The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF) and Mt. Bachelor are proud to jointly present a special celebration of Bill Healy, the visionary founder of Mt. Bachelor, whose determination transformed Central Oregon’s skiing community. In honor of what would have been Healy’s 100th birthday year, a heartfelt film will premiere at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend on January 16th, 2025 at 7pm. The film, which was locally produced, includes the reflections of friends and family members and captures Healy’s remarkable character, pioneering vision, and enduring legacy.

The evening will also feature an engaging discussion between friends, family members and the filmmaker, as well as an exhibit of early Mt. Bachelor memorabilia and Bill Healy artifacts curated by the Healy family. This special event also serves as a fundraiser for the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF), which is honored to uphold Bill Healy’s legacy and share his story.

“MBSEF’s roots trace directly back to the Skyliners, the first ski club in our region and a key part of Bill Healy’s journey to Central Oregon,” said Amy Tarnow, Executive Director of the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation.  “The Skyliners’ passion for winter sports helped lay the foundation for everything MBSEF stands for today. As we celebrate Bill’s birthday and approach the 100th anniversary of the Skyliners’ founding, we are proud to honor their legacy and Bill’s vision, which have inspired generations of athletes and established Central Oregon as a hub for winter sports.”

Proceeds from the event will support MBSEF’s mission to inspire young athletes, foster a love of winter sports, and create opportunities for the next generation of snowsport enthusiasts.

To honor Bill Healy and celebrate the premiere, Mt. Bachelor will offer early access to Red Chair with the Healy family on Thursday, January 16. Skiers and snowboarders can participate in a group ride down the Grotto run and write notes of gratitude on a banner in the West Village Lodge.

“None of what we get to experience each day here on Mt. Bachelor would be a reality without Bill Healy,” said John Merriman, President and General Manager of Mt. Bachelor. “Our community and beyond has been able to create memories and share meaningful experiences on this mountain because of his vision and passion. We are excited to honor his contributions and hear about his life from those closest to him through this film.”

In addition to  Mt. Bachelor, MBSEF would like to extend their thanks to Brooks Resources Corporation, Cameron Healy & Suzy Snow, and Sean & Hilary O’Hollaren for their significant contribution toward the production of the film, as well as to the event’s supporting sponsors First Interstate Bank, Waypoint Hotel, and Charley & Lauri Miller. To learn more about this special event, and to view of teaser of the film please visit mbsef.org/bill-healy-celebration

Click here for images of Bill Healy and event related artwork and logos.

Brief Biography of Bill Healy:

Bill Healy was born in 1924 in Portland, Oregon, and was raised with the Cascades as his playground. By the time he reached high school, Bill was a champion ski racer and jumper. After graduating from high school, Bill joined the US Army’s 10th Mountain Division, an elite force of ski troops specializing in winter warfare during World War II. The life skills learned in the 10th Mountain Division by the young soldiers influenced many veterans when they returned to their mountains of home and subsequently revolutionized winter sports and outdoor life in the U.S. Bill’s professional pursuits brought him to Bend in 1950 where he ran the family-owned Bend Furniture Co. and raised a family of his own. Bill’s interests in the outdoors were also pursued, and his vision of Central Oregon as a year-round recreating destination blossomed. While living in Bend, Bill befriended local members of the The Skyliners Ski Club, which was founded in 1927 and whose members initiated winter sport opportunities in the area. The Skyliners Ski Club introduced Bill to Bachelor’s terrian. With the help and support of fellow Skyliners member Gene Gillis; Regional head of Forest Service, Don Peters; and many other Bend community members, the dream of a ski resort on Mt. Bachelor became a reality in 1958. In 1980, Bill was diagnosed with Neuromuscular Disease. He remained involved with the resort as Board Chair throughout the eighties until his passing in 1993.