The Skjersaa's story   

Skjersaa is a name that has been deeply ingrained in the Northwest’s ski and snowboard community for more than 80 years. Scandinavian lumber worker Nels Skjersaa, his brother Olaf, and a few other colleagues formed the Bend Skyliners Mountaineering Club in 1928. They were the first group to bring organized winter sports to Central Oregon. The “Skyliners” sponsored races, conducted mountain rescues, and promoted competitive skiing. This was all happening long before the Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort that we all know and love was open.

In 1957, a group of investors began developing a ski area on Bachelor Butte. Bill Healy was the visionary, and the Skjersaa family and the “Skyliners” were integral during the early years of development. Their involvement helped shape Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort into the winter sports recreation area that we cherish today.

Central Oregon’s ski community grew rapidly and in 1958, Nels’ brother, Olaf Skjersaa opened Skjersaa’s Ski Shop."