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FREE

2 0 1 5 / 2 0 1 6

W I N T E R

2 0 1 5 / 2 0 1 6

W I N T E RW I N T E RW I N T E R

509.996.3906 ~ 800.639.3809 | www.freestoneinn.com | 31 early winters Drive, mazama, washington (just 15 miles west of winthrop)

escape to the freestone inn & Discover the many pleasures of winterEnjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails.

The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. 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Announcing the NEW Sandy Butte Bistro & Bar! Open Daily!Tuesdays and Wednesdays extended Happy Hour & Locals Night, 3 - 8 PM

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WinthropWashington.com

w a s h i n g t o n

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

Take a break from the ordinary. COme TO WinThrOp.

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nowmobiling • fat biking • ice skating & hockey

experience winter in the heart of the magnificent methow Valley

3

Ultimate winter

winter just keeps getting better in the Methow Valley.

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Don Nelson

Photo by LaureLLe WaLsh

Established 1958

Just 30 minutesfrom Winthrop!

• Quad Chair lift• Ski Shop• Rental• Repairs• Ski School• Tubing Hill• Terrain Park• Nordic Skiing• Snowshoeing• Day Lodge• Food Service• Doggie Trails• Fat Biking BYOB

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4

CONTRIBUTORSDON NelSON is publisher & editor of the Methow Valley News.

MaRCy STaMpeR is a Methow Valley News reporter.

aNN MCCReaRy is a Methow Valley News reporter.

aShley lODaTO is a Methow Valley News columnist.

DavID WaRD is a Methow Valley News columnist.

Don Nelson | publisher/editor

Darla Hussey | design

Rebecca Walker | office manager

Tyson Kellie | advertising assistant

Sheila Ward | advertising assistant

Dana Sphar | ad design/production

A publication of the

Methow valley NewsP.O. Box 97, 101 N. Glover St., Twisp, WA 98856

509.997.7011 • fax 509.997.3277www.methowvalleynews.com

editor@methowvalleynews.com

ON THE COVER:large photo of fat bikers by mary kiesau.

inset photos from left by mary kiesau, marcy stamper and steve mitchell

gear for allseasons . . .whatever your sport

257 Riverside Ave in Winthrop509.996.2886

open 7 days a week

Full Service XC& BC Ski Shop

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winthropmountainsports.com

5

6

228

32

26

18

6 AN ICE TIME FOR EVERYONEWinthrop’s scenic outdoor rink extends its season with refrigeration system

8 GET A LIFT AT THE LOUPThe Methow’s alpine ski area is a family-friendly gem

10 THE UNIQUE LURE OF ICE FISHINGGreat fishing at low cost on the Methow’s frozen lakes

14 BRIGHT NIGHTSClear skies make for excellent stargazing in the Methow winter

16 THREE DAYS IN THE VALLEYThe possibilities are endless

18 RIDING THE FAT BIKE WAVEThe Methow Valley leads the way in this fast-growing sport

20 WHERE TO GEAR UPWinter recreation equipment is available for rental at many valley locations

22 THE NORDIC WAYThe Methow Valley’s vast network of ski trails offers unlimited options

25 BASIC INFO FOR VISITORS

26 TAKE WINTER IN STRIDESnowshoeing allows a leisurely look at the landscape

29 RIDING THE TRAILSSnowmobilers can cover a vast amount of territory in the Methow

31 A DOLLAR IS A DOLLAR

32 CALENDAR

34 DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

10

6

An ice time for everyoneWinthrop’s scenic

outdoor rink extends

its season with

refrigeration system

By Don Nelson

First-time visitors to the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink (WISR) this winter will likely

marvel at the excellent ice surface, ex-tensive new facilities and breath-taking scenery.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What makes it all workable is the ice.“It is so exciting to know we have the

guaranteed ice,” said Jill Calvert, presi-dent of the WISR board of directors. “We know we can sell a tournament time slot and it won’t be cancelled.”

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

Beyond tournaments — five are

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

7

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

The value of volunTeersThe miracle of ice is the product

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

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

donated by Robertson.The work parties were even joined

by people who just happened to be walking by on the Susie Stephens Com-munity Trail, Calvert said.

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

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

that took more than six hours, Calvert said. Under the concrete surface are 13-1/2 miles of PVC pipe through which the refrigerant will flow in a continu-ous loop.

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

structures. The total cost for the first phase of the project was $801,000. The final phase will cost nearly $1 million including the state and local contributions.

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

WINTHROP ICE & SPORTS RINKThe basics

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available.• The rink is entirely outdoors, with boards around the entire

surface and transparent plastic panels around most of the surface, and has regulation National Hockey League dimen-sions. It is lighted for late afternoon and evening operation.

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8

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

By Don Nelson

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

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

for skiers this year, according to Gen-eral Manager C.P. Grosenick.

