Winter Fun

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 downhill skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort and Nordic skiing on more than 70 kilometers of trails. 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. And if you’re not sure where to start, leave the planning to someone else by letting Locals Compass create a custom itinerary just for you.

Got the whole family in tow? You’ll be happy to know Kids Ski Free at Mt. Bachelor. This makes vacationing in Bend, Oregon, very affordable for your next Oregon ski vacation. You can book your ski and stay free packages from many of Bend’s hotels, motels, and vacation rentals here.

Need some tips and suggestions on winter fun in Bend, Oregon? Check out a few of our suggested itineraries to help plan your Oregon winter vacation and get the most out of your visit to Bend!

Kids Ski Free in Bend
Seek the sunshine you need in the sunny mountain oasis of Bend, Oregon! Build a snowman, catch snowflakes on your tongue, and soak up the sunshine at Mt. Bachelor, where kids 12 and under ski free every day.  Then set your tail wagging on a dog sled dash through the Deschutes Forest, get cozy with critters at the High Desert Museum, get your game on at the Sun Mountain Fun Center, and finish your day by making snow angels and star-gazing until you’re sleepy. Plan your Oregon ski vacation now!

Bend Ale Trail – Trek the largest beer trail of the West
Beer is good. Beer in Bend is Better! Follow your beer dreams to the sunny mountain oasis of Bend, Oregon. Trek the world famous Bend Ale Trail and sample decadent craft beers at ​more than 15 award-winning Bend breweries. When you need a break from Beervana, soak up the sunshine on the slopes of Mt. Bachelor, snowshoe through the beautiful Deschutes National Forest, and enjoy the energy of the hip mountain oasis of Bend. Plan your Bend Beercation now!

A Snowmance in Bend
Nothing stokes winter romance like a moonlit snowshoe tour, hot drinks around the fire, and a quaint B&B. Grab your sweetie by the hand and share the fun of winter in the sunny mountain oasis of Bend, Oregon! Build a snowman, make snow angels, then top off your day with a starlit snowshoe adventure and some cuddling by the fire during your Bonfire on the Snow adventure. When your stomach starts growling, grab a gourmet meal at one of Bend’s many award-winning restaurants. Then stroll hand in hand as you enjoy the charming shopping districts in ​Downtown Bend and the Old Mill District. Plan your Bend Snowmance now!