A major planning project that could guide the next quarter century of year-round recreation at Mt Bachelor is up for review by the public.
The Forest Service released its draft Environmental Analysis Impact Statement of Mt. Bachelor’s long-term development plan on Monday. The plan includes a proposal for a new high-speed lift on the east side of the mountain, potentially opening up hundreds of more acres to skiers, as well as improvements to the lodging lodges and guest facilities. The Forest Service, which manages the public land lease with the resort, will hold a yet-to-be schedule open house in June to showcase the document and collect feedback. The agency will also be taking written comment beginning Friday, May 25 and concluding July 9.
Other elements of the winter plan include:
*adding new trails (ski runs) on the mountain’s eastside
*clearing trees and brush to improve tree skiing opportunities between that area and Sunrise,
* construction of a new Sunrise lodge and expansion of West Village lodge
*moving the tubing area across the parking lot
* shortening the Red Chair and Rainbow lifts and replacing the Rainbow lift
* Replacing the Sunrise lifts with a six-pack chair
Plans for enhanced summer recreation include a future network of lift-served downhill mountain bike trails, a la Mt. Hood’s Ski Bowl, and a tree canopy zipline park.
