On New Year's Eve in Oregon, locals and visitors revel in the possibilities of the months to come. From ball drops to fireworks to First Night activities, every locale rings in the new year a little differently. As part of NewYearsQuest -- a MapQuest guide to the best New Year's Eve sights and sounds in the U.S. and in major cities around the world -- here are three recommended events for New Year's Eve 2011 in Oregon.

Oregon New Year's Eve Events Map

Snowshoe In The New Year

This New Year's Eve, replace fireworks with stars in Bend, Oregon, and snowshoe a half-mile through the ancient forest of Mount Bachelor with an expert guide from Wanderlust Tours. Owner Dave Nissen says, "Ground yourself in the beauty that nature offers as a unique way to celebrate the new year." Spend midnight enjoying the warmth of a snow-carved amphitheater glowing with a crackling fire, or venture out to jump from the cliffs of lava flows into a bed of powdered snow. Toast 2012 with hot cocoa and Schnapps, Baileys or a glass of champagne accompanied by delicacies from a local bakery. The New Year's Eve journey lasts from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. and costs $85 per person. Dress appropriately for temperatures around 10 degrees.

Wanderlust Tours, 143 SW Cleveland Ave., Bend, OR 97702

New Year's Eve Late-Night Skate For Kids

Springfield Skate World offers kids a venue to roll in the new year with Late-Night Roller Skate beginning at 7 p.m. With contemporary music booming in the rink and the aroma of pizza and popcorn tempting from the snack bar, kids celebrate 2012 their way with festive hats and horns. A video-game section enhances the party atmosphere. At midnight, balloons and candy rain from the ceiling onto the floor of the rink, where the party continues until 1 a.m. The cost of $13 includes party favors, and non-skating parents are admitted for free.

Springfield Skate World, 3188 Gateway Loop, Springfield, OR 97477

Free Fireworks At Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort

Majestic Mount Hood pierces the sky, beckoning snow lovers and merrymakers. In celebration of New Year's Eve, Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort presents free fireworks on the mountain at 10 p.m. for the public, while night skiers and snowboarders enjoy the show as a bonus. Dave Tragethon, director of marketing at the resort, explains that "Fireworks in the mountains reflect the incandescence of the snow, and we don't include music so that people can enjoy the natural echoes off the canyon walls." The ski resort also offers a New Year’s Eve celebration with live music and a buffet. Prices vary from $42 to $79 based on the package.

Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort, 14040 Highway 35, Mount Hood Parkdale, OR 97041

New Year's Eve In Oregon: Video

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