There’s nothing like cross-country skiing in Central Oregon. Breath taking scenery, easy access to miles of groomed and ungroomed trails, and an exhilarating mix of high desert sunshine and crisp blue skies.
Check out some of Bend’s best places for cross-country skiing:
MEISSNER NORDIC
Season: December-March (Weather Permitting)
Only 20 minutes from Bend, Meissner Nordic offers over 40 kilometers of diverse trail systems suitable for first time beginners to elite Nordic ski racers. Visitors can enjoy well groomed trails for cross-country skiing, as well as well marked snow shoe trails. Looking to warm up? There are three warming shelters to choose from within the scenic trails – The Nordeen Shelter, Shooting Star Shelter, and Virginia Meissner Shelter. No dogs allowed.
MT. BACHELOR NORDIC CENTER
Season: November – May (Weather Permitting)
Located just 18 miles outside of Bend, Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center offers a wide variety of groomed trails to suit any level of cross-country skier. Visitors can enjoy 62 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, as well as access to the backcountry trails of the Cascade Mountain Range. No dogs allowed.
WANOGA SNOW PLAY AREA SNO-PARK
Season: December-March (Weather Permitting)
Travelling with your favorite furry family member? This is the cross-country skiing spot for you & your pup!
Wanoga is a shared-use snow park that offers a small, yet groomed dog park loop, or access to endless snowmobile trails that weave throughout the Deschutes National Forest. There is also a nearby sledding hill, and snowshoeing trails.
Where to Rent Cross-Country Skis in Bend
Don’t have equipment? No problem! Bend has several ski shops located throughout the city to take care of all your needs. The friendly and knowledgeable teams at these local outfitters will have you hitting the trails in no time.
What to Bring Cross-Country Skiing
Be sure to dress warmly! Even if it’s sunny out, the temperatures can drop quickly in the high desert. Layering is always a good idea with a base layer to wick away sweat a middle layer for insulation, and a waterproof outer layer.
Other important items to bring: sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks, a fully-charged mobile phone, and a first-aid kit.
Book Your Cross-Country Skiing Getaway with Us!
Meredith Lodging has an amazing collection of vacation rental homes in Bend and Central Oregon. Enjoy your days exploring everything Bend has to offer, and your evenings relaxing back by a roaring fire, or soaking in a hot tub under a starry winter’s sky. Many of our homes are pet-friendly, too. We hope to see you on the trails soon!
