Virginia Meissner Sno-Park is located 12 miles outside of Bend and offers opportunities to snowshoe and ski on trails groomed for skating or classic Nordic skiiing.

There are two snowshoe trails in the park, a loop beginning behind the Meissner lodge and the other at the parking lot’s west end. The former leads to Meissner Shelter, a trek that lasts 1.25 miles before it loops back to the entrance of the park for a total trip of 3 miles. Those wanting a less exerting adventure can take a shorter loop of just 1.5 miles. Snowshoers should be aware of existing etiquette, namely staying on marked snowshoe paths so as not to disturb the routes of cross-country skiers who also use the popular park. If you really want to follow ski trails, the park asks that you stay to the right of the ski line and not disrupt the grooves of skiers. Visitors must also have a Sno-park pass between Nov. 1 and May 1.

Those wanting to use the park might want to consider heading up a little later in the day to avoid the traffic of early morning risers headed to Mt. Bachelor. On an outing earlier this winter, my friends and I set out about two hours before sunset. Meissner Sno-park is off-grid, meaning there are no lights to light the way, even over signs. With this in mind, we debated whether or not to do the long trail or the short trail. We decided to take the risk and do the long trail, deciding the shorter loop just might not satisfy our craving for adventure and challenge.

Despite being the only native Bendite of the group, I created a 20-minute delay as I struggled with my snowshoes. My three friends were more technically adept and helped me with strapping them in. My lack of experience in winter sports also led me to bundle up heavily, and I found myself sweating and overheating within 10 minutes of starting.

This, though, didn’t limit the joy of the new experience. We watched the snow fall gently over the firs and made sure to take lots of pictures. We found that snowshoeing was a real workout, too: You’re not simply walking through the woods but also picking up 2 or 3 pounds with each step. I moved clumsily at first, unsure of how exactly to use my poles and frequently side-stepping into the powder to my left and right. As the journey continued, I started to be more comfortable in my new feet. We made it back to the parking lot about 10 minutes ahead of sunset. My friends had planned on going to the gym after completing the trail, an idea they quickly abandoned when we got back to the car. The ride home was quiet as we caught our breath, sorted through our photos and listened to NPR.

I went into our adventure at Meissner Snow-park feeling uncertain and left feeling I had come to understand why so many Bendites, natives or transplants, are so enthralled by winter sports. And maybe next winter when I am back in Bend, I’ll give it another try. How’s cross-country skiing this time of year?

For more information on donations, grooming schedules and events such as Return of the Snow Dragon, a massive interactive snow sculpture that will be up Saturday through Feb. 23, visit meissnernordic.org.