Winter Adventures
in the Methow
Snowmobiling, alpine skiing, ice skating, fat biking, and more — the Methow Valley's winter goes far beyond the Nordic trails.
120+
Miles Snowmobile Trails
1,240 ft
Vertical at Loup Loup
NHL-Size
Outdoor Ice Rink
5+
Winter Sports
A Complete Winter Playground
While the Methow Valley is famous for Nordic skiing, the winter recreation extends well beyond. From motorized snow sports to outdoor skating under the stars, there is something for every winter enthusiast.
Snowmobiling
120+ miles of groomed snowmobile trails maintained by Mountain Trails Grooming Association, with 6 sno-parks for access.
Snowshoeing
Dedicated snowshoe lanes on select Methow Trails routes, plus backcountry snowshoeing throughout the valley.
Alpine Skiing
Loup Loup Ski Bowl offers 1,240 vertical feet of community-run alpine skiing about 30 minutes from Twisp.
Winthrop Ice Rink
NHL-size outdoor ice rink with views of Mt. Gardner. Community gathering spot, open November through March.
Motorized Winter
Snowmobiling
One of the largest groomed snowmobile trail networks in Washington.
Groomed Trail Network
120+ milesVolunteer-maintained by Mountain Trails Grooming Assn.
The Methow Valley's groomed snowmobile trail network covers 120+ miles, maintained by volunteers through the Mountain Trails Grooming Association. Trails traverse diverse terrain from valley floor to mountain passes. Snowmobile trails are independently maintained and are not part of the Methow Trails Nordic ski system.
Sno-Park Access
6 sno-parksStaging areas throughout the valley
Six sno-parks provide staging areas throughout the valley for easy access to the trail system. A Washington Sno-Park permit is required.
Community
Active clubMethow Valley Snowmobile Association
The Methow Valley Snowmobile Association is an active community of riders organizing group rides, trail maintenance, and advocacy for motorized winter recreation.
Trail info: Mountain Trails Grooming Association | Community: Methow Valley Snowmobile Association
Downhill & Backcountry
Alpine & Backcountry Skiing
From a community ski hill to remote heli-skiing, the vertical terrain is here.
Loup Loup Ski Bowl
Alpine Ski AreaCommunity-run, family-friendly
Community-run alpine ski area on Loup Loup Pass, about 30 minutes from Twisp. Quad chairlift, affordable lift tickets, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
North Cascades Backcountry from Silver Star
Backcountry SkiingSno-park access, open bowls
Popular backcountry skiing accessed via sno-park. Open bowls and gladed terrain for experienced skiers with avalanche knowledge.
Harts Pass
Backcountry SkiingHigh alpine, when accessible
High-elevation backcountry terrain when the road is accessible. Remote alpine skiing for experienced backcountry travelers.
North Cascades Heli
Heli-SkiingHeli-ski packages with Yurt & Rendezvous Hut options
Helicopter-accessed skiing offering single-day and multi-day packages in the North Cascades backcountry. Premier powder skiing in remote terrain. Multi-day trips can include stays at Yurt trips and Rendezvous Huts for a full backcountry lodge experience.
Even More Winter
More Ways to Play
Winthrop Ice Rink
An NHL-size outdoor ice rink with views of Mt. Gardner. Operated by Winthrop Rink, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it is a beloved community gathering spot open November through March (weather dependent).
Fat Biking
December - March
Groomed fat bike trails, some shared with Nordic trail systems. Rentals available at Methow Cycle & Sport, Cascades Outdoor Store, and Goat's Beard.
Ice Climbing
December - March
Goat Wall near Mazama offers WI 3-5 multi-pitch ice routes, making it one of the premier ice climbing destinations in Washington.
Ice Fishing
December - February
Patterson Lake and other valley lakes offer ice fishing opportunities for perch and trout when conditions allow.
Winter Living
Properties for Winter Enthusiasts
Find a home that puts you close to the winter activities you love most.
Winthrop - Winter Hub
Central access to the ice rink, snowmobile trails, and all winter activities. Town amenities within walking distance.
- Ice rink access
- Trail proximity
- Town amenities
Mazama - Mountain Access
Closest to backcountry skiing, ice climbing at Goat Wall, and the upper valley snowshoe trails.
- Backcountry access
- Goat Wall nearby
- Remote & quiet
Twisp - Loup Loup Proximity
Closest valley town to Loup Loup Ski Bowl. Good access to snowmobile trails and lower valley winter activities.
- 30 min to Loup Loup
- Snowmobile access
- More affordable
Questions Answered
Winter Adventures FAQ
Yes. Loup Loup Ski Bowl is a community-run alpine ski area on Loup Loup Pass, about 30 minutes from Twisp. It offers 1,240 vertical feet, a quad chairlift, and affordable lift tickets. It is family-friendly and has a loyal local following. For bigger mountains, backcountry skiing at Silver Star and heli-skiing with North Cascades Heli are also options. NC Heli offers multi-day packages with Yurt trips and Rendezvous Huts as accommodation options.
Yes. The valley has 120+ miles of groomed snowmobile trails maintained by volunteers through the Mountain Trails Grooming Association and the Methow Valley Snowmobile Association. These are volunteer-run organizations — snowmobile trails are NOT maintained by Methow Trails (which grooms the Nordic ski trail system). Six sno-parks provide staging areas throughout the valley. A Washington Sno-Park permit is required.
Yes. The Winthrop Ice Rink is an NHL-size outdoor rink with views of Mt. Gardner. It is operated by Winthrop Rink, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and is a popular community gathering spot. The rink is typically open November through March, weather dependent.
Methow Trails offers dedicated snowshoe lanes on select routes, plus backcountry snowshoeing throughout the valley. Snowshoe rentals are available at local shops. It is an accessible way to experience the winter landscape without prior skiing experience.
Several shops rent winter equipment: Methow Cycle & Sport, Cascades Outdoor Store, Goat's Beard, and Winthrop Mountain Sports. Rentals include fat bikes, snowshoes, and Nordic ski equipment. Check with individual shops for current availability and pricing.
Find Your Mountain Home
Whether you want to snowmobile from your driveway or walk to the ice rink, I can help you find a property matched to your winter lifestyle.
Winter-Lifestyle Communities
Where the snow, the access, and the homes line up.