Winter in Central Oregon is a dream for nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike. With abundant outdoor adventures and delicious local flavors, the region’s offerings make winter more enjoyable than ever.
Mt. Bachelor had its earliest opening in 26 years, accumulating 240 inches of snow so far this season. As the Pacific Northwest’s top ski destination, it offers 4,323 acres of lift-accessible terrain and breathtaking 360-degree descents from its 9,065-foot volcanic peak. A visit to the “Town Hill” is a must, whether for skiing or the après-ski scene alone. For an added thrill, ride on the new Skyliner Express, a high-speed 6-pack chairlift that debuted last season. Kids will love the new Kids Après activities, helmet decorating, hot cocoa, music, and more, while parents can enjoy the convenience of mobile ordering at Sunrise Lodge’s cafe.
Bend’s premier outdoor adventure company, Wanderlust Tours, continues to impress with its innovative programming showcasing Central Oregon’s natural beauty. This winter, Wanderlust Tours is debuting a range of exciting new experiences, including guided snowshoe tours paired with meteor shower viewing, a cozy warming hut and yoga tour, a Crater Lake excursion, and a soup-and-snowshoe bonfire dinner. These are in addition to all of their regular offerings, such as their Lave Cave and Shoes, Brews & Views tours. Wanderlust’s unique tours promise unforgettable outdoor experiences in Central Oregon’s natural landscape.
For added winter excitement in the area, there are several ice skating rinks, a vast network of Nordic trails, Hoodoo’s tubing park, and night skiing. Or plan a snowmobiling adventure at Elk Lake Resort, Paulina Lake Lodge, or on any of the many hundreds of miles of groomed trails from the Ochocos near Prineville to Sisters.
Following a day of outdoor exploration, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of Central Oregon’s many dining options. The recently opened Bar RBC, from the same team behind Rancher Butcher Chef, offers a tapas-style menu and craft cocktails. For a taste of modern Western flair, celebrity chef Brian Malarkey’s Hawkeye and Huckleberry Lounge is perfect for post-adventure dining, featuring a newly launched après-ski menu. Downtown, Bar Rio serves up Latin-fusion cocktails and light bites, while 900 Wall and Drake offer elevated American bistro fare. For international flavors, don’t miss Sen Hot Pot or Yoli, where you can enjoy a traditional Korean dining experience. Other can’t-miss eats include Sunriver’s Lodge Kitchen, SCP Redmond’s Terra Kitchen, and The Open Door in Sisters, to name a few, not to mention the plethora of food truck cuisine, a cornerstone to Central Oregon’s culinary scene.
With a variety of lodging options, from top resorts such as Sunriver Resort, Black Butte Ranch, Juniper Preserve, and Tetherow to cozy cabins at FivePine Lodge, The Scout Cabins, and Elk Lake Lodge to urban-chic motels like Waypoint and Campfire, accommodations are as diverse as the region’s outdoor recreation and dining offerings.
For additional information, go to www.visitcentraloregon.com
ABOUT CENTRAL OREGON:
Located on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, where vast forests give way to the arid high desert, Central Oregon is characterized by year-round adventure, authenticity, inspiration, and environment. From the towering peaks of the Cascades to the pristine waters of the Wild & Scenic Deschutes River, and the more urban experiences of Bend, Sunriver, and Redmond, to the rural charms of Sisters, La Pine, Prineville, Madras, Warm Springs, and Maupin, Central Oregon offers a perfect mix of recreation and sophistication. Barely three hours from Portland, and with direct flights from 13 major markets, getting to Central Oregon is a breeze. For more information visit www.visitcentraloregon.com or call 800-800-8334.
