Amid solar, Central Oregon heads out for enjoyable within the snow

Amid solar, Central Oregon heads out for enjoyable within the snow

Published 1:28 pm Wednesday, January 14, 2026

MOUNT BACHELOR – Mt. Bachelor Ski Area was buzzing with folks Saturday morning, all out to ski or snowboard their manner down the mountain. Ski instructors led teams of children by the lodge, households relaxed on the patio and skiers and snowboarders lined up by the lots of to get on the elevate. Along with the sunshine, the rock and metallic music blasting from the audio system boosted patrons’ power.

After being closed for practically a month of the common season, the ski space opened for winter enterprise on Dec. 23. Normally, it opens simply after Thanksgiving. Though snow protection was skinny that day, the snow saved falling and ensured a strong base layer for outside fans.

Rob McDonald, proprietor of Latitude 44 Sports, a ski store in Bend, stated enterprise was been “bananas, in a good way.” He added, “There’s a lot of excitement and pent-up energy to get on the snow. People are purchasing gear, edging, waxing, it’s a huge difference (from earlier in the season). We’re excited and hoping for more snow.”

Todd McGee, proprietor of Powder House Ski & Patio, stated, “It’s been awesome, off-the-charts. The snow’s a little late this year. I have 11 boot refitters, and seven of them are busy and on it. The registers are ringing.”

Having owned Powder House for practically 25 years, McGee stated he’s seen every kind of climate and ski seasons.

Up on the mountain, skiers and snowboarders clicked out and in of their gear as they both headed again to the elevate or over to the cafe.

Fox Miller, who works as a radiation therapist for St. Charles Health System and moved to Bend particularly to be nearer to the mountain, stated his day was going nice. He was specializing in snowboarding Saturday however can be a skier, he stated.

“I went opening day, there was thin coverage,” he stated. “I love the views, I like being out in nature, it’s a reset for me. The mountains don’t get old.”

Daniel Lane was visiting from Dundee for his spouse’s birthday. A skier, he stated the powdery snow meant he had loads of management and that the day was going effectively.

“It’s gorgeous, I like Bend a lot,” he stated.