Cooler weather brings many changes to Southern Oregon’s landscape — the mountains and countrysides are blanketed with snow, local businesses are decked out in seasonal decorations, and people are grabbing their skis and snowboards from the closet, and heading to the slopes.
Medford and neighboring cities have a wealth of hidden winter gems which are just waiting to be discovered. Whether you are adventurous enough to take to the mountains, or prefer to relax by the fire at a local ski resort, you can fulfill your winter wishlist in Southern Oregon.
Mt. Ashland is the crown jewel of Southern Oregon, and you will feel like royalty as you cruise down the snow-clad slopes. If you don’t have your own equipment, there’s no need to worry. Mt. Ashland has you covered. You can rent skis and snowboards at their rental shop. The mountain boasts 240 acres of skiing and riding terrain, in addition to four chair lifts which give access to 44 ski trails and open bowl skiing.
If you would rather stay inside, Mt. Ashland has a Tudor-style lodge with food service, a bar and lounge. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of skiing, or to sip a hot drink while you wait for the rest of your group to return from the mountain. Enjoy a hot meal, chat about the day’s adventures, and plan for tomorrow’s activities.
For the winter outdoor enthusiast, Crater Lake isn’t just for summer fun. During winter, Crater Lake exemplifies extreme natural beauty. A sunny day showcases stunning views of the sapphire lake, caldera walls and snow-covered rim. People often view the lake from the parking lot, but skiers can explore nearby trails. There is no experience comparable to skiing across Crater Lake’s trails, surrounded by unparalleled natural wonders.
If the thrill of the snowy mountains is your siren song, then look no further than Diamond Lake Resort. Gather friends for a day of snowmobiling, snow tubing, skiing or snowshoeing. You and the family can reach out and touch Southern Oregon’s winter wonders as you walk across the landscape with snowshoes securely fastened to your feet. With so many options, you can spend days exploring Diamond Lake, or return several times to experience all of its thrilling adventures.
The snow turns Medford and Southern Oregon into a winter dreamscape, where you can experience all of your favorite activities with family and friends. So get out there and celebrate the season with some winter fun!