Discover a Ski Vacation in Bend and Central Oregon
Dreaming of skiing in Bend, Oregon? The Central Oregon region is an incredible destination for a ski getaway. While the average snowfall in Bend is a little more than thirty inches, Central Oregon ski resorts boast annual numbers of more than 450 inches. From Bend, visitors can drive to Mt. Bachelor resort in just 30 minutes or the Hoodoo Ski Area in less than an hour. Outside of the resorts, there are boundless backcountry trails for cross-country skiing to glide into pristine and untouched wilderness. With tons of snow, a plethora of winter activities in Central Oregon, and seemingly endless miles of terrain to explore, Bend and Central Oregon make the perfect ski getaway. Read on to discover how to make the most of your ski-cation in this winter wonderland.
Multiple Ski Resorts in Central Oregon
They say variety is the spice of life, and skiing near Bend, Oregon lives up to those words. Central Oregon offers two premier ski trip destinations: Mt. Bachelor Resort and the Hoodoo Ski Area. Mt. Bachelor is the 6th largest ski resort in America with a whopping 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain. Located on the eastern flanks of the Cascade Range, Mt. Bachelor resort is known for light, dry powder, diverse terrain for any skill level and a particularly long ski season. The mountain itself receives over 460 inches of snow a year and boasts 101 runs—the longest is over four miles long!
An hour west of Bend, the Hoodoo Ski Area offers another great destination for a ski vacation, but at a smaller scale. Hoodoo has an average of 450 inches of snowfall a year, and packs in 34 runs in over 800 acres of skiable terrain. Hoodoo’s claim to fame—it’s the only ski resort in Central Oregon to offer night skiing. When the sun goes down and the lights come on, guests slide and glide under the stars to their heart’s desire.
Mt. Bachelor Terrain Park
Mt Bachelor’s terrain park, Woodward Mountain Parks, has been built with varied terrain zones, designed to accommodate and help skiers/riders of all levels advance their skills. It’s divided into various zones: start park, progression parks, Family Adventure, Peace + Sky parks and the Superpipe. Begin with the Start Park to learn the basics. Then, take on the three Progression parks, equipped with features like ramps, jumps and rails to help you improve and advance. The Family Adventure zones are filled with varied terrain and features, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Designed with X Games gold medalist and Olympic snowboarder, Danny Davis, the Peace Park features advanced and expert-level features for skiers/riders looking to challenge themselves. The Sky Park and Superpipe provide additional opportunities to hone skills.
Ski School Options for the Whole Family
From beginners to advanced skiers, there are ski school options for all ages and abilities looking to advance their skills during a ski vacation. Hoodoo’s offers a variety of lessons for skiers, snowboarders and ski bikers, organized by sport and age. Group lessons in the Mountain Cubs program are available for kids ages 4 to 6, while older children, teens and adults can enroll in group lessons. Private lessons are also available for adults and children 3 and older. Along with ski and snowboard lessons, Hoodoo offers night skiing lessons, cross country/Nordic lessons, as well as bike and trike training for all ages.
Over at Mt. Bachelor, the Gravity School offers lessons for skiers and riders of all ages and ability levels. Guests can schedule two-hour group lessons for the whole family, half- or full -day private lessons and there’s even a first-timer’s package, designed to get anyone comfortable on the snow. Let the kids explore a bit with the half-day and full-day Mountain Rippers (ages 3½ to 5) and Mountain Explorers (ages 6 to 12) group lessons, both designed to give young kids a sense of confidence on varied mountain terrain. Contact the resort for more information.
Lodging at Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo Ski Area
Because both of Central Oregon’s ski resorts operate within National Forests, there are restrictions put into place to ensure the preservation of the natural environment. This means that neither Mt. Bachelor nor Hoodoo Ski Area offer slopeside lodging options. However, both resorts have official lodging partners who offer overnight stays with special ski deals perfect for a ski vacation.
The two closest communities to Mt. Bachelor, Bend and Sunriver, have an assortment of lodging accommodations great for ski trips. Hotels, quaint bed and breakfasts, luxury resorts, spacious rental houses—whatever fits your fancy.
