Methow Valley Winter Guide

2015/2016

WINTER VISITOR

INFORMATION

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRE E

A supplement to the Methow Valley News

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| 31 early winters Drive, mazama, washington (just 15 miles west of winthrop)

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Winter the way it’s supposed to be!

Ski the nation’s largest cross-country ski trail system from downtown Winthrop! Over 120 miles of world-class groomed trails right out your door will take you through spectacular winter scenery. You’ll find great lodging, superb dining, lively pubs, music, galleries and shops, all here in this remarkable place.

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WinthropWashington.com

Ultimate W winter

Photo by L aurelle Walsh

inter just keeps getting better in the Methow Valley.

It will, of course, be beautifully adorned with snow, overlaid with boundless blue skies during the day and brilliant star shows at night, and teeming with activities for all ages and abilities. That’s the baseline.

With its 200 kilometers of groomed Nordic skiing trails, the Methow has for years been one of the premier skiing destinations in the west. The far-ranging system of snowmobile trails continues to draw enthusiasts from a similarly wide region. The Loup Loup Ski Bowl, with its excellent alpine skiing, friendly atmosphere and easily accessible location, has long been a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

This year, the Methow ups its game with the completion of the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink refrigeration project, which not only assures up to four months of reliable ice at the outdoor rink, but also includes upgraded facilities.

Where the winter season begins and ends may well be defined by the rink’s opening and closing dates in the future.

Meanwhile, the fat bike phenomenon continues to grow, with the Methow leading the way in developing trails and converting skeptics to winter bicycling. And more people than ever are turning to snowshoeing as a way to see the valley at a different pace.

That range of activities is matched by the array of lodging, food, beverage, shopping and entertainment options up and down the valley. Our annual Methow Valley Winter publication is an invaluable guide to fully enjoying your visit. You’ll find lots of useful information about winter possibilities in our articles and advertisements. Consult our activities calendar on pages 32–33, and our Directory of Advertisers on page 34, to help plan your perfect winter experience. And expect it to be even better next time.

— Don Nelson

HWY 20 at LOUP LOUP PASS Washington

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3

CONTRIBUTORS

gear for all seasons . . . whatever your sport

Don Nelson is publisher & editor of the Methow Valley News.

Marcy Stamper is a Methow Valley News reporter.

Ann McCreary

is a Methow Valley News reporter.

Ashley Lodato

is a Methow Valley News columnist.

David Ward

is a Methow Valley News columnist.

Full Service XC & BC Ski Shop XC & BC Ski Rentals open 7 days a week

257 Riverside Ave in Winthrop 509.996.2886

Don Nelson | publisher /editor Darla Hussey | design

Rebecca Walker | office manager

Tyson Kellie | advertising assistant

Sheila Ward | advertising assistant

Dana Sphar | ad design /production

A publication of the

Methow Valley News P.O. Box 97, 101 N. Glover St., Twisp, WA 98856 509.997.7011 • fax 509.997.3277 www.methowvalleynews.com editor@methowvalleynews.com

ON THE COVER:

winthropmountainsports.com 4

L arge photo of Fat B ikers by Mary K iesau.

Inset photos from left by Mary K iesau, Marcy Stamper and Steve Mitchell

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32

26

10

6 AN ICE TIME FOR EVERYONE

Winthrop’s scenic outdoor rink extends its season with refrigeration system

8 GET A LIFT AT THE LOUP

The Methow’s alpine ski area is a family-friendly gem

10 THE UNIQUE LURE OF ICE FISHING

Great fishing at low cost on the Methow’s frozen lakes

18

6

14 BRIGHT NIGHTS

20 WHERE TO GEAR UP

29 RIDING THE TRAILS

16 THREE DAYS IN THE VALLEY

22 THE NORDIC WAY

31 A DOLLAR IS A DOLLAR

Clear skies make for excellent stargazing in the Methow winter

The possibilities are endless

18 RIDING THE FAT BIKE WAVE

The Methow Valley leads the way in this fast-growing sport

Winter recreation equipment is available for rental at many valley locations The Methow Valley’s vast network of ski trails offers unlimited options

25 BASIC INFO FOR VISITORS

Snowmobilers can cover a vast amount of territory in the Methow

32 CALENDAR 34 DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

26 TAKE WINTER IN STRIDE

Snowshoeing allows a leisurely look at the landscape 5

Construction of the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink’s new refrigeration system and other improvements was well along by mid-autumn.. Photo by Don Nelson

An ice time for everyone Winthrop’s scenic outdoor rink extends its season with refrigeration system

By Don Nelson

F

irst-time visitors to the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink (WISR) this winter will likely marvel at the excellent ice surface, extensive new facilities and breath-taking scenery.

But they won’t necessarily know the full story behind the outdoor rink, 6

which started out as an ambitious dream many years ago and now has a permanent refrigeration system for the first time.

That means there will be ice — no matter what — from November until March.

In previous winters, the rink’s operation was at the mercy of the weather — the ice surface was created by flooding a grassy area — and its season was necessarily restricted to six or seven of the coldest weeks. In the winter of 2014 – 15, the rink was open for 39 days. The refrigeration system will allow the rink to be open about 115 days a year and make it possible to stage many more events such as youth hockey tournaments.

This past summer and fall, thanks in large part to community volunteer efforts and donated materials, the long-awaited refrigeration system was installed. Before that work began, the community had to come up with cash and in-kind commitments totaling $497,000 to match a state grant for the new equipment and facilities. The rink is owned by the Town of Winthrop, but is operated by WISR’s nonprofit board of directors.

As part of the project, the existing building has been so dramatically expanded that it may not be recognizable to regulars. With some 3,000 square feet of space added, it includes more office and meeting space, a muchenlarged area for skate rentals, more

public restrooms (one available 24 hours a day, every day), a larger public changing area, four changing rooms for hockey teams, more big picture windows for watching the rink from inside the building and a small concessions area.

What makes it all workable is the ice.

“It is so exciting to know we have the guaranteed ice,” said Jill Calvert, president of the WISR board of directors.

“We know we can sell a tournament time slot and it won’t be cancelled.”

That happened last season, when a youth hockey tournament was cancelled because of poor ice conditions, costing the local economy thousands of dollars in lost visitors’ revenue.

Beyond tournaments — five are

already scheduled for the 2015 – 16 season, Calvert said — the presence of good ice will help visitors and locals alike plan rink-related activities with certainty.

The value of volunteers

The miracle of ice is the product of a lot of hard work and determination. The final push came in October, when crews of local volunteers showed up to help ready the rink for installation of the refrigeration equipment and laying the concrete surface the ice will cover. A contractor did much of the more complicated work, but the volunteers — under the direction of Marc Robertson, who was the driving force behind the rink’s original construction — were crucial to keeping the project on schedule, Calvert said.

Much of it was hard, tedious work, such as anchoring 16 tons or “rebar” with 37,000 ties — all done by hand, one at a time. Calvert said that nearly 200 volunteers had contributed more than 2,800 hours of labor by midOctober, not including some 800 hours

WINTHROP ICE & SPORTS RINK

The basics

• The rink is located just off of Twin Lakes Road behind the Methow River Lodge and Cabins. Parking is available at the rink, or at the adjacent Winthrop Town Trailhead. It is a short walk from downtown Winthrop via the Spring Creek pedestrian bridge.

• Operating hours vary. Visit www.winthropicerink.com or email winthropicerink@gmail.com for complete information about scheduled sessions and other events, as well as prices for rink time and equipment rentals. Season passes are available.

• Programs include open skating; pick-up hockey sessions (gear and helmet required) for men and women, youth hockey for boys and girls, lessons for beginners and advanced skaters, donated by Robertson.

The work parties were even joined by people who just happened to be walking by on the Susie Stephens Community Trail, Calvert said.

“Everyone who worked here was a direct economic contributor to the project,” Calvert said.

After the rebar was ready, five truckloads of concrete — 165 yards — were poured in one continuous operation

ADVENTURE RENTALS HERE

“cheap skate” nights with reduced rates, and Friday night themed-skating sessions with half-price admission for anybody wearing a costume.

• Meeting and special event space is available for rental. Call 996-4199.

• Skating equipment, and some hockey gear, are available for rental.

• Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available.

• The rink is entirely outdoors, with boards around the entire surface and transparent plastic panels around most of the surface, and has regulation National Hockey League dimensions. It is lighted for late afternoon and evening operation.

that took more than six hours, Calvert said. Under the concrete surface are 131/2 miles of PVC pipe through which the refrigerant will flow in a continuous loop.

The push for a permanent rink began in 2003, when WISR and the town secured a $395,000 matching grant from the state to build a facility. During the summer of 2007 Robertson and a host of volunteers built the original

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structures. The total cost for the first phase of the project was $801,000.

The final phase will cost nearly $1 million including the state and local contributions.

The rink will continue to be available as a year-round facility, Calvert said. When it’s not covered by ice, the rink surface can be used for roller-skating or other outdoor gatherings. ❅

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LOUP LOUP SKI BOWL

The basics

• Located on Little Buck Mountain between Twisp and Okanogan on Highway 20 • 1,240 vertical feet; 10 cut runs; highest elevation, 5,280 feet; 23 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails; 50 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails at nearby South Summit; tubing hill; terrain park • Quad chair lift, platter surface tow, rope tow • Ski school, snowboarding lessons, Nordic lessons, equipment rentals and repairs, day lodge with food and beverage service, first aid room, snowshoeing and fat biking, some designated dog-friendly trails • Season passes and day passes available • Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during January and February, 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Open every day during Christmas week, except Christmas Day. Open all week for President’s holiday and Martin Luther King holiday • For information about rates, rentals and snow conditions, call (509) 557-3405 or visit skitheloup.com

The options at the Loup are perfect for all ages, from gentle slopes for practicing your turns to challenging runs for expert skiers. Photo by Marcy Stamper

Get a lift at The Loup The Methow’s alpine ski area is a family-friendly gem

By Don Nelson

O 8

n alpine ski hills, as in our personal lives, grooming is important.

So the Loup Loup Ski Bowl’s recent purchase of a new groomer for its big hill — a 2011 Prinoth Bison, for those who know about such things — will help ensure an even better experience

for skiers this year, according to General Manager C.P. Grosenick.

“Grooming is tremendously important to get the initial snowfall packed down and then maintain it,” Grosenick said. And it makes the skiing surface safer, he said.

Loup Loup is all about a good experience, Grosenick said. The ski area on Highway 20 between Twisp and

Okanogan is a local favorite, especially for families, and also draws people from a wider area who are looking for a fun, hassle-free day in a beautiful setting.

The Loup offers alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, fat biking, a comfy day lodge with food and beverage service (the Wolf Den, operated by the Twisp River Pub people), a beer garden, picnic tables, an

equipment rental shop, ski and snowboard lessons, a first aid room, meeting rooms, a tubing hill and great views from Little Buck Mountain.

Some other improvements this year may be visible — new seats on the chair lift, for instance — or less so, such as the hill’s recertification for racing events by the Pacific Northwest Ski Association.

“It’s a perfect hill for it [racing],” Grosenick said. “It’s long enough and wide enough for Giant Slalom and Super G races.”

Grosenick, a life-long skier and former competitor, speaks from experience. He said plans include staging some competitive events for the general public.

And then there’s the new “battleship box,” which is a little hard to explain if you’re not a snowboarder. The Loup Loup battleship box, a metal structure about 20 feet long and 3 feet wide, was put together last year by the Liberty Bell High School welding class. It will be partially buried in the snow as part of the Loup’s terrain park, and snowboarders will ride over it to learn how to handle “rails” — metal bars snowboarders slide off while performing tricks.

Proximity and a good hill make the Loup an idea place for local alpine skiing and snowboarding teams to practice. The Loup also hosts competitions such as the Wolf Chase races in early February.

As usual, Grosenick will be hoping for an early, substantial snowfall in hopes of opening the hill for the 2015 holiday season. Loup Loup needs 24 inches or so of snow for a good base.

