Dog Sledding: A new way to experience Mount Bachelor

Waking up to blue skies and spring-like conditions after several days of powder dumping all over Mt. Bachelor was quite a surprise. Today, like so many other days, was such a gift, much like peeking at your presents under the Christmas tree before “THE DAY”!

I drove up to the mountain with my snowboard in tow, coffee in hand, enjoying the quiet drive and fantasizing about the carving to be done on the mountain. Watching the snow covered Ponderosa Pines pass as I approached Mt. Bachelor, waiting with anticipation to round that last corner before I got a first glance of what the day could promise. This day I was looking forward to not only snowboarding but also checking out the dog sled rides offered with the Oregon Trail of Dreams operating at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. The Sunrise Lodge parking lot is the best approach if you plan to ride the mountain and take part in the dog sled rides.

The first few runs of the day were beautiful and as I rode up the lift, I could hear dogs yelping excitedly and suddenly all at once as if in a chorus, over the rolling mountain of snow and trees. As I peered over my left shoulder, I could see in the distance several dogs standing in lines like little lively figurines jumping and barking with anticipation. A team of dogs was taking off to venture down the trail through the forest with their sled and passengers. I decided to take a break from snowboarding and go see what all the excitement was about.

The Oregon Trail of Dreams is situated to the left of Sunrise Lodge as you approach Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. I booked a ride and within a short amount of time, Jerry Scdoris, the owner of Oregon Trail of Dreams gave me my first dog sled ride. He chose the best of his dog team for my ride and we were off on the trail that leads to Sunriver Road. Tall snow-capped Ponderosa Pines lined the trail with the blue sky framing the whole scene. It was the best ride I could even imagine. It was so much fun riding along swiftly as the dogs worked together like a well trained synchronized team. Some of these dogs are on Rachel Scdoris’s professional team that she will be using in her next racing adventure. I felt so honored to be able to experience this ride, with the weather and snow conditions the best anyone could request!

Thinking of coming to Bend, Oregon and staying in a vacation rental? While you are here, I highly recommend this dog sled tour with the Oregon Trail of Dreams while vacationing in Bend, Oregon. Bring a snack and thermos filled with your favorite hot liquid, its perfect for family, friends and of course, a romantic dog sled ride! To reserve your dog sled ride at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort with Oregon Trail of Dreams, call 1-800-829-2442

Victoria Smith, Bend
AlpenglowVacationRentals.com