Near the heavily wooded high-desert town of Bend, Oregon, winter brings an abundance of sunshine, dry snow to the slopes of the Eastern Cascades, blanketing mountain peaks in piles of the powdery stuff ski dreams are made from.

For locals and visitors alike, Bend and its surrounding areas offer an irresistible mixture of Pacific Northwest snow fun: skiing and snowboarding on mighty Mount Bachelor, cross-country skiing on the region's extensive network of cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snow tubing, ice skating and even dog sledding.

Last winter, I took a direct flight from California to Central Oregon and landed on the charmingly low-key Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) – a half-hour drive north of Bend and 45 minutes from my overnight accommodation in the comfy hotel Lodge at Sunriverthe favored resort town nestled in a pine forest near the Deschutes River.

The next morning I met a naturalist snowshoe guide, Jose Olalde, a native Oregonian and lead guide of Wanderlust Tours, for a half-day, three-mile snowshoe tour at the favored Meissner Sno-Park, west of the town of Bend within the Deschutes National Forest. Nordic skiers and snowshoers flock here to explore the park's network of trails across rolling terrain stuffed with lodgepole pines and firs, a few of that are covered in vivid green lichen.

Our group had limited snowshoeing experience, but we soon mastered the strategy of snowshoeing. Wide and bulky-looking, snowshoes are extremely effective tools for climbing in otherwise inaccessible winter terrain. They not only offer an awesome workout, but additionally a superb opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and the unique atmosphere of the winter forest.

As we followed the winding trails of the Snopark, we saw delicate pine marten and fox tracks within the deep snow leading into the forest. A vivid sun solid sharp shadows on the trees and all the things was silent, as if the forest was having fun with an extended hibernation. Here and there our guide took us off-piste in untracked snow and at last reached our lunch stop: the distant Meissner Hut, an easy wood hut with a wood stove and benches inside.

Jose heated the iron stove with firewood he had collected from a big pile in front of the cabin and used it to heat the burritos and cocoa he carried in his backpack. Deep within the wintry forest, in the heat of the cabin, it was quiet and delightful and felt like an actual retreat into nature. I used to be grateful for my chunky snowshoes that gave me this unforgettable, soul-pampering snow adventure. Details: wanderlusttours.com

Excellent skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor Resort

Bend's famous ski hill, Mount Bachelor, is definitely a 9,068-foot dormant volcano. It rises like Mount Fuji over the Central Oregon landscape about 22 miles west of Bend. Built on the slopes of an ancient shield volcano, the understated Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is the seventh-largest ski area in North America, offering 4,323 acres of terrain with 12 lifts that provide access to 101 trails for skiing in a season where this is feasible and snowboarding have lasted six months. Bachelor runs offer an elevation gain of three,365 feet, enough to place a giant smile on the face of any snow sports enthusiast.

It was rated as the highest intermediate terrain resort within the Northwest and was the right mountain for an intermediate skier and snowboarder like myself. I picked up some demo skis at Mountain Gateway's base village and spent an extended day exploring the lower mountain on cruiser slopes like Bluebird and Cliffhanger. The upper mountain was shrouded in thick clouds and closed the day I visited, but when open, the upper mountain offers breathtaking black and double black diamond runs, including the famous Cirque Bowl, a must-see for advanced skiers and snowboarders. For Nordic skiers, Bachelor also offers 56 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails. Details: mtbachelor.com

Paw powered snow adventure

We began a dog sledding adventure nearby Oregon Trail of DreamsOwned and operated by Rachael Scdoris (along along with her husband Nick and father Jerry Scdoris), a world-renowned athlete who finished first Iditarod in 2006. Riding with Rachael and her sporty dog ​​team was a novel, cool 26-mile journey with majestic views of snow-capped Broken Top, the Three Sisters and Mount Bachelor on the strategy to the distant Elk Lake Lodge where we had a enjoyed a beautiful lunch. Details: mtbachelor.com

Holiday on ice

There's no higher strategy to enjoy winter than gliding across the sparkling surface of an ice rink, feeling the fresh air in your cheeks and the blades of your ice skates skimming across the surface. It's pure Snoopy-like joy.

