We have pretty much decided on Mt Bachelor for a Christmas ski trip (although Taos is still in the running). Question is: Where to stay? We have a 12 year old and a small dog. Thinking about Inn of the 7th Mt or maybe Sunriver. We'll fly from PNS to PDX and rent a car, so distance from the mountain is not that big a deal. Not sure how much impact the dog will have on lodging choices. Appreciate any ideas!

Hi! We recently stayed at the Shilo Inn in Bend, it isn't a fancy place but it was very nice and they do allow pets.
http://www.shiloinns.com/Oregon/bend.html

Personally I would recommend Sunriver. You can rent houses - actual vacation homes. They are equipped with everything you need except clothes and personal bath stuff. Many of the houses accept pets with a deposit. Many have hot tubs and some have many other things (games, videos, pool tables etc). We usually rent through a rental agency, but I have also seen houses on vrbo.com. This is the agency we use and have always been pleased, the stars are based on visitor opinion, I have given them myself. I like the pictures. www.sr-sunset.com/ There are other agencies, just check the web.

Christmas will be busy but the mall should be decked out very nicely.

I prefer Sunriver over Inn of the 7th Mt. because there is more to do (the mall) we can get a whole house to ourselves and the bike paths. The bike paths will (hopefully) have snow on them when you go but they are important to us. There are also equipment rentals in Sunriver if you need that (Bachelor has them too).

Enjoy!

Call Inn of the 7th Mountain and ask about the dog; you might eliminate one of your options altogether. As most homes there are privately owned, it might also be difficult finding a house in SunRiver where pets are allowed. If it turns out the dog is not a problem, for reasons Sara gives, choose SunRiver. Just more action there for your 12 year-old.

Of the two, Sunriver certainly has more to offer! At Christmastime they have all sorts of activities for children. Other than the mountain, the Inn is not near much. Enjoy! CJ