New Season, New Stoke: Mt. Bachelor’s Epic Winter 2026 Upgrades

After an epic 2024-25 season that saw over 450 inches of snow, the earliest opening since 1998, Mt. Bachelor is already building hype for 2025-26. The Oregon mountain isn’t just banking on snow; it’s rolling out lift upgrades, fresh terrain park layouts, family-friendly programs, and a stacked calendar of events designed to get every skier and rider fired up.

The big headline this year is the Northwest Lift overhaul. Starting construction in April 2026, the project will swap out the top and bottom operator shacks, replace electric drive components, expand chair storage, and install a night drive system that spins the haul rope without chairs to fight ice buildup. The endgame: smoother, more reliable access to the west side’s expert terrain, even in tough winter conditions.

Sustainability is also a key part of the plan. Mt. Bachelor is progressing on a wood-fuel energy facility that converts slash piles from the Deschutes National Forest into heat for base area buildings. This reduces propane usage, lowers CO2 emissions, and supports forest fire mitigation. The facility is expected to be fully operational by fall 2026.

Freestyle riders will see major updates in the Woodward Mountain Parks. A new beginner terrain park off Little Pine will welcome up-and-coming riders, while the park near the 13-foot halfpipe under Pine Marten lift gets a full refresh. Whether you’re a grom or a seasoned rider, there will be plenty of new lines and features to explore.

This winter, Mt. Bachelor is adding new rental and retail locations in Bend and Sunriver, complementing existing Sunrise and Mountain Gateway spots. Guests can grab Salomon skis, Burton snowboards, apparel, and accessories.

Season-Long Rentals are back at record-low prices, $199 for adults and $109 for youth, complete with unlimited belt waxes and mid-season size upgrades. Families can book online, pick up gear at their preferred location, and return it wherever is most convenient. Fittings at Bend and Mountain Gateway start in October.

Families are in for a treat. Kids 12 and under ski free with an adult Unlimited or Outplay 365 Pass. The mountain is also bringing back fun après activities like helmet decorating, s’more roasting, face painting, and lodge dance parties.

For hands-on learning, kids and families can see grooming cats and snow removal machines in action, with operators explaining how they maintain the mountain. Multi-week progression programs continue, with new options like the “Park Rats” terrain park camp, tele-ski sessions, women’s-only meetups, and adult classes that run alongside kids’ programs.

Mt. Bachelor’s event calendar is stacked: classic competitions like the Dirksen Derby, Big Wave Challenge, Winter Pridefest, Subaru WinterFest, and Pond Skimming Championships are returning. New this year, a bold comp will take place on the Summit Lift cornice, attracting expert riders for a show-stopping session.

Gourmet experiences return with four Moonlight Dinners at Pine Marten Lodge, combining multi-course meals at 7,800 feet with night skiing down the mountain. Nordic enthusiasts can enjoy Full Moon Luminaria Nights, guided sunset snowshoe tours, kids’ ski camps, and the inaugural Moonlight Loppet XC race.

Passholders get extra love this season, including:

The Mt. Bachelor app also has new in-app competitions, letting riders earn discounts and freebies across the mountain.

With lift upgrades, reworked parks, fresh rental options, expanded family programs, and a stacked events calendar, Mt. Bachelor is aiming to make 2025-26 a season to remember. Between new perks, epic snow, and opportunities for every type of rider, the mountain is dialed in for maximum stoke from first tracks to last chair.