In this episode of the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast, Max heads to Central Oregon to explore one of the most surprising ski destinations in the United States: Mt. Bachelor. This massive, 9,065‑foot volcanic peak offers something rare in North America — true 360‑degree skiing from the summit. With more than 4,300 acres of terrain and plans for even more expansion, Mt. Bachelor is a mountain that keeps skiers coming back year after year.

But the story doesn’t end on the slopes. Just 25 minutes away sits Bend, Oregon, a high‑desert city packed with breweries, outdoor adventure, and a laid‑back culture that draws people from all over the world. Max checks into the Oxford Hotel downtown, samples local beers at Brother Jon’s and Ten Barrel, and meets one of Bend’s most famous residents — former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe — who shares why he loves skiing Bachelor and living in this fast‑growing mountain town.

You’ll also hear about dog‑sledding with Oregon Trail of Dreams, the unique restrictions that keep Mt. Bachelor wild and undeveloped, and why this mountain is beloved by families, intermediates, and powder‑hungry locals alike.

In this episode:

1. What makes Mt. Bachelor’s terrain and snow so unique
2. Why the summit is often closed — and why it’s worth waiting for
3. Bend’s booming craft beer scene
4. Meeting Drew Bledsoe at a local brewpub
5. Dog‑sledding through the Deschutes National Forest
6. How Bend has transformed from mill town to outdoor hub
7. The future expansion of Mt. Bachelor’s ski terrain

Links & Resources:

1. Visit Bend: https://www.visitbend.com
2. Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort: https://www.mtbachelor.com
3. Oregon Trail of Dreams Dog Sledding
4. Oxford Hotel Bend
5. GoNOMAD story about Bend and Skiing Mt Bachelor
6. https://www.gonomad.com/3468-bend-mount-bachelor-oregon

About GoNOMAD Travel Podcast: Hosted by Max Hartshorne, the GoNOMAD Travel Podcast brings you stories from around the world — unusual destinations, memorable characters, and the kind of travel experiences that stick with you long after you return home.