Snowshoe at Hoodoo Snowshoeing is hard. But it's also a lot of fun because it's easy to do with others. And it's not nearly as expensive as skiing.
After you've been out a couple of times, sign up for the Hoodoo Snowshoe 4k fun race. The race is at night so you'll be navigating the course with your headlamp and the neon ribbon and reflective signs on Hoodoo's cross-country ski trails. Bonus adventure!
This event should be a good primer for the 2013 Snowshoe National Championships on March 15-17 at Swampy Lakes Sno-Park. There will be 5k and 10k options as well as a kids 4x2.5k team relay.
Learn more here: sistersmultisport.com and snowshoeracing.com.
Three Sisters Backcountry Yurts Ready for more backcountry? Then head outside Sisters where chutes, bowls, trees and cliffs await near Tam McArthur Rim, above the Three Creeks Sno-Park. From the top of the Rim you'll have access to more than 200,000 snow-covered acres within the Three Sisters Wilderness.
But rather than head back to the car after a long day of touring, you should book a night (or a week) in the Three Sisters Backcountry yurts, which are equipped with bunk beds, kitchen, wood-burning stove and lounge area. The yurts sleep six so you can gather a crew ($1,350 for a long weekend) or go with a partner—midweek rates are only $45 per person per night. Oh, and they also have wood-fired saunas.
Don't have your own gear? You can rent avalanche safety gear and even book a snowmobile shuttle from Three Creeks Sno-Park. And speaking of avalanches (shudder), these guys also offer American Mountain Guide Association-certified avy classes.
Learn more here: threesistersbackcountry.com.
Get Fat! Fat bikes were made for snow riding. Get a single-speed version (for simplicity) or one with gears (for climbing ease) and get out on Central Oregon's myriad trails. But why limit yourself to trails? These things are so burly you can go off trail and into the backcountry! Fatback makes a couple good versions.
Get it here: Sunnyside Sports (541-382-8018) $2,500-$3,500
Get Flexible! Everyone knows yoga is good for you. It calms the mind as well as the body.
Go to one of the many classes offered in Bend and reap the benefits after punishing your body.
Get it here: one of Bend's many yoga studios
Cheers, You Made It! Kick back and relax. You've earned it. After a long winter slog it's important to reconnect with friends, drain a few pints and fuel up with tasty treats.
Below are a few of our favorite places to catch up and cool down.
Get it here: Barrio 541-389-2025; Crow's Feet Commons 541-728-0066; GoodLife Brewing 541-728-0749; Velvet 541-728-0303; Pho Viet 541-382-2929
