OUTDOORS
Let ’ s Get Out There!
By K.M. Collins
I
f you live in Central Oregon, you know that winter is not a time for hibernating, but a time for getting out in the glistening snowy wonderland. As we jump into the full swing of winter amidst pandemic restrictions, you may be wondering what activities are still on offer for kids in Bend and beyond.
SNOW SPORTS Mt. Bachelor
It just wouldn’t be winter in Bend without a few trips to the mountain. Although several of their tried-and-true programs have been canceled for the season, Mt. Bachelor is still offering private and multi-week lessons with COVID protocols in place. Private lessons - Friends and family pods (up to five-person groups) with members as young as three years old can schedule half and full-day lessons at West Village. For children ages three to six, a parent or guardian is required to participate in the lesson to assist their child in standing up, loading and unloading the lift. Part of the lesson content is giving parents the tools and skills to help their kids navigate the lift and hill successfully and independently. Due
to COVID-19, emphasis will be placed on contactless teaching tips and tricks. Multi-week lessons – Once-a-week lesson series for children ages seven to 15, with three, four and eight-week options throughout the season are being offered at Sunrise Lodge. These lessons are Wednesday afternoons, Saturday mornings and afternoons and Sunday mornings and afternoons for two-and-a-half hour intervals. Prior to the start of the lesson series, due to COVID-19, participants need to be able to load and unload the lift safely by themselves, and make controlled, linked turns on green terrain independently. Children also need to be able to gear up independently, including skis, boards, boots, helmets, goggles, gloves and jackets. Learn more: mtbachelor.com
Hoodoo
Happily, kids can still take lessons at Hoodoo with heightened COVID-19 measures in place. Classes will be limited to six students per instructor, with the first-time lesson sequence modified to focus on teaching students to get up unassisted. Instructors will do their best to limit close contact with all participants. Hoodoo’s Ski and Ride School has implemented a new reservation system, as well. Go online to
Little shredders at Mt. B Photo by Brian Becker
reserve a spot at least 24 hours in advance. Walk-up space may be available but isn’t guaranteed. Mountain Cubs for four- to six-year-olds and Junior Ski and Snowboard lessons for seven to 12-year-olds are offered every day during the season. Group and Private Lessons are available for all guests. Participants will be required to load and unload lifts on their own, without assistance from an instructor. Reservations are highly recommended. Ski Bikes and Trikes – For adventurers 13 and up, why not try a ski bike or trike? Lessons include the rental, so it’s a great way to learn something new. A quick 45-minute lesson will give students the basics. At the end of the lesson they will receive a Snow-Bike, Snow-Go or Trike license if they show the skills to ride the lift and stay in control on the mountain. Learn more: skihoodoo.com
Sledding
Just up the Cascade Lakes Highway, Wanoga continues to be the most popular and easiest access sledding hill near Bend. Kids (and adults) of every age will feel the wind in their hair as they zip down several short hills. Bring the hot chocolate and be sure to observe the established Winter 2021 | 29
