BEND, OR -- Downtown Bend shops dream of a White Christmas, and this year didn't disappoint. Rod Porsche, Executive Director of the Downtown Bend Business Association, says the holidays are hugely important to local retailers. “It’s second only to the heavy tourist season in the summertime for most of our retailers and restaurants in downtown Bend.”

He tells KBND News, more snow on the hill means better sales for downtown merchants. “It’s a game changer. I think if you look at the statistics, if there’s great skiing on Mt. Bachelor, that means there are people in downtown Bend, And that is really key for us. Particularly the restaurants and the bars.”