The turning of the year is a wonderful thing, full of hope, dreams and happy expectations. We'd like to add to the excitement with 12 Oregon outdoor ideas, one for each month of the year, from the extreme to the sublime.

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January

Meteorologists are predicting "epic" snow in January, so you must must must head into the powder this month. Since it's a new year, why not try something new?

Extreme: Cat Ski. Yeah. Fork over some dough and take a ride into the back-country for some thrilling untracked runs on Oregon's deep, dry and steep. Options: Cat Ski Mt. Bailey. Anthony Lakes Ski Area.

Sublime: Snowshoes and fois gras: Combine rugged outdoor landscapes with a gourmet culinary experience. I love the idea of contrasts, and one of my favorite ways to achieve this is to pack an elegant picnic and hike it into the woods on your snowshoes. Menu ideas: prosciutto and cantelope (talk about fabulous contrasts!), brie wrapped in puff pastry, sliced apples, champagne, and Ghirardelli hot cocoa flavored with a peppermint stick. Options: Tumalo Falls. Suttle Lake Loop.