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

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

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

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

LOUP LOUP SKI BOWL The basics

• Located on Little Buck Mountain between Twisp and Okanogan on Highway 20

• 1,240 vertical feet; 10 cut runs; highest elevation, 5,280 feet; 23 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails; 50 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails at nearby South Summit; tubing hill; terrain park

• Quad chair lift, platter surface tow, rope tow

• Ski school, snowboarding les-sons, Nordic lessons, equip-ment rentals and repairs, day lodge with food and beverage service, first aid room, snow-shoeing and fat biking, some designated dog-friendly trails

• Season passes and day passes available

• Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during January and February, 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Open every day during Christmas week, except Christmas Day. Open all week for President’s holiday and Martin Luther King holiday

• For information about rates, rentals and snow conditions, call (509) 557-3405 or visit skitheloup.com

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

9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ski area is operated by the nonprofit Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation, whose board of directors is responsible for oversight and fun-draising. A major fundraising event, the Taste of Three Valleys dinner and auction held in October raised about $23,000 this year, Grosenick said. Some of that money will go towards maintaining the Fire and Ice program launched last year, which offers free lift tickets, equipment usage and lessons to victims of the recent wildfires in the region. The program will also be extended to several other ski areas in the region this year, Grosenick said.

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

The Wild Wolf Tubing Hill at the Loup promises one thrilling ride after another. Photo by Marcy StaMPer

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For showtimes and ticket information visit www.mercplayhouse.orgor call 509.997.7529 101 S Glover Street, Twisp, WA 98856

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10

The unique lure of ice fishingGreat fishing at low

cost on the Methow’s

frozen lakes

By Marcy Stamper

In the Midwest, communities of ice fishers are so densely devel-oped that you can even get pizza

delivered.Here in the Methow Valley, the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Equipment is very basic. Ice fishing generally uses a short rod and a jig to sink the lure or bait straight down. When you get a fish on the hook, you pull it straight up through the hole, rather than reel it in, said Rider.

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

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

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

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

Mason Ezell proudly shows off his bounty from a day of ice fishing at Patterson Lake. Photo by Rebecca WalkceR

11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to fishThe most popular local lakes for ice

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

Ice safetyMake sure the ice is thick enough to support you. Drill a

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

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

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

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

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

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are generally restricted to five a day.Perch tend to congregate on the

bottom, whereas trout move through-out the water column. Snow said trout are easier to catch during the winter than at other times of year. Perch and bluegill tend to fight hard, which evens the playing field and adds to the enjoy-ment, he said.

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

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

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

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

What bait to useThere are many successful ways of

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

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

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

Most days, three or four hours is plenty of time to catch a lot of fish and still not get too chilled, said Vaughan. “Sometimes it doesn’t take long to get so many perch that you don’t even want to clean them all,” said Snow. ❅

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

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Ice-fIshIng Trips & prizesFor an ice-fishing extravaganza — and

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

There are prizes for largest fish, number of fish, oldest and youngest fishers, among other achievements. This winter’s event is Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, with registration at 7 a.m. and fishing beginning at 8. For more information, call the Oroville Chamber of Commerce at (888) 699-5659.

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

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Bright nightsClear skies make for excellent stargazing in the Methow winter

By David Ward

Winter is upon us again, which means short, cold days and long,

even-colder nights. Are you wondering why you would even remotely want to go outside at night?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Orion represented a hunter to the ancient Greeks. Some older cultures saw these stars as some kind of giant. Interestingly, all the stars of Orion are giant, much larger and brighter than our sun and far, far away from us.

Big BetelgeuseLook up and to the left of the belt

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

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

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

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

In perhaps only 10 thousand

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

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

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

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violet shadows on the ground. Would the blast blow us right off our

little planet? Probably not. Betelgeuse is a long ways away, about 75 times farther than Sirius.

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

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

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

EyE of thE bullUp above and to the right of Orion,

look for another orange-colored star,

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

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

If you want more of a challenge, there are lots of dimmer objects out there in the winter sky. Try looking for the winter Milky Way, which is dimmer than its summer counterpart. This time of year, we look out in the opposite direction into the vast galaxy through which we sail.

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

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

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

birthplacE of starsDo you want to see a place where

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

I know a million years sounds like a long time, but from an astronomi-cal perspective it is just a heartbeat. Our own sun is 5,000 times older than those newborns.

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

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

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

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

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16

Three days in the valleyThe possibilities

are endless — here

are some ideas for

recreating, relaxing

and reacquainting

yourself with all things

Methow Valley

By Ashley Lodato

So much to do. So little time. Still, you can maximize your Methow Valley experience in

a long weekend with a little planning and guidance.

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

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

FRIDAYArrive and check into your lodging.

The options, from Mazama to Pateros,

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

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

You had the foresight to make your dinner reservations at Carlos 1800 (car-los1800.com), Old Schoolhouse Brewery (oldschoolhousebrewery.com), or the Twisp River Pub (methowbrewing.com), ahead of time, so head to downtown Winthrop or Twisp a bit before your reservation to have time to browse the shops. Or grab a pizza at Winthrop’s East 20 Pizza (east20pizza.com) or Twisp’s Hometown Pizza.

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

locally raised meat and a chat with the friendly proprietors, Chris and Diana. While you’re at Thomson’s, grab some of Chris’s homemade jerky for snacks tomorrow. Select your wine from Glover Street Market’s (gloverstreet-market.com) wine cellar in Twisp or at The Wine Shed (facebook.com/win-thropwineshed) in Winthrop, and don’t forget a gourmet chocolate bar from Winthrop Motors (winthropmotorsinc.com). Yes, the gas station; don’t knock it ’til you try it.

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

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

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

SATURDAYWith so many great bakeries located

the length of the valley, it would be

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

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

This afternoon you can tour the val-ley’s art galleries and shops.

