Posted on

Our Favorite Swimming Spots In Central Oregon

Swimming is an all-time favorite summer pastime as is exploring the beautiful outdoor areas of different locations that you visit. With this, we wanted to let you in on some local swimming holes that are fun to visit for the whole family.

Floating The Deschutes River in Sunriver

The Deschutes River in Sunriver is a popular choice for locals and vacationers alike to float, kayak, or paddle!

With 95 miles of river, the Deschutes has something for everyone. Floating the river is an extremely popular activity during the summer months. Check out this blog for our favorite Deschutes River floats!

Twin Lakes Resort

Located on the shores of south Twin Lake this favorite swimming spot offers so many water activities that’s sure to please your entire group! If you didn’t haul your own kayak or paddleboard up, you can find one to rent at this resort. After a paddle around the lake, hop into the resort’s restaurant for some lakeside dining (currently open for take out only. There are several picnic areas nearby for your take out orders to be enjoyed). South Twin Lake has a surface area of 99 acres and an average depth of 33 feet. Another perk of this smaller lake is that motorized watercraft are not permitted, making it a more peaceful mountain lake experience.

Directions: Head West on S Century Drive towards the Cascade Lakes Highway. Drive several miles until you see the brown signs for Twin Lakes Resort (on the right-hand side of the road) and take a left. This will take you to Rd 4260. Head down that road until you see the sign for the resort on the left.

Cultus Lake

This large and breathtaking mountain lake is an experience you won’t want to miss. The resort here also rents out several kinds of boat options for you to experience. Or, you can head to the day use area and play in the shallow water at the beach there. The depths of the lake can be cooler and feel wonderful on a hot day. But the day use area provides a safer and warmer area if you have younger children to entertain. Cultus Lake Resort provides another opportunity for some lakeside dining. They are currently offering take out as well as outdoor seating options. The surface area of this large mountain lake is 1,145.7 acres with a maximum depth of 211 feet.

Directions: To get to Cultus Lake, head up S Century Drive, but stay straight on Spring River Rd until you get to Upper Deschutes Rd (NF-40), leading you up to the Cascade Lakes Highway. Turn left on the Highway at the stop sign and you’ll see the signs to Cultus Lake on your right.

Elk Lake

This is a beautiful, bright blue and green lake and so worth the views. You may visit the resort for another chance to rent a kayak, paddleboard a day dock (pictured. P.S. the day docks are mobile and do float the lake) or more! Also at the resort, you will find a store and restaurant/bar. Or, check out one of their day use beaches for some great swimming and family beach time. Elk Lake has a surface area of 405 acres and a maximum depth of 192 feet.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Music On The Water series this summer featuring live bands playing at Elk Lake every Saturday evening! It’s the perfect way to cap off your day on the lake!

Directions: From Sunriver, follow the same route you would to get to Cultus Lake, but at the stop sign at the Cascade Lakes Highway, take a right. Elk Lake will be a ways down the highway (towards Bend), on the right-hand side.

Paulina Plunge

For an entirely different kind of water adventure, check out the Paulina Plunge. This tour offers a family-friendly mountain biking adventure the whole family will enjoy. Broken up into four 1.5 mile bike rides—and interspersed with swimming adventures—this beginner bike ride is perfect for nearly all ages.

Accessible via fat tire mountain bikes, visitors will descend more than 2,000 feet as part of a guided mountain bike tour to the Paulina Plunge. Guests ages 7 to 70 can then spend the afternoon hiking, swimming, and exploring the many waterfalls and waterslides unique to the area for an exhilarating expedition. Tandem additions can be added to your bicycle to accommodate ages 4 through 7.

Open May through September, the plunge has been named the third most popular attraction in Sunriver by TripAdvisor and is one of our favorite summer activities. For $70 – $75 per ticket, guests receive a bike, helmet, and daypack, as well as a fully-guided six-mile tour that includes a fifteen-minute shuttle to and from the plunge. The tour features a mythical retelling of the namesake that only adds to the magic and allure of the Paulina Plunge.

Once there, families can have fun plunging into the water, jumping from waterfalls, and sliding down natural rockslides while taking pictures and spending the day exploring all that Central Oregon’s great outdoors has to offer. Eat lunch by the water and wade in the waterfalls as you partake in an adventure the whole family can enjoy.

Book your reservation now to secure a spot during the busy summer months in Sunriver, Oregon.

