Best Snow Activities Near Bend, Oregon
Planning a winter trip to Bend, Oregon and not sure what to do beyond the ski slopes? We’ve got good news for you! You absolutely do not need to downhill ski/snowboard or buy a pass to Mt Bachelor to have an incredible snow day in Central Oregon.
Whether you’re here for a week of snow sports, a family snow day with kids who aren’t quite ready for the slopes, or a cozy winter getaway built around hot tubs and good beer, this guide covers everything you need to know about enjoying the snow around Bend.
A quick note: winter conditions around Bend change fast. Check current road conditions and trail reports before heading out. Traction tires or chains are recommended for most mountain drives and required on some roads during winter conditions.
Sno Parks: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Most of the best snow experiences right outside of Bend involve a Sno Park, and they require a Sno Park Pass to park in their lots from November 1st through April 30th. To avoid fines, be sure to grab a pass before you leave town because they are not sold at the trailheads.
You can find them at places like:
Visit Bend offices in downtown Bend
Local outdoor shops including Mountain Supply, Powder House, and Sunnyside Sports
Gas stations and local grocery stores can also carry them, but be sure to call before you go!
Day passes and season passes are both available. If you’re planning more than one snow outing during your trip, the season pass might be a worthwhile investment.
Where to Rent Snow Gear in Bend
No need to pack your snowshoes or Nordic skis. Bend has great local rental options. These are a few of our favorite places:
Powder House is a Bend establishment, with roots here since 1976. They have alpine ski packages, snowboard packages, nordic and skate ski gear, and snowshoes available for rent. Pro tip: book your rental online to ensure they have what you need when you arrive!
Mountain Supply came to town in 1980 and is another Bend staple.. Rent snowshoes, crosscountry skis, splitboards, and more. Their staff can also help you plan the best places to adventure, depending on your group’s ages and skill levels.
Sunnyside Sports has even deeper roots in Bend (are you sensing a theme here?!) with its doors opening in 1972. Grab nordic or skate skis, snowshoes, and even sleds for rent. Call ahead with any questions and to check availability!
Snowshoeing Near Bend
Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible winter activities near Bend and the trail options here suit every fitness level. Here’s how to find the right fit for your group.
Virginia Meissner Sno Park is the closest Sno Park to Bend and a great starting point for first-timers and experienced snowshoers alike. Two snowshoe trails venture out from this Sno Park, with one heading to the Meissner Shelter and the other to Nordeen Shelter. Note that dogs are not allowed here.
Swampy Lakes Sno Park is just 30 minutes from downtown Bend and offers beautiful and varied terrain with multiple trail loops ranging from easy to moderate. Regardless of the trail you choose, you’ll have a warming shelter nearby to enjoy the snacks and warm drinks you bring along. Dogs are not allowed at Swampy Lakes either.
Edison Butte Sno Park is your best bet if your pup is coming along. This sno park has a variety of trail options, open terrain, and access to multiple warming shelters. A solid choice for a dog-friendly snow day, but be aware that snowmobiles also use nearby trails.
Wanoga Sno Park is one of the most versatile spots near Bend and dogs are welcome here too. Good for snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing all in one location, with a warming shelter at the bottom of the sledding hill.
Tumalo Mountain is for the snowshoers who want a real challenge. Park at the Dutchman Flat Sno Park and climb to the summit for panoramic Cascade views including Mt. Bachelor, South Sister, and Broken Top if you’re there on a clear winter day. Check current conditions before heading out and make sure your group is prepared for a more demanding outing.
In town: When Bend gets snow, Drake Park along Mirror Pond, Shevlin Park, and Riley Ranch Nature Reserve are all great options for a casual winter walk. No gear required, just waterproof boots and warm layers.
Sledding and Snow Tubing Near Bend
Sledding works for nearly every age and requires almost no planning. Here are the best spots to sled in and around Bend:
Wanoga Sno Park is the go-to for sledding near Bend with a huge hill dedicated to sledding. Start from the middle of the hill or hike to the top for varying levels of adventure. (Helmets can be helpful for added safety!) A Sno Park Pass is required, and the lot can fill up very quickly on weekends and after a big snow dump. Plan to arrive early to avoid peak crowds. Dogs welcome!
When the snow falls in town, a few local parks become beloved community sledding spots. Drake Park, Hollinshead Park, and Al Moody Park are all local favorites when conditions are right.
