Bend, Oregon, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during winter. Snowshoeing is a fantastic activity for all ages and experience levels. It's a wonderful activity for all ages and all experience levels. Put on your snowshoes and wonder away from the crowds and into the peace and quiet that walking through the winter wonderland can bring - that is until some joker in your group decides to start a snowball fight or tackles you into the deep powder snow!
Whether you're planning to ski through the breathtaking Three Sisters Wilderness, take the family camping in LaPine State Parks, or test your rock climbing skills at iconic Smith Rock, snowshoeing offers a unique way to experience the beauty of Central Oregon.
Outfitters and Guides
Outfitters and guides are waiting for you in Central Oregon. They will enjoy leading you through the backcountry covered with snow. Travel along, learn about the winter environment, and enjoy playing in the snow.
Snowshoe trips can be customized - either a leisurely walk on the flats or climb and jump in powder-covered lava flows. It is possible to get "sir" on your snowshoes! Fun for all ages, dress warmly and plan to have a great time. Trips can last for just a couple of hours, for a half day or a whole day.
Sno-Park Permits
You must have a valid Sno-Park permit displayed near the lower left corner of the windshield of your vehicle if you park in a designated winter recreation parking area (Sno-Park) between November 1 and April 30. Each of these areas are posted with signs identifying them as a WINTER RECREATION AREA. You will find Sno-Parks in all mountain passes of the state as well as most recognized ski, snowmobile, and snow play areas.
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We have 1 day Sno-Park Permits and also Annual Sno-Park Permits available for purchase. Almost all of the Sno-Parks have snow shoe trails. There are numerous trail maps you can use. Always check trail conditions before you head out. Yes, you do!
Rental Options in Bend
Several rental shops in Bend, Oregon, offer snowshoes and other winter gear:
- Powder House: Central Oregon’s premier rental and demo center. Daily rentals include Alpine, Snowboard, Nordic, Skate & Snowshoes. They take pride in maintaining their equipment and feature the newest technology in ski and snowboard equipment.
- Latitude 44 Sports: They currently have a large rental and demo fleet of metal-edge XC touring skis, XC and BC boots, poles and snow shoeing. Their current nordic XC rental fleet includes Fischer 68 cross country nordic skis - all with partial or full metal edges. They also have MSR snowshoes for adults and kids!
Powder House offers daily ski rental packages that include gear from Atomic, Blizzard, Salomon and Volkl. Their snowboard fleet includes equipment from Salomon, K2, Nitro & Burton.
Latitude 44 Sports is the place for you, whether you’re cleaning out the garage and hoping to recoup some cash for old gear or suiting up the family for the next adventure.
Other Gear Available for Rent
We can meet any size group from a solo trekker to a large corporate retreat! Choose from the basics like tents, sleeping gear, cooking gear, and backpacks, plus we can provide rentals of winter alpine gear, satellite communicators, bear cans, water filters, chairs, showers, heaters and much more - nearly 100 rental items to choose from. See below for all the winter gear you can rent, or book in advance online for any kind of backpacking or camping trip.
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Tips for Renting
- Reserve Your Equipment: Please use our online booking rental system! It’s fast, convenient, and easy! You can also come into the shop and we can help get you registered in-person as well. (Registrations cannot be conducted over the phone unless you already have an online rental account with us)! All reservations are 100% refundable up until the time of pick up, so don’t hesitate to reserve well in advance.
- You must have a safe/secure way to transport and equipment.
- You are responsible for any damages that are done to the gear or parts during your rental.
- Please be cautious of skiing/riding on cinder & rocks, you will be responsible for base damage to rental gear.
- Check Mt Bachelor weather conditions - No REFUNDS due to weather!
Consider leasing skis for the season if you have growing kids or just want a hassle-free ski experience. We'll set you up with a new pair of skis at the start of each season and keep them tuned up through the spring.
How-to-Snowshoe: Learn the basics from the experts | L.L.Bean
Rental Process
- Visit the Shop: Our ski experts love chatting with customers.
- Shred your Rentals: Hit slopes with a freshly tuned set of skis for an epic day on the snow.
- Return your Rentals: When you're all done with your day or season skis, just bring them back in and we'll take care of the rest.
| Rental Shop | Gear Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Powder House | Alpine, Snowboard, Nordic, Skate & Snowshoes | Premier rental and demo center with newest technology |
| Latitude 44 Sports | XC touring skis, XC and BC boots, poles, snowshoes | Large rental and demo fleet |
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