Posted on

A Brand New On-Mountain Experience for – All Woodward at Mt. Bachelor

Woodward at Mt. Bachelor

If you or a loved one is heading to Mt. Bachelor as a beginner skier or snowboarder this year, we’ve got some great news for you! Mt. Bachelor introduced Woodward Mountain Park, a brand new on-mountain experience. An experiential action sports company, Woodward aims to help you grow in your sport regardless of your skill level or previous experience.  Set up as a network of terrain zones throughout Mt. Bachelor, you are able to choose your journey through an “artfully constructed progression-based design” as stated on Mt. Bachelors website.

 

The park is meant to help you grow as you build on your skills. If you’ve never been on skis or a snowboard, you’ll want to head over to Sunrise Lodge andWoodward Start Park play around at the Start Park. Here, you’ll have the chance to get used to the equipment and different types of terrain. With small slopes built to control speed while slowly guiding you to higher elevations, you’ll feel comfortable trying out your chosen snow sport for the first time. The even better news is that you can play at the Woodward Start Park for FREE! This includes the area just outside of the Sunrise Lodge rental shop as well as the First Rays carpet (pictured).

Once you feel comfortable and ready to move to the next level, the Woodward Progression Parks intuitively guide you to the next step in your learning adventure. Progression Park / raises the bar a bit with a longer run that you access via the Lava Tube conveyor carpet that is near the Start Park. This run includes some rollers, small mini pipes and more for you to test your skills before moving on. To access this area and many Woodward Park runs beyond the Start Park plan on paying only $39 online (or $49 if you buy the ticket on the mountain) for a Learning Progression lift ticket. With this ticket you have access to the Early Riser chairlift, Alpenglow and the Lava Tube carpet at Sunrise. You may also head over to the Little Pine chairlift at West Village with this one day pass. With this pass there is not a way to ride between the two lodges to access the West Village lift, but if you’d like to give that run a try there is a free Interlodge Shuttle available every day of the week.

If you’re an experienced rider and know that you will soak up the the amazing terrain that Mt. Bachelor has to offer all over the mountain, you’ll want to go big and get the full mountain pass. Regular single day tickets for full mountain access are $109 (online) or $119 (on-mountain). However, for beginners or those that are looking to get their feet into some bindings for a try, the Woodward Mountain Park is amazing option. Save money, ride terrain that feels comfortable and give yourself the space to learn at your own pace.

Visit the Mt. Bachelor site more information on the Woodward Mountain Park and for ticket pricing information.

Posted on

Spring Break in Sunriver

Spring in Sunriver is truly one of the best times to visit the area. Mt. Bachelor staying open through Memorial Day, combined with longer days and warmer weather, make your activity options almost endless. If you’re coming to Sunriver for Spring Break, you can plan kayaking, skiing, hiking and more all in one weeks time. Some have been known to ski in the morning and go for a kayak paddle in the afternoon.

If you’re looking for some great events to keep your crew entertained, we’ve got some ideas for you here.

Subaru Winterfest 2018

Mt. Bachelor always has an events calendar that is packed with good times in the Spring. March 16 – 18th, join fellow snow-lovers and celebrate all things winter at the Subaru Winterfest 2018. Enjoy live music, s’mores and coffee while taking advantage of daily giveaways and test out the latest gear.

Hella Big Air

On Saturday, March 31st come up to watch the 10 Barrel Brewing Co 3rd Annual Hella Big Air. There will be a Hella Big Party going on while you watch some top competitors hit a 95-foot jump. This 90’s themed party will not disappoint. Come for the entertainment, the prizes, the party and more!

Stay tuned to the Mt. Bachelor website for their 2018 Spring skiing specials.

Sunriver March Mudness

Gather your friends and family and prepare to get down and dirty. March 25th is the 6th annual Sunriver March Mudness. This 1.5 mile annual event is meant for all ages and geared towards those that want to have FUN!

There are obstacles such as tires to step through, a spider web weave, sloth crossing a mud crawl over and under different hurdles. This is truly a non-competitive and family-friendly event. It is encouraged to take your time and enjoy yourself! One of the most fun things about Spring in Central Oregon is that our weather is SO unpredictable. The weather could be wet and rainy, cold and snowy or sunny and warm. Come to the race dressed weather-appropriate. And, no matter the weather, prepare to get WET and DIRTY!

