Methow Valley Cross-Country Ski Tour

Meet us early in the morning. It’s a bit of a drive to the valley, so dress comfortably and plan to relax in the van for the ride. We will stop for lunch along the way. Mazama means ‘mountain goat’, but we are more likely to see mule deer and pileated woodpeckers in winter. Once we arrive in the valley, change into your ski clothes for a gear fitting. We will provide an introductory lesson in the flat ‘test run’ area just outside the ski shop. If you already know what you’re doing, you can head out on the groomed trails – the area is wide open, with broad fields and loop trails so you won’t get lost. Take a little time to get used to the equipment, then it’s off to the Inn at Mazama for the first of three nights here. 

We start the day with another short lesson (for those that want it). Then we’re off to explore a flat-to-rolling 10 km section of the 30 km Methow Community Trail. If you’re up for a loop, head back up the valley on an 8 km rolling section of trail, or hop in the shuttle waiting near the end. Lunch is a fun, quaint affair at the Mazama Country Store. This afternoon, relax in the hot tub, swap skis for snowshoes if you wish – or slip away for another 10- 12k out-and-back cruise to an area called Base Camp.

After breakfast, we head out to explore the upper valley. Ski the River Run Loop this morning, through a beautiful valley surrounded by snow-covered cliffs, with glimpses of the snowy Cascade Range peaks in the distance. Today’s trails head into the narrower part of the Methow Valley. Cozy woods alternate with open meadows and big flat loops. Soak up the sunshine at a spot affectionately named ‘Cow Beach.’ After lunch, ski (or shuttle) to Jack’s Hut and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Choose to keep exploring the trails by ski or snowshoe. Or head into the lodge to snuggle up by the fire.

We head south 18 km on the community trail to Brown’s Farm this morning. Fit in as many – or as few – kilometers as you wish: there are plenty of opportunities to hop in the van. Arrive to greet a smiling guide and head into Winthrop to enjoy a nice hot lunch. Done skiing? Shuttle up to Sun Mountain Lodge for a soak in the hot tub and maybe even a massage (book your appointment ahead of time). Or get out on snowshoes to explore the expansive views from the ridge. Dinner is at the lodge tonight, so the afternoon is all yours.

From Sun Mountain Lodge, we shuttle down to Chickadee Trailhead. Beginner and intermediate skiers can try their legs on the trails at Sunnyside or Beaver Pond. The terrain is woodsier here, but there’s also an open flat area for honing your technique. Intermediate and advanced skiers might choose to tackle hillier trails like the Thompson Ridge Road and Meadowlark Loop. This afternoon is a good time to get a massage (if you opted out yesterday), soak in the hot tub or sit by the fire. We will head into Winthrop for a nice closing dinner, reflecting on the memories of great skiing and amazing scenery.

Have breakfast at the lodge and get an early start this morning to squeeze in another half day of skiing along the Chickadee Trails. After packing up, we’ll hop in the van for the drive to Winthrop to explore the town and have a bite of lunch on your own. Then it’s back in the van to finish the remainder of the drive back to Seattle.