily. Lift facilities include seven express quads, three triple chairlifts, one wonder carpet and two tubing lifts. Nordic skiers enjoy 56 kilometers of machine-groomed and track set nightly.
Snowboarding didn’t even exist fifty years ago. Now, some of the greatest snowboarders in the West have tried out the Mt. Bachelor Superpipe, which has served as home to the Chevy Truck U.S. Snowboard Grand Prix and 2006 Olympic Qualifier. Next to the Pine Marten Express, the Superpipe is 400 feet long with 18.5 foot walls. Advanced to pro boarders are most likely found on the Slopestyle Arena, which has the largest features on the mountain including tables, step-ups and step-downs in the large category, along with more challenging rails.
Sunshine Park offers small features, for boarders getting comfortable with a riding park. Rollers and banked turns help new riders get used to transitions and snow features. Sunshine is located next to the Sunshine Accelerator. Mt. Bachelor hosts several competitions each year, many of which are spectator-friendly.
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