Remember snow days as a kid? You’re breathless over blankets of fresh powder as your heart pounds with joy at the news–school’s canceled!
You spend the day building snow forts, launching snowballs, and sledding down the steepest hill to fill your memory bank to the brim.
Ready to embrace the pure joy of playing in a world of sparkling snow as a carefree kid?
Bend, Oregon, makes the perfect winter escape from adulthood as you burrow into a snow cave filled with boundless winter nostalgia. Find winter fun right in town and in the nearby majestic snow-capped Cascade Mountains. We’ve got everything from sledding hills to ice skating to acres of downhill terrain at Mt. Bachelor.
Cap it all off with warm, whipped cream-topped drinks around a crackling fire.
Grab your mittens, toboggan, and thermos full of hot cocoa, and let’s frolic and play the Bend way!
Sledding is undeniably one of the most giggle-worthy winter activities. When the snow gathers, every hill becomes your playground. When it snows in town, head to Drake Park, Hollinshead Park, or Al Moody Park and try your chance at beating Clark Griswold’s new amateur recreational saucer sled land speed record. As snow falls in the upper elevations, Wanoga Sno-Park is a must for tubing and sledding. A short drive from town, Wanoga is not only the gateway to great snowshoeing and dog-friendly ski trails but also an expansive sledding area with a huge warming hut at the base.
If winter nostalgia wraps you in an urge to hit the slopes, leave ample time for devouring a piping hot bowl of chili and swapping brag-worthy ski stories with friends at the lodge.
Mt. Bachelor is the Pacific Northwest’s destination winter wonderland and purveyor of epic days on the mountain. A hefty average snowfall, one of the longest winter operating seasons in the U.S., and oodles of bluebird days stack up to some serious, whimsical winter fun.
Skiers and snowboarders will relish more than 4,000 acres of terrain. For the never-have-I-ever newbie, book lessons through the “Ski or Ride in 5” program. IKON pass holders get seven days of full access at Mt.Bachelor, enough to experience the whole mountain.
Skiing Mt. Bachelor and Wanderlust Moonlight Snowshoe Tour – Visit Bend
Is strapping sticks to your feet and hurtling down a mountain not your speed? Enjoy snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, or an expedition on the wild–and furry–side with a dog-sled ride. When you’re done, refuel and quench your thirst at one of several bars and restaurants across the mountain.
While most of the snow resides in the mountains, the young-at-heart devotion to winter runs deep in Bend. Plenty of crisp days, occasional bouts of snow, and scores of recreation make the season magical. Glide and twirl on ice skates at The Pavilion. Take your latte to go and enjoy a dazzling winter walk along the Deschutes River at Drake Park. Head downtown or to the Old Mill District and shop for handmade gifts and souvenirs. If snow’s falling, grab some snowshoes for a hike through Shevlin Park and build a holly, jolly figure made of snow. Beer lovers will want to explore the territories of the Bend Ale Trail, where craft beer is served up with fire pits and cozy tasting rooms.
Bend’s the perfect place to re discover your inner kid. Join us this winter to recreate childhood memories or build new ones with your own family. Let Bend transport you to a sparkling world full of joy, magic, and mountains of fun.