I grew up wishing for a year-round winter. Even at an early age, I realized how special Central Oregon was and how lucky we were to have this private winter playground.
And while the area has grown in size since my friends and I were last in the lift lines at Mt. Bachelor, the determined soul can still find plenty of solitude among the grand slopes of the Cascade Mountains. You see, the thing I love most about winter in the hills is the isolation. And while we had it good, I mean, really good, it’s still possible to get way out there and find your own slice of the proverbial pie.
Snowmobiles help. As do split-boards and motivated legs. Over the last few winters, I’ve been fortunate enough to use all three and have been astounded at the places I’ve been. I can’t name them or give any hints, but their locations don’t matter anyway. What does matter is that it’s out there. Vast, sprawling, powder-filled wilderness and it is good.
And while a lot has changed in the way we enjoy the season, one constant remains: the adolescent daydream of an endless winter.
