---
slug: "cascade-crest"
name: "Cascade Crest"
tier: 3
score: 59
distance_km: 50
discipline: "both"
country: "United States"
region: "Oregon"
location: "Mt Bachelor"
date: "2026: April 4"
url: "https://xcskilabs.com/race/cascade-crest/"
---

# Cascade Crest

> *Source: [XC Ski Labs](https://xcskilabs.com/) — a cross-country ski race database covering 229 races, scored on 14 criteria. Canonical page: https://xcskilabs.com/race/cascade-crest/*

> Fifty kilometers through the high Cascades of Oregon — a spring ski marathon at the foot of Mt Bachelor where the season ends on a summit note.

## Vitals

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 50 km |
| Distance Options | 50km, 25km |
| Elevation Gain | 700 m |
| Altitude | 1,920 m |
| Location | Mt Bachelor |
| Country | United States |
| Date | 2026: April 4 |
| Discipline | both |
| Field Size | 120 |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Registration | Online registration |
| Website | https://www.mbsef.org |

## Course

Loops through the Mt Bachelor Nordic trail system and surrounding volcanic terrain. The high Cascades landscape features volcanic ridges, old-growth forest, and views of the Central Oregon peaks. Technical descents through forested sections test handling skills.

Format: loop  
Surface: Machine-groomed trails on volcanic terrain, some sections through open meadows above treeline  
Technical rating: 3/5  
Grooming: Good grooming maintained by Mt Bachelor Nordic Center, though spring conditions can be variable

### Features

- High-altitude course on the flanks of Mt Bachelor (2,764m)
- Views of Broken Top, South Sister, and the Central Oregon Cascades
- Spring skiing with long daylight hours
- Volcanic terrain creates unique rolling topography
- One of the latest-season Nordic marathons in the US

## Climate

High Cascades spring conditions

A late-season race at nearly 2,000 meters altitude. April brings longer days and strong sun, but the high elevation maintains snow quality. Temperatures range from -5°C to 10°C. Corn snow and spring crust are common, with mornings firm and afternoons soft.

Typical race-day temperature: -2 to 8°C

Challenges:
- Strong spring sun causes rapid snow softening by midday
- UV exposure at nearly 2,000m requires sunscreen and eye protection
- Klister wax conditions common in warm years
- Morning crust can be icy and fast on descents
- Altitude effects for lowland skiers

## XC Ski Labs Rating

**Overall Score**: 59/100
**Tier**: 3
**Discipline**: both

| Criterion | Score |
|-----------|-------|
| Distance | 3/5 |
| Elevation | 3/5 |
| Altitude | 5/5 |
| Field Size | 2/5 |
| Prestige | 2/5 |
| Int'l Draw | 2/5 |
| Technicality | 3/5 |
| Snow Reliability | 3/5 |
| Grooming | 3/5 |
| Accessibility | 3/5 |
| Community | 3/5 |
| Scenery | 4/5 |
| Organization | 3/5 |
| Comp. Depth | 2/5 |

High-altitude volcanic terrain provides a unique setting. Spring timing means variable snow but dramatic scenery. Small but dedicated field. Accessible from Bend, Oregon.

Score 59 places in TIER 3

## History

Founded around 2010, the Cascade Crest ski marathon takes advantage of the deep snowpack and late-season conditions at Mt Bachelor in central Oregon. The race grew out of the region's vibrant Nordic community centered around Bend, Oregon. Mt Bachelor's Nordic center, operated by the Mt Bachelor Sports Education Foundation, provides the trail infrastructure. The event celebrates the end of the ski season with a spring marathon through one of the most scenic volcanic landscapes in the American West.

### Notable Facts

- One of the latest-season Nordic marathons in the United States
- Mt Bachelor receives an average of 460 inches (11.7 meters) of snow annually
- The volcanic terrain of the Central Oregon Cascades creates unique course topography
- Bend, Oregon is one of the fastest-growing Nordic skiing communities in the US
- The race often coincides with the final weeks of the Mt Bachelor Nordic season

## Race Footage

*YouTube titles referenced during research (not embedded).*

- Community Connection (KOHD9TV)
- The Truth About Expensive Winter Gear (MyLifeOutdoors)
- Dual in the Desert Bend, Oregon (mtbachelorrotary)
- Danny Macaskill: The Ridge (Cut Media)
- Hoisted from Hell (Full Episode) | Extreme Rescues (National Geographic)
- The SCAM Outdoor Brands Don't Want You To Know (MyLifeOutdoors)
- Epic Mountain Biking in Oakridge: Trans Cascadia (Oregon)
- Classic Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started || REI (REI)
- Seal spotted visiting Cape Elizabeth, Maine three times Monday (CBS Chicago)
- 2014 Cascade Crest Classic 100 (Snow Troopers)
- Cascade Crest 100 Endruance Run 2013 Teaser 720V (Snow Troopers)

### Rider Quotes

> This is my third running at cascade crest. I love this race so I'm going to keep coming because I love the trails I love the mountains out here the views and they put on a really good experience top quality event.

---
*This profile is by XC Ski Labs (xcskilabs.com). Cite as: "XC Ski Labs — Cascade Crest". Canonical: https://xcskilabs.com/race/cascade-crest/. Generated 2026-07-26.*