This time a year ago, Central Oregon was covered in a blanket of snow. Parking lots looked like they had mountains, roads looked like frozen rivers, and homes looked like the gingerbread house’s kids decorate during Christmas time. This year, however, is a whole different story.
Since the winter season began back in late December, Central Oregon has only received about 18 inches of total snowfall. Last year, in a span of just 5 days, the area received 16 inches! The two scenes are quite different.
Even though it hasn’t been the Winter most locals are used to, it doesn’t mean that one can’t enjoy everything Winter has to offer. Drive 30 minutes from Sunriver to Mt. bachelor, and you will see more snow than you can probably handle. It is the best part about the area. Spend the morning shredding down the mountain on what is said to be “the best snow in the world,” then head down to Sunriver and enjoy a nice bike ride on the paved paths, and lunch on the patio.
There aren’t too many places in Oregon, let alone the U.S., where one can experience snow on the mountain, then drive 30 minutes to town to walk on clear paths and enjoy the bright sunshine. It is one of the many reasons Central Oregon is a must-see area.
If you have yet to visit the area, put it on your bucket list. And now is the best time to come! Winter is fading to spring, the birds are starting to chirp in the morning, the sun is warm and bright, and the flowers are beginning to bloom. With events and different activities happening every day, it is the perfect place to spend a nice vacation! We can’t wait to see you here!
Featured March Events:
March 6th: First Friday Art Walk Downtown Bend
March 6th: Night Light at The High Desert Museum
March 7th: Bachelor Butte Dog Derby at Winoga Snow Park
March 9th: Discover the Wild Owyhee at The Tower Theatre
March 13th: Jazz at The Oxford Downtown Bend
March 14th: St Patrick’s Day 5k Dash Downtown Bend
March 27th: High Desert Stampede at The Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center
The holidays in Central Oregon are unlike anything you have ever seen before. Want lights and decoration? We got it. Want indoor and outdoor activities? We got it. Want great food? We got it. Want snow? We certainly got it!
Central Oregon offers a vast array of activities during the holiday season, for both the outdoor enthusiast and the indoor addict. We can find way more than 12 days of festivities in this area, but hey, it’s the holidays, and what would the holidays be without the 12 days?!
Day 1: Mt. Bachelor There is no better day than a day spent on the mountain. Mt. Bachelor, just 30 minutes from Sunriver, receives an average of 633 inches of snow a year! This fast-growing ski area provides easy to advance terrain, 101 runs, 11 chairs, and 4,323 skiable acres that the whole family will love. New to the sport? No worries! Lessons ranging from beginner to advanced are offered daily. Not into the cold? No problem! Relax with a good book in one of the 3 cozy lodges. Need something a little less taxing? No sweat! Take an exhilarating sled dog ride OR enjoy an easy snowshoe walk through the trees. https://www.mtbachelor.com/
Day 2: Ice Skating and Ice Cream Skating is a fun activity the whole family can enjoy! Sunriver’s ice rink is located right in the middle of the ever so popular village. It features open skates, skating games, and the best music to listen to! After an afternoon of zipping and gliding on the ice, walk right next door and enjoy some delicious treats and ice cream at Goody’s! https://www.sunrivervillagefun.com/sunriver-ice-skating/
Day 3: Sunriver Sleigh Ride Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Treat your family to a One-Horse Open Sleigh Ride next to the river and through the meadows of Sunriver! The views are indescribable, the horses are friendly as can be, and the memories are forever! https://visitcentraloregon.com/event/sleigh-rides/
Day 4: SHARC Tubing and Swimming Start your day off on the tubing hill! Two lanes, two people, one epic race! This family-friendly tubing hill features all you can ride, all day long! When the fingers and toes start to get a little chilly, walk right next door and jump into the heated pool. And the best part? Stay at one of our houses and get FREE access to both the tubing hill and the pool (see list of applicable homes). https://www.sunriversharc.com/
