Enjoying Winter in the Methow Valley

Methow Valley is a picturesque, amenity-rich locale that’s an excellent destination any time of the year. But the area truly shines once the mercury drops and winter settles in. Take a look at the must-try activities in this beloved winter paradise:

Cross-country Skiing

The area’s claim to fame is its world-class ski trails. The most popular one is the Methow Trails network, which includes the Winthrop, Sun Mountain, Rendezvous, and Mazama trails. With over 120 miles of immaculately groomed trails, the network is the largest cross-country ski area in North America. Each of the four trails offers a unique terrain, ranging from flat trails, to wooded slopes, to breathtaking mountain-top courses. Lodges are conveniently located near the trails, so you can be up and skiing in no time at all.

Downhill Skiing and Luge Sledding

If downhill skiing is more your style, there’s no better venue than Loup Loup Ski Bowl. Towering over 1,200 feet above sea level, the area offers 10 different runs that range from beginner to expert. Loup Loup Ski Bowl is much smaller than Methow Trails, which means it’s also much less crowded—you’ll definitely appreciate the short lift lines here. It’s also home to one of the first luge sledding facilities in the Northwest, which features a 12-kilometer trail that runs through scenic Bear Mountain.

Snowshoeing

To enjoy Methow Valley’s snowy slopes at a more relaxed pace, sign up for a guided snowshoeing tour. This family-friendly trek lasts about 90 minutes and is an excellent opportunity to learn about the area’s ecology and local wildlife. The tour starts at the North Cascades Basecamp or Sun Mountain Lodge, and winds its way through the entire Methow Trails network. You’ll traverse through pine-scented forests, trace the shores of Patterson Lake, and catch a glimpse of the light play on the North Cascade Mountains.

Ice Skating

Want to try ice skating with a view? Visit Winthrop Rink, an open-air, refrigerated ice rink that overlooks the majestic Mt. Gardner. The rink welcomes casual skaters, as well as youth and adult hockey teams. Don’t know how to skate? Winthrop Rink also offers skating lessons to kids and grownups alike. For its stunning scenery, top-notch facilities, and expansive rink, it was recognized as one of Sunset Magazine’s Top 10 Ice Rinks in the West.

Sleigh Sledding

Board a horse-drawn sleigh and explore the beautiful, snow-covered wilderness as bells jingle from the wrangler’s harness—a magical experience straight out of the storybooks. During the trip, you’ll pass by picture-perfect meadows, woods, and farms. And to make the trip extra cozy, you’ll be comfortably tucked in a warm quilt throughout. The tour ends in an old-fashioned packer’s tent where a mug of hot chocolate awaits.

Of course, these are just some of the great winter activities that residents of Methow Valley enjoy. If you’re interested in buying Methow Valley real estate, work with Coldwell Banker Winthrop.

As one of the top Winthrop realtors, we are passionate about helping buyers find a home that perfectly suits their lifestyle. Call us at 509.996.2121 or send an email to info(at)cbwinthrop(dotted)com to get your property search started.