During winter, the mind fills with thoughts of falling snow, warm fires, tasty food, tantalizing drinks, and equally tempting gifts under the tree. Yes, December is truly a magical time of year.
You can experience the season’s magic here in Sunriver, Oregon. This area is renowned for its scenic beauty and fun outdoor activities throughout the year – including winter.
Here are some of the top activities you and the entire family can enjoy in and around Sunriver.
Head to Mt. Bachelor from Sunriver
In central Oregon, Mt. Bachelor sits high on the list of attractions any time of year, but it is most popular during the snow season. The Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding with plenty of runs and trick slopes to make any snow-lover happy. You can also indulge in other mountain excitements, like guided snowshoe tours and dog sledding.
Start your day with an early breakfast at the ski resort to put you first in line for freshly-groomed slopes. If you are a repeat visitor, you can experience 13 new runs, including some through its old-growth forest. If you are new to skiing or want to improve your skills, you can hire an instructor.
A trip to the snow during Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa. The jolly man stops by from 10 am to 2 pm on Christmas Eve.
Other Winter Activities Closer to Home
You can indulge in similar activities closer to town, such as Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and snow biking.
Sunriver offers 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails ideal for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing during winter. Visit scenic areas like these (and bring your hot chocolate and a tasty lunch to make a day of it!)
Paulina Lake
Virginia Meissner
Wanoga Sno-Park
Edison Butte Sno-Park
For some added snowshoe fun, Wanderlust Tours Winter Attractions offers snowshoeing along with some tasty treats, drinks, and conversation. Enjoy star gazing during their Moonlight & Starlight event while eating a bakery item and sipping your cocoa (with or without vodka!) You can also ring in the new year during its annual New Year’s Eve Bonfire on the Snow on December 31st from 9 pm to 1:15 am.
For snow biking, you have even more room to roam. Explore 560 miles of groomed trails inside the beautiful Deschutes National Forest.
Rent any needed equipment at these locations, and check with us for special deals offered to Cascara guests.
Wanderlust Tours Winter Attractions
4 Seasons Recreational Outfitters
Village Bike and Ski
Cascade Snowbike
Ice Skating at The Village at Sunriver
That’s right; you can ice skate in Sunriver, too! You and the entire family can round out your winter experience with this time-honored tradition. It opens on November 9th, closes on April 15th, and is family-friendly.
Pricing is $16 for adults and $12 for children aged 5-12. Children under 5 are free. The admission fee includes skate rentals, but if you own skates, you can save $4 per person!
Shopping and Decorations at The Village
While at The Village, shop the center’s quality local shops to buy a few last-minute Christmas gifts. You can also spend some delicious quality time in local restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Visiting The Village at Sunriver is a must for any Sunriver visitor.
Star gazing in Sunriver
Gaze at the sky to your heart’s content and help your children spot the north star. The Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory offers events throughout December, including exclusive start parties and winter programs. Click here to view their calendar.
Winter Golf
You can indulge in Sunriver’s quality golfing if the snow is light. Some of the country’s best golf courses call Sunriver home, and many daily-fee golf courses remain open if the weather permits. This is your chance to fit in the sport you love during the holiday break while also taking in the scenic beauty of these courses and the surrounding nature of central Oregon.
During the Snow Season, Cascara Has You Covered
If you plan to stay in Sunriver, renting a vacation rental makes your time here even more magical. Cascara Rentals offers an escape from the cold and falling snow with homes and condominiums for parties of guests of up to 40 people. Some even have jacuzzis to take in the gorgeous snow views in comfort. Click here to shop our listings.
