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A movement to bring Mt. Bachelor back into local hands has gained momentum in Central Oregon, as frustrations over corporate ownership and resort mismanagement have fueled calls for community-driven change. Following POWDR Corporation’s August 2024 announcement that it was selling multiple resorts, including Killington and Pico in Vermont, locals quickly mobilized under the name Mount Bachelor Community Inc. (MBCI) to explore purchasing the resort and transitioning it to a democratic ownership model.
For years, visitors and pass holders at Mt. Bachelor have expressed frustration with POWDR’s management, citing issues like long lift lines, unreliable chairlifts, parking congestion, high ticket prices, and the controversial “Fast Tracks” pay-to-skip-the-line system. The demand for local control stems from a desire to prioritize community interests over corporate profits and ensure sustainable, locally driven stewardship of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic mountains.
MBCI’s Bid Challenges and Long-Term Vision
Despite early enthusiasm and strong local support, MBCI announced on March 10, 2025, that it was unable to submit a bid to purchase Mt. Bachelor. The primary obstacle was a significant timing disadvantage, as competing buyers had a five-month head start. However, rather than disbanding, MBCI is pivoting its mission, working to ensure local representation and equity in the resort’s future.
MBCI has garnered national media attention, including a feature in The New York Times and interest from a Netflix documentary filmmaker, amplifying its message beyond Central Oregon. While ownership may not be immediately feasible, the group remains determined to work with the new buyers to ensure that Mt. Bachelor operates with community input, transparency, and long-term sustainability. As they stated, “We are just getting started.”
Political and Economic Support for Local Ownership
MBCI has actively engaged state and federal leaders in advocating for community-driven ownership. On January 2, 2025, they met with Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden to discuss the importance of keeping public lands in public hands and preventing Mt. Bachelor from becoming another out-of-state corporate acquisition.
Mt. Bachelor is not just a ski resort—it is a major economic driver in Central Oregon, contributing an estimated $157 million annually and ranking as the region’s second-largest employer. The push for local ownership aims to preserve jobs, prioritize affordability, and reinvest profits into the mountain and surrounding communities.
Who Else Might Buy Mt. Bachelor?
With MBCI unable to place a bid, attention now turns to potential corporate buyers. Among the likely contenders are Alterra Mountain Company, which already partners with Mt. Bachelor through the Ikon Pass and has a history of acquiring its partners; Vail Resorts, the largest ski resort owner in North America, which currently lacks an Oregon presence; Boyne Resorts, a Michigan-based company operating 10 ski areas, most of which are on the Ikon Pass; California Mountain Resort Company, backed by private equity firm Invision Capital, which seeks to expand its Cali Pass; and Mountain Capital Partners, which has holdings across the western U.S. and acquired Willamette Pass in 2022. While these corporations could provide financial stability, concerns remain over whether they will prioritize local interests or continue profit-driven decision-making at the expense of the skiing experience.
What’s Next for MBCI and Mt. Bachelor?
The fight for local influence at Mt. Bachelor is far from over. While outright purchase may not have been possible in this sale cycle, MBCI has established itself as a significant force in shaping the resort’s future. The group remains committed to working with new ownership to ensure fair pricing, better management practices, and reinvestment into the mountain. Their ultimate goal is to create a model where skiers and the local community have a real say in decision-making, ensuring that Mt. Bachelor remains a place for locals as much as for visitors.
With the resort enjoying one of its best snow seasons in 15 years, the future of who controls Mt. Bachelor will be as much a part of the conversation as the legendary powder days that define it.
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