Outdoor educational programs, talks and events this week in Central Oregon
Published 9:00 am Wednesday, January 22, 2025
- The National Ski Patrol Safety Team will be leading clinics this weekend at Mt. Bachelor ski area.
Central Oregon has winter recreation learning opportunities and other educational programs on offer this weekend.
Mt. Bachelor ski area and Hoodoo Ski Area have clinics this weekend. Learn about the Deschutes Land Trust’s restoration, wildlife tracking and snowshoeing, or win a new set of tires.
Habitat Restoration on Deschutes Land Trust Preserves
Jen Zalewski, stewardship manager with Deschutes Land Trust, will discuss how the land trust protects and restores over 18,700 acres of land in Central Oregon. Learn about the organization’s restoration efforts at its conservation properties, including stream restoration, native plantings and forestry.
Thursday 6:30-7:30 p.m.; free; Downtown Bend Public Library, Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St., Bend; highdesertnpsoregon.org or 541-617-7050.
January Green Tire Giveaway #2
Mt. Bachelor is offering ticket holders a chance to win a full set of Nokian tires on Saturday through a scavenger hunt across the mountain. Follow @mtbachelor on Instagram and tune into the Instagram stories for clues starting at 9 a.m. Ski or ride some runs while tracking down clues and keeping eyes peeled for the hidden green tire. The one lucky winner to find the green tire will win a full set of tires.
Saturday 9 a.m.; Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Drive, Bend; mtbachelor.com or 800-829-2442.
Safety Weekend
The National Ski Patrol Safety Team will have a presence at Mt. Bachelor ski area Saturday and Sunday for safety weekend. Start the day off with some slopeside stretches on the first floor of West Village Lodge led by the Mobility Duo. The Avalanche Rescue Dog team will perform a demonstration both days while Timberline Mountain Guides will lead a two-hour clinic on the basics of backcountry travel and off-piste safety. Then individuals can meet a ski patroller and visit the National Ski Patrol Education Tent.
Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-noon; Mt. Bachelor, 13000 Century Drive, Bend; mtbachelor.com or 800-829-2442.
Wildlife Tracking Snowshoe Hike
Learn wildlife tracking skills while having an opportunity to assist in data collection for citizen science initiatives on a snowshoe from Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center.
Participants can borrow snowshoes thanks to sponsorship from Pine Mountain Sports. This activity is accessible for beginners; however, participants should have the ability to easily walk 1-2 miles on uneven terrain unassisted. Participants will be responsible for their own safety and comfort on this trip. Carpooling to the trailhead is available, details provided upon registration.
To offset staffing costs, there is a minimum donation of $25 requested for participation in this activity. Reach out to hailee@thinkwildco.org if you are unable to donate but still want to participate.
Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; $25 donation suggested; Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center, 13000 SW Century Drive, Bend; tockify.com.
A’Send It – Womens Alpine Clinic
Participants will gain confidence to choose different types of turns and speeds, become familiarized with terrain suited for their ability level and become more comfortable with night skiing or snowboarding. These clinics are led by certified female instructors with over 20 years of experience. Choose between the two-hour intermediate or advanced sessions.
Sunday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; $67 reserve a spot; Hoodoo Ski & Recreation, Hwy 20 Box 20, Sisters; skihoodoo.com or 541-822-3799.
Snowshoeing Central Oregon
Join Oregon Wild staff to learn about how and where to snowshoe in Central Oregon. Wilderness Program Manager Erik Fernandez presents suggestions regarding everything from safety to gear to picking the most scenic trails. This presentation also covers some “Snowshoeing 101” for those new to the activity and some tips on locations that apply to all ability levels.
Wednesday 6-7 p.m.; free; Worthy Brewing Company, 495 NE Bellevue Drive, Bend; oregonwild.org or 541-639-4776.