A portion of proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society – La Pine-Sunriver Relay for Life, Sunriver Citizens Patrol – Shop with a Cop, and the Sunriver Fire Department – Stairclimb Fund.

As spring draws closer, more events and activities will be popping up. Keep your eye on our event calendar for more great events this spring. We also have some great input on hikes, floats, dining and more in some past blog posts. Check out our list below:

Happy Hours in Sunriver

Floating the Deschutes River

The Most Breathtaking Late Summer and Fall Hikes near Sunriver (Also great for spring!)

Dining in Sunriver

The Bend Ale Trail Beer Tour

The Village at Sunriver – Your Holiday Shopping Guide (Or anytime shopping!)

Don’t forget to call our office and chat with one of our Sunriver experts to help you plan your next Sunriver vacation. We can recommend activities, find your perfect vacation rental and even help you find discounts.

Posted on

Everything You Need to Know About the Pacific Crest Triathlon & Weekend Sports Festival in Sunriver


The Pacific Crest Triathlon & Weekend Sports Festival is considered one of the most scenic races in the country and is held in one of Central Oregon’s favorite vacation destinations, Sunriver. So naturally, many athletes and their families who attend this fun-filled sports festival plan for an extended stay to take full advantage of everything the area offers.

The sports festival attracts athletes of all capabilities and is jam packed with race oriented events including a kid’s dash, AquaBike race, both 5K and 10K races, and more. Event participants enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery that includes beautiful snowcapped mountains and a verdant backdrop of Ponderosa and Lodgepole Pines, making this a Central Oregon summer event you won’t want to miss.

Village Properties is proud to be one of the original founding sponsors of the Pacific Crest Triathlon & Weekend Sports Festival and continues its 21-year tradition of supporting the race. “I remember volunteering at the first race when there were only 300 participants,” Says Cindi Persons, Owner Liaison with Village Properties at Sunriver.

Today, the event attracts more than 5,000 people every year and some of the races are a qualifier for the Boston Marathon and the Ironman in Kona. “It’s rewarding to see the event become such a success and to see athletes and their families having a great time together,” says Persons.

There is something for every member of the family during the Pacific Crest Triathlon & Weekend Sports Festival

On Friday afternoon there is a race for kids ages 3 and up. Parents watch their children go down waterslides, bike along a designated monitored bike course, and then run across the finish line, where every child receives a medal. Overall, the sports festival includes 18 different events. Also included are a Sports & Fitness Expo, great food, the Deschutes Brewery Beer Garden, live entertainment with Hit Machine, and best of all, fun for all ages.

General Event Schedule

FRIDAY, JUNE 28TH
  1. 28K & 50K Trail Run – 7:00am Sharp at Wanoga Snow Park for the 50K and 7:30am for the 28K!
  2. Tour de Crest Bike Tours 26 and 55 miles – 7:30am Sharp at the SHARC!
  3. Kid’s Splash Pedal-n-Dash for kids ages 12 & under – 4:00pm at the SHARC
SATURDAY, JUNE 29TH
  1. Marathon & Half Marathon – 7:00am in Sunriver Village by the Registration Tent
  2. 72.3 BEASTMAN Triathlon, Duathlon & AquaBike – 8:00am at Wickiup

SUNDAY, JUNE 30TH

  1. Olympic Distance Triathlon, Duathlon & AquaBike – 8am at Wickiup
  2. Ultra-Sprint Distance Triathlon, Duathlon & AquaBike – 8am at Wickiup
  3. 5K & 10K Run/Walks – 8:30am/8:45am in Sunriver Village by the Registration Tent
  4. Kids Dashes (1-mile & 1/2-mile) – 8:00am start at the Finish Line in SR Village


Arrive early if you’re traveling from out of town to acclimate to Sunriver’s high elevation

The elevation in Sunriver is about 4,000 feet above sea level. Athletes arriving from cities and towns with lower elevations may want time to acclimate before running. The race is an almost entirely flat course, with two average hills. The Pacific Crest races start near the Sunriver Village at the corner of Abbott Drive and Beaver Drive and runners follow either paved roads or paved trails and bike paths that wind through this high desert resort community on the Deschutes River.

Athletes and families can register for these events and more, by heading on over to the RegToRace website for the Pacific Crest Triathlon & Weekend Sports Festival. This event is USA Triathlon sanctioned and as such, accurate chip timing will be used for the competitive races. If you are an athlete who plans to run the race competitively, be sure to check out the USA Triathlon’s Competitive Rules.


