Washington, USA

Methow Cross-Country Ski Tour

DURATION

6 Days

PRICE

$3,562

LEVEL

All Levels

DAILY DISTANCE

3-8 Miles

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

Cross-country skiing (lessons & equipment included), Snowshoeing (equipment included).

INCLUDED MEALS

All except one lunch and one dinner

Discover and explore what we ultimately strive for in a cycling vacation–which is to simply “Pedal Happy”.

Washington’s gorgeous Methow Valley is the nation’s largest cross-country ski area, with over 200 kilometers (120 miles) of groomed trails. Nestled into the Northeast slope of the Cascade Mountains and surrounded by over a million acres of wilderness and forestland, the Methow Valley offers a pristine snow-covered landscape with a serene atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook. Spend three nights at one end of the valley and two at the other end, getting to know the host communities of Mazama and Winthrop, and expanding the amount of territory you can explore in one week.

Enjoy six days of cross-country skiing, classic and/or skate technique, with all equipment provided. Swap your gear from classic to skate-skis and try both! This trip is perfect for novice and expert alike. Never skied before, or it has been a long time? No problem, you will have an opportunity to take an introductory lesson on day one, and receive coaching and tips by experienced cross country ski guides throughout the trip. Avid cyclists will appreciate cross-country skiing as the perfect winter complement to summer cycling. Have fun in the snow, then go home stronger on the bike – it’s the best of both worlds. You’ll also have an opportunity to try snowshoeing (equipment provided) or fat-biking (not included) if you want to use different muscles and see different trails.

Immersed in your unforgettable winter adventure, you will hone your skiing skills throughout the week, while traversing scenic trails, surrounded by majestic mountains and the tranquility of the Methow River.

[*Note: Transfer to and from Seattle is included.]

Day 01

Travel to the Methow Valley for an afternoon ski lesson, or head straight out on the trails!

Meals

– Lunch
– Dinner

Lodging

Freestone Inn

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 lovely Freestone Inn for the first of three nights here. 

Day 02

Try out the Mazama Trails. Lessons for beginners or coaching included.

Meals

– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner

Lodging

Freestone Inn

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.

Day 03

Ski the River Run and Jack's Trail in the upper Methow Valley..

Meals

– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner

Lodging

Freestone Inn

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.

Day 04

Ski the Methow Community Trail to Brown's Farm and head to Sun Mountain Lodge.

Meals

– Breakfast
– Lunch

Lodging

Sun Mountain Lodge

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.

Day 05

Ski Thompson and Meadowlark trails or choose Sunnyside / Beaver Pond, Fox and Aqua.

Meals

– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner

Lodging

Sun Mountain Lodge

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.

Day 06

Ski the Chickadee Trails in the morning. After lunch, head back to Seattle.

Meals

– Breakfast

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. 

Dates
Guaranteed
This means that the tour will definitely depart as scheduled and not be canceled.
Price
Availability
Dates
Single Supplement
Price
$962
This is not required. It is an optional fee to allow a solo traveler to guarantee a private room for the duration of the tour.

Plan a fun pre- or post-tour escape to Washington’s national parks.

Our Sister company, Evergreen Escapes, offers small-group day tours to Mt. Rainier, Olympic National Park, and Mt. St. Helens that provide a great way to see a little bit more of the Evergreen state before your bike tour begins, or after you’re out of the saddle.

Escape your every day and explore the wonders of the PNW!