For a family day in the snow that won’t soon be forgotten, plan an afternoon of sledding at Wanoga Sno-Park. Approximately a 30-minute drive from Sunriver (based on weather and traffic), this snow play area has a large parking area, a giant sledding hill, and a warming hut, with a great wood stove and plenty of tables for several groups.

Here Are a Few Tips to Enjoy Your Day at Wanoga Sno-Park

Safety First: Make sure you have all the right gear: snow pants, coats, gloves, socks, boots and hats. The fun could be interrupted if someone doesn’t feel dressed appropriately. Remember, the sledding hill is steep and can get pretty busy! It would be wise to provide helmets for your brave sledders.

The Sledding: As mentioned above, the hill is steep and there can be lots of people. But this only adds to the overall experience. You’ll get a workout walking up the hill and you will get quite the adrenaline rush when you speed down! Kids will go up and down that hill all day long. Typically, groups will choose “their area” and walk up/sled down the same path that may be near to where they are parked. Though the kids can sled all day long, some of us don’t have that kind of energy. Read on for some ideas for the less daring or energetic folks.

Tailgating in the Snow: Plan ahead and pack lots of food, drinks, firewood, and even snowman building supplies or other snow toys. There’s lots of space in the park for all kinds of snow play. There’s enough space in the parking lot to build a small, warming fire in your fire pit, bring your camp stove, and grill up some dogs. Pack some Hydroflasks with hot cocoa and cider and don’t forget a few growlers for the grown-ups! Throw some camp chairs into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a day of fun, food, and friends in the snow.

The Hut: If you prefer to hunker down indoors, or just need some real shelter for a bit, the warming hut sits just at the bottom of the sledding hill. That way, you can peek out the windows to make sure the kids are still having fun while relaxing at a picnic table with a warm drink and a woodstove fire blazing nearby. You can bring up a deck of cards to pass some time or coloring books for the younger ones to keep busy. The warming hut combined with some solid planning ahead and packing will help ensure continued comfort and entertainment for the whole group.

Parking at the Wanoga Sno-Park: You will be required to have a snow park permit to park here, so be sure to grab one for each vehicle before heading up. Camp Abbot Trading Center in the Sunriver Business Park can help you get your permit so you can kick back, relax, and enjoy the snow!