Just 20 minutes outside of Bend, Oregon, the wonderful Mount Bachelor Ski Resort has been a ski destination for more than 70 years. With plenty of lifts for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels, it's also a summer must-see for the majestic views. It's one of the big reasons Bend has become a vacation go-to for nearly everybody (well, that and the beer).
Must see and must do at Mt Bachelor
Any skier or snowboarder of any skill level spending more than 12 hours during the winter in Central Oregon must head up to Bachelor. If you didn't bring your equipment, there are plenty of rental shops in town and on the mountain. From beginner to advanced, there are trails and lifts for everybody. Even moderate skiers won't have too much difficulty on certain backside trails. The summit, when it's open, is not the easiest trail but the views are tremendous (and it's going to be very windy at the summit. Remember, you're at the top of a mountain. Hang on to your hat). In the summer season, ride the lift and play a round of disc golf, go mountain biking on the trails, or just take a ride for a fine dinner in a beautiful location. For the non-skiers or small ones (but at least 3'6"), the tubing park is open on weekends, and weekdays during holiday times (check the website for full details).
Best and worst time to go to Mt Bachelor
Winter break -- generally the last two weeks in December -- is the busiest time to ski at Bachelor, and the pricing reflects this. Weekends are also very busy, so the earlier you can get there the better. Weekdays even when school is in session can also get busy, but the key is to go early and be on the first lift at 9 am. Alternatively, wait until after noon for an afternoon ticket as crowds thin out later in the day, but conditions in the afternoon can vary wildly. Crowds also vary depending on the weather. Sometimes it looks like a lousy day in town but the mountain is above the clouds, making for a marvelous blue contrast.
Admission to Mt Bachelor
Flex pricing means that a weekday in December is priced differently than a weekday in April. Prices vary for adults, seniors, teens and under 12s. There are also afternoon-only and multi-day passes available. Specials deals pop up every now and again -- charity tickets, one-day super-savers, and so on. But be aware that even with the specials, full-day adult lift tickets are rarely under $50. The tubing park is less expensive but the two-hour sessions can and do sell out. In the summer, chairlift rides start around $15-$20.
Cell phone service at Mt Bachelor
Cell service varies because, well, you're at about 10,000 feet in the wilderness. It's to be expected. There are a number of repeaters around so if you're in the parking lot, on a main trail or near a lift you'll probably be able to get a signal, but that percentage decreases drastically the more you head into the backcountry or into the trees, especially on a blustery day. Don't ski or snowboard and text. Better yet, just use your phone as a camera and enjoy the views from 10,000 feet.
Insider tip for Mt Bachelor
Even when skies are gray in Bend, quite often Bachelor is above the clouds, making for really spectacular views and combinations of sun and shadows. In the winter it's going to be cold and it's probably going to be windy, but you're on the mountain having a spectacular day and that's going to be worth it. Typically the busiest day of the year is the day after school gets out for winter break, so try to avoid that madness if at all possible. Pick the right weekday and it'll feel like you're the only one on the mountain. Don't be afraid of spring skiing, either. For the final month or two the prices are lower, the conditions are nicer, the crowds are mostly gone and the snow can be pretty good.
Author's bio: Alex Drude is a Bay Area native. He believes in spring skiing. Follow his sports and travel musings on Twitter @Alex_Drude and on Facebook.