Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, located in the heart of Central Oregon, is a winter wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Whether you’re a seasoned cross-country skier or a first-time snowshoer, Virginia Meissner Sno-Park offers a variety of experiences against a stunning snowy backdrop.
In this guide, we’ll give you local tips to help you make the most of this vibrant and accessible outdoor snowy paradise near Bend.
Virginia Meissner Sno Park: Must Know Information
Before embarking on your winter adventure, here are some key details you need to know:
- Location and Accessibility: Virginia Meissner Sno Park is easy to access from Bend. Just a 20-minute drive, and right off the main road, Virginia Meissner Sno-Park is easy to reach in all but the worst of winter conditions. Of course, you should have snow-worthy tires. The roads and parking lot can be icy and snowy.
- Parking Permit: You must have a Sno-Park Parking Permit to park at Virginia Meissner Sno Park. In fact, the permit is required at most of the sno-parks near Bend (more on that below).
- Dogs are not permitted: Leave your furry friend at home. If you must bring them, see which snow parks near Bend allow them.
Exploring the Trails at Virginia Meissner Sno Park
When you arrive at Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, you’ll be greeted by an extensive network of well-marked trails catering to different skill levels. Here’s what you can expect.
Cross-Country Skiing at Virginia Meissner
The park’s main draw is its beautifully groomed cross-country skiing trails. Reviewers commend the clarity of trail markers and the diverse options available, perfect for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
Snowshoeing at Virginia Meissner
If snowshoeing is more your style, there is a large network of snowshoe trails at Virginia Meissner Sno Park. The loop options allow you to customize your adventure, and access two shelters.
Virginia Meissner Sno Park Trail Map
You can see via the map that the snowshoe and ski trails connect with those from Swampy Sno Park to the west.
The Warming Hut Experience
Many cross-country ski areas near Bend have warming huts (also known as shelters) that usually have a wood stove and benches. These warming huts serve as a cozy refuge for visitors and are especially delightful during stormy weather.
There are three shelters within a reasonable distance from the Meissner parking lot. They are shown on the trail map above.
There are usually other folks warming up around the wood stove, so the shelters are also a great place to socialize. We recommend bringing a hot drink and even a good book.
Parking and Facilities at Virginia Meissner Sno Park
- Parking: The parking lot can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arrive before 9:00 am or after 2:00 pm for the best chance to secure a spot. If the lot is full, here is a backup plan: check out the Swampy Sno Park or Wanoga Snow Play Area, both of which have groomed nordic ski trails and snowshoe trails.
- Restrooms: Primitive restroom facilities are available and are typically well-maintained for visitor convenience.
Trail Etiquette at Virginia Meissner Sno Park
It is important to maintain proper trail etiquette, especially when the trails become crowded. Follow these guidelines to ensure you help keep the trails safe:
- Ski on the right hand side of the trail
- Pass on the left side and say “on your left”
- Move to the side of the trail when stopped
- Snowshoers are encouraged to follow marked trails and not use the groomed ski trails. It breaks up the groomed trail which can be dangerous for skiers.
- Respect the classic ski tracks. Don’t walk or mess up the tracks.
Other Highlights of Virginia Meissner Sno Park
There are many ways to enjoy Virginia Meissner Sno Park, including these you may not have thought of.
- Night Skiing: Consider packing your headlamp (and some batteries or second light source) and take to the trails at night for a unique experience. It is recommended to bring a buddy.
- Sunset Ski: The sunsets can be an amazing backdrop to the snowy landscape. The Meissner Shelter is a great place to get a bit of a vantage point.
- Stargazing: Another benefit of going at night is the potential for excellent stargazing. Of course, try to pick a clear night.
Renting Equipment
For those without their own equipment, renting cross-country skis and snowshoes is a breeze. Check out the following places to rent gear in Bend:
- Powder House Ski & Snowboard: As one of the long-standing Bend local shops, Powder House is a go-to for winter gear rentals.
