The Cascades have received over 50 inches of snow over the past week, according to local reports. Winter enthusiasts should head to the mountains for early-season turns, kicks and glides.

This past week’s storms have left trail conditions in the balance. Most local trails in and west of town are likely a little muddy. Trails will dry out a bit come the weekend, which could make for some good riding. Mountain bikers will likely find the best dirt east or north of Bend. They should be on the lookout for standing water and try to avoid muddy trails.

Temperatures are expected to reach the low-40s in town this weekend, with temps dropping around freezing overnight. Expect mostly overcast skies with some possible sun Saturday.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend. For mountain bike and other trail-specific updates, check out bendtrails.org and the BendTrails Facebook group.

Mt. Bachelor hits 100 inches of snow

Snow accumulation at Mt. Bachelor ski area surpassed 100 inches so far this season Wednesday. The ski resort received 9 inches of snow overnight Wednesday and, as of Thursday morning, had received 55 inches of snow over the past week, according to its mountain report.

Mt. Bachelor opened last weekend — two weeks ahead of schedule — to season and Ikon passholders. Lifts will be spinning Friday through Sunday this weekend and $50 early-season lift tickets are available online.

Conditions permitting, the mountain expects to have Skyliner, Little Pine and Red Chair lifts spinning this weekend, offering access to 21 groomed trails and 650 acres of slopes, the report says. The terrain parks team is prepping Pacific City with 12 features.

As of Thursday morning, the ski area had received 107 inches of snow so far this season and its base depth was 59 inches. Snowfall is expected to ease up this weekend. Light flurries are predicted for Saturday, and some sunshine Sunday. Temperatures will be in the 20s.

Sno-park, road closures this winter

According to the U.S. Forest Service website, Edison Butte Sno-Park and various trails and roads in the Bachelor Complex area will be closed due to the Lucky and Little Lava fires this summer. A temporary emergency closure order remains in effect for the area due to hazards associated with a recently burned landscape. A burned landscape presents a number of safety hazards that either did not exist prior to the fire or have been exacerbated by the effects of the fire, according to the forest service. Check out the forest service website more details and specific closures.

Good time to head east to mountain bike

Rain in the High Desert and snow in the Deschutes National Forest usually means the riding east of town is pretty good. Reports in the BendTrails Facebook group this week say the dirt is great at Horse Ridge.

The trail system offers intermediate- and expert-level trails great for mountain bikers during winter and the wetter times of year. Out in the High Desert east of town, the rocky juniper forest trails soak up and drain moisture better than their western counterparts in the Phil’s system. In total, the area has about 30 miles of trails and 1,300 feet of climbing possible, topping out at 4,700 feet elevation. Five trails are black diamonds — experts only — while one is for beginners and the rest intermediates. Hikers are welcome on the trails and so are dogs, but they must be on a leash.

Southeast of Bend, Horse Butte Trailhead is another good option. With access to more than 30 miles of trails, this spot is great for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers during the winter. The area includes Swamp Wells, Coyote Loop and Arnold Ice Cave — all intermediate-level trails.

The wide-open views of the Cascades and surrounding High Desert from these trail systems are spectacular. Horse Ridge is about a 20-minute drive east on Highway 20 from downtown Bend. Horse Butte is also about a 20-minute drive southeast from town.

For a full list of conditions updated regularly, visit bendbulletin.com/explore/conditions.

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