Eastern Oregon Provides the Perfect Wintertime Getaway

Eastern Oregon Provides the Perfect Wintertime Getaway Main Photo

21 Dec 2020


News

The 2020 holiday season, and the winter months that come right after it, are the perfect time to visit Eastern Oregon to enjoy wide open spaces and exciting winter sports and activities. This has been a strange year with many people spending a lot of time indoors under quarantine. If you are one of them and live in nearby Boise, Portland, Seattle, or San Francisco, you may be looking for a change.  Eastern Oregon is the answer, both for a short stay and for your forever home. We are surrounded by nature and this makes it possible to have fun and enjoy life, no matter what comes your way. 

Top Things to Do in Eastern Oregon This Winter

#1 Ski Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort

https://anthonylakes.com/ 

Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort is the prime ski resort in Eastern Oregon with a vertical drop of 900 feet and a summit elevation of 8,000 feet. The slopes are open to season passholders (click here for information) with the lifts open from 9am to 2pm daily. Careening down the mountain with nothing but the blue sky above and the white powder below you are instantly transported into moments of exhilaration. Masks are required, but they help to keep your face warm so it’s actually a win-win that keeps the slopes open for more winter fun.  

#2 Snowmobiling Adventures

“Uncrowded and unrivaled” is how American Snowmobiler Magazine described Grant County’s superb riding conditions for snowmobilers. This is a favorite pastime in Eastern Oregon and perfect for anyone looking to get out of the city and have some adventure. It’s perfect for those looking to socially distance because there are no lines - just 860 miles of open trails waiting to be explored. The Blue Mountain Eagle reported that these trails are lesser known and make for great riding.  "I've ridden in a lot of regions, and this is as good as it gets,” said John Bastian, vice president of the Oregon State Snowmobile Association and member of the Grant County Snowballers Club.

#3 Cross Country Skiing 

Anthony Lakes is one of several spots to cross country ski in Eastern Oregon. They have 20 miles of groomed and track-set trails for Nordic skiers of every ability.  Philips Lake, near Baker City, also has a trail along its southern shore. The bonus is the stunning view of seeing a frozen lake set against a backdrop of snowy mountains. It’s gorgeous and definitely Instagram-worthy. 

#4 Winter Fishing

For those who love the sport, and the relaxation, winter fishing should definitely be on the list! With the crowds gone there are opportunities to fish abundant steelhead and trout in Eastern Oregon’s rivers and lakes. Click here to learn about winter fishing on the John Day and Grande Ronde Rivers (tours are available). 

You’ll Love Living Here Too

Come explore Eastern Oregon. You’ll have fun here and should consider staying. Making Eastern Oregon your full time home has several distinct advantages. Houses cost less here than in nearby metropolitan areas, making it possible to save thousands of dollars a year. Plus, with many businesses offering the opportunity to work from home permanently, you may be able to keep your current job and pay, while reducing your living expenses. Now, a lower cost certainly doesn’t mean less amenities. Our communities are full of vibrant small businesses like wineries, restaurants and boutiques that make it enjoyable to live here. We also have festivals, art galleries and cultural activities so there are numerous ways to learn and explore. 

 

Visit Eastern Oregon this winter to discover how good life can be!