The ample snowfall that occurs in Bend each winter means all sorts of winter sports can be enjoyed at your leisure! It’s lengthy skiing and snowboarding season distinguishes snowboarding Bend Oregon as one of the best in the United States.
Bend’s Best Places to Hit the Slopes
With over 300 sun-filled days a year, one of the longest snowboarding seasons in the area, and a long history of catering to snowboarders, it’s no wonder this area offers snowboarders and outdoor enthusiasts some of the best spots for snowboarding in the Pacific Northwest. Here are several ski and snowboarding resorts in and around Bend to test out while on your snowboarding trip through the area. There are resorts that catering to families and fun, resorts offering a more serious snowboarding experience, popular resorts, and a couple off the beaten path. Each resort offers a unique snowboarding experience, so you’ll need to stay long enough to enjoy them all.
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort
While it’s true that the volcanic Mt. Bachelor is renowned for its skiing, the natural landmark is also a fantastic place to kick up some powder on your snowboard. In fact, Conde Nast rated Mt. Bachelor as one of the Top Fifty Ski Resorts in North America for twelve consecutive years! More so, TransWorld Snowboarding Magazine ranked Mt. Bachelor as the fourth greatest spot in America for snowboarding. This is due to its variety of trails and terrain suited to snowboarders of all ages, abilities, and snowboarding styles. Mt. Bachelor, the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington, has over 3,700 acres of lift-accessible terrain, 70 runs, and four terrain parks including Bachelor Park. Bachelor Park has man-made features, including a half-pipe, for snowboarders and free-skiers to show off their skills. And serious snowboarders will love every inch of the 400-foot long Superpipe with its 18-foot-high walls! Beyond Mt. Bachelor’s immense network of snowboarding trails, you can also find snowboarding equipment for rent or purchase, as well as lessons and camps for adults and children. This is the area’s most popular resort, so expect a crowd.
Hoodoo Resort: The Best Bend Snowboarding
Not far from Mt. Bachelor, Hoodoo Resort is another incredible place to snowboard in the Bend area. Like Mt. Bachelor, Hoo Doo Resort also offers lessons, equipment rentals, and equipment sales. It’s located just outside of the nearby town of Sisters, about a half-hour to forty-five minute drive northwest of Bend and usually doesn’t experience the crowds that Mt. Bachelor does. Here, you’ll encounter thirty-four runs and five lifts for your snowboarding convenience. Terrain varies from wide-open, groomed trails on the front side of the mountain to challenging runs with deep crevices and plenty of powder. Bend snowboarding is for everyone!
Hoodoo also offers nighttime snowboarding, allowing snowboarders to experience the majestic and ethereal landscape of the forests and mountains at night and are not limited to daytime adventures. It’s one of the most classic snowboarding spots around Bend, besides being one of the oldest ski resorts in the area.
For your equipment and lesson needs, you’re not limited to what’s available on these mountains. Closer to Bend, you can check out renowned local retail and rental shops like Skjersaa’s Ski and Snowboard Shop, Powder House Ski & Snowboard Shop, REI, Aspect Boards and Brews, Pine Mountain Sports, Gear Peddler, Tactics Boardshop, SnoPlanks, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Willamette Pass Ski Area
Located in the Deschutes National Forest, a little over 70 miles from Bend, is the Willamette Pass Ski Area. Willamette has two terrain parks, 225 acres of groomed terrain and over 550 skiable acres. And Willamette has a vertical rise (or drop) of over 1,500 feet. The number one “small” ski area in Oregon, Willamette may not be the first ski resort you’d think of for snowboarding, but this pretty resort deserves a visit.
Mt. Bailey
A little farther from Bend is Mt. Bailey. Known as the country’s longest running back country cat skiing operation, Cat Ski Mt. Bailey has some of the lightest and driest snow you’ll find this side of the Mississippi. The 6,000 acres of terrain here vary from cliffs and chutes to alpine bowls and meadow glades. Located in the Umpqua National Forest, you’ll need to book a guided trip to experience these steep powder turns and high alpine bowls. Only a limited number of serious snowboarders and skiers are allowed at a time on this amazing mountain. If you’re an expert snowboarder (or skier) who’s in great shape and is looking for a beautiful, unique, snowboarding experience of a life time, this is the spot.
Bend Vacation Rentals – Your Trusted Bend Vacation Experts
Contact our reservation specialists to find out more about Bend Oregon snowboarding and other spectacular sports, activities, and attractions. Then book your lodgings in one of our wonderful vacation rental properties today!
