Every winter, Sunriver transforms into a winter wonderland and a magical destination for family getaways. There you’ll find snow-day fun—from the ski slopes to the ice rink—as well as boutique shops, appetizing eateries, and cozy overnight stays.
To help you plan the perfect weekend in Sunriver, we’ve put together a weekend itinerary that outlines the best of the region. We’ve even included a few day-trip suggestions for Sisters and La Pine in case you’d like to extend your stay and see more of Central Oregon.
Keep reading for tips for Sunriver in the winter.
Getting There
First of all: You’ll want to plan for your arrival in Central Oregon. Roughly 30 direct flights serve Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) every day, making it easy to fly into Central Oregon from throughout the West. The area’s largest airport sits about 45 minutes north of Sunriver via Highway 97, and six car-rental agencies operate out of the Redmond airport.
If you’re driving, you can reach Sunriver via Highway 97 from the north or south; the drive takes approximately 3.5 hours from Portland, a little less than three hours from Salem, and a bit more than two hours from Eugene. Before heading out, use the Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck tool for the latest road conditions, closures, alerts, and live traffic webcams—an especially helpful resource when mountain passes may be impacted by snow and ice in winter.
Choose Your Basecamp
Now that you know how you’ll get to Sunriver in the winter, it’s time to figure out where to stay.
Plenty of lodging options abound—with the largest and best-known being Sunriver Resort. Since 1969, the resort has welcomed generations of families; today, it offers five communities to choose from. Lodging options range from cozy lodge rooms, some with in-room fireplaces, to luxurious townhomes and spacious vacation rentals—with on-site hot tubs, massive kitchens, and plenty of beds for the whole crew. If you’re visiting over the holidays, check out the resort’s Traditions program for memorable activities for the whole family.
Sunriver Resort makes a convenient home base for skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor, offering discounted lift tickets and daily shuttle service to Central Oregon’s largest ski resort.
Less than a half-hour north of Sunriver sits Tetherow Resort. The luxe stay hosts lodge rooms and rental homes, a year-round outdoor pool, and convenient access to Mt. Bachelor.
Arrival Day: Settle In & Explore The Village at Sunriver
Whether you’re regrouping after your flight or want to decompress after a day of driving, ease into your trip with a stroll through The Village at Sunriver—which sits just a few minutes from Sunriver Resort. The shopping center is home to nearly a dozen locally owned restaurants, as well as outdoor-minded outfitters, boutique shops, and family activities.
Fuel Up After Your Flight Or Drive
Hungry? Everyone in your crew will find something to love about the breakfast, lunch, and dinner options at The Village at Sunriver.
Start your day with donuts, pastries, breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and smoothies at Hot Lava Bakery—or grab lunch or dinner at Village Bar & Grill, which offers burgers, steaks, pasta, and other pub-grub classics, as well as an extensive kids’ menu. For a taste of Central Oregon’s celebrated craft beer scene, grab dinner and a pint at the homegrown Sunriver Brewing Co., which also hosts an indoor children’s play area.
Take a Spin at the Ice Rink
One of the best-loved wintertime ways to enjoy Sunriver in the winter is ice skating at The Village. Bring your own skates, or rent a pair, and enjoy open-skate sessions soundtracked by high-energy, upbeat tunes. If your little one is new to the sport, skate assist devices are available to keep kids upright.
Squeeze In Some Shopping or Let Creativity Fly
Now that you’ve eaten, spend a few relaxing hours shopping at The Village in search of the perfect souvenir or gift. Tumbleweed Toys is a locally owned store packed with stuffed animals, dolls, coloring books, family-friendly games, and even games for grown-ups. If you’re looking for your next favorite read, browse the stacks at Sunriver Books and Music. For gifts and home decor, see what’s new at The Lazy Daisy.
For an interactive experience, check out the upcoming classes at The Creator Lab; there, kids of all ages can try their hand at acrylic paint pouring, pottery painting, glass fusing, candle-making, and more.
Day 1: Hit the Slopes at Mt. Bachelor
One of the top winter activities in Sunriver, OR, is hitting the slopes at nearby Mt. Bachelor. The seventh-largest ski resort in the United States sits just 20 miles from Sunriver and offers fresh powder all winter long.
Gear Up for Skiing, Snowboarding & More
Ready to strap on your skis and hit the slopes? You’ll want to keep a few things in mind before heading to the mountain, where more than 4,300 skiable acres and more than 100 runs await for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
First and foremost: Gear rentals, as well as maintenance and repair services, are available at Sunriver Sports in the Village. You’ll also find gear for purchase and to rent up at Mt. Bachelor, as well.
If you’re new to the sport, or if you’d like to polish your skills, sign up with the resort’s Ski Ride & School for private or group lessons. And for more on winter activities in Sunriver, OR, check out some of Mt. Bachelor’s offerings away from the slopes—such as snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.
