The Chief's Cabin · Near Hoodoo · Weekend guide
A Hoodoo weekend from the Highway 20 corridor
Night skiing, Autobahn tubing, then the hot tub. This is a practical winter plan for guests of The Chief's Cabin — a 4-bedroom cabin between Bend and Hoodoo, not a lodge at the hill. Confirm hours, lifts, and road rules the morning you go.
Night skiing at Hoodoo
Hoodoo (also written Hoo Doo or HooDoo) typically lights the hill Friday and Saturday nights when the season and staffing allow. That is the point of staying on this corridor: ski after dinner, drive the same highway home, and get in the hot tub. Check Hoodoo’s current night-ski calendar before you lock the plan — they set the nights, not this site.
Autobahn tubing park
The tube park is the kids-room win. Hoodoo runs the Autobahn as its own ticketed product — lanes, a handle tow, and a crowd that is usually younger than the ski hill. Buy those tickets on Hoodoo’s site. Back at the cabin there is a full-size swing set, a game room, and space for 10 so the day does not have to end in a hotel lobby.
Tire chains and Sno-Park permits
Santiam Pass is a real mountain highway. ODOT can require traction tires or chains with little warning. Carry chains that fit your vehicle, and check TripCheck before you leave the cabin.
Oregon Sno-Park permits are required at designated winter lots during the Sno-Park season (typically November 1 through April 30). Hoodoo’s parking and nearby winter trailheads may need one. Buy the permit before you need it — grocery and sporting-goods counters in Bend and Sisters sell them, and Oregon DMV sells them online.
Nordic trails at Hoodoo are a quieter day if the downhill crowd is not your group. Confirm grooming and pass rules with Hoodoo.
What to pack
- Layers, waterproof gloves, and a spare pair of socks per person
- Helmets for ski, ride, and tubing if you have them
- Tire chains and a working flashlight
- Oregon Sno-Park permit, printed or on your phone
- Swimsuits for the hot tub — the soak is the Sunday plan
- Groceries for a cabin dinner so you are not driving tired after night ski
Sample itinerary: Friday arrive / Sunday soak
- Friday. Arrive, unpack, and stay close — Tumalo Feed Co or a kitchen dinner. If Hoodoo is lighting the hill, night ski and come back to the hot tub.
- Saturday. Autobahn tubing or a full ski day. Sisters for coffee and a warm-up if you want a town stop. Game room after dark.
- Sunday. Sleep in. Nordic or a short last run only if roads and legs agree. Soak, pack, and leave the pass traffic to people who started from downtown Bend.
Ski week: 20% off 8 nights or more
A weekend works. A ski week is the better use of this house. Stays of 8+ nights are 20% off lodging. Peak season is still the holiday and summer rates on the listing — the discount applies to lodging for qualifying length. Tap Call host and Becca will confirm dates.