Winter is HERE - and so are the top places to ski, snowshoe, sled and more! When the weather is cold, the fun has just begun in the Heart of the Rogue.
Don't worry about searching for the sweet spots - because we have snowballed a list of some of the best. Gather your sled, boots, best buddies and head to the snowy slopes of Southern Oregon!
Heading south? Table Mountain has a sweet sledding hill in the Hyatt Lake Recreation Area at the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. During the winter months, Hyatt Lake offers sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Although Hyatt Lake does not offer rental equipment, see below for some of the best places to suit up for your next adventure!
Just 20 miles east of Ashland, Hyatt Lake is a portal to a plethora of winter outdoor recreation activities you won't want to miss!
The crown jewel of Southern Oregon, Mt. Ashland is an iconic location to start your winter journey. A true mecca for winter recreation, Mt. Ashland has been a local favorite since 1964.
There is plenty to do at Mt. Ashland, but twilight skiing is a must. Experience a beautiful Southern Oregon winter sunset, watch as the stars come out, and warm yourself in the lodge with some cozy cocoa. Twilight skiing starts at 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights in January, February and early March. When the lights go on, your journey of lights and snow begins!
While you’re in the area, head over to Grouse Gap Sno-Park for sledding. It’s just up the road from Mt. Ashland and a great place to sled.
The soft, supple snow at Diamond Lake Resort makes it the perfect winter destination for family fun! Enjoy all the rentals you could hope for, from cross country skiing and snowshoeing to snowmobiling and tubing!
With 7 miles of groomed trails and over 35 miles of back country, Diamond Lake is a cross-country skier's slice of heaven. The lake is locally famous for what it calls its "Wonder Carpet" - or a 470 foot conveyor lift that takes you to the top of the mountain for tubing. Grab your tube, sled or saucer because there’s plenty of room for everyone to have fun on the hill! With seven sliding lanes, fabulous facilities and a friendly staff, Diamond Lake is one of the top spots to enjoy this winter. For a truly unique experience, tube down the slope under shimmering lights on Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays. What a rush!
The resort also offers 3-hour and all day passes, as well as discounts for families of four. Stay a few hours or all day for the best snowy fun in Southern Oregon.
Spectacular sledding and snowy fun await in Southern Oregon. From trekking the trails to cozying up by the fire, the Heart of the Rogue is your launchpad to the best of Oregon.
Nestled just outside Union Creek along the upper Rogue River, on the way to Crater Lake National Park, Farewell Bend Sno-Park is a winter wonderland perfect for a day of family fun. Known as one of Oregon’s premier sledding destinations, this charming spot features two unique sledding hills, each with an exhilarating 45-foot vertical drop. After carving up the slopes, warm up in the rustic on-site warming hut, complete with picnic tables, a cozy wood-fired stove, and firewood. With ample open space for epic snowball battles, Farewell Bend Sno-Park is a must-visit for winter adventurers.
Make your trip even more memorable by exploring the nearby Rogue Gorge, just half a mile away, and stopping in Union Creek at Beckie’s Cafe for hot cocoa and their famous pie. Both Beckie’s Cafe and the Union Creek Resort are open year-round, making this the perfect destination for a full day of winter fun in the Rogue Valley.
Ready to hit the slopes? Gear up with these local locations for all of your ski, snowboard, and tubing needs! In addition to these locations, many of the above resorts offer rentals. make sure to call ahead when planning your trip with them if you're looking to rent or purchase something specific!
Outfitted with the top ski, snowboard and apparrel brands, you are sure to find what you need at Rogue Ski Shop! Local to the area with growing kiddos? Check out their Junior Exchange Program to give your little skiers the gear that they need!
Whether you're seeking to outfit yourself with a new ensemble or you just need a new pair of gloves - Black Bird has it all! From skiing and snowboarding to fishing, hunting and travel gear, this is your one-stop-shop to all of your rental and purchasing needs.