The ski area is operated by the nonprofit Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation, whose board of directors is responsible for oversight and fundraising. A major fundraising event, the Taste of Three Valleys dinner and auction held in October raised about $23,000 this year, Grosenick said.

Some of that money will go towards maintaining the Fire and Ice program launched last year, which offers free lift tickets, equipment usage and lessons to victims of the recent wildfires in the region. The program will also be extended to several other ski areas in the region this year, Grosenick said.

The Taste of Three Valleys proceeds also help the Loup hold down ticket prices, Grosenick said. ❅

The Merc Playhouse CONNECTING CURIOUS SEEKERS THROUGH LIVE THEATER

Winter Wonder

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Holidays in the Methow

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Downtown winthrop 996-2649 The Wild Wolf Tubing Hill at the Loup promises one thrilling ride after another. Photo by Marcy Stamper

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The unique lure of ice fishing Great fishing at low cost on the Methow’s frozen lakes

By Marcy Stamper

I

n the Midwest, communities of ice fishers are so densely developed that you can even get pizza delivered.

Here in the Methow Valley, the winter fishing culture is more peaceful and nowhere near as organized. But it doesn’t need to be, since dedicated ice fishers say fish caught in winter waters are tastier than at any other time of year — and much easier to catch.

“They’re really good flavored — really fresh,” said Lance Rider, co-owner of The Outdoorsman in Winthrop. who said warmer water can make fish taste “fishier.” Fish also seem to be hungrier in the winter, making for a fulfilling success rate, he said.

Ice fishing has been growing in popularity in the Methow Valley and Okanogan County in recent years as more local lakes open up. With the right equipment you can pierce the layer of ice in less than a minute, gaining access to a world of yellow perch, rainbow trout and kokanee.

The equipment is pretty straightforward — you need a short pole, an ice auger and a scoop to keep the hole free of snow and slush — all of which can be had for less than $100. Some people improvise with just a stick and some fishing line.

“It’s very affordable compared to fishing in the Columbia, for example, where you need a boat and a big pole — that costs twice as much,” said Rider.

“A lot of people who’ve never done ice fishing before are surprised by how 10

Mason Ezell proudly shows off his bounty from a day of ice fishing at Patterson Lake. Photo by R ebecca Walkcer

much fun it is — one pole, one hole, not a lot of moving,” said Charlie Snow, a fish biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and lifelong ice fisherman.

“There’s a novelty to it.”

Like Snow, a lot of local ice fishers are expatriates from the Midwest where, if you don’t ice fish, you don’t fish at all for a good part of the year, said Snow. But ice fishing is also catching on here, as people discover how easy and inexpensive it can be — and how tasty the fish are.

In recent years, with especially cold temperatures early in the season but little snow, many people have flocked

to Patterson Lake near Sun Mountain Lodge to seek their fortune below the ice.

Equipment is very basic. Ice fishing generally uses a short rod and a jig to sink the lure or bait straight down.

When you get a fish on the hook, you pull it straight up through the hole, rather than reel it in, said Rider.

That makes it fun and satisfying for kids, since they don’t have to cast the line and then reel it in. “It can be instant gratification,” said Rebecca Walker of Gold Creek, who has gone ice fishing with her young sons. When they’re not fishing, kids entertain themselves by sliding on the ice.

A bucket does triple-duty — it supports the rod, can function as a chair, and later becomes a container for the day’s catch. Some people make do with a lawn chair.

Photographer Catherine Opie, who documented the elaborate, heated icehouses in northern Minnesota (and noted the amenities like pizza delivery), likes how accessible ice fishing can be. Lakefront real estate is often the province of wealthy people, but in the winter, anyone “can pull his house onto the lake and he has a lake-view property,” said Opie.

Often the weather here is sunny enough for people to enjoy being out

Ice safety

in the open. Some people tough it out in the elements, but it can be handy to have some shelter. Many ice fishers bring a wheelbarrow or a metal trough so they can build a fire.

Walker recalls fishing in the middle of a frozen lake when a storm blew in. She and her companions — several people and a dog — took turns trading places for warmth in a small tent. Still, they scored a delectable meal of fish tacos, she said.

Although it doesn’t take much to make the rod twitch, some people prefer to have an electric sensor that beeps or lights up, or a device with a flag that indicates you have a bite, said Rider.

example, 4 inches of clear, newly formed ice many support one person, while a foot of older ice that has thawed and refrozen may not.

Remember that snow insulates the ice, meaning it will freeze more slowly.

Carry ice rescue claws, which you can make from pieces of wood or a broomstick with nails embedded into the ends, or from sharpened screwdrivers. The claws will enable you to climb out if you fall through the ice.

Others use an underwater camera or sonar to gain an advantage, but Rider enjoys trying to figure out where to drill. “It’s a little bit of a chess game,” he said. “There’s no clue whether there’s fish under there or not.”

Drilling a hole, even with a handcranked auger, can be surprisingly quick. With a sharp auger you can make a hole through more than a foot of ice in less than a minute, making it easy to move around every 10 or 15 minutes if you’re not getting any bites, said Snow.

“A good auger is worth its weight in gold,” said Mike Vaughan, a WDFW scientific technician and avid ice fisher,

who makes a hole about 6 inches in diameter so he can see what he’s doing and easily bring up his catch. Experts advise keeping holes under 8 inches in diameter, since larger ones can compromise the ice and create a safety hazard.

Where to fish

The most popular local lakes for ice fishing are Patterson and Davis. The primary catch at Patterson is yellow perch — particularly good in January and February — but you’ll also find rainbow trout and kokanee. There is no limit on the number or size of perch you can catch, while trout and kokanee

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Make sure the ice is thick enough to support you. Drill a hole with an auger a foot or two from shore and measure the thickness of the ice, then test it again in the middle of the lake. Four to 6 inches is generally considered safe, but remember that ice is not uniform — it may be a foot thick in one area but only an inch or two thick nearby.

Clear, black ice tends to be more solid, and ice that has become off-color is usually weaker. New ice is generally stronger than ice that has been around for a while — for

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Joslynn Ruiz fished for perch and trout at Patterson Lake, savoring the clear, sunny weather — and looking forward to a feast for dinner. Photo by R ebecca Walkcer

are generally restricted to five a day.

Perch tend to congregate on the bottom, whereas trout move throughout the water column. Snow said trout are easier to catch during the winter than at other times of year. Perch and bluegill tend to fight hard, which evens the playing field and adds to the enjoyment, he said.

If you’re lucky, you may get a bass in Patterson, but they are so inactive in the cold that they are hard to catch, said Rider. Winter is the only time of year when you can keep trout from Davis Lake, which is regularly stocked with rainbows.

Leader Lake, on the east side of the Loup Loup summit, has become a particularly popular spot since it opened for ice fishing a few years ago. It has a good population of perch, bass and catfish, as well as rainbow trout, black crappie and bluegill, said Snow.

Leader Lake has been closed to clear hazardous trees damaged by this summer’s wildfire, but officials with the state Department of Natural Resources predict it will be open by the time the ice forms.

Ice fishing is quite popular around Oroville and Tonasket where there are many accessible lakes that freeze solid, said Rider. While you can catch 6- to 9-inch kokanee in Patterson Lake, at Palmer Lake near Loomis, people often get fish up to twice that size, said Vaughan.

What bait to use

There are many successful ways of snagging fish in winter by using live bait, a shiny lure or artificial maggots, said Rider. It takes some experience to figure out what works since conditions are different under the ice, making the water darker.

“A micro-jig head, tipped with a meal worm — that’s pretty tough to beat,” said Vaughan.

“If the fish are in there and you drop something they like, you can usually do pretty good,” said Rider.

Most days, three or four hours is plenty of time to catch a lot of fish and still not get too chilled, said Vaughan.

“Sometimes it doesn’t take long to get so many perch that you don’t even want to clean them all,” said Snow. ❅

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Artful Holiday Weekend at Confluence Gallery

December 12-13 Free admission Beer and Wine available for sale 104 Glover Street, Twisp (509) 997-2787 • www.confluencegallery.com

Join us for an

ARTFUL HOLIDAY WEEKEND of shopping with our annual Sip & Shop, Artist Vendor Trunk shows & live music!

SATURDAY DEC. 12TH

10am-3pm TRUNK SHOWS with Artist vendors 4-8pm SIPS & SNACKS with live music by Kris Borgias.

SUNDAY DEC. 13TH

12 – 4pm TRUNK SHOWS with Artist vendors, SIPS & SNACKS, & a 10% sales discount to our Angel & Impressionist members.

Ice-fishing

Trips & prizes

For an ice-fishing extravaganza — and prizes — try the annual Northwest Ice Fishing Festival on Molson and Sidley lakes in northern Okanogan County, which can attract more than 100 people a year. Last year competitors caught 19 fish — a total of 33 pounds.

There are prizes for largest fish, number of fish, oldest and youngest fishers, among other achievements.

This winter’s event is Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, with registration at 7 a.m. and fishing beginning at 8. For more information, call the Oroville Chamber of Commerce at (888) 699-5659.

You need a fishing license and should check WDFW regulations for open lakes and catch limits. There are helpful resources on the WDFW ice-fishing webpage at wdfw.wa.gov/ fishing/ice_fishing, including a link to fishing and safety information from Minnesota (but no take-out menus).

Recommended Minimum Ice Thickness (Rough Guidelines for New Clear Ice Only)

2” or less STAY OFF!!

4 Inches Ice Fishing

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13

Bright nights Clear skies make for excellent stargazing in the Methow winter

By David Ward

W

inter is upon us again, which means short, cold days and long, even-colder nights. Are you wondering why you would even remotely want to go outside at night?

Do not sit inside and mope, go out and look at the stars! If it is cloudy, which it seems to be a lot here in the Methow Valley during the winter, moping is OK. In contrast to the pale winter sun, the stars that can be seen this season are the brightest of the entire year.

Let’s start with something easy to spot — Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. In early winter, you will have to stay up late to see it, but by the end of the season you can find it as soon as twilight starts to fade.

Look for the three bright stars of Orion’s belt, line them up and point down and to the left, and there it is.

The Greeks called it the “scorcher.”

Sound like a great place to go for a winter vacation? There is only one problem: An Alaska Airlines flight

THE

would take 10 million years to get you there, and that is only one-way! Maybe Hawaii would be more practical.

Stars appear bright to us if they are close by or luminous. Sirius is about 25 times brighter than our sun, but it is also nearby, practically our next-door neighbor.

If you can see Sirius, you can also see the constellation Orion. Just look up and to the right. Orion’s belt is a giveaway — three equally bright stars, evenly spaced. There is nothing else up there quite like it.

Orion represented a hunter to the ancient Greeks. Some older cultures saw these stars as some kind of giant.

Interestingly, all the stars of Orion are giant, much larger and brighter than our sun and far, far away from us.

Big Betelgeuse

Look up and to the left of the belt for a bright orange-colored star. That is the red super-giant Betelgeuse. Its strange name means shoulder, or even armpit, of the giant.

Betelgeuse varies in brightness, getting dimmer and brighter again. It is like an old man panting and wheezing trying to catch his breath. Indeed, Betelgeuse is dying even though it is far younger than our sun.

You have probably heard the expression, “the bigger they are, the harder they fall,” which applies to stars also.

Big stars gobble up their fuel like ravenous pigs at the sty. They are literally burning the candle at both ends.

In perhaps only 10 thousand

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14

Deep sky image of the constellation Orion. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia user , Mouser

years — a fleeting moment astronomically speaking, Betelgeuse will blow its guts out in a super nova explosion.

What would we see if we were lucky enough to witness Betelgeuse exploding? It would be so bright that we could easily see it in the daytime. At night, it would shine with a strange purple light, casting weird

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violet shadows on the ground.

Would the blast blow us right off our little planet? Probably not. Betelgeuse is a long ways away, about 75 times farther than Sirius.

Diagonally across Orion to the lower right is another bright star gleaming brilliantly blue-white. This is the blue super-giant star Rigel. It takes the prize for brightness, shining perhaps as much as 200,000 times as bright as our sun.

