The snowflake that made me squeal Wednesday morning.

I woke early yesterday to walk my pooch across frosty fields to our favorite dog park. As usual, I pulled up the weather on my phone so I’d know whether to don two layers or eight to brave the morning chill in Bend.

That’s when I saw the thing that made me scream.

Okay, fine . . . waking my entire household because of a tiny snowflake on Sunday’s weather report may have been an overreaction.

Still, it’s hard not to get excited by the prospect of snow in Bend this time of year. November is when Bend fans frantically scan webcams and ski reports and I do a little snow dance anytime my left hand falls asleep because clearly the barometric pressure has shifted and snow is on the way.

Just call me a human barometer, or better yet, a Snow Stalker. Want to join me in my snow stalking pursuits?  Here’s what you’ve gotta do.

Step #1: Buy a Snow Stalker outfit

It’s important to look the part if you want to be a real Snow Stalker. Black ski mask, black pants, black jacket. . . you get the idea.

Make sure you’re ready to bundle up nice and toasty warm!

All right, I suppose it’s not mandatory to wear all black. We’re stalking snow, not unsuspecting visitors in dark alleys.

You’re probably better off choosing your Snow Stalker attire based on what will keep you warmest, rather than what will help you blend into the shadows. Peruse this list of retailers who rent winter gear, since many of those spots also happen to sell everything from snow pants to ski parkas to gloves and hats and more. Though there are still a couple weeks until Mt. Bachelor opens for the season (November 25, baby!), make sure you visit their retail and demo shop to peruse all their snazzy winter duds.

Don’t forget the shades. Now you look the part.

Step #2: Prep your surveillance equipment

Every good Snow Stalker knows having the right gear is key to staking out your subject.

First things first—get your phone ready.

Nah, you don’t need to download some high tech GPS decoder or night vision camera. Just make sure your weather app is set up show you what’s happening in Bend. That way, even if you’re on the other side of the globe, you’re just a few clicks away from knowing snow’s about to fall here in the mountainous high desert of Central Oregon.

Next, bookmark a couple important pages on your phone, iPad, or desktop computer. You know that Mt. Bachelor website I mentioned earlier? Go there now. Seriously, I’ll wait.

You see that little box in the top right-hand corner that says “Live cam?” HOLY COW, YOU GUYS, DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT IS?

Um, it’s a live cam. You knew that already, right?

Don’t forget to keep an eye on the Mt. Bachelor webcam!

And you’re keeping your eyes glued to it at all times to give you up-to-the-minute views of different areas of the mountain. How’s that for high-tech stalker tools? There’s also a conditions report that will give you updated info on snowfall, base depth, lift operations, and more.

It’s also a good idea to follow along on the Visit Bend Facebook page, where we’re regularly posting everything from lift ticket specials to daily conditions to awesome photos of folks out there enjoying some snow play.

Look at you, all geared up!

Step #3: Study the top-secret video footage

Watching videos of your subject is a great way to learn those subtle nuances and mannerisms that will make you an effective stalker.

Luckily, we’ve already got a few pieces of footage all lined up for you. Check out this video titled “Warmth” for a glimpse of how a Bend winter vacation can leave you feeling warm all over (no, really). Then check out this one titled “Outside” for inspiration on winter recreation in Bend.

Still jonesing for more footage? We’ve got an entire video gallery for your perusal.

No matter what form your fun takes, you’re bound to have a lot of it when you plan a winter vacation in Bend!

Step #4: Choose a stakeout location

The next thing you need to do to be an effective Snow Stalker is to build yourself an igloo or a snow cave. Next, mount a 360-degree spy camera on the roof alongside your high-tech audio surveillance system.

Or you could just book a nice Bend hotel room or vacation rental. That works, too.

Now’s a great time to scope out the “Hot Deals” page on the Visit Bed website. There, you’ll find a huge array of bargains ranging from kids-stay-free promos to packages that include lift tickets or even drinkable goods from along the Bend Ale Trail.

Step #5: Enjoy!

Now that you know when and where the snow will be, you’re all set to enjoy copious outdoor recreation including snowshoeing, skiing, sled dog rides, sledding, and more. For ideas, check out our Winter Fun Page.

Happy Snow Stalking!