Sledding around Sisters

zipper · 12-12-2006, 10:36 AM

Ok, here's the deal - we've made reservations at a motel in Sisters for a couple nights after Christmas. We want to take our kids and play in the snow. We're not really into skiing or crowds, have our own sleds and would like to find a reletively safe place to turn 'em loose... We have not been there before and could use some pointers from a local or someone with experience in such things. I know about Hoodoo but again, would prefer not to have to spend $25 a head to use a hill. There must be some places accessible to the public that don't cost an arm and a leg and would be fun and safe. Thanks for the input. I feel kinda bad about having to ask, having lived in the valley as long as I have and never being up there, but we moved here from the midwest to get away from the snow and it's never been that appealing to me - now the kids have convinced me and I come humbley to "the board" for advise and direction.

zip

TheTexan · 12-12-2006, 10:53 AM

There is a snow park across the highway from Hoodoo that has a great tube/sled hill. I think it is called Benson Sno Park. We have taken our kids up there numerous times and it can get a little crowded.

PullShootExplode · 12-12-2006, 01:57 PM

About a 25 minute drive will get you up skyliners road and if ther e is snow you can sled all day and build a fire for night. Another suggestion would be top take the road by black butte and find a spot to sled back there. As of now there is no snow in Bend so cross your fingers and wait.

pah · 12-12-2006, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTexan

There is a snow park across the highway from Hoodoo that has a great tube/sled hill. I think it is called Benson Sno Park. We have taken our kids up there numerous times and it can get a little crowded.

You will need a park pass for this place. Have taken are kid there also it is fun.

wthr4d · 12-12-2006, 08:17 PM

those are great suggestions but what I read tells me you want an old fashioned sledding holiday?

You have your own sleds so all you need is a thermos of hot cocoa, a few hot dogs, marshmallows and a stack of pallets(fire wood). load up into your rig and head out the Mackenzie hwy west bound from Sisters. you will pass the Elk farm (sanctuary) and the school and go about 15 minutes into the hills. about 1-2 mile short of the gate, off to your left, will be a nice smooth slope that was originally groomed by the Nordic loggers at the turn of the twentieth century. it was for ski jumping....now its used as a sled run. pile your wood a safe distance from the vehicle and start your fire. you know how to do the rest!

Oh yeah and if you see a family up there sleddig already but think there is room dont be afraid to say "hi" and ask if you can join the fun. most folks around there are very friendly. I lived out there five years (missing most every day of it) and this was our favorite area to sled and find christmas trees!

zipper · 12-13-2006, 09:49 AM

Thanks for the info and great suggestions! wthr4d you are absolutely correct... I would like an old fashioned family sledding holiday. We will check out your suggestion while there. The family and I appreciate all of your comments!

zip

Bendman · 12-13-2006, 10:30 AM

There is several places but to call them safe would be a stretch. Probably on of the safest would be the place mentioned across from Hoodoo. The problem at this time is that we really haven't had much snow so far. If you just want to go up and play in the snow, have a fire, and do a little "small hill" sledding I could probably direct you to some spots. Shoot me a Pm and we can get in touch.

Pete

Plong_77 · 12-13-2006, 04:54 PM

There is always the Runaway Truck ramps on the west side of the Santiam Pass. Never seen a crowd, and it looks like it would be a blast!

All kidding aside, Benson would be your best bet. Close to Sisters, but it could get crowded.

Cohodependent · 12-14-2006, 12:33 AM

PM sent...

zipper · 12-14-2006, 12:47 PM

Thanks again everyone! This is one of the reasons I love IFISH!

zip