Winter Guide 2023

METHOW VALLEY

Winter 2022-23

INSIDE Just add snow

We take winter seriously in the Methow Valley. We cheer for heavy snowfalls, haul out the cold-weather gear, winterize our vehicles, sharpen our skates, wax our skis, adjust our bindings, check the tire pressure on our fat bikes, find the ice auger and fishing pole, pull the snowshoes off whatever rack we’ve hung them on, and gas up the snowmobile.

We encourage you to do the same, and join us in taking full advantage of this winter wonderland. Methow Valley Winter 2022-23 is all about helping you do that. The magazine is full of detailed information about all of our outdoor activities, plus maps to help you navigate our various trail systems. There’s no part of the valley where you can’t find something to do.

But there’s more to this place than athletic activity. The same attractions that can fill your days in the summer are available in the winter, most of them indoors (we don’t expect you to endure the

cold all the time). We devoted a couple of pages of Methow Valley Winter 2022-23 to summarize the many options, and there’s much more to know if you take the time to explore. Check out our dining and lodging guides for information about what’s available, from casual to elegant.

To fully enjoy your Methow experience, here are a few “insider” tips: Take it easy, there’s no need to be in a hurry here. Be attentive to winter driving conditions, which can be challenging and change suddenly (a codicil: look out for deer!). Be aware of and heed rules for using trails and other facilities — courtesy and consideration are always appreciated. Be patient — transactions may take a few minutes, but they’re worth the wait. And at the end of the day, go outside for a few minutes and look up. There’s nothing like a clear Methow night for stargazing.

Our advertisers make this publication possible — we hope you will take note of and patronize them.

We’re happy to welcome you to the valley and are glad you found your way this far. Methow Valley Winter 2022-23 will help take you the rest of the way.

There’s nothing like Nordic

Photo by Steve Mitchell

The Methow is home to North America’s largest trail system

BY ASHLEY LODATO

Forty-five years ago an active and visionary group of valley residents imagined a vast trail system that would provide Methow Valley residents and visitors with unparalleled opportunities

for trail-based, year-round recreation. It was a big dream, hinging on open spaces, open minds, and a spirit of cooperation, but it was a popular dream, and one that forward-thinking valley residents could get behind. And thus those of us enjoying that trail system two score years later

can only marvel at the complex negotiations with private landowners and state and federal agencies that resulted in the Methow Trails system as we now know it: 200 kilometers of all-season trails smack in the middle of more than a million acres of undeveloped federal lands.

Add state-of-the-art nightly grooming, tasteful and well-placed signage, accessibility, free skiing for kids and those over 75, and you have a giant Nordic playground.

It’s the largest — and arguably the finest — Nordic trail system in North America and it’s just waiting for you to enjoy it.

The trails system is managed and maintained by the nonprofit organization Methow Trails (www. methowtrails.org), whose rightsof-way on public and private lands gives residents and visitors alike thousands of person-hours of enjoyment and exercise each year.

Photo by Marcy Stamper

NORDIC SKIING: THE BASICS

KEY PLAYERS

• Loup Loup Ski Bowl, a community nonprofit ski hill, offers nearly 50 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails near Loup Loup Pass. www. skitheloup.com/nordic-skiing, (509) 557-3401.

• Methow Trails, a 43-year-old recreation-focused nonprofit organization that establishes and maintains more than 200 kilometers of trail from Mazama to Winthrop. www. methowtrails.org, (509) 996-3287.

FIND TRAILS

There are five major trailheads for access to Nordic skiing in the Methow Valley; three of the main areas are linked.

The Methow Trails system comprises three main areas, all connected by the 30-kilometer Methow Community Trail, which stretches from Winthrop to Mazama with spurs up to Sun Mountain and out to Wilson Ranch and Early Winters Creek. The Sun Mountain and Rendezvous areas are the highest and thus tend to be open earliest (often by Thanksgiving) and stay groomed the longest (through April 1 in good snow years).

METHOW COMMUNITY TRAIL

With trailheads at several locations along its 30K reaches, the Methow Community Trail (MCT) is the most easily accessed section of trail in the system. Whether you’re looking for some flat runs through sunny fields, a slow and easy ski after a morning latte at the Mazama Store or the Rocking Horse Bakery in Winthrop, or a fun point-to-point

ski with some hill climbing in the middle, the MCT delivers. The self-service waxing hut at the Spring Creek Ranch Trailhead in Winthrop is insulated and heated for the coming season. An iron and bench are provided; bring your own wax. Many skiers like to make the warming hut at the base of Power’s Plunge a lunch break destination for a flat out-and-back trip from the Spring Creek Ranch Trailhead.

SUN MOUNTAIN

If you like varied terrain, the Sun Mountain trails are the ones for you. Climb up Thompson Road for sweeping views, then swoop back down as fast as you dare. Or take the moderate Little Wolf trail out and explore an old homestead site, or whoop it up on the roller coaster Yellowjacket trail. There are a solid handful of relatively flat trails as well, and dozens of different loops

for those who don’t like to repeat terrain.

The Chickadee Trailhead, which feeds into the majority of the Sun Mountain trails, has a warming hut and a welcoming front porch in the sun, while up the hill the Sun Mountain Lodge offers both casual and fine dining options or a cup of hot cocoa. An illustrated “StorySki” makes Chickadee an appealing place to start with the kids. Although you’ll see evidence of

Photo by Steve Mitchell

the 2021 Cedar Creek Fire along some of the trails at the outer reaches of the Sun Mountain trail system — Thompson Road, AquaLoop, and Upper Inside Passage in particular — for the most part your skiing experience will be unaffected by wildfire impact.

RENDEZVOUS

Don’t ski the Rendezvous if you don’t like hills. But if you do, the Rendezvous won’t disappoint. The Rendezvous offers a point-to-point to ski to Mazama (if you don’t mind a laborious vehicle shuttle) as well as access to numerous loops in the Rendezvous Pass area that really make you feel as if you are out in the backcountry. The Gunn Ranch Road is a spectacular and sunny way to access the Rendezvous trails and cuts out some of the elevation gain, but it gets quite crowded on weekends, especially as it is both a dog trail and a fat bike trail (see fat bike article, page 30).

THE LOUP

The Loup Loup Pass area offers a small but worthwhile Nordic option: South Summit. Located 12

miles east of Twisp, South Summit features 50K of trails with some dog-friendly options. Trail passes are not required but a Sno-Park permit, available at the Loup Loup ticket office, is. The Bear Mountain Nordic Trails at the Loup are operating when the luge is not, on Wednesdays and Fridays except during holiday weeks.

CHECK IT OUT

• 200-plus kilometers of groomed Nordic ski trails in the Methow

Trails system. Methow Trails grooms more than 25,000 kilometers annually. Many well-traveled skiers agree that the grooming on the Methow Trails has no equal.

• 50 kilometers of trails groomed weekly in the Loup Loup area.

• Daily grooming report and grooming app at www. methowtrails.org.

• Kids 17 and under ski free every day.

• Warming huts at convenient locations along the trail system:

Suspension Bridge, Rendezvous Pass, base of Powers Plunge.

• Scattered throughout the trail system are benches strategically placed for skiers to pause, reflect, recover, and soak up the view. Some benches feature engraved quotations with winter themes, others are placed in memorium of beloved Methow Valley community members. More than just places to rest, these benches can serve as sites to appreciate the meaningful people and places of the Methow Valley.

• Ski rentals and lessons. Learn to ski or improve your technique through private or group instruction. Purchase new equipment or test drive cutting-edge gear. Find information at www.methownet. com/skischool; cascadesoutdoorstore.com/ski-rentals-salesservices; www.winthropmountainsports.com/rentals; www. methowcyclesport.com/rentals.

• Almost 30 kilometers of dog-friendly trails. Those passionate about canines and skinny skis will love the opportunity to bring their dogs out on the trails where they’re allowed.

• Adaptive skiing options. Adaptive Nordic skiing on a sit ski allows

Photo by Steve Mitchell

those with long-term physical disabilities as well as those recovering from knee or hip replacements to enjoy the magic of Nordic skiing. Courtesy of the Methow Valley Fund, Methow Trails has three adult sit skis and one child sit ski available for loan in Winthrop and Mazama. With advance notice, they can frequently provide trained volunteer support as well.

• Fat bike trails (see fat bike article on page 30).

• Snowshoe trails (see snowshoe information on page 18).

• Free trails. Methow Trails offers

two locations where trail passes are not required: Big Valley and the loop right at the Spring Creek Ranch Trailhead. Please bear in mind that trail pass sales, however, pay for trail grooming. Those Pisten Bullys aren’t cheap and the trails don’t groom themselves. If you’d like to see the highest-quality grooming on all of the Methow Trails, purchase a day, multi-day, 10-day punch card, or season trail pass.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Methow Trails typically hosts numerous events each winter,

ranging from races as competitive as the Ski to the Sun Marathon & Relay to those as wild and wacky as the Doggy Dash, where costumed humans and canines battle it out in the six-legged race. Check Methow Trails’ events page for details at www.methowtrails.org/events.

Methow Valley Nordic presents several events, including the Methow Valley Ski Camp at Sun Mountain in December and the Lee Adams Tour of the Methow, which gives skiers the choice of 20K, 30K, 50K and 80K stretches of trail in a non-competitive environment. Visit

Methow Valley Nordic’s events page for details at www.methowvalleynordic.com/events.

Methow Trails will provide free shuttle service (trail pass required) on Saturday mornings from Jan. 7 through Feb. 25, serving the Winthrop Trailhead (21 Horizon Flat Road), Brown’s Farm, and Mazama. Park your car, hop on the bus to one of the stops, and ski back to where you started.

DOGS

Can’t imagine skiing without your dog? Several of the trails are dog-friendly, including most — but not all! — of the Rendezvous system, as well as the Big Valley trails, and the Lollipop Loop, a short loop accessed from the Winthrop Fish Hatchery. Like human trail users, canine trail users need annual or day passes to use the trails (except for Big Valley, which is free to all users). Humans accompanying dogs are required to scoop and carry their pets’ poops — not just fling it off to the side of the trail.

WHEN TO GO

From the moment the snow flies

until the day it all melts. Methow Trails begins rolling trails with the first snowfall and can groom with heavy equipment as soon as there are 6 inches on the ground. Depending on conditions in the spring, they often groom through April 1. Nordic trails in the Loup Loup area are typically groomed on Thursdays and Fridays.

Some of the best skiing conditions can be found after President’s Day weekend, which is when many visitors stop traveling to the valley. Sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, fast conditions.

