Nordic skiing has a long history in Central Oregon, beginning with the lumber mill workers in the region’s early days. Scandinavian transplants and friends Chris Kostol, Emil Nordeen, Nels Skjersaa, and Nils Wulfsberg formed the Skyliners ski club in 1927, and its traditions are still going strong. The combination of long winters, abundant snow and access from numerous sno-parks provide ideal opportunities for cross-country (XC) skiers to skate or glide through forested trails in the region’s winter wonderlands. So, here are five spots to explore this season. [Photo above of professional ski instructor, Ingrid Granlin, Glide Nordic, by Martin Sundberg]
Virginia Meissner Sno-Park
The network of groomed skate and classic trails maintained by Meissner Nordic, a volunteer-run and -supported nonprofit organization, is known by locals as simply “Meissner.” Several trails lead to the Meissner Shelter, or connect via the Tangent Trail to Swampy Lakes Sno-Park for a 5-mile loop, or even explore a new loop, Best Day Ever, added in 2024. Download the Meissner Nordic app for real-time grooming reports, weather, event information, alerts and interaction with offline maps. Remember to stay to the right, and make way for faster skiers—watch for local high school competitors and Olympic athletes who also train on these trails.
TIP: If Virginia Meissner Sno-Park is full, continue 3 miles up the Cascade Lakes Highway to Swampy Lakes Sno-Park, which offers access to ungroomed classic trails and rolling terrain to both the Swampy and Nordeen shelters.
Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center
Across from Mt. Bachelor ski resort’s alpine slopes, the Nordic Center offers more than 34 miles of groomed trails. These trails are perfect for skate and classic skiing. This rewards skiers with one of the longest groomed Nordic trail seasons in North America. Typically, the season starts in November and can last until June if the snow cooperates. Trails dip and weave through subalpine fir and old-growth mountain hemlock forests. Furthermore, the trails are punctuated by views of Mount Bachelor’s peak. Pick up a hot beverage or snack from the XC Café in the Nordic Center after your workout. Finally, with a free Common Corridor pass from the Nordic Center, skiers can also access the ungroomed two-mile-long trail to Todd Lake.
Upper Three Creeks Sno-Park
Forest Road 16 leaves Sisters and continues for about 11 miles to Upper Three Creeks, a hub for Nordic skiers and their dogs, snowshoers and snowmobilers. One popular destination is the well-marked ungroomed trails to the Jefferson View Shelter, which offers incredible views of several peaks in the Cascade Range. Trail distances vary from 4 to 7 miles.
Wanoga Sno-Park
If you’re after a dog-friendly area with groomed trails, then head to Wanoga. Dogpac, a nonprofit, volunteer-run, off-leash advocacy organization, grooms a flat, 2-mile loop for skiers and their happy pets to bound through the snow.
Update: The nearby Edison Butte Sno-park closed in 2024 after the Bachelor Complex fires. While the closure was lifted for 2025, much clearing and re-signing work remains to be done.
Ten Mile Sno-Park
For a day or overnight trip, head up to the Ten Mile Sno-Park on the flank of the Newberry Volcano. Take the ungroomed Paulina View Trail that gently climbs for about 3 miles to Paulina Lake and passes by the ice-draped Paulina Falls. Overnighters can stay at the Paulina Lake Lodge (the lodge team will snowmobile in their gear) and enjoy a star-studded moonlight ski through the heart of the volcano.
What You Need to Know:
The U.S. Forest Service manages many of the ski trails in the Deschutes National Forest. However, volunteers maintain them. They take on tasks such as grooming and signage. They also handle trail upkeep, special events, and stocking shelters. This includes emergency firewood. “Typically, we put in about 3,000 hours of volunteer work per year on trails,” said Sue Sullivan. She is the vice-president of the nonprofit Central Oregon Nordic Club (CONC). “We work many more hours in years with a big project.” This could include putting up a shelter or constructing new trails. Donations, memberships, or volunteer time are great ways to support CONC and Meissner Nordic.
Several ski shops in Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters offer XC ski rentals and sales. They also carry all the gear you’ll need. Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center offers lessons. CONC also offers ski clinics to members. Mt. Bachelor’s Nordic Center parking is free. Remember to purchase an Oregon Sno-Park pass. You must have this pass for parking from November 1 to April 30. The pass also supports snowplowing and maintenance efforts. This helps keep the history of Nordic skiing in Central Oregon alive.
