Even with road clearing, there’s still plenty of snow in the mountains.
Flowers are blooming, kayakers are flocking to the Deschutes in droves, and popular roadways are flinging open their gates and shoveling snow like mad.
All signs point to summer’s arrival in Bend, but if you’re not ready to let winter go, you can still get your fix.
Here are 4 ways to take one last breath of winter before saying farewell for the season.
Check out Mt. Bachelor’s closing weekend
The season finale at Mt. Bachelor is happening May 25-26, 2019 with a boatload of events designed to give you the best of both worlds.
The Pond Skimming Championships at Mt. Bachelor.
On the wintery side of the equation, Skyliner, Pine Marten, and Summit (weather permitting) will be open for skiing and riding for Memorial Day Weekend.
Mt. Bachelor will also usher in the summer season by opening the Sunshine lift for their downhill mountain biking park.
Can you do it all in one day? Mt. Bachelor has a boatload of prizes for those who succeed, so stop by the tent located at the top of the hot walk and pick up your tracking card.
You’ll also want to check the online schedule for finale weekend events like live music, beer garden, and the annual North American Pond Skimming Championships.
Visit the high-elevation resorts
If you heard the news that Crane Prairie, Twin Lakes, Cultus, and Paulina resorts opened over the last few weeks and you promptly drove up with a bikini and float tube, you were likely disappointed (not to mention a little cold).
Who’s ready to swim at East Lake?
Snow lingers longer at high elevations, so those resorts are still brimming with snow. Yep, the docks are in and the roads are accessible, but wise visitors go prepared for snow on the trails.
If you’re looking for one final snowball fight or a chance to tromp around in the white stuff, this is the perfect time to head up there. Elk Lake is opening May 24, adding one more resort to the mix.
For more info on opening dates for Central Oregon roads and attractions, go here.
Savor those last winter eats
Meatloaf. Mac & cheese. Hearty stews.
The ultimate comfort food: mac & cheese made with beer and topped with bacon. Get it while you still can!
That’s the sort of belly-warming grub you’ll find on menus at many Bend restaurants during the colder winter months. While most don’t automatically axe all the comfort food when summer arrives, it’s less appealing to scarf a giant bowl of piping hot chowder when it’s 90-degrees outside.
Now’s the time to visit your favorite Bend restaurant for the season’s last big bowl of chili or heaping helping of mashed potatoes.
Ditto that for the Bend Ale Trail, where the appeal of heavy winter ales and malty porters will soon give way to lighter beers like kolsch and pilsner.
Pack it in now, then make room for lighter summer fare!
Take advantage of spring pricing
Summer is peak season in Bend, and it’s no secret that hotel rooms and vacation rentals are at a premium during those months.
Rates are already creeping up, but there are still deals to be found in May. Check out our lodging page to begin your bargain hunting. Also, keep in mind that weekends book fast (and at steeper prices) so you’re likely to save a bundle if you can visit mid-week.