This December, an unseasonable warmth has had Bend residents and tourists alike sweating and shedding layers.
Data from the Bend Municipal Airport weather station indicates recorded temperatures this month have exceeded high monthly averages by over 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and low monthly averages by over 25 degrees. Weather has been sunny and in the mid 50s for much of this month so far.
Of course, heat in December also impacts the mountains. Without suitable snow on the slopes, some ski bums, not to mention resort employees, started wondering about their plans.
Businesses that cater to snow recreation also faced some uncertainty, but two popular Bend shops maintained optimism. “We still live in a winter area, so it’s going to be cold and the snow’s going to come sooner or later. People are still gearing up for that,” Shanda McGee, owner of Powder House Ski & Snowboard, told the Source last week.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen it this dry. It’s been 60 degrees out in mid-December in Bend. This is not normal,” said Dan McGarigle, owner of Pine Mountain Sports. But in an interview with the Source, he shared his personal outlook. “My philosophy is always that it’s not gonna snow, period. That way, it’s a nice surprise when it does.”
The National Weather Service forecast office in Pendleton is promising a nice surprise for McGarigle, so be ready to bundle up. “By Tuesday night… mountain rain will turn over to snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times,” the NWS predicts for the Cascades west of Bend, forecasting “widespread blowing snow after 1 am,” with potentially 2 to 4 inches sticking.
On Wednesday, significantly lower temperatures are projected than Central Oregon has seen recently, along with more mountain snowfall. Mt. Bachelor is expected to receive snow all through next week, with “accumulation of 11 to 17 inches” possible Friday.
Don’t lace your boots and start your engine just yet, as the Pendleton forecast office also issued a High Wind Warning for Central Oregon. “Damaging winds” that could reach up to 60 miles per hour “will blow down trees and power lines,” per the NWS. “Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive.”
The NWS office also said in a Special Weather Statement, “Those living or having travel plans through the Cascades should be prepared for impactful weather next week.”
With snow on the horizon, folks in the industry can stop holding their breath. It should be cold enough shortly to see it in the air.
Presley Quon, communications manager for Mt. Bachelor, told the Source that this year isn’t the first time snowfall’s been tardy. “We opened on December 13 in 2021 and December 14 in 2008. The latest opening we have on record was January 2 in 1976 – that was a drought year,” she said. But in 2008, things quickly turned for the better. “We proceeded to get 538 [annual inches] of snow (well above our 410 average), so a slow start doesn’t necessarily mean a low snow year.”
Still, a delay to the season means a state of limbo for some staff. Quon said that seasonal employees saw their start dates pushed back: “This can be difficult on people relying on hours, but our HR team does a great job of connecting those employees with community resources.”
“While, of course, we’d like to be spinning lifts by this time of year, we are grateful that our season is one of the longest in the country, and look forward to skiing and riding through Memorial Day in May. We anticipate there will be pent-up demand once we do open,” Quon said.
This article appears in the Source December 18, 2025.
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