Race Weather & Climate

Nestled at the base of the Cascade Mountains east of Mt Bachelor in Central Oregon, Sunriver typically experiences great weather this time of year. In late June the average low is 43ºF, and the average high is 76ºF. Note that evening temperatures drop considerably so be sure to bring sweatshirts and light jackets. 

Fun for the whole family, start your Pacific Crest Weekend on Friday, June 28th and continue the celebration through Sunday, June 30th.

Whether you are coming for the weekend event or planning to extend Your Stay, Let a member of our reservation team help you find the perfect vacation rental by calling 1-800-SUNRIVER, or book your accommodations online.

Register for PAC Crest Festival here:

Posted on

3 Reasons Moms Love Sunriver

People from all over the country choose Sunriver year-after-year as their vacation destination. Moms love Sunriver because it offers the perfect mix of family fun, outdoor activities, and solo pampering. All while taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding Cascade Mountain Range and breathtaking views of Mt Bachelor.  

Make sure that mom gets the perfect travel experience she wants alongside the relaxation she needs by booking your Spring Special—two nights free with a four-night rental—with Village Properties. This way, mom won’t feel guilty splurging on a spa treatment and a little retail therapy while she is on vacation.

Spend time on the slopes together with a private family ski lesson

Families vacationing in Sunriver can explore Mt. Bachelor together with a private group lesson guided by a qualified ski instructor. Hiring a ski instructor is a great idea, whether your family is new to skiing or if you simply want everyone to fine-tune their skills and safety techniques.

If you need ski and snowboard rentals, save time and money by renting with Village Bike & Ski in Sunriver. Here is where you can pick up everything the family needs for a day outdoors, including ski helmets, poles, snowshoes, and more.

Moms love Sunriver for its opportunities to relax and re-energize

It’s well known that traveling is a good method to reduce stress. Sunriver offers that and more. Dad will have fun taking the kids sledding at the mountain and swimming at the indoor SHARC recreation pools. This gives mom plenty of time to enjoy a manicure and pedicure at Obsidian Salon or a warm oil massage and springtime scrub at Sage Springs Spa.

Conveniently located at the Village in Sunriver, Obsidian Salon offers extra services, including reflexology that boosts circulation and increases energy—something every mom will surely appreciate.

Moms can get a little retail therapy during a Sunriver vacation

It’s easy to top off a relaxing spa treatment with some retail therapy. From downtown Bend to the Village at Sunriver, there are dozens of boutiques and galleries to browse and shop. Find the perfect outfit and accessories and souvenirs while strolling the newly renovated shops. Afterwards, finish the day with a glass of wine on the elevated terrace of The Village Bar & Grill.  

Moms love Sunriver for so many reasons. From luxury vacation rentals to cozy Sunriver cabins, we can help you find the perfect accommodations. Call 1-800-SUNRIVER to find out how easy it is to start planning your ideal vacation today.

Posted on

Celebrate Easter at Sunrivier

As the days grow longer and Easter approaches, it’s time to start thinking about planning a trip for the whole family. Why not Celebrate Easter at Sunriver? Sunriver vacation rentals are still available, and the friendly vacation planners at Village Properties can help you find the ideal accommodations.

Sunriver prides itself on being a family-friendly vacation destination, and there are a million ways to keep the kids moving and happy or chilling out at your vacation home. When Easter coincides with your child’s spring break, families can plan a 3-for-1 vacation in Sunriver, Oregon!

1. Awesome springtime skiing on Central Oregon’s Mt Bachelor

Just in time for spring vacation, skiers and snowboarder alike will enjoy longer hours to explore more terrain on the sunny slopes of Mt. Bachelor. Lift tickets for Bachelor are reduced for spring skiing! Imagine all of the extra Easter candy you can purchase with the money you will save. Book your spring vacation rental with Village Properties and we help you with outdoor adventure planning, and more!

2. Free SHARC passes for daylong fun at Central Oregon’s premiere aquatic complex!

When planning a trip to Sunriver, don’t forget to pack swimsuits. Most Village Properties vacation rentals include SHARC (Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic Recreation Center) passes. This is a great deal for everyone, especially families with children and teens because each pass costs $25 per person ages 4 and older per day.

