Snow problem no problem for some High Desert tourism

Lack of snow isn’t hurting some elements of winter tourism, according to officials who said Monday that Central Oregon is on pace to have a record-breaking season.

Visit Bend President and CEO Doug LaPlaca told NewsChannel 21 hotel occupancy rates are up 3 percent for the quarter and room taxes are up 19 percent after adjustment for rate increases.

Despite a lack of snow that’s hurt area ski-related businesses, also canceling Oregon WinterFest’s popular “Rail Jam” performances, festival officials said they too broke a record, with roughly 25,000 people in attendance over the weekend.

And mountain biking trails could be making up, at least for some, for empty sno-park lots where there is little snow — Monday morning, dozens of cars were packed into the Phil’s Trail Complex.

Bend resident Linda Balsiger said this is the first year she’s ever hopped on her bike in the winter, and she hit the trail prepared.

“I have on two pairs of gloves with some of those hand warmers in between the two sets of gloves, and I have on fleece-lined tights,” Balsiger said.

Other mountain bikers said they typically do ride year-round, but stay away from Phil’s Trail in the winter because the routes are often buried in snow.

“We were in short sleeves this weekend — (it’s) just weird,” said Bend resident Heather Lynch. “It was amazing, the number of people, families out — more kids and dogs then I’ve seen in a really long time.”

Trails at Smith Rock State Park also were busy for Presidents Day, as some tourists packed summer and winter all into one vacation.

“We went up to Mt Bachelor the day before, and now we’re here at Smith Rock hoping to enjoy a good hike,” said Seattle resident David Parke.