Cold Trails & Card Sharks: Mazama Ski Trip

Mazama lived up to every expectation I had: small, beautiful, and offering immediate access to the outdoors. Much like our Big Island family getaway in November, this trip focused on balancing outdoor activity with quality family time, though the wardrobe was significantly heavier this time around.

Trip Overview

If I had to summarize the "vibe" of this trip in three words, they would be snowy, quiet, and cozy. We headed out with some trepidation regarding cross-country skiing—expecting it might be more grueling than enjoyable. However, it turned out to be the highlight, getting us deep into nature in a way that felt effortless once we found our rhythm. The trip was defined by active days followed by the ritual of gathering around the fire pit at the end of the night to play card games as a family.

Most Memorable Moments

The Suspension Bridge

While Mom was captivated by the sheer volume of snow, my standout moment was the dramatic river views while skiing across the suspension bridge. It provided a perspective of the landscape that you just can't get from the road.

The Four-Mile Slog

Karthika and I pushed ourselves to reach the bridge, but the return journey to the Inn was a test of endurance. We were already exhausted when we started the four-mile trek back, but we kept our spirits up. It was one of those "mentally challenging but rewarding" moments that often define our expeditions.

Card Game Rivalries

Seeing Karthika and my parents grow together was the real highlight. We discovered that Karthika is an absolutely killer card player—a revelation that provided plenty of entertainment during our downtime.

Logistics & Practical Information

ACCOMMODATION

The Inn at Mazama: A perfect home base. The central fireplace is the heart of the property—a mid-day break here is essential for morale. After a cold day on the trails, the combination of the sauna and hot tub is unbeatable, a sentiment Karthika echoed daily.

TRANSPORTATION

Our car: The drive to Mazama was significantly "hairier" than we anticipated. The overpass was particularly icy and snowy, requiring high-attention driving and a much slower pace than maps suggested. If you're heading this way in winter, do not underestimate the pass; give yourself a massive buffer.

NOTABLE FOOD

Mazama Store and Bakery: The ham and swiss croissant is a mandatory purchase.
The Public House: We found a great sour beer here that hit the spot after a long day of skiing.
Meza: Some fantastic Mediterranean food in Winthrop!
Pro-Tip: The local store has an excellent selection of snacks and treats. We found it better to stock up there for casual meals rather than trying to eat out for every meal.

ACTIVITIES

Cross-Country Skiing: Karthika rates the difficulty at a 5/10. She picked it up instantly (perhaps she's a natural and is putting the rest of us to shame).
Card playing: An absolute must any time my family gets together.

Tips for Travelers

Pack Light for the Trail

You will sweat more than you think. Use thin, moisture-wicking layers rather than heavy parkas.

The Mid-Day Reset

Don't feel the need to stay out all day. A 1:00 PM reset by the fireplace makes the afternoon session much more enjoyable.

Store over Restaurant

Plan to eat at least once from the Mazama Store's deli and snack section. There's a great selection and reasonable prices.

Reflections & Final Thoughts

As I mentioned in my Finland 2025 post, I am often tempted to over-invest in a packed itinerary. This trip reinforced that it's the quiet downtime in between—the card games, the fire pit, the slow mornings—that often sticks with me the most.

I don't like to "rate" trips because it misses the point of being in the moment. Mazama provided the perfect backdrop for my parents and Karthika to bond, and seeing them learn more about each other was worth more than any specific "sights" we saw. It was a reminder to stop "doing" and start "being."