Why Bend, Oregon is a Great Place for a Ski Vacation

Bend, Oregon is a great place to plan a ski vacation.  The Waypoint hotel is ideally close to both Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo Ski Area, as well as being just a stroll away from downtown’s plentiful amenities.

Nearby mountain resorts provide ample opportunities for snow sports enthusiasts of all tastes and skill levels, ranging from the powder-dusted slopes of Mt. Bachelor – complete with a terrain park offering an exciting variety of on-mountain experiences for skiers and snowboarders alike – to Hoodoo Ski Area, which offers Central Oregon’s only night skiing.

As the Pacific Northwest’s premier mountain destination, and now the sixth-largest ski resort in North America, Mt. Bachelor is just 22 miles from Bend and boasts more than a half-mile of vertical drop amid 4,300 lift-accessible skiable acres, featuring 121 unique runs. Aside from the acclaimed downhill attractions, the resort also offers 56 km of groomed cross-country skiing trails, snowshoe tours with U.S. Forest Service rangers, a popular tubing park (served by a tow lift), and even sled dog rides.

With a uniquely long season, reliable snowpack, and expansive terrain options, a trip to Bend can provide an ideal vacation base for the mountain experience that you and your family are searching for.

Why Bend, Oregon is a Great Place for a Ski Vacation

Bend, Oregon is a great place to plan your next ski vacation with two nearby mountain ski resorts and a High Desert climate that often delivers light, dry snow and provides some of the best fresh powder in the nation. The snow ski season in Central Oregon generally lasts from November through May, which is one the longest in the Pacific Northwest.

Acclaimed as a gateway for many outdoor sports and an idyllic travel destination with a myriad of attractive qualities for travelers to enjoy – including craft breweries, hiking trails, coffee shops, local events, creative restaurants, stunning scenery, and much more – Bend is a great place to visit any time of year but can be that much more of a winter getaway when planning a ski vacation to boot.

Multiple Ski Resorts Near Bend

Whether you are looking for snowboarding, downhill skiing, or cross-country skiing opportunities accessible from Bend, the nearby mountain resorts offer a range of styles to fit the entire family. Bend has two nearby mountain ski resorts; Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo Ski Area.

Mt Bachelor Resort – Above a Dormant Volcano

A dormant volcano formed nearly 15,000 years ago on the eastern flanks of the Central Cascades, with the highest skiable elevation in all of Oregon and Washington, Mt. Bachelor boasts diverse terrain and family-friendliness and is a great place for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.

The mountain has a terrain park, halfpipe, eight high-speed quad lifts, and many opportunities for side-country or tree skiing for advanced skiers. Guests can ski or ride 360 degrees off the summit – the only place in the United States that you can do so – or hike the adjoining cinder cone for a thrilling run down, while for newer enthusiasts there is a free beginner’s lift offering an easy ride up and gentle slope down, right in front of the ski lodge. Amenities at Mt. Bachelor include downhill and cross-country rental equipment, an on-site shop with apparel and outdoor equipment, and three après-ski dining options throughout the resort.

Transworld Snowboarding voted Mt Bachelor one of the top five snowboard resorts in North America for its natural, boarder-friendly terrain, while for those who prefer an alternative aerobic experience, the adjoining Nordic Center boasts a well-planned network of trails affording breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks in the neighboring Three Sisters Wilderness area.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Hoodoo Ski Area provides a more intimate experience at a smaller ski mountain located just over 40 miles west of Bend on the summit of Oregon’s Santiam Pass. Known for Thrifty Thursday’s ski pass deals and as the only resort in the region to offer night skiing, you can have an affordable all-day ski adventure for you and your friends or family. Founded in 1938, as Central Oregon’s original ski area, Hoodoo offers more than 800 acres of wide-open terrain, 34 runs, five lifts, and one of the largest tubing parks in the West.

The ultimate ski vacation in Bend can easily accommodate both ski resort experiences in one ski trip. Skiing via Bend couldn’t be easier for the whole family!

Ski Vacation Lodging at Waypoint Hotel

The Waypoint Hotel is a unique venue located just off Highway 97 in Bend’s popular Mid-Town. This newly renovated boutique hotel embraces the famed Bend culture and includes a spacious lobby featuring eight local brews and ciders on tap, outdoor fire pits, and an on-site food truck serving comfort cuisine. 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 Bend ski vacation lodging today!