Hello Bend! Fall is in the air and for our local avid skiers and snowboarders that means it’s time to start thinking about our season pass options at Mt. Bachelor. Although things will look and operate quite differently for the 2020/2021 ski season, we can’t wait to get back on the slopes!
Since there are so many people new to Central Oregon, planning a move to our area, or considering a winter visit, we thought we would offer a quick overview of what to expect at Mt. Bachelor this year. With all the ever-evolving COVID protocols, there is a lot to know before you go!
Flashback: I vividly remember our last ski day at Mt. Bachelor in March 2020. It was a Saturday and the local schools had closed just days before. We had the best family day on the mountain! Not knowing what was ahead of us, with COVID19 sweeping the nation, we were thankful we had the most beautiful outdoor playground at our fingertips. It seemed like social distancing in it’s most organic form! Although we understand their reasons, it came as a shock when Mt. Bachelor closed lift operations the very next day and we weren’t sure what was in store for the 20/21 season! Thankfully, Mt. Bachelor has had time to plan and prepare to bring us the safest experience on the mountain this winter. Check out a quick overview below of what to expect when you head up to Mt. Bachelor for the 2020/2021 season.
Mt. Bachelor Season Passes
Full Season Pass: A Mt. Bachelor Full Season Pass is valid every day during the winter season (tentatively planned from late November through May) with no restrictions or blackout dates. This is the only pass that is unrestricted during the winter season, so if you want to ski and ride during holiday periods, this is the pass to purchase. Deadline to purchase a full season pass is 9/30/20.
Mid-Week Season Pass: The Midweek Pass is valid Monday through Friday during the 2020/21 winter season excluding December 26, 2020 – January 2, 2021. Midweek Passholders receive special offers every month, including invitations to exclusive opportunities and discounts on Mt. Bachelor products and services. The Midweek Pass is non-transferable and non-refundable.
12-Day Pass: The convenient direct-to-lift pass for less. If you do not ski and ride enough to warrant a Full Season Pass purchase, but still want the convenience of a direct-to-lift pass, the 12-Day Pass is the right choice for you. Valid for 12 scattered days throughout the 2020/21 winter season, excluding December 26, 2020 – Jan 2, 2021, January 16-17, 2021 and February 13-14, 2021.
4-Day Pass: Pick any four days of the season to ski and ride. If you only have the time or the budget to visit Mt. Bachelor on a handful of days during the winter season, but still want the convenience of a non-transferable, direct-to-lift pass, the 4-Day Pass is the right pass for you. Valid for four days throughout the 2020/21 winter season (days do not need to be sequential), excluding December 26, 2020 – January 2, 2021, January 16-17, 2021 and February 13-14, 2021 .
Nordic Season Passes: SKATE THE TRAILS ALL SEASON LONG! The Nordic Center offers something for everyone! Cruise through the forest on expertly groomed and track-set trails. Mt Bachelor has the longest groomed Nordic season in North America, running from mid-November through late-May! Snow conditions permitting, we often extend the season into June.
The Outplay 365 is now iconic. Unlock Year Round Adventure at the Pacific Northwest’s Largest Playground plus Ikon Base Pass winter destinations worldwide. The Outplay 365 Pass includes UNLIMITED Alpine, Nordic and Mountain Bike access at Mt. Bachelor, a Sun Country Tours Rafting Trip and discounts on Mt. Bachelor’s new ZipTour, PLUS an Ikon Base Pass, which allows you to seek five days of adventure at each Ikon Base Pass resort destination. The deadline to purchase this pass for the 20/21 season has passed.
Mt. Bachelor Operating Plan
Now to get to the nitty-gritty of how operations have changed to accommodate all the safety protocols.
Lodge Services, Food & Beverage
Mt Bachelor will be taking a “Back to Basics” approach with the goal of maximizing the on-snow experience while minimizing ancillary services, especially those involving indoor congregation. The lodge plans thoughtfully manage volume and enable physical distancing in accordance with Oregon Health Authority guidelines for restaurants and indoor spaces and works directly with County Health Department officials to validate our specific plans for each lodge this season.
As such, Mt. Bachelor expects and encourages guests to be prepared to be based out of their vehicles as a lodge this season, for booting up, warming up, and refueling up. While there will be some food service in the lodges, services will be simplified and occupancy will be limited, with the focus on preserving lodge capacity for quick warm ups and/or restroom access. Their intention is to supplement this with outdoor food service, including Egan’s Outpost food cart, and possibly some of your other favorite local food cart vendors, which would be in true Bend fashion.
Daycare, Lessons, Tubing, Rentals and Retail
Lessons and Childcare — To minimize contact, there will be NO all-day or regular group ski school lessons. Gravity Sports Ski and Ride School will offer modified half-day multi-week programs for kids and pre-booked private lessons. At this time, they will not offer beginner lessons or lessons for youth 6 and under. This is because younger kids need more hands-on assistance from the teaching staff. They will not offer their uber-popular Ski or Ride in 5 program this year and the childcare facility will be closed.
Rentals — Rentals will be limited this year, with pre-arrival reservations required.
Retail — Gravity Sports Retail shop will be open and offering a full range of products, inside access will be limited, and the shop will be open on weekends only in late October and early November so guests can come up early and enjoy the best deals on gear for the coming season.
Tubing — Tubing will not be offered during the 2020/21 winter season.
To read the full Mt. Bachelor Operations Report from the CEO himself, click HERE!
Gear & Announcements
If you are new to Central Oregon or planning a move here this winter (especially if you are moving from a non-winter climate) it is important to have the right gear to keep warm and dry even if you’re not planning any trips to Mt. Bachelor. Subscribe to the Hello Bend Blog so you get immediate access to our upcoming “Winter Essentials” post. In the post, you’ll read about the best gear for a family–especially with growing kids! Additionally, we’ll be releasing information on our new partnership with Shred Dog–Premium kid’s outdoor gear! Shred Dog is a fresh, affordable take on high quality kid’s winter gear. From winter jackets to waterproof pants for kids, the NO RETAIL MARKUP pricing model keeps kids warm and dry outside for lower costs. Stay tuned for Hello Bend Subscriber perks coming soon! In the meantime, you can check out their website–right now they are offering a CRAZY 60% off retail value if you pre-order their new line! It’s a crazy deal that won’t last forever!
Interested in more adventures from Hello Bend? Read more HERE, SUBSCRIBE to the Hello Bend Blog, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know in Central Oregon.
Brenda Menzel, Broker
Cascade Sotheby’s Int’ l Realty ~ Hello Bend Real Estate
541-640-2125