Methow Cross-Country Ski Tour

Meet us early in the morning (approximately 7:00 – 7:30 a.m.) at one of our designated pick-up locations in Seattle. It’s a long drive to the eastern side of the state, so dress comfortably and plan to relax in the van for a bit. Have lunch in Chelan. Hop back in the van for the remainder of the drive to Mazama. Change into your ski clothes for a gear fitting. Take a basic short lesson in the flat ‘test run’ area just outside the ski shop. Already know what you’re doing? Head out onto 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.

Head out for a morning lesson (or a morning ski) after breakfast. If you’re up for a loop, try out your skis on a flat-to-rolling 10-12 kilometer section of trail. 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.

Breakfast at the inn. 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. Mazama means ‘mountain goats’ – and you may catch sight of one here and there. 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 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.

Ski south to Brown’s Farm this morning. Arrive to greet a smiling guide and enjoy a nice hot lunch. Then keep skiing south on the Methow Community Trail to Wolf Creek if you wish. Fit in as many – or as few – kilometers as you wish: there are plenty of loops to choose from. Done skiing? Shuttle up to Sun Mountain Lodge for a soak in the hot tub and maybe even a massage. Dinner is on your own tonight at Sun Mountain so the afternoon is all yours.

Breakfast at Sun Mountain Lodge. Beginner and intermediate skiers can try their legs on the trails at Sunnyside or Beaver Pond. Intermediate and advanced ones head to Thompson Road and the Meadowlark Loop, which is hillier and more challenging. 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.

Get an early start this morning. Squeeze in a half-day of skiing along the Chickadee Trails, following the stream. The terrain is more woodsy here, but there’s also an open flat area for honing your technique. Hop in the van for the drive to Winthrop to explore 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.