If you were on a planet circling Rigel, our sun would not be visible to the unaided eye. In fact, you would need to look through a very powerful telescope to spot it. There would be no signpost pointing it out, an insignificant dim point of light lost in the billions and billions of stars in our galaxy.

The other stars in Orion — Bellatrix in the upper right hand corner, Saiph in the lower left and the three stars of the belt — are all far larger and brighter than our sun, and very far away from us.

Eye of the bull

Up above and to the right of Orion, look for another orange-colored star,

Aldebaran, the angry eye of Taurus the Bull. Orion is often depicted as battling this beast. A “V” of dimmer stars represents the head of Taurus, but the rest of the bull is missing. Aldebaran is much closer to us, only about onetenth as far away as Betelgeuse.

Later in the winter or later at night, look north and east of Orion for two bright stars fairly close together. These are Castor and Pollux, the Gemini twins. Their claim to fame was their voyage with Jason and the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece.

If you want more of a challenge, there are lots of dimmer objects out there in the winter sky. Try looking for the winter Milky Way, which is dimmer than its summer counterpart.

This time of year, we look out in the opposite direction into the vast galaxy through which we sail.

See if you can spot a dim band of light coming from the north, passing through the “W” of Cassiopeia, between Orion and Gemini and then passing east of Sirius. That light is billions of suns all sailing along with us in our giant home, the Milky Way.

The Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters, is everybody’s favorite, an unmistakable, if dim, sight in the winter sky. These were the girlfriends of Orion, but they spurned his amorous advances. Look for them northwest of Orion, and notice how they move across the sky each night with the rotation of the Earth, always just beyond the grasp of the lovesick hunter.

If you can see six or seven of them, you probably do not need a new pair of glasses. Binoculars will reveal many more.

Birthplace of stars

Do you want to see a place where stars are born? Look just below or south of Orion’s belt for three dimmer stars that project downward from the belt. Notice that the middle star is slightly fuzzy? That is the Orion Nebula, a vast cloud of gas hundreds of thousands of times larger than our solar system. Binoculars or a small telescope will reveal stars in that cloud born from the collapse of the gas due to gravity. These stars are brand new, less than a million years old.

I know a million years sounds like a long time, but from an astronomical perspective it is just a heartbeat.

Our own sun is 5,000 times older than those newborns.

The grand prize for looking deep into the night sky is the Andromeda Galaxy. Scan the area southwest of Cassiopeia for a dim fuzzy spot. If the sky is clear and dark, you can even see it with your naked eye here in the Methow Valley. If you do manage to spot it, it will be the largest and the farthest object you have ever seen.

Get up before sunrise to see dazzling Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, in the east in the twilight dawn. She will be visible there all winter. Sometime in April, the brightest planet will ride off in to the sunrise, appearing again months later as the evening star.

Towards the end of winter, Jupiter, king of the gods and largest of the planets, will be rising in the east at an early hour in the evening. In the spring he will come into his glory, lighting up the sky almost all night long.

Enjoy all the treasures hidden in the night sky, and let’s hope it snows! ❅

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15

Three days in the valley The possibilities are endless — here are some ideas for recreating, relaxing and reacquainting yourself with all things Methow Valley

By Ashley Lodato

S

o much to do. So little time.

Still, you can maximize your Methow Valley experience in a long weekend with a little planning and guidance.

The first step of planning your winter weekend in the Methow Valley should be grabbing a Little Star Coupon Book, available at many local retailers. Packed with more than 100 pages of deals and discounts at businesses throughout the valley, the coupon book quickly pays back its $20 purchase price in the savings it gives users: $120-a-night rooms at Sun Mountain Lodge? Why yes, thank you. Two-for-one entrees at the Mazama Country Inn? Don’t mind if I do. $40 massages? I’ll take two, please.

Thumbing through the coupon book may, in fact, help you plan not only your lodging, but also your dining, shopping and recreation.

Next, check the events calendar on page 32. The prospect of attending a particular concert, play, art opening or holiday gift bazaar may help you schedule your visit; at the very least it will give you some options for entertainment while you’re here.

FRIDAY

Arrive and check into your lodging.

The options, from Mazama to Pateros, 16

Winthrop in the winter: just part of the Methow Valley adventure. Photo by Don Nelson

from cabins to lodges, from basic to sumptuous, are varied enough to suit any family’s needs. Consult www. centralreservations.net for a comprehensive directory.

If you still have enough daylight (or a good headlamp) for a ski, snowshoe, skate, or fat bike ride, head out on the trails. Nothing will work the kinks out of your back after a long drive better than a little exercise; however, a massage or soak in a hot tub will do the trick if you’re pressed for time.

You had the foresight to make your dinner reservations at Carlos 1800 (carlos1800.com), Old Schoolhouse Brewery (oldschoolhousebrewery.com), or the Twisp River Pub (methowbrewing.com), ahead of time, so head to downtown Winthrop or Twisp a bit before your reservation to have time to browse the shops. Or grab a pizza at Winthrop’s East 20 Pizza (east20pizza.com) or Twisp’s Hometown Pizza.

If you’d rather cook at home this first night, pick up groceries at Hank’s Harvest Foods (hanksharvestfoods. com) in Twisp or at Evergreen IGA (evergreeniga.com) in Winthrop. Both of the grocery stores have butcher shops, or you can swing by Thomson’s Custom Meats (thomsonscustommeats.com) in Twisp for access to

locally raised meat and a chat with the friendly proprietors, Chris and Diana.

While you’re at Thomson’s, grab some of Chris’s homemade jerky for snacks tomorrow. Select your wine from Glover Street Market’s (gloverstreetmarket.com) wine cellar in Twisp or at The Wine Shed (facebook.com/winthropwineshed) in Winthrop, and don’t forget a gourmet chocolate bar from Winthrop Motors (winthropmotorsinc. com). Yes, the gas station; don’t knock it ’til you try it.

For something more exotic, wend your way up into the Rendezvous area for an evening at Winthrop Tipi Dinners (winthroptipidinners.com).

After dinner, cap the night with a beverage and live music at Copper Glance (copperglancewinthrop.com) or Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop or at the Twisp River Pub. Or you want to make your own music? Karaoke at the Branding Iron (facebook.com/ twispbrandingiron) in Twisp is a great way to make new friends while nurturing your rock star aspirations.

Get a good night’s sleep; you have a busy day tomorrow.

SATURDAY

With so many great bakeries located the length of the valley, it would be

a shame to miss any one of them.

That’s why you should start your day with coffee and a pastry at the Mazama Store (themazamastore.com), Rocking Horse Bakery (rockinghorsebakery), Three Bears Inn (facebook. com/3bearsinn), or Cinnamon Twisp Bakery (methowmade.com/cinnamontwisp-bakery). You’ll also find locally baked goods at Blue Star Coffee Roasters in Twisp (bluestarcoffeeroasters. com). Don’t worry, the bakeries you miss on this first stop will appear later in your itinerary.

After you’ve fueled up, it’s time to hit the trails. If this is your first time visiting the Methow Valley, you might want to stop by the Methow Trails (methowtrails.org) office at the eastern end of downtown Winthrop to get some recommendations about where to ski, fat bike, or snowshoe depending on your interest and ability (or check the Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling and fat biking articles in this publication). Spend the morning enjoying the trails, then break for lunch at one of the bakeries you missed this morning; all serve soups, sandwiches, and other savory lunchtime options.

This afternoon you can tour the valley’s art galleries and shops.

Mazama may be small but between the Mazama Store and the Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies (goatsbeardmountainsupplies.com), there are plenty of impulse buys available. Wander the streets of Winthrop ducking into the many tantalizing shops, and don’t miss a stop at the Winthrop Gallery (winthropgallery.com), which is a cooperative artist’s gallery. At Trail’s End Bookstore (trailsendbookstore. com) you’ll find a great selection for leisure-time reading, plus books about the Methow Valley. Work off some calories with a hike up the hill to the Red Hen Trading Company for some eclectic bargains.

Twisp, too, has more to see in a small town than you’d expect. From the row of artists’ studios on the TwispWorks (twispworks.org) campus to Confluence Gallery & Art Center (confluencegallery.com) and D*SIGNS Gallery (keyserstudios.com) on Glover Street, the town is becoming a bit of an artist’s mecca. Your afternoon of shopping and culture will flow easily into a sleigh ride at Sun Mountain (sunmountainlodge.com), complete with a cup of cocoa at a miner’s tent. Or check The Merc Playhouse (www.mercplayhouse.org) for its current production.

Lost River Winery (lostriverwinery. com) and The Wine Shed in Winthrop and Glover Street Market in Twisp all offer wine and/or spirits tastings on weekend afternoons, so plan a stop to one (or all) of these tasting rooms before your dinner at the Freestone Inn (freestoneinn.com) or Mazama Country Inn (mazamacountryinn.com) in Mazama, Sun Mountain Lodge or Arrowleaf Bistro (arrowleafbistro.com) in Winthrop, or Tappi (tappitwisp.com) in Twisp. If you’re not ready for bed yet, head to Three Finger Jack’s (3fingeredjacks.com) in Winthrop or Mick & Miki’s in Twisp for a drink and a few games of pool with the locals.

SUNDAY

Grab a quick cup of coffee at Pony Expresso (facebook.com/katiesponyexpresso) in Winthrop or Michael’s Espresso in Twisp on your way to the balloon ride you scheduled with Morning Glory Balloon Tours (balloonwinthrop.com). As you float above the valley floor the landscape below you comes alive with the glitter of sunshine

on snow. Warm up afterwards with a trip to one of the bakeries you haven’t been to yet.

Now it’s time to lace up your skates and enjoy some time on the ice. As one of the state’s only outdoor ice rinks, the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink (winthropicerink.com) offers you unique views of the surrounding mountains while you twirl and glide on the ice. When you tire of skating, you can simply transition to Nordic skiing since the Winthrop Trail leaves right from the rink, or walk into Winthrop across the striking Spring Creek pedestrian bridge. At this point you can browse the shops, or if you’re ready to indulge yourself after a weekend packed with activity, Nectar (nectarskinbarwinthrop.com) in downtown Winthrop can meet your needs for personal pampering. That healthy glow you developed from skating or skiing will last even longer after your massage or facial.

For something more challenging in the steep-and-deep snow of the outback, take a trip with North Cascade Heli-skiing (996-3272).

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KIDS

If you have kids with you this weekend, you will probably want to plan in some activities like sledding or a Story Ski (see Nordic article). Night skating at the ice rink is novel, and even magical on clear nights. With a little prior planning you can also schedule a roller skating party at the Methow Valley Community Center (methowvalleycommunitycenter.weebly.com). For $75 you get exclusive access to the community center gym and roller skates for everyone. Bring your own refreshments, music, limbo stick, and disco ball.

All too soon the time comes for you to leave. On your way through Twisp, stop by Rey Emmanuel (facebook. com/reyemmanuelrestaurant) for some authentic Cuban cuisine or La Fonda Lopez (lafondalopez.com) for fare inspired by the flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Logan’s Steakhouse (997-0633) is ready with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Then just before you depart the valley, make reservations for your next visit. As you’ve just learned, there’s more to do in the Methow Valley than can be covered in a weekend; we know you’ll want to come back soon. ❅

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FAT BIKING

Free demos

Methow Cycle & Sport offers four free demonstration days this winter for people to try fat bikes in the Methow Valley. Demonstrations are from 9 a.m. to noon.

• Dec. 19: Pearrygin Lake State Park • Jan. 9: Winthrop Town Trailhead • Jan. 22: Winthrop Town Trailhead • Feb. 6: Location to be determined Methow Cycle & Sport will also sponsor a ride on Global Fat Bike Day, Dec. 5. A free day at Pearrygin State Park (no parking pass required) will be sponsored on Jan. 1

by Methow Cycle & Sport and the park. The event features fat bike riding or snow shoeing from 10:30 -11:30 a.m., followed by a barbeque. For more information go to the store website, www.methowcyclesport.com.

