Bend at Christmas (Eugene, Redmond: appointed, how much, hotels) - Deschutes County - City-Data Forum

move2bend · 07-10-2012, 10:37 AM

We are thinking of relocating to Bend and would like to visit both over Christmas as well as in the summer next year. I was wondering in terms of snow, if it was typically a white Christmas? Neither of us have ever lived in the snow so driving in it will be a new experience. I believe we will travel up the CA coast and then head east when we hit Eugene (though I haven't mapped it out yet). I assume we will need snow chains? We will also bring our dogs so if there are any dog friendly hotels anyone can recommend we'd really appreciate it.

tacompton253 · 07-10-2012, 11:33 AM

Bend is more of a dry climate so having a white xmas is not very usual. I have only lived in Bend for 4 years, so i assume there have been times when the weather has cooperated for the xmas time. But Bend does get snow. Not too many dumpings but consistant snow (1-2 inches here and there) throughout normal/average winters. If you want more snow, just head a little south to Sunriver Lapine areas where they are at a higher elevation.

Xmas time around here is beautiful though. With the mts at your door step and colder temps it def gets you in the xmas spirit. And yes, you will need chains if you are going over the cascade mt range. There are times when a storm comes and dumps 2 feet of snow in a 24 hr period.

Driving in snow around here is easy. just use common sense and dont be an idiot.

As far as dog friendly hotels, i think most are around town, but not 100% sure. Bend is an extremely dog friendly town, so finding a place should be easy.

Enjoy your time in Bend. I love the climate, atmosphere and natural beauty it has to offer.

dogflower · 07-10-2012, 03:02 PM

I agree with Tacompton253. Bend may or may not have a white X-Mas but the snow is very close if you want to play in it and the mountains will definitely be covered and white. It's typically quite easy to drive around town; in fact, I ask myself every year why I switch to snow tires. . .

In terms of dog-friendly hotels, that shouldn't be a problem. When I was visiting Bend, prior to moving here, I typically stayed at the Riverhouse because: 1) they didn't charge extra for dogs at the time (don't know if that's still true), and 2) the river trail is right in the back so you can walk the dogs easily (no leashes required 9/15-5/15).

In terms of chains, you can purchase them at Les Schwab and if you don't use them, Les Schwab will allow you to return them (probably that's true everywhere).

Enjoy Bend!

MAtheBanker · 07-11-2012, 04:15 PM

My brother lives in Bend and I've come for Christmas three times and have never had a white Christmas! I get so mad...he keeps telling me how cold it is, and I'm always disappointed!

I live in AZ, so snow is a big deal!

move2bend · 07-14-2012, 08:54 AM

Thanks for the feedback. We actually decided it would work better with our schedules to come out over the Thanksgiving week. We did book the Riverhouse and they still don't charge for the dogs which is great

I guess now we will try to find some restaurants with patios that are dog friendly since it looks like they will be going everywhere with us that week. Looking forward to seeing the city. Any recommendations on any dog friendly places to visit or see?

tamitrail · 07-19-2012, 09:14 PM

Well, we were in Bend/Redmond for Christmas/New Year's (6 weeks) 2010/2011 and it most certainly was a white Christmas. I'm not sure why everyone is saying it's not likely. I have pictures of my family and I taking a walk around the neighborhood on Christmas morning in our Christmas jammies and there was snow on the ground. On December 19, we drove to the Tower Theater to see A Christmas Carol and it snowed all day...we drove in it. It was beautiful!

pamelashere · 07-29-2012, 12:04 AM

Yes, that Christmas was white and wonderful. We went to Sunriver Lodge for the gingerbread house exhibition and it was a magical evening. This year we had heaviest snow in early March, so who knows? I didn't realize how much we'd love the snow but we're retired so don't have to get out in it to get to work.

tamitrail · 08-03-2012, 09:41 PM

We also went to Sunriver for the gingerbread house exhibition and Christmas dinner.

Smiled · 08-09-2012, 09:49 PM

"I'm not sure why everyone is saying it's not likely."

That is because you are looking at anecdotal evidence - a single occurrence - and applying it broadly.

We had two feet of snow at Christmas two years ago where I live. It was the first white Christmas in 17 years.

hamellr · 08-10-2012, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smiled

"I'm not sure why everyone is saying it's not likely."

That is because you are looking at anecdotal evidence - a single occurrence - and applying it broadly.

We had two feet of snow at Christmas two years ago where I live. It was the first white Christmas in 17 years.

I seem to remember there being snow on Christmas in Bend, in about '04 or '05. I was helping to babysit my GF's parent's home in Bend. It started snowing on Christmas Eve and we ended up not being able to go do any of the Christmas things in Bend because of it. Plus my birthday dinner, and being able to get home were both delayed due to the weather. (I had a large rear-wheel drive car that sucked badly in the snow.)

The house was over by Lost Track Golf Course.