For some people, winter in Central Oregon means time to relax by a cozy fire, sip hot cocoa and watch the beautiful snow fall—all from indoors. But for many families, winter is an active season and one of the best times to get outside and take advantage of the snowy playgrounds our region offers. For kids, especially, winter activities like skiing and snowboarding provide both fun and fitness, along with a chance to build skills and confidence.
Central Oregon has a wealth of programs designed to help children, from beginners who have never touched a pair of skis to aspiring seasoned athletes. Whether your family is looking for a casual lesson, a season long program or a competitive pathway, our local ski community has something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of some of the programs available.
Bend Endurance Academy (BEA)
bendenduranceacademy.org
For kids who want skiing to be part of a broader, year round athletic lifestyle, the Bend Endurance Academy is the way to go. BEA’s Nordic offerings are designed for all ages and ability levels, from beginner lessons and youth practices to development groups and competitive race teams. Practices take place at their Bend facility, Meissner Sno-Park and Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic Center.
What sets BEA apart is its emphasis on endurance sports throughout the year. Beyond skiing, they run mountain biking and climbing programs, giving kids a chance to stay active across multiple disciplines. BEA finds a good balance between fun, fitness and competition. Some kids join primarily for recreation, while others move into structured training and competition.
Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation
mbsef.org
When people think about snow in Central Oregon, Mount Bachelor is usually the first destination that comes to mind. Alongside the mountain itself, the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation stands out as the region’s most established youth ski and snowboard organization.
MBSEF offers a wide range of opportunities for athletes of all ages in their alpine, freeride and Nordic programs.
On the alpine side, athletes often start in the development Mini World Cup program. Kids can progress through age class teams such as U10, U12 and U14, moving from beginning racing instruction into advanced competitive racing programs for older teens.
For Nordic skiing, MBSEF offers the Stevenson Youth Program for elementary aged skiers. As athletes progress, they may choose to continue in either Adventure Development or Competition Development programs. Their Nordic program provides a clear path for kids interested in progressing into higher-level competition.
If your kids are more interested in learning how to do tricks in the parks than racing, MBSEF offers the Freeride Development team for both snowboarders and skiers ages 8–14. This program introduces freeride techniques and provides opportunities to compete in judged events. Just like in the alpine and Nordic programs, freeskiers and snowboarders are supported by MBSEF programs should they decide to continue on a higher-level competitive path.
Mt. Bachelor Ski & Ride School and Nordic Center
mtbachelor.com
If you’re looking for professional lessons in a resort atmosphere, the Mt. Bachelor Ski & Ride School offers one of the most popular youth lesson opportunities in the entire Pacific Northwest.
Alpine lessons range from single-day group lessons and private coaching to multi-week programs like Mighty Mites (ages 4–5), Mountain Rippers and All Day Mountain Explorers (ages 6–12). Parents can also take advantage of seasonal rental packages, making it easier for kids to stay properly outfitted.
The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center also runs private lessons, performance training clinics, and multiweek programs for both skate and classic techniques.
Pros of this option include flexible scheduling, resort amenities and a professional and structured learning environment, especially if you want lessons combined with childcare programs like the Signature Start program.
Hoodoo Ski Area
hoodoo.com
Located on Santiam Pass, Hoodoo Ski Area is a family friendly and less expensive alternative to Mt. Bachelor. Hoodoo offers daily group lessons for both skiing and snowboarding, plus packages like the 1-2-3 Slide for Free program, which includes three lessons and seasonal rentals for beginners. The area also has the Autobahn Tubing Park, night skiing and other events, making it a unique experience. Because Hoodoo is focused primarily on recreational skiing and snowboarding, it’s a great spot for kids to try skiing for the first time in a less intimidating environment.
In addition to the big names, there are many other Sno-Parks and community organizations that provide great entry points into skiing. Better yet, they’re free! Well, besides the equipment rental.
For example, the Meissner Nordic Ski Club, funded completely by donations and run by volunteers, keeps many local community trails groomed. They also host “learn to ski” events and are often a home base for high school Nordic teams. Edison Butte, Swampy Lakes, Wanoga—the list is long when it comes to exploring the Central Oregon Sno-Parks, and each has its own character.
To ski lovers, winter in Central Oregon is more than just a season, it’s a lifestyle. Whether your kids dream of competitions, mastering a terrain park, gliding through Nordic trails or simply learning to make their first turns, the opportunities are as diverse as the snowflakes that fall across the Cascades.
With so many options close to home, this winter could be the perfect time to get your family out on the snow and discover the excitement of skiing.
This article appears in BendNest Winter 2025.
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