A fat biker pedals through the peaceful landscape under a magnificent Methow moon. Photo by Steve Mitchell

Riding the fat bike wave The Methow Valley leads the way in this fast-growing sport

By Ann McCreary

O

nly a few years ago, fat biking was a comparatively obscure sport with a small but dedicated following. Today, fat biking is one of the fastest growing winter sports in the nation and the Methow Valley is leading the fatty pack in this part of the country.

“In the Northwest, we’re by far the leader, and I would probably even stretch that to say the West Coast,” 18

said Dave Acheson of Methow Cycle & Sport in Winthrop.

Unique trails for winter riding, plenty of snow and blue-sky days, great terrain with fabulous views, and a welcoming community are boosting the valley’s popularity among fat bike aficionados.

“Fat biking started creeping into mainstream consciousness” about six years ago, said Acheson.

That’s about the same time that Methow Cycle & Sport acquired its first fat-tire bikes to offer a curious new winter diversion to Methow Valley residents and visitors. Since then, interest and participation in fat biking in the Methow Valley has been steadily growing.

A few years ago, fat bike riders first

tried the sport out on a few groomed ski trails that Methow Trails (formerly Methow Valley Sport Trails Association) opened to fat bikes, when conditions allowed.

The contraptions were greeted with skepticism and even a touch of hostility from some Nordic skiers, recalled Steve Mitchell, owner of Rocking Horse Bakery in Winthrop, and an avid cyclist who has been riding on snow since 1988.

“I’m not going to name names, but there are some of those Nordic skiers who now own fat bikes,” Mitchell said.

Expanding opportunities

Three winters ago, the opportunities for fat bike riders in the Methow Valley expanded significantly when local fat

bike enthusiasts worked with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and state parks officials to create a free, 17-mile trail system geared to fat bikes at Pearrygin Lake State Park and the nearby Lloyd Ranch on WDFW land above the park.

Bike shop owner Joe Brown and Mitchell were instrumental in developing the trail system. With Acheson, they keep the trails groomed throughout winter with snowmobiles and fuel provided by the state parks and wildlife departments.

Groomed cross country ski trails operated by Methow Trails offer wide, flat, mellow terrain. “But if you ride a bunch, that gets boring really quickly,” Acheson said.

“The narrow trails that we do at the

state park, with more turns and more up and down, are more similar to the experience you get mountain biking in summer,” he said.

The trails at the park are about 3 feet wide, much narrower than groomed ski trails. Some of the higher trails offer expansive views of Pearrygin Lake and the dramatic peaks of the North Cascades Mountains.

Local resident Terry Karro said one of her favorite outings is an early morning ride with friends to the high point of the Lloyd Ranch trails above Pearrygin Lake.

“We start in the dark with headlamps and ride to the top and watch the sunrise. It’s just amazing,” Karro said.

Karro still does plenty of skiing, but now includes fat biking among her regular winter activities.

When the clunky looking bikes first appeared on the winter recreation scene in the Methow Valley, “I wasn’t so skeptical about having them on the ski trails, I was more like, ‘what the hell?’” Karro said.

“But I thought, ‘let’s try it.’ It’s a given that when you first get on a fat bike and try it, you grin ear-to-ear. It’s like being a little kid,” Karro said.

The trail system at Pearrygin Lake and Lloyd Ranch provides plenty of challenging terrain for dedicated riders, but there are also lots of loops in the campground area that are flat and easy, Acheson said. A state Sno-Park Permit is required to park at Pearrygin Lake State Park.

That free trail system, in combination with riding on designated groomed ski trails, has made the Methow Valley an increasingly popular destination for fat biking in winter.

The valley has become the chosen winter rendezvous for the Northwest Fatbike Community, a casual group of riders that shares information on Facebook and plans rides around the region.

This winter the group will hold its third annual “Winter Meetup” in the Methow Valley on Jan. 16, 17 and 18 to enjoy the trails.

“That’s a good group. We had close to 30 riders here last year,” Mitchell said. Among cyclists in general, “fat bikers, from a winter perspective, are more the aficionados — the hard core so to speak — and they’ll travel a long

way to find riding.”

Mitchell said Methow Trails has been at the forefront of the fat biking movement, and continues to develop ways to provide access for fat bikers to the groomed trail system.

“I have to applaud Methow Trails for recognizing this [sport] early on. It was one of the first Nordic ski areas to accommodate fat bikes,” Mitchell said.

The growing popularity of fat biking is expanding the recreational options offered by Nordic ski areas and bringing in a new group of trail users, said Mitchell, who is a member of the Methow Trails board of directors.

“There’s recognition that if it’s a bad ski day, it could be a great fat bike day.

Fat bikes could be an alternative in that regard, in terms of a revenue stream.”

Fat biking the Methow Trails

The Big Valley Ranch multi-use trail is free and always open to fat bikes, regardless of conditions. The flat trail meanders through forests, along the Methow River and across fields. The trailhead is located west of Winthrop on the way to Mazama off Dripping Spring Road.

This winter, Methow Trails will offer a new access for fat bikers from the popular Winthrop Town

Trailhead area to fat biking on the Barnsley and Bitterbrush trails. A pilot project will provide a separate trail for bikers to ride from the trailhead, in addition to the trail access provided in previous years at the Winthrop Fish Hatchery.

That new trail at the Town Trailhead will allow fat bikers to ride from downtown Winthrop across the suspension bridge toward the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink, and then along the designated fat bike trail to Barnsley and Bitterbrush loops.

“It’s going to create a central, community-focused trailhead where you have snowshoers, skiers, skaters and fat bikers,” said Mitchell.

A fat bike loop was designated last winter at Sun Mountain, following the Patterson Lake, Magpie and Radar Creek trails.

Fat bikes are also allowed on the Gunn Ranch trail off Rendezvous Road. Gunn Ranch climbs toward Grizzly Hut, providing dramatic vistas of the valley. Bikers can rent the hut, but need to be prepared to get up there by other means of transportation (skis or snowshoes) if weather conditions don’t allow fat bikes on the trail.

Methow Trails assesses the trail conditions daily to determine where

fat bikes will be allowed, and posts the information on its grooming report at 7 a.m. Snow coverage needs to be adequate and firm enough to accommodate the bikes, and bikers should check the grooming report each day before heading out.

Bike tires need to be wider than 3.6 inches and have pressure less than 10 psi to use the groomed trails. Etiquette calls for riders to yield to all other users, stay out of the classic ski tracks, and give skate skiers a wide berth.

And bikers should stay on their bikes, because footprints damage the trails.

Methow Trails requires a trail pass of all users (except at Big Valley), but this winter offers a reduced the rate of $10 per day for fat bikers in recognition of the more limited trail options. Fat bikers can also purchase a $50 season pass.

Fat bikes are available for rent at Methow Cycle & Sport in Winthrop, and at Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies and North Cascades Cycle Werks in Mazama.

Information on fat biking in the Methow Valley is available at the Methow Trails website at www. methowtrails.org or at the Methow Cycle & Sport website, www.methowcyclesport.com. ❅

It’s all smiles for these fat bikers enjoying sunshine and panoramic views on the trails above Pearrygin Lake. Photo by L aurelle Walsh 19

Where to gear up Winter recreation equipment is available for rental at many valley locations Winthrop

METHOW TRAILS www. methowtrails.org, (509) 996-3287 Methow Trails does not rent gear, but it does maintain the valley’s 120 miles (200-plus kilometers) of groomed cross country ski trails. Go to its website or visit the office at 309 Riverside Ave. in Winthrop for information and maps on all winter recreational activities.

METHOW VALLEY SKI SCHOOL www.methownet.com/skischool/ Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day Rents equipment and gives Nordic ski lessons out of three locations: The Sun Mountain Lodge activity

shop, (509) 996-4735; Mazama Junction, (509) 996-3744; and Methow Cycle and Sport in Winthrop, (509) 996-3645.

Gear may be rented at any of the three locations and returned to another. For parents who want to go farther than their little ones can ski, Methow Valley Ski School also rents pulks, an enclosed sled on skis that tows a child behind an adult skier. Individual or group Nordic ski lessons with a certified instructor may be arranged at all three locations.

SUN MOUNTAIN LODGE ACTIVITY SHOP www.sunmountainlodge.com, (509) 996-4735 Besides having the Methow Valley Ski School and its rental operations based out of the activity shop, Sun Mountain Lodge also offers horsedrawn sleigh rides, with or without a dinner package. Sleigh rides may be reserved by calling the activity shop.

Guided steelhead fishing trips on the Methow River may be booked at the

activity shop from October – March.

Fly rods may be rented by the day.

METHOW CYCLE & SPORT methowcyclesport.com, (509) 996-3645 Open 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily Rents fat bikes in every size made for adults and kids. Bikes can be rented for four hours to four days. Helmets and hand protection for riding on cold days are also provided.

As the store is an outlet for the Methow Valley Ski School, classic and skate ski gear for adults and kids is available, as well as snowshoes and pulks. Nordic ski lessons may also be booked at the bike shop.

WINTHROP MOUNTAIN SPORTS www.winthropmountainsports.com, (509) 996-2886 Open 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Offers full- or half-day rentals of classic, skate, touring, and alpine touring ski packages for adults as well as classic and skate ski pack.

Racing ski packages are available by reservation.

Also rents snowshoes for kids and adults, poles included, as well as Kindershuttle and Chariot

pulks — snow sleds for pulling young children behind an adult skier.

CASCADES OUTDOOR STORE www.cascadesoutdoorstore.com, (509) 996-3480 Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas days Rents skate and waxless classic ski packages for adults and kids. For those interested in comparing several brands of skis, the demo fee is the same as the daily rental fee, and is waived if skis are purchased.

WINTHROP ICE AND SPORTS RINK www.winthropicerink.com Check the website for days and hours of operation. The rink rents ice skates in all sizes and hockey sticks; helmets are provided for free.

Skate sharpening is also available. Ice skating and hockey sessions, theme nights and parties run throughout the season. Adult and children’s lessons are also available.

CHEWACK RIVER GUEST RANCH www.chewackranch.com, (509) 996-2497 Offers half- and full-day snowmobile rentals at the ranch located six miles north of Winthrop on East Chewuch

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GOAT’S BEARD MOUNTAIN SUPPLIES www.goatsbeardmountainsupplies.com, (509) 996-2515 Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily Located across the courtyard from the Mazama Store. Specializes in ski gear for folks who want to get off

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LOUP LOUP RENTAL EQUIPMENT SHOP www.skitheloup.com, (509) 557-3406 Open 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. every day the ski area is open Located near the day lodge at Loup Loup Ski Bowl. The shop rents full or half-day alpine ski and snowboard packages, helmets, rentals, and Nordic ski gear. Loup Loup Ski Bowl also rents inner tubes for use on its tubing hill near the lodge. Private or group downhill ski and snowboard lessons with certified instructors are available for adults and kids by the hour. “Firsttimer” specials include lift ticket, rental equipment and a one-hour lesson.

LOUP LOUP SKI & SNOWBOARD SHOP www.louploupskishop.com, (509) 846-5076; call for hours Located at 427 Highway 20 South

in Twisp, next to Hank’s Harvest Foods. The shop offers full- or half-day alpine ski and snowboard packages — both of which include helmets — for kids and adults. Snowshoe rentals are also available. Classic Mountain Cabby runs a shuttle service to Loup Loup Ski Bowl, departing from the Ski & Snowboard Shop on weekends. (See below.)

CLASSIC MOUNTAIN CABBY jtd2014.wix.com/classicmountaincabby, (509) 996-2894 Classic Mountain Cabby provides passenger shuttle service for people and their skis, snowboards, bikes and fishing gear to trailheads and ski areas throughout the region. Call or check the Cabby’s website or Facebook page — Classic Mountain Cabby LLC — for further shuttle information.

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the trails and into the backcountry.

Goat’s Beard rents both alpine touring ski gear — designed for steeper terrain — and metal-edged backcountry touring ski gear — better for traveling over rolling terrain. The store also rents avalanche airbag packs for safety while skiing the backcountry.

