Central Oregon is a Winter Funderland for Nordic and Alpine Recreation.
Winter sports enthusiasts find exactly what they seek in a thrill on the hill destination.
Prineville. Basepoint to East or West Winter Sporting
Ochocos Give Home to Nordic, Snowshoeing and Snowmobiling
Certain enthusiasts of winter sports prefer secluded locations that are away from crowds and congested parking areas. Using Prineville as a basepoint, winter activities can be accessed to the east in the Ochocos National Forest, with the option to head west for access to groomed resort trails. It’s the ideal blend of both experiences, all within a 50-mile radius. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are all available when there’s enough snowpack.
Ochoco National Forest
Prineville sits at the foothills of the Ochoco National Forest where both Winter and Summer recreational activities are abundant. For the winter, we love to introduce visitors to some lightly populated areas.
There are two snow parks worth noting in the Ochocos. Walton Lake and Bandit Springs. Excellent locations for discovering trails and blazing new ones for the adventurer in you. Or locate up to 28 other snow sport trails here.
It feels like true wilderness cross country skiing starting from either snow park location. Access trail maps for Walton Lake Sno Park location or the Bandit Springs Ochoco Sno Park system. Check out the Ochoco Chapter of the Oregon Nordic Club. An excellent winter resource.
Prineville is a gateway to white bliss. Snowshoeing is abundant at the Ochoco Sno Park and Bandit Springs Sno Park areas and is often shared with Cross Country Skiers. Find some trails and get ready for a “really great shoe!” Watch for mushers too. It’s a pawadise up there!
There are countless snowmobiling opportunities in the Ochoco range and are sometimes cross used with other Nordic enthusiasts. If you prefer to venture where others are not, you can locate many trails that will allow you some full throttle fun. Ochoco Snowmobile Trail discovery is here.
For avid sledders and tubers alike, there’s no place like Marks Creek Sno Park - Sled Hill and the Walton Lake Sno Park. These are designated areas, but we’re guessing that just the right hill might be found if you find yourself waiting for your Nordic friends to come back from the countless miles of trails.
Mt. Bachelor
Established in 1958 and originally named Bachelor Butte, this resort started with a single rope tow. By 1961, a chair lift and in 1983 a name change to Mt. Bachelor. Today it reigns as a premier destination for Alpine and Nordic skiing. The resort now operates year-round.
Mt. Bachelor has grown into an all season resort and visitors LOVE it. For winter, skiing and snowboarding is the call for the wild. Keep up with snow conditions and tap into their hillside webcams for a live look. This resort is a family driven experience, and there’s enough room to roam that you can still find just you and mountain.
The resort has automated their ticket purchase and pickup to really expedite the process and get you on the slopes faster. Access daily tickets here for options. If you’re local, planning multiple visits or here with a larger clan, the Mountain Passes are a very nicely bundled option. Look for the Kids ski Free option too. It’s sweet.
There are many quality shops in the Bend area, all receiving high marks. We take snow fun seriously around these parts! Our friends from Sunriver have shared a nice resource for finding perfect rental gear ahead of your trip. Snowboards, ski’s and more at these fine Bend locations.
Come and conquer. There is just the right fit for your adaptive needs to ski, snowboard or snowshoe. Oregon Adaptive Sports is the call worth making to get you geared up and ready to experience and discover.
Hoodoo Ski
Hoodoo Ski Area was founded in 1938 by Ed Thurston who started with a rope tow powered by a car engine on Hoodoo Butte. They introduced Oregon’s first double chairlift in 1950. In 1999 new ownership modernized to a larger base lodge and other upgrades. Locals love it, and it is still known for its historic charm and family-friendly atmosphere.
The best of all worlds right here. Check out HooDoo ski area. It is easy to get to and offers a full snow experience. Great place for lessons with their Ski and Ride School and you can access the Mountain Webcams for live looks. Experience night skiing at least once in your life. You can here Dark Sky Skiing.
There are all kinds of Ticketing combinations to help you get on the slopes. Making a season out of it, you may want to look at the Pass opportunities. Gift certificates are available if you’re wanting to really encourage someone to get out. Rental equipment is also on premise. You just need park and get to the lodge.
Find a full day of snow fun. At HooDoo ski area, you’re not limited to just alpine skiing and snowboarding. The Autobahn Tubing Park is a must thrill experience. The area is also home to some fine Nordic skiing. Oregon Adaptive Sports is on site for adaptive mountain snow experiences. Need local lodging? They have you covered all within 30 minutes time.