Commentary Winter is a great time to play

As winter's cold bite sets in across the Sisters area, it becomes evident that it's time to put away the soccer balls and baseball bats, hang up the roller blades and bikes and lean the golf clubs in the corner of the garage.

Oh sure, there'll be the occasional golf outing. A clear day in the high 40s or even 50 degrees where a round of golf at one of the year-round golf courses, or a quick bike ride, or day hike is possible. But summer sports are generally in hibernation for a few months through our winter season.

There is good news. The recreation doesn't have to stop. The diverse Sisters area affords some of the richest recreational area in the northwest, for both summer and winter activities.

Here are a few ideas to keep the blood circulating as the days get shorter and the nights grow colder. The hub of most winter recreation in the Sisters area is the system of maintained winter "Sno-Park" areas: Ray Benson or Corbett Sno-Parks on the Santiam Highway; Upper and Lower Three Creek Sno-Parks on Three Creek Lake Road; and the snow gate closure of the McKenzie Highway a few miles west of Sisters.

Remember, winter Sno-Park permits are required when parking or using the winter sno-park areas. Permits can be purchased locally at Lutton's Ace Hardware, Eurosports and the Lodge at Black Butte Ranch. The Sisters Ranger District does not sell sno-park passes.

A network of Forest Service- and civic group-maintained warming huts provides outing destinations, a dry spot for lunch or just a moment to get out of the cold, near the sno-park areas.

For the backcounty or Nordic skier -- beginner to advanced -- there are hundreds of kilometers of accessible Nordic trails throughout the Deschutes National Forest, Three Sisters Wilderness Area and Mt. Jefferson Wilderness area. Check with the Sisters Ranger District for maps of these areas.

Hoodoo Ski Area also offers groomed cross county trails, weather permitting, at the summit of the Santiam Pass. Contact Hoodoo by phone at 541-822-3799 or website (www.hoodoo.com) for more information.

Snowshoers can find ample backcounty opportunity, especially from the lower sno-parks where the snow is generally more consolidated.

Snowmobiles find outstanding terrain using the Ray Benson Sno-Park or the Upper Three Creek Sno-Park. A series of tie trails connect the Sisters area sno-parks and connect the Sisters area to the adjoining areas to the north and south.

Remember, snowmobiling in the wilderness areas is prohibited. The Forest Service patrols the wilderness boundaries and the penalties are severe. More information and trail maps can again be found at the Sisters Ranger District office.

Sledding areas can be found west of Sisters on Three Creek Lake Road at the Black Pine Springs Campground and also on the Santiam Pass Summit on the north side of the highway across from the Hoodoo access road. Hoodoo will also offer a sledding park this year with different terrain levels and a rope tow to get sleds up the hill. A small fee is required and certain regulations regarding types of sleds and conduct apply.

Alpine skiers have two improved alpine ski areas near Sisters. The Hoodoo Ski Area 20 miles west of Sisters offers four ski lifts plus a beginner lift, a new ski lodge, rental shop and ski school facilities.

The Mt. Bachelor Ski Area located west of Bend, approximately one hour from Sisters, offers 10 chair lifts including two beginner lifts, a half pipe, several terrain parks, three lodges, ski shops, rentals and lessons. More information and rates can be found at www.mtbachelor.com or by calling 382-2607.

Year-round fishing can be found on the Metolius River west of Sisters, the Fall River west of Sunriver, the Crooked River south of Prineville and parts of the Lower Deschutes River south of Madras. Regulations and bag limits vary.

For more information contact The Fly Fisher's Place in Sisters at 549-3474 or Lutton's Ace Hardware at 549-8011.

There is ample opportunity for winter recreation in the Sisters area.

But winter recreation does have some dangers not present in the summer.

Remember, always dress appropriately, carry the essentials for winter survival, and be aware of changing winter weather.