But if adventure is what you're after, slap on your fishscale skis and get off the groomed path. With touring skis you can break trail en route to your new favorite winter destination. Carry a map, a compass (GPS), and some good sense and point your skis toward the horizon.
Don't forget that Central Oregon has a number of maintained warming huts stocked with firewood and equipped with wood-burning stoves. The Swede Ridge, Swampy Lakes Nordeen and Meissner shelters are all easily accessible from the Virginia Meissner and Swampy Lakes Sno-Parks.
Learn more here: fs.usda.gov/centraloregon
Off Bachelor's Backside Mt. Bachelor has 3,683 acres of rideable terrain, but the best stashes, by far, are accessible by skiing off the south side of the mountain, via the Summit chair. Ski off piste through deep, uncrowded pow, just make sure you don't miss the catch line near the bottom. Go east for the Rainbow chair or west for the Northwest chair.
Get it here: Summit Chairlift at Mt. Bachelor (mtbachelor.com and on Facebook).
Dog Sledding Your mom is visiting and wants to be in the snow but she doesn't ski. She's from Tennessee! What to do?
Book a sled dog ride around the base of Mt. Bachelor with Oregon Trail of Dreams! Real live sled dogs that pull an actual sled! The family-run business has been offering tours for more than decade, and the fine folks there can take you and mom on anything from a one-hour tour to a half-day outing, complete with a catered lunch.
Get it here: Oregon Trail of Dreams (800-829-2442 and on Facebook). SW
