what to do

Nordic Skiing

Okanogan Country is the Northwest's best cross country ski destination. It's all here, good winter weather, cold snow, seemingly endless sunshine, exceptional terrain and 260 kilometers of great groomed trails.

The most extensive grooming is in the beautiful Methow Valley where 180 Km. of trails, with skating lanes, are groomed daily. Loup Loup Ski Bowl grooms 20 km of track, with skating lanes, once or twice a week. Other groomed trails in Okanogan Country are the Loup Loup South Summit Sno-Park (30 km.) and the Highlands Sno-Park (30 km.) near Havillah. These last two areas require a Washington State Sno-Park permit that can be purchased from many area businesses and at all Okanogan National Forest offices (509) 826-3274.

WORLD CLASS NORDIC SKIING DESTINATION

Nordic skiing in the Methow Valley is world class. Glide over gentle trails surrounded by massive North Cascade Mountains in Mazama. Thrill to the big hills of the Rendezvous as you ski hut-to-hut. Enjoy a wonderful mix of ups, downs and flats in the Sun Mountain area. Or connect them all and ski town-to-town on the second largest (and stunningly beautiful) trail system in the United States. During the winter, the snow quality and grooming of the trails is the best in the nation drawing athletes from all over the world. If you’re still looking for something to do, the costumed Doggy Dash cross country ski race in February will provide memories to last a lifetime – for the doggies too!

The Methow Valley Sports Trails Association (MVSTA) uses four, state-of-the-art Pisten Bully snow-cats to groom to perfection the 180 km Methow Valley trail system. MVSTA sponsors ski races, clinics and fun events for the whole family. For more information, detailed maps, snow conditions and the daily grooming report, click on www.mvsta.com.

The Rendezvous Outfitters, Washington's highest "hotel" chain, has five huts available for rent spaced along the trail all at very scenic locations. Contact them at (509) 996-2148 or 800-422-3048 in Washington State.

The Loup Loup Summit ski trails (Loup Loup Ski Bowl and the South Summit Sno-Park) start at a little over 4,000 ft. in elevation and have a wide variety of delightful terrain through open forests of ponderosa pine and larch.

The Highlands Sno-Park is a hidden gem in the beautiful high rolling hills just Northeast of Tonasket. The 30 km. of trails are groomed with a snowmobile so classic skiing is usually the best bet although all the trails are groomed wide enough for skating.

		Canaan Guest Ranch 474 Cape LaBelle Road Tonasket, Wa - 98855 509-486-1191 866-295-4217 http://www.canaanguestranch.com :: Show on Map ::
		Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation PO Box 768 Okanogan, Wa - 98840 509-597-3405 866-699-5334 http://www.skitheloup.com :: Show on Map :: How many ski areas are non profit organizations? The Loup Loup Ski Bowl is one of the few, the Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation is a 501 c 3. Located between Twisp and Okanogan on Highway 20, the Loup Loup Pass is just a short trip from the winter play land of the Methow Valley, and provides all of the fun of a private ski hill without all the cost. 1,240 vertical feet with 10 runs ranging from beginner to expert. The mountain is serviced by a Poma fixed grip quad chair lift, installed in 1998 with an amazing community effort. A platter surface lift and a beginner rope tow give sliders a chance to practice their skills without going to the top. Runs are groomed nightly with modern Bombardier snow cats. The Loup Loup Ski Bowl also has 23 kilometers of groomed and track set Nordic trails on Bear Mountain, with another 50k two miles away at the Washington State Parks South Summit Sno-park. We also have tube rentals for your enjoyment on the weekends and holiday periods, two lanes with a walk up lane make for fun excercise. Beginners of any age will appreciate the un-crowded gentle slopes and the fully certified ski school with all levels of Alpine, snowboarding and Nordic lessons. The Loup Loup Rental Shop offers snowboards, alpine skis and kids equipment rental.
		Methow Valley Sports Trails Assc./MVSTA 209 Castle Ave PO Box 147 Winthrop, Wa - 98862 509-996-3287 info@mvsta.com http://www.mvsta.com :: Show on Map :: The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting environmentally sound recreation on or near the trail system in the Methow Valley. The trail system includes over 200 kilometers of groomed trails and is recognized as one of the finest trail systems in North America for cross-country skiing, off-road biking and hiking.
		Sitzmark Ski Club PO Box 934 Tonasket, Wa - 98855 (509) 485-1902 http://www.skisitzmark.com :: Show on Map ::
		Sun Mountain Lodge PO Box 1000 Winthrop, Wa - 98862 509-996-2211 800-572-0493 http://www.sunmountainlodge.com :: Show on Map :: A year-round destination resort, Sun Mountain Lodge in Washington State's beautiful Methow Valley offers the outdoor enthusiast a unique playground and luxurious lodging.