Why Bend is the Best Place to Live in Oregon if You Love to Ski or Snowboard

Bend | Image credit: Naresh Bojja

Oregon’s unique geography makes it a hub for outdoor recreation throughout the year. In the summer, Oregon sees an influx of visitors seeking to enjoy its pleasant heat and coastal scenery. But in the winter, it is a popular destination for those seeking thrills.

Oregon has numerous mountains scattered across its picturesque landscape, making it a dream destination for skiers and snowboarders looking to take to the slopes. With fewer crowds than Washington or Colorado, but similarly incredible conditions, Oregon’s mountain destinations have plenty to offer. Even among the state’s many options, Bend stands out and is widely considered as one of the top choices for skiers and snowboarders in Oregon. Let’s explore why.

A nature lover’s dream, Bend is a scenic city in Central Oregon near the Cascade Mountains. With its dense forests and the Deschutes river that passes through, Bend is an exciting destination for year-round outdoor fun. During the winter, it is one of the most popular hotspots in the Pacific Northwest for a mountain getaway.

Deschutes River in Bend | Image credit: Andrew Bain

Bend is an ideal hub for winter recreation due to its incredible conditions. The surrounding mountains receive a jaw-dropping 30 feet of snowfall each year. Mt. Bachelor is the most popular skiing option near Bend. It is only a thirty-minute drive from the city and is one of the state’s top destinations for alpine skiing. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can enjoy Mt. Bachelor; there are safe, yet fun, beginner and family-friendly runs, along with more challenging runs. There are more than 4,300 acres of accessible terrain here, so if you want to escape the crowds, there is ample space.

Mt. Bachelor | Image credit: McKayla Crump

Just an hour outside of Bend, Hoodoo Ski Area, in the central region of the Cascade Mountains, has gorgeous slopes in a scenic location. It also stands out as the only resort in Central Oregon where you can enjoy night skiing or snowboarding. Hoodoo has thrilling runs, cozy lodging options, and a tubing area that is a blast for all ages.

In addition skiing and snowboarding, Bend offers ideal destinations for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. There are also plenty of trails in and around the city that are perfect for fat tire biking—one of the newest winter outdoor trends that involves riding bikes built to push through snowy trails. Bend also boasts excellent hotels, a vibrant food scene, and a busy downtown to warm up after a long day of winter fun. 

Bend | Image credit: Ben Kitching
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