For Hoodoo, check out the accommodations in the town of Sisters, FivePine Lodge or down the road, the beautiful Black Butte Ranch, the ski area’s official lodging partner. So now you have the info, don’t delay! Book your next vacation to Central Oregon! We look forward to seeing you on the slopes.
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Winter Tours You Have to Try in Bend and Central Oregon
Twinkling lights, fresh snow and fire pits bringing people together; it’s winter in Central Oregon! Bend and the surrounding towns within Central Oregon are great places to cozy up when the snow falls, and even better places to take part in winter recreation. Locals love to explore the nearby Cascade Mountains, with Mount Bachelor and plenty of sno parks located just a 30 minute drive away. Back in town, there are several breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries waiting to be sampled. With so much to do, it can be tough to know where to start. Luckily, tours in Central Oregon that showcase the best outdoor and indoor recreation are available to help visitors make the most of their winter vacations.
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The Ultimate Guide to Pumpkin Patches in Terrebonne, Oregon
Nothing signals the coming of fall quite like spending the day at a pumpkin patch. It’s tough to not feel the cozy spirit of the season when you’re solving a festive corn maze while bundled up and sipping a hot apple cider. Pumpkin patches in Central Oregon benefit from our desert climate and still get plenty of sunshine, even in late October. While smaller family farms all around the region will sometimes host fall events, the two most popular pumpkin patches both reside in Terrebonne: the Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch and the DD Ranch Pumpkin Patch.
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Best Shopping in Bend and Redmond, Oregon
Shopping in Central Oregon has evolved over time, thanks to an influx of outdoor enthusiasts, organic farmers, antique purveyors and entrepreneurs of all kinds moving in, and subsequently sharing their products with the community. This mixed bag of motivated individuals creates a marketplace full of locally sourced, handcrafted items that can’t be found anywhere else. In addition to small, local businesses, Central Oregon’s growth in population in recent years has garnered the attention of some larger retailers, who have opened up shop in Bend and Redmond. Shopping in Bend, Oregon and likewise, shopping in Redmond, Oregon, provides visitors with a look inside our local industries, while simultaneously providing opportunities to purchase from well known retailers. It’s also worth mentioning that shopping in Central Oregon and throughout the state is tax-free, offering shoppers a built-in excuse to buy whatever catches their eye.
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The Scenic Waterfalls in Central Oregon
Is there anything more satisfying—anything more awe-inspiring—than gazing upon a thundering waterfall, its raging waters tumbling over ancient rock walls? Does it get any better than seeing a waterfall reach full boil in the midst of an otherwise quiet river as it crashes through a rock-lined canyon?
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Adventures Abound Starting at Sunriver Resort
Sunriver is the type of place that takes your breath away no matter what season it is. During the summer you can hop on a horse for your very own wild wild west experience. The team at Sunriver Stables will make you feel comfortable on your ride, even if you’ve never saddled up before. Whether you’re in a tube or a kayak, floating down the Deschutes River is a relaxing activity that’s fun for the whole family.
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Why I love Mt. Bachelor – Olympic Skier Laurenne Ross
Mt. Bachelor is one of the most family-friendly mountains in the West. But it has also long been a training ground for some of the best skiers in the United States with the terrain helping produce local Olmpians Tommy Ford, Kiki Cutter, Mike Lafferty and most recently, Laurenne Ross.
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Free Guided Snowshoe Tours: Educational Exercise at Mt. Bachelor
One of the unheralded aspects of Mt. Bachelor is the ski area is full of activities for everyone – not just thrill seekers on skis and snowboards. To add a little education to your exercise, the Deschutes National Forest and Discover Your Forest is offering FREE guided snowshoe tours at Mt. Bachelor through March.
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Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: Pull Off For a Central Oregon Adventure
The Cascade Lakes Scenic byway is one of the prettiest drives in the U.S. But it might be the most recreationally rich road you’ll ever drive too. From Bend southwest to the Highway 58 junction, the Oregon Route 372 cuts through 66 miles unique volcanic formations and geological beauty that offers everything that makes Central Oregon an outdoor lover’s paradise.
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Backstory: Bend’s Historic Tower Theatre
The Tower Theatre occupies a proud spot in Bend’s vibrant downtown area. The theater is filled nearly every night with high-profile acts––it could be called Bend’s living room. But its lights nearly went dark for good.