The tubing hill in Sunriver off Theater Drive is a great option if you’re staying in or visiting Sunriver. It’s adjacent to the SHARC, but not officially run by it, and is free to use for all visitors.
Cross-Country Skiing Near Bend
Whether you want to try cross-country skiing for the first time or you’re a seasoned skier looking for good terrain, here’s where to go:
Virginia Meissner Sno Park is the premier groomed Nordic destination near Bend. Well-maintained and marked trails with multiple warming shelters are ideal for beginners and more experienced skiers alike. Dogs not allowed.
Swampy Lakes Sno Park offers ungroomed Nordic terrain with beautiful scenery, peekaboo mountain views, and a range of trail options. These trails are better suited for skiers who are comfortable without groomed surfaces. Dogs not allowed.
Wanoga Sno Park works well for Nordic skiing alongside its other winter uses. It’s a dog-friendly option with a warming shelter near the parking lot.
The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center also offers groomed cross-country skiing with rentals and lessons available, which is a great option if you want instruction or more varied terrain.
Guided Snow Adventures with Wanderlust Tours
If you want to experience the snow around Bend with a knowledgeable local guide, Wanderlust Tours is our top recommendation. They’ve been leading outdoor adventures in Central Oregon for years and they have a great winter lineup.
Their guided experiences are a great option for:
First-time snowshoers who want instruction and confidence before heading out on their own.
Groups who want a shared experience with built-in logistics taken care of.
Anyone who wants to go deeper into the landscape than a marked trail allows.
Wanderlust Tours keeps their calendar updated with current winter offerings and availability. Check wanderlusttours.com before your trip and book in advance because their guided tours fill up, especially on winter weekends.
Après-Snow in Bend
Half the joy of a snow day near Bend is coming back to town and warming up somewhere cozy. Here are a few of our current favorites:
Bend Brewing Co. sits right along the Deschutes River with views of Mirror Pond that are always lovely even in winter. Cold craft beer and pub food after a day in the snow is one of Bend’s great simple pleasures.
Crux Fermentation Project has creative beer (plus wine, cocktails and NA options), fire pits, and a big outdoor area with food trucks that’s great for groups. One of our favorites in any season, and especially good for a relaxed post-snow afternoon. Walkable from Mill Quarter, Millwood Modern, and Millpointe Modern.
GoodLife Brewing is a classic Bend brewery with a solid tap list and a laid-back atmosphere. They even have a playground for kids in their “backyard”! Walkable from Baltimore Bungalow.
10 Barrel Brewing is a Bend staple with a cozy indoor space and spacious patio with firepits. Order the Steak and Gorgonzola Nachos and settle in. Walkable from Kingston House.
Nancy P’s Bakery and Cafe is one of our favorite warm-up stops in Bend for the coffee and pastry crowd. Great baked goods, cozy atmosphere, and the best stop on a snow day. Walkable from Columbia House and Treetop Cottage.
The Commons Café, Watershed Roasters, and Lone Pine Coffee Roasters are all great options for grabbing a coffee to-go before a winter walk through Drake Park and downtown Bend.
A Snow Day at Your Vacation Rental
Some of the best winter days in Bend include a hot tub, games by the fire, and nowhere to be while you watch the snow fall.
Several of our properties are tailor made for a cozy snow day, and also happen to be well-positioned for the drive up Cascade Lakes Highway when you’re ready to head out.
Mt. Bachelor Retreat, Atomic Ranch, The Links House, Milepost Manor, and Tallpine Tuckaway all put you close to the mountain and the Sno Parks while giving you a beautiful homebase to come back to.
Your Bend Winter Packing List
Bend’s high desert climate means cold mornings can warm up considerably by midday. Here’s what we recommend packing for your winter trip:
Down jacket
Waterproof shell
Comfortable layers
Waterproof pants
Thick socks
Waterproof gloves
Waterproof shoes
Beanie or ear warmers
Microspikes or Yaktrax (for icy mornings)
Check ODOT TripCheck for current road conditions before driving up the mountain, and don’t forget to pack snacks and warm drinks because warming shelters don’t have food service.
Plan Your Bend Winter Trip
Winter in Central Oregon is such a magical time of year! If a snow trip to Bend is on your radar, now is a great time to lock in your dates.
Have questions or want local recommendations for your trip? Just send us an email! We love helping guests plan the perfect winter getaway.