Pick Bend for Your Cross Country Ski Vacation

Discover Bend, Oregon as an ideal place to plan a cross country ski vacation and make the most of a winter wonderland with plenty of nearby Nordic skiing options, promising pristine trails and snow play fun.

With its close proximity to Mt. Bachelor and the Cascade mountains, together with multiple dedicated sno-parks with groomed trails, the Bend area is rightly acclaimed as a haven for top cross country winter activity.

Boasting one of the longest ski seasons in North America, Central Oregon has several sno-parks within a short drive of town that offer miles of groomed Nordic trails and further backcountry terrain to explore.

Plan Your Cross Country Ski Vacation in Bend, Oregon

Cross Country Skiing around Bend, Oregon is one of the most popular winter activities available during the colder months of the year in Central Oregon. The High Desert environment and mountainous terrain provide the perfect conditions for a Nordic skiing travel destination. Whether you are a new enthusiast or have years of experience, you can cross country while enjoying the renowned winter beauty, breathtaking scenery, steady snowfall, and consistent sunshine of the region.

Here are the top reasons to choose Bend for your cross country ski vacation:

Nearby Mountain Resorts with Plenty of Nordic Options

Central Oregon is home to the stunning Cascade Mountains as well as the Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo Ski Area resorts just down the road.

• Mt Bachelor Nordic Center offers 56 km of groomed trails that weave through the Deschutes National Forest for classic and skate style skiing, 10 km of signed and packed Snowshoe Trails, lessons, a full rental service, and much more. A wide variety of trails cater to any skill level of cross country skiing, including easy loops for beginners, and double diamonds with 600-foot elevation gains for experts.

Head a little further west toward Hoodoo Ski Area and the Three Sisters Wilderness and you’ll reach:

• The Hoodoo Ski Area Nordic Skiing destination. Enjoy incredible views of the southern and northern Cascade Mountain range and plenty of Nordic skiing just a short drive from Bend’s city limits. Located at the top of Santiam Pass, outside of Sisters, OR, the diverse cross country trail system offers approximately 15 kilometers of groomed trails.

An Abundance of Sno-Parks and Groomed Trails

Up toward Mt. Bachelor, off Century Drive, there are multiple sno-parks full of groomed trails awaiting the next Nordic skier. The Virginia Meissner Sno-Park is located just 14 miles from Bend and features 40 km of exceptional track, stunning views and a variety of terrain. Meissner is connected through a series of trails to the Swampy Lakes Sno-park. Relax and refuel in one of the many warming huts with fireplaces throughout the trail network. If you would like to bring your canine friend along, there are dog-friendly trails at Skyliner, Edison and Kapka Butte Sno-Parks.

Nordic Ski Rentals

There are many shops in town that offer great rental packages, as well as expert advice on trails and conditions. Cross country ski rentals are available at local favorites such as Sunnyside Sports, Powder House Ski & Snowboard, Webcyclery Webskis and Pine Mountain Sports. You can also rent Nordic ski gear at Mt. Bachelor where equipment is waxed and sharpened daily, along with new gear and demos from brand leaders.

Bend, Oregon in the Winter

Downtown Bend is nothing short of magical in the winter season whether you are planning a ski vacation or just visiting the town. Stroll the historic Wall and Bond streets in a vibrant downtown district which offers an abundance of unique shopping as well as award-winning restaurants, state of the art spa services and regular entertainment and events. The area offers many breweries and wineries, and there is plenty of winter fun to enjoy.

Winter Lodging at Waypoint Hotel

The Waypoint Hotel is a unique newly renovated venue located just off Highway 97 in Bend’s Mid-Town. This hotel includes a spacious lobby featuring eight local brews and ciders on tap, outdoor fire pits, and an on-site food truck serving comfort food. Just around the corner from the Waypoint Hotel you’ll find several brewpubs and a distillery. A convenient grab-and-go breakfast is complimentary with each night’s stay – especially welcome when you are headed out early to hit the slopes. Book your winter vacation lodging today!