The four-star Tetherow resort has long been known for—among other things—its world-class, 18-hole golf course designed by an award-winning architect. And while the course fills up on sunny spring and summer weekends, Tetherow has bolstered its winter offerings in recent years, transforming itself into one of Central Oregon’s premier year-round destinations.
Outdoor enthusiasts, for instance, appreciate the resort’s easy access to the Deschutes National Forest—home to dozens of miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails, as well as the always popular Mt. Bachelor ski resort (itself just 20 minutes from Tetherow). If you’re up for something more relaxing, Tetherow offers easy access to boutique shops, the best restaurants in Bend, Oregon, and mouth-watering craft breweries. And after you’ve returned from the day’s outing, enjoy après-ski food menus, a heated outdoor pool, fire pits, and other attractions.
Not just that, but Tetherow’s lodging options range from a 50-room hotel to vacation rentals with up to five bedrooms—all including access to the resort’s numerous amenities. So if you’re planning a getaway to Central Oregon soon, here’s how to enjoy the ultimate Bend winter vacation at Tetherow resort.
Outdoor Adventure is at Your Doorstep
Central Oregon is a four-season destination, and winter adventure can be found just minutes from your lodging at Tetherow Resort. (Tetherow is, after all, based at the edge of the massive Deschutes National Forest.) Here’s a rundown of how to enjoy the region’s winter wonderlands.
Mt. Bachelor: Just 20 minutes west of Tetherow sits Mt. Bachelor, the sixth-largest ski resort in North America and the largest in the Pacific Northwest. The resort offers 360º skiing from the summit, boasts 3,365 feet of vertical drop, and counts more than 100 runs, making it one of the region’s best destinations for skiing in Bend, Oregon. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, Tetherow offers twice-daily shuttle service, complete with gear storage.
Sno-parks: If you’re unfamiliar with the term, sno-parks are exactly what they sound like: snow-covered parks that offer access to groomed cross-country trails, snowshoe paths, and the occasional sledding hill in the midst of a towering forest. As a lodging guest at Tetherow, you’re never more than 20 minutes from the likes of Wanoga Snow Play Area Sno-Park, Dutchman Flat Sno-Park, or Swampy Lakes Sno-Park.
Fat biking: Given Tetherow’s close proximity to the Deschutes National Forest, you’re just a quick ride from dozens of miles of snow-covered fat bike trails. And if you catch a trail that’s mostly snow-free, you can mountain bike to your heart’s content.
Wildlife-watching: Bald eagles winter in the forests around Tetherow, making them a common sight all season long. Less common, but not unheard of in Central Oregon forests, are deer, elk, river otters, and more.
Need the right gear before heading outdoors? Tetherow has partnered with Skjersaa’s, a Bend-based shop and gear concierge, for rentals and fittings. Here’s how it works: Tetherow lodging guests can use an exclusive booking site to request gear for their activity of choice (such as skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing) and input their height and weight; from there, someone from Skjersaa’s will come to the resort and offer a fitting to ensure the best possible experience. And when lodging guests head home after their snowy fun, they can leave their gear at the resort to get picked up later. (And if you need a fat bike or mountain bike rental, Pine Mountain Sports in Bend has one of the region’s biggest rental fleets.)
Bend’s Attractions Are a Short Drive Away
Tetherow isn’t just located 20 minutes from Mt. Bachelor and the region’s most popular sno-parks; it’s also a quick, seven-minute drive from the heart of Bend. In fact, Tetherow offers free shuttles for lodging guests, based on availability, to downtown Bend and the Old Mill District; shuttle service to other destinations is also available for a small fee.
Not just that, but Bend makes a fine place to explore in winter—bolstered by smaller crowds, outdoor fire pits and indoor fireplaces all over town, and a quieter, more laid-back vibe. So if you want to explore the city, here’s a guide to making the most of your time.
