Mt. Bachelor has a different feel from the classic resort mountain. It's broad, high, volcanic, and tied closely to the Bend trip around it. When visibility is good and the lifts are spinning, the scale feels freeing. When the weather closes in, the mountain can get confusing fast.
The appeal is space. Bachelor gives skiers room to roam, and the Bend base makes the trip work even when the ski day isn't perfect. It's one of the better western choices for people who want a full outdoor-town vacation without defaulting to Colorado or Utah.
The tradeoff is exposure and layout. Storms, wind, and flat light can blunt the mountain's best qualities. Bachelor is best when you can give it a few days and let the weather sort itself out.