The shop also rents Burley ski pulks, snowshoes, and split snowboards, for climbing up and shredding back down the mountain.

NORTH CASCADES BASECAMP www.northcascadesbasecamp.com, (509) 996-2334; call for hours North Cascades Basecamp, located on Lost River Road in Mazama, rents snowshoes at the Warming Hut for half or full days, and for use during the Nature of Winter snowshoe tours at the Basecamp on Saturdays in January and February.

JACK’S HUT www.freestoneinn. com/jack-s-hut, (509) 996-3906 ext. 356 Located at the Freestone Inn on Highway 20 west of Mazama. Jack’s Hut sells outdoor clothing and gear as well as trail passes, rents some equipment, arranges outings and also serves food and beverages. ❅

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The Methow Valley’s vast network of ski trails offers unlimited options

Nordic ski lessons at Sun Mountain: lots of places to learn, lots of places to practice. PHOTO BY DON NELSON

The Nordic way

By Ashley Lodato

P

icture a vast glittering white blanket, with smooth stretches, steep folds, and a few rolling bumps. Now add a shimmering river, frosted pines, majestic cottonwoods. A network of pathways spider across the blanket, running through fields, over hill and dale.

Sprinkle in a couple of cozy huts and a charming town at either end of the blanket, and you’ve got the Methow Valley trails system spread out before you, just waiting for you to clip on your skis (or snowshoes, or fat bike) and insert yourself into the picture.

Widely celebrated as the largest Nordic ski trails system in North America, this 200-kilometer network of skate platforms and classic tracks is one of the Methow Valley’s biggest lures. Managed and maintained by Methow Trails 22

(www.methowtrails.org), the trails system is the result of the vision of a group of skiing friends in the 1970s whose foresight and tireless efforts to secure right-of-ways on public and private lands gives residents and visitors alike thousands of person-hours of enjoyment and exercise each year.

TRAILS

The trail system comprises three main areas, all connected by the 30k Methow Community Trail, which stretches from Winthrop to Mazama with spurs up to Sun Mountain and out to Wilson Ranch and Early Winters Creek.

MAZAMA

Mazama’s trails are generally the flattest, with the exception of the demanding Doe Canyon and Fawn Creek trails. Several scenic loop options exist,

including the popular 10k loop that leads from Mazama Junction down to the Tawlks-Foster Suspension Bridge and back as well as the “latte loop” that provides lodge-to-lodge skiing via the Mazama Country Inn, North Cascades Basecamp, the Freestone Inn, and the Mazama Ranch House. A warming hut located on the outlying trails provide skiers with an inviting place to picnic or rest and create an objective for those who prefer destination outings.

THE RENDEZVOUS

Skiing in the Rendezvous is not for the faint of heart, as nearly every trail involves lots of ups and downs. Some of the most spectacular skiing in the valley can be found here, however, and the network of trails and Europeanstyle mountain huts makes skiers feel that they have traveled well off the

beaten path.

Although the Rendezvous can easily be traversed in half a day, extending your stay to a couple of days by reserving one of the huts (www. rendezvoushuts.com) allows you the best opportunity to fully explore the area. The affordable freight hauls make it possible for you to ski with just the day’s essentials, yet still enjoy a rustically luxurious multi-day experience.

A night or two at “The Huts” is a quintessential Methow experience and is a treasured annual event for many a Methow family or group of friends.

SUN MOUNTAIN

The trail system’s roots are at Sun Mountain, which is the Northwest’s oldest and largest Nordic skiing resort. The valley’s most varied terrain can be found here, with something

for everyone in the family, from heart-pumping` climbs with thrilling descents to an appealing network of relatively flat loops to a couple of roller coasters. At Chickadee trailhead a warming hut provides a cozy place to rest and relax, a loop around the Beaver Pond affords wildlife sighting opportunities, and Sun Mountain Lodge at the top of the mountain offers full services and meals and sweeping views of the valley floor below.

The Methow Community Trail

More than merely a connector trail, the Methow Community Trail itself presents numerous options for ski tours of all lengths, from the short hilly loops of Barnsley and Bitterbrush to the exciting climb or descent of Powers Plunge, to the wide-open terrain of the Wolf Creek area. With trailheads in many spots along the way, the trail offers skiers a wide range of choices for start and end points. A milestone for many skiers is to complete the entire 30k length of the trail, starting in Mazama and ending in Winthrop (or vice versa) and celebrating with a hot drink in downtown Winthrop

Trails details • Backyard Ski Day: Jan 22. Free trail access, equipment rentals, and lessons.

• Trail passes: Most trails in the Methow Trails system require day-use, multiday, season, or lifetime passes, and for all canines. Passes are available at Methow Trails and at numerous businesses throughout the valley.

Good news for Canadians: Methow Trails is selling trail passes at par (must purchase at Methow Trails, Winthrop Ice Rink, or Loup Loup Ski Bowl).

Adult season pass: $325 Adult day pass: $24 Adult multi-day pass: $60 Adult weekday pass: $199 Dog day pass: $10 Dog season pass: $50 (or at the Mazama Store). Those with lodging along the Methow Community Trail — Brown’s Farm or the Wolf Creek Resort — find themselves with two directions of skiing to choose from; those simply passing through can enjoy the warming rooms at both locations.

The “thru-ski” option will most

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likely be a lot more logistically simple on Saturdays in January – February 2016, thanks to a proposed free shuttle provided by Methow Trails.

Anyone wearing a trail pass can hop on a bus at the Winthrop Town Trailhead at 10 a.m. and ride to Brown’s Farm or Mazama, then ski back to Winthrop. Skiers can also ride the bus

www.skitheloup.com/the_mountain/ nordic_trails, or (509) 557-=3405 More information • For more information about the Methow Valley Nordic Team, including youth clinics, biathlon, and other events, visit methowvalleynordic.com/juniors, or call (509) 996-6000.

• For more information about the Methow Valley Nordic Club, including camps, clinics, and classes, visit methowvalleynordic.com/adults, or email mvnordicclub@gmail.com.

• For more information about vouchers for free skiing, lessons, and rentals for families in need, contact Room One at (509) 997-2050. between Brown’s Farm and Mazama, as well as between Mazama and Winthrop, and ski back up the valley.

The Methow Trails system lends itself particularly well to such journeys, and whether a long ski route like the Community Trail is a landmark or a weekly event for you, you’ll find it never gets old.

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Fat bike day pass: $10 Snowshoe season pass: $50 Fat bike season pass: $50 Snowshoe day pass: $5 17 & younger + 75 & older ski free For more information about Methow Trails, including races and other events, call (509) 996.3287 or visit www.

MethowTrails.org.

• Loup Loup Nordic trails Area 51 adult pass: $11 South Summit day pass (Sno-Park): $21 South Summit season pass (Sno-Park): $41 For more information about Loup Loup trails call (866) 699-5334 or visit skitheloup.com/conditions/nordic-skiing.

• Grooming: methowtrails.com/wintertrails/grooming, or (509) 996-3860;

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Dog-friendly and exempt from the trail pass requirement, Big Valley affords open views and flat terrain. Want to make your pup earn her keep by pulling you? Learn how to skijour with Cascades Outdoor Store (cascadesoutdoorstore.com/skijoring).

Loup Loup Pass

These Nordic trails are not part of the Methow Trails system; however, they are easily accessed from the valley and they provide some variety for those who have the luxury of plenty of time. About 23 kilometers of trail are groomed at Area 51 of the Loup Loup Ski Area, and across the road at South Summit (which is typically groomed on Fridays), skiers can jump on a 46k trail network shared with snowmobiles, fat bikes, and dogs.

FUN WITH THE KIDS

Stories by local author/illustrator Erik Brooks line three 1k loops (Chickadee, Winthrop Town Trailhead, Mazama), giving kids the opportunity explore his books Polar Opposites, Totem Tale, and Polar Polka while they ski. As many a parent of young children on skis can attest, one kilometer without a Story Ski can seemingly take forever, but one kilometer with a Story Ski fairly flies by and leaves the kids begging for a longer route.

For the older kids, the Wild Side trails in Mazama use panels featuring local mammals to give skiers ages 6 – 12 tips to help improve their ski technique.

Another suggestion for those with younger skiers is to set a destination as a goal. The warming hut at Cow Beach makes a fun outing (pack a thermos and picnic!), or skiing a point-to-point route that ends at Sun Mountain, the Mazama Store, or the Winthrop Town Trailhead offers a tasty reward at the end of a linear journey. Then flip a coin — one adult stays with the kids and some hot cocoa while the other adult skis back to fetch the vehicle.

trails (www.methowtrails.org/wintertrails/snowshoe), as are fat bikes (www. methowtrails.org/winter-trails/fat-bike), and you can even bring your dogs on several of the trails (www.methowtrails. org/winter-trails/dogs). Kids? You can take them anywhere — for free! Go to www.methowtrails.org/winter-trails/ kids.

EQUIPMENT

Nordic ski equipment can be rented at: • Cascades Outdoor Store in Winthrop • Methow Cycle & Sport in Winthrop • Methow Valley Ski School, at Sun Mountain Lodge and Mazama Junction • Winthrop Mountain Sports in Winthrop • Jack’s Hut at Freestone Inn, Mazama All rental sites stock excellent skate and classic equipment in all sizes and styles. See Rental Equipment article on page 20.

LESSONS

Nordic skiing is great fun, and it’s even more fun when you do it well.

Although a lucky few pick up good

technique through trial-and-error, most of us can benefit tremendously from a lesson or a series of technique training sessions. Lessons are available through several sources: • Methow Valley Ski School (www. methownet.com/skischool) has been offering lessons via its owner Don Portman, a pioneer in North American Nordic skiing, since the 1970s. With locations at Sun Mountain, Methow Cycle & Sport in Winthrop, and Mazama, the ski school can accommodate skiers of all ages and abilities for private and group lessons, taught by a core staff of

JOIN THE FUN!

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TRAIL PASSES

Trail passes (www.methowtrails.org/ winter-trails/passes) are required on most trails, but skiers can use the Big Valley trails, Lunachick, and Winthrop Town Trailhead loop for free. Snowshoes are also welcome on many select

talented and devoted instructors.

• Methow Valley Nordic (www. methowvalleynordic.com/adults) offers camps, clinics and weekly technique and training sessions for adults. Taught by some of the valley’s finest coaches, the lessons serve a wide range of abilities and interests.

• Methow Valley Nordic Team (methowvalleynordic.com) serves youth skiers ages 6 – 18, and delivers two holiday ski camps annually during winter vacations. Generally held in Mazama, this year’s camps take place on Dec. 28 – 29, 2015, and Feb. 14 – 15, 2016. ❅

50 LOST RIVER ROAD • OPEN DAILY 7AM–6PM • 509.996.2855

THEMAZAMASTORE.COM

Monday through Saturday 10aM to 5pM Sunday 11aM to 3pM 509.996.4367

153 CaStle avenue in Winthrop

Basic info for visitors NEED A PLACE TO STAY?

CAR WASH

Central Reservations: 9962148 or (800) 422-3048; www. centralreservations.net; info@ centralreservations.net

Cascade King’s: 1421 Methow Valley Hwy S. Twisp; 997-2513; www.kingstire. biz

INFORMATION CENTERS

Classic Towing, Twisp: 997-2333 Winthrop Motors: 996-2277

OPEN LATE

Hank’s Mini Market: 410 E. Methow Valley Highway, Twisp; 997-4332; until 10 p.m. every day; 24-hour fueling Mazama Store: 50 Lost River Road, Mazama; 996-2855; 24-hour fueling Pardners Mini Market: 900 Highway 20, Winthrop; 996-2005; until midnight every day; 24-hour fueling Twisp Chevron: 126 N. Methow Valley Highway; 997-3181; until 10 p.m. weekdays and Sunday, 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 24-hour fueling

POLICE/EMERGENCY

Emergency: 911 Twisp Police Department: 997-6112; 118 S. Glover St.; townoftwisp. com/index.php/departments/ police-department/ Winthrop Marshal’s Office: 9962160; 206 Riverside Ave.; www. winthropmarshals.com Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office: (509) 422-7232; www.okanogansheriff. org Washington State Patrol: (509) 422-3800 Okanogan County Fire District 6: 997-2981 Aero Methow Rescue Service: 997-4013; www.aeromethow.org

Twisp Municipal Airport: 40 Wagner Road, Twisp; 997-2311.

