January’s here, and let’s face it: We’re all a bit bleary-eyed from too much sugar, wine, family togetherness, or a combination of freakin’ everything.

Lucky for you, Bend’s the land of fresh starts. Maybe it’s all the fresh snow and fresher air making our mountain oasis the perfect spot to start a new year. 

Whether you slide, stagger, or soar into 2025, here’s what to do in Bend this January.

Check out these deals!

There’s a seasonal curve to Bend travel, and our busiest season spans from May through October. We might have some spikes around spring and winter breaks, but January? 

Poor, lonely January gets quiet in Bend. 

That’s great news for folks with an urge to unwind and reset, with rock-bottom prices in abundance. Even if you blew your budget over the holidays, Bend’s an affordable winter destination.

Each January, Bend shops slash prices to get rid of excess holiday inventory and make way for new spring stuff. Hit some of Bend’s best shopping zones to score great deals this time of year.

Hotels are in the same boat with Christmas break crowds long gone and spring breakers still a couple months out. If you’re looking for bargains on Bend hotels and vacation rentals, January’s one of the best months for deals. 

Because it’s one of our slowest times of year, pay close attention to stores’ operating hours and which days restaurants are open. Double check what you see online, as small mom-and-pop shops may not remember to update web info when seizing the January slowdown for vacations of their own.

But some extra legwork is a small price to pay for…well, a smaller price to pay.

Settle in for a snowy month

Winter got a great start in 2024 with record snowfall at Mt. Bachelor and the earliest summit opening in a decade. That teed things up nicely for 2025, since we tend to see heaps of deep snowfall in January.

Want to know the best part? You’ve got the slopes to yourself.

With holiday breaks finished and the sugar-hyped kids back in school, Mt. Bachelor becomes a mellower winter wonderland. You’ll find some of the best conditions all season at North America’s sixth largest ski resort. Enjoy 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain just for you and a handful of others smart enough to jump on January’s bargain prices and fab conditions. 
Now’s the perfect time to tuck the kiddos in Mt. Bachelor’s daycare center before heading out for a day of adults-only skiing. Better yet, get those young’uns into lessons through the Ski or Board in 4 program or the Signature Start series for kids ages 3-6 that includes rental gear, a two-hour lesson, and a half day of daycare.

There’s also nordic skiing, terrain parks, sled dog rides, and oh yeah—some of the best bloody marys anywhere. If you’re doing Dry January, I swear I won’t tell if you sip just one.

Can you hike in Bend in January?

Despite all the snow at high elevations, there’s surprisingly little when you head downhill from Mt. Bachelor. That makes it easy to ski all morning, then hike bare trails in the afternoon.

For the ultimate high desert hike, head for the Oregon Badlands Wilderness to enjoy thousands of acres of magical desert landscape and all the solitude you crave after weeks of holiday houseguests. 

Got your heart set on popular spots like Tumalo Falls or Newberry National Volcanic Monument? Even with snow gates shut for the season, you can still reach them with the aid of snowshoes or (depending on snowfall) microspikes on your feet.

You can also book a snowmobile tour to see spots like Newberry or trails off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway in ways you can’t do two on two feet.

Want to stick closer to town? Pilot Butte makes a lovely winter hike, and the snow-capped Cascades look stunning from the top. You’ll seldom see a more epic sunset or sunrise than you’ll spot from the top of this dormant volcano. Just remember a headlamp if you’re hoofing it down in the dark.

Check out this blog post for more ideas on inspiring winter hikes. You’ll also find a few in this roundup of short but sweet hikes that are especially great for winter (think Shevlin Park, Deschutes River Trail, Pine Nursery, Cline Falls, and Riley Ranch Nature Reserve).

One thing to keep in mind when you’re playing outside in January: Winter range closures on Forest Service land and seasonal wildlife closures on BLM land. These closures protect furry and feathery friends like deer, prairie falcons, golden eagles, and other nesting birds. Those links I just shared have everything you need to know about where it’s fine to roam and where you should steer clear this time of year.

And if you’re bummed over missing those critters, may I suggest a visit to the High Desert Museum?

Time for some self-care

If you spent December running yourself ragged, it’s time to reset in January. How about a self-care centered Bend vacay?

Book a session with Gather Sauna and enjoy the benefits of a wood-fired sauna combined with traditional treatments like leaf whisking, plant meditation, and herbal ritual sessions.

Try a forest bath with R’oming Yoga and discover peace of mind like you’ve never felt before. True story: Following my first forest bath, my FitBit (which normally greets me each morning by telling me I slept terribly) had a solid week of informing me I’m the champion of all sleepers. Coincidence? Doubtful.

Embrace the ultimate meditation with a visit to Easy Float. You’ll spend over an hour suspended in saltwater with all your senses switched off. Talk about an immersive experience!

Schedule a massage at one of countless Bend day spas. It’s also a great time to get in touch with your spiritual side by taking a workshop at a Bend wellness center like Blissful Heart or Bend Community Healing.

Who’s up for arts and culture?

While Hayden Homes Amphitheater keeps concert crowds rockin’ all summer, winter’s when Bend’s indoor venues shine.

Celebrate the new year by finding a swanky soiree to ring in 2025. Hit the East Coast New Year’s Eve party at Flights Wine Bar or try the Disco Inferno Ball at the Riverhouse Convention Center. For more ideas, check out the Visit Bend event calendar.

Find a concert to enjoy at Bend’s historic Tower Theatre, which brings in an impressive mix of well-known artists, indie performers, and niche musicians you won’t often see at larger venues. 

Snap up tickets to Jazz at the Oxford, and kick off your jazzy evening with cocktails and dinner at Roam. I highly recommend the Fresh Tracks made with Casamigos Anejo, fresh rosemary, vanilla simple, lime, and egg white.

And seriously, don’t forget to scan our event calendar for all kinds of cool artsy happenings this month.

Try something new for a new year

If your New Year’s resolution involves trying new things, January’s a great month to do it. 

A glimpse at our Event Calendar shows a whole ‘lotta Bend businesses getting creative to draw guests during this slower time of year. Choose from a quirky array of activities ranging from theater productions to trivia nights to burlesque shows to comedy acts set to entertain you at local watering holes. 

Take a look at what’s happening, then vow to kick off your year by trying something different from your normal Bend adventures. 

Even better? Swing by the Bend Visitor Center and ask the friendly staff for their recommendations. 

Welcome to the new year, friends!