Methow Trails routes are open from dawn ’til dusk and no one will frown upon an occasional night ski as long as you stay out of the way of the groomers and stay off the freshly groomed skate platform.

WHAT’S WHAT

You may call them Pisten Bullies or Sno-Cats; we call them by their first names:

“Hobbs” is the grooming machine stationed at Big Valley. “Ginger,” named for longtime Methow Trails Executive Director Jay Lucas’s dog, is used to groom the Mazama trails. “Scooter,” in honor of a late trail groomer, takes care of Sun Mountain’s trails. “Red McGroom,” in memory of valley resident and benefactor Red McComb, cruises between Winthrop and the Suspension Bridge. And our newest machine, “Miller Time,” allows us to remember the late trail advocates Carl Miller and Lee Miller.

INSIDER INFO

• The mobile ticketing system is user-friendly. Purchasing a day pass or multi-day pass on your Smart Phone takes less than a minute and saves you a trip into a local retailer to buy a traditional pass. Display your phone to the trailhead ambassador, and you’re off in the tracks.

• 10-day punch cards offer more flexibility than a 3-day pass (which must be used on consecutive days) and more affordability than a full annual pass. Punch cards must be redeemed from any ticket vendor and are valid for two years.

• The Try Winter Pass is an excellent way to experience winter from three angles: Nordic, Alpine, and ice. Purchase a regular season’s pass through Methow Trails, the

Winthrop Rink, or Loup Loup Ski Bowl and you’ll receive a threepunch transferable pass worth $79 good for one day at each of those recreation areas.

ence the Rendezvous is slowly, from the comfort of your European-style backcountry hut (www.rendezvoushuts.com). Book a hut for a couple of nights, get your gear and food shuttled, and spend glorious days exploring the Rendezvous trails and leisurely evenings reading or playing board games in your cozy hut. Make your reservations early.

• “StorySki” panels illustrated by author/artist Erik Brooks blend literacy with activity and usher young skiers down the trail. Located at Chickadee, Spring Creek Ranch, and Mazama trailheads.

• Methow Trails’ headquarters is on Horizon Flat in Winthrop. A new facility is under construction and a spur trail connects the Susie Stephens Trail to the Horizon Flat property, allowing skiers to ski a loop to see the property and finish at the Spring Creek Ranch Trailhead.

Have an ice day

The Winthrop Rink offers outdoor skating for all ages

BY RICK LEWIS

As the only totally outdoor ice skating arena in the region, the Winthrop Rink is a unique experience in the Pacific Northwest.

“We’re all outdoors, all the time,” said Rink Manager Steve Bondi. “There are a couple of others that have open air with no walls, but the ice is under a roof.”

The Rink does offer an inside heated dressing area, locker rooms for hockey teams, restrooms, a

rental shop and upstairs viewing area for the non-skater, but the skating arena is completely out of doors.

In operation since 2007, the National Hockey League-sized ice rink is still considered a relatively recent addition to the winter recreation opportunities offered in the Methow Valley community. The Winthrop Rink features stunning views of Gardner Mountain and the North Cascades during the day, and lighted skating under the Methow winter sky by night.

A short jaunt south from downtown Winthrop, the rink is located at the Town Trailhead, on White

Avenue just west of the Highway 20 bridge over the Methow River. You can’t miss the large parking lot adjacent to Winthrop Physical Therapy and the Methow River Lodge and Cabins.

If one is inclined to walk from downtown, take the pedestrian shortcut over the Spring Creek Bridge and land at the rink’s edge. There is very little parking available at rink level, the best bet is to use the upper lot. Pay attention to signs and don’t park on roadways, pathways or at the hotel.

Lessons are available for beginners and those who consider themselves to be of intermediate skill. The Learn To Skate program is a series of lessons for the novice, and intermediate skater.

There are private individual and small group lessons offered by local skating enthusiasts throughout the

season. Details on how to contact instructors can be found on the Rink’s website: winthroprink.org.

FULL SCHEDULE

Be sure to check on the website for schedules and events. There is a full slate of programs, lessons, open skates, drop-in hockey (for varying levels of skill and experience) and weekend hockey tournaments that occupy the ice almost constantly. Rentals are available for young children to grown adults at reasonable prices.

The Winthrop Rink sits on property owned by the town of Winthrop and is operated by a nonprofit organization of community volunteers and stakeholders, with a mission of “building community through the joy of outdoor skating.”

The current rink was preceded in the 1990s by a section of

the parking lot of the Winthrop Auditorium, The Barn, that was flooded by garden hoses and frozen by Mother Nature. Susceptible to the whims of winter in the Methow, skating and hockey were often put on hold by a tardy Jack Frost, or interrupted by January thaws that can last for a couple of weeks.

A community effort of political will, fundraising, patience and advocacy led to the opening of the rink in 2007. Still at the risk of climatic drama, additional funds were raised and a refrigeration system was added to the rink for the 201617 season. The refrigeration of the ice has led to dependable use in an extended season beginning around Nov. 1 and lasting well into March each year.

Other recent upgrades include new dasher boards, new seating for hockey players, and a vinyl liner under the ice printed with all the lines for a hockey playing area.

Bondi manages a small staff of employees that include Assistant

Manager Miles Millikin, Programs Manager Andrew Walls, and Ice Manager Ryan Bell, Zamboni drivers, and inside staff in the rental room and cashiers office. The Rink is governed by a board of directors, and a crew of volunteers handle lessons and the multi-ages youth hockey program.

More information about the Winthrop Rink including rates,

hours of operation and schedules is available at winthroprink.org, an informative and easy-to-use website, or by calling the rink at (509) 996-4199.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Fourth-graders from throughout Okanogan County skate free for the season.

• The upstairs meeting room is available to rent for events.

• The Rink is open in the summer for pickleball, roller hockey and roller-inline skating.

• Scholarships are available for kids; see the website for information.

• You can watch the outdoor hockey tournaments for free on the north side of the rink surface.

• Rink activities are supported by more than 30 sponsoring local businesses.

Photo by Steve Mitchell

Photo by Steve Mitchell

The natural world in the winter

Flora and fauna slow it down

BY SANDRA STRIEBY

For humans in the Methow, winter can be an active time, when the snow-clad landscape presents a host of recreational opportunities. But for many wild species, it’s a period of slowing down and limiting activity. With the busy season of creation and growth behind them, native plants and animals turn to survival strategies to weather the cold time.

AT REST

Bears are among those who wait out the season, resting, sleeping in dens they’ve prepared in advance and living on calories accumulated during warmer months. When they settle in depends on a number of factors; food supply and weather are two important ones. The cool, wet spring of 2022 made it hard for pollinators to do their work; the result was a scant crop of the berries. Bears usually fatten up on fruit in the late summer and fall; their daily caloric intake soars as they prepare for their long winter naps, reaching 20,000 calories or more. When the berry crop is sparse, they’re likely to den earlier. On the other hand, fall 2022 was warm and dry; mild weather tends to delay denning as the bears can use the time to eat — although in the absence of their favored foods they may turn to less healthy alternatives, like honey from hives and human-produced garbage.

Whether they denned early or late this season, bears are likely to have been underfed, rendering them less likely to survive the winter.

ON THE WING

Birds will be affected by the berry

Photo by Steve Mitchell

shortage, too, and also by bumper crops of seeds in forests to the north. Relatively high numbers of several migrant finches — such as common redpolls, pine grosbeaks, and white-winged crossbills —a re typical in north central Washington in January and February. That’s based on records compiled from 2015-spring 2022 on eBird, an online crowdsourcing database created by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology (and summarized by the North Central Washington Audubon Society’s Bruce McCammon at https:// ncwaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/eBird_Insights_v1.8_ ONLINE.pdf.

Finches, with their powerful conical bills, are seed eaters. White-winged crossbills are likely to benefit from a huge crop of white spruce in the West, with eastern birds heading this direction. A similar pattern may hold for redpolls; although production of their favored seeds, such as alder and birch, has been just average in the West, it was low in the East, which may incline birds to come our way.

Pine grosbeaks may also be drawn to the West. In addition to seeds, they seek fruit in winter. Mountain-ash is a favorite, and is reportedly producing much better in the west than in the eastern U.S. Since it blooms and sets fruit relatively late in the year, it may not have been affected by the spring conditions that hurt other berry crops.

Other winter visitors who favor mountain-ash fruit are Bohemian waxwings, who travel in groups that often number several hundred birds. The flocks tend to settle in, clean out the food supply in an area over the course of several days,

and then move on. With their neat plumage, striking coloration, and gentle, persistent calls, they’re fun to observe, especially when a flock turns in unison and reveals hundreds of bright yellow tail bands in a flash of color against the winter sky.

UNDER THE SNOW

Also active in winter are residents of the subnivium, a world beneath the snow. The shallow space between earth and snow is a relatively stable environment,

Photo by Steve Mitchell

insulated from wind and radical temperature shifts and offering some protection from predators. As snow falls and settles, it changes states and eventually develops a firm base that serves as the roof of the subnivean world.

Mice, shrews, moles and voles create tunnels and living spaces and take advantage of the shelter there to move more freely than they could on the surface. Some insects and a few plants are able to live in the subnivium, as well; along with dried grasses and other vegetative debris, they serve as food sources for the small mammals. Even microorganisms are active under the snow, processing dead plant material and releasing nutrients that help support new growth in the spring.

Animals living under the snow can be vulnerable to predators that know how to find them — coyotes, owls and weasels, for instance. Also, they may venture out to seek additional resources, becoming prey for animals like bobcats and hawks.

HUNTING

Bobcats are similar in size to lynx, without the specialized feet and long legs that give lynx an advantage in deep snow. In eastern Washington, bobcats use versatility to help them survive, seeking a variety of food sources. Although they do rely on the snowshoe hares that are the lynx’s most common prey, small rodents seem to make up the bulk of their diet.

Red-tailed hawks are by far the most common raptor species in north central Washington, according to eBird records, and one of

three that rely heavily on small rodents in winter. The others are harriers and rough-legged hawks — the latter a migrant species that’s only in the Methow for a few months each year. All three have different hunting styles. Red-tails hunt mostly from perches and can often be spotted on posts, poles and other high places in open country, scanning for prey. Harriers course low to the ground while rough-legged hawks tend to fly higher and may hover as the scrutinize the ground below.

