Methow Valley Winter Activities

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

The Mountaineers will be leading trips on January 6 and 7 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

• Saturday, January 6 with Chris Ensor. Register Online
• Saturday, January 6 with Linda Shewey.  Register Online
• Sunday, January 7 with Chris Ensor. Register Online
• Sunday, January 7 with Linda Shewey. Register Online

SNOWSHOE TRIPS

There are no snowshoe trips organized through The Mountaineers at this time.

Other Day-Time Activities

Informal Snowshoe Trip

Please note, this trip is not organized by The Mountaineers and The Mountaineers accept no responsibility.

• Date: Saturday, January 6, 2018
• Time: 10am 
• Meeting Location: Meet at the Sun Mountain Lodge Ski Shop near the door by the cashier.
• Details: For anyone familiar with basic snowshoeing who would like to join Mountaineer member Val Ensor (bright green jacket) on an approximately 4 miles round trip on marked Sun Mountain Snowshoe Trails:
  • No registration required
  • This will be a basic level trip on signed trails
  • Some prior snowshoeing experience is needed, but no course qualifications
  • A Methow Trails snowshoe trail pass ($5) or a ski trail pass is required for each person (available from the Sun Mountain Lodge Ski Shop and other locations)
  • Participants must provide their own snowshoes or rent them for the tour
  • Bring water, snacks, warm hat, and gloves, and expect any kind of weather on the mountain (snow, rain, wind, sun, etc.)
  • Snowshoe rental is available at the Sun Mountain Ski Shop and other locations at special Winter Trails Weekend rates. See LESSONS, RENTALS, AND OUTFITTING DEALS, below.

Please note, this trip is not organized by The Mountaineers and The Mountaineers accept no responsibility.

For more information on this informal trip, please email Val Ensor. 

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.

• Partner Organization: Methow Trails
• Date and Time: Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11am. Tours will last 90-120 minutes, depending on conditions. 
• 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, there is a small parking lot to the right of the inn.
• 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. 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 6, 2018
• 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 the 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, January 6 & 7, 2018 at 1, 2 & 3pm
• Cost: $17/Adult and $12/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

Open Skate on Jan. 5: 3:30-5:30 pm, Jan. 6: 2:45-4:45 pm, Jan.7: 12-2 pm. For additional information about ice skating activities, please visit Winthrop Rink. 

FUN IN THE EVENINGS

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

• Date and Time: Saturday Evening, Jan. 6, 6-8pm
• Partner Organization: Methow Valley Ciderhouse
• 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 pork sausages from Thomson's Custom Meats in Twisp, Homemade Soups, Grilled Sandwiches & Salads. 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. Large screen TV and live music from the "Rambling Apples" (Randy, Jerome & Richard) 
• 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 6, 2018 leaves at 5pm and gets back a little after 7pm.
• 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:  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 6, 2018 from 4-5pm. The Tasting Room is also open each Friday, Saturday, and 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

Jan. 5: Night Skate 6:00-8:00 pm. 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

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 6 & 7, 2018. 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 6 & 7, 2018 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 6 & 7, 2018. You specify the time, location and any request for a specific instructor. 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 6 & 7, 2018 and get:

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

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 10% off store-wide purchases during Winter Trails Weekend 2018. 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, the Cascades Outdoor Store will offer $10 ski demos (one day only per person) and $20 fat bike rentals (one day per person). This will include our regular rental skis, as well as high performance skate skis and the amazing Rossignol R-Skin classic ski. (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!

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 .

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 2018 activities are eligible for 25% discount on all rentals during Winter Trails Weekend. To claim, please show this ad or quote "WT18" to the sales staff. Mountaineers may also show their membership cards. 

Store Location: Behind the Mazama Store at 50 Lost River Rd in Mazama. For more information, email Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies or call 509-996-2515.

METHOW CYCLE AND SPORTS

• Store Location: 29 State Route 20, Winthrop, WA. 98862
• Phone Number: 509-996-3645 
•  Website: http://methowcyclesport.com/
• Find directions here.

Special Rates for Winter Trails Day Weekend! State that you are taking part in Winter Trails Weekend, Jan 6 & 7, 2018 and get:

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

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 the North Cascades Mountain Hostel 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
• www.centralreservations.net 

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