A Winthrop Winter: Winter Activities in Washington State

When the North Cascades are covered in snow and the evergreen trees sparkle with frost, the magic of winter in Winthrop begins. For snow lovers, Methow Valley is a paradise for outdoor adventure. Whether you love skiing, skating, fishing, or relaxing in a cozy cabin as the snow falls, Winthrop is the perfect spot for your next winter vacation. Here are some of our favorite winter activities in the North Cascades.

Winter Trails

Methow Valley is home to some of the best-maintained mountain trails in North America. The Methow Trail system has over 120 miles of groomed trails winding through pristine mountains and forests. The best part is, the trails are open all year round!

Methow Trails are perfect for:



• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoeing
• Fat biking
• Winter hikes

Some Tips:



• Wear Layers: You can work up a sweat, even in the depths of winter. Wear layers so you can add and subtract clothing as needed.
• Rent Your Gear: If you don’t have skis or a fat-bike of your own (or don’t want to pack it in the car), you can rent them from a local shop.
• Attend a Trail Event: Make some friends and have some fun at a public trail event. One annual winter event you can look forward at in February is “Ski Into the Sun”.

Hitting the Slopes

If you like a little bit more of a rush, don’t worry. Winthrop is a mountain town, which means it’s close to the slopes. The Loup Ski Bowl (or The Loup, as locals call it) is just 30 minutes from Winthrop and caters to all kinds of alpine adventures.  Here are some ways you can enjoy some of the Pacific Northwest’s best powder.

Winter Activities at the Loup:



• Downhill skiing
• Nordic skiing
• Snowboarding
• Luge
• Tubing

Some Tips:



• Travel Safety: Mountain roads are slick in winter. Make sure you have winter tires on your vehicle and drive safely.
• Take it Slow to Start: If you’re new to skiing or haven’t gone in a while, take it slow to start. Take a refresher class, or start on the bunny slopes until you get the hang of things.
• Arrive Early: The ticket window opens at 8:30am. Get to The Loup right at open so you can get the most use out of your ticket!
  

On the Ice

Washington’s snow may make for some great winter sports, but so does the ice. Not every town is lucky enough to have icy outdoor amenities, but Winthrop is! Whether you’re looking to fly across the rink or spend quiet time on the frozen lake, Winthrop offers several ways to enjoy an icy afternoon.

Winthrop Rink: 

Strap on some skates and hit the ice at the local rink. Winthrop Rink is an NHL-sized rink, located right next door to the Winthrop Town Trailhead. The rink opened in 2007 and has been serving the community’s outdoor hockey and skating needs ever since. 

Some rink activities you can enjoy include:



• Public skate days
• Drop-in hockey (various categories)
• Skating classes
• Tournaments and games
• Figure skating shows 

Ice Fishing: Patterson Lake

Winter isn’t the end of fishing season in Winthrop, because Patterson Lake has some of the best ice fishing in the state! Located just west of town, Patterson Lake offers diverse stock all year round. In winter, anglers can catch trout, kokanee, and yellow perch. But before you head out, let's cover some Ice Fishing 101.

Icefishing Basics:



• Licensing and Permits: Make sure your fishing license is up to date.
• Check the Ice: Ice must be at least 4 inches thick to walk on.
• Never Fish Alone: Use the buddy system to ensure someone knows where you are.
• Spread Your Weight: Members of your party should spread out, but remain in shouting distance.
• Safety Rope: Keep a length of rope on hand in case someone falls into the water. Ice picks and spikes can also offer a handhold for someone to pull themselves out. 
• Traction: Ice cleats are a great (and inexpensive) way to keep your footing and avoid falls.

Christmas at the End of the Road

Every year, Winthrop welcomes the arrival of winter with a big celebration. Christmas at the End of the Road is held over Thanksgiving Weekend. The event includes a Turkey Trot 5K, storytelling events, Skating with Santa, town lighting, fireworks, and so much more!

This annual festival signals the start of the holiday season and offers a taste of all the wonder winter brings to the mountains.

Let it Snow

Not everyone likes to ski; some people prefer to “lodge”. If you think snowy weather is frightful and find the indoors more delightful, don’t worry. There are still plenty of winter activities for you to enjoy. Here are ways to enjoy a winter day inside:

Indoor Winter Activities:



• Movie Marathon: Have a holiday movie marathon, complete with Christmas-themed snacks.
• Game Night: Bust out the board games for an old-fashioned game night! 
• Arts and Crafts: Keep your hands busy by learning a new skill or picking up an old one. It’s so peaceful to make something new while watching the snow fall. 
• Gourmet Cocoa Competition: Dress up your favorite warm beverage with fun toppings and flavors. See who can create the most unique drink.
• Quiet Time by the Fire: Sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all. Enjoy a little quiet time reading, chatting, or napping in front of the fire.

Freestone Inn and Winter Cabins

Have the perfect winter getaway at Freestone Inn and Cabins. Located in Mazama, just minutes away from Winthrop, our mountain lodge and cabins are perfect for your next mountain adventure. 

Whether you plan to hit the trails, ride the slopes, or stay snug indoors, Freestone Inn is close to everything Winthrop has to offer. And with spacious suites at the lodge to private mountain cabins, you’ll be comfortable throughout your stay. 

See what winter in Washington state has to offer when you book your stay today!