Springtime is when SHARC opens its 9-hole disc golf course for family-friendly fun throughout the summer and early fall. Your SHARC pass also gives you access to the new boat launch area where you can park your car and access the river with SUPs, kayaks, canoes, or river float tubes.

3. Celebrate Easter at Sunriver with an underwater egg hunt & rubber duck races

Rub-a-dub-dub fun on Saturday, April 15th at SHARC where families can enjoy diving for Easter eggs before competing in a rubber duck race. Pick up your rubber duck at the Sharpie Station then decorate your waterfowl before the Rubber Duck Races.

Duck decorating will be held at the Sharpie Station at the SHARC on Friday, April, 14th from 5:30 – 9:00 pm or Saturday, April 15th from 8:00 – 9:00 am

Duck races being Saturday at 9:00am and runs until 11:00am. Pre-registration and payment are required. $10 entry for duck race or egg dive or do both for $15.

Sunriver churches offering Easter Services on Sunday, April 16th

Easter week in Sunriver is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. This is a great time of year for families and friends to get together and enjoy spring in the Cascade Mountains. If you are here for Easter and don’t want to miss a church service, here is a list for services being held at nearby churches.

Community Bible Church at Sunriver

#1 Theater Drive
Sunriver, Oregon
Phone: (541) 593-8341
Directions

Sunriver Christian Fellowship
18143 Cottonwood Rd
Sunriver, Oregon
Phone: (541)593-1183
Directions

The Door at Three Rivers
56885 Enterprise Drive
Sunriver, Oregon
Directions

Holy Trinity Catholic Church
18143 Cottonwood Road
Sunriver, Oregon
Phone: (541) 593-5990
Directions

If you’re looking to celebrate Easter at Sunriver or plan ahead for summer vacation, browse our Sunriver vacation rentals online or call us at 1.800.SUNRIVER today. We can help you choose from a variety of privately owned vacation rental homes and cabins. From luxury to budget-friendly and traditional to contemporary, Village Properties has it all!

Posted on

Kid friendly activities in Sunriver

Sunriver is the ideal family vacation destination. There is plenty to do for the whole family, especially kids. If you are worried about keeping active toddlers, restless pre-teens, or bored teenagers entertained, have we got a list of kid friendly activities in Sunriver for you.

Fun on the Slopes

In the winter time, there is nothing like skiing to keep kids busy and happy. Sunriver appeals to all ages. At Mt. Bachelor, you can find ski lessons and childcare at The Otter Mountain Childcare Center (at the West Village Lodge near the main parking lot) cares for children from ages six weeks to twelve years. Activities there include crafts and snow playtime. Signature Start introduces ages three and a half to five to snow activities for half the day and indoor activities for the other half.

Museum Exploration

The High Desert Museum is just a short drive from Sunriver and offers plenty to explore for kids of all ages. Indoor and outdoor exhibits feature birds of prey, porcupines, otters, bobcats and more, interpretive trails and occasional story times. The museum is set on 135 beautiful wooded acres and is ranked the number one thing to do in Bend by TripAdvisor.

The Sunriver Nature Center and Oregon Observatory

Sunriver is one of the few resort communities in the country that offer both a nature center and an Observatory.

The Sunriver Nature Center is a non-profit educational center. It offers hands on activities, programs and exhibits about the natural surrounding area. Kids have fun getting up close and personal with nature, and making discoveries about the area’s plants, animals, climate and history with the help of the friendly, knowledgeable staff. The center is close to the Sunriver marina and airport and has a nature trail that staff use to educate visitors.

Head for the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver to enjoy a fun, educational evening viewing the starry night skies. Sunriver’s elevation, pitch-dark backdrop and clear air make it ideal for stargazing. It is a breathtaking display that promises to be one of the highlights of your trip to Sunriver.

SHARC

Sunriver Homeowners Aquatic & Recreation Center, or SHARC, offers 22-acres of entertainment. You’ll find a tot pool, sand box, picnic spot, playground, basketball and bocce ball courts, winter tubing, picnic pavilion, cafe and outdoor grass amphitheater. A 3-Day Pass for indoor aquatics and tubing can be purchased for $36. Or better yet, most houses with Village Properties provides free guest passes.