THE PLANT KINGDOM

Plants that lose their leaves and those that don’t are critical components of the winter ecosystem, and can help us see the landscape in new ways. The Earth’s contours become more evident when leaves no longer obscure the land beneath the trees. The patches that make up the forest mosaic may be easier to observe and analyze. Nests and berries stand out among bare branches.

With leaves or without, trees and shrubs serve as roosts and perches, habitat for overwintering insect larvae (and larders for birds who eat the larvae), food sources, shelter. Flocks of tiny kinglets pack themselves into trunk cavities to stay warm. Conifers and, to some extent, deciduous trees, also intercept snow, creating areas that melt out early, where small birds and mammals can forage late in the season.

RENEWAL

January and February may feel like the heart of winter. In nature, though, the movement toward the next season has never ceased, and signs of spring are beginning to show themselves.

Winter Hours: All-day menu, Monday-Sunday, 11am to 8pm Dinner specials, 5pm to 8pm

Breakfast, Friday-Sunday, 7am to 11am

Owls and squirrels start nesting. Buds (more visible without cover of leaves) are beginning to swell, responding to longer days and rising temperatures. Sap is starting to flow in preparation for leaf production and photosynthesis. Chickadees experiment with their summer calls.

Everywhere, there are signs of life for the student of nature, as well as plenty of time left to play in the snow.

Full Bar | Beer on Tap | Watch Games | Play Pool

176 Riverside Avenue in Winthrop, WA | 509-996-2411

Photo by Steve Mitchell

Para Nordic skiing expands in the valley

Equipment available, trails open

BY MARCY STAMPER

With the variety of flat, gently rolling and wide Nordic trails throughout the valley, there is truly something for everyone who wants to experience winter on skis.

Para Nordic skiing encompasses sit skiers, standing skiers, and visually impaired (VI) skiers. Opportunities for para skiing have grown tremendously in the Methow in recent years, with two types of sitskis available for loan, experienced ski buddies ready to join skiers on the trail, and a para category in several events.

The trails are used by everyone from para skiers on vacation, to skiers using adaptive equipment to recover from an injury, to elite athletes training for the Paralympics.

The valley’s Para Nordic support group can connect people with ski buddies for recommendations on trails, to help with access, or to accompany them on the trails.

This season, Methow Trails and the Methow Valley Nordic Ski Education Foundation’s Para Nordic ski program are teaming up on the first version of a map that will highlight

trails most suitable for para Nordic skiers. The map will also show road crossings and accessible trailheads and bathrooms.

People can even borrow sit-skis. There are two types available for loan, in sizes for adults and children: two chair-style skis and two bucket-style skis. The skis are free, but reservations are recommended.

Chair-style sit-skis are best for recreational use or for skiers who need more support. They resemble a lawn chair mounted on skis and provide more back support, so they tend to suit people who have more trouble with balance and coordination. The skis have a metal frame and footrests in front so legs are extended. Chair-style skis are also the best option for able-bodied people who have a knee injury or broken leg. Chair-style sit-skis also accommodate straps for towing by an able-bodied skier.

Bucket-style skis tend to be more suitable for skiers who don’t need as much support, and are therefore good for more-experienced skiers. They allow the skier to be in a more dynamic position, where the skier can shift weight more effectively and apply power to the skis.

Two races this season — the Race of the Methow and Ski to the Sun — have a division for sit-skiers and VI skiers, with a separate course geared toward para skiers.

Methow Valley Nordic is organizing a three-day para Nordic clinic for sit-skiers, standing skiers who need adaptations, and visually impaired skiers. Coaches will work with experienced para skiers and with those trying the sport for the first time.

More information on Para Nordic skiing

General info: methowvalleynordic.com/paranordic. Contact the valley’s para Nordic ski group at methowparanordic@gmail. com for information, advice, ski buddies, equipment loans, or to sign up for special events.

Sit-skis: Available for loan through Methow Valley Ski School & Rentals in Mazama. Free;

reservations recommended. Contact methowparanordic@gmail. com.

The chair-style skis were purchased by Methow Trails through a grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, and the bucket skis were donated by U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

Race of the Methow

Feb. 4 and 5, 2023; McCabe Trails, Liberty Bell High School; separate course for para skiers.

Para Nordic Clinic

Feb. 8 to 10, 2023; Sponsored by Methow Valley Nordic Ski

Education Foundation. Contact methowparanordic@gmail.com.

Ski to the Sun

Feb. 11, 2023; separate 10.5-kilometer course for sit-skiers and para standing skiers.

Photo by Ashley Lodato

Take the high roads

Snowmobilers can explore the valley’s outer limits

BY MARCY STAMPER

Snowmobiling in and around the Methow Valley offers a range of opportunities for winter adventures, from leisurely, scenic rides on forest roads to challenging offtrail routes.

Snowmobilers can access 175 miles of groomed snowmobile trails from six Sno-Parks in the Methow

Valley — and connect with routes to Conconully or Chelan from the Loup Loup summit or Gold Creek. There’s enough information available that you can easily explore on your own, or get to know local trails and other sled enthusiasts by joining a ride with the Methow Valley Snowmobile Association.

The club’s rides take you to designated backcountry areas to play on the hills. Club rides are open to everyone and are a good way for less-experienced riders to team up with others. Riders typically set out

in small groups from a Sno-Park. This year, the club is leading monthly rides. Dates and locations will be posted on their blog. The rides typically offer several routes to suit sledders with different levels of experience. The club also organizes rides in conjunction with events such as the outhouse races in Conconully and fundraising rides.

The snowmobile association will help connect sledders from out of the area with others who want to explore the varied terrain around the valley. People looking for riding companions should contact the association with information about the route and level of experience. Information about the rides and where to meet will be posted on the

club’s blog.

The local Mountain Trails Grooming Association grooms regularly — at least three times a week — although the schedule can change if conditions warrant. They groom the most popular routes — from Boulder Creek, Eightmile and Goat Creek —most often. They also head up the North Cascades Highway to Cutthroat and up Harts Pass Road to Deadhorse Point every few weeks.

The snowmobile association has three safety warming huts equipped with a wood stove and basic emergency supplies. The huts are on Starvation Mountain, about 1 1/2 miles below the summit, near Shrew Creek; in Blackpine Basin, between the Goat Creek and

Photo by Marcy Stamper

Yellowjacket Sno-parks; and on Sweetgrass Butte. Skiers and snowshoers also use snowmobiles to get to the high country. Backcountry skiers often head up the North Cascades Highway by sled, and then strap on their skis and climbing skins to get up to powder-filled bowls. There is considerable avalanche terrain from Silver Star through Washington Pass. Winter recreationists should be aware that many people use the backcountry and they may not see or hear other users above or below them. The snowmobile association helps maintainsan avalanche check station at the Silver Star Sno-Park, where riders and other users can check to be sure their avalanche beacons are working. All snowmobiles must be registered through the Washington State Department of Licensing or a licensing agent, even if a person rides only on his or her own property.

Snowmobile details

WHERE TO GO

Sno-Parks and groomed trails

• Eightmile Sno-Park (Chewuch)

• Boulder Creek Sno-Park (Chewuch)

• Goat Creek Sno-Park (Mazama)

• Yellowjacket Sno-Park (Lost River)

• Twisp River Sno-Park (Twisp River/Buttermilk)

• North Summit, Loup Loup

• North Cascades Highway to Cutthroat Lake Road

GET OUT TO EXPLORE

• Information about group rides and events: mvsnowmobile.blogspot.com and www.facebook.com/ methowvalleysnowmobile.

• Grooming info: mountaintrailsgrooming.blogspot. com. Maps of groomed trails are available under the Trails tab.

• Support the Methow Valley Snowmobile Association with a membership: family, $20/year; individual, $15/ year.

WHAT TO BRING

• extra warm and waterproof clothing

• extra water and food in case you end up being out overnight

• basic survival gear and first-aid equipment

• emergency blanket

• a way to build a fire

SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR AVALANCHE COUNTRY

• Carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, and know how to use them.

• Get the forecast and consider current avalanche and weather conditions when planning your ride.

• Cross avalanche slopes one at a time, and don’t gather in run-out zones.

• Take an avalanche course.

• Look for signs of recent avalanche activity, which indicates snow is unstable, and avoid those areas.

• Check the Northwest Avalanche Center for forecasts at https://nwac.us.

PERMITS

Snowmobilers must have a Sno-Park permit. Washington residents get a free Sno-Park permit when they register their snowmobile. Out-of-state riders can get a motorized Sno-Park permit at local businesses, including Hank’s Harvest Foods in Twisp and Pardners Mini Market in Winthrop, or online at https://epermits.parks. wa.gov/Store/SNO/SnoChoice.aspx.

MORE INFO

Winter recreation program specialists provide info about trails, grooming and Sno-Parks at (360) 902-8684. Also visit www.parks.state.wa.us/winter.

Make your own tracks

Snowshoeing is an adventurous alternative

BY SANDRA STRIEBY

Thousands of years ago, people in Central Asia used a rudimentary version of snowshoes, and they may have introduced the concept to North America when they crossed the Bering Land Bridge.

Native Americans built on the idea, developing several types of snowshoes for travel in various conditions. We’ve come a long way since then — modern snowshoes are light, maneuverable, and easy to use, ideal for exploring the winter world on or off the trail.

For tips on safety and snowshoeing in general, take a look at Snowshoe Magazine’s beginners’ guide: www.snowshoemag.com/ snowshoeing-for-beginners-thefirst-timers-guide.

GUIDED TOURS

Sun Mountain Lodge offers private snowshoe tours with guides who will explain the workings of the natural world and our interactions with it. Contact the Activities

Photos courtesy of Washington Tourism/Sun Mountain Lodge.

Shop at (509) 996-4735 or email activities@sunmountainlodge.com for information and reservations.

GEAR

You can rent snowshoes at the places below; most also sell trail passes and offer free maps of the Methow Trails system. The Outdoorsman in Winthrop sells snowshoes, as do several of the outlets below.

Mazama

• Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies

• Methow Valley Ski School & Rentals

Twisp

• Loup Loup Ski Rental Shop

Winthrop

• Cascades Outdoor Store

• Methow Cycle & Sport

• Sun Mountain Lodge Activities

Shop

• Winthrop Mountain Sports

TRAILS, MAPS, AND PASSES

Methow Trails

Multi-use (bike, snowshoe, ski, walk) and shared-use (bike and snowshoe only) trails in the Winthrop, Mazama, Rendezvous, and Big Valley Ranch areas; dedicated

snowshoeing trails at Sun Mountain. Passes are available online and at the Methow Trails office at 21 Horizon Flat Road. Visit www. methowtrails.org/tickets-and-passes for more pass-purchase locations in Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp. Cost is $5 for a day pass, $50 for a season pass — or use your ski pass. Kids 17 and under and seniors 75+ snowshoe free.