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

17

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

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

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

SUNDAYGrab a quick cup of coffee at Pony

Expresso (facebook.com/katiespony-expresso) in Winthrop or Michael’s Espresso in Twisp on your way to the balloon ride you scheduled with Morn-ing Glory Balloon Tours (balloon-winthrop.com). As you float above the valley floor the landscape below you comes alive with the glitter of sunshine

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

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

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

KIDSIf you have kids with you this week-

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

All too soon the time comes for you to leave. On your way through Twisp, stop by Rey Emmanuel (facebook.com/reyemmanuelrestaurant) for some authentic Cuban cuisine or La Fonda Lopez (lafondalopez.com) for fare in-spired by the flavors of Oaxaca, Mexico. Logan’s Steakhouse (997-0633) is ready with breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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

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18

Riding the fat bike waveThe Methow Valley

leads the way in this

fast-growing sport

By Ann McCreary

Only a few years ago, fat biking was a comparatively obscure sport with a small

but dedicated following. Today, fat bik-ing is one of the fastest growing winter sports in the nation and the Methow Valley is leading the fatty pack in this part of the country.

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

said Dave Acheson of Methow Cycle & Sport in Winthrop.

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

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

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

A few years ago, fat bike riders first

tried the sport out on a few groomed ski trails that Methow Trails (formerly Methow Valley Sport Trails Associa-tion) opened to fat bikes, when condi-tions allowed.

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

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

Expanding opportunitiEsThree winters ago, the opportunities

for fat bike riders in the Methow Valley expanded significantly when local fat

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

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

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

“The narrow trails that we do at the

FAT BIKINGFree demos

Methow Cycle & Sport offers four free demonstration days this winter for people to try fat bikes in the Methow Valley. Demon-strations are from 9 a.m. to noon.• Dec. 19: Pearrygin Lake State Park• Jan. 9: Winthrop Town Trailhead• Jan. 22: Winthrop Town Trailhead• Feb. 6: Location to be determined

Methow Cycle & Sport will also spon-sor a ride on Global Fat Bike Day, Dec. 5. A free day at Pearrygin State Park (no parking pass required) will be sponsored on Jan. 1 by Methow Cycle & Sport and the park. The event features fat bike riding or snow shoe-ing from 10:30 -11:30 a.m., followed by a barbeque. For more information go to the store website, www.methowcyclesport.com.

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

19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

way to find riding.”Mitchell said Methow Trails has

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

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

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

“There’s recognition that if it’s a bad ski day, it could be a great fat bike day. Fat bikes could be an alternative in that regard, in terms of a revenue stream.”

Fat biking the Methow trails The Big Valley Ranch multi-use trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methow Trails assesses the trail conditions daily to determine where

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

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

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

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

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

It’s all smiles for these fat bikers enjoying sunshine and panoramic views on the trails above Pearrygin Lake. Photo by LaureLLe WaLsh

20

Where to gear upWinter recreation

equipment is available

for rental at many

valley locations

WinthropMETHOW TRAILS www.

methowtrails.org, (509) 996-3287Methow 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 web-site or visit the office at 309 Riverside Ave. in Winthrop for information and maps on all winter recreational activities.

METHOW VALLEY SKI SCHOOL www.methownet.com/skischool/

Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. every dayRents equipment and gives Nordic

ski lessons out of three locations: The Sun Mountain Lodge activity

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

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

SUN MOUNTAIN LODGE AC-TIVITY SHOP www.sunmountain-lodge.com, (509) 996-4735

Besides having the Methow Valley Ski School and its rental operations based out of the activity shop, Sun Mountain Lodge also offers horse-drawn sleigh rides, with or without a dinner package. Sleigh rides may be reserved by calling the activity shop. Guided steelhead fishing trips on the Methow River may be booked at the

activity shop from October – March. Fly rods may be rented by the day.

METHOW CYCLE & SPORT methowcyclesport.com, (509) 996-3645

Open 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. dailyRents fat bikes in every size made for

adults and kids. Bikes can be rented for four hours to four days. Helmets and hand protection for riding on cold days are also provided.

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

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

Open 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. and Sun.

Offers full- or half-day rentals of classic, skate, touring, and alpine touring ski packages for adults as well as classic and skate ski pack. Racing ski packages are available by reservation.

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

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

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

Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas days

Rents skate and waxless classic ski packages for adults and kids. For those interested in comparing several brands of skis, the demo fee is the same as the daily rental fee, and is waived if skis are purchased.

WINTHROP ICE AND SPORTS RINK www.winthropicerink.com

Check the website for days and hours of operation. The rink rents ice skates in all sizes and hockey sticks; helmets are provided for free. Skate sharpening is also available. Ice skating and hockey sessions, theme nights and parties run throughout the season. Adult and children’s lessons are also available.

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

Offers half- and full-day snowmobile rentals at the ranch located six miles north of Winthrop on East Chewuch

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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.

TwispLOUP LOUP RENTAL EQUIP-

MENT SHOP www.skitheloup.com, (509) 557-3406

Open 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. every day the ski area is open

Located near the day lodge at Loup Loup Ski Bowl. The shop rents full or half-day alpine ski and snowboard packages, helmets, rentals, and Nordic ski gear. Loup Loup Ski Bowl also rents inner tubes for use on its tubing hill near the lodge. Private or group downhill ski and snowboard lessons with certified instructors are available for adults and kids by the hour. “First-timer” specials include lift ticket, rental equipment and a one-hour lesson.