Methow Valley State Airport: TwispWinthrop Eastside Road; (360) 618-2477

NEED TO CHARGE YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

Pine Near RV Park: 316 Castle Ave., Winthrop; (509) 341-4062, www. pinenearpark.com Mazama Country Inn: 15 Country Road, Mazama; 996-2681; www. mazamacountryinn.com Twisp River Pub: 201 N. Highway 20, Twisp; 997-6822; www.twispriverpub. com Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop: 9962211; www.sunmountainlodge.com

Laundromat, showers and free wi-fi at Washworks: 325 E. Highway 20, Twisp; 997-0336; www.hwy20washworks.com

Sawtooth Dental Care, Twisp: 997-7533 Family Health Centers Dental Clinic, Twisp: 997-0922 Ulrich’s Pharmacy, Twisp: 997-2191

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

GOVERNMENT

Twisp: 997-2020; www.twispinfo.com Winthrop: 996-2125; www. winthropwashington.com Omak: (509) 826-1880 or (800) 2256625; www.omakchamber.com Okanogan: (509) 422-4034; www. okanogachamber.com Brewster: (509) 689-3464; www. brewsterchamber.org Pateros: (509) 923-9636; www.pateros. com

BANKS

North Cascades Bank: 101 Methow Valley Highway N., Twisp; 997-2411; www.northcascadesbank.com Farmers State Bank: 159 Riverside Ave., Winthrop; 996-2244; www. farmersstatebankwa.com

POST OFFICES

Carlton: 997-6091; 2274 Highway 153 Methow: (509) 923-2759; 34 Main St. Twisp: 997-3777; 205 Glover St. Winthrop: 996-2282; 1110 Highway 20

LIBRARIES

Classic Mountain Cabby: 996-2894; classicmountaincabby@gmail.com

Twisp: 997-4681; 201 Methow Valley Highway (Methow Valley Community Center); wireless hot spot Winthrop: 996-2685; 49 Highway 20; wireless hot spot

PET PROBLEMS?

HEALTH CARE

CAB AND SHUTTLE

Methow Valley Veterinary Hospital: 910 Highway 20, Winthrop: 996-3231 Valley Veterinary Clinic: 20335 Highway 20, Twisp; 997-8452 Winthrop Veterinary Services: 19100 Highway 20; 996-2793

HIGHWAY INFORMATION

Washington State Department of Transportation: Dial 511 for pass and road information; www.wsdot.wa.gov

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Twisp: 997-2926; 201 Methow Valley Highway (Methow Valley Community Center) Winthrop: 996-2125 or (888) 463-8469; 202 Riverside Ave.

NEED A TOW?

NEED TO CLEAN UP?

Three Rivers Hospital, Brewster: (509) 689-2086; www. threerivershospital.net Mid-Valley Hospital, Omak: (509) 826-1760; www.mvhealth.org The Country Clinic, Winthrop: 996-8180 Family Health Centers Medical Clinic, Twisp: 997-2011 Brewster Clinic: (509) 826-1800 Steven C. Harrop DDS, Winthrop: 996-2164

City of Pateros: (509) 923-2571; www. pateros.com Town of Twisp: 997-4081; 118 S. Glover St.; www.townoftwisp.com Town of Winthrop: 996-2320, 206 Riverside Ave., www.townofwinthrop. com

RECREATION INFORMATION

U.S. Forest Service: 996-4000; 24 West Chewuch Rd., Winthrop Methow Trails: 996-2387; 309 Riverside Ave., Winthrop; www.methowtrails. com; info@methowtrails.com Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink: 996-4199; www.winthropicerink.com Wagner Memorial Pool, Twisp: 997-5441 Pearrygin Lake State Park, Winthrop: 996-2370; www.parks.wa.gov/563/ Pearrygin-Lake Cascade Loop Scenic Highway: www. cascadeloop.com North Cascades National Park: Newhalem visitor center, (206) 386-4495 ext.11; www.nps.gov/noca/ index.htm Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: (360) 902-2200; www.wdfw. wa.gov

INFORMATION & MEDIA

Methow Valley News: 997-7701; 101 N. Glover St., Twisp; www. methowvalleynews.com; frontdesk@ methowvalleynews.com www.methownet.com www.methow.com KTRT, 97.5 FM KCSY, 106.3FM KOZI, 93.5FM KTWP (public radio), 91.1FM All 996 and 997 prefixes are in the 509 area code. ❅

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Take winter in stride Snowshoeing allows a more leisurely look at the Methow landscape

By Marcy Stamper

M

ost winter sports take advantage of the slippery properties of snow and ice for speed and glide. But snowshoeing is the opposite. A snowshoe’s large platform distributes your weight and its jagged teeth provide traction, providing great stability in the snow.

The gradual speed — and the ability to go just about anywhere — bring unexpected joys and benefits. You can see how animals and plants adapt to winter and detect changes in the landscape.

There’s a remarkable amount to see

that you wouldn’t normally notice, said Laura Ruud, an avid snowshoer who has guided weekly snowshoe tours for Methow Trails for years. Ruud said she discovers something different every time she goes snowshoeing.

“It’s fun to get into the winter environment and get an idea of what’s going on in the winter world, in terms of animal and plant adaptations,” said Ruud. In fact, it’s easier to see wildlife activity in the winter than at other times of year because the snow creates the ideal canvas for recording their interactions.

Ruud recalled an enthralling

Some snowshoers like to create their own trail, while others prefer to choose from the many packed, marked routes around the valley. Photo by Marcy Stamper

discovery in freshly fallen snow on the Sun Mountain trails, where she spotted a large disturbed area in a snow bank that had no tracks leading in or out. Ruud ultimately located traces of a huge wingspan and the

THE BASICS

SNOWSHOEING THE METHOW Recommended trails Easy Winthrop: • Town trailhead/Fish hatchery • Big Valley Mazama/Lost River: • Early Winters campground trail • North Cascades Basecamp trails • Freestone Inn trails Sun Mountain trail system: • Horse Trail • Corral Trail Moderate Winthrop: • Pearrygin Lake State Park Sun Mountain trail system: • Black Bear and Kraule Loup Loup Summit: • Multiple-use trails at the 26

South Summit (requires Sno-Park permit) More strenuous Winthrop: • Lewis Butte (access from Gunn Ranch Road) Near Mazama: • Cedar Creek Falls (access from North Cascades Highway) Sun Mountain trail system and vicinity: • Patterson Lake, Rader Creek and Magpie loop • Patterson Mountain Rendezvous: • Cougar Bait and Cedar Creek Loop to Heifer Hut (access from Cub Creek trailhead) Guided snowshoe tours Methow Trails’ guided

tours (approximately two hours) are held every Saturday in January and February at 11 a.m. from the Sun Mountain Lodge activities center and North Cascades Basecamp. No reservations are necessary (first-come, first-served basis; limited to 10 people). Tours are free but a trail pass is required. Snowshoes are not provided.

The last Saturday in February (Feb. 27), Methow Trails will lead a longer tour (four to five hours), but no regular tour. Location to be announced.

Methow Trails’ trails require a trail pass or a snowshoe pass ($5). For more information, call

Methow Trails at 9963287 or email events@ methowtrails.org.

North Cascades Basecamp can arrange special tours with a naturalist. Call 996-2334.

Where to get snowshoes Snowshoes are available for rent at the Sun Mountain Lodge activities center, Methow Valley Ski School in Mazama, Methow Cycle & Sport, Winthrop Mountain Sports, Cascades Outdoor Store, Jack’s Hut at Freestone Inn, and (with limited availability) at North Cascades Basecamp.

Most outfitters also sell snowshoes.

delicate imprint of feathers that had swept across the surface of the snow. In one area, she found a maze of mouse trails — and then the rodent tracks suddenly disappeared, she said.

“It’s kind of like a detective story,” said Ruud. “What was there, what they were doing, where they were going, what they were eating?”

Participants in the Methow Trails’ snowshoe tours also learn other aspects of natural history, said Danica Ready, their program manager. In addition to looking for signs of wildlife, participants learn to identify trees and plants — a fresh challenge without leaves or flowers, she said.

Tour guides may also explain snow science and examine crystals, or take the temperature of snow at different depths to understand the insulating properties of snow, said Ready.

Comfortable for all ages

Snowshoeing is appealing because it is so accessible, for people of all ages and fitness levels. “I like it because people can get out so easily,” said Ruud.

“If you can walk, you can snowshoe,” she said.

Methow Trails’ weekly tours, which follow fairly level ground, are the perfect entry-level activity and many participants are trying snowshoes for the first time, said Ready. Guides show

people how to put on the snowshoes, provide a few basic pointers, and then they’re ready to head out on the trail.

“We always tell people, when you’re snowshoeing, the first step, you’re a beginner; the second step, you’re an intermediate; and the third step, you’re an expert,” said Bret Alumbaugh, the recreation director at the Sun Mountain Lodge activities center.

Sun Mountain has the most extensive network of established snowshoe trails in the Methow Valley — about 20 kilometers — with routes that traverse various habitats, from forested areas to open meadows. You can choose from gentle walks near the lodge or a more strenuous trail along Patterson Lake and back to the lodge.

Many people favor trails that have been packed, since they are easy to walk on and follow, said Ready. Sun Mountain staff pack their trails — in fact, the general manager of the lodge does the majority of the “grooming” because he loves to snowshoe, said Alumbaugh.

One of the primary appeals of snowshoeing is that it can be done almost anywhere, and with a relatively small investment in equipment. Particularly after a fresh snow, snowshoers can simply head out the door and blaze a new trail.

Some snowshoers like to tackle a more ambitious route or an allday — or even overnight — outing. If you want a more vigorous workout, going out in deep snow is ideal because you have to lift each foot so far with every step. Ruud recalls a rewarding walk in several feet of fresh snow that proved to be one of the most exerting things she’d ever done.

While Methow Trails’ tours follow

Open Every Day 10 - 6

the same routes each week (from either Sun Mountain Lodge and the North Cascades Basecamp), you see surprising things every time, said Ruud.

Tour participants are always excited to find cougar tracks, which are relatively common in the winter, said Ruud. Cougars generally watch for prey from the woods, go to an open area to nab their prey, and then drag it back to the forest, she said.

Tracks seen regularly include deer and moose; bobcats, lynx and cougars; weasels, mice, shrews and squirrels; and a variety of birds. Snowshoe hare trails are very prevalent and easy to distinguish, said Ruud. They’ve even seen signs of river otters near the Basecamp on Lost River Road.

Ruud and her snowshoe trekkers often find rectangular holes made by pileated woodpeckers in trees, or places where bark has been scratched away by bears. Traces of berries in scat or stashes of pine nuts also provide clues to what animals are eating, she said.

Gearing up

Basic snowshoes, sized for your weight, are fine for most purposes.

People with special interests can look for snowshoes designed for extra-deep snow in the backcountry or for trail running.

Poles are not essential, but can be helpful if the route includes a climb or descent. If you do use poles, it’s convenient to have poles that can be adjusted to different lengths.

Other equipment is fairly basic — layers of breathable, warm clothing; protection for your hands and head; and waterproof boots. Gaiters are helpful for keeping snow out of your boots. ❅

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509.996.2345 ~ www.trailsendbookstore.com

Experience Mazama in the Winter.

Furnished Rooms and Cabins • Ski Rental Next Door • Hot Tub

www.mazamaranchhouse.com

Methow Valley Snowmobile Club COME RIDE THE RANGE

Over 175 miles of groomed trails Club rides every weekend Campfire and lunch provided Come Ride with us!!

