Make sure to get your year started off right by visiting Bend, Oregon for an unbelievable New Year’s vacation getaway. An assortment of activities awaits you in this Central Oregon city that will keep you entertained for days. Here is how to spend your New Year’s in Bend Oregon:
Enjoy the Skiing During a Bend Oregon Winter
Bend might best be known as the home of Mt. Bachelor, a local mountain with some of the best skiing conditions in the state. Make your New Year’s stay an adventure by carving down the powdery snow found on Mt. Bachelor with trails of all difficulty levels. Even first-time skiers can enjoy a trip down the mountain with introductory courses that are perfect for all ages. Once you have mastered the bunny slopes, you can step up to the daring black diamond slopes for a thrilling ride. Feel free to leave the gear at home, as you can even rent some of the newest equipment right from their shop during a Bend Oregon winter. Another popular hot spot in the area for skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing is the Hoodoo Ski Area. If you love night skiing, this is the spot for you as Hoodoo is the only resort in the area offering skiing under the stars.
If you’re tired of skiing, (if that’s even possible) get out on the ice at The Pavilion or Seventh Mountain Resort and show off your skating skills or take a refresher lesson if you’re feeling rusty. Or head to Wanoga Park where you can rent a sled or boogie board to relive those childhood snow days and show your kids that you haven’t lost your perfect sledding technique. Stay in town and sled on Hollinshead Park or Drake Park.
New Year’s Eve Bonfire
If you are looking for a quiet setting instead of watching fireworks back in town, consider participating in a New Year’s Eve Bonfire put on by Wanderlust Tours. This is an exciting snowshoe tour that will take you into the wilderness for a surreal experience. A professional guide will lead the way and bring with them all the snowshoe equipment you need. In addition, locally-made libations and desserts are provided for you to relax around the fire with. Make sure to bring warm clothing as the tour starts at 9:00pm and lasts until 1:00am. The New Year’s Eve Bonfire starts at $115 per person.
Raid a New Year’s Party
Bend might seem quiet during the day, but at night the local venues get lively with exciting live music, beverages, and entertainment. The same can be said for New Year’s Eve, as various local New Year’s Eve parties rock the city. A few to try are the New Year’s Animal Mask-uerade Ball at The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin, NYE Celebration – Bend Comerados at Old St. Francis School, NYE with Bend Burlesque at Worthy Brewing, and the Jeshua Marshall’s NYE Bash hosted by Silver Moon Brewing. Local venues such as Astro Lounge, Hope and Charity Vineyards, the American Legion Post and more put on exciting live events that are a must to experience for those 21 years and older. Check each venue to verify for reservation and pandemic requirements. And now that we have Uber in Bend, there’s no worrying about who’s going to be the designated driver – everyone can have fun!
Spend New Year’s Eve Your Way
While some of us love the boisterous, lively night life (and New Year’s is the ultimate party night!), there are some of us who like our celebrations a little quieter, or at least smaller. Luckily, there is plenty of space for your own party in your rental. Have a dance-off or karaoke contest, or just put your favorite New Year’s Eve celebration on the flat screen and party with the revelers in Times Square. Stock up on champagne or set up a craft beer tasting table with local brews and tasty snacks. Or, the two of you can snuggle in front of the fire, welcoming the New Year in quietly.
Before you do your fireside snuggling, how about a horse drawn carriage ride under the stars to get you in the mood? Just reserve your carriage in advance for a memorable evening. Or maybe you prefer a more elegant celebration? There are plenty of spots around town where you can enjoy an elegant, three-course prix fixe dinner and champagne at midnight.
A New Year’s Like No Other
These are just some of the exciting things to do when you spend your New Year’s in Bend Oregon. Make your trip even more incredible by reserving one of our exclusive vacation rentals found throughout the area. You will be a short distance away from all of these exciting activities and enjoy luxury amenities with privacy. Choose a secluded mountain retreat for a quiet celebration or one of our modern condos overlooking Downtown Bend. Still looking for the best party or selecting a rental near all the action? Contact us today to help you find the perfect rental for your stay during a Bend Oregon winter.
