Winter Trails Weekend January 6-8

The Mountaineers partners with local organizations and business in the Methow to provide a slew of activities during the day and in the evening for the whole family. Check out the wide variety of activities below ranging from adventuring in the snow, to ice skating, to curling up with a glass of wine at the local winery. 

DAYTIME ON-SNOW ACTIVITIES

Mountaineers ski and snowshoe leaders will be leading trips on January 7 and 8 in the Methow Valley in celebration of Winter Trails Weekend. The trips are free but you must register through The Mountaineers site to participate.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRIPS

JAN 7

• Join Mountaineers leader Chris Ensor on Saturday January 7th to ski Mazama trails. Click here for more details and to register online.
• Join Mountaineers leader Linda Shewey for a cross country ski trip. She plans to explore the west end of the Community Trail from Winthrop towards Wolf Ridge. Click here for more details and to register online. 

• Join Mountaineers leader Chris Ensor on Sunday January 8th to ski Sun Mountain trails. Click here for more details and to register online.
• Join Mountaineers leader Linda Shewey for a cross country ski trip around Sun Mountain area. Click here for more details and to register online. 

SNOWSHOE TRIPS

JAN 7

• Join Mountaineers leader Tom Cushing on Saturday January 7th for a scenic loop skirting the western shore of Patterson Lake, west of Winthrop. Sign up here
• Join Mountaineers leader Tim Lawson for an easygoing beginner snowshoe trip. Sign up here

• Join Mountaineers leader Tom Cushing on Sunday January 8th for  a snowshoe loop beginning and ending at Sun Mountain Lodge, traversing forest and ridgeline, and visiting a historic settler's homestead on the way. Sign up here
• Join Mountaineers leader Tim Lawson for an easygoing beginner snowshoe trip. Sign up here

NATURE OF WINTER GUIDED SNOWSHOE TRIPS AT SUN MOUNTAIN & MAZAMA

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

• Partner Organization: Methow Trails
• Date and Time: Saturday, Jan. 07, 11:00am. Both tours will last 90-120 minutes, depending on conditions. 
• Tour Meeting Location: Meet at either the Sun Mountain Lodge Ski Shop or at Jack’s Hut, Freestone Inn in Mazama. 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.     
• Directions to Jacks Hut: travelling west from Winthrop on Highway 20 pass the Mazama turnoff on your right and turn left about a mile further onto Early Winter Drive at  the sign for the Freestone Inn. Follow signs for the Inn and Jacks Hut that you will find to the right of the inn and has its own small parking lot.
• Registration Details: Tour size is limited to 10 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.  Contact Methow trails for information by email using info@methowtrails.org  or call 509-996-3287
• Snowshoe Rentals and trails passes are available at: Methow Valley Ski School & Rentals (3 locations: Sun Mountain Lodge Activities Shop, Mazama Junction and Methow Cycle and Sport, Winthrop (ask for WTD rental deal) Cascades Outdoor Store, Winthrop. Winthrop Mountain Sports, Winthrop. Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies, Mazama Junction

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 Jan 7.
• Location of Activity: Winthrop Fish Hatchery Trailhead.
• 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: From the 4-way stop in downtown Winthrop drive south approximately 1 mile. The road then curves to the right, crossing a bridge across the Methow River. Immediately after crossing the bridge the road will “Y” – turn right onto Twin Lakes Road. Carry on past the Winthrop Physical Therapy building and town trailhead on the right and the entrance to the Winthrop Fish hatchery is soon after on the right. Park in the trailhead parking lot.
• 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, Jan 7 & 8 at 1, 2 & 3 pm
• Cost: $17 per adult and $12 per 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: After Thanksgiving, call 509-996-4735 to reserve your seat or email activity@sunmountainlodge.com

 OTHER DAY TIME ACTIVITIES

ICE SKATING IN WINTHROP

Saturday and Sunday: Open Skate Sessions for all ages at the Winthrop Rink, 12:00 to 2:00 pm. 

FUN IN THE EVENINGS

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 a dinner include a hearty, Western-style meal featuring entrée, bread, homemade dessert, and coffee, tea, or milk.

