If you’re planning a winter vacation to Central Oregon, you owe yourself the breathless pleasure of skiing or snowboarding in Bend. You’ll find ample options for swooping down powder-coated slopes whether you prefer snow play with two sticks on your feet or one.

For some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Oregon, hit the slopes of Mt Bachelor where you’ll be chasing pow all day long. Expert skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of steep runs and challenging terrain parks. Guests can ski or ride 360 degrees off the summit, hike the adjoining cinder cone for a thrilling run down, or ski the trees to find that great cache of powder.

Mt. Bachelor is also a fantastic mountain for beginners and the family. Their free beginner’s lift offers an easy ride up and gentle slope down, or if you’re a first timer carving or just honing in on your skills, take advantage of lessons. Need equipment? Ski and snowboard rentals are available or check out their fully stocked retail shop for your new set of powder skis.

Located just 22 miles from Bend, Mt. Bachelor offers more than 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain and the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington. It’s easy to reach and boasts an average of 462 inches of light, fluffy snowfall each year. And with a season that can span November through May, the mountain has one of the longest ski seasons in the Pacific Northwest.

A few miles farther, but well within day-trip range of Bend is Hoodoo Ski Area. Known for Thrifty Thursdays ski pass deals and night skiing — Hoodoo is the only resort in Central Oregon that offers night skiing — you can have an affordable all day ski adventure for you and your friends or family.

If you’re not into shredding downhill, then how about heaps of pristine Nordic skiing. In addition to ski trails accessed via our Sno-Parks, the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center has 56 km of groomed trails that will keep XC and skate skiers gliding with delight.