Winter Activities Around Central Oregon

Central Oregon is a paradise for anyone who loves winter sports, but even if you don’t, there are winter activities you’re sure to enjoy. You can go into the mountains for adventures in the deep, fresh-fallen snow, or stay in city for more comfortable winter outings. Either way, if you find yourself in Central Oregon during winter, here are some great activities you can try.

Skiing & Snowboarding

Central Oregon has plenty of places for ski enthusiasts. Mt. Bachelor is the biggest local ski spot, with 71 runs ranging from super easy to double black diamonds. With awesome powder and a range of services, from excellent childcare to guides who can show you around the mountain, it consistently ranks among the best ski resorts in the country. For some variety, you can also go to the Hoodoo Ski Area, which was the first ski area in Central Oregon.

For backcountry skiers, check out Tumalo Mountain, Ball Butte, and Tam McArthur Rim, after skiing Mt. Bachelor’s Cinder Cone. Cross-country skiers can go to Mt. Bachelor, too, or stop at one of the sno-parks on the way. One popular choice is Virginia Meissner, managed by Meissner Nordic. Or, if you want to bring your dog along, you can go to the Wanoga Snow Play area for a 2-mile, dog-friendly ski trail.

Snowshoeing

Central Oregon has dozens of incredible trails for snowshoeing. You can rent equipment and buy maps in town, then head out into the peaceful winter wilderness by yourself or with friends. There are several great snowshoeing spots along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway including Virginia Meissner (as mentioned above for cross country skiing), Edison Sno Park, and Swampy Lakes & Warming Hut. Outside of Bend, check out the Ochoco Mountains, the Willamette National Forest, Crater Lake National Park, and the Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

Prefer having a guide? Check out Wanderlust Tours, an ecotourism company based in Bend. They can bring you on a memorable snowshoeing adventure, from a starlit walk with hot cocoa to a New Year’s bonfire with champagne.

Ice Skating

Ice skating is a simple way to have fun in winter with minimal preparation. You bring small children along during the day, or go skating in the evening with wine and a date. Seventh Mountain Resort, The Village at Sunriver, and The Pavilion in Bend all have excellent ice rinks worth visiting.

Dogsledding

Ever wondered what it feels like to ride on a dog sled? You can find out by taking a trip with the Oregon Trail of Dreams, run by a father-daughter team. Both are experienced mushers that have competed in the Iditarod, so you’ll glide through the forest in safe hands.

Snowmobiling

If you love snowmobiling, Central Oregon is one of the best places in the Northwest to be. Mt. Bachelor and Paulina Lake Lodge both have extensive trail systems, or you can take the popular groomed trail from Dutchman Flat to Elk Lake Resort. You can rent snowmobiles or take a tour with Central Oregon Adventures to visit all the best views and play areas without getting lost.

Sleigh Rides

Sleigh rides are a classic holiday experience, but they’re a good activity for children and couples during the rest of winter, too. Sunriver Resort offers one-horse open sleigh rides along the Deschutes River and through a forest, giving you beautiful views of the Sunriver Meadow and Mt. Bachelor. They have a lovely Victorian sleigh, too, complete with bells and cozy blankets.

For an urban sleigh ride, you can take a trip with Cowboy Carriage in Downtown Bend. You can reserve half hour or hour-long rides, or go on a spontaneous 15-20 minute ride through the city. If you happen to be in Bend during the holidays, you can try to get a complimentary carriage ride in the Old Mill District, with donations and tips benefiting Kid’s Center.

Sledding / Tubing

You can find great places to go sledding and tubing all over Central Oregon, since there are hills and piles of snow everywhere. But, if you want to maximize your time on the sled, you can go to the Snowblast Tubing Park on Mt. Bachelor, where lifts will pull you quickly up the slope. The SHARC in Sunriver also has an established tubing hill, where it’s possible to ride down the hill even when there’s no snow. Finally, check out the Wanoga Sno-Park, an inexpensive and popular sledding area among locals.

Sitting in a Hot Tub

After spending the morning out in the snow, you can relax in a hot tub at a pool or resort in the area. For example, if you went tubing at the SHARC, you can slip into their hot tub right afterwards and enjoy their snack bar. McMenamins Old St. Francis School not only has several bars, restaurants, a movie theatre and hotel rooms, but they also have one of the best soaking pools in Bend. One place that’s worth visiting for an entire day is the Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa on the Warm Spring Reservation. They have a hot springs mineral pool and offer soothing mineral soaks and massages, so you can enjoy an active day outside without any remaining muscle aches.

