You can cross-country ski at just about every Sno-Park across Central Oregon—but few are linked so closely to the activity as Virginia Meissner Sno-Park.
That connection starts with the name: The Sno-Park, which sits a short drive from Bend along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, is named for Virginia Meissner—a cross-country ski instructor and author who wrote often about skiing in the Cascade Range.
Once you strap on your skis, you’ll see that the Sno-Park offers a fitting tribute. Nearly 50km of trails are groomed daily between December and March by members of the nonprofit Meissner Nordic Ski Club. Those paths, geared toward users of all skill levels, head through snowy forests of pine en route to six (well-maintained) warming huts. Snowshoers, meanwhile, can choose among two dedicated loops of up to 2.75 miles.
Visitors can even prepare for the experience by downloading a mobile app (available for iPhones and Android phones) that includes grooming and weather reports, offline trail maps, and other helpful features.
Given the Sno-Park’s popularity, cross-country skiers and snowshoers should aim to arrive by 9 a.m. on snowy winter weekends.
Restrooms are available at the parking area, as well.
Open Season
November-April, depending on snowpack
Dog Friendly and/or Leash Rules
Dogs are not permitted between November and May 1.
Best time to visit
Jan.-Feb.
Don’t Miss
Warm up around the fire at the Meissner Shelter, and enjoy views of Broken Top in the distance.
Fees or Pass Needed
A Sno-Park Parking Permit is required April-Nov.; a daily Sno-Park permit costs $4, a three-day permit costs $9, and a season-long pass costs $25.
Restrictions
Dogs are not permitted November-May, and snowmobiles are not allowed on the Sno-Park’s trails.
Activities
Snowshoeing
Nordic Skiing
Parking
A parking area is available.
Directions
From Bend, the 14-mile drive to Meissner Sno-Park takes about 20 minutes via SW Century Drive, which becomes the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.