Alpine Express Train

The Alpine Express is Central Oregon’s only trackless train. Riders can enjoy scenic tours throughout the Village at Sunriver. The train is modeled after the American 4-40 Locomotive, with coal tenders, passenger cars and a caboose. All ages are welcome to take the seven to ten minute ride, although you should check beforehand to make sure the train is running in inclement weather.

Ice Skating Rink

The Village at Sunriver’s recently renovated ice arena has a sleek new look and modern upgrades to the sound system, skates and viewing area. Open from Mid-November until Mid-April, the ice skating rink is fun entertainment for the whole family.

Bumper Cars

Kids love to bump each other on The Village’s bumper cars! The Village Bumper Cars offers eight colorful cars that can be spun in circles or be used to bump into siblings to your kid’s delight. This activity is sure to be one of the highlights of their trip to Sunriver.

With so much to see and do in Sunriver, it is sure to become one of your family’s favorite vacation destinations. Winter, summer, spring and fall, there is always entertainment in Central Oregon and kid friendly activities in Sunriver for your kids of all ages. When booking your family vacation, Village Properties offers many benefits, from discounts at local merchants to our 4th Night Free special. Contact Village Properties today to book your Sunriver vacation.

Posted on

Winter Sunriver Fun for Non-Skiers

Many people think fun in Sunriver is all about the swimming, and the golfing and the hiking. And it is. But there is a whole other side to Sunriver — the side that turns into a snowy winter wonderland come November or December. But what is there to do in Sunriver when the temperatures drop?

For the skiing crowd there is, of course, Mt. Bachelor, which has more than 71 trails and 3500 acres to accommodate them. If you’re not a skier, though, are you left to twiddle your thumbs in your vacation home? Below are some activities that just might be to your liking during your winter stay.

Shopping

If hitting the mall is more your style than hitting the slopes the boutique stores at The Village at Sunriver are just the ticket. You’ll find plenty of Sunriver branded souvenirs and apparel, as well as high performance sporting gear and equipment. You’ll also find fine art, great restaurants, and family entertainment and events, as well as ice skating.

Sledding

Sledding is great fun for the whole family, and Wanoga Sno-Park off Century Drive on the way to Mt. Bachelor is the place to do it. You can sled, toboggan or inner tube, and there’s even a snack trailer in the parking lot to grab a warm beverage. Just up the road at Mt. Bachelor’s Snowblast Tubing Park, you can get a day-pass for an afternoon of inner tubing. And if you’d rather just stay in Sunriver, there’s a snow-tubing hill at SHARC.

Snowshoeing

Mt. Bachelor offers free 90 minute snowshoeing interpretive tours conducted by US Forest Service naturalists from December 19, 2016 through March 31, 2017. You’ll learn about winter ecology at Mt Bachelor and the geology, plants and animals of Central Oregon. The tours are at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on weekends, holidays (except Christmas and New Year’s Day) and school vacations. No reservations are necessary, but you should check-in 10-15 minutes prior to the tour at the USFS snowshoe hut just outside the Guest Services building in West Village.

You can also experience winter off the beaten track with a snowshoe tour from Wanderlust Tours. The tours are led by professional naturalist guides who deliver exciting interpretation and there’s snow play for all ages. Snowshoes are included, but you should wear winter boots and powder/ski pants to keep your feet and legs dry. Boot and pant rentals are available through Wanderlust. Daily tours as well as Moonlight and Starlight tours provide truly memorable experiences.

Snowmobiling

Only 20 minutes from Sunriver are the Wanoga and Dutchman Flat sno parks. These two parks feature some of the best snowmobiling in Central Oregon and are favorite destinations for locals.

Oregon Observatory

If you want a view of the stars without having to wear snowshoes, head to the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver. Plan on spending a fun, educational evening viewing the starry night skies. Sunriver’s elevation, pitch-dark backdrop and clear air make it ideal for stargazing. It just so happens to be the the largest public access viewing facility in the country, too, and a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

The Sunriver Nature Center

You won’t want to miss the Sunriver Nature Center during your stay. This non-profit educational center offers a variety of activities to choose from, including programs and exhibits about the natural surrounding area. The center is close to the Sunriver marina and airport and has a nature trail that staff use to educate visitors.
So there you have it. Turns out there’s plenty to do in Sunriver in the winter months, even if you don’t ski. Of course, if you truly are more of an observer than a participant when the snow arrives, there’s nothing quite so perfect as spending a cozy afternoon in your vacation home, gazing out at the wintery landscape with a cup of hot cocoa in hand.