Check us out at: mvsnowmobile.blogspot.com facebook.com/methowvalleysnowmobile 27

Snowmobiling will take you to parts of the Methow Valley you can’t easily reach by other means. Some snowmobilers use their machines to access remote venues for other winters sports, such as this rider who is also planning to do some skiing, Although Highway 20 is closed to “regular” traffic most of the winter, this rider followed the highway to a stunning view of the Early Winters Spires as well as lots of elbow room for private recreation.

Photo by Mary K iesau

The basics

SNOWMOBILING • Visit the Methow Valley Snowmobile Association website, mvsnowmobile.blogspot.com, for information about the association, a calendar listing the group’s organized rides, trail information, and links to maps of several popular snowmobiling trails. Email them at methowsnowmobilers@gmail.com. MVSA meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month from October through March at the Methow Valley Senior Center in Twisp at 6:45 p.m.

• Methow River Lodge & Cabins for tours: methowriverlodge.com; (509) 996-4348; info@methowriverlodge. com.

• Chewack River Guest Ranch for tours and rentals: www.chewackranch.com; (509) 996-2497; chewackriverranch@gmail.com.

• Methow Powersports for repairs: 427 Glover St., Twisp; (509) 429-7855.

• Daily and seasonal Sno-Park permits are available at Hank’s Harvest Foods in Twisp, Pardners Mini Market or Winthrop Mountain Sports in Winthrop, or online at www.parks. wa.gov/winter/nonmotorparks/ permits.

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Riding the trails Snowmobilers can cover a vast amount of territory in the Methow

By Don Nelson

Y

ou may have heard it said that the Methow Valley boasts miles of scenic groomed trails — for Nordic skiing.

What may be less well known is that the same can be said for the sprawling 175-mile network of groomed trails for snowmobilers, easily accessible from several points in or near the valley.

Snowmobile fans can cover an amazing amount of territory in beautiful outback areas that might not otherwise be available when winter fully arrives.

And they don’t have to do it alone.

Visitors are welcome to join members

of the Methow Valley Snowmobile Association (MVSA) on their regular winter rides on a variety of routes.

Those new to, or curious about, the sport can get an introduction through guided snowmobile tours, and can rent “sleds” if they don’t own them yet.

Dolly and Rich Stahl, who own the Methow River Lodge & Cabins in Winthrop, are longtime snowmobilers and advocates for the sport. It’s a family thing: their son Craig is president of MVSA. Rich and Dolly, who moved to the Methow Valley about 10 years ago, had been avid snowmobilers in Alaska, but didn’t have the same opportunities when they relocated to Port Townsend.

They were happy to end up in a place that beckons snowmobilers. “We missed it, and we missed the winter,” she said.

The Stahls have had good response to the guided snowmobile tours they began offering three years ago, Dolly said. Often, she said, participants are

“people who want to learn about it.”

Tours and rentals (snowmobiles, suits, helmets) are offered by Chewack River Guest Ranch, on East Chewuch Road north of Winthrop.

Last winter, the valley drew more snowmobilers from around the Pacific Northwest because the Methow was one of the few areas that had adequate snow, Dolly said.

For MVSA and the Methow-based Mountain Trails Grooming Association, snowmobiling is a year-round interest. This fall, groomers and sledders were out clearing roads and trails of brush and blow-downs, and collecting boughs that will be used for decorating the downtowns of Twisp and Winthrop.

In addition to trail clearing, other MVSA activities include snow measuring for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, building and repairing warming huts, charity rides to support breast cancer research and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, providing local school

“It’s great family fun for all ages. Try it — you’ll like it.” scholarships and hosting a free Christmas day dinner.

Dolly Stahl, Methow River Lodge & Cabins

A few local favorite routes

Dolly said she likes all the local trails, but singled out the Tiffany Lake, Harts Pass and Twentymile Lookout areas as special experiences. Here are some routes to consider: • One popular run starts at the

Winthrop Barn

Auditorium The Barn, perfect for gatherings big or small

Weddings • Parties • Fundraisers Reunions • Performances • Meetings WiFi, Music System and Fully Equipped Professional Kitchen Downtown location by the Park (509) 996-2117 • www.winthropbarn.com info@winthropbarn.com 29

Boulder Creek Sno-Park on East Chewuch Road and heads east some 40 miles to the snowmobile-friendly town of Conconully. It’s both a scenic and challenging route that takes riders to high elevations at Tiffany Springs, Lone Frank Pass and Salmon Meadows down to Kerr Campground, where a plowed road covers the final miles to town.

• On West Chewuch Road, the Eightmile Sno-Park is the jump-off point for a tour of 6,000-foot Sweetgrass Butte, where 360-degree views from the crest rewards visitors. Riders can also hook up with the Goat Creek drainage, Banker Pass, Goat Peak and the Goat Creek Sno-Park south of Mazama.

• North of Mazama, the Yellowjacket Sno-Park provides access to the scenic splendors of Harts Pass. Also from Yellowjacket and Goat Creek, riders can take a break at the cozy Black Pine warming shelter.

• When snow closes Highway 20 over the North Cascades, snowmobilers often cruise the non-groomed corridor, some traveling as far as the Ross Lake road closure on the west side.

• West of Twisp on the Twisp River Road, the Twisp River Sno-Park connects riders with a network of groomed trails leading to Buttermilk Butte and the isolated beauty of Gold Creek further south, bordering the Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness. The Gold Creek drainage, also accessible via the Black Canyon and Southfork Gold Creek Sno-Parks off Highway 153 between Carlton and Pateros, were directly in the wildfire’s path this summer, so trail users should watch for possible falling trees or limbs weakened by both fire and accumulated snow load.

• The North Summit and South Summit Sno-Parks on the Loup Loup summit are accessible via Highway 20 south of Twisp. North Summit allows riders access to Starvation Mountain and Peacock Meadows with a connecting route to Conconully. South Summit connects with Paradise Hill Road into the Benson Creek drainage, where riders will find burned-over terrain from the past summer’s fires.

Wherever you go, enjoy the scenery, the company and the experience. “It’s great family fun for all ages,” Dolly Stahl said. “Try it — you’ll like it.” ❅

Jack’s Hut

year-round recreation center Under New Managem ent

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A dollar is a dollar

I

n many places throughout the Methow Valley this winter, Loonies and Georges will have equal status.

Methow Trails, the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink and Loup Loup Ski Bowl are accepting Canadian dollars at par with American dollars — no bothersome exchange rate involved — for all of their activities during the

2015–16 winter season.

Other Methow Valley merchants may also adopt the at-par policy this winter. Look for the logo displayed with this article, or ask about it where you stay, dine or shop.

Yes, we do love Canada — and its holiday weekends that don’t always line up with ours. We’ll be looking for you. ❅

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31

NOVEMBER FIRST THURSDAYS

FIX YOUR GEAR NIGHT: Get your bike and outdoor gear fixed for free at eqpd on the TwispWorks campus. 997-2010. 4-7pm

6 CONFLUENCE GALLERY MEMBERSHIP

PARTY: Annual party with live music and dancing, at the Winthrop Barn. $35; free for members. 997-2787. 6:30-10pm

6 CASCADIA GUITARFEST: Terry Hunt and Rico Stover at The Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $5-$10. 997-0222. 7pm

7 CASCADIA GUITARFEST: Cuban guitarists Edel Munoz and Isabel Diaz Bello at The Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $5-$15. 997-0222. 7pm

8 CASCADIA GUITARFEST: Rico Stover hosts cabaret guitar at Twisp River Suites. $20.

997-0100. 6pm

10 KIDS’ ART PARTY: Mixed-media design with Margaret Kingston at Methow Valley Elementary School. $35. 997-2787. 12:304:30pm

13 KIDS’ ART PARTY: Harvest painting with Deirdre Cassidy at Methow Valley Elementary School. $35. 997-2787. 12:30-4:30pm 13 MOVIE NIGHT: Herb and Dorothy screened at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $5.

997-2787. 6:30pm 13 AMERICAN ORIGINALS: Jim Basnight at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm

14 SKI SWAP: North Cascades Mountain Guides host annual ski swap at the Winthrop Barn to raise funds for MV Nordic Team. $2; kids free. 996-3194. 10am-noon

14 CHILDREN’S THEATER: Missoula Children’s Theater presents Aladdin at Methow Valley Elementary School. 3 and 7pm

14 BLUEGRASS/FOLK: The Shed Boys at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free.

996-3183. 7pm 20–21 TRUNK SHOW: Southeast Asian antiques and hand-woven textiles show at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. Free. 997-2787.

11am-5pm Friday, 10am-8pm Saturday 32

21 CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: More than 60 local vendors sell quality arts and crafts, at Methow Valley Community Center, Twisp. Free. 9972926. 9am-3pm

5 GLOBAL FAT BIKE DAY: Free fat biking at Pearrygin Lake State Park, Winthrop, followed by barbecue. www.methowcyclesport.com.

10:30-11:3-am

21 ART EXHIBIT: Opening reception for “It’s

5 COMEDY: Chicago’s famed Second City

Rusty Williams at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

5 FOLK: Three for Silver at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

15–16 HOLIDAY CONCERT: Featuring the Cascadia Chorale, Pipestone Orchestra, and brass ensemble, at Methow Valley Community Center, Twisp. By donation. 997-0222. 7pm

The Little Things: Miniature Art,” at Confluence Gallery, Twisp; exhibit continues through Jan. 9. Free. 997-2787. 4-8pm

21 CLASS ROCK, BLUES, FUNK: Darin

Hilderbrand at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

26 THANKSGIVING BUFFET: At Freestone Inn. $15-$39. 996-3906. 1, 3 and 5pm 26 THANKSGIVING DINNER: At Sun Moun-

tain Lodge. $16-$45. 996-3906. 2-8pm

27–28 CHRISTMAS AT THE END OF

THE ROAD: Santa visit, hot-air balloon glow, fireworks, fun runs, caroling, and activities all around downtown Winthrop. Free. 996-2125.

All day.

27 BLUES: Cee Cee James and The Mis-

sion of S.O.U.L. at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

comedy troupe at the Winthrop Barn. $40.

997-4004.

6 MUSIC: Buck Ellard at Sun Mountain Lodge.

Free. 996-3906. 7pm

11 KIDS’ ART PARTY: Block printing with Deirdre Cassidy at Methow Valley Elementary School. $35. 997-2787. 10am-2pm 11 AMERICAN ROOTS, BLUES, FOLK: Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 12–13 SIP-AND-SHOP ARTFUL HOLIDAYS: Trunk shows with artist vendors, with live music and refreshments at Confluence Gallery. 997-2787. Free. 4-8pm Saturday, noon-4pm Sunday

12 CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: At the Winthrop Barn. Free. 9am-3pm

12 BLUES, CAJUN, SOUL: Jet City Jeff and

17 FALL CONCERT: Liberty Bell High School band and choir perform at The Merc Playhouse, Twisp. By donation. 997-1022. 6pm 18 BLUES, FUNK: The Rafael Tranquilino

Band featuring Leah Tussing at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183.

7pm

19 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: At Freestone Inn. $13-$18. 996-3906. 9 and 11am 20, 22, 24 CHRISTMAS COOKIE DECORATING: At Sun Mountain Lodge. Free.

996-3906. 11am and 2pm on 20th and 24th, 11am on 22nd

28 HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: Artists’ reception at Winthrop Gallery. Free. 996-3925. 5-7pm 28 FOLK: Debbie Miller at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

DECEMBER FIRST THURSDAYS

FIX YOUR GEAR NIGHT: Get your bike and outdoor gear fixed for free at eqpd on the TwispWorks campus. 997-2010. 4-7pm

1 METHOW CONSERVANCY SOCIAL: Annual social and holiday program, “The Salish Sea: Jewel of the Pacific Northwest,” at the Winthrop Barn. Free. 996-2870. 6-8:30pm

4–6; 9–12 WINTER VARIETY SHOW:

Winter Wonderland II, Holidays in the Methow, at The Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $5-$15. 9977529; www.mercplayhouse.org. 7pm Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday; 2pm Sunday

4 OPEN MIC: Hosted by RT Junior at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 9963183. 7pm 5 CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: More than 60 local vendors sell quality arts and crafts, at Methow Valley Community Center, Twisp. Free. 9972926. 9am-3pm

The balloon roundup on March 4 –6 is a beautiful way to wrap up the winter. PHOTO BY MARCY STAMPER

20, 22, 24 VISIT WITH SANTA CLAUS: At Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. Noon and 3 pm on 20th and 24th, noon on 22nd 26 MUSIC: Tara Weaver and guest play classical music at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free.

