With a number of incredible ski resorts in one state – Mt Hood, Mt Bachelor and Timberline, to name a few – Oregon’s the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarders looking to explore a variety of resorts while also experiencing fun cities such as Portland and Bend.
But Oregon’s also known for being a fun, quirky and vibrant state that makes the most of its beautiful surroundings by hosting a number of events throughout the winter that you won’t want to miss.
Here’s our guide to the best events in Oregon between December and April.
Portland Winter Light Festival
If you can schedule your winter trip to coincide with Portland’s Winter Light Festival, do. From February 7 to 9, 2019, the city will come alive with interactive light displays that aim to get people embracing the outdoors and loving the winter nights. Expect family-friendly evening performances, fire displays and a whole lot of colour – just be sure to bring your camera with you.
Portland Holiday Ale Festival
From November 28 to December 2, 2018, beer-lovers will be flocking to Portland for the 23rd Annual Holiday Ale Festival. Over 50 craft brewers are part of this event, and they all brew specialty beers specifically for the event, so expect to find some really fun and unique drinks to sample. There’s also a European-style Sunday Brunch which is an absolute favourite with Portland locals. If you’d like to snap up tickets, they go on sale in mid-November.
Portland Dining Month
Portland is full of food-lovers, and the food-lovers have brought the ultimate event to the city: Portland Dining Month. For the month of March, dozens of the city’s top restaurants choose to participate, offering three-course meals for just US$33 each. Money from each reservation also goes towards the Oregon Food Bank, so the more you make, the better.
New Year’s Eve at Timberline Lodge
Aussies love to celebrate New Year’s in the snow, and at Timberline Lodge, you’ll truly be doing it in style. Celebrating here has become a tradition for many, with the evening including a multi-course New Year’s Eve dinner, a champagne toast, favors, live music & dancing, and – of course - fireworks.
Oregon WinterFest
Head to Bend for Oregon’s largest celebration of all things winter. This festival is run between February 15 – 17, 2019, and is three days of live music, plenty of entertainment, ice sculptures, rail jams, fire pit competitions, and even a Wine Walk where participating businesses offer up wine samples as you wander through the Old Mill District.
Hoodoo Winter Carnival
Visiting Hoodoo Ski Area? Their Winter Carnival, scheduled for February 10, 2019, features a whole lot of fun activities that kids will love to watch – such as an axe-throwing booth and a pie-eating contest, along with a ski javelin throw. They’ll also have fun participating in things like the hula-hoop contest and obstacle races.
Mt Bachelor Après Ski Bash
Any Mt Bachelor local will recommend the Après Ski Bash – a series of concerts that are held throughout the season at Crow's Feet Commons in Bend. A variety of bands perform a variety of genres in a family-friendly show that’s free to watch, plus you can enjoy great food and drinks while soaking up all the fun winter après vibes.