- Mountain Supply: Mountain Supply has been a fixture in the Bend ski and snowboard scene for over 40 years, and offers a wide selection of winter gear rentals..
- Pine Mountain Sports: Another great option for renting winter gear in Bend.
Family-Friendly and Welcoming Community:
Virginia Meissner Sno-Park welcomes visitors of all ages and skill levels. The people in Bend and within the skiing community are typically friendly and welcoming.
Families will find the park to be a great choice. The trails are suitable for kids, and the friendly community atmosphere ensures a welcoming environment for young adventurers.
Grooming and Volunteer Support
Maintaining the park’s trails is a collaborative effort:
- Well-Groomed Trails: Virginia Meissner Sno-Park is known for its well-groomed trails, a testament to the dedication of volunteers at the Meissner Nordic Club who work hard to keep them in top condition.
- Volunteer Contributions: Donating to the grooming fund is encouraged, as the park relies on volunteer support to operate smoothly. There is a drop box at the entrance. Consider bringing some cash to donate in person or donate on their website.
How to Buy a Sno Park Permit
You must have a parking permit to park at Sno-Parks between November 1st and April 30th. These permits fund the removal of snow from the parking lots. You can buy the permit for three different intervals. Prices are as of October 2023.
- Annual Sno-Park Permit (November 1 – April 30) – $25
- 3-Day (consecutive) Sno-Park Permit – $9
- Daily Sno-Park Permit – $4
There are two ways to buy a sno-park permit in Bend. The first is from permit agents in retail stores. The retailers in Bend that sell the permit can be found at Oregon.gov.
The second way is to buy an annual permit online at DMV2U which includes a printable interim permit that you can use immediately.
More sno-park permit information:
- You can move a Sno-Park permit from one vehicle to another.
- You can use California and Idaho Sno-Park permits in Oregon.
- You can use Oregon Sno-Park permits in California and Idaho.
- You may get a fine for parking in a Sno-Park without a permit.
Learn more about sno-park permits at: Oregon.gov
Weather Forecasts and Other Resources
Here is the forecast for Wanoga Snow Play Area: NOAA weather forecast.
You can also find some road cameras and road conditions on TripCheck.
Other Places to Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Near Bend
Whether you’re skiing or snowshoeing, these sno-parks are sure to keep you busy for a while! However, there are other options to snowshoe and cross-country skiing near Bend.
Don’t pass up other snow parks near Bend. There are 11 sno-parks within 35 miles of Bend and most have cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Learn more in our full guide to sno-parks near Bend.
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort has an expansive network of nordic trails that range in difficulty. They also have a variety of snowshoe trails. These trails are maintained to the highest quality, as a result, require a cost to use. You can also rent equipment at the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center.
Hoodoo Ski Area also has a variety of nordic trails. They groom during the weekends and charge a fee. However, when they don’t groom the trails are free.
Winter Tours and Lessons in Bend
Tours and lessons are a great way to get into the winter activities near Bend.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoe Tours and Lessons
Wanderlust Tours hosts a variety of tours year round. Their winter tours include daytime and nighttime snowshoeing options.
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort offers cross-country skiing lessons. This is probably the most flexible option for one-time cross country skiing lessons near Bend.
The Bend Endurance Academy offers nordic skiing lessons for all ages. These lessons are hosted weekly as part of an 8 week program. Th
Conclusion
In conclusion, Virginia Meissner Sno-Park in Central Oregon offers with well-marked ski and snowshoe trails, easy access from Bend, a cozy warming hut, and a welcoming community.
We hope this guide helps you plan your visit to Virginia Meissner Sno-Park, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable winter adventure. Learn more about Virginia Meissner at their official website.
If you are interested, learn more about other places to cross country ski near Bend or check out our full guide to skiing near Bend.
We also have a lot of other articles about Central Oregon. If you are in Bend in the winter, learn more fun things to do in Bend in the winter.
