One of the greatest times of the year to visit Bend, Oregon is the winter season. The Pacific Northwest is known to get incredible powdery snow, and Bend is no exception. You will have a variety of winter activities to keep you entertained for days. Here is how you can explore Bend Oregon winter activities:
Down Hill Skiing & Snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor
Start with the best in winter sports with a trip to the popular Mt. Bachelor. This incredible peak offers over 4,000 feet in elevation and some of the best ski trails you have ever experienced. Trails vary from beginner “bunny slopes” to the treacherous black diamond slopes for experts. Do not worry if you did not bring your gear, as local rental shops will have you covered. Our winter vacation rentals are scattered throughout the area, and when you select a rental partway between Mt. Bachelor and historic downtown Bend, you can easily enjoy both during your stay. Mt. Bachelor’s Bachelor Parks is the place for snowboarding too, with man-made features including a half-pipe for snowboarders and free skiers. And again, there trails for all levels in the park.
Cross Country Skiing
Mt. Bachelor is also home to miles of machine-groomed tracks for the perfect cross-country skiing. You can take part in the group lessons if it is your first time trying it out. Cross country skiing is quite different than downhill, so expect a new experience! One of the best cross country ski teams in the country, XC Oregon, uses Bend as its home base, so you know you’re come to the right spot for excellent cross country opportunities.
The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center keeps over 56 kilometers of trails groomed (every night) for your skiing pleasure, and they have one of the longest Nordic seasons in the country. And of course, there are acres and acres of un-groomed trails and terrain just waiting outside your rental’s door and ready for your back country cross country ski adventure. You can take a guided cross country tour or pack up and head out on your own into the forested wilderness of the Deschutes National Forest.
Stay closer to your rental and take advantage of Bend’s community trails at the popular Virginia Meissner SnoPark. The park features overs 40 kilometers of groomed trails for both skate and classic skiing. And the SnoPark is just off Century Drive on the way to Mt. Bachelor from Bend, making it easy to access from most of our winter vacation rentals.
Dog Sledding
Another great activity to enjoy at Mt. Bachelor is a dog sled ride through the terrain. Our furry friends will take you through the Deschutes Forest for an unforgettable experience. Lessons are available to help you get accustomed to your new pup friends. Find out the best things to do in Bend for yourself!
Sledding & Ice Skating
When you need something different to do, get out on the ice at The Pavilion in downtown Bend or Seventh Mountain Resort and show off your ice skating spins, or take a refresher lesson. The Pavilion is area’s only full NHL-sized rink, and the ice rink is enclosed with a roof and transparent walls that keeps the cold weather out and lets the amazing views in. Seventh Mountain is between Bend and Mt. Bachelor and provides that old fashioned out-door ice skating experience. The view is amazing.
Or head to Wanoga Park for a fun, stress-free day of sledding. It’s the perfect spot to relive those childhood winters memories when it was just you and your red sled against that icy hill. Rent a sled or boogie board show your kids a few of your sledding tricks. You can also stay in town, close to all the Bend bars and restaurants, and sled on Hollinshead Park or Drake Park.
Bend Ale Trail
Three full days of winter sports can leave you feeling pretty cold up in Bend. Take a break from the activities and warm up with the official Bend Ale Trail. Stop by your closest brewery and pick up the stamp card as you trek around the city for the next hand-crafted brew. Winter is the perfect time to put down the lager and try something new, like a roasty stout. Once you have collected at least 10 different stamps, you can collect a prize from the Bend Visitor Center!
Best Things To Do In Bend
There is no better way to enjoy the serenity of Bend than in one of our exclusive vacation rentals offered from Bend Vacation Rentals. You will enjoy incredible home features and luxury amenities like no other in our various properties. Choose from spacious multi-bedroom homes to quaint cottages for an experience like no other. Come see why Bend is one of the top travel destinations in all of the Pacific Northwest!