LOUP LOUP SKI & SNOWBOARD SHOP www.louploupskishop.com, (509) 846-5076; call for hours

Located at 427 Highway 20 South

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

CLASSIC MOUNTAIN CABBY jtd2014.wix.com/classicmountaincabby, (509) 996-2894

Classic Mountain Cabby provides passenger shuttle service for people and their skis, snowboards, bikes and fishing gear to trailheads and ski areas throughout the region. Call or check the Cabby’s website or Face-book page — Classic Mountain Cabby LLC — for further shuttle information.

MazaMaGOAT’S BEARD MOUNTAIN

SUPPLIES www.goatsbeardmountain-supplies.com, (509) 996-2515

Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. dailyLocated 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 steeper ter-rain — and metal-edged backcountry touring ski gear — better for traveling over rolling terrain. The store also rents avalanche airbag packs for safety while skiing the backcountry.

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

NORTH CASCADES BASECAMP www.northcascadesbasecamp.com, (509) 996-2334; call for hours

North Cascades Basecamp, located on Lost River Road in Mazama, rents snowshoes at the Warming Hut for half or full days, and for use during the Nature of Winter snowshoe tours at the Basecamp on Saturdays in January and February.

JACK’S HUT www.freestoneinn.com/jack-s-hut, (509) 996-3906 ext. 356

Located at the Freestone Inn on Highway 20 west of Mazama. Jack’s Hut sells outdoor clothing and gear as well as trail passes, rents some equip-ment, arranges outings and also serves food and beverages. ❅

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The Nordic wayBy Ashley Lodato

Picture a vast glittering white blanket, with smooth stretches, steep folds, and a

few rolling bumps. Now add a shim-mering river, frosted pines, majestic cottonwoods. A network of pathways spider across the blanket, running through fields, over hill and dale. Sprinkle in a couple of cozy huts and a charming town at either end of the blanket, and you’ve got the Methow Valley trails system spread out before you, just waiting for you to clip on your skis (or snowshoes, or fat bike) and insert yourself into the picture.

Widely celebrated as the largest Nor-dic ski trails system in North America, this 200-kilometer network of skate platforms and classic tracks is one of the Methow Valley’s biggest lures. Man-aged and maintained by Methow Trails

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

TRAILSThe trail system comprises three main

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

MAZAMAMazama’s trails are generally the

flattest, with the exception of the de-manding Doe Canyon and Fawn Creek trails. Several scenic loop options exist,

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

THE RENDEZVOUSSkiing in the Rendezvous is not for

the faint of heart, as nearly every trail involves lots of ups and downs. Some of the most spectacular skiing in the valley can be found here, however, and the network of trails and European-style mountain huts makes skiers feel that they have traveled well off the

beaten path. Although the Rendezvous can easily

be traversed in half a day, extend-ing your stay to a couple of days by reserving one of the huts (www.rendezvoushuts.com) allows you the best opportunity to fully explore the area. The affordable freight hauls make it possible for you to ski with just the day’s essentials, yet still enjoy a rusti-cally luxurious multi-day experience. A night or two at “The Huts” is a quintessential Methow experience and is a treasured annual event for many a Methow family or group of friends.

SUN MOUNTAINThe trail system’s roots are at Sun

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

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

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

23

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

The MeThow CoMMuniTy TrailMore than merely a connector trail,

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

(or at the Mazama Store). Those with lodging along the Methow Commu-nity Trail — Brown’s Farm or the Wolf Creek Resort — find themselves with two directions of skiing to choose from; those simply passing through can enjoy the warming rooms at both locations.

The “thru-ski” option will most

likely be a lot more logistically simple on Saturdays in January – Febru-ary 2016, thanks to a proposed free shuttle provided by Methow Trails. Anyone wearing a trail pass can hop on a bus at the Winthrop Town Trail-head at 10 a.m. and ride to Brown’s Farm or Mazama, then ski back to Winthrop. Skiers can also ride the bus

between Brown’s Farm and Mazama, as well as between Mazama and Winthrop, and ski back up the valley. The Methow Trails system lends itself particularly well to such journeys, and whether a long ski route like the Community Trail is a landmark or a weekly event for you, you’ll find it never gets old.

Trails deTails • Backyard Ski Day: Jan 22. Free trail ac-

cess, equipment rentals, and lessons. • Trail passes: Most trails in the Methow

Trails system require day-use, multi-day, season, or lifetime passes, and for all canines. Passes are available at Methow Trails and at numerous businesses throughout the valley. Good news for Canadians: Methow Trails is selling trail passes at par (must purchase at Methow Trails, Winthrop Ice Rink, or Loup Loup Ski Bowl).

Adult season pass: $325Adult day pass: $24Adult multi-day pass: $60Adult weekday pass: $199Dog day pass: $10Dog season pass: $50

Fat bike day pass: $10Snowshoe season pass: $50Fat bike season pass: $50Snowshoe day pass: $517 & younger + 75 & older ski freeFor more information about Methow

Trails, including races and other events, call (509) 996.3287 or visit www.MethowTrails.org.• Loup Loup Nordic trails Area 51 adult pass: $11 South Summit day pass (Sno-Park): $21 South Summit season pass (Sno-Park): $41

For more information about Loup Loup trails call (866) 699-5334 or visit skitheloup.com/conditions/nordic-skiing.• Grooming: methowtrails.com/winter-

trails/grooming, or (509) 996-3860;

www.skitheloup.com/the_mountain/nordic_trails, or (509) 557-=3405

More information• For more information about the

Methow Valley Nordic Team, including youth clinics, biathlon, and other events, visit methowvalleynordic.com/juniors, or call (509) 996-6000.

