There’s nothing like waking up to winter’s first real snowfall in town. Its whimsical arrival within two weeks of Christmas likely warms the hearts of the romantic holiday-season lovers. The practical outdoors enthusiasts, maybe less so.

Trails and sno-parks are harder to get to. Roundabouts harder to get around. Luckily, for all those cynical shoulder devils, warmer temperatures and possible rain are on the way. That’s what you wanted, right?

About 2 inches of snow fell in western portions of Bend Thursday morning with 3 inches falling at higher elevations. Snow was expected to taper off by Thursday afternoon and some areas were likely to see rain. The weather over the weekend is forecasted to be overcast with low clouds and temperatures in the mid- to high-40s at lower elevations.

Local ski areas are open this weekend and expecting snow dumps Friday and Saturday. Get up to the mountains to enjoy the fresh snow.

As for mountain bikers, Thursday morning’s snow will likely dampen late-season riding for most of us. However, fatbike owners are in for a treat. Enjoy the fresh tracks and watch out for frozen ruts underneath the couple of inches of snow. Trails in lower Phil’s complex were mostly frozen and rutted out Wednesday afternoon. Rising temperatures and possible rain this weekend could make trails treacherous and muddy. Avid mountain bikers will probably have the most luck heading east or north to ride. Be mindful and respectful when riding on wet trails. Avoid damaging them.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend. For mountain bike and other trail-specific updates, check out bendtrails.org and the BendTrails Facebook group.

Incoming storm system

Mt. Bachelor

Mt. Bachelor ski area received 3 inches of snow overnight Thursday, according to the mountain report. More snow is expected through Saturday. According to the mid-mountain forecast, 3 more inches of snow will fall Friday evening, and another 5 inches is predicted throughout Saturday. A break in snowfall is forecasted for Sunday followed by another 4 inches of snow Monday.

Among its earliest openings since 1998, the ski area has broken another record this season. Summit chairlift, which as its name would suggest offers access to Mt. Bachelor’s summit, opened Tuesday afternoon — the earliest it has in a decade. As of Thursday morning, the chairlift was closed due to the storm in progress. However, Northwest chairlift was operating.

Temperatures are supposed to remain in the 20s on the mountain this weekend, possibly dropping down into the teens Saturday evening. Winds will average around 10 mph.

The mountain’s base depth was 51 inches Thursday morning. Bachelor has received 123 inches of snow so far this season.

Mt. Bachelor’s uphill policy is in effect. Skinners should pick up a free uphill pass before starting their ascent.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Hoodoo had received a dusting of snow overnight Thursday, staff wrote in the ski area’s report. The ski area is expected to get a total of 11 inches of snow Friday and Saturday, according to the mid-mountain forecast. Hoodoo’s base depth was 32 inches, as of Thursday morning. Early season conditions are in effect.

Willamette Pass Resort

As of Thursday morning, Willamette Pass had received less than an inch of snow overnight, according to the snow report. Its base depth was 28 inches. The resort had received a total of 45 inches of snowfall this season. All 30 trails and five of six lifts were open.

Nymphing year-round on Fall River

Fly-anglers continue to report good and consistent fishing in the Fall River, according to reports on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website. The river has mostly rainbow and brown trout. Nymphing and stripping small streamers have been the most effective methods. With cool winter water temperatures, ODFW reports suggest looking for fish congregating in the deeper runs.

New regulations are in effect for Fall River. The river is now closed to fishing Oct. 1 through May 21 below Fall River Falls. Above the falls remains open year-round. The river is restricted to fly-fishing with barbless hooks only. ODFW staff have noticed an increase in lures being used in Fall River and remind anglers that the use of lures and bait is prohibited.

The Fall River runs just north of La Pine and is about a 35-minute drive from Bend.

Check out the ODFW’s website for more fishing reports.

Groomed cross-country skiing at Virginia Meissner

Enjoy a kick-and-glide or skate ski on freshly groomed snow this weekend. Thursday’s few inches of snow helped cover up pinecones and debris at Virginia Meissner Sno-park. According to the sno-park’s report, the snowfall smoothed out the sno-park’s over 20 trails. As of Thursday morning, 13 trails were freshly groomed and trails were still accumulating some snow.

Seven-day-a-week grooming began at the sno-park Dec. 1 and will continue through March. Meissner grooming is funded by donations from skiers and local businesses.

For a full list of conditions updated regularly, visit bendbulletin.com/explore/conditions.

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