Methow Valley Winter Trails Weekend

PLEASE NOTE - 

 In 2020, we will offer a Mountaineers Friday and Monday Nordic ski trip for the first time.

There are a plethora of winter activities for the whole family to enjoy during Winter Trails weekend in the beautiful Methow Valley! In addition to trips and outdoor outings happening during the day, check out the fun evening activities happening in the valley. Don't forget to check out the great deals available for lodging accommodations and rentals.

MOUNTAINEERS TRIPS (2020)

The Mountaineers will be leading trips on January 3-6 in the Methow Valley in celebration of Winter Trails Month. The trips are free, but you must register in advance through The Mountaineers website to participate. 

CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRIPS  2020

• Friday, January  3 with Cheri Solien. Advanced. Register Online
• Saturday, January 4 with Danielle Graham and Cheri Solien. Advanced. Register Online
• Saturday, January 4 with Chris Ensor. Beginner/Intermediate. Register Online
• Saturday, January  4 with Linda Shewey. Intermediate. Register Online
• Sunday, January  5 with Chris Ensor. Beginner/Intermediate. Register Online
• Sunday, January 5 with Linda Shewey. Intermediate. Register Online
• Sunday, January 5 with Cheri Solien. Intermdiate/Advanced. Register Online
• Monday, January 6 with Linda Shewey. Intermediate. Register Online

OTHER DAY-TIME ACTIVITIES 

NATURE OF WINTER GUIDED SNOWSHOE TRIP AT SUN MOUNTAIN

A Methow Trails volunteer will lead a family-friendly snowshoe tour that focuses on winter ecology, wildlife and tracks, snow science and more.

• Partner Organization: Methow Trails
• Date and Time: Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 11am. The tour will last 90-120 minutes, depending on conditions. 
• Meeting Location: Meet at the Sun Mountain Lodge Activities Shop. Please arrive early if you wish to rent snowshoes and buy a trail pass. (Sun Mountain shop offers 25% off rentals during Nature of Winter Trails Day weekend.) 
• Directions to Sun Mountain: From the 4-way stop in downtown Winthrop, drive south approximately 1 mile. The road curves to the right, crossing the bridge over the Methow River, and immediately after crossing the bridge the road will “Y” – turn right onto Twin Lakes Road and follow this road 3.2 miles to Patterson Lake Road. Turn right onto Patterson Lake Road and follow the signs 6.4 miles up to Sun Mountain Lodge. Go into the Lobby and turn left for the shop.     
• Registration Details: There will be two tour guides and they can accommodate up to 20 people. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No prior registration is required. The tour is free but Methow Trails snowshoe trail pass ($5) or a ski trail pass is required for each person and participants must provide their own snowshoes or rent them for the tour.
• Email Methow Trails for information or call 509-996-3287.
• Snowshoe Rentals and Trail Passes are available at: 
  • Sun Mountain, Ski School, Methow Valley Ski School & Rentals (in Mazama), Methow Cycle and Sport: in each case ask for the Winter Trails rental deal!
  • Cascades Outdoor Store, Winthrop.
  • Winthrop Mountain Sports, Winthrop.
  • Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies, Mazama Junction: Mountaineer members can ask for a Winter Trails rental deal!
  • See later in this event information for All our Winter Trails Weekend snowshoe and other equipment rental deals under "LESSONS, RENTALS AND OUTFITTING DEALS"

FAT BIKING DEMO IN WINTHROP 

An opportunity to try free fat bike rides on snow! 

• Partner Organization: Methow Cycle & Sport Website: http://methowcyclesport.com/
• Date and Time:, 9am-12pm, Saturday January 4, 2020
• Location of Activity: 19 Bear Creek Golf Course Rd
• Registration Details: No formal registration required. Children and young people under 18 will need an adult to sign the waiver for them. Cost is FREE!
• Directions: http://www.bearcreekgolfcourse.com/-map-and-directions From Winthrop, head southeast (toward Twisp) on East Side County Road, take a left on Bear Creek Road, take a left on Bear Creek Golf Course Rd.
• Other Information: Come prepared for winter weather—warm gloves and winter boots recommended. There is no maximum numbers but limited bikes and sizes are available so it may be necessary for participants to wait until the correct size bike is available. Participants will need to sign a liability waiver with Methow Cycle & Sport at the trailhead. For any other questions email Methow Cycle & Sport or call 509-996-3645.

WINTER SLEIGH RIDES AT SUN MOUNTAIN 

Glide through the snow tucked warmly into a sleigh drawn by mammoth draft horses you will arrive at an old-fashioned packer’s tent to enjoy the views and a hot cup of cocoa.

