Nothing beats Bend, Oregon skiing season, which is why the family and I go every year. It has some of the best skiing in the country, whether you’re looking for bunny slopes, cross country skiing, or black diamonds.
For the record, I consider myself a decently intermediate skier. While Bend does cater to the more advanced skier, there are plenty of trails and snow parks for everyone to have their fair share of fun. That’s why I’ve come up with a list of where to find great skiing in Bend, Oregon, no matter your expertise or price point!
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Bend, Oregon Skiing
In this post, I’ll answer some common questions about Bend’s ski season and share my favorite ski parks organized by price point and skill level. I’ll also share some tips for maximizing your Bend, Oregon winter vacation.
How long is the ski season in Oregon?
Bend’s ski season lasts from about mid-November to late May, though this can vary by resort. Bend’s average snowfall is about 27-34 inches annually, but that’s just in the city. Most mountains in Bend average over 400 inches, and with central Oregon’s high-desert climate, the snow is cold and dry. That means epic powder days that are perfect for a long ski season.
Can you ski in Bend, Oregon?
Yes, yes, and yes! Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot to do in Bend, Oregon in winter, but skiing is definitely top of the list. And what makes it great is that there are both downhill and cross-country skiing options (some dog friendly, too!). My family is at all different ski levels, with some of us preferring easy cross-country and others wanting hills and thrills. So Bend makes the perfect ski trip for everyone.
As for gear rental, Powder House is a go-to spot for snowboards, nordic skiing, and downhill skiing gear. If you’d rather hire a guide who takes care of everything for you, here are some options:
Want to take a break from skiing? Go on a guided snowshoe tour or embark on a 4-hour scenic national monument snowmobile tour.
Where to Ski in Bend, Oregon
Now onto the fun stuff: Where to ski in Central Oregon! I’ll include both downhill and XC skiing options.
Mt. Bachelor
website | area: Bend (get directions) | price: ~$100-150 per adult single-day lift tickets | best for: all skill levels
The Mt Bachelor ski resort is one of the best ski resorts in North America. It’s the sixth largest ski area in the country, with over 400 inches of snowfall, 4,300 skiable acres, 11 high speed quad chair lifts, and over 100 lift accessible runs.
There are two bases for downhill skiing at the Bachelor ski area: Sunrise and West Village. Sunrise is better for kids and beginners, while West Village is large and includes steeper runs. There’s no need to choose since you can visit both in a single day with lifts running between them.
Since this is such a big, popular ski resort, tickets are pricey. Definitely purchase ahead online to get the best deals. Also, prepare for long lunch lines at the cafes and trouble getting seats. For how big the mountain is, I’m always surprised at how overcrowded the amenities are compared to ski resorts in Washington. If possible, pack your own lunch.
Want to take a break from the slopes? Ride behind a real dog sled team led by professional mushers along the tree-lined trails of Mt. Bachelor.
Or, consider visiting in February for Bachelor’s annual Red Chair Roundup hosted by Deschutes Brewery to sample their Red Chair NW Pale Ale, eat some burritos, and listen to funky tunes!
Hoodoo Ski Area
website | area: Sisters (get directions) | price: ~$75pp single-day tickets, ~$35 on Thursdays | best for: affordable lift tickets
Hoodoo Ski Resort is located 45 miles northwest of Bend near Sisters, Oregon. It has a more chill, low-key vibe than Bachelor, which is great if you’re not too serious about skiing.
The downside for some is that the mountain is a lot smaller, with only 5 lifts and 34 runs. However, this means less crowds than Mt. Bachelor. Plus, it’s much cheaper, especially if you go for their “Thrifty Thursdays” special. Under $40pp for a ski ticket is unheard of these days!
Some other pros of Hoodoo is that it sits on a rounded butte with a lot of wide open terrain. This is good for people who like deep, challenging powder, as Hoodoo has plenty on its backside. However, if you’re like me and preferred groomed runs, there are plenty for all skill levels on the mountain’s frontside. I’d say the trails run more intermediate to advanced, though, especially toward the top. Luckily Hoodoo also has nordic skiing for those who prefer mostly flat terrain.
Another pro of Hoodoo is that it offers night skiing and snow tubing, two activities Mt. Bachelor doesn’t have. I also think Hoodoo has much better lodge amenities with more space to spread out and not as much overcrowding. Food quality wise, though, it’s similar.
Willamette Pass Ski Resort
website | area: Crescent Lake (get directions) | price: ~$20-39pp tickets | best for: affordable and a wide range of runs
Willamette Pass Resort is about 1.5 hours south of Bend towards Eugene, Oregon. It’s perfect if you’re trying to save a buck, since kids 12 and under ride free, and lift tickets are frequently as low as $19 bucks. Book your tickets in advance online to get the best deals.
