Skiing Bend Oregon is accessible, rewarding, and memorable. Each winter, thousands of people love snowboarding and skiing near Bend Oregon.
Bend Oregon ski resorts benefit from a favorable combination of cold temperatures, big storms, and crisp bluebird days.
Add in tons of lodging options, short drive times, incredible natural scenery, a vibrant après-ski scene, and it’s easy to see why Bend skiing is the real deal!
In this article, let us be your local guide to skiing near Bend Oregon.
We’ve gathered our first-hand knowledge from many years of skiing at Mt. Bachelor and other Bend ski resorts. Let’s explore the best ski areas near Bend Oregon!
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Bend Oregon Ski Areas: Downhill Skiing Near Bend
There are three ski resorts near Bend Oregon. Each offer a variety of terrain as well as their own charms and shortcomings.
- Mountain Bachelor Ski Resort
- Hoodoo Ski Area
- Willamette Pass Ski Resort
Now, let’s compare each of these ski resorts close to Bend Oregon.
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort
Located just 22 miles southwest of Bend, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is the largest Bend ski area and one of the most popular ski destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
With over 4,300 skiable acres, 101 runs, and 11 lifts, there’s truly something for everyone at Mount Bachelor Bend Oregon.
Mt. Bachelor boasts an average snowfall of 462 inches per year, which means plenty of fresh powder to enjoy throughout the winter season.
Beyond the slopes, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort also offers a variety of amenities including multiple dining options, rental equipment, snowshoe tours, Nordic trails, and lessons.
Mt. Bachelor is the largest ski resort near Bend (which means it’s also the most popular and most expensive).
Local tip: Mt Bachelor is the closest ski resort to Bend Oregon, so traffic can be bad between 7:30 to 9:30 am and 3:00 – 4:30 pm on busy weekends, especially after a good snowstorm or on holiday weekends.
Unfortunately, this traffic usually continues to the lift lines on busy days. Therefore, the best bet is to ski on a weekday if possible. That said, there still lots of fun to be had on the weekends.
Another tip: Buy your lift tickets online in advance to save a few bucks. There are some deals you can score if you book early in the season. The spring skiing pass is also a good deal. Check out our full article about Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort for more information.
Gear Check: Layers are critical to staying warm while playing outside. We can’t recommend this Blackstrap Baselayer Hoodie enough. Its super functional and made by a local Bend company! Logan has 5 pairs and wears them for any outdoor adventure.
Hoodoo Ski Area
Hoodoo Ski Resort is another popular ski resort near Bend, located about 45 miles (usually about a 1-hour drive) west of the city, along Highway 20.
Hoodoo offers 34 runs across 800 skiable acres, with a variety of terrain for all skill levels. In fact, there are about 30% beginner runs, 30% intermediate, and 40% expert.
Hoodoo also offers night skiing on certain days of the week, making it a great option for those who want to hit the slopes after work.
In addition, Hoodoo also has a full-service ski shop, rental equipment, and dining options. Don’t overlook their reasonable rates.
The vibe at Hoodoo feels more relaxed and low-key than Mt. Bachelor, which can be welcoming for many skiers. Hoodoo also has a tubing area as well as Nordic trails.
Overall, Hoodoo is a great option for skiing near Bend that is more budget friendly and less crowded than Mt. Bachelor.
Willamette Pass Ski Resort
As a final option, Willamette Pass Ski Resort is located about 70 miles southwest of Bend (usually about a 1-hour and 15-minute drive) and offers more than 550 skiable acres and 29 runs.
Willamette Pass Resort also features lessons, rental equipment, and dining options. Their rates are super affordable (were talking several times cheaper than Mt. Bachelor).
Willamette Pass is the smallest ski resort near Bend and also the furthest drive, which makes it the least popular option for Bend skiers and snowboarders.
That said, it has a nice small resort feel and is rarely crowded, which combined with cheap lift tickets, makes it an attractive option for skiing near Bend.
Comparing Ski Resorts Near Bend
The table below compares the three Bend Oregon ski areas in more detail.
| Ski Resort | Mt. Bachelor | Hoodoo | Willamette Pass |
| Distance From Bend | 22 miles (35 km) | 44 miles (71 km) | 70 miles (113 |
| Highest Elevation (ft) | 9,065 | 5,703 | 6,683 |
| Base Elevation (ft) | 5,700 | 4,668 | 5,100 |
| Average Annual Snowfall (in) | 462 | 450 | 400 |
| Skiable Area (acres) | 4,323 | 800 | 555 |
| Number of Runs | 101 | 34 | 29 |
| Lifts | 12 | 5 | 6 |
| Terrain Parks | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Night Skiing | No | Yes | No |
| Cross-Country Skiing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Snow Tubing | Depends on the year (check the website) | Yes | No |
| Rates | Most Expensive See Prices | Middle See Prices | Least Expensive See Prices |
Key takeaways comparing ski resorts near Bend Oregon.
- Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort has the most snow, most terrain, is the closest to Bend, and is the most expensive.
- Willamette Pass is the smallest resort, has least snowfall, is farthest from Bend, but is also the most affordable.
- Hoodoo Ski Area falls in between Mt. Bachelor and Willamette Pass in price and amount of terrain but also has night skiing and snow-tubing.
Ski Rentals Bend Oregon
When looking at ski rentals Bend Oregon has to offer, you have two options: rent at the resort or rent in town.
In general, renting gear at one of the ski resorts near Bend is more expensive but also more convenient because you don’t have to transport your skis.
For Bend ski rentals, check out the following ski shops in Bend.
- Powder House Ski & Snowboard: Established in 1976, Powder House is one of the long-standing Bend ski shops, and a great option for Bend ski rentals.