• Date and Time: Saturday & Sunday, January 4 & 5, 2020 at 1, 2 & 3pm
• Cost: $20/Adult and $15/Child (12 and under) plus tax. 
• Partner Organization: Sun Mountain Lodge 
• Location of Activity: Entrance to Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop WA. Click here for directions to the lodge. 
• Registration: Call 509-996-4735 to reserve your seat or email Sun Mountain Lodge. 

ICE SKATING IN WINTHROP

Daytime Open Skate sessions on Jan. 3: 12-2:30 & 2:45-5:45pm, Jan. 4: 12:15-2pm and Jan.5: 12-2pm. Please visit: www.winthroprink.org and select “click here to view our full season schedule”. For additional information about ice skating activities, please visit Winthrop Rink. 

BEAR MOUNTAIN LUGE EXPERIENCE

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO LOW SNOW CONDITIONS IT'S UNLIKELY THE LUGE WILL BE AVAILABLE THIS WEEKEND. Check with partner organization.

From the Loup Loup parking lot, take a snowcat to the top of Bear Mountain and Luge
sled down more than 12 km of groomed trails. Visit https://skitheloup.com/bear-
mountain-luge-experience/  for more information. Advance reservations are suggested
which can be made on the web site.

• Partner Organization: Loup Loup Ski Bowl. Also 509-557-3401 or info@skitheloup.com
• Date and Time: Saturday, January 4 and Sunday January 5 with Snowcat Departure
  Times (weather permitting) at 9:30 am • 11:00 am • 1:00 pm • 2:30 pm. You must arrive 1 hour before your scheduled departure for training.  
• Meeting Location: Loup Loup Ski Bowl Parking Lot.  Directions to Loup Loup: 97 FS 4200 100 Road Okanogan, WA 98840. Located between Twisp and Okanogan on Highway 20, Loup Loup is just a short trip between Okanogan and the Methow Valley.
• Cost:  Snowcat Tickets are $36 per trip (includes sled rental) Single Cat Ride to top
  of Bear Mountain are $19 per trip (for those who already own a luge sled or wish to

SNOWSHOE AND FAT BIKING OPPORTUNITIES AT BEAR CREEK GOLF COURSE AND BEYOND! 

An opportunity to snowshoe and fat bike on your own on 8k of trails. People can travel from the golf course to the Pearrygin Lake Sno-Park trails or vice versa giving more k's and lots of options.

• Partner Organization: Bear Creek Golf Curse.  Website: http://www.bearcreekgolfcourse.com/-fat-bike-and-snow-shoe-rental-rates
• Date and Time: Thursday-Sunday 9:00-Twilight
• Registration Details: No prior registration required.
• Location of Activity: 19 Bear Creek Golf Course Rd.
• Cost: A trail pass is required: $10 for fat biking and $5 per day for snowshoeing. No pass required for parking at the golf club.
• Directions: http://www.bearcreekgolfcourse.com/-map-and-directions From Winthrop, head southeast (toward Twisp) on East Side County Road, take a left on Bear Creek Road, take a left on Bear Creek Golf Course Rd.
• Other Information: Fat bikes and snowshoes can be rented or bring your own. For any other questions email info@bearcreekgolfcourse.com or call 509-996-2284 

FUN IN THE EVENINGS 

MEET-N-GREET AT THE METHOW VALLEY CIDERHOUSE IN WINTHROP

• Date and Time: Friday and Saturday Evening, Jan. 3 &  4, 6-8pm.   Live music both evenings from 6pm. Friday featuring TR Stewart singing and strumming his version of Cowboy Americana Saturday featuring the "Rivertown Ramblers" (Chris, Randy, Jerome and Richard).
•  Our main Meet-n-Greet will be on the Saturday evening 6-8pm.  Also, the Seahawks V Eagles Playoff Game can be watched on the Ciderhouse's large screen TV on Sunday at 1:40pm
• Location of Activity: 28 WA Hwy 20, Winthrop. The Ciderhouse is conveniently located on Highway 20, west of Winthrop town center next to the ball field. Walk from downtown Winthrop or bring your car - lots of room to park!
• Registration and Restrictions: No prior registration or reservations are required. Join fellow Mountaineers, guests, friends and representatives from our partner organizations for a fun evening of food, beer, locally produced cider, and non-alcoholic beverages. Kid Friendly.
• Menu and Facilities: The menu features artisan chicken and brats from Hanks Market in Twisp, Homemade Soups, Grilled Sandwiches & Salads. Also, House Smoked Ribs, Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches and Personal Pizzas.  Also home-made desserts. There are Vegan and Gluten Free options. Beverages include seven Ciderhouse ciders on tap (all grown from organically grown apples), a good selection of beers on tap, and rotating regional wines plus many non-alcoholic options. 
• Cost: There is no entrance or cover charge. You are responsible for ordering and paying for your own food and beverages.
• Information: For information on the Ciderhouse visit: Methow Valley Ciderhouse, email methowcider@gmail.com or call 509-341-4354.