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

• For more information about vouchers for free skiing, lessons, and rentals for families in need, contact Room One at (509) 997-2050.

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Big ValleyDog-friendly and exempt from the

trail pass requirement, Big Valley af-fords open views and flat terrain. Want to make your pup earn her keep by pulling you? Learn how to skijour with Cascades Outdoor Store (cascadesout-doorstore.com/skijoring).

loup loup passThese Nordic trails are not part of

the Methow Trails system; however, they are easily accessed from the val-ley and they provide some variety for those who have the luxury of plenty of time. About 23 kilometers of trail are groomed at Area 51 of the Loup Loup Ski Area, and across the road at South Summit (which is typically groomed on Fridays), skiers can jump on a 46k trail network shared with snowmo-biles, fat bikes, and dogs.

FUN WITH THE KIDSStories by local author/illustrator

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

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

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

TRAIL PASSESTrail passes (www.methowtrails.org/

winter-trails/passes) are required on most trails, but skiers can use the Big Valley trails, Lunachick, and Winthrop Town Trailhead loop for free. Snow-shoes are also welcome on many select

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

EQUIPMENTNordic ski equipment can be rented

at:• Cascades Outdoor Store in Winthrop • Methow Cycle & Sport in Winthrop• Methow Valley Ski School, at Sun

Mountain Lodge and Mazama Junction

• Winthrop Mountain Sports in Winthrop

• Jack’s Hut at Freestone Inn, MazamaAll rental sites stock excellent skate

and classic equipment in all sizes and styles. See Rental Equipment article on page 20.

LESSONSNordic skiing is great fun, and it’s

even more fun when you do it well. Although a lucky few pick up good

technique through trial-and-error, most of us can benefit tremendously from a lesson or a series of technique training sessions. Lessons are available through several sources:

• Methow Valley Ski School (www.methownet.com/skischool) has been offering lessons via its owner Don Portman, a pioneer in North American Nordic skiing, since the 1970s. With lo-cations at Sun Mountain, Methow Cycle & Sport in Winthrop, and Mazama, the ski school can accommodate skiers of all ages and abilities for private and group lessons, taught by a core staff of

talented and devoted instructors.• Methow Valley Nordic (www.

methowvalleynordic.com/adults) offers camps, clinics and weekly technique and training sessions for adults. Taught by some of the valley’s finest coaches, the lessons serve a wide range of abili-ties and interests.

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

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Basic info for visitorsNEED A PLACE TO STAY?Central Reservations: 996-2148 or (800) 422-3048; www.centralreservations.net; info@centralreservations.net

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

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

POLICE/EMERGENCYEmergency: 911Twisp Police Department: 997-6112; 118 S. Glover St.; townoftwisp.com/index.php/departments/police-department/Winthrop Marshal’s Office: 996-2160; 206 Riverside Ave.; www.winthropmarshals.comOkanogan County Sheriff’s Office: (509) 422-7232; www.okanogansheriff.orgWashington State Patrol: (509) 422-3800Okanogan County Fire District 6: 997-2981Aero Methow Rescue Service: 997-4013; www.aeromethow.org

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

NEED A TOW?Classic Towing, Twisp: 997-2333Winthrop Motors: 996-2277

AIRPORTSTwisp Municipal Airport: 40 Wagner Road, Twisp; 997-2311.Methow Valley State Airport: Twisp-Winthrop Eastside Road; (360) 618-2477

NEED TO CHARGE YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE?Pine Near RV Park: 316 Castle Ave., Winthrop; (509) 341-4062, www.pinenearpark.comMazama Country Inn: 15 Country Road, Mazama; 996-2681; www.mazamacountryinn.comTwisp River Pub: 201 N. Highway 20, Twisp; 997-6822; www.twispriverpub.comSun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop: 996-2211; www.sunmountainlodge.com

CAB AND SHUTTLEClassic Mountain Cabby: 996-2894; classicmountaincabby@gmail.com

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

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

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

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCETwisp: 997-2020; www.twispinfo.comWinthrop: 996-2125; www.winthropwashington.comOmak: (509) 826-1880 or (800) 225-6625; www.omakchamber.comOkanogan: (509) 422-4034; www.okanogachamber.comBrewster: (509) 689-3464; www.brewsterchamber.orgPateros: (509) 923-9636; www.pateros.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

INFORMATION & MEDIAMethow Valley News: 997-7701; 101 N. Glover St., Twisp; www.methowvalleynews.com; frontdesk@methowvalleynews.comwww.methownet.comwww.methow.comKTRT, 97.5 FMKCSY, 106.3FMKOZI, 93.5FMKTWP (public radio), 91.1FM

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26

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

By Marcy Stamper

Most winter sports take advantage of the slippery properties of snow and

ice for speed and glide. But snowshoe-ing is the opposite. A snowshoe’s large platform distributes your weight and its jagged teeth provide traction, pro-viding great stability in the snow.