Of course, if you lived in Central Oregon, you could just sit in your own hot tub or sauna every day. Your home would be your resort and the perfect ending to each winter adventure.

Broken Top Community Home

For the full blog and to see more homes for sale, visit the Cascade Sotheby's Website.

Reasons to Buy a Home in Sunriver, Oregon

Sunriver is 3,300 acres of beauty and adventure. It’s known as a vacation spot, but there’s a tight-knit residential community there, too. It’s no surprise that neighborhoods have cropped up in Sunriver, since the place has something for everyone. As the Chicago Tribune put it, “Sunriver is like a mix of an outdoorsy Disney World, a national park and summer camp.” If you’re looking for a house in Central Oregon, here are a few reasons why you should consider settling down in Sunriver.

Featured image – Deschutes River frontage property in Sunriver, Oregon

Outdoor Beauty

Some of the most beautiful scenery in Oregon is around Sunriver. You can hike past waterfalls and glacial rivers in the Three Sisters Wilderness, go rafting and paddleboarding on the Deschutes River, and drive along a handful of lakes on the famous Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. No matter which direction you go, there are stunning mountain views and areas of wilderness to explore. You don’t have to worry about getting rained out, either. Sunriver is on a high desert plateau, so it gets plenty of sunshine year-round.

Family-Friendly

Finding a place to live with a family can be challenging, since you have a wide range of interests to think about. What you love may not be what your teenager or toddler loves, and vice versa. That’s why a lot of families are drawn to Sunriver, where there are a variety of activities for every age. For example, you can take your kids to the Oregon Observatory to gaze at stars and planets through a telescope, or go to the Lava Lands Visitors Center to experience what a volcano looks and sounds like.

These attractions aren’t just for tourists, either. Your kids can get involved in long-term activities like the Junior Naturalist Program at the Sunriver Nature Center, where they can conduct a biological field project and create a scientific poster with their findings. For something more artistic, you can paint pottery, make a stuffed bear or learn how to fuse glass at The Outpost Art Studio. Even the Sunriver Library has a busy calendar of events, from an interactive storytime for toddlers to a LEGO block party for all ages. With so much to do, it’s hard for families to get bored in Sunriver.

Custom Built Home in Sunriver, Oregon

Winter Magic

Despite being a sunny desert, Sunriver gets a thick layer of snow in winter. This combination of sun and snow means the town turns into a winter wonderland every year. You can go sledding at Wanoga Sno-Park, snow-shoe with Wanderlust Tours to a glowing bonfire in the evening, or snuggle up with hot cocoa and blankets in a horse-drawn sleigh. One of the largest ski areas in the US is a short drive away, or you can just stay in town and build a snowman or go ice skating.

There’s an explosion of activities during the holidays, too, when a celebration called Traditions is underway. You can visit a holiday market, attend a grand lighting ceremony, have brunch with Santa, and watch holiday movies on a big screen. Sunriver definitely knows how to take away the winter blues with holiday merriment and snowy adventures.

Summer Fun

Although winter is awesome in Sunriver, the town is still fun when the snow melts. You can celebrate the coming of summer by going golfing at Crosswater Club, a beautiful course with 63 holes of world-class golf. Or you can go to the SHARC water park and sunbathe while your kids play around in their recreation pools and water slides. Other options include horseback riding at Sunriver Stables, biking on 35 miles of paved trails, and cooling off with locally-made ice cream at the Village.

Finding a Home in Sunriver

Vacationing in Sunriver is nice, but why not live there instead? Then, you can take advantage of everything the area has to offer throughout the year. Instead of getting only a couple days to enjoy the Deschutes River, you can buy a home next to it and go canoeing or paddle boarding whenever you want. You could enjoy the energy and activities in Sunriver, then come home to a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by nature.

Take a look at our Sunriver community page to find homes for sale, and you’ll find a lot of beauty right out your front door.

Deschutes River in Sunriver, Oregon

Original Blog post and home information can be found on the Cascade Sotheby's International Realty website.

Why Selling Your Home during the Holidays ISN'T Always a Bad Idea

We often hear that selling a house during the busy holiday season is a no-no, and while spring tends to be the busiest time for buyers, November & December can have their upsides as well. Demand for housing will continue throughout the end of 2016 and into 2017. The seasonal slowdown often felt during the winter months did not occur last winter and shows no signs of returning this year. 

1.  People who look for a home during the Holidays are more serious buyers! They're usually relocating for work, have a lease that is ended, etc. If a buyer schedules an appointment to see your house the day before Thanksgiving, chances are they are looking to buy now.

