Many people might think of Winthrop, Washington’s Old West town, as a summer destination. And since part of the North Cascade Highway closes for the winter, it does seem like it would become a ghost town until spring. But there’s more than one way to get to Winthrop, and those that do will find a beautiful winter wonderland waiting for them. The truth is, winter is the best time to explore this area.
If you enjoy skiing, you need to ski here.
Michelle / Flickr With over 120 miles of interconnected hills and trails surrounded by a million acres of wilderness, the Methow Valley is a true winter wonderland. The trails here are considered to be some of the best in the country.
You can hit the slopes or try cross-country skiing.
Lidija Kamansky / Flickr It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner—you’ll find trails fit for all levels here.
The ice skating is also spectacular here.
Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink / Facebook Head to the outdoor Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink and skate the day away. They even offer figure skating lessons. And if you’d rather sit it out, you can watch your loved ones skate from the comfort of the indoor viewing room.
For a tamer outdoor experience, go snowshoeing.
Ryan bucci / Flickr You can take things as fast or as slow as you’d like, and the beautiful scenery will (almost) make you forget you’re exercising.
Winthrop kicks off their Christmas festivities on Thanksgiving weekend.
Winthrop Washington Facebook Christmas at the End of the Road includes a weekend of glowing hot air balloons, children’s activities, caroling, a tree lighting, and even fireworks. The downtown area remains decorated through New Year’s Day.
Warm up at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, where you can enjoy live music on the weekends all winter long.
Old Schoolhouse Brewery Facebook
Cozy up in your own private cabin at the River’s Edge Resort.
River’s Edge Resort Facebook Enjoy an outdoor private deck hot tub that overlooks the Chewuch River before returning to your spacious chalet with a gas fireplace.
Needless to say, if you only have time for one Washington winter getaway this year, you should take a trip to Winthrop.
Withrop Washington Facebook
Washington is so beautiful in the winter. These pictures of snowy landscapes should get you excited for the coming season.
Michelle / Flickr
With over 120 miles of interconnected hills and trails surrounded by a million acres of wilderness, the Methow Valley is a true winter wonderland. The trails here are considered to be some of the best in the country.
Lidija Kamansky / Flickr
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner—you’ll find trails fit for all levels here.
Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink / Facebook
Head to the outdoor Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink and skate the day away. They even offer figure skating lessons. And if you’d rather sit it out, you can watch your loved ones skate from the comfort of the indoor viewing room.
Ryan bucci / Flickr
You can take things as fast or as slow as you’d like, and the beautiful scenery will (almost) make you forget you’re exercising.
Winthrop Washington Facebook
Christmas at the End of the Road includes a weekend of glowing hot air balloons, children’s activities, caroling, a tree lighting, and even fireworks. The downtown area remains decorated through New Year’s Day.
Old Schoolhouse Brewery Facebook
River’s Edge Resort Facebook
Enjoy an outdoor private deck hot tub that overlooks the Chewuch River before returning to your spacious chalet with a gas fireplace.
Withrop Washington Facebook
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