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

There’s a remarkable amount to see

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

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

Ruud recalled an enthralling

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

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

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

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

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

Comfortable for all agesSnowshoeing is appealing because

it is so accessible, for people of all ages and fitness levels. “I like it because people can get out so easily,” said Ruud. “If you can walk, you can snowshoe,” she said.

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

THE BASICSSNOWSHOEING THE METHOW

reCommended trailsEaSyWinthrop:• Town trailhead/Fish

hatchery• Big ValleyMazama/Lost River:• Early Winters campground

trail• North Cascades Basecamp

trails• Freestone Inn trailsSun Mountain trail system:• Horse Trail• Corral Trail

MOdEraTEWinthrop:• Pearrygin Lake State ParkSun Mountain trail system:• Black Bear and Kraule Loup Loup Summit:• Multiple-use trails at the

South Summit (requires Sno-Park permit)

MOrE STrENuOuSWinthrop:• Lewis Butte (access from

Gunn Ranch Road)Near Mazama:• Cedar Creek Falls (access from

North Cascades Highway)Sun Mountain trail system and vicinity:• Patterson Lake, Rader Creek

and Magpie loop• Patterson MountainRendezvous:• Cougar Bait and Cedar

Creek Loop to Heifer Hut (access from Cub Creek trailhead)

guided snowshoe toursMethow Trails’ guided

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

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

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

Methow Trails at 996-3287 or email events@methowtrails.org.

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

where to get snowshoes

Snowshoes are avail-able for rent at the Sun Mountain Lodge activities center, Methow Valley Ski School in Mazama, Methow Cycle & Sport, Winthrop Mountain Sports, Cascades Outdoor Store, Jack’s Hut at Freestone Inn, and (with limited availability) at North Cascades Basecamp. Most outfitters also sell snowshoes.

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

27

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

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

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

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

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

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

While Methow Trails’ tours follow

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

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

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

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

GearinG upBasic snowshoes, sized for your

weight, are fine for most purposes. People with special interests can look for snowshoes designed for extra-deep snow in the backcountry or for trail running.

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

Other equipment is fairly ba-sic — layers of breathable, warm cloth-ing; protection for your hands and head; and waterproof boots. Gaiters are helpful for keeping snow out of your boots. ❅

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28

Snowmobiling will take you to parts of

the Methow Valley you can’t easily reach

by other means. Some snowmobilers

use their machines to access remote

venues for other winters sports, such as

this rider who is also planning to do some

skiing, Although Highway 20 is closed to

“regular” traffic most of the winter, this

rider followed the highway to a stunning

view of the Early Winters Spires as well as

lots of elbow room for private recreation. Photo by Mary Kiesau

The basicsSNOWMOBILING• Visit the Methow Valley Snowmo-

bile Association website, mvsnow-mobile.blogspot.com, for information about the association, a calendar listing the group’s organized rides, trail information, and links to maps of several popular snowmobiling trails. Email them at methowsnow-mobilers@gmail.com. MVSA meet-ings are on the third Tuesday of the month from October through March at the Methow Valley Senior Center in Twisp at 6:45 p.m.

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

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

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

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

29

Riding the trailsSnowmobilers can

cover a vast amount

of territory in the

Methow

By Don Nelson

You may have heard it said that the Methow Valley boasts miles of scenic groomed

trails — for Nordic skiing.What may be less well known is that

the same can be said for the sprawling 175-mile network of groomed trails for snowmobilers, easily accessible from several points in or near the valley.

Snowmobile fans can cover an amaz-ing amount of territory in beautiful outback areas that might not otherwise be available when winter fully arrives. And they don’t have to do it alone. Visitors are welcome to join members

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

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

Dolly and Rich Stahl, who own the Methow River Lodge & Cabins in Winthrop, are longtime snowmobilers and advocates for the sport. It’s a fam-ily thing: their son Craig is president of MVSA.

Rich and Dolly, who moved to the Methow Valley about 10 years ago, had been avid snowmobilers in Alaska, but didn’t have the same opportunities when they relocated to Port Townsend. They were happy to end up in a place that beckons snowmobilers. “We missed it, and we missed the winter,” she said.

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

“people who want to learn about it.”Tours and rentals (snowmobiles,

suits, helmets) are offered by Chewack River Guest Ranch, on East Chewuch Road north of Winthrop.

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

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

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

schol-arships and hosting a free Christmas day dinner.

A few locAl fAvoRite RoutesDolly said she likes all the local

trails, but singled out the Tiffany Lake, Harts Pass and Twentymile Lookout areas as special experiences. Here are some routes to consider:

• One popular run starts at the

“It’s great

family fun for all

ages. Try it — you’ll

like it.”Dolly Stahl,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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31

A dollar is a dollarIn many places throughout the

Methow Valley this winter, Loonies and

Georges will have equal status.

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

2015–16 winter season.Other Methow Valley

merchants may also adopt the at-par policy this

winter. Look for the logo displayed with

this article, or ask about it where you stay, dine or shop.

