Snow. You want it, we’ve got it! The mountains surrounding Bend get an average of about 30 feet of snow per year, while the city gets less than 30 inches. Know what that means for you? The most diverse winter vacation you can imagine!
Spend your morning wallowing, frolicking, and rolling in all the snow you can handle. Enjoy nordic and downhill skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor or Hoodoo Ski area. For a truly unique experience, try night skiing at Hoodoo, located at the top of Santiam Pass.
Book a once-in-a-lifetime sled dog ride, or rent a snowmobile to explore endless acres of pristine forest. If snowshoeing is more your speed, try a guided adventure from Wanderlust Tours. They offer outings ranging from Moonlight & Starlight Snowshoe Tours to the craft beer-fueled Shoes, Brews & Views adventure.
Once you’ve had your fill of snow, it’s time to explore dry land. Lace up those boots for a bit of hiking at scenic spots like Smith Rock State Park or Pilot Butte. The Oregon Desert Trail in the Badlands is often snow-free and a hike up Horse Ridge will offer stunning views of the Cascade Mountains. If the bike trails are calling, there’s no reason not to answer – you’ll find plenty of great mountain biking even in the dead of winter. For a truly unique adventure, head underground to explore hundreds of caves and lava tubes tunneling beneath Bend’s landscape.
