Go with a Guide on a Customized Tour

Local tour guides make it easy to enjoy snowshoeing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and even snow camping. As packages, transportation and group minimums vary, please check directly with the guide service. For example, the Cascades Outdoor Center based in Westfir provides snowshoeing expeditions with a picnic lunch. Gear is not included but they do have snowshoe rentals available.

Take a Shuttle Bus to the Ski Resorts

Depending on snow levels and demand, PNW Rides offers a shuttle bus on select days to Mt. Bachelor, Hoodoo or Willamette Pass during the winter ski season. Typically these jaunts depart early in the morning from Amazon Park & Ride, arriving at the slopes just after the lifts have opened, and return to Eugene in the late afternoon or early evening. All bus trips require advance reservations.

Join an Adventure Group on an Outing

REI offers occasional cross-country and snowshoeing orientations at their Eugene location. Watch their calendar for group treks to nearby Sno-Parks including cross-country for beginners or moonlight snowshoeing. They also offer virtual sessions on snow sport and safety basics.

The University of Oregon's Outdoor Program rents snow gear and leads field trips for snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding. To participate, you must either be a UO student or join as a "community member" paying nominal annual dues.

In collaboration with Berg's, Hoodoo and the River House Outdoor Center; the City of Eugene also offers skiing and snowshoe tours.

Drive Your Own Car

If you have a car with the required tires and/or chains, you can drive directly to the snow. Please check weather and road conditions first. The closest Sno-Park to Eugene is Salt Creek Falls which offers a maintained parking lot and restroom. Snowshoe to a spectacular waterfall or romp on the sledding hill. Other Sno-Park destinations include Gold Lake, ideal for cross country skiing; and Waldo Lake, most popular for snowmobiling. You will need to purchase Sno-Park permits in advance (required November - April), as passes are not sold onsite.

The closest ski resort is Willamette Pass, just past Oakridge/Westfir. They offer downhill runs and Nordic trails. Next there is Hoodoo, just past the McKenzie River region. Hoodoo has downhill runs, Nordic trails, night skiing and an autobahn tubing park. Further on is Mt. Bachelor.

Where to Get the Gear

If your guide doesn't provide it, you can rent or purchase snow equipment. Find quality consigned winter clothing and snow sport gear at Eugene Gear Traders. Other local outfitters include REI and Play It Again Sports (used equipment). The UO's Outdoor Program may have gear that can be used in association with their programs. And finally, Berg's provides rental ski and snowboarding equipment, or you can make arrangements to rent directly on the mountain.

In Oakridge, inquire at the Willamette Mountain Mercantile, Willamette Pass resort or Odell Lake resort. In McKenzie River, Hoodoo is your best bet. Plan on bringing your own sled and equipment with you if you are heading to one of the Sno-Parks. Unlike the ski resorts, the parks do not have on-site rentals.