Day 5: Nutcracker Ballet Get into the spirit of the holidays with The Nutcracker. The Central Oregon School of Ballet presents the 34th annual production of The Nutcracker. The cast is comprised of over 150 local students and visiting professional dancers. It is a must-see holiday event! https://www.visitbend.com/events/the-nutcracker-ballet-3/
Day 6: Winter Waterfall Palooza Central Oregon is home to 8 breathtaking waterfalls. And guess what? They are even more breathtaking in the winter! The lands are frozen, the trees are snow kissed, and the water is crystal clear! Put on your winter hiking boots and see what each unique waterfall has to offer. https://www.yourtravelspark.com/central-oregon-waterfalls/#chush
Day 7: Holiday Tree Lighting Lights, decorations, live music, dancing, food, drinks, games and SANTA! Can you think of a better way to get into the holiday spirit? We sure can’t! Take a short drive to downtown Bend for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree. Snap a free picture with Santa, grab some food and hot chocolate, and sit by the fire as the community counts down the lighting of the tree. Don’t worry; if you miss the ceremony, just swing by downtown anytime during the holidays to see the tree and all its beauty! https://www.visitbend.com/events/community-tree-lighting-and-free-santa-visits/
Day 8: Out on the Town Central Oregon, or better known as the brewery capital of the world, is home to 33 breweries, each with their own unique selection of brews and food! If you are a food and drink guru, you will want to plan a day visiting the breweries in Bend and Sunriver. In between trips, make sure you head for downtown Bend and The Old Mill District for a unique shopping experience. It is a family-friendly day everyone will enjoy! https://beermebend.com/ https://www.oldmilldistrict.com/ http://www.downtownbend.org/
Day 9: High Desert Museum Enjoy a day of wildlife, history, and art at the High Desert Museum. This unique museum tells the stories of the High Desert’s diverse people and places through ever-changing exhibitions. There is always something new to see with 12 new exhibits every single year! https://highdesertmuseum.org/
Day 10: Holiday Parade The downtown Bend holiday parade is a Central Oregon tradition! With music, floats, dancing and entertainers, it is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Grab a cup of cocoa, find a seat, and watch the magic unfold! http://bendchristmasparade.org/
Day 11: Holiday Brunch Head on down to the Great Hall in Sunriver for a fun filled holiday brunch! Enjoy a festive spread of holiday favorites, and mingle with a fun mix of holiday characters. This family friendly event has been a Sunriver tradition for decades! https://www.destinationhotels.com/sunriver-resort/activities/bend-oregon-activities/brunch-with-santa
Day 12: Sunriver Fitness and Aquatics Love to swim? Love to surf? Love to rock climb? Head on down to Sunriver Fitness and Aquatics for an array of family friendly activities. This 30,000 square foot state of the art facility features a Flowrider, a full-size rock gym, a pool and hot tub, a workout room, and a café. It is the perfect way to keep warm while you gaze out at the winter wonderland. https://www.sunriverfitnessandaquatics.com/
There is no better time of the year, and there is no better place to spend it than in Central Oregon! Bring your family, bring your friends, and see what this fast-growing, ever-changing area has to offer. We know that once you come, you will never want to leave! Happy Holidays from all of us here at Mountain Resort Properties!
Join us at the North Pole tent, adjacent to the main Lodge, for holiday fun for the entire family. The North Pole will feature children’s craft projects, entertainment from Mr. Magic, face painting, work from select local artisans and huggable characters. Live entertainment will take place outdoors on the main stage featuring Precious Byrd. The lighting ceremony is a sight to see and sure to please along with sleigh rides and photos with Santa! Save your appetite for local vendors during the festivities.
ROCKIN’ HOLIDAY KICKOFF
Village at Sunriver | November 26 | 2 – 7pm
Bring the family out to the Village at Sunriver to kick off the 2016 Holiday Season! Meet Santa, ride the train, meet Elsa and Anna from Frozen, and more!
* Meet Santa at Santa’s Village from 1 – 4:00pm
* Visit the craft station upstairs at Santa’s Village
* Ride the Village Train (weather dependent)
* Enjoy Coffee and Cocoa
* Play Plinko
* Have your face painted by Elsa and Anna from Frozen
* Rock out to The Hit Machine and other artists from 5 – 7 pm
SUNRIVER’S GRAND ILLUMINATION 
ROCKIN’ HOLIDAY KICKOFF