Contact Village Properties at Sunriver today and we’ll help you find the ideal vacation home to do that cocoa sipping.

Posted on

What are Your Options for Sunriver Winter Recreation

If you’re looking for Sunriver winter recreation, you won’t be short on options. One of the biggest draws to Sunriver in the winter comes in the plethora of recreation options. Consider these forms of Sunriver winter recreation during your next visit, or anytime when you’re lucky enough to live here full time.

Sunriver Winter Recreation

Skiing and Snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor

Perhaps the most obvious of the choices for Sunriver winter recreation, enjoy 4,318 skiable acres at America’s 5th largest ski area. Whether you’re a newbie looking to take lessons, or a seasoned pro ready to take on the Cone, you’ll find incredible skiing and snowboarding terrain at Mt. Bachelor.

Dog Sledding

Looking for an exciting adventure outside of the ordinary recreational options? Take an exciting dog sled tour with Oregon Trail of Dreams. Glide over the snow while taking in the sights of Central Oregon, including Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top and the Three Sisters.

Tubing at SHARC

Tubing is available on select dates between November and February at SHARC. The Tubing Hill at SHARC features three runs of varying steepness. Tubes are provided and use of The Tubing Hill is included with SHARC admission. Looking for something extra fun? Try the Black Light Blast at SHARC on select dates through the winter season!

Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing

Many recreational outfitters in Sunriver offer snowshoe and cross country ski rentals, which allows you to carry out your own adventure. Wanderlust Tours also offers guided snowshoe tours, including moonlight tours during that month’s full moon. Take your snowshoes or cross country skis and venture out at one of the area’s many Sno Parks, like Virginia Meissner.

Snowmobiling

Central Oregon Adventures offers snowmobile rentals and tours near Sunriver. If you’ve ever wanted to feel the rush of adrenaline that comes from gliding quickly over the snow in a snowmobile, this is the perfect adventure for your family.

No matter what type of winter recreation strikes your interest, you’ll find it in Sunriver. At Village Properties at Sunriver, we can help you plan your perfect winter vacation by connecting you with the right recreation options and companies. Contact Village Properties at Sunriver to learn more about lodging and Sunriver winter recreation.

Posted on

Advantages to Spending New Year’s in Sunriver

At Village Properties at Sunriver, we can’t think of any better way to ring in the New Year than in Sunriver. We may be a little biased, but whether dancing the night away at one of the New Year’s Eve parties or cuddled up with your kids watching the ball drop in front of the fire, there’s no wrong way to spend New Year’s in Sunriver.

The Best Ways to Spend New Year’s in Sunriver

Skiing and Snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor

Can you imagine anything better than waking up on January 1 and heading up to Mt. Bachelor to catch the first tracks of the new year? The wind against your cheeks, the sun shining, the spiked hot chocolate in the Sun Bar. Enjoy stunning views of the Cascade mountains while spending time with your friends and family. New Year’s in Sunriver, means world-class shredding at Mt. Bachelor.

New Year’s Eve Bonfire on the Snow with Wanderlust Tours

Celebrate the new year and another great vacation in Central Oregon when you snowshoe with a Wanderlust Tours guide to a glowing bonfire in the middle of an amphitheater hand-carved into the snow. Relax around the bonfire with friends and family while enjoying desserts, hot drinks and fun facts from the naturalist guides. At midnight, toast to the new year and continue enjoying a magical, snowy forest evening.

The trip includes guides, headlamps, snowshoes, champagne, hot cocoa with Hazelnut Espresso Vodka, locally made desserts, transportation and naturalist interpretation. $100/person. Saturday, December 31,2016. Departs the Wanderlust office in Bend at 9pm.

New Year’s Eve Parties

Whether you prefer to check out one of the local New Year’s Eve parties at Sunriver Resort, or you throw your own party at your Sunriver vacation home, there’s bound to be plenty of champagne – and bubbly apple cider for the kids – in Sunriver. Gather your friends and family and ring in the new year together with the ones you love. There’s no better way to start a new year than with your closest friends and family.

Find the perfect Sunriver vacation home from Village Properties at Sunriver. We’re eager to help you find the perfect home to ring in the new year. Imagine waking up in Sunriver on January 1, 2017. There’s no better way to celebrate a new year and the many adventures you’ll have.