TODD RIDGE

Todd Ridge is another popular backcountry area near Mt. Bachelor with relatively easy access.  The approach is longer than Tumalo but you will be rewarded with more hidden stashes an a variety of aspects.  This means good skiing can be found here longer after a snowfall.  Access from the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center.  Cross the "common corridor" to get to Cascade Lakes Highway (free pass required, inquire at Nordic Lodge).  From CLH head downhill until you reach a large rock face on your right.  Just past the rock you will typically find a skin track heading up.  This will take you up the ridge.  Most of the terrain is low angle and treed but you can also find yourself in avalanche terrain.  If you choose to ski these areas, ski with a buddy, beacon, shovel and probe and know how to use them.

TUMALO MOUNTAIN

Tumalo Mountain is the most popular backcountry spot in Central Oregon.  With easy access and both an alpine bowl and well space tree runs, this is a must do if you want to earn your turns.  Park at Dutchman Flat Sno Park and look for a skin track heading uphill.  1200' later you will be at the top.  Drop in the back side (NE face) for open turns on the Tumalo face.  Traverse left to the ridge to climb again to the summit.  Head back to the car the way you came.  It is fairly easy to miss the parking lot so stay close to your tracks if you are new to the area.  Tumalo face in avalanche terrain.  Bring buddy, beacon, shovel and probe and know how to use them if you plan on skiing here.

THE CONE

Hiking the Cone with the sunrise after a big dump is a right of passage.  Get there early as this is the easiest access for fresh early morning turns and it gets tracked up quickly.  Park near the Red Chair at Mt. Bachelor and follow the wands along the Leeway trail to looker right.  At the saddle between Bachelor and The Cone start heading up.  Once at the top, skiers left hold the longest runs and usually get the most wind loading.  This area is within the Mt. Bachelor operation area and is therefore avalanche controled.  Check out the uphill travel policy on mtbachelor.com for more info on uphill travel in the resort.