WINTER SLEIGH RIDE DINNER AT SUN MOUNTAIN

Gliding through the snow tucked warmly into a sleigh drawn by mammoth draft horses, you arrive at an old-fashioned packer’s tent to enjoy dinner! This hearty, Western-style meal features an entrée, bread, homemade dessert, and coffee, tea, or milk.

• Date and Time:  Saturday, January 4, 2020 leaves at 5pm and gets back a little after 7pm.
• Cost: $60 plus tax for adults and $45 plus tax for kids for sleigh ride and dinner. 
• Partner Organization: Sun Mountain Lodge 
• Location of Activity: Entrance to Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop WA. Click here for directions to the lodge. 
• Registration:  Call 509-996-4735 to reserve your seat or email Sun Mountain Lodge. 

SNOW LOVERS WINE TASTING AT LOST RIVER WINERY, WINTHROP

 Enjoy a special late afternoon tasting of wonderful wines at the Methow Valley’s only commercial winery.

• Date and Time: Saturday, January 4, 2020 from 4-5pm. The Tasting Room is also open each Thursday through Monday from 11am-5pm.
• Partner Organization: Lost River Winery
• Registration and Restrictions: No registration is required and the tasting is FREE but everyone wishing to taste must be over 21. People under 21 are welcome to be at the tasting room. Sparking apple cider and water will be available to anyone under age or above who does not wish to taste wine. If you like one or more of the red, white or reserve wines you are invited to purchase one or more bottles. Discounts are offered for cases of 12.
• Location: Lost River Winery Tasting Room, 26 Highway 20, Winthrop. From downtown Winthrop travel west half a mile towards Mazama on Highway 20. The tasting room is just beyond the baseball field on the right hand side.
• Contact: For questions email Liam Doyle, Marketing Director or call 509-996-2888.
• Additional Info: Visit the Lost River Winery website to find out more about their current wine selection or online purchase options. 

NIGHT ICE SKATING IN WINTHROP 

Evening Floodlit Open Skate on Jan. 3:  6:00-9:00 pm & Jan 4: 5:15-7pm. For additional information about ice skating activities, please visit Winthrop Rink. 

DINNER AND LIVE MUSIC AT THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE BREWERY, WINTHROP

Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10pm (21+ after 9 pm) for live music with pub grub and a fine selection of beers brewed on site, plus a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Learn more at the Schoolhouse Brewery website.

 If you arrive in time on Friday evening come and join other Mountaineers here about 7 pm Friday evening for dinner and/or a drink.

LESSONS, RENTALS, AND OUTFITTING DEALS 

CASCADES OUTDOOR STORE 

This is the place to go in downtown Winthrop for any ski or snowshoe equipment and clothing you may have left at home or want to upgrade or rent. To see our wide range of outdoor gear please check out the Cascades Outdoor Store website.

All participating Mountaineers members are eligible for 20% off store-wide purchases during Winter Trails Weekend 2020. This discount is in addition to our already marked down prices on all skis and ski packages. To claim please show sales staff your membership card. 

DEMO OPPORTUNITIES at Cascades Outdoor Store! Come demo skis and fat bikes. For Winter Trails Weekend, Cascades Outdoor Store will offer 50% off ski and fat bike rentals (one day per person). This will include skin, skate and touring skis. (Normal rates are $24-$30 for ski rentals, and $35-$45 for fatbike rentals). Both are subject to availability, no reservations.

Our weekend operating hours are 9am to 6pm. Those who arrive before 6pm on Friday can pick up demo skis and bikes that evening and return before 6pm Saturday. Those wishing to demo on Sunday can get a pair of demo skis or a fat bike out on Saturday before 6pm and return before you leave on Sunday afternoon.

Our #1 goal is to let people experience quality equipment, as it really does make them better skiers and tends to be more fun! Check out this short video on how to hot wax your skis: https://cascadesoutdoorstore.com/ski-rentals-sales-services/

This link will also give the opportunity to see other ski videos. Come into the store for additional waxing, equipment and supplies information and advice.

