Ice Skating at Local Rinks
For a fun, family‑friendly activity, Bend offers ice skating rinks both in town and at Sunriver Village. Ice skating at the Pavilion typically runs about November through April. There is also a family fun ice skating rink nearby in downtown Redmond. Skating sessions add variety to a winter itinerary and provide a festive way to enjoy Bend’s seasonal spirit when it’s chilly outside.
(About 8 minutes, 2.6 miles from Bend Riverside)
The Pavilion: 1001 SW Bradbury Wy, Bend, OR 97702
Sledding
Wanoga Sno‑Park is a go‑to destination for sledding and tubing just about 15 miles west of town. The wide sledding hill sits right next to the parking lot, complete with a warming hut, vault toilets, and dog‑friendly trails—perfect for cozy breaks between runs. A Sno‑Park permit is required (usually valid from November through April) and inner tubes tend to work better than rigid sleds on the often heavily used and bumpy surface.
(About 23 minutes, 15.7 miles from Bend Riverside)
Wanoga Sno‑Park: Cascade Lakes Highway, Bend, OR 97703
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/deschutes/recreation/wanoga-snow-play-area-sno-park
Sled Dog Rides
Oregon Trail of Dreams offers dog sled rides at Mt. Bachelor, where teams of Alaskan huskies pull guests through snowy forest trails led by professional mushers. The experience includes a meet-and-greet with the dogs and an exhilarating ride with views of the Cascade wilderness. One-hour tours are popular, but full-day trips to Elk Lake Lodge are available for the truly adventurous. Founded by Iditarod musher Rachael Scdoris and her father, the kennel blends racing heritage with family-friendly winter fun.
(About 31 minutes, 22.3 miles from Bend Riverside)
Oregon Trail of Dreams: 16 Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway Bend, OR 97701
https://www.mtbachelor.com/events-activities/winter-activities/sled-dog-rides/
Skiing & Snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort
Mt. Bachelor is just 22 miles from Bend and offers expansive terrain ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With a lift-served vertical drop of 3,365 ft and over 4,300 acres of skiable terrain—including one of the driest snowpacks in the Cascades—it delivers world-class winter recreation and one of the nation’s longest seasons (mid‑November through late May).
(About 31 minutes, 22.8 miles from Bend Riverside Resort)
Address: 13000 SW Century Drive, Bend, OR 97702
Phone: (541) 382-1709
Nordic (Cross‑Country) Skiing at Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center & Meissner
The Nordic Center at Mt. Bachelor features 56 km (about 34 miles) of meticulously groomed skate‑and‑classic ski trails that serve as spring training grounds for national ski teams. Just 20 minutes away at Meissner Sno‑Park, you’ll find nearly 50 km (about 31 miles) of donation‑supported trails with beginner loops, challenging climbs, warming huts, and a cozy lodge.
(About 32 minutes, 23.4 miles from Bend Riverside)
Address: 13000 SW Century Dr, Bend, OR 97702
Snowshoeing in Deschutes National Forest & Sno‑Parks
Snowshoeing is a magical way to explore Oregon’s snowy forests and frozen lakes—especially from sno‑parks like Swampy Lakes, Wanoga, Three Creek, and Meissner. These designated sites offer well-marked trails and rental options, and require a sno‑park permit to access rail‑groomed or ungroomed paths nestled in Central Oregon’s winter landscape.