2.  Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition. This means buyers who need to buy now are more likely to choose your house.

3.  Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home! Less demand means less money for you!

4.  Our houses are usually cleaner and show better when decorated for the Holidays! Who doesn't love the smell of cinnamon and pumpkin pie? 

5.  Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays because they have time off of work.

6.  Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons.

7.  January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until Spring to buy, you must be on the market now to capture that market!

8.  You can still be on the market, but you have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days during the Holidays! [see reason #1]

9.  If you don't want to worry about moving before New Years Day, we can close now and ask for extended occupancy from the buyer so that you don't have to pack up your holiday items before January.

Why Bend, Oregon is a Great Place to Live

If you've visited Bend, or if you're one of the lucky ones who gets to call Central Oregon home, then you understand why so many choose to relocate here either full-time or as a vacation destination. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, endless outdoor activities, and a trendy yet independent mountain culture, Bend is genuinely an awesome place to live. 

If you need specific reasons why Bend is the best city in Oregon, check out this list that covers everything from the Arts to Breweries. Are you planning a trip to Central Oregon this holiday season and looking for places to go while you're in town? Grab a cold beer, sit back, sit back and Visit our Discover Bend page to learn about summer hot spots, locals favorites, and some of the most beautiful hikes in Oregon. 

Life is Great on Skates

The snow isn't falling yet in Bend, Oregon, but the Bend Parks & Recreation Ice Pavilion is officially open for the season! If you're looking to polish your figure skating skills, practice your curling technique or start an ice hockey team this is the spot to do it. Be sure to check out their website for schedule and details.

Staying in Sunriver this holiday season? Not to worry, they have a fantastic ice skating rink for all to enjoy. They also offer the Alpine Express Train that takes the little ones on a short ride around Sunriver Village - a must do for families visiting Sunriver this winter season.

If being on ice skates isn't your thing (trust me, I get it), you can always snuggle up next to the fire pit, drink some hot cocoa and breathe in the crisp fall and winter air in Central Oregon.

10 Homes Built for Nature-Lovers in Central Oregon

It's no secret that Central Oregon is known for it's unique high desert landscape - a mix of juniper, aspen and oak trees, mountain views, and volcanic terrain. Check out these beautiful homes that make our rustic and breathtaking scenery the star of the show.

Want to find your own nature-inspired Central Oregon getaway? Feel free to browse here!

Homes Under $300,00 in Bend, Oregon

Prices in Bend, OR have been increasing about 6%/year over the last 3 years, but that doesn't mean you've missed out on finding a great deal! Check out these homes for sale under $300,000 in Bend! If you're a first time home buyer or an investor looking for an affordable property, check out the list here:

See Homes! 

Fall Home & Garden Tips

As fall rolls in, nights get cooler, days get shorter and life seems to take a bit of a breather after seemingly non-stop summer activity. While you pull out the crock pot, and dream of pumpkin spice lattes, it's also time to prepare your home for fall and winter. Here are a couple of tips to ensure you're ready:

1. Once trees have shed their fall leaves, be sure to check your gutters and roof to ensure they're clear of debris that can clog gutters. Also caulk/seal gutter joints to prevent leaking.
2. Winter is a time to get cozy! Be sure your fireplace and chimney are serviced and cleaned to help prevent house and flue fires.
3. Check windows & doors for drafts. According to bobvilla.com, proper sealing and insulation can save you 20% on your heating and cooling bill.
4. Prepare your yard for colder weather: clean and store outdoor furniture and garden tools, and contact your irrigation company to winterize sprinkler & irrigation systems. 
5. Planning on entertaining this winter and holiday season? Prepare now by cleaning ovens, stoves and refrigerators to ensure they're ready for extra use.

August Housing Stats - Bend, Oregon

It's been a strong summer for real estate sales in Bend, OR. As fall rolls in (did anyone else notice it was 37 degrees this morning?!) I think we will continue to see a steady housing market even with inventory increasing slightly. As fall and winter roll on, I expect to see another decrease in inventory and a slight decrease in activity. With many moving from out of state, we will need to keep an eye on if their activity affects our typical winter slow down. 

The months of inventory (calculated by taking the number of houses currently for sale divided by the average number of homes sold per month.) in August was 3.4 months. This number has remained fairly steady the past year with the exception of last winter where inventory dipped into the 2 month area and last fall where inventory took a quick jump to nearly 4 months. 

The median sales price in Bend was $372,500 in August, which is a 6.4% increase over August 2015. It's down slightly from the peak for this year, which was $379,000 in June.