Slip sliding away at Wanoga sledding hill (Bend)

Sledding wins the gold medal for easiest winter fun: low-tech gear and minimal skills  but a high fun quotient. Not to mention the uphill hiking component, sure to keep you warmed up between runs. To find the best sledding in Central Oregon, head out of Bend on Century Drive for fifteen miles to Wanoga Snow Park, just beyond and across from the Meissner Snow Park.

Wanoga splits into two distinct areas: turn right at the split and you’ve found snowmobile mecca, turn left at the split for the non-motorized sleds. A few years ago the Forest Service folks kindly added a warming hut, restrooms, and a couple fire pits near the base of the hill. Amenities aside, we appreciate the wide-open, obstacle-free rolling hillside that can keep hundreds of sledders busy for hours. Carpool if you can, because the parking is limited, and don’t forget the Snow Park parking Pass!

Need a sled? Here are two great options:

For lightning-fast speed downhill and easy portage back uphill, go for the Lucky Bums Kids’ Foam Carpet Sled. At under $15 it is a worthy winter investment. For a more old-school, mass-transit sledding style, go for the Mountain Boggan (under $30, see link below!) Please do drop us a note answering the perennial toboggan question: is it more fun to sit in the very front (first to get face-washed!) or rear (first to fall off!)?

Mountain Boy Sledworks Pad for Mountain Boggan (72 in.)