Discovering Winter Magic in Winthrop, WA: A Cross-Country Ski Adventure
The first week of February, we packed our skis and headed to Winthrop, WA, for a cozy ski-in, ski-out getaway with our friends Doug and Wendy, and their baby. Nestled in the Methow Valley, Winthrop has become a hub for Nordic skiers thanks to the extensive Methow Trails system. With over 200 km of impeccably groomed trails, it’s the largest cross-country ski area in North America.
Although Methow Trails offers over 40 km of dog-friendly trails, we left Rue with her buddy Midge this time. This gave us more freedom to explore without the guilt of leaving her behind. The trails are incredibly family-friendly, and while Doug and Wendy brought their own baby sled to tow their little one, we noticed you can easily rent them locally. These sleds are impressively lightweight and look quite comfortable (at least from what I could tell).
Methow Trails, a dedicated nonprofit, plays a huge role in maintaining pristine trail conditions. Their hard work ensures skiers of all levels can enjoy well-groomed paths throughout the valley. For this trip, I stuck with classic skiing, while Kyle, Doug, and Wendy switched between classic and skate skiing. Beyond skiing, there are plenty of winter activities, such as hockey games, races, and other events, to enjoy as spectators or participants.
While we mostly cooked meals at our AirBnB, we did venture out to a couple of local restaurants. Lunch at Jupiter and dinner at Meza were both excellent choices. Each had thoughtful gluten-free options, and the staff was knowledgeable and accommodating with my dietary needs.
Winthrop itself was a delightful surprise. The town's old western-themed charm added a fun and cozy vibe to the trip. It’s a small, quiet spot in winter, but several people have since told me it’s much livelier in the summer months.
We also spent a day exploring the trails in Mazama, a tiny town even smaller than Winthrop. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking: snow-capped peaks towering over a serene valley. I've been eager to visit Mazama in the summer for hiking, but seeing it blanketed in snow felt magical and made me even more determined to return.
This winter adventure made me fall back in love with the season. After years of contemplating escaping to warmer climates during the colder months, cross-country skiing has completely shifted my perspective. I can confidently say that discovering the beauty of winter in the Methow Valley is an experience I won’t forget.