Backcountry skiing and splitboarding has increased in popularity across the west, and Bend is no exception. Whether you want to access backcountry terrain right from the parking lot, or you prefer using a snowmobile to access hidden powder stashes, the terrain surrounding Bend has something for you. 

Backcountry opportunities range from skinning up the “Cone” at Mt. Bachelor before the lifts begin to turn or to a dawn-patrol outing up Tumalo Mountain, putting you back in town before the work day begins, to big, all day adventures into the Three Sisters Wilderness. 

While most of Bend’s backcountry skiing opportunities are located along Century Drive, venturing off the beaten path, to Tam Mcarthur Rim or Paulina Peak can offer additional solitude and bigger adventure. 

Be prepared and Leave No Trace in the backcountry

Before you head out for a day of backcountry skiing or splitboarding, be sure to plan your route, bring plenty of food, water, and warm clothing, tell someone where you are headed and carry the correct equipment for the terrain and conditions. Here are some quick tips on how you can have fun, stay safe and Leave No Trace this winter. 

Know before you go: Monitor snow conditions frequently and prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies.

Pack it out: Pack everything out, including litter, crumbs, peels, cores and poop. 

Keep wildlife wild: Protect yourself and wildlife by observing them from a distance. The presence of humans may be stressful, causing them to flee, defend themselves, or even abandon their young. 

Stick to the trail & respect other users: When ascending trails, keep clear and yield to downhill traffic and avoid booting and snowshoeing in skin or ski tracks.

Sno-Park Permits

To park at any of the Oregon Sno-Parks, November 1 – April 30, you will need a Oregon, California or Idaho Sno-Park Permit. Permits can be purchased at the Bend Visitor Center and at other locations around town, but are not available at the sno-parks. 

• Annual Sno-Park Permit (November 1 – April 30) – $25
• 3-Day (consecutive) Sno-Park Permit – $9
• Daily Sno-Park Permit – $4

Mt. Bachelor

Skinning up the “Cone” or to the summit of Mt. Bachelor (when open) is a great way to get in some quick vert before the lifts begin to turn or to test out your gear before you head out-of-bounds for a bigger backcountry day. On any day of the week, you will find loads of folks getting in a few pre-work Cone laps prior to the work day.

Approved by the US Forest Service, Mt. Bachelor has developed an uphill travel policy, aiming to provide uphill access while mitigating safety concerns of uphill travel within the downhill ski area. Be sure to check uphill route status and at the informational kiosks on the mountain, and follow the designated uphill route markers. Dogs are not permitted within the ski area boundary at any time. 

Dutchman Flat / Todd Lake / Tumalo Mountain

With access to the high-country, including Broken Top, Ball Butte, the Three Sisters, and Tumalo Mountain, Dutchman Sno-Park is a great jumping off point for your day in the backcountry, no matter if you choose to skin straight from your car up Tumalo Mountain, or head towards Todd Lake and Sherwood Forest on skis or on snowmobile. The Three Sisters Wilderness boundary is approximately three miles from Dutchman—you’ll need to leave your snow machine there and travel the rest of the way on foot. Be sure to come prepared with a map, good navigation skills, and gear for any weather as conditions can change quickly. 

The new and upgraded trailhead kiosk and informational signage at Dutchman Sno-Park was made possible with support from the Bend Sustainability Fund. 

Three Creeks Sno-Park / Tam McArthur Rim

The Upper Three Creeks Sno-Park is your gateway to Tam McArthur Rim and access to the Three Sisters Wilderness from the northeast side. A 6-mile groomed snowmobile track leads to the Wilderness boundary and the base of Tam Rim, which provides 1,500 feet of vertical elevation and stretches for more than two miles, providing a variety of terrain including steep chutes, open bowls and treed glades. 

Paulina Peak / Newberry National Volcanic Monument

To access Paulina Peak, located within Newberry National Volcanic Monument, you first need to travel southeast from Bend to the Ten Mile Sno-Park. From there you can snowmobile or skin the final two miles to the caldera rim or to Paulina Peak. The Paulina Peak Lodge, located on the edge of Paulina Lake is open during the winter season, be sure to check hours and make reservations when planning your adventure. 

Please note: Central Oregon Avalanche Center does not currently offer avalanche forecasting for the Paulina/Newberry area, however, it is possible to utilize the COAC installed weather station on Paulina peak to examine current and historical weather trends. 

Skiing with your dog

During the winter season (November 1 – May 1), dogs are not permitted on the north side of Century Drive, including Dutchman Flat Sno-Park. Dogs are welcome at Newberry National Volcanic Monument, Three Creeks Sno-Parks, and the off-leash dog area at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. 

While backcountry skiing may be done safely with dogs, please remember all uncontrolled terrain can be risky for animals as well as humans.

Finding the right equipment

Looking to rent, buy or upgrade your equipment? Bend has a number of excellent backcountry ski shops that can help you find just what you are looking for. Crow’s Feet, Pine Mountain Sports, and Mountain Supply are great resources for backcountry skis, splitboards, boots and avalanche equipment. Crow’s Feet and Pine Mountain also offer rental equipment. Gear Fix is a great source for used gear of all sorts.