Does your soul cry out for a white winter wonderland? Soothe those snowy cravings in Sisters, Oregon, where the winter season is a flurry of cool outdoor adventure. Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Sisters is surrounded by a vast winter wilderness full of snowy slopes, frosty forests, icy alpine lakes and steamy hot springs. Whether you're carving memories on the mountain, hiking through paths of fresh powder, or savoring the simple joy of a snowball fight, Sisters has a snowy slice of joy for everyone.
Like any winter wonderland, that chilly magic can cause some frosty mishaps. That’s why we’re here with a handy winter guide to help you weather the season in true Sisters style. From how to pack to what to plan, we’re covering everything you need to know in a guide to winter in Sisters.
Winter Weather in Sisters
Snow, ice, and everything nice - that’s what winter is made of here in Sisters. The cold season lasts from November to March, with average temperatures hovering between 20-40°F (-6 to 4°C). The average annual snowfall is 32 inches, with piles of fresh powder so clean they literally sparkle.
Speaking of piles, you’ll want to keep a close eye on winter road conditions. Road closures are common in the winter months, whether on a regular basis (McKenzie Pass closes from November to June each year) or due to storms or fallen snow. Be sure to check your travel routes, drive slowly and with extra caution, and always carry chains or traction tires to apply when needed (it’s the law!).
Dress to Impress... the Weather!
Thermals, fleece, and waterproof layers are your best friends in this snowy saga. Synthetics or merino wool are ideal winter materials; cotton should be avoided at all costs. At minimum, you’ll want to bring a thick winter coat and gloves, moisture-wicking socks, sturdy snow boots, thermal tops and bottoms, and a warm wool beanie. Other winter to gear to consider includes:
Scarves
Earmuffs
Hand Warmers
Hiking Poles
An Insulated Water Bottle
Snow Much Fun: Winter Activities
Dive into winter delights with a flurry of fun outdoor adventure. From the slope-shredding thrill of skiing and snow tubing to cross-country trails and winter excursions, you’ll find snow much to enjoy in our enchanted winter wilderness. Here are a few must-do winter activities:
Visit HooDoo Ski Area for a cool day of skiing, snowboarding, avalanche tubing and more.
May your way to Mt. Bachelor for 100+ jaw-dropping runs, guided snowshoe tours and thrilling dog sled rides.
Slide over to Santiam Sno Park or Ray Benson Sno Park to access lush forest trails that offer challenging routes for sledding, snowshoeing, dog teams, and more (note: permits are required.)
Book a Bonfire Snowshoe Tour to visit a hand-carved amphitheater for a celestial show that’s out of this world.
Join in winter events to connect with the local culture and immerse yourself in the warmth of new friendships.
Reserve the Right Rental
Snow and ice are plenty nice, as long as they’re outdoors. After a day of winter play, retreat to warmth and comfort in a cozy abode with the help of Sisters Vacation Rentals. We have area properties to suit every style, from secluded log cabins with storybook chimneys to mountain view homes in the heart of the city. If you want to be close to the slopes of HooDoo, choose one of our homes at Black Butte Ranch to drop your ski gear and soak in the warmth of a crackling fire.
So bundle up your brood and hustle over to Sisters, where the chill is thrilling and the warmth comes from more than just the fireplace. Whether you're a snow angel in training or a cocoa connoisseur, this is the place where winter dreams sparkle to life!
