by Andrew Dickson
January 15, 2024
Family Winter Weekend in Sisters
Maybe your kids want to see some snow. Or maybe you want to see some snow. Or maybe you go to the snow every weekend and are sick of spending each way stuck in traffic. Plan a long weekend or winter break and come where the snow is! Sisters averages over 30 inches a year. And between the mountains, trails and a fun downtown, there’s enough to keep everyone entertained, whether they like spending time outside or prefer staying warm inside.
Burn Off Some Energy
One of the most compelling reasons to visit is HooDoo Ski Area. It’s just a little over half an hour away and offers all day long fun. An expert ski school is on hand for beginners, and both skiers and snowboarders will marvel at how short the lift lines are compared to bigger resorts. Bonus points for spending some time over at the tubing hill where the skills required are wiping that grin off your face at the end of the day.
Several sno-parks dot the region if you’re looking for old-fashioned fun and are content to bring your own sleds, build snow ramps and have snowball fights. Be sure and pick up a sno-park parking pass.
If you’re coming near the start or end of the season your options might open up to hiking and mountain biking. The Overlook Hike at Whychus Creek is great for multi-generational families or families with little kids. And Peterson Ridge offers mountain biking you can access without even getting back in the car, weather providing.
Load up on Delicious
Walking around in boots all day takes a lot of energy. Start your days off at the Sisters Bakery, which offers grab-and-go breakfast treats starting early in the morning. Local favorites include amazing English muffins, flaky seasonal scones and legendary cinnamon rolls.
If you’ve already been to the Sno Cap, chances are your kids will start talking about going as soon as you’re back in town. Homemade ice cream, milkshakes and sundaes, plus old fashioned burgers are served–and it’s a cute spot for a family picture. Come afternoon, stop at Sisters Coffee for hot cocoa for the kids and top-notch coffee for you and play a board game in their cozy environs.
And for a sit down meal you’ve got lots to choose from, but the Sisters Saloon is worth booking a table in advance. This 1912 saloon is family-friendly, rumored to be haunted, and offers burgers, steak, ribs and chicken pot pie to name just a few of the crowd pleasing options. It’s the kind of place where kids and adults will have an equally fabulous time.
Rest Up and Do it All Again Tomorrow
Sisters has lots of great lodging options but if you’re bringing the whole gang, the GrandStay is a great option. Plenty of parking, spacious rooms for laying out snow pants and jackets, the grocery store next door and Sisters’ only indoor pool and jacuzzi. So if the kids didn’t get all their energy out during the day, they still can get some splashing in to ensure a great night’s sleep.
Top Tips:
- Get the tires checked, pack snow chains. Check the weather and highway routes. And bring some extra snacks and water for the trip just in case.
- If you’re here during the holiday season, check out a variety of holiday activities. The whole town alights like a sparkly western village and the lights are up Thanksgiving through February.
- Need snowshoes or other gear? Stop at Eurosports or Hillside Ski & Sport in town.
