Winter Trails Day - Methow Valley

Join The Mountaineers for a weekend of enjoyable outdoor activities in the beautiful Methow Valley in central Washington, where some of the best skiing, snowshoeing and winter festivities take place every year! Parts of the valley and other areas of Okanogan County were ravaged by wild fires over the summer of 2014 and 2015 but all the winter trails and facilities as well as most of the magical views were unaffected.

Contacts

Christopher Ensor
Christopher Ensor
Event Contact
  • Fri, Jan 8, 2016 03:00 PM to Sun, Jan 10, 2016 05:00 PM
  • Seattle Skiing Committee
  • Seattle
  • iCal

We have a plethora of winter activities for the whole family to enjoy over the Winter Trails Day weekend. In addition to trips and outdoor outings happening during the day check out the fun evening activities happening in the valley. And don't forget to check out the great deals Mountaineers and other participants can get on accommodations and rentals. 

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

Mountaineers ski and snowshoe leaders will be leading trips on January 9 and 10 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

Join Mountaineers leader Chris Ensor on Saturday January 9th. Click here for more details and to register online. 

Join Mountaineers leader Chris Ensor on Sunday January 10th. Click here for more details and to register online. 

SNOWSHOE TRIPS

Join Mountaineers leader Erik Swanson on Saturday January 9th. Click here for more details and to register online.

Join Mountaineers leader Tom Cushing on Saturday January 9th. Click here for more details and to register online

Join Mountaineers leader Tom Cushing on Sunday January 10th. Click here for more details and to register online. 

NATURE OF WINTER GUIDED SNOWSHOE

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, Jan. 09, 11:00 a.m. Both tours will last 90-120 minutes, depending on conditions. 
  • Tour Meeting Location: Meet at either the Sun Mountain Lodge Ski Shop or at North Cascades Basecamp Warming Hut 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 North Cascades Basecamp: travelling west from Winthrop Turn off Highway 20 at the Mazama turnoff, and turn left at the junction of Lost River Road and Goat Creek Road. Physically go past the Mazama Store, and continue up Lost River Road for 2.2 miles. The Basecamp is located on the left side of the road. You'll see our large wooden sign reads "North Cascades Lodge and Basecamp".
  • 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 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)
    • Winthrop Mountain Sports, Winthrop
    • Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies, Mazama Junction
    • North Cascades Basecamp, Lost River Road, Mazama

Sponsored by Methow Trails, the US Forest Service and Atlas Snowshoes

FAT BIKING DEMO

An opportunity to try free fat bike rides on snow! 

  • Partner Organization: Methow Cycle & Sport Website: http://methowcyclesport.com/
  • Date and Time:, 9am-12noon, Saturday, January 9.
  • Location of Activity: Winthrop Town 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. Take the second right turn immediately after Winthrop Physical Therapy. Park in the 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  or call 509.996.3645 

FAT BIKING DEMO

An opportunity to try free fat bike rides on snow! 

  • Partner Organization: Methow Cycle & Sport Website: http://methowcyclesport.com/
  • Date and Time:, 9am-12noon, Saturday, January 9.
  • Location of Activity: Winthrop Town 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. Take the second right turn immediately after Winthrop Physical Therapy. Park in the 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  or call 509.996.3645 

ICE SKATING 

3 days of skating possibilities at Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink! Friday there is Open Skating at 1 pm and 3:30 pm and an evening skate dance party from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The evening skate party is themed "Superheros and Villains" and if you dress up you get 50% off admission!  Saturday and Sunday  Open skate is from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. See you on the ice!

FUN IN THE EVENINGS

WINTER SLEIGH RIDES

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 9 & 10 at 1, 2 & 3 pm
  • Cost: $17 per adult and $12 per child (12 and under) plus tax. These are 2015 prices and are subject to change for 2016

WINTER SLEIGH RIDE DINNER

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 9, leaves at 5 pm and gets back a little after 7 pm.
  • Cost: $45 per adult, $35 per child plus tax for sleigh ride and dinner. These  are 2015 prices are subject to review for 2016. Please contact us for details after Thanksgiving.
  • 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

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

  • Date and Time: Saturday, Jan. 10, 5:00 to 6:00 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 , 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.

DANCE SKATE PARTY

Friday only from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. Come have a lot of fun skating to music at the Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink.  Skate dance party is themed "Superheros and Villains" and if you dress up you get 50% off admission!

DINNER AND LIVE MUSIC AT THE OLD SCHOOLHOUSE BREWERY IN 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 DAYS 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 room.

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:

DEALS DURING WINTER TRAILS DAY WEEKEND

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  They are offering $10 off any purchase of over $50 in January using this coupon which you can print out or show on your phone. 222 Riverside Ave. Winthrop (509) 996-3480.

LESSONS AND RENTALS

NORDIC SKI LESSONS PLUS SKI, SNOWSHOE & HOK SKISHOE RENTALS  & HOK DEMO

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 9 & 10. 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 2015, Jan 9 & 10 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) 

Keep checking back for more activity details and lodging partner offers for this fun family friendly weekend!

Location
Methow Valley
Winthrop, WA

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