SNOW SPORTS: There’s a reason Warren Miller chose Bend for a destination feature segment in his 2008 film. Whether your preference is skiing or riding at Mt. Bachelor, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, the Cascade Mountains provide an endless supply of winter recreation. And while the mountains receive over 300 inches of snow per year, Bend itself stays relatively dry with nearly 300 days of sunshine.

MERRELL RECOMMENDS: For sure-footed confidence from the Mt. Bachelor parking lot to the Tumalo Falls trailhead, the men's Thermo 6 and women's Chameleon Arc Mid provide supreme traction in a waterproof shoe. Nothing puts a damper on a day of skiing or snowshoeing like being cold or wet. Prevent both with the men's Ox shirt or the women's Thrive jacket.