Like Hoodoo, Willamette Pass is smaller with 5 chair list and 29 trails. However, it has over 1,500 feet of vertical terrain and 430 inches of annual snowfall, so it’s as legit as any other ski resort. Willamette Pass is best known for tree runs, it’s terrain park, and having steeper terrain than Hoodoo, so intermediate and advanced skiers love this spot.
There are also less crowds at Willamette Pass Ski Resort as compared to Mt. Bachelor, so expect less crowded lodges. You’ll also find ~12 miles of cross-country skiing tails at Willamette Pass for those who prefer it over downhill.
Nordic skiing spots
I am a huge fan of cross country skiing Washington state, but one of the reasons my family and I seek out Bend, Oregon skiing every year is that it has excellent nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Here are my favorite spots to go.
Note: All except Mt. Bachelor and Skyliner require a sno park permit parking pass November 1 through April 30.
Mt Bachelor Nordic Center
website | area: Bend (get directions) | price: ~$30pp single-day tickets | best for: well-maintained trails
Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic Center is the only spot that you’ll have to pay to enter, but on the plus side, it’s well-maintained, and you don’t have to pay for parking. There are some green trails, but you’ll find more intermediate and advanced runs.
If you’re like me and are between beginner and intermediate, I recommend going on a bluebird day, when the sky is blue and there’s fresh powder. The extra snowfall makes the steeper climbs feel less intimidating.
Meissner Sno-Park & Swampy Lakes
website | area: Bend (Meissner get directions) & (Swampy Lakes get directions) | price: $4 daily per vehicle parking pass | best for: well-maintained public trails
Meissner and Swampy Lakes are two different trailheads, but they connect via a loop trail. Meissner is the best for beginner nordic skiers, with over 30 miles of well-groomed trails. Even some of the blue diamonds aren’t overly intimidating.
More advanced skiers can connect from Meissner to Swampy at the Tangent Loop Trail for extra mileage, but it’s too steep for most beginners. Swampy has its own parking lot, though, so I’d recommend driving between the two if you’re not confident on hills. There is a separate trail that goes through the woods at Swampy Lakes. It’s not groomed, which can be more challenging for beginners, but it’s much less steep.
Both snow terrain parks have vault toilets only, so use the bathroom ahead you your ski day!
Edison Butte Sno-Park
website | area: Bend (get directions) | price: $4 daily per vehicle parking pass | best for: adventurous cross-country and dogs
Edison Sno Park is a favorite of mine because it offers a gorgeous trek through the woods. You have to share the trail with snowshoers because it’s not groomed, but I’ve never had an issue. It’s also not too hilly so it’s easy to weave between the trees and get away from the crowds.
Skyliner Sno Park to Tumalo Falls
website | area: Bend (get directions) | price: free (no parking permit required) | best for: frozen waterfall and dogs
Skylliner is the sno park connected to Tumalo Falls, a popular summer trail for bikers and hikers. During the winter, the trails leading to the icy falls transform into a nordic trail. The path is gradually uphill but manageable, and it’s dog friendly, so your four-legged family members can come too!
Wanago Park
website | area: Sunriver (get directions) | price: $4 daily per vehicle parking pass | best for: dog-friendly and motorized trails
Wanago Park is another dog friendly sno-park with access to nearly 180 miles of both motorized and non-motorized trails. There are 2 mostly flat, well-maintained loops for snowshoeing, nordic skiing, tubing, and fat biking. When you’re ski-ed out, head to the warming hut near Wanoga’s parking area.
The park’s proximity to Bend means it can get pretty crowded, particularly with kids, so visit during the week or at off times, like around 9 AM or an hour or two before sunset.
Ray Benson Sno Park
website | area: Sisters (get directions) | price: $4 daily per vehicle parking pass | best for: nordic skiing and snow mobiling
Ray Benson is a smaller sno park in Sisters, OR, that’s just east of Hoodoo. It’s the perfect place to bring the kids or newbies before taking them to the downhill mountain. There are multiple nordic skiing and snowmobile trails along the Willamette National Forest, plus a warming hut. Be aware, though, Google reviewers say the bathrooms can be gnarly.
Dutchman Flats
website | area: Bend (get directions) | price: $4 daily per vehicle parking pass | best for: wide, well-groomed trails
Dutchman Flats is one of the smaller sno parks, so it can fill up quickly. I’ve come during the off times and even then, it can be congested. However, the park is beautiful and ideal for snowmobilers or nordic skiers who don’t mind sharing the road. Since it can get steep, it’s best for intermediate to advanced skiiers.
More to do around Bend, Oregon
After you’ve had your fill of Bend, Oregon skiing, fill your itinerary with these other activities.
