Methow Valley
Cross-Country Ski

Methow Valley Boasts Second Largest System of Cross-Country Ski Trails in US

The Methow Valley is one of the most scenic spots on the west coast, with beautiful lakes, evergreen forests, and spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains.  It also boasts the second-largest system of cross-country ski trails in the United States — more than 120 miles of groomed paths. 

Utah Skiing Conditions Without Altitude or Crowds

Located on the east side of the Cascades, the sunny, dry weather provides powdery skiing conditions akin to Utah.  But because of the Methow’s remote location — and the fact that commercial development has been severely limited — its beauty is not well known and its trails are usually deserted.

“Most skiers’ only companion...is the wind’s tuneless whistle through stands of red-skinned ponderosa,” writes the Seattle Times.

The altitude won’t take your breath away either.  Other areas with dry powder snow, like Utah or Colorado, can be at elevations of 6,000 to 8,000 feet or more, making it hard to just walk upstairs to your room.  The average elevation of the trails in the Methow is about 2,000 feet.

Instruction and Support from Qualified Guides

With our van shuttle from Seattle, the Methow’s remote location won’t be a problem for guests.  Our guides, all accomplished instructors in cross-country skiing, will teach you how to cross-country ski if you are new to this, or offer tips to improve your skills, whatever your experience level.

“I teach cross country skiing at Mt. Hood in Oregon during the winter, and I’m thrilled to be able to help introduce skiers to this rhythmic and invigorating winter sport,” says Frank Mungeam, who leads many of our ski tours.  “On my last trip, the guests included a mother who’d never tried cross country skiing, and her adult daughter, also a beginner.  We covered the basics that first afternoon, then we did another lesson the next morning, and they were ready to make tracks.”

Plenty of Trails for All Ability Levels

We spend each morning gliding along groomed ski trails through ponderosa forests.  The Methow Valley offers every type of terrain, from flat, cruising trails to challenging hills, so there’s good skiing for every ability level.  With so many trails to choose from, we never ski the same track twice.

Each day we typically divide the group in two, with more experienced skiers taking on intermediate and advanced slopes with one of our instructors, and beginners going over easier terrain with the other guide.  In the afternoon, you may ski more, try skate skiing (we’ll teach you how), go for a sleigh ride, curl up with a good book by a crackling fire, or soak in the hot tub.

Shuttle from Seattle and Start Skiing the First Day

Our destination on Sunday is the Freestone Inn in Mazama, a distinguished year-around country inn with fine dining.  We’ll spend the next three nights here.  Sunset magazine calls the Freestone Inn “The West’s Best Small Inn,” while National Geographic Adventure says it’s one of “10 Top Winter Hideaways.”  The terrain around Mazama offers plenty of easy and intermediate trails to try before returning to the comfort of the inn with its inviting lobby and fireplace. 

Choose Flat Valley Trails or Climb into the Foothills

On Monday and Tuesday we’ll ski some of the many groomed trails radiating from the lodge.  You’ll choose from shorter, flatter trails through the woods, or climb high into the foothills for sensational views of the entire valley.  Wednesday we leave the Freestone Inn and ski down the Methow Valley to Sun Mountain Lodge.  This destination resort, our home for two nights, is set on a hill high above the valley and features beautiful rooms, gourmet dining, a full-service spa, and an outdoor hot tub.  “Everything’s big, from the fireplaces (and their logs) to the views (and every space has a view),” writes Northwest Best Places.  “It’s styled like the finest Montana ranch, with log furniture, wrought-iron sconces, and glass coffee tables.”

Cross-Country Skiing, Skate-Skiing or Snowshoeing

Thursday we ski the trails through the woods and meadows surrounding our lodge.  You’ll also have the chance to try snowshoeing, a sport that’s surging in popularity with the advent of new designs in performance equipment that make it easy to learn.  Maybe you will try the lodge’s ice skating rink or full-service spa. 

Breathtaking Views and a Wild West Town

Friday we have one last chance to ski the Methow Valley as we glide gently downhill to the town of Winthrop.   Winthrop is known for its authentic wild-west buildings and festive atmosphere, which we’ll have a chance to explore before heading back to Seattle.

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