Methow Valley, WA
January 5 – 11, 2025, Sun-Sat
Intermediate – Advanced
This trip is for Intermediate and Advanced skiers, classic and/or skate skiing, and the terrain is on groomed trails within the Methow Trails system.
If you enjoy Nordic skiing on hills, seriously epic and fantastic views, the best-available higher elevation snow conditions, and unique off-grid rustic huts – combined with 2 days in a trailside cabin near the Mazama store and restaurant – then this may be your dream trip to Methow! Participants must be able to ski uphill and downhill on groomed trails gaining 1000+ feet of elevation, and be able to comfortably negotiate speed and turns on groomed downhills.
While skiing to the Rendezvous Huts, carry only a small day pack, and all additional gear and food will be hauled to the huts for us by the tour operator. Participants must be comfortable with very cozy shared co-ed accommodations, minimal privacy and no running water for 3 nights. Please review the hut and house accommodations carefully – the sleeping space is cozy on this trip. The food plan for the 3 days in the huts will be centrally organized by our group ahead of time for hauling in, and an initial food fund has been included in this trip’s base cost. Next, while we are at the cabin in Mazama, our meals and dining options will be individually decided – cooking and/or dining out as desired. Read the details about the huts here. A pre-trip Zoom meeting will be held to discuss the trip, and carpools are encouraged.
Itinerary:
- Sunday Jan. 5 is a travel day, allow 6-10 hours (depending on weather and road conditions) to drive up to Winthrop, Washington, where we will stay one night.
- Monday through Wednesday we ski in and stay sequentially for 3 nights at 3 distinct huts – – Cassal Hut, Rendezvous Hut and Heifer Hut, all located within the incredibly well-maintained Methow groomed trail system. Some backcountry terrain is also available. The huts are very rustic – some water is hauled in and if needed we will melt snow for more water, sleep in bunks, and keep warm by the wood burning stove.
- Thursday – Friday we stay in a 3 bedroom cabin with kitchen, showers, beds, and with the Mazama trail system, groceries, and a restaurant all nearby walking distance. Ski and relax as much as desired for two days in the beautiful Methow Valley.
- Saturday – drive home, or on to your own next adventure.
Included in cost:
- Accommodations for Jan. 5 at Methow River Lodge & Cabins in Winthrop, Jan. 6-8 in the Rendezvous Ski Huts, and Jan. 9-10 nights in the trailside cabin in Mazama.
- Freight hauling of all food and gear to all 3 huts
- Basic food supply for breakfasts and dinners to be hauled in to huts
Not included in cost: Methow Trail passes, food while in Winthrop and Mazama, ski gear.
Trip limit: 8 participants, including leader and spouse (Berkeley)
Cost: $585 per person
Travel miles: From Portland, 800 miles round trip, plus mileage to the ski areas
Trip Leader: Michele Barnett michele.barnett@gmail.com