Ice skating in Bend is a great family-friendly activity, and whether you're a seasoned pro or a shaky beginner, you'll find rinks perfect for all skill levels in Bend. Ice rinks are situated in downtown Bend, Sunriver Resort and Redmond. Lace up your skates and embark on a journey of ice fun. Details: visitbend.com

Cultural variety

There are loads of après-ski activities and attractions within the Bend area away from the snow: shops, restaurants, brewpubs, bookstores, art galleries and wine tasting spots.

A must-see cultural spot is the High Desert Museum. Located south of Bend on 135 acres with greater than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, the museum features all the things from high desert animals like foxes, snakes, birds of prey and owls to living history actors re-enacting Central Oregon's pioneer days. A current exhibit (running through January 12) is “Sensing Sasquatch,” which explores the past, present and way forward for Sasquatch (also often known as Bigfoot) within the High Desert region through the eyes and legends of the indigenous people of the Northwest researched. Next up (February 1 – September 7) is Japanese immigrant and photographer Frank S. Matsura's visually arresting and nuanced work, Portraits from the Borderland, which features images of indigenous peoples within the early twentieth century. Details: highdesertmuseum.org

Where to remain

The Lodge at Sunriver

This popular lodge south of Bend offers luxurious rooms with fireplaces and patios, two excellent restaurants and the favored Owl's Nest pub, where I had a really entertaining trivia and taco night on Tuesday evening. Resort guests are offered round-trip transportation to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. Details: sunriverresort.com

WinterFest

The Bend WinterFest in mid-February is a preferred annual celebration featuring live music, ice sculptures, a winter carnival, and rides (Ferris wheel riding within the snow!) Details: oregonwinterfest.com

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Oregon's moment

Arguably essentially the most anticipated game in Autzen Stadium history will happen on Saturday when Oregon plays Ohio State.

Although the Ducks have played three home games this season, they’ve targeted this weekend's showdown with the second-place Buckeyes as a showcase for potential recruits.

And the visitor list is totally wealthy.

The Ducks will welcome the No. 1 receiver within the country, Dakorien Moore, who transferred to Oregon on July 4. (He's the fifth-ranked prospect overall, in keeping with 247Sports.)

The top prospects from five states in the category of 2026 are also scheduled to participate:

North Carolina tight end Kendre Harrison (five stars); Utah tight end Brock Harris (five); Oregon edge rusher Tony Cumberland (4), who selected the Ducks; Washington outpoints Derek Colman-Brusa (4); and Nevada athlete Jett Washington, 4, the nephew of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

Additionally, Oregon State's No. 1 prospect within the 2027 class might be at Autzen Stadium on Saturday night: four-star Josiah Molden, the son of former Duck star and NFL first-round pick Alex Molden.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning has achieved an unprecedented level of recruiting in Eugene, even in comparison to the high standards set by his predecessor, Mario Cristobal.

And that is Lanning's moment.

Flip season

Oregon State secured a win of its own when the Beavers convinced Wyoming tight end Logan Knapp to go to Corvallis last weekend after which celebrated the news that Knapp had decommitted from the Cowboys and chosen the Beavers. (He is projected to be an edge rusher for OSU.)

But there are two other significant prospects committed to running conference schools on the West Coast who’ve received interesting offers elsewhere:

– Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele is the No. 1 recruit in Hawaii and a four-star quarterback who committed to Cal over the summer. But his senior season at Campbell High School in Ewa Beach was impressive enough to generate offers from Oregon and Utah.

The Ducks' offer is critical because Sagapolutele's favorite player is Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, whose passing record on Oahu was broken by Sagapolutele.

And keep watch over Notre Dame, which had kept Sagapolutele warm in case the Irish lose Deuce Knight, who transferred to Auburn. USC did the identical with Sagapolutele while the Trojans ride the Julian Lewis rollercoaster.

— Meanwhile, Zac Stascausky, Oregon State's No. 2 highschool recruit, transferred his own commitment from Minnesota to Washington in August. But because the start of the season, the newly minted four-star prospect has added offers from Georgia, Oregon and UCLA.

He's already turned around once, and turning him around again may very well be an extended shot. But he lives in Oregon and three of his former training partners at B12 Performance have signed to play for Ducks offensive line coach A'Lique Terry in 2024.

Broncos are going global

Boise State's brand has never been hotter, thanks largely to Heisman Trophy candidate Ashton Jeanty, who leads the nation within the race by a large margin.