Store Location: Downtown Winthrop, next to the four way stop sign. Find more information on the Cascades Outdoor Store website, call 509-996-3480 or send an email .

SUN MOUNTAIN SKI SCHOOL

Treat yourself to a private ski lesson and rent equipment at special Winter Trails Day rates and try Hok skiing with Sun Mountain Ski School.

• Dates and Time: Saturday & Sunday January 4 & 5, 2020. You specify the time, location and any request for a specific instructor. Open every winter day from 9am to 5pm. 
• Location: Sun Mountain Lodge. Find directions here. 
• Cost and Registration: Visit the ski school site for lesson rates and rental rates. Contact staff in advance to book a private lesson for 1-3 people, or to inquire about rental equipment. Call 509-996-4735  or email Sun Mountain Lodge

Special Rates for Winter Trails Day Weekend! State that you are taking part in Winter Trails Day over the weekend of January 4 & 6, 2020 and get:

• 25% off ski rentals
• 25% off snowshoe rentals
• 25% off private ski lessons

METHOW VALLEY SKI SCHOOL AND RENTALS

Treat yourself to a private lesson for 1-3 people and rent equipment at special Winter Trails Day rates with Methow Valley Ski School and Rentals. 

• Dates and Time: Saturday & Sunday January 4 & 5, 2020. 

   We have lessons going at certain times every hour and we like to teach out of our teaching area near the shop. When you call or email, we can sign you up for a specific time. You can also request a specific instructor. We are open every winter day from 9am to 5pm.

• Location: Mazama Junction. Find directions here. 
• Cost and Registration: Visit the ski school site for lesson rates and rental rates. Contact staff in advance to book a private lesson or to inquire about rental equipment. Call 509-996-3744 or email.

Special Rates for Winter Trails Day Weekend! State that you are taking part in the Winter Trails Weekend of January 4 & 5, and get:

• 25% off ski rentals
• 25% off snowshoe rentals
• 25% off private ski lessons

GOAT'S BEARD MOUNTAIN SUPPLIES

Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies has a variety of winter rental items including fat bikes, Nordic skis, snowshoes, and backcountry ski equipment. 

Their knowledgeable staff can get you equipped, and on to your winter adventures. All Mountaineer members and others participating in Winter Trails Weekend 2020 activities are eligible for 25% discount on all rentals during Winter Trails Weekend. To claim, please show this ad or quote "WT19" to the sales staff. Mountaineers may also show their membership cards. 

Store Location: 44 Lost River Rd in Mazama beside the Mazama Store. For more information, email Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies or call 509-996-2515.

METHOW CYCLE AND SPORTS 

• Methow Cycle & Sport is the Valley’s source for fatbike and Nordic ski information, rentals, demos and sales. We also stock a great selection of winter apparel and accessories and offer ski and fatbike service.

  As part of the Winter Trails Day Weekend, January 4-5, Mountaineers will enjoy the following special rental rates and discounts:

  • $10/day Madshus Nordic skin ski demos*
  • $10/day Nordic ski rentals
  • $20 half-day fatbike rentals, with complimentary pogies
  • $10/day snowshoe rentals
  • $10 Nordic hot wax service
  • 20% off any ski and fatbike apparel

  *Methow Cycle & Sport is a Madshus Skin Ski Demo Center. Mountaineers receive 10% off any purchase of in-stock demo skis.

  Please call 509-996-3645 or email rideyourbike@methowcyclesport.com to make a reservation.

  MCS is located at 29 State Route 20, Winthrop, WA 98862, across from the ballfield in Winthrop. Find directions here.

  Store hours are 9am – 5:30pm Monday – Saturday and 9am – 5pm Sunday.

  For more information: http://methowcyclesport.com

PLEASE NOTE: ALL THESE SKI SHOPS OFFER AN OVERNIGHT HOT WAX SERVICE. It's about $15 plus tax. Even wax-less skies need the occasional hot wax, plus regular use of a glide wax wipes all along the base (even the central scales section). You will be able to purchase some from these locations also.

LODGING ACCOMODATIONS

NORTH CASCADES MOUNTAIN HOSTEL

The North Cascades Mountain Hostel has comfortable, friendly, budget lodging in the center of Winthrop. Mountaineers members always receive 10% off rooms all year round! Visit their https://www.northcascadesmountainhostel.com/ website to reserve a bed.

OTHER LODGING

Use these websites to find other lodging options in inns, B&B, cabins & houses in and close to Winthrop:

• www.winthropwashington.com
• https://www.methowreservations.com

Some lodging providers require 2-day minimum stay over weekends.