Everyone can snowshoe free on the Big Valley Ranch trails, Spring Creek Loop trail at Spring Creek Trailhead, and Twin Trail at the Methow Trails Winthrop Horizon Flat Trailhead; no pass required. There are maps in this guide and on the Methow Trails web site at www. methowtrails.org/winter-map pass vendors have them, too.

See a list of trails, with distances, at www.sunmountainlodge.com/ sun-mountain/snowshoeing.

Saturday shuttle between Winthrop and Mazama Dec. 31-Feb. 25; visit www.methowtrails.org/ local-events for more information. Lloyd Ranch Winter Trail System

Multi-use (bike, snowshoe, ski, walk) and shared-use (bike and snowshoe only) trails. Snowshoers

are welcome to explore beyond the groomed trails. There is a map in this guide. Discover Pass required; purchase online, at Pardners Mini Market or Winthrop Ace Hardware in Winthrop, or at the Valley Do-It Center in Twisp.

Pearrygin Lake Sno-Park Multi-use (bike, snowshoe, ski, walk) and shared-use (bike and snowshoe only) trails. Snowshoers are welcome to explore beyond the groomed trails. There is a map in this guide. Sno-Park permit required; purchase online, at Pearrygin Lake State Park, or from

local vendors — see www.parks. wa.gov/147/Sno-Park-Permit-vendors for a list.

South Summit Sno-Park

Dog-friendly shared-use (ski and snowshoe) trails, near Loup Loup Ski Bowl on Highway 20. There is a map at www.parks.wa.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/10734/ South-Summit?bidId. Note that snowshoeing is only allowed west of Road 41 (on the side toward the Methow Valley). Sno-Park permit required; see Pearrygin Lake SnoPark listing for where to purchase.

The sky is not the limit

Methow Valley stargazing is a universal experience

BY DAVID WARD

Winter is a time for skiing, making a snowman or marveling at the way the sun shines through icicles hanging from the eaves. It is also the time that we spend most of our lives living in the shadow of the Earth. We call it night.

Winter air is cold and heavy. Heavy is good because it does not move around as much making it easier to see through. When we look through that big lens above us, our atmosphere, we can see more stars

than ever.

Finding a great place for looking up into the Earth’s shadow is easy around here. Any open place with a clear view of most of the sky is fine as long as it is dark, the darker the better. If there is no moon washing out the dimmer stars, that a plus. So you are out there in a perfect spot and the bowl of the heavens above is studded with millions of stars. Wow! That is a sight not everyone gets to see. Actually, there are not millions up there visible to us. If you have good eyesight and conditions are perfect, you can only see about five or six thousand individual stars with the naked eye. How can you tell which ones are close and which are far away? It

all looks two-dimensional to us up above, but some stars are much closer than others. Some are so distant that their light has taken centuries to get to us even though light travels at over 100,000 miles per second.

TRAVELING IN TIME

Humans are clever and we use trigonometry to figure out the distance to the closer stars. Looking at the stars is really like looking into a time machine of sorts. We are looking years, centuries and in some cases even millennia back into the past.

One of the more dramatic constellations to gaze at is Orion, perhaps the most familiar of all the star

groupings. Look for three bright, evenly spaced stars all in a line. Extending that line down and to the left leads you to Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. It shines about 25 times brighter than our sun so it is not exceptionally bright nor very far away. Think about what you were doing eight and a half years ago. That is when the light you are seeing left Sirius.

Down below the belt, a bright white star is Rigel. It shines 60,000 times brighter than our sun so it is really a long ways out there.

The light we are seeing from Rigel left about the time Genghis Khan conquered China. The middle star in Orion’s Belt, Alnilam, could be the brightest star we can easily see.

Photo by Steve Mitchell

No one knows for sure, but it may shine with the intensity of almost a million suns. Looking at that star, we are seeing light that left its source in Biblical times.

If you want to go deep, check out that glow overhead going from north to south all the way across the sky. That is part of our own Milky Way galaxy. It is composed of billions of stars and its light has been traveling to us since about the time we pulled out of the last ice age.

EYEBALLING IT

How far can the human eye see? See if you can spot the Andromeda galaxy. Use the constellation Cassiopeia as a pointer and look for a fuzzy faint glow. That glow is composed of hundreds of billions of stars and its light has been traveling across a mind-numbing void of space for two and a half million years. A pair of binoculars will come in handy when you are searching for the elusive Andromeda.

Coming back closer to home, there will be lots of planets coming in and out of view this winter. Late

in the fall, Saturn will be shining weakly low in the southwest just after it gets dark. Higher and to the left, brilliant Jupiter rules the sky. These are two of the four gas giants in our solar system. They have no solid surface to walk around on like the Earth or Mars. These are the best two planets to look at in a small telescope, so be sure to drag out that old scope stuffed away in your garage somewhere and take a closer look.

Sometime in December, start looking for Venus low in the west just after sunset. As winter progresses, she will be easier to spot as the planet slowly climbs up and away from the sun. Venus will grace our evening western skies for months to come.

In the east, look for Mars with its distinctly reddish hue. It will be closest to the Earth in early December so it will be perfectly placed for viewing during the first part of the winter. Later, as the Earth pulls away from the red planet, it will fade in brightness.

Stay warm out there and do not forget to look up. There is always something amazing to see.

METHOW VALLEY METHOWVALLEY

Get a lift at the Loup

Alpine skiing is supreme, and there’s so much more

The Loup Loup Ski Bowl got a few inches of snow in late October 2022 — not enough to begin grooming the challenging downhill runs, but enough to create anticipation for a good season of schussing.

The Loup is the Methow Valley’s alpine alternative for skiers of all ages with a need to speed downhill. The Loup sits just above the valley off Highway 20 (over Loup Loup pass), but is close enough for a quick trip from either side.

The Loup offers a range of activities: alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, tubing and luge sledding (reservations are advised

for the luge); ski and board school with PSIA-certified instructors; and gear rentals and sales. The Ski School will continue to offer opportunities for improvement to skiers of all levels.

To start or end the day, or for a mid-day break, visit the recently constructed day lodge for food and beverages provided by a new vendor, Lone Point Cellars of Brewster. The Try Winter Pass — which lets visitors access the Loup, Winthrop Ice Rink and Methow Trails — will be available again this year for $79.

Photos courtesy of Loup Loup Ski Bowl

LOUP LOUP SKI BOWL: the basics

FIND IT

Between Twisp and Okanogan on Highway 20. From the Methow Valley, turn left just past the Loup summit sign.

CHECK IT OUT

• Alpine and boarding:1,240 vertical feet; 10 cut runs; highest elevation, 5,260 feet. Quad chair lift, platter surface tow, rope tow.

• Nordic: 23 kilometers of groomed trails; multi-use trail connects to 50 kilometers of groomed trails at South Summit Sno-Park.

• Terrain park and tubing hill.

• Luge sledding program on Bear Mountain adjacent to the ski hill.

• Ski and snowboard lessons; Nordic lessons by advance request.

• Ski and board shop offering equipment rentals, tune-ups and repairs, accessories and gifts.

• First aid room and ski patrol.

• Day lodge with food service.

• Season passes available online.

WHEN TO GO

• Opening is scheduled for December 2022 when there is an adequate snow base, and closing is usually in late March, but both dates depend on snow conditions.

• The Loup typically operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the first week in March; Friday-Sunday until late March; Saturday and Sunday only the last weekend in March. Open every day except Christmas during Christmas week; open on Martin Luther King Day; and daily during Presidents’ Week.

• Ticket Office hours: 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m.

• Half-day rates start at noon.

• Last chair: 3:45 p.m. AND

MORE

• General information: (509) 557-3401.

• Conditions line: (509) 557-3405 .

• Visit www.skitheloup.com for all of the above and more.

WHAT’S NEW

• Lone Point Cellars of Brewster will provide food at the Loup’s new lodge.

• A new grooming “cat” will allow

the Loup to get slopes ready with less snow cover.

• A season rental pass for skiing gear that allows you to take the equipment home or leave it at the hill. DID YOU KNOW?

• The Loup Loup Alpine Ski Team for kids ages 6-16 trains and races at the Loup.

• The Loup Loup Boomers Ski Club for anyone 55 or older meets Wednesdays and Fridays for camaraderie and fun. Visit https:// skitheloup.com/ski-clubs/louploup-boomers-ski-club for more information.

• Skiers 65 and older enjoy Senior and Super-Senior rates.

• The Loup invites applications for its ski patrol and other jobs at the hill.

COMPETITIVE EVENTS

• Wolf Chase, Slope Style and Randonee competition are planned for 2023. Check the Loup’s website for updated information.

Methow Valley, WA

JACK’SRIVER RUN

WINTHROP winter trails

How we roll

Photo by Steve Mitchell

Fat biking is an increasingly popular winter activity

BY ANN MCCREARY

The beauty of the Methow Valley in winter can be appreciated in so many ways, and a growing number of people are discovering that the view from atop a fat bike is their favorite.

With an expansive network of groomed fat biking trails, reliable snow and sunny weather, the Methow Valley has become a favorite destination for fat biking aficionados.

The Methow Valley was an early adopter of fat biking in the West, creating dedicated fat bike trails

and multi-use trails in addition to its renowned cross-country ski trail system. As fat biking’s popularity has continued to grow, the Methow Valley has expanded terrain for bikers of all abilities and inclinations.

Riders who pedal to the higher reaches of the Rendezvous or Pearrygin Lake trail systems are rewarded with spectacular views of surrounding mountains and the valley below, while easy rides on expertly groomed trails can be accessed at trailheads throughout the valley.

The popular Town Trailhead, operated by Methow Trails in the heart of Winthrop, is a hub of multi-use trails for fat biking, snowshoeing and Nordic skiing,

with the Winthrop Ice Rink just next door. That means family members and friends can launch their own adventures from the same vicinity.

A dedicated group of fat bike advocates, organized as Methow Fatbike, has developed a network of single track and multi-use trails in recent years around Pearrygin Lake and Lloyd Ranch near Winthrop. The groomed trails offer varied terrain from easy to advanced, including scenic lakeside trails and challenging climbs with awe-inspiring views of the North Cascades and Pasayten Wilderness.