- Latitude 44 Sports: Founded in 2018, Latitude 44 is a newer name to Bend and offers affordable and high-quality ski rentals.
- Between Evergreens: While they don’t offer traditional rentals, Between Evergreens has a great demo program if you’re looking try some new skis.
- Pine Mountain Sports: Pine Mountain Sports rents touring/Nordic skis, snowshoes, and backgrounder gear, but does not rent downhill skis.
- Mountain Supply: Established in 1980, Mountain Supply has been a fixture in Bend for over 40 years. They rent cross-country, backcountry and snowshoe gear but do not rent downhill skis.
Bend Apres-Ski Food and Beer
After a day on the slopes, there’s nothing better than relaxing with a hot meal and a cold drink. Here are a few of our favorite apres-ski options in Bend.
Sunriver Brewing
This popular brewery and pub is located on Galveston Street and offers a variety of award-winning craft beers and tasty bites. The outside area is heated in the winter, and the food is delicious.
Parilla
This Bend staple is a wrap joint with an all-around good vibe. If you are hungry on your way down the mountain and looking for something fun. Don’t expect a classic Mexican joint. They serve creative and flavorful food!
The Lot
The first food cart lot in Bend offers a cozy and comfortable space. In the winter, they enclose and heat the seating area. Gas fireplaces and heated benches ensure maximum coziness! And of course, there have local beers on tap too.
There are so many other great options to refuel after a long day of skiing near Bend Oregon.
Where to Stay for a Ski Trip to Bend
After a long day on the slopes, it’s essential to have a comfortable place to rest and recharge. Here are some great options for where to stay during your ski trip to Bend:
Seventh Mountain Resort – Closest to Mt. Bachelor
Seventh Mountain offers a range of accommodations, from hotel rooms to condos and vacation homes. It also has an on-site restaurant, spa, fitness center, outdoor heated pools and ice-skating rink.
In fact, Seventh Mountain Resort is the closest place you can stay to Mt. Bachelor without sleeping in the parking lot.
Logan’s family used to come here each winter when they lived in Portland!
Sunriver Resort – Best for Onsite Amenities
Located about 20 miles south of Bend, Sunriver Resort offers a range of lodging options, from traditional hotel rooms to spacious vacation homes.
Sunriver Resort is a full-scale resort offering everything from an aquatic center to a spa. They even have a shuttle to the mountain.
McMenamins Hotel Bend – Best for Character and Ambiance
McMenamins Old St. Francis School is a hotel, restaurant, and brewery in a historic 1930s schoolhouse in downtown Bend. The quirky hotel features a variety of rooms with unique design elements.
The on-site restaurant and brewery offer pub-style food and handcrafted beers. There are actually several different restaurant/bar areas indoors and out, plus a secret bar.
No matter where you choose to stay, try to book in advance during the busy winter season, especially over the holidays.
Learn more about the best Bend resorts and other places to stay in Bend.
Planning for Winter Travel Conditions
Winter driving in central Oregon can be challenging, with snow and ice on the roads. Here are a few tips for planning your travel.
- Check the weather: Be sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions before you head out. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) Trip Check Website provides up-to-date information on road closures and conditions.
- Carry chains: Chains or other traction devices are required on some roads in the winter and can be a lifesaver if you encounter treacherous conditions.
- Allow extra time: Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination and drive slowly and cautiously on snowy or icy roads.
Local tip: Ski traffic to and from Mt. Bachelor on Century Drive can be brutally slow on weekends with good conditions. Expect traffic before 10 am and after 3 pm, especially if the sun is shining after a big storm!
Backcountry Skiing Near Bend Oregon
For those looking for a more adventurous skiing experience, backcountry skiing near Bend can be rewarding. Here are a few great spots to explore:
Tumalo Mountain: Located just 20 minutes west of Bend, Tumalo Mountain is one of the most accessible backcountry options near Bend. Tumalo is steep and offers a challenging backcountry ski experience with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Broken Top: With its jagged peaks and sweeping glaciers, Broken Top is a popular destination for experienced backcountry skiers. The trailhead is located about 22 miles west of Bend.
Three Sisters: The Three Sisters, a trio of volcanic peaks in the Cascade Range, offer some of the best backcountry skiing in the area. The terrain is challenging and best suited for experienced skiers.
Admittedly, we at Rooted and Roaming are no backcountry experts. Learn more about backcountry skiing near Bend from people know are more knowledgeable.
Other Things to Do in Bend in the Winter
If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your thing, don’t worry! There are so many fun things to do during winter in Bend.
Snowshoeing:
Snowshoeing near Bend is a great way to explore the winter wonderland of Central Oregon.
Ice Skating:
Ice-skating in Bend is fun for the whole family. The Pavilion and Seventh Mountain Resort are our two favorite rinks.
Sledding:
Grab the kids and dog and head to Wanoga Sno Park where a sledding hill and warming shelter await!
Snowmobiling:
Rent a snowmobile and explore hundreds of miles of trails. Better yet, take a snowmobiling tour to a lakeside lodge for lunch!
Winter Festivals: Bend hosts several winter festivals throughout the season, including the Oregon Winterfest. These festivals feature live music, food, and winter activities like snowboarding competitions and ice sculpting.
No matter what your interests are, there’s plenty of winter activities in Bend. But don’t let the cold weather keep you inside! Get out and explore all this beautiful area offers.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article helpful when learning about skiing Bend Oregon. Skiing near Bend truly is accessible and rewarding, regardless of your skill level or style.
We have a ton of other articles about activities during Winter in Bend, including guides to snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling at all of the snow parks near Bend.
We also have a lot of other articles about Central Oregon. If you are visiting, welcome! We hope you enjoy your time here.
