Okanogan Country is the Northwest's best cross country ski destination. It's all here, good winter weather, cold snow, 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.

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 stunningly beautiful Methow Community Trail.

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.