Signs on the trail system indicate which trails are multi-use and which are designated for fat bikes

only. Methow Fatbike recently acquired new equipment to enhance the already exceptional grooming on the trail system.

For a remote and unique experience, fat bike trails reaching into the Rendezvous area from Gunn Ranch near Winthrop offer riders an opportunity to head high into the hills for an overnight stay (reservations required) at the cozy Grizzly Hut operated by Rendezvous Huts.

The Methow Valley has several businesses where fat bikes can be rented or purchased, and where knowledgeable folks can guide fat bikers to the best places to experience the Methow winter on wheels.

Photo by Steve Mitchell

WEEKLY WEDNESDAY NIGHT

“FAT & FIRE”

• Local fat tire enthusiasts will meet for the weekly Fat & Fire, a 60-90 minute group ride and campfire every Wednesday night in winter, beginning mid-December (conditions permitting). Meet at 6 p.m. at Pearrygin Lake

Fat bike fun in the Methow Valley

State Park with your fat bike and a good light for an evening ride. All levels of riders are welcome! Dress warmly and bring layers for the post-ride activities. Participants must provide their own gear. Rentals are available at local outdoor shops. Bring something to throw on the grill for dinner and warm yourself around the

campfire. Fat & Fire is free, but a Sno-Park or Discover parking pass is required. For more information, call Methow Cycle & Sport, (509) 996-3645.

• 9th annual Northwest Fat Bike Meetup, Jan. 13 & 14 (Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend)

Fat bikers from all over the

blue sky real estate

We know property on the trails! Call us for info.

Northwest and beyond convene in the valley for group rides, night rides, fun and friends. Rides are planned for Friday evening and Saturday day. Information is available on the Northwest Fatbike Facebook page, on Methow Fatbike Facebook or Methow Cycle & Sports website (methowcyclesport. com) events listings.

Photo by Steve Mitchell

Fat bike trails in and around the Methow Valley

OPERATED BY METHOW

TRAILS:

• Big Valley Ranch — 4.8 miles of easy riding along rivers and through meadows.

• Rendezvous — 7.6 miles on Gunn Ranch Road and to Grizzly Hut with panoramic views.

• Town Trailhead — 6.3 miles of varied terrain, with a gentle trail from the Winthrop Rink or Winthrop Fish Hatchery to more rolling

and intermediate riding around Bitterbrush and Barnsley loops.

• Multi-use .7-mile loop around Methow Trails new Horizon Flat office, connecting via a 1.4-mile trail to Spring Creek Trailhead and other fat bike trails.

• John’s Way — 3.2 flat miles in Mazama.

OPERATED IN PARTNERSHIP

By Methow Fatbike volunteers, Pearrygin Lake State Park and

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife:

• Lloyd Ranch — 7.5 miles of groomed fat bike trails over rolling hills with great mountain views.

• Pearrygin Lake State Park — 15 miles of groomed multi-use (ski, snowshoe, fat bike), over a variety of terrain.

THE SCOOP ON PASSES …

• Lloyd Ranch — Discover Pass required for parking, no trail pass

required.

• Pearrygin Lake State Park/Lloyd Ranch — Annual or Daily Sno-Park permit for parking, no trail pass required.

• Methow Trails — $10 daily/$50 annual trail pass, free parking; www.methowtrails.org.

Note: Groomed snowmobile routes in the Methow and Tonasket ranger districts of the national forest are not open to fat bikes.

FIND OUT ABOUT FAT BIKING IN THE METHOW

• Methow Trails: www.methowtrails.org

• Methow Cycle & Sport: www.methowcyclesport.com

• Methow Fatbike: www.facebook.com/methowfatbike

• Northwest Fatbike: www.facebook.com/northwestfatbike

• Town of Winthrop: www.winthropwashington.com

RENT A FAT BIKE

• Methow Cycle & Sport, 29 State Route 20, Winthrop, (509) 996-3645

• Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies, 50 Lost River Road, Mazama, (509) 996-2515

• Cascades Outdoor Store, 222 Riverside Ave., Winthrop, (509) 996-3480

Note: Reservations for bikes are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays

Photo by Steve Mitchell

Stay in the right gear

Where to rent or buy equipment and clothing

Winter sports require specialized equipment and clothing. If you didn’t bring it, you can probably buy or rent it in the Methow Valley. Here’s where to find the goods, and all the information you require to enjoy our winter wonderland.

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 21 Horizon Flat Road in Winthrop for information and maps on all winter recreational activities. Email info@ methowtrails.org.

SUN MOUNTAIN LODGE ACTIVITY SHOP www.sunmountainlodge.com/ activities/activities-shop/, (509)

996-4735

Full-service ski shop and expert ski instruction available. Rental touring, skating or racing equipment including short skis, midlength skis and traditional length skis, plus snowshoes and pulks. Clothing includes pants, vests, jackets, hats and gloves; there is also a full line of ski wax and tools, as well as accessory items. 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

Rents fat bikes in every size made, for adults and kids. Helmets and hand protection for riding on cold days are also provided. Classic and skate ski gear for adults and kids is available, as well as snowshoes and pulks. Nordic ski lessons may also be booked. The store is located at 29

Highway 20, Winthrop.

WINTHROP MOUNTAIN SPORTS www. winthropmountainsports.com, (509) 996-2886

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, and a full range of seasonal clothing. Racing ski packages are available by reservation. Also rents snowshoes for kids and adults, poles included, as well as pulks — snow sleds for pulling young children behind an adult skier. The store is located at 257 Riverside Ave. in Winthrop.

CASCADES OUTDOOR STORE www. cascadesoutdoorstore.com, (509) 996-3480

Full-service outdoor shop offering full- and half-day rentals of

fat bikes, classic, skate and touring Nordic skis, snowshoes, and HOK skis for adults and kids. Ski equipment and snowshoes are also available for purchase. The shop offers hot waxes and carries a full line-up of clothing, footwear, gear and accessories for your outdoor adventures. Methow Trail passes and trail maps are also available. Located at 222 Riverside Ave. in Winthrop.

WINTHROP RINK www.winthroprink.org, (509) 996-4199

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. Check the website for information about adult and children’s lessons. Located 208 White Ave.,

Winthrop.

NORDIC ULTRA-TUNE www.nordicultratune.com, (509) 996-4145

Precision stone grinding or waxing for your skis.

CHEWACK RIVER GUEST RANCH www. chewackranch.com. (509) 996-2497

Offers half- and full-day snowmobile rentals at the ranch located 6 miles north of Winthrop on East Chewuch Road. Both single and double sleds are available. Snowsuits and helmets are part of the rental package. Reservations are recommended. Two-hour, four-hour and full-day guided snowmobile tours are also available.

THE OUTDOORSMAN (509 996-2649

Full range of outdoor recreational gear and clothing for every season, including locally made

Photo by Steve Mitchell

hand-crafted items. Located at 170 Riverside Ave., Winthrop.

TWISP

LOUP LOUP RENTAL EQUIPMENT SHOP www.skitheloup.com, (509) 557-3406

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. 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. Also try the Bear Mountain luge sledding run — take a Snowcat ride to the top and sled down on 12 kilometers of groomed trails. Luge rentals are available, call (509) 5573401 for a reservation.

LOUP LOUP SKI & RENTAL SHOP www. louploupskishop.com, (509) 8465076; call for hours

Full-service rental and retail shop located at 427 Highway 20 S. in Twisp, next to Hank’s Harvest Foods. The shop offers seasonal,

full or half-day alpine ski, cross country, and snowboard backages — both of which include helmets — for kids and adults. Snowshoe, Nordic skiing, and ice skate rentals are also available, along with a full range of seasonal clothing and custom boot fitting.

METHOW MOTION SHUTTLE SERVICE, www.methowmotion20.com, reservations@methowmotion20. com, (509) 996-2894

Provides passenger shuttle service, by appointment only, for people and their skis, snowboards, bikes and fishing gear to trailheads and ski areas throughout the region. Call or check the website for further shuttle information.

MAZAMA

GOAT’S BEARD MOUNTAIN SUPPLIES

www.goatsbeardmountainsupplies. com, (509) 996-2515

Located across the courtyard from the Mazama Store. Specializes in ski gear for folks who want to get off the trails and into the backcountry. Goat’s Beard rents both alpine touring ski gear — designed for

Dress for winter success

Whether you are experienced in the snow or just venturing out, be aware of sensible and safe guidelines for what to wear.

• Treat the feet: Think insulated boots with a thick sole. You may be standing in line outside, waiting to get into a restaurant, to get a coffee, to get your turn on the ice; you may be socializing outdoors with others around fires or on sidewalks. This isn’t the winter to skimp on footwear. If your boots are on the light side, carry some air-activated heat packs that you can slip under your socks if your tootsies start to freeze.

• Hats on: You lose a significant amount of heat out of your head. Capture that heat with a fuzzy wool or fleece hat. Learn to knit your own, and you’ll have a new winter hobby as well as a warm noggin.

• Cozy core: Your vital organs are all located in your core, so

you’ll be warmer if you insulate this zone well with a puffy jacket with plenty of loft. If your puffer is too tight, you’ll lose the layer of warm air between your body and the jacket; if it’s too big, there will be more air space than your body can heat effectively. For those who run chilly, a three-fourths or full-length puffy jacket will be a game changer.

• Hot fingers: Our hands do a terrible job of keeping themselves warm, so thick handwear is essential. Mittens are warmer than gloves, due to the buddy system (fingers can warm themselves on each other), but gloves offer more dexterity. Air-activated heat packs can quickly rewarm frigid fingers or prevent them from getting cold in the first place.

• Mask up: You’ll be surprised at how much warmth you’ll get from the covering even a lightweight cotton mask provides.

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, fat bikes, burley ski pulks, snowshoes and split snowboards. Also offers a full range of seasonal clothing.

NORTH CASCADES CYCLE WERKS

www.northcascadescyclewerks. com/, nccyclewerks@gmail.com, (509) 996-2225 Rents fat bikes.

METHOW VALLEY SKI SCHOOL & RENTALS www.mvskischool.com, (509) 996- 3744

Located at the three-way intersection of the Mazama Junction just next to the trailhead parking; 42 Lost River Road. Rents full range of skate and classic (both binding types) gear, snowshoes, HOK skis and pulks (child carriers). Certified instructors teach both classic and skate lessons to all abilities. Trail passes, trail advice, ski waxing and all the accessories are offered by the experienced staff.