Yes, we do love Canada — and its

holiday weekends that don’t always line up

with ours. We’ll be looking for you. ❅

Cold-weather angling: chilly, but possible. Photo by LaureLLe WaLsh

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

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

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

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

8 CASCADIA GUITARFEST: Rico Stover hosts cabaret guitar at Twisp River Suites. $20. 997-0100. 6pm

10 KIDS’ ART PARTY: Mixed-media design with Margaret Kingston at Methow Valley Elementary School. $35. 997-2787. 12:30-4:30pm

13 KIDS’ ART PARTY: Harvest painting with Deirdre Cassidy at Methow Valley Elementary School. $35. 997-2787. 12:30-4:30pm

13 MOVIE NIGHT: Herb and Dorothy screened at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $5. 997-2787. 6:30pm

13 AMERICAN ORIGINALS: Jim Basnight at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

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

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

14 BLUEGRASS/FOLK: The Shed Boys at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

20–21 TRUNK SHOW: Southeast Asian antiques and hand-woven textiles show at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. Free. 997-2787. 11am-5pm Friday, 10am-8pm Saturday

21 CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: More than 60 local vendors sell quality arts and crafts, at Methow Valley Community Center, Twisp. Free. 997-2926. 9am-3pm

21 ART EXHIBIT: Opening reception for “It’s The Little Things: Miniature Art,” at Confluence Gallery, Twisp; exhibit continues through Jan. 9. Free. 997-2787. 4-8pm

21 CLASS ROCK, BLUES, FUNK: Darin Hilderbrand at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Win-throp. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

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

26 THANKSGIVING DINNER: At Sun Moun-tain Lodge. $16-$45. 996-3906. 2-8pm

27–28 CHRISTMAS AT THE END OF THE ROAD: Santa visit, hot-air balloon glow, fireworks, fun runs, caroling, and activities all around downtown Winthrop. Free. 996-2125. All day.

27 BLUES: Cee Cee James and The Mis-sion of S.O.U.L. at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

28 HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: Artists’ reception at Winthrop Gallery. Free. 996-3925. 5-7pm

28 FOLK: Debbie Miller at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

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

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

4–6; 9–12 WINTER VARIETY SHOW: Winter Wonderland II, Holidays in the Methow, at The Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $5-$15. 997-7529; www.mercplayhouse.org. 7pm Wednes-day, Thursday, Friday, Saturday; 2pm Sunday

4 OPEN MIC: Hosted by RT Junior at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

5 CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: More than 60 local vendors sell quality arts and crafts, at Methow Valley Community Center, Twisp. Free. 997-2926. 9am-3pm

5 GLOBAL FAT BIKE DAY: Free fat biking at Pearrygin Lake State Park, Winthrop, followed by barbecue. www.methowcyclesport.com. 10:30-11:3-am

5 COMEDY: Chicago’s famed Second City comedy troupe at the Winthrop Barn. $40. 997-4004.

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

6 MUSIC: Buck Ellard at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. 7pm

11 KIDS’ ART PARTY: Block printing with Deirdre Cassidy at Methow Valley Elementary School. $35. 997-2787. 10am-2pm

11 AMERICAN ROOTS, BLUES, FOLK: Ben Hunter and Joe Seamons at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

12–13 SIP-AND-SHOP ARTFUL HOLI-DAYS: Trunk shows with artist vendors, with live music and refreshments at Confluence Gallery. 997-2787. Free. 4-8pm Saturday, noon-4pm Sunday

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

12 BLUES, CAJUN, SOUL: Jet City Jeff and Rusty Williams at Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

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

17 FALL CONCERT: Liberty Bell High School band and choir perform at The Merc Play-house, Twisp. By donation. 997-1022. 6pm

18 BLUES, FUNK: The Rafael Tranquilino Band featuring Leah Tussing at Old School-house Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

19 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: At Freestone Inn. $13-$18. 996-3906. 9 and 11am

20, 22, 24 CHRISTMAS COOKIE DECORATING: At Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. 11am and 2pm on 20th and 24th, 11am on 22nd

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

33

20, 22, 24 VISIT WITH SANTA CLAUS: At Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. Noon and 3 pm on 20th and 24th, noon on 22nd

26 MUSIC: Tara Weaver and guest play classical music at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. 7pm

27 MUSIC: Terry Hunt and friends play holiday music at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. 6:30pm

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

28 MUSIC: Hook Me Up plays at Sun Moun-tain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. 7pm

30 SKI RODEO RACES: Nordic races, with 10k, 5k and fun race, at McCabe Trail, Liberty Bell High School. Costs vary. www.methowvalleynordic.com.

30 MUSIC: Hook Me Up plays at Sun Moun-tain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. 7pm

31 VINTAGE SKI FESTIVAL: Vintage clothing and gear, wooden ski race, at Mazama Store. Free. www. methowvalleynordic.com. Noon-2pm

31 MUSIC: The Olson Brothers at Sun Moun-tain Lodge. Free. 996-3906. 9:30pm

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

THURSDAYS NATURE PROGRAM AND SOUP: Natural history presentation at North Cascases Basecamp, Mazama. $7. 996-2334. 5:30pm soup, 6 pm presentation

SATURDAYS KIDS’ NATURE AND ART WORKSHOP: At North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama, for ages 5 and up. $15. 996-2334. 10am-noon

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

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

8–10 WINTER TRAILS DAYS: Try Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fat baking, skating and more, at various Methow locations. Prices vary. www.mountaineeers.org/wintertrailsday

8 ART EXHIBIT OPENING: Opening of exhibit by artist-in-residence Perri Howard at Con-fluence Gallery, Twisp. Free. 997-2787. 4-8pm

8 ART EXHIBIT RECEPTION: Closing recep-tion for “It’s the Little Things: Miniature Art” exhibition at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. Free. 997-2787. 4-8pm

16–17 RACE OF THE METHOW: Qualify-ing races for junior skiers plus races open to adults and kids at various distances; at Mc-Cabe Trail, Liberty Bell High School. $10-$50. 996-6000; mvntdirector@gmail.com.

