Best Things to Do in Sisters, Oregon During Winter

Epic Winter Activities to Do in Sisters, OR

Best Things to Do in Sisters, Oregon During the Winter

Sisters is a tourist town in Central Oregon known for its mountainous skyline, snowy terrain, and artsy culture. Pacific Northwesterners visit Sisters to spend time outdoors even during the winter months, as this is one of the few places that’s just as worth visiting in January as it is in July.

Avid skiers, art enthusiasts, and snow tubers will all find paradise in Sisters. If you’re not afraid of the cold and love spending time outdoors, this Central Oregon town should be high on your winter travel bucket list. After your visit, you’ll see why so many people visit Sisters again and again, even when there’s snow on the ground.

While this trip destination is a great choice year-round, some attractions in Sisters operate seasonally. Therefore, you’ll need to do some research to see what will be open when you want to visit. To make your vacation planning easier, here are some of the best things to do in Sisters during the winter.

What to Know Before You Go to Sisters in the Winter

When visiting Sisters, keep the winter road conditions in mind. The roads in Central Oregon may be dangerous for those not used to driving in the snow, especially since they’re not always salted.

For your safety, pay attention to road alerts and signage during your trip. You should also keep rising elevation in mind – you may ascend thousands of feet rather quickly. Come prepared with plenty of water, chapstick, and some extra food for the road. It’s also smart to bring extra blankets when traveling in the mountains during winter.

Snow Activities to Do in Sisters, OR in Winter

Not that we got logistics out of the way, let’s get to all the amazing things you can do in Sisters during winter!

Hoodoo Ski Area

Hoodoo Ski Area in Sisters features three dozen trails, a snow tubing park, and some Nordic ski trails.

The ski resort hosts racing events every Friday that anyone can compete in, and they also run ski lessons for beginners. No matter how experienced you are at skiing, spending time on the slopes will likely be the highlight of your trip.

Hoodoo Ski Area offers one-day tickets, season passes, and gear rentals online. Prices are dependent on a skier’s age and the time of day. Before planning your visit, visit the ski resort’s website to make sure the trails and lifts are open.

Mt. Bachelor: More Winter Fun Near Sisters

Not far from Sisters is Mt. Bachelor, the sixth largest ski resort in the continent. This winter hotspot has over 100 ski runs, several “adventure zones,” and 800-foot-long snow tubing lanes. If you’re willing to make the drive, be sure to add Mt. Bachelor to your skiing bucket list.

Lift tickets for Mt. Bachelor are based on a skier’s age and the time they’re visiting the resort, but you’ll find they’re typically more expensive than Hoodoo. You can save some money by buying multi-day tickets. However, if you’re a beginner, you might not have to pay anything – Mt. Bachelor offers free entry to runs designed for newbies, even if you’re an adult!

Santiam Sno-Park

If you’re not much of a skier, Santiam Sno-Park is a fun alternative to a ski resort. Located within the Willamette National Forest, this recreation area includes access to a tubing spot and a snowshoeing trail. Like other winter attractions in Oregon, Santiam Sno-Park charges for entry, but you’ll spend far less than you would if you went to a ski resort.

To access the Santiam Sno-Park, you’ll need a Sno-Park permit. These cost $4 per day, $9 for three days, and $25 for the whole season. You can also use a Sno-Park permit from California or Idaho in Oregon, and you can use an Oregon permit if you visit these two states.

South Sister Trail

Sisters, Oregon isn’t just about skiing. Get your snowshoes ready to take on South Sister Trail, an 11.6-mile path for expert adventurists.

As the tallest of the Three Sisters mountains, you’ll get a great view of Middle and North Sisters from the summit of South Sister. The hike to the top is challenging, but the views are worth it.

South Sister Trail isn’t a technical hike, but you should still come prepared with spikes, water, and heavy winter gear. Before planning your trip, check the trail conditions to make sure it’s open.

Art Galleries in Sisters, OR

Sisters has plenty of art galleries to browse, many of which sell the work they’re displaying.

The Clearwater Gallery and Hood Avenue Art showcase paintings, along with many others. You’ll find other mediums at Canyon Creek Pottery and Raven Makes Gallery.

Whether you’re in the market for some home decor or you’re just there to admire some art, you could easily spend hours at galleries during your trip.

Not every art gallery in Sisters has a website, so you may find even more by walking through town. You can also join the Fourth Friday Artwalk once a month, which will bring you to different galleries to meet local artists.

Cascade Street Distillery

While you’re in Sisters, grab a vodka flight from Cascade Street Distillery. When their tasting room is open, you can get a gorgeous view of the Cascade Mountain Range while you sip on their gluten-free drinks. They also serve mini cocktails, so consider grabbing one to learn how to use their vodka in a mixed drink.

Cascade Street Distillery’s tasting room is temporarily closed, but you can check their website as your trip approaches to see if they’re open again. In the meantime, you can buy a bottle at a local liquor store and follow the cocktail recipes online.

Shibui Spa for Some Pampering in Sisters

This therapeutic spa offers body wraps, massages, facials, and other treatments for a true self-care day. In addition to their main offerings, you can add extra services to your visit, to customize your experience, like essential oils or a deep tissue massage. Services run anywhere from 10 to 90 minutes long, but your stay may be longer if you choose a package.

If you haven’t treated yourself in a while, a visit to Shibui Spa during your trip to sisters gives you a good reason to do so!

Shibui Spa is a part of the luxurious FivePine Lodge, so if you’re looking for an upscale place to stay in Sisters, consider booking a cabin there.

—> Click here to see photos and prices for staying at FivePine Lodge.