Top Winter Activities in Sisters for the Whole Family

The snow-covered mountains of Sisters, Oregon set the perfect stage for fun winter play. Visitors and locals alike wait year-round for those first snowflakes, ready to enjoy the unique outdoor activities that only winter months can bring. From chasing a thrill on a downhill ski run to basking next to a snow-top bonfire, the area around Sisters offers a variety of winter attractions that everyone can enjoy. So grab your winter coats and get ready, because here are the top winter activities in Sisters for the whole family.

Alpine Skiing in Sisters

Skiing is one of the most popular winter activities, especially in Sisters. When you think of skiing, you probably picture racing break-neck down a steep snow-covered slope. That’s called alpine skiing, and it’s fun for the whole family! HooDoo Ski Area is right in our backyard and it offers thrilling runs for skiers of all skill levels (they even offer lessons right on-site) and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. If you want an even bigger challenge, try skiing after dark!

You can also travel to nearby Mt. Bachelor for a more varied terrain that’s perfect for alpine skiing. They have slopes for beginners that are less steep than those at HooDoo but the park is sometimes more crowded. They also offer daycare services for young kids that would prefer to stay warm indoors.

Nordic Skiing

Nordic Skiing, or cross-country skiing, differs from alpine skiing in that you rely on your body motion to propel you (not gravity). Your foot is completely mobile in Nordic skis, which allows you to move across and up hills easily. Nordic skiing is fun because it lets you travel in a 360° range, giving you opportunities to explore the mountain rather than watching it pass by in a blur. It’s less adrenaline-inducing than alpine skiing, making it a good choice for those afraid of a vertical drop, but it’s also more physically challenging. Both HooDoo Ski Area and Mt. Bachelor offer nordic trails that range from easy to expert, as well as rental equipment and helpful mountain guides for your trek.

Because cross-country skiing doesn’t require a dedicated course, you can also find great trails right outside many of our Sisters cabin rentals! Our Sisters Dream Inn cabin offers two acres of scenic solitude with miles of mountain trails a step away from your back door.

Dog Sled Rides

Set your tails wagging with a winter dog sled ride! You’ll experience the mountain scenery in a whole new way as you glide atop the snow in cozy comfort. The Oregon Trail of Dreams at Mt. Bachelor gets you up close and personal with a team of four-legged athletes and professional mushers who have raced in some of the biggest sled events in the world.

Snow Tubing

Snow tubing is perfect for families because it’s all of the thrill with none of the skill needed. The best part about snow tubing is that a rope pulls you and your tube back up the hill so you’re fresh and ready for a second ride (or a third, or a 10th). Autobahn Tubing Park at HooDoo offers a thrilling 800-ft drop for extreme tubing as well as a smaller Snow Bunny Sled Hill for a casual ride. Or, check out Snowblast Tubing Park at Mt. Bachelor for an eight-lane racing hill that gives some fun family competition. There’s also tubing at Santiam Sno Park, which is right across from the HooDoo entrance road; their runs are obstacle-free but are often slicker than other parks, giving you faster speed and less control.

Snowshoe Tours

Get up close and personal with Mt. Bachelor on a guided snowshoe tour! Your expert guide will lead you and your group across the mountain, teaching you about the geography, animal and plant life, and ecology of the area. No experience is necessary and snowshoes are provided, but children must be over 10 years old to participate. The best part? It’s free!

These fun winter activities are sure to be a hit for everyone, from your toddler to your teen (and even your picky partner). Take your family bliss a step farther by booking a Sisters vacation rental that will please the whole crew, too! From cozy mountain cabins to comfortable homes in the city, we have options that will warm even the coldest hearts (and toes).