Our family is all about being active outdoors. It’s a theme on every one of our trips and adventures – we love being in nature and we enjoy being active in order to take in nature’s beauty and awesomeness. In fact, my wife and I take it as our responsibility to expose our kids to the outdoors so hopefully, they’ll do the same with their future families.

Today’s blog post highlights one of Oregon’s lesser-known outdoor adventure spots: Hoodoo Ski Area in the central Oregon Cascades.

When you think of Central Oregon Skiing, the famous Mt. Bachelor probably pops into mind. However, Hoodoo should be tops on your list as it offers great views, amazing skiing and a family-friendly environment and pricing.

Located along the Santiam Pass and easily accessible from Bend, Salem and Eugene, Oregon, Hoodoo is located at about 5,000 feet. Hoodoo’s slopes are on a big, rounded butte, with a fantastic amount of wide open terrain. Both skiers and snowboarders love Hoodoo because of the terrain park off Hoodoo’s Blue Valley run that has jumps, table-tops and jumps.

Hoodoo is located just 20 miles west of Sisters, Oregon, a charming town that can serve as a perfect place to stay in case you want to make a weekend out of it.

Perfect for newbies and veterans alike

If you’re a beginner, Hoodoo will appeal as 30% of the runs are beginner-friendly as they are groomed and not very steep – they’re perfect for getting your first runs in as a snowboarder or skier. Our children started at age 5 at Hoodoo and we have made use of the 1-2-3 program which gives a lesson, ski/snowboard rental and all-day lift ticket for just $150. This program is available for adults as well and provides a great, cost-effective way to get up to speed via a group lesson with about 5-9 other students in each level.

Super family friendly skiing

If you’re a parent or family who wants to be present but not out skiing, you’ll find Hoodoo’s lodge welcoming and fun. We love the fact that you can watch your family ski as they learn on the Easy Rider run (the bunny hill) as the lift goes up the hill but is fully visible from the lodge.

Our kids are picky when it comes to ski boots, and we’ve found Hoodoo’s staff to be super patient and kind, even when it’s super busy and hectic when everyone’s trying to get their first run in the morning.

The lodge also has a restaurant and bar in case you’d like to have a locally made craft beer or cider while you watch your family carve down the mountain.

Affordable skiing and snowboarding – and night time action!

Hoodoo is a locally owned ski resort that sees itself as a fun option that won’t break the bank. A lift ticket at Hoodoo, at the writing of this article, is just $54/day for adults, $31 for kids/seniors and kids 7 and under are free. There are plenty of discount options also as Thursdays are just $35. See Hoodoo’s discount page to see all the discounts for military, special days and more:

Want to go sledding or tubing? Sled Hoodoo’s Autobahn Tube Hill

If you’re not into skiing or snowboarding but still want to be out in the snow, check out Hoodoo’s Autobahn Tube Hill. This well-maintained tubing hill has groomed lanes that are 800 feet long – which allows you to go fast. There’s a tow-rope that means you can get up to the top fast and back to sledding down the hill. Hungry? There’s a warming hut/snack shack for a mid-adventure snack break