Old Mill District: Perched along the shore of the Deschutes River, the Old Mill District has it all: locally owned restaurants, a massive movie theater, public art murals, boutique shops, fun bars, and more. Paved walking paths line the river and pass through the Old Mill District, offering an up-close look at the quiet waterway and nearby Cascade peaks.
Downtown Bend: For a glimpse at Bend’s fascinating past and exciting present, make time to explore downtown. You’ll find the Deschutes Historical Museum, dozens of boutique shops, some of the city’s best-loved restaurants, and the bucolic Drake Park along the Deschutes River.
Craft breweries: Central Oregon boasts dozens of craft breweries, with more than 20 inside Bend city limits alone. Whether you’re new to craft beer or want to explore some of the city’s cutting-edge brewpubs, you’ll find plenty of good suds around Bend. Best of all: Winter tends to be a slow season for local breweries, which means shorter lines, a quieter experience, and more room around the fire pit.
Plenty of Seasonal Fun Awaits at Tetherow Resort
Good news: You don’t even have to venture into the mountains or head to town to enjoy the best of the season in Central Oregon. Tetherow offers plenty of wintertime fun for the whole family. Here’s a sampling.
Heated soaks: Tetherow hosts a heated outdoor pool and hot tub all year long—the perfect way to relax and warm up after a day outdoors.
Après-ski dining and drinks: Ready to relive your day on the slopes or unwind after hitting the trails at your new favorite sno-park? Tetherow offers a trio of eateries for après-ski bites and drinks. The Row dishes pub favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily; Solomon’s offers a high-end dining experience centered around upscale Pacific Northwest cuisine; and the family-friendly Café serves pizza and other quick bites.
Fire pits and fireplaces: No winter experience in Central Oregon is complete without an afternoon or evening around the fire; Tetherow offers several outdoor fire pits, as well as in-room gas fireplaces throughout its lodge rooms and vacation rental homes, to keep lodging guests warm and cozy.
There may be no more magical time of year to enjoy Central Oregon than winter. Whether you’re hitting the slopes of Mt. Bachelor or exploring the charming city of Bend, there’s plenty to love—and Tetherow Resort is uniquely equipped to help you make the most of this spell-binding season.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
-
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.
-
Hot Springs in Central Oregon Near Bend and Beyond
Oregon is known for being an outdoor paradise; where else can travelers discover misty forests, snowy mountain peaks and vast desert expanses in one day? From the Cascade Mountains to the Painted Hills, volcanic activity has helped shape the many different landscapes of Oregon. Along with mountains and valleys, Oregon’s volcanic past helped create a host of hot springs scattered across the state. These hot springs are natural, hot pools of water—natural hot tubs. Some are more developed and have lodging nearby, while others feel completely remote and undiscovered. So whether it’s a soak under the stars in the high desert or a steamy pool in the forest, there’s a hot spring calling.
-
Make the Most of Your Bend and Central Oregon Ski Vacation
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.
-
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.
-
Finding the Best Lunch Spots in Bend, Oregon
As Bend grows, so do the tasty options for a great lunch at a great price. With so many restaurants new and established to choose from, the only question is where to begin. Lucky for you, we’ve made finding the best lunch in Bend a breeze.
-
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.
-
Notable Chefs at the Best Restaurants in and around Bend, Oregon
A little known fact that visitors are picking up on, Bend is a foodie paradise. There’s something about our creative, non-traditional attitude and emphasis on local ingredients that just makes great food. Luckily for visitors and locals alike, there are several chefs running Bend kitchens that constantly push boundaries, experiment, and create delicious and innovative dishes across a diverse array of cuisines.
-
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.
-
Top 5 Tours to Take in Bend, Oregon
Bend is a nature-lover’s paradise blended with a hop-head’s dream; nowhere else will you find this much craft beer and this many outdoor activities. The city’s been growing quickly, reaching 100,000 residents in 2020, and with the growth comes plentiful opportunities for adventure. From walking the very halls that brew your favorite beer to any number of adrenaline-inducing sports, we have you covered for the five best types of guided tours in Bend, Oregon.
-
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?