Chow Down Like a Local
When you get hungry after a few fun runs, nine restaurants and cafés serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and warm beverages, at the various lodges at Mt. Bachelor. You’ll find sit-down options, as well as self-serve and grab-and-go eateries, that dish pub fare, deli items, local craft beer, and more.
Day 2: Bundle Up for Sunriver & Bend
Mt. Bachelor might be one of Central Oregon’s best-known winter destinations, but you’ll find numerous other adventures around Sunriver and in nearby Bend. Here are a few ideas for working a second day of fun into your memorable weekend.
Glide Across Nordic Trails
Several miles of trails splay out across the Sunriver, heading through wide-open meadows and into snow-covered forests, so make time on your trip to check out Nordic trails around Sunriver and Bend.
One of the most popular local destinations is Edison Butte Sno-Park, which sits just 12 miles northwest of Sunriver. The dog-friendly Sno-Park hosts several miles of trails, along with the chance to get cozy in the AC/DC warming hut.
Before heading out, gear up at local shops such as Village Bike and Ski and 4 Seasons Recreational Outfitters. And if you’d like to get started with the sport, sign up for lessons at Mt. Bachelor.
Head to the Old Mill District for an Afternoon/Evening Excursion
Whether you’re taking a break from the slopes or are winding down after a fun day, head into Bend and to the Old Mill District. The outdoor shopping center sits alongside the Deschutes River and is home to more than 40 shops—such as Vanilla Clothing Co., which sells stylish apparel for women, children, and babies, and Hello Sunshine, which offers accessories, home decor, and more.
There you’ll also find nearly 20 eateries and lounges; a few locally owned favorites include the fun Rapa Nui Tiki Lounge, the Mexican-American-owned M’s Bakery, Hola! (which serves Mexican- and Peruvian-inspired cuisine), and Lady Bird Cultural Society (where fine-dining dishes and Prohibition-era cocktails come together in an elegant space).
Day 3: Take a Day Trip to Sisters
To see more of the region, take a day trip to Sisters. The Wild West-inspired community is less than an hour from Sunriver and offers outdoorsy fun alongside a charming downtown core.
Have a Blast at Hoodoo Ski Area & Autobahn Tubing Park
One of the top things to do in Sisters, Oregon, in the winter is a visit to Hoodoo Ski Area. Just 30 minutes northwest of Sisters, the ski hill sits atop Santiam Pass and offers 800 acres of skiable terrain, with your choice of green, blue, and black runs for varying skill levels, as well as lessons, Nordic skiing, and other activities. Kids of all ages, meanwhile, can speed down the hill at the on-site Autobahn Tubing Park.
Stroll & Dine in Downtown
The downtown core in Sisters is dotted with Western-themed architecture, and those buildings host local shops, craft beverage producers, and laid-back coffee shops—perfect for embracing the community’s après-ski vibes. Warm up at Sisters Coffee Company, sample local ales and lagers at Three Creeks Brew Pub, enjoy a hearty dinner made with local ingredients at Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill, and see what’s new at Lonesome Water Books.
Day 4: Take a Day Trip to La Pine
The quiet community of La Pine, just 20 minutes south of Sunriver, sits surrounded by all manner of outdoor adventure—and a number of local eateries dish down-home fare.
Bask In Scenic Stillness at Newberry National Volcanic Monument
Every winter, much of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument closes to the general public. But the areas that do remain open and accessible welcome visitors backcountry fun.
10 Mile Sno-Park, for instance, makes a fine basecamp for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling around the Newberry Caldera. From the Sno-Park, follow a three-mile (one-way) route past the frozen Paulina Creek Falls and onto Paulina Lake Lodge, which remains open all winter long for overnight stays, warm meals, and seasonally inspired drinks.
Take Your Tastebuds on a Tour
If you’re eager to sample some of the outstanding eateries around La Pine, you have several appetizing outposts to choose from. Harvest Depot serves dinner classics for all three meals, and daily specials mean there’s always something new to try. At Wickiup Station Sports Pub, fill up with steaks, burgers, pasta, and other stick-to-your-ribs dishes. For a cold drink, stop by Wetlands Taphouse—whose outdoor seating area remains packed all winter long.
End of Trip: Come Inside and Keep the Fun Going
We’ve outlined winter activities in Sunriver, OR, for your weekend getaway, but several indoor attractions feature a mix of educational opportunities, up-close wildlife encounters, and awe-inspiring stargazing.
Just 10 minutes from Sunriver, the award-winning High Desert Museum enthralls families with a number of kid-friendly exhibits on the history and wildlife of Central Oregon, as well as live raptors, river otters, a porcupine, and other animals. For science-minded fun, learn about local plants and animals at the Sunriver Nature Center—and see what you can spy at the Oregon Observatory, home to the largest collection of telescopes for public use in the United States.
