BEND, OR -- The Deschutes National Forest, along with Discover Your Forest, has restarted Interpretive Snow Tours at Mount Bachelor. Jean Nelson Dean, with the Forest Service, says they weren't sure they'd get to offer the educational tours this year. "During the government shutdown, because they are run by our volunteers, we were not able to carry those programs on." But, she tells KBND News, "Now that the Government is back up and running, those programs are up and running on the weekends, and our visitors and people here can still go and have a great experience up at Mt. Bachelor, with our Forest Service volunteers."

But, she says it will be an abbreviated season, due to the delay, "We just really want to encourage folks. We know things have been a little slow with having to stop and start again. And, we just want folks to get out there and enjoy these snow programs, the snowshoe tours, and skiing/snowboarding with a ranger, while they still can." Nelson Dean adds, "If people want to take advantage of the snowshoe tours, those snow tours happen on the weekends at 10 a.m. and 1:30. And, snowshoes are provided for everyone that comes. No prior experience needed, but people should dress appropriately for cold weather."

To sign up for a snowshoe, ski, or snowboard with a ranger tour, visit the Discover Your Forest website. The season stretches through March 31.