16 SKI-JOURING: Try the fun sport of ski jouring, with all equipment provided; contact Cascades Outdoor Store, Winthrop. Free. 996-3480, or cascadesoutdoorstore.com/skijouring. 11am-2pm

16 ART EXHIBIT: Opening of “Shadows and Light” exhibit at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. Free 997-2787. 4-8pm

22–24 NORDIC FESTIVAL: Several cross country ski races, backyard ski day on Friday with free skiing on Methow Trails system and free rentals at local outdoor shops, snowshoeing tours, fat biking, free ice skating at Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink, party at Winthrop Barn on Saturday. Locations vary. Prices vary for events that are not free. www.methowtrails.com. All day.

22 BACKYARD SKI DAY: Free skiing on Methow Trails system, free gear rentals from local shops, free ice skating at Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink; at all trail locations. Free. www.methowtrails.org.

30 WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKING: Explore the winter landscape with David Moskowitz. $45. 996-2870; registration required. 8:30am-12:30pm

31 WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKING: Explore the winter landscape with David Moskowitz. $45. 996-2870; registration required. 8:30am-12:30pm

31 CONCERT: Small ensemble featuring string quartets, vocal quartets and more, at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $10. 997-0222 or www.cascadiamusic.org. 3pm

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

THURSDAYS NATURE PROGRAM AND SOUP: Natural history presentation at North Cascases Basecamp, Mazama. $7. 996-2334. 5:30pm soup, 6 pm presentation

SATURDAYS KIDS’ NATURE AND ART WORKSHOP: At North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama, for ages 5 and up. $15. 996-2334. 10am-noon

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

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

7 SKI FOR WOMEN: Nordic skiing for women of all ages and abilities, costumes en-couraged, at Mazama Trailhead. By donation. 996-4228; www.roomone.org. 10am

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

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

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

13 TOUR OF THE METHOW: Ski 20k to 80k on the Methow Trails system. $10. www.methowvalleynordic.com. All day.

13 CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL: Annual Val-entines Day concert at The Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $25. 997-5000; www.methowmusic-festival.org. 7pm

14–15 KIDS’ HOLIDAY SKI CAMP: For skiers ages 6-12, location to be determined. $65-$130. www. methowvalleynordic.com/juniors/events. 1-4pm

14 DOGGIE DASH: Costumed ski racing with your dogs at Winthrop Town Trailhead. By donation. www.methowtrails.org. 10am

20 ARABIC MUSIC: House of Tarab at Con-fluence Gallery, Twisp. $15. 997-2787. 7:30pm

26–28 MUSICAL: Production of the children’s book The Last Salmon, with original music and local performers. $5-$15. 997-7529; www.mercplayhouse.org. 7pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday; 2 pm Sunday

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

1 ALL ABOUT CARIBOU: “The World of Endangered Woodland Caribou” with David Moskowitz, location to be determined. Free. 996-02870. 7pm

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

4–6 BALLOON ROUNDUP: Annual hot-air balloon festival in Winthrop. Free. 996-2125. Launches begin early mornings from the Winthrop Inn.

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

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

34

AUTOMOTIVE/GASOLINEKing’s Pacific Pride & Car Wash .............................................................. 11

BAKERIESCinnamon Twisp Bakery ................................... 11 Rocking Horse Bakery ........................................ 15

BOOKSTORESTrail’s End Bookstore .......................................... 27

BUILDERS & CONTRACTORSPalm Construction ................................................. 11

BUILDING SUPPLYAll Valley Insulation ..............................................23

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

ENTERTAINMENTThe Merc Playhouse Theater ...........................9Old Schoolhouse Brewery ..................................9

EVENT FACILITIESWinthrop Barn Auditorium ..............................29

GALLERIES/ARTS EVENTSConfluence Gallery ............................................... 12The Merc Playhouse Theater ...........................9

GROCERSMazama Store .........................................................24

HEALTH INSURANCE/MEDICARE

Senior Benefits Solutions ................................... 7

HEALTH/MEDICAL FACILITIESThree Rivers Hospital .......................................... 17

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

LODGING, CONT.Twisp River Suites ...............................................35Virginian Resort....................................................... 14Wolf Creek Cabins & Lodging .......................29

ORGANIZATIONSCity of Pateros ........................................................35Loup Loup Mountain Resort ..............................3The Merc Playhouse Theater ...........................9Methow Conservancy ......................................... 15Methow Trails ........................................................... 21

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

REAL ESTATEBlue Sky Real Estate..............................................9Coldwell Banker.....................................................35

RECREATIONFreestone Inn, Jack’s Hut .................................30Loup Loup Mountain Resort...................... ...........................3Methow Trails ........................................................... 21Methow Valley Ski School ........................ 12, 24Methow Valley Snowmobile Association ........................... 27Morning Glory Balloon Tours ..........................31North Cascades Basecamp ...........................30Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink ............................. 21

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

SKI/SNOWBOARD/SNOWSHOERENTAL & SALES

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

SNOW REMOVALPalm Construction ................................................. 11

SPA SERVICESNectar Skin Bar ......................................................25PHOTO BY DANA SPHAR

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