The Mt. Bachelor ski area sign on Century Drive, seen here in October 2021.

Mt. Bachelor ski area executives decided Wednesday to delay opening the ski area amid lack of snow and safety concerns.

“Mt. Bachelor is postponing the opening day of the 23/24 winter season, originally scheduled for Friday, Nov. 24, due to conditions. While we have received some solid early season storms in late October and early November, we’ve also seen a few rain events and warmer temps,” said Lauren Burke, Mt. Bachelor spokesperson.

Currently, the mountain has 8 inches of snow at the base, but according to Burke, the resort needs another 12 inches at the base to open safely. The ski area does not have a new anticipated open date.

John Merriman, president and CEO of Mt. Bachelor, said, “Believe me, I want to get my first winter season here at Mt. Bachelor going as soon as possible, but we will only do that when we feel it is safe to do so for our employees and our guests. Snow will come, and once we open, we will make the best experience possible for our employees and guests.”

Brandon Lawhorn from the National Weather Service office in Pendleton didn’t seem optimistic about snow moving into the Central Oregon area before December.

He predicts more fog starting Friday, but no snow.

“We are looking at a weak system coming in (Wednesday night) that will produce less than half an inch of precipitation,” Lawhorn said.

“Looking into next week, it’s going to be cold and dry as a high pressure system comes in.”

Last year, Mt. Bachelor opened on Nov. 30, but the year before the ski area was not able to open until Dec. 13 — and with limited lifts.

With cold temperatures in the forecast, Mt. Bachelor can supplement its snowpack by blowing machine-made snow, but “we’ll need another solid winter storm to safely handle the volume of skiers and riders once the lifts start spinning,” Burke said.

While disappointed by the announcement, many skiers understand that the resort can’t open until conditions are safe.

“My two teenage boys were excited to ski on Saturday but it’s understandable if there is no snow in the forecast.

“Looks like we’ll need to get on the snowmobiles and head for the high country instead,” said Brent O’Neill, a skier from Bend.

Keats McGonigal, also of Bend agreed, stating, “It’s unfortunate, but given the current conditions, it is very understandable. I know Mt. Bachelor is doing everything they can to get open as early as possible while making sure everyone is safe while on the mountain.”

According to Burke, anyone who purchased Mt. Bachelor passes for this weekend will be automatically refunded.