Bend is known for its skiing and snowboarding, two of the top Bend things to do. And it shouldn’t intimidate you if you’re new to skiing. In fact, learning the art of the mountain is a great reason to come to Bend. We rounded up a few great options for beginner skiers and snowboarders. There are two places around Bend that are ideal for beginner skiers: Mount Bachelor and Hoodoo Ski Area.
Mount Bachelor
Mount Bachelor hosts a great program for beginner skiing near Bend Oregon called Ski or Ride in 5. For adults and kids ages 6 and up, this program provides five two-hour lessons, ski or snowboard rentals, and lift tickets for $229.
Here’s how it works: Participants register and choose any five days between early January and late March. Each day comes with a two-hour lesson, which are offered daily at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Sunrise Lodge.
When you finish the program, you can get either a free Mount Bachelor season pass for skiers and snowboarders ages 6 to 18 or a 12-day pass for those over 19. You’ll also be eligible for big discounts at nearby winter stores.
Skiing Near Bend Oregon at Hoodoo Ski Resort
Hoodoo Ski Resort is located about an hour outside of Bend in a small town called Sisters and is great for skiing near Bend Oregon. There are six beginner runs at Hoodoo, the longest of which is Over Easy, which descends down the whole mountain. Over Easy is accessed by the Hodag Chair lift.
If you want to learn to ski at Hoodoo, the resort offers a great program called 1, 2, 3 & Rent for Free. For ages 7 and up, this package includes three, two-hour group lessons with lift tickets and rentals included for $149. The first lesson includes an Easy Rider lift ticket, and the second and third lessons include an all-mountain lift ticket. When you complete all three lessons, you get free rentals for the rest of the season.
Or, if you don’t have as much time to ski, try out a group lesson for skiers at levels 1 and 2. For $60, you can get a two-hour group lesson, easy rider lift ticket, and rentals.
Hoodoo also has Nordic ski trails for beginners. The Hogg Meadow Trail and Loop is 2.3K and consists of a gentle, rolling terrain. Check the website for more information about hours and days of operation.
Both ski areas offer lessons for the little ones as well as private lessons.
Tumalo Mountain Trail
This relatively easy trail is usually favored as a hiking trail, but in the winter months, it transforms into the perfect beginner cross-country ski trail. This trail around the shield volcano offers beautiful views of the Three Sisters mountains, Broken Top and Mount Bachelor. A Sno-Park pass is required for parking November 30 through April 30.
If you’ve felt intimidated before by skiing or snowboarding, come to Bend and conquer those fears. There are tons of opportunities to get first-rate lessons in the company of other beginners. Call us today to learn more about Bend things to do and to book your vacation rental!