Drop a line

Ice fishing is an outdoor adventure with tasty rewards

BY MARCY STAMPER

You can savor fresh fish — and fresh air — all winter long by ice fishing. 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 and technique are fairly straightforward and inexpensive, compared to summer fishing. You don’t need a boat or high-end fly-fishing gear — and you can keep what you catch for dinner.

You drill a hole with an auger, scoop out the snow and ice, and drop your line in the hole with live bait or a shiny lure and a jig to sink it. When you get a fish, you pull it straight up through the hole instead

of reeling it in.

Drilling a hole, even with a handcranked auger, is surprisingly quick — a sharp auger will make a hole through more than a foot of ice in less than a minute. Most ice fishers make a hole that’s 6 to 8 inches in diameter, big enough to see what they’re doing and bring up fish easily without compromising the ice.

Many people bring a bucket to use as a seat and then to carry home what they catch. Ice fishing is also fun for kids, since they don’t need to learn to cast.

Prime ice fishing opportunities abound at lakes in the Methow Valley and around the county. While it can be chilly, the valley’s bright, sunny winter makes it comfortable to be out long enough to catch a few fish. And you can bring a wheelbarrow or metal trough to build a fire — or a tent for shelter if it’s really cold.

WHERE TO GO

Best spots in the Methow Valley:

• Campbell Lake — rainbow trout

• Davis Lake — rainbow trout

• Patterson Lake — yellow perch (no limit), rainbow trout, kokanee, bass

Best spots in the Okanogan:

• Bonaparte Lake — kokanee (1012 inches), triploid eastern brook trout, tiger trout, smallmouth bass

• Leader Lake (just over the Loup Loup summit) — best for bass, black crappie and bluegill, also some perch, rainbow trout and brown bullhead

• Palmer Lake — diverse fish population, including yellow perch (6-10 inches); largemouth and smallmouth bass (1-3 pounds), black crappie, burbot and mountain whitefish

Limit on most species is five a day.

WHAT YOU NEED

• a short pole (even a stick and some fishing line will work once you make a hole)

• an ice auger (to drill a hole)

• a scoop (to keep the hole free of snow and slush)

• a bucket (to support the rod, to sit on, and to carry your catch; a lawn chair also works)

• live bait, a shiny lure or artificial maggots

All can be had for less than $100. You’ll also need a fishing license from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — (360) 902-2464 or https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.

Optional, but nice to have:

• a jig (to sink the lure or bait straight down in the water)

• a wheelbarrow or metal trough (for a fire)

• a tent or other shelter

Photo by Ashley Lodato

Even more luxurious:

• an electric sensor or that beeps or lights up, or a device that sends up a flag (to let you know when you have a fish)

• an underwater camera or sonar (to help find fish)

WHY YOU SHOULD GO

• cold-water fish are tastier, with a less “fishy” taste

• the simplicity of ice fishing — no casting or reeling in — makes it fun for kids

• some species, like trout, are easier to catch in the winter

SPECIAL EVENTS

The 19th-Annual Ice Fishing Tournament and Festival on Sidley Lake in Molson (northern Okanogan County) is Saturday, Jan. 14. Excellent opportunities for goodsized trout and triploids. Prizes for adults and kids, food for purchase, and a bonfire for warmth.

For more info, visit www.orovillewashington.com.

ICE SAFETY

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 — 4 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 a few inches nearby.

Look for new, clear ice

Clear ice tends to be more solid; ice that is off-color is usually weaker. New ice is generally stronger than ice

that has been around for a while — 4 inches of clear, newly formed ice may 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

Claws will enable you to climb out if you fall through the ice. You can make claws from pieces of wood or a broomstick with nails embedded in the ends, or from sharpened screwdrivers.

E L E B R A E W I H B L U E S R

Photo by Ashley Lodato

And when you’re not outside …

BY ASHLEY LODATO

Despite what you might think, there’s a lot to do in a Methow Valley winter, and not all of it relates to snow sports. Oh sure, Nordic, fat biking, skating, snowshoeing, alpine skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling are the big draws. But there are so many other attractions you’re going to want to schedule your time wisely. Winter covers the Methow Valley in a thick blanket of snow. Draw back the covers to see what is underneath.

FEED YOUR BODY SIP AND CHAT

We Pacific Northwesterners love our coffee, and the Methow Valley gives us numerous places to sip different roasts: Blue Star Coffee Roasters, The Little Dipper, Rocking Horse Bakery, the Mazama Store, Oliver’s Artisan Kitchen, Cinnamon Twisp Bakery, and the deli at Hank’s Harvest Foods. The Pony Espresso in Winthrop and Michael’s in Twisp both offer drive-up windows. Most cafes feature high-quality hand roasted beans from one or the other of the Methow Valley’s specialty coffee companies: Blue Star Coffee Roasters in Twisp and Lariat Coffee Roasters in Winthrop. Wine lovers will find an impressive array of locally produced vintages at the Lost River Winery outlet and tasting room in Winthrop. Sample ciders at 6 Point Saloon in Twisp and the Methow Valley Ciderhouse in Winthrop. Old Schoolhouse Brewery’s ales are available at OSB’s three venues in the valley and at local retail outlets, as are the other local imbibables.

EAT UP

Visit our dining guide on pages 44, 45 for information about the valley’s eateries, offering dining from casual to fine. Most restaurants offer take-out; some have cozy outdoor seating around tables with built-in fires, so you can stay warm and watch the night sky while you dine.

TREAT YOURSELF

Get a massage, facial, manicure,

pedicure or other personal treatment. Try the Nectar Skin Bar and Boutique in Winthrop, the TwiSpa in Twisp, or head up to Sun Mountain Lodge for pampering in their hilltop spa. Feeling sassy? You can get permanent or temporary body art at Heart of the Valley Tattoo Studio. twispwa.com/listing/ heart-of-the-valley-tattoo-studio.

SWEAT IT OUT

Looking for indoor exercise? Get a day pass at Winthrop Physical Therapy & Fitness and take advantage of a wide range of modern workout equipment in a pleasant environment, or take one of their regular fitness classes, like yoga, Barre, circuit, and strength. All of the local yoga studios offer drop-in rates and a welcoming atmosphere. There’s no better way to get to know other community members than by working out with them.

FEED YOUR SOUL SOAK UP KNOWLEDGE

This valley is full of interesting people who love to share their knowledge, experiences, poetic talents, and images with others.

A robust schedule of live and virtual presentations and classes are offered through many of the valley’s non-profit organizations. Visit www.methowconservancy. org/events, www.methowarts. org/community calendar, www. winthroplibraryfriends.org/events, methowcommunity.org/calendar, and methowvalleynews.com/ calendar-of-events.

GET CLASSY

Hungry to learn something new? Whether you’re interested in becoming a master at a skill or craft, or just wanting to bask in someone’s knowledge, you can do it in the Methow Valley. Learn to knit, write caligraphy, memorize a poem, create a sourdough starter, identify animal tracks, read a topographic map, cook, and dozens of other skills. Visit www.methowarts.org/ category/classes for class offerings.

TURN THE PAGE

Browse for leisure-time reading material at Winthrop’s impressively stocked Trail’s End Bookstore on Riverside Avenue. Check out the children’s section at the back of the store, with big picture windows overlooking the river. Our two

libraries, in Winthrop and Twisp, welcome visitors to browse the stacks in limited numbers, and both offer free Wi-Fi: www.ncrl.org/ locations. Free books can be found at one of the valley’s free little libraries, located in the Mazama Store courtyard and outside the Twisp Post Office. Take a book or leave a book.

EXPERIENCE ART

ARTFUL EXPLORATIONS

Find topnotch art at The Confluence: Art in Twisp on Glover Street in Twisp and at the Winthrop Gallery on Riverside Avenue. Both feature works by Methow Valley artists, and lots of gift-giving possibilities. Some artists and craftspeople have open studio hours on the TwispWorks campus, where you can watch the artists at work. At Glassworks of Winthrop on the boardwalk you can see a glassblower in action. Some valley shops also display local art, notably Rocking Horse Bakery and Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop and Cinnamon Twisp Bakery in Twisp. Look for unique items at other boutiques and stores.

THE ( OUTDOOR ) ELEMENTS OF ART

The Methow Valley boasts a range of public art, stretching from the upper reaches of the valley down into the confluence with the Columbia River at Pateros. Much of it is accessible in winter. Visit www. methowarts.org/public-art-map for a map and brief description of the art and artists.

METHOW RIVER POEMS

In 1992, just a year before his death, Northwest poet William Stafford was commissioned by the U.S. Forest Service to write a series of poems celebrating the Methow Valley. In 1994, those poems were published on roadside plaques and installed at scenic turnouts along the Methow River watershed, from Washington Pass to Pateros, most of which are accessible even in winter. The location of each poem can be found on the public art map at www.methowarts.org/williamstaffordmethowriverpoems2020.

FIND THE FLICKS

At The Barnyard Cinema in

Photo by Steve Mitchell

Winthrop, an eclectic roster of films ranging from wide-release to independent to arty rotates through the theater’s deluxe viewing room, complete with oversize recliners and an unparalleled sound system. Local beer, wine, coffee, and a quintessential movie-house candy selection complete the package. The Barnyard Cinema, www.thebarnyardcinema.com, (509) 996-3222.

CENTER STAGE

The Methow Valley’s arts-loving community is rife with live music, plays, concerts, poetry slams and other literary readings, and informal jam sessions and open mic opportunities at venues including The Merc Playhouse, Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Twisp River Tap House, Mazama Public House, Old Schoolhouse Brewery Taproom at TwispWorks, Methow Valley Ciderhouse, Twisp River Suites, BJ’s Branding Iron, Copper Glance and The Barnyard Cinema. Methow Arts, the Methow Valley Community Center, Winthrop Barn, Sun Mountain Lodge, Freestone Inn, Mazama Country Inn, Confluence Poets and Trail’s End Bookstore all present a variety of live performance events, ranging from local performers to groups from across the region, country, and globe. Check the Methow Valley News for the most current information.

MORE OUTSIDE INFO

HAVE

A HELI OF A TIME

For an exhilarating backcountry skiing adventure via helicopter, contact North Cascades Heli, www. heli-ski.com, to learn more. North Cascades Mountain Guides, www. ncmountainguides.com, also offers snowmobile-accessed skiing and

snowboarding at Washington Pass.

JINGLE ALL THE WAY

Dashing through the snow at Sun Mountain Lodge you’ll get to snuggle in a blanket on a sleigh behind a full team of horses complete with jingle bells! Daily sleigh rides from the lodge are offered throughout the winter. Some years sleigh rides are offered at the Spring Creek Ranch Trailhead; check newspaper listings on holiday weekends.