• Date and Time: Jan 7, leaves at 5 pm and gets back a little after 7 pm.
• Cost: $54 plus tax for adults and $41 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: After Thanksgiving, call 509-996-4735 to reserve your seat or email activity@sunmountainlodge.com

WINE TASTING AT LOST RIVER WINERY, WINTHROP

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

• Date and Time: Saturday, Jan. 7, 4:00 to 5:00 pm. PLEASE NOTE this time is one hour earlier than previously posted to allow participants to view the playoffs on TV starting about 5:00 pm. The Tasting Room is also open each Friday, Saturday and Monday 11-5 pm
• 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 contact Liam Doyle, Marketing Director  509.996.2888  or e-mail: 

Additional Info: Visit their website to find out more about their current wine selection or online purchase options

Night Ice Skating in Winthrop

Friday, Jan. 6: Night skate at the Winthrop Rink. Skate under the lights from 6:15 - 9:00 pm. This open ski session is for skaters of all ages. There will be half-off admission for all.

For more details see:  Winthrop Rink.  

DINNER AND LIVE MUSIC AT THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE BREWERY, WINTHROP

Friday and Saturday from 7:00 to 10:00 pm (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. 

PLACES TO STAY OVER WINTER TRAILS WEEKEND

North Cascades Mountain Hostel- Comfortable, friendly budget lodging in the center of Winthrop with a 10% discount for Mountaineers members. Visit their 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. Some lodging providers require 2-day minimum stay at weekends:

• winthropwashington.com
• centralreservations.net

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 their wide range of outdoor gear please check out their website:  http://cascadesoutdoorstore.com  

All participating Mountaineer members are eligible for 10% off store-wide during Winter Trails Weekend.  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. Store location: Downtown Winthrop, next to the four way stop sign. Contact the store:   cascadesoutdoorstore@gmail.com or call 509-996-3480

Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies

We carry a full line of the best equipment, clothing, and footwear to meet your outdoor recreation needs.  But, more importantly, we have the knowledge and willingness to help you determine what is best for you as well as helping plan your adventures in the Methow Valley. Learn more on our website, all Mountaineer members and others participating in Winter Trails Weekend activities are eligible for 10% off store-wide purchases during Winter Trails Weekend. To claim please show this ad or quote "WT17" to the sales staff. Mountaineers may also show their membership cards. 

Store location: Behind the Mazama Store at 50 Lost River Rd in Mazama. Contact the store by phone 509-996-2515 or email us at cb@goatsbeardmountainsupplies.com  

 LESSONS AND RENTALS

METHOW VALLEY SKI SCHOOL Treat yourself to an individual or small group ski lesson and rent equipment at special Winter Trails Day rates and try Hok skiing with Methow Valley Ski School. 

Dates and Time: Saturday & Sunday Jan 7& 8. You specify the time, location and any request for a specific instructor. Open every winter day from 9am to 5pm. 

Location: Three locations: Sun Mountain Lodge, Methow Cycle & Sports and Mazama Junction. Find directions for all three locations here.

Cost and Registration: Visit the ski school site for Lesson rates and rental rates. Contact staff at each location in advance to book an individual or group lesson or inquire about rental equipment. For Sun Mountain call (509) 996-4735, for Mazama call (509) 996-3744 and for Winthrop call (509) 996-4735 or 996-3645 or e-mail: xcski@methownet.com

Special Rates for Winter Trails Day Weekend: State that you are taking part in Winter Trails Day 2017, Jan 7 & 8 and get:

• 25% off ski rentals
• 25% off snowshoe rentals
• 25% off private ski lessons
• Special group lessons skate and classic for $20 each (minimum 4 people) 

Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies

We have a variety of Winter Rental items including Fat Bikes, Nordic skis, snowshoes, and backcountry ski equipment. Check out all gear on the Goat's Beard website.   Our knowledgeable staff can get you equipped, and on to your winter adventures. All Mountaineer members and others participating in Winter Trails Weekend activities are eligible for 25% discount on all rentals during Winter Trails Weekend. To claim please show this ad. or quote "WT17" to the sales staff. Mountaineers may also show their membership cards. 

Store location: Behind the Mazama Store at 50 Lost River Rd in Mazama.  Contact the store:  call 509-996-2515 or email us at cb@goatsbeardmountainsupplies.com