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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Top 10 Winter Activities in Bend and Central Oregon (Besides Skiing)
Central Oregon is a mountain lover’s dream. No matter the season, you can expect constant adventure at your fingertips. But, make no mistake: Winter is not just for the thrill seekers. Luckily, Bend, Oregon has far more to offer in the chilly months than Mt. Bachelor, its world-renowned ski resort and backcountry mecca. If you don’t fancy zooming down mountains on planks, are out for the season, or just want some diverse fun in your world, read on to learn about Central Oregon’s best endorphin-boosting activities (without the skis!).
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Ice Skating Rinks You Have to Try in Bend and Sunriver
Bend and Sunriver are two excellent winter destinations. The offering of winter activities in Central Oregon are immense. Snow typically falls fast and heavy and visitors get to experience a winter wonderland filled with snow capped Ponderosa pines and fresh powder. In such a winter wonderland, it makes sense that Bend and Sunriver would have a selection of ice skating spots. Whether guests choose to twirl on the ice, casually glide or just kick back with a hot cocoa while the kids play, a trip to the ice skating rink can help cap off any Central Oregon winter getaway.
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Mt. Bachelor is a True Family Ski Experience in Central Oregon
Three-hundred and sixty degree views of snow-covered peaks don’t come easy. Unless you’re in Central Oregon, in that case, they do! Mt. Bachelor is just a 30-minute drive from Bend or Sunriver.