UP, UP AND AWAY

On the first weekend of March, Winthrop hosts an annual hot air balloon festival, when dozens of balloons from around the Northwest fill the morning skies. Dozens of silent colorful bubbles juxtaposed against a blue sky is a sight that causes cars to stop along the roadside and passengers to crane their heads skyward to take in the view. Check methowcommunity. org/calendar closer to the date of the Winthrop Balloon Festival for updates and details.

SKYLINE

Winter stargazing is breathtaking, and the Methow Valley’s dark skies are a magnificent backdrop for the real stars of the show: Orion, Auriga, Gemini, Taurus, and, of course, the Big and Little Dippers. Check out Dave Ward’s article about winter stargazing on page 20, and read his Naked Eye column in the Methow Valley News for current happenings in galaxies near and far, far away.

HOT STUFF

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

The best deal in town is the Methow Valley Community Center’s gym and closet full of roller

skates, all of which you can rent for $50-$75 for three hours. Bring some tunes, some snacks, and a makeshift limbo pole and you’re set for a rocking and rolling good time. Rent the adjacent kitchen for an additional $50 and you could add a meal to your skate party. methowcommunity.org/gym-rental.

COUTURE FUNK

Twisp’s Thrifty Fox is more than just a secondhand clothing store; it’s a curated boutique for chic and funky pre-owned attire and accessories. The owner/buyer is in possession of a keen eye for fashion and a flair for unique and stylish duds. The imaginative and entertaining staff will help you find the perfect outfit for any occasion, and what fun you’ll have choosing. Pre-owned clothing and housewares at pocket-change prices can also be found at the Methow Valley Senior Center Thrift Store, Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

BUY LOCAL

Your one-stop shopping space for locally-made products, Methow Valley Goods on the TwispWorks campus features the work of more

than 70 artists, producers, creators, growers, and makers. From housewares to beauty products, clothing to home furnishings, art to edibles, the Valley Goods store, as well as the storefronts where artists and artisans sell their art and wares, is the best way to support the local artisan economy and to give thoughtful, unique gifts to friends and family for the holidays. Visit twispworks.org/on-campus/ twispworks-partners/valley-goods. Methow Valley products are also available at many retail outlets — look for them in special displays or on the shelves. For a comprehensive guide, find a copy of the “Methow Made” magazine at various locations around the valley.

WE’VE GOT THE BEAT

Keep up with local goings-on with a subscription to the Methow Valley News, delivered to you once a week with fresh stories and tons of useful information. Call (509) 997-7011, email frontdesk@methowvalleynews.com, visit our website, www.methowvalleynews.com, or find us on Facebook for daily news and updates.

Find your favorite events

Things don’t slow down much in the Methow over the winter. Many organizations provide a variety of programs and presentations — some free, some with costs attached — that are open to the public. Here are some sources to help you stay current.

• The Methow Conservancy, https://methowconservancy.org, offers events such as its “First Tuesday” program, as well as classes.

• Methow Trails, www.methowtrails.org, sponsors the Backyard Ski Day, Race to the Sun Marathon, Methow Valley Doggie Dash and more.

• The Merc Playhouse in Twisp, www.mercplayhouse.org, is back with a full schedule of onstage productions.

• The Winthrop Rink, http://winthroprink.org, has special themed events throughout the winter.

• Loup Loup Ski Bowl, https://skitheloup.com, hosts events such as the Wolf Chase and SlopeStyle competitions.

• Methow Arts, www.methowarts.org, brings top-notch entertainment acts to the valley and sponsors other happenings; its events page is especially inclusive.

• The Confluence: Art in Twisp, www.confluencegallery.org, presents locally curated exhibits that change regularly.

• Winthrop Gallery, https://winthropgallery.com, features local artists and changing exhibits.

• The Winthrop Barn, https://winthropbarn.com, is a popular events venue; check out its calendar.

• The Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp, https://methowcommunity.org, is another popular site for events such as the Christmas Bazaar, back this year after the pandemic.

• Visit https://twispwa.com/ twisp.wa, for a good roundup of Twisp events, and others.

• Visit https://winthropwashington.com for the lowdown on Winthrop events.

• The Methow Valley Theater, www.

methowvalleytheater.org, is getting a spring production of “The Wizard of Oz” ready.

• Cascadia Music, www.cascadiamusic.org, presents performances featuring local musicians.

• The Methow Valley Interpretive Center in Twisp, www.methowvalleyinterpretivecenter.com, presents informative programs of general interest.

• The Shafer Museum in Winthrop, www.shafermuseum.org, hosts programs throughout the year.

• The local public libraries in Twisp and Winthrop — www.ncwlibraries.org/locations/twisp-public-library; www.ncwlibraries.org/locations/winthrop-public-library — host a variety of programs for kids and adults.

• Methow At Home, methowathome.org, offers many programs that are open to the public.

• Methow Valley News, www.methowvalleynews. com, for weekly updates on all events including live music; visit our Facebook page as well.

Photo by Steve Mitchell

Visitor information

Help when you need it

INFORMATION CENTERS

TWISP: 997-2926; 201 Methow Valley Highway (Methow Valley Community Center)

WINTHROP: 996-2125 or (888) 4638469; 202 Riverside Ave.

NEED A PLACE TO STAY?

METHOW RESERVATIONS: 9962148 or (800) 422-3048; www. methowreservations.com; info@ methowreservations.com

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

AIRPORTS

TWISP MUNICIPAL AIRPORT: 40 Wagner Road, Twisp; 997-2311

METHOW VALLEY STATE AIRPORT: Twisp-Winthrop Eastside Road; (360) 618-2477

NEED A TOW?

CLASSIC TOWING, TWISP: 997-2333

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

PET PROBLEMS?

METHOW VALLEY VETERINARY

HOSPITAL: 910 Highway 20, Winthrop: 996-3231; www. methowvalleyvethospital.com

VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC: 20335 Highway 20, Twisp; 997-8452; www. valleyveterinaryclinictwisp.com

WINTHROP VETERINARY CLINIC: 523 Highway 20, Winthrop; 996-2793; www. winthropvetclinic.com

NEED TO CHARGE YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

TWISPWORKS: 502 S. Glover St., Twisp; 997-3300; twispworks.org

PINE NEAR RV PARK: 316 Castle Ave., Winthrop; (509) 341-4062; www. pinenearpark.com

INN AT MAZAMA: 15 Country Road, Mazama; 996-2681; www.innmazama. com

SUN MOUNTAIN LODGE, WINTHROP: 996-2211; www.sunmountainlodgecom

TWISP RIVER SUITES: 140 W. Twisp Ave., Twisp; 997-0100; www.twispriversuites. com.

EAST 20 PIZZA: 720 Highway 20, Winthrop; 996-3996; https:// east20pizza.com

ABBYCREEK INN: 1006 Highway 20, Winthrop; 996-3100; www. abbycreekinn.com

CAB & SHUTTLE

METHOW MOTION SHUTTLE SERVICES: 996-2894; www.methowmotion20.com; reservations@methowmotion20.com

POLICE/EMERGENCY/911

TWISP POLICE DEPARTMENT: 9976112; townoftwisp.com/index.php/ departments/police-department

WINTHROP MARSHAL’S OFFICE: 9962160; 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: 9974013; www.aeromethow.org

LIBRARIES

TWISP: 997-4681; 201 Methow Valley Highway (Methow Valley Community Center); www.ncwlibraries.org/ locations/twisp-public-library; wireless hot spot

WINTHROP: 996-2685; 112 Norfolk Road; www.ncwlibraries.org/locations/ winthrop-public-library; wireless hot spot

NEED TO CLEAN UP?

LAUNDROMAT, SHOWERS AND FREE WI-FI AT WASHWORKS: 325 E. Highway 20, Twisp; 997-0336; www. hwy20washworks.com

RECREATION INFORMATION

U.S. FOREST SERVICE: 996-4000; 24 W. Chewuch Rd., Winthrop METHOW TRAILS: 996-2387; 21 Horizon Flat Road, Winthrop; www. methowtrails.com

WINTHROP RINK: 996-4199; www. winthroprink.com

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) 3864495 ext.11; www.nps.gov/noca/index. htm.

WASHINGTON DEPT. OF FISH & WILDLIFE: (360) 902-2200; www.wdfw.wa.gov

LOUP LOUP SKI BOWL: https:// skitheloup.com; (509) 557-3401

CAR WASH

CASCADE KING’S: 1421 Methow Valley Hwy S., Twisp; 997-2513; www. kingstire.biz

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

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

TWISP: 997-2020; https://twispwa.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

RECYCLING

METHOW RECYCLES: 997-0520; 12 Twisp Airport Road; www.methowrecycles.org

GOVERNMENT

CITY OF PATEROS: (509) 923-2571; www. pateros.com

TOWN OF TWISP: 997-4081; www. townoftwisp.com

TOWN OF WINTHROP: 996-2320, 206 Riverside Ave., www.townofwinthrop. com

HEALTH CARE

THREE RIVERS HOSPITAL, BREWSTER: (509) 689-2086; www. threerivershospital.net

MID-VALLEY HOSPITAL, OMAK: (509) 826-1760; www.mvhealth.org

CONFLUENCE HEALTH METHOW VALLEY CLINIC, WINTHROP: 996-8180

FAMILY HEALTH CENTERS MEDICAL CLINIC, TWISP: 997-2011

BREWSTER CLINIC: (509) 826-1800

SAWTOOTH DENTAL CARE, TWISP: 997-7533

ULRICH’S PHARMACY, TWISP: 997-2191

HIGHWAY INFORMATION

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Dial 511 for pass and road information; www.wsdot.wa.gov

INFORMATION & MEDIA

METHOW VALLEY NEWS: 997-7011; 502 S. 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

KOMW, 95.1

All 996 and 997 prefixes are in the 509 area code.

FEATURED LODGING

Base Camp 49 is Mazama’s new luxury micro-resort with four two-bedroom nightly rental homes, sleeping up to six guests each. Enjoy winter recreation at your door. All cabins feature a private covered patio, propane fire pits, courtyards and stunning views in all directions. Available also for groups, weddings and events.

The Inn At Mazama is your adventure basecamp for the Methow Valley. On the trails, ski, hike or bike from your door. Available for weddings, yoga retreats and events. 18 rooms with kitchenettes, pet-friendly units, nightly rental cabins, pool, hot tub, yoga studio, offices, meeting room, tennis and pickleball.