996-3906. 7pm 27 MUSIC: Terry Hunt and friends play holiday music at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free.

996-3906. 6:30pm

28–29 KIDS HOLIDAY SKI CAMP: For kiers ages 6-12, at Mazama Community Club. $65-$130. www.methowvalleynordic.com/ juniors/events. 9am-noon

28 MUSIC: Hook Me Up plays at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. 7pm 30 SKI RODEO RACES: Nordic races, with 10k, 5k and fun race, at McCabe Trail, Liberty Bell High School. Costs vary. www. methowvalleynordic.com.

30 MUSIC: Hook Me Up plays at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. 7pm 31 VINTAGE SKI FESTIVAL: Vintage clothing and gear, wooden ski race, at Mazama Store.

Free. www. methowvalleynordic.com. Noon-2pm

8 ART EXHIBIT RECEPTION: Closing reception for “It’s the Little Things: Miniature Art” exhibition at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. Free.

997-2787. 4-8pm 16–17 RACE OF THE METHOW: Qualifying races for junior skiers plus races open to adults and kids at various distances; at McCabe Trail, Liberty Bell High School. $10-$50.

996-6000; mvntdirector@gmail.com.

16 SKI-JOURING: Try the fun sport of ski jouring, with all equipment provided; contact Cascades Outdoor Store, Winthrop. Free. 9963480, or cascadesoutdoorstore.com/skijouring.

11am-2pm 16 ART EXHIBIT: Opening of “Shadows and Light” exhibit at Confluence Gallery, Twisp.

Free 997-2787. 4-8pm 22–24 NORDIC FESTIVAL: Several

cross country ski races, backyard ski day on Friday with free skiing on Methow Trails system and free rentals at local outdoor shops, snowshoeing tours, fat biking, free ice skating at Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink, party at Winthrop Barn on Saturday. Locations vary.

Prices vary for events that are not free. www. methowtrails.com. All day.

31 MUSIC: The Olson Brothers at Sun Moun- 22 BACKYARD SKI DAY: Free skiing on tain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. 9:30pm

JANUARY

FIRST THURSDAYS

FIX YOUR GEAR NIGHT: Get your bike and outdoor gear fixed for free at eqpd on the TwispWorks campus. 997-2010. 4-7pm

THURSDAYS NATURE PROGRAM

AND SOUP: Natural history presentation at North Cascases Basecamp, Mazama. $7. 9962334. 5:30pm soup, 6 pm presentation

SATURDAYS KIDS’ NATURE

AND ART WORKSHOP: At North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama, for ages 5 and up. $15.

996-2334. 10am-noon

SATURDAYS SNOWSHOE TOURS: Explore the nature of winter at Sun Mountain Lodge and North Cascades Basecamp. Free. www.methowtrails.org. 11am

1 TRY BIATHLON: Learn about biathlon at Mazama Biathlon Range. $25. www. methowvalleynordic.com. 10am-noon

8–10 WINTER TRAILS DAYS: Try Nordic

skiing, snowshoeing, fat baking, skating and more, at various Methow locations. Prices vary. www.mountaineeers.org/wintertrailsday

8 ART EXHIBIT OPENING: Opening of exhibit

by artist-in-residence Perri Howard at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. Free. 997-2787. 4-8pm

Methow Trails system, free gear rentals from local shops, free ice skating at Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink; at all trail locations. Free. www. methowtrails.org.

30 WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKING: Explore the winter landscape with David Moskowitz. $45.

996-2870; registration required. 8:30am-12:30pm 31 WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKING: Explore the winter landscape with David Moskowitz. $45. 996-2870; registration required. 8:30am12:30pm 31 CONCERT: Small ensemble featuring string quartets, vocal quartets and more, at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $10. 997-0222 or www.cascadiamusic.org. 3pm

FEBRUARY

The fireworks show during Christmas at the End of the Road is a sight to behold against the sparkling white snow. Photo by Don Nelson

SATURDAYS SNOWSHOE TOURS: At Sun Mountain Lodge and North Cascades Basecamp. Free. www.methowtrails.org. 11am; through Feb. 20

6 SKI DERBY: Nordic races at 15k and 30k, at Chickadee Trailhead. $40-$50. www. methowvalleynordic.com. 9am

7

SKI FOR WOMEN: Nordic skiing for women of all ages and abilities, costumes encouraged, at Mazama Trailhead. By donation.

996-4228; www.roomone.org. 10am

7 HANZ’S GREAT ADVENTURE: Guess your time on Nordic courses at McCabe Trail, Liberty Bell High School. Free. 996-6000; www. methowvalleynordic.com. 1pm

13–14 SNOWSHOE SOFTBALL: Tournament at the Winthrop ball field. Free. (888) 463-8469. All day.

13 TRY BIATHLON: Learn about biathlon at Mazama Biathlon Range. $25. www. methowvalleynordic.com. 10am-2pm

14 DOGGIE DASH: Costumed ski racing with your dogs at Winthrop Town Trailhead. By donation. www.methowtrails.org. 10am 20 ARABIC MUSIC: House of Tarab at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $15. 997-2787. 7:30pm 26–28 MUSICAL: Production of the

children’s book The Last Salmon, with original music and local performers. $5-$15. 9977529; www.mercplayhouse.org. 7pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday; 2 pm Sunday

MARCH

FIRST THURSDAYS

FIX YOUR GEAR NIGHT: Get your bike and outdoor gear fixed for free at eqpd on the TwispWorks campus. 997-2010. 4-7pm

1 ALL ABOUT CARIBOU: “The World of

Endangered Woodland Caribou” with David Moskowitz, location to be determined. Free.

996-02870. 7pm

on the Methow Trails system. $10. www. methowvalleynordic.com. All day.

3–6 MUSICAL: Production of the children’s book The Last Salmon, with original music and local performers. $5-$15. 997-7529; www. mercplayhouse.org. 7pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday; 2 pm Sunday

THURSDAYS NATURE PROGRAM

13 CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: Annual Val-

4–6 BALLOON ROUNDUP: Annual hot-air

AND SOUP: Natural history presentation at North Cascases Basecamp, Mazama. $7. 9962334. 5:30pm soup, 6 pm presentation

entines Day concert at The Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $25. 997-5000; www.methowmusicfestival.org. 7pm

SATURDAYS KIDS’ NATURE

14–15 KIDS’ HOLIDAY SKI CAMP: For

FIRST THURSDAYS

FIX YOUR GEAR NIGHT: Get your bike and outdoor gear fixed for free at eqpd on the TwispWorks campus. 997-2010. 4-7pm

AND ART WORKSHOP: At North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama, for ages 5 and up. $15.

996-2334. 10am-noon

13 TOUR OF THE METHOW: Ski 20k to 80k

skiers ages 6-12, location to be determined. $65-$130. www. methowvalleynordic.com/ juniors/events. 1-4pm

balloon festival in Winthrop. Free. 996-2125.

Launches begin early mornings from the Winthrop Inn.

5 KEYBOARD CONFECTIONS: Keyboard concert and delectable desserts at Methow Valley Community Center, Twisp. $5-$15. 997-0222 or www.cascadiamusic.org. 7pm 33

AUTOMOTIVE/GASOLINE King’s Pacific Pride & Car Wash.............................................................. 11 BAKERIES Cinnamon Twisp Bakery ................................... 11 Rocking Horse Bakery ........................................15 BOOKSTORES Trail’s End Bookstore .......................................... 27

LODGING Central Reservations..........................................36 Cottonwood Cottage..............................................9 Freestone Inn ............................................................2 Mazama Country Inn ............................................3 Mazama Ranch House ...................................... 27 Methow River Lodge & Cabins ..................... 12 North Cascades Basecamp ...........................30 North Cascades Mountain Hostel.................. 17 River Run Inn ............................................................31 Rolling Huts................................................................13

LODGING, CONT. Twisp River Suites ...............................................35 Virginian Resort.......................................................14 Wolf Creek Cabins & Lodging .......................29 ORGANIZATIONS City of Pateros ........................................................35 Loup Loup Mountain Resort ..............................3 The Merc Playhouse Theater ...........................9 Methow Conservancy.........................................15 Methow Trails...........................................................21

BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS Palm Construction ................................................. 11

CAFES/DINING/ESPRESSO/SPIRITS Blue Star Coffee Roasters................................. 11 Cinnamon Twisp Bakery ................................... 11 East 20 Pizza ............................................................14 Freestone Inn .............................................................2 Freestone Inn, Jack’s Hut .................................30 Hometown Pizza....................................................31 LaFonda Lopez......................................................... 17 Lariat Coffee Roasters .......................................20 Logan’s Steakhouse ............................................23 Mazama Country Inn .............................................3 Mazama Store.........................................................24 Old Schoolhouse Brewery ..................................9 Rocking Horse Bakery ........................................15 Trail’s End Bookstore .......................................... 27 Winthrop Tipi Dinners ........................................25

RETAIL Aspen Grove ..............................................................31 Cascades Outdoor Store ................................... 21 Confluence Gallery ...............................................12 Freestone Inn, Jack’s Hut .................................30 Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies.................20 Loup Loup Ski Rental Shop ..............................13 Mazama Store.........................................................24 Methow Cycle & Sport ......................................... 7 Nectar Skin Bar ......................................................25 Outdoorsman..............................................................9 Red Hen Trading Co. ...........................................24 Trail’s End Bookstore .......................................... 27 Winthrop Mountain Sports.................................4

ENTERTAINMENT The Merc Playhouse Theater ...........................9 Old Schoolhouse Brewery ..................................9 EVENT FACILITIES Winthrop Barn Auditorium ..............................29

SKI/SNOWBOARD/SNOWSHOE RENTAL & SALES Cascades Outdoor Store ................................... 21 Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies.................20 Loup Loup Mountain Resort ..............................3 Loup Loup Ski Rental Shop ..............................13 Methow Cycle & Sport ......................................... 7 Methow Valley Ski School ........................12, 24 Outdoorsman..............................................................9 Winthrop Mountain Sports.................................4

GALLERIES/ARTS EVENTS Confluence Gallery ...............................................12 The Merc Playhouse Theater ...........................9 GROCERS Mazama Store.........................................................24 HEALTH INSURANCE/ MEDICARE Senior Benefits Solutions ................................... 7

34

REAL ESTATE Blue Sky Real Estate..............................................9 Coldwell Banker.....................................................35 RECREATION Freestone Inn, Jack’s Hut .................................30 Loup Loup Mountain Resort.................................................3 Methow Trails...........................................................21 Methow Valley Ski School ........................12, 24 Methow Valley Snowmobile Association ........................... 27 Morning Glory Balloon Tours ..........................31 North Cascades Basecamp ...........................30 Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink ............................. 21

BUILDING SUPPLY All Valley Insulation ..............................................23

HEALTH/MEDICAL FACILITIES Three Rivers Hospital.......................................... 17

ORGANIZATIONS, CONT. Methow Valley Snowmobile Association ........................... 27 Winthrop Barn Auditorium ..............................29 Winthrop Chamber of Commerce .......................................................2

SNOW REMOVAL Palm Construction ................................................. 11

PHOTO BY DANA SPHAR

SPA SERVICES Nectar Skin Bar ......................................................25

A WINTER WONDERLAND

PATEROS WWW.PATEROS.COM

509-923-2571 snowmobiling  skiing fishing  hunting lodging  dining  shopping

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Methow Valley’s #1 Real Estate Company

Dave Thomsen Brian Colin Kathy Goldberg Ina Clark Kathy Curtiss Carol K Johnson Frank Kline 996-2121

info@cbwin.com