Nathan Borchelt of the Away Network Enjoys Bend Oregon
Bend Oregon enjoyed a visit from Nathan Borchelt of Gorp.Com and the Away Network this past spring. While most of the country turned up empty for snow, Bend had its fair amount and more is believed in the upcoming seasons ahead. The thought of having Nathan return floats in our heads, but for now, this what he had to say about his Bend experience:
The back porch of Mount Bachelor in November 2011… and the snow kept on coming (Mount Bachelor Resort)
The only evidence of winter we saw in our Washington, D.C., HQ this season was exactly three snow flurries (and one of those happened in October!). Otherwise, the winter of 2011-2012 has been more a prolonged foreplay into spring, and much of the country has witnessed the same, sad fate.
Except for places like Mount Bachelor.
While many of the country's ski resorts were quietly plotting ways to truck in snow (like Whistler/Blackcomb did for the 2010 Winter Olympics), this resort outside of Bend, Oregon, has seen near-steady snowfall throughout the season--so much so that the mountain now boasts a seasonal total of 447 inches...and counting, with three inches falling within the last 24 hours, and a 15-foot-deep base.
And, like moths to a flame, the skiers and riders are on their way. Legions of national and international alpine, freestyle, and Nordic teams will be leaving their snow-starved homes to train at Bachelor this May. Likewise, recreational skiers and 'boarders have found some much-needed solace in Bachelor's good fortune. The resort, which will stay open through Memorial Day weekend, is now offering its Spring Season Pass for $159 (adult), giving you daily access to the slopes through April, and Thursday through Sunday in May. This is a steal, especially when you consider that one daily adult lift ticket goes for $73.
The mountain also hosts a wide variety of special events, including the Spring Concert Series, sponsored by the seminal Deschutes Brewery. Pair that with the wide array of non-skiing activities throughout the Bend region (including hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park), and spring just got a whole lot more interesting.
Oh, and last year Bachelor boasted enough snow to re-open for skiing...on July 4. So if you can't get there before Memorial Day, start planning a multisport vacation to really celebrate our country's independence.
For one-of-a-kind lodging in Bend and the surrounding area, we highly recommend Alpenglow Vacation Rentals. Its cache of luxury rental houses are a welcome change from the hotel scene and offer full kitchens, hot tubs, and ideal proximity to Bend. Owner Victoria Smith, an avid outdoorswoman, can also help arrange a veritable smorgasbord of activities throughout the region, from skiing and riding to fishing, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking (to name a few).
Bend awaits Nathan's return, and until then we wish him Happy Trails!
Living and playing in Bend, OR,
Victoria J. Smith
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals
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