Head coach Spencer Danielson isn't just benefiting locally or nationally. It's going international.

This week alone, the Broncos received commitments from two European products: safety Arthur de Boachie, who’s originally from the Netherlands and now plays on the NFL Academy within the United Kingdom; and German-born Daniil Starykh, an offensive lineman.

Apparently the Blue Turf has crossed the pond and the Bronco brand is making its way into Europe.

Of course, they've all the time had success in Southern California, and Tahj Crutchfield, a cornerback from Rancho Cucamonga, committed to the Broncos last week.

And in LaGary Mitchell Jr., the son of former Bronco linebacker LaGary Mitchell, they brought in a top-five player within the state within the 2026 class.

USC turns south

There has been a number of talk in regards to the Trojans' recruiting efforts in SEC country. They have won some duels only to lose those engagements later.

So because the Trojans wait for the frontrunners to unfold within the 2024-25 recruiting cycle, they're pleased to simply accept a commitment from Miami defensive lineman Floyd Boucard, a three-star prospect.

That he was once committed to Oklahoma, where USC coach Lincoln Riley still lives rent free within the minds of Sooner fans, probably makes it even sweeter.

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Looking at tiny Jacksonville with all its cozy, Victorian charm, it's easy to forget that this was once one in every of the biggest cities within the Oregon Territory. Back then, it boasted – wait for it – 36 taverns, a Wells Fargo Express station and buildings constructed throughout the Oregon Gold Rush.

Time forgot this little nineteenth century boomtown after the railroad got here through and made nearby Medford its big stop. But that loss is our gain.

This Rogue Valley town is now a National Historic Landmark. Its streets are lined with 150-year-old buildings which might be still bustling with activity. You can still dine on the 1856 Bella Union Saloon on Main Street, browse the rooms of the Beekman House, which was converted right into a museum in 1873, and McCully House Hotelthe McCully family home in 1860.

Today, crowds flock here to absorb the atmosphere, browse the boutiques and wineries, and watch a show on the Britt Music and Arts Festival on the grounds of pioneering photographer Peter Britt's 80-acre estate. Incidentally, this grounds, which include gardens, woodlands and enchanting walking trails, are open to the general public for climbing and exploring all yr round.

We settled in for the weekend within the boutique Hotel MagnoliaBuilt in 1928 and completely renovated last yr by latest owners Jeff and Nikki Bale, it's vibrant and airy, with a dozen luxurious guest rooms and irresistible reading nooks.

The hotel is inside walking distance to just about every thing you must see, from modern espresso bars to the historic Beekman Bank. In summer the bank is open on weekends A history lecturer is available to inform colourful stories in regards to the Oregon Gold Rush, the Victorian-era bank vault and the impressive scales used to weigh gold dust and, we're told, the town's babies.

Right now, nonetheless, we’re sitting on the bar at Jacksonville's Miners' Bazaaran art project cafe and saloon run by Rogue Valley artist Rosie Taylor. Drawing paper and coloured pencils are stashed on the bar, mosaic lamps dangle above, and there's a menu of DIY craft projects in addition to one with drinks and snacks — vegetarian galettes ($10) and fancy grilled cheese pastries ($10).

There's a studio within the back stuffed with art supplies and craft kits, and there are cozy nooks with tables and chairs in all places where you’ll be able to sit and chat or create. Or do as we did and admire the genius of an art bar while sipping a glass of Quady North Rosé or Long Walk Vineyards Field Red, for instance.

An actual miners' bazaar opened just up the road in 1852, after pioneers James Clugage and James Poole did just a little, extremely successful gold mining, sparking an Oregon gold rush. The bazaar was a trading post – actually a tent – that supplied the sudden influx of miners with every thing from overalls and pickaxes to tobacco and whiskey. As the mining camp grew, so did the pubs, taverns and breweries – and in abundance. Even the town's bakery had a bar.

Today, Jacksonville's tasting rooms are known for wine moderately than liquor, and the historic buildings house temptations just like the Violets & Cream Ice Cream PharmacyThe GoodBean Coffee house and the Happy Alpaca Toys & Accessories.

A large toy alpaca stands outside Amy Kranenburg and Aaron Butler's lovely toy store, which opened in 2022 and offers Legos, Brio trains, colourful Haba toys, and other delights. It's all so cute, it's hard to assume that this cute little toy store was once the Marble Corner Saloon.

