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 proximity to the Deschutes National Forest—home to dozens of miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails, as well as the popular Mt. Bachelor ski resort, just 20 minutes away. For those seeking a more laid back experience, Tetherow is close to boutique shops, Bend’s top restaurants, and craft breweries. And after you’ve returned from the day’s outing, unwind with après-ski dining, relax by the fire pits, or take a dip in the heated outdoor pool.
Tetherow offers a variety of lodging options, from its 50-room hotel to spacious vacation rentals with up to five bedrooms—all providing access to the resort’s many amenities. If you’re planning a winter getaway to Central Oregon, here’s how to make the most of your Bend vacation at Tetherow.
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 seventh-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 peaceful 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.
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