Cabins of The Methow is the local nightly rental reservation service managed by The Inn At Mazama. Our portfolio includes over 40 Methow Valley cabins and homes available for vacation stays, from traditional rustic log cabins to modern architect designed get-aways. Let us help you book your next stay.

Our Ranch House is surrounded by fields, snow-capped mountains and large ponderosa pines. Step from your porch onto the sport trail system for hikers, bikers, horse riders, and skiers. We offer onsite horse facilities, free with room rental. We’re also a spectacular setting for weddings, family reunions, and other events.

Private nightly rental cabins in the Upper Methow Valley. The Timberline Meadows 1-3 bedroom homes are nestled in the trees at the forest edge. The winter-time cross country ski, snowshoe and fat bike trails connect to Mazama and the Upper Methow trail system. Reservations managed by The Inn At Mazama.

Experience down-home, river front luxury and unparalleled hospitality in Twisp, the heart of the Methow Valley. Centrally located for outdoor adventure, Twisp River Suites is the perfect winter getaway. Play outside all day, sink into luxurious comfort at night. We offer pet-friendly options and an all-inclusive gourmet breakfast.

basecamp49.com/

996-2681

7-11 Patterson Road, Mazama

innmazama.com

996-2681

15 Country Rd., Mazama

cabinsofthemethow.com

996-2681

15 Country Rd., Mazama

mazamaranchhouse.com

996-2040

10 Country Rd., Mazama

timberlinemeadows.com

996-2495

22 BELSBY R D , Winthrop

twispriversuites.com

997-0100

140 West Twisp Ave., Twisp

Phone numbers with 996 and 997 prefixes have a 509 area code. The expanded listings above are paid for by our advertisers to give you a better idea of what they offer. Establishments featured above are also listed in the complete lodging guide on page 43.

LODGING GUIDE

AbbyCreek Inn | 1006 Hwy 20, Winthrop | 996-3100 | abbycreekinn.com

Base Camp 49 | 7 - 11 Patterson Road, Mazama | 996-2681 | basecamp49.com

Brown’s Farm | 887 Wolf Creek Road, Winthrop | 996-2571 | methownet.com/brownsfarm

Bunkhouse Inn | 209 Bluff Street, Winthrop | 996-2148 | bunkhouseinn.squarespace.com

Cabins of the Methow | Multiple locations | 996-2681 | abinsofthemethow.com

Chewuch Inn & Cabins | 223 White Avenue, Winthrop | 996-3107 | chewuchinn.com

Farm House | 709 Hwy 20, Winthrop | 996-3113 | winthropchalets.com

Freestone Inn | 31 Early Winters Drive, Mazama | 996-3906/800-639-3809 | freestoneinn.com

Hotel Rio Vista | 285 Riverside Avenue, Winthrop | 996-3535/800-398-0911 | hotelriovista.com

Idle-A-While Motel | 505 North Hwy 20, Twisp | 997-3222 | innmazama.com

The Inn at Mazama | 15 Country Road, Mazama | 996-2681 | idle-a-while-motel.com

Mazama Ranch House | 10 Country Road, Mazama | 996-2040 | mazamaranchhouse.com

Methow Reservations | Multiple locations | 996-2148 | methowreservations.com

Methow River Lodge & Cabins | 110 White Avenue (Twin Lakes Road) Winthrop | 996-4348 | methowriverlodge.com

Methow Suites B&B | 620 Moody Lane, Twisp | 997-5970 | methowsuites.com

Methow Valley Inn | 234 East 2nd Street, Twisp | 996-2148 | methowvalleyinn.com

Mt Gardner Inn | 611 Hwy 20, Winthrop | 996-2000 | mtgardnerinn.com

Nordic Village Cabin | 1 Nordic Village Road, Mazama | 800-843-7951 | mazamacountryinn.com

North Cascades Mountain Hostel | 209 Castle Avenue, Winthrop | 206-940-4507 | northcascadesmountainhostel.com

Observatory Inn | 237 Castle Avenue, Winthrop | 996-2739 | observatoryinn.com

Pine Near RV Park | 316 Castle Avenue, Winthrop | 509-341-4062 | pinenearpark.com

Riverbend RV Park | 19961 Hwy 20, Twisp | 997-3500/800-686-4498 | riverbendrv.com

River Run Inn | 27 Rader Road, Winthrop | 419-9039 | riverrun-inn.com

River’s Edge Resort | 115 Riverside Avenue, Winthrop | 996-8000 | riversedgewinthrop.com

River Pines inn | 114 Bluff Street, Winthrop | 509-322-4062 | riverpinesinn.com

Rolling Huts | 18381 Hwy 20, Winthrop | 996-4442/877-223-1137 | rollinghuts.com

Silverline Resort | 677 Bear Creek Road, Winthrop | 996-2448 | silverlineresort.com

Sportsman Motel | 1010 Hwy 20, Twisp | 997-2911

Spring Creek Ranch | 22 Belsby Road, Winthrop | 996-2495 | springcreekwinthrop.com

Sun Mountain Lodge | 604 Patterson Lake Road, Winthrop | 996-2211/800-572-0493 | sunmountainlodge.com

Timberline Meadows | 45 Timberline Lane, Winthrop | 844-430-8977 | timberlinemeadows.com

Twisp River Inn | 894 Twisp River Road, Twisp | 997-4011 | twispriverinn.com

Twisp River Suites | 140 West Twisp Avenue, Twisp | 997-0100/855-784-8328 | twispriversuites.com

Twisp Terrace Lodge | 20556 Hwy 20, Twisp | 888-550-5919 | twispterrace.com

Winthrop Inn | 960 Hwy 20, Winthrop | 996-2217/800-444-1972 | winthropinn.com

Winthrop KOA Campground | 1114 Hwy 20, Winthrop | 996-2258/800-562-2158 | koa.com/campgrounds/winthrop

Winthrop Mountain View Chalets | 1120 Hwy 20, Winthrop | 996-3113/800-527-3113 | winthropchalets.com

Wolf Creek Cabins & Lodging | 1 Wolf Ridge Lane, Winthrop | 996-2148/800-422-3048 | wolfcreek-lodging.com

Wolf Ridge Resort | 22 Wolf Ridge Lane, Winthrop | 996-2828 | wolfridge-resort.com

FEATURED EATERIES

Welcome to Three Fingered Jack’s, Washington state’s oldest legal saloon. Come in to watch a game or play a game of pool! We offer fun, family-friendly dining and a full bar 7 days a week, 11am-8pm with dinner specials 5pm-8pm and breakfast 7am-11am Fri-Sun only. See you soon!.

3fingeredjacks.com

997-2583

3 Twisp Airport Rd., Twisp

facebook.com/lafondalopeztwisp

LaFonda Lopez Restaurant is family-friendly and offers a variety of foods: Mexican, pasta dishes, curries, burgers, vegetarian and daily specials. We serve an array of margaritas and cocktails. Winter hours 12 p.m.– 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. Patio seating available in the summer.

997-0247

102 Methow Valley HY20, Twisp

twisprivertaphouse.com

Riverside dining for all ages featuring artistically prepared in-house smoked meats, house made sauces & dressings- offering weekly specials from paninis to steelhead; charcutier & cheese boards, salads, vegan options & more. Plus, craft beers, local cider, 40+ bourbons/ryes portfolio, artisan cocktails & live music weekends. Food served late. Dog-friendly patio.

881-5751

201 Methow Valley Highway North, Twisp

Phone numbers with 996 and 997 prefixes have a 509 area code. The expanded listings above are paid for by our advertisers to give you a better idea of what they offer. Establishments featured above are also listed in the complete dining guide on page 45.

DINING GUIDE

Arrowleaf Bistro | 207 White Ave., Winthrop | 996-3919 | arrowleafbistro.com

BJ’s Branding Iron | 123 N. Glover St., Twisp | 997-0040 | facebook.com/TwispBrandingIron

Blue Star Coffee Roasters | 1240 E. Methow Valley Hwy, Twisp | 997-2583 | bluestarcoffeeroasters.com

Brix Wine Bar | 229 Riverside Ave., Winthrop | 996-3229 | brixwinthrop.com

Carlos 1800 | 149 Riverside Avenue, Winthrop | 996-2245 | carlos1800.com

Cinnamon Twisp Bakery | 116 N. Glover St., Twisp | 997-5030 | facebook.com/CinnamonTwispBakery

Copper Glance | 134A Riverside Ave., Winthrop | copperglancewinthrop.com

East 20 Pizza | 720 Highway 20, Winthrop | 996-3996 | east20pizza.com

El Valle | 123 N. Glover St., Twisp | 997-7829

Glover Street Market | 124 N. Glover St., Twisp | 997-1320 | gloverstreetmarket.com

Hank’s Harvest Foods | 412 E. Methow Valley Highway, Twisp | 997-7711 | hanksharvestfoods.com

Hometown Pizza | 202 Methow Valley Highway, Twisp | 997-2100

Jack’s Hut | Freestone Inn, 31 Early Winters Drive, Mazama | 996-3212 | freestoneinn.com

Jupiter | 248 Riverside Ave., Winthrop | | jupiterwinthrop.com

LaFonda Lopez | 102 Highway 20, Twisp | 997-0247 | facebook.com/lafondalopeztwisp

Linwood Restaurant | 108 Glover St N., Twisp | (513) 407-0514 | linwoodtwisp.com

The Little Dipper Café & Bakery | 94 Bridge Street, Winthro | 996-2127 | littledipperwinthrop.com

Mazama Store | 50 Lost River Rd., Mazama | 996-2855 | themazamastore.com

Mazama Public House - An OSB Place | 516 Goat Creek Rd, Mazama | 519-4321 | facebook.com/mazamapub

| 176 Riverside Ave., Winthrop | 996-2411 | 3fingeredjacks.com

Twisp Chevron/Sub Shop | 126 Methow Valley Highway, Twisp | 997-3181

Twisp River Tap House | 201 Methow Valley Highway North, Twisp | 881-5751 | twisprivertaphouse.com

Store | 228 Riverside Ave., Winthrop | 996-2175 | facebook.com/winthropstore

Wolf Creek Bar & Grill at Sun Mountain Lodge | 604 Patterson Lake Rd, Winthrop (800) 572-0493 | sunmountainlodge.com/sun-mountain/the-bar/

Woodstone Pizzeria at Rolling Huts | 18381 Highway 20, Mazama | 996-9804 | woodstoneatwesola.com

Pearrygin Lake North Shoreline