To be honest, most of the historic buildings here might be said to have “once upon a time” status. The Table Rock Billiard Saloon sign continues to be visible on the GoodBean The coffeehouse and ice cream shop once housed Jacksonville's first brewery.

But to listen to all of the stories, you’ve got to take a ride on the Jacksonville Streetcarwhich offers a 45-minute narrated journey into the past. The driver points out landmarks and tells of the invention of gold and the rise of this boomtown, and now and again adds a touch of unexpected local history. It seems that the unique Bozo the Clown – Vance DeBar Colvig, who performed as Pinto Colvig – was born here in 1892. He was also the unique voice of Disney's Goofy and Pluto. Who would have thought?

There can be a wine cart that travels from downtown – where several tasting rooms are positioned – to seven wineries further afield. If you favor to wander around on your personal, the Jacksonville Wine Route offers several particularly tempting options, from Quady North and Dancin' to Parkhurst Wine Cellars.

Mark Enlow — a Bay Area expat who spent three years at Hannah Nicole Vineyards in Brentwood — and his wife, Susan, opened their latest tasting room in Parkhurst on a hill just outside Jacksonville last fall.

The chic industrial-style constructing is surrounded by a creative—and fireproof—expanse of concrete and gravel. (The original tasting room within the nearby town of Talent was destroyed by the Almeda Fire within the Rogue Valley in 2020.) Inside, dramatic modern chandeliers hang from high ceilings, huge glass roll-up doors bring the skin in, and royal blue and purple velvet sofas add color.

The winery's name is a nod to Charlotte “One-Eyed Charley Parkhurst,” the legendary whiskey-drinking, cigar-smoking stagecoach driver who ferried passengers and gold across California's wild frontier. No one knew she was a girl until after her death. Ponder the legend as you sip Rogue Valley wines and revel in shareable bites from the small, seasonal menu—like grilled flatbread ($19) or a cheese and salami platter ($18).

Just minutes away, you'll find Dos Mariposas Vineyards and Lavender, which has been welcoming families and wine lovers since 2022 to walk through the lavender fields, enjoy live music by the pond, and sip rosé and pinot noir on the patio. They also offer food, including charcuterie platters for adults ($21) and for teenagers ($5) to enjoy with lavender lemonade.

When you're done, take the tram that may take you – and your rosé – back to the town.

When you go

The Magnolia Hotel: Jacksonville has greater than a dozen inns and B&Bs, including this charming hotel, where rooms start at $140 per night. A European breakfast – yogurt, cereal, boiled eggs, fresh fruit and toast – is included. 245 N. Fifth St. in Jacksonville; https://magnoliahotelor.com.

Britt Music and Arts Festival: This annual summer music festival features folk, rock, jazz and classical music and typically runs from June to mid-October. brittfest.org. And Ashland's Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which also runs until mid-October, is a half-hour drive away. osfashionland.org.

The Miners’ Bazaar: Open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to six p.m., 235 E. California St., Jacksonville; www.theminersbazaar.com.

Violet & Cream: This ice cream, soda and candy shop at 150 S. Oregon St. in Jacksonville opens at 11 a.m. every day. https://violetsandcream.com.

Good bean: Opens Monday through Saturday at 6:00 a.m. and Sunday at 7:30 a.m. at 65 S. Oregon St. in Jacksonville; www.goodbean.com

Happy Alpaca Toys & Accessories: Opens Monday through Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at 180 W. California St. in Jacksonville; https://happyalpacakids.com

Jacksonville Trolley Tours: History tours ($6-12) run five times every day Tuesday through Sunday June through August and Friday through Sunday in May, September and October. Purchase tickets and board the trolley on the Visitor Information Center on the corner of West C and North Oregon Streets. The wine trolley ($25) runs Friday through Sunday from noon to six:30 p.m. May through October. Reserve tickets and find more information at https://jacksonvilleoregon.org.

Parkhurst Wine Cellar: Open Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to six p.m., 845 E. California St. in Jacksonville; https://parkhurstwine.com/.

Dos Mariposas Vineyards & Lavender: Open for tastings: Thursdays and Mondays at 3:00 p.m. and Friday through Sunday at noon, 3976 Bellinger Lane in Medford; https://dosmariposasvineyards.com.

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