The Snow is Falling in Bend, Oregon

With the trails covered with snow and the incredible mountain biking season of 2011 is perhaps behind us in Central Oregon, we all agree how the trails were perfect and pristine thanks to Central Oregon Trail Alliance (C.O.T.A.) and its many volunteers. As we sigh, nod our heads and swap stories with each other about how amazing the riding season has been and those of us who participate in Winter sports look forward with great anticipation to the snow dumping all over the peaks and valleys in the Cascades.

The kick off of the season started with one of Bend locals’ favorite fundraiser of last years’ escapades in the snow, our very own PowderHound Preview presented annually by Dan McGargigle, owner of Pine Mountain Sports  Approximately 400 attendees showed up for the long anticipated Preview at the Tower Theatre last week.  Since the Winter of 2000, Powder Hounds has been fund raising for C.O.T.A. and Deschutes County Search and Rescue, (S.A.R.s, to which a few of its members were missing in attendance due to a rescue out at Smith Rock State Park that night), and this years’ raffle tickets were sold for approximately $4,000 worth of “shwag” and raised $2,700 this year for both of these volunteer organizations that ensure our safety while riding our epic Central Oregon trails.

Film submissions ranged from slide shows to the semi-professional with lots of laughter, friends and beer!  Since its humble but cozy beginnings in Pine Mountain Sports shop located on the West side of Bend, Oregon, Powder Hounds has been at the Tower Theatre located in downtown Bend since 2004.  Since its inception and the locals collaborative efforts, it has raised over $34,000.

Many of us who perform snow dances to the snow gods, it has worked!  Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort is opening this Wednesday, November 23, 2011.  And to those of us who enjoy the adventure of back country skiing, snowboarding and trekking, GAME ON NOW!

Written by Victoria J. Smith and plays, lives and works in Bend, Oregon

Owner of Alpenglow Vacation Rentals, LLC