Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
plenty of easy miles for distance skiing. The Rendezvous area trails are long and
strenuous, but include huts that can be rented for overnight stays. For informa-
tion on renting one of these huts, contact
Rendezvous Huts
(
&
800/257-2452,
800/422-3048, or 509/996-2148; www.methow.com/huts). Rental rates start at
$25 per person.
You can pick up trail maps and rent equipment at
Sun Mountain Lodge
(
&
509/996-4735
);
Winthrop Mountain Sports,
257 Riverside Ave. (
&
800/
719-3826
or 509/996-2886; www.winthropmountainsports.com), in downtown
Winthrop;
Mazama Country Inn
(
&
509/996-2681;
www.mazamacountry
inn.com); or
Jack's Hut at the Freestone Inn,
17798 Wash. 20 (
&
509/996-
2752
). All of these either offer a variety of lessons or can point you in the right
direction for instruction.
If you happen to be out here with downhill skis or maybe want to do a little
telemark skiing, try the small ski hill at
Loup Loup Ski Bowl
(
&
509/826-
2720;
www.skitheloup.com), 20 minutes east of Twisp on Wash. 20. It's open
Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, and daily lift passes are $25 to $30.
Although this ski area is small, it does have a quad chairlift. Experienced down-
hill skiers in search of virgin powder can, if they can afford it, do some heli-
skiing with
North Cascade Heli-Skiing
(
&
800/494-HELI
or 509/996-3272;
www.heli-ski.com). A day of skiing that includes five runs and 10,000 vertical
feet of slopes will cost $685 per person. However, most people coming here for
heli-skiing opt for a 3-day package that includes room, board, and skiing for
$2,270 to $2,410 per person (based on double occupancy). Overnight yurt
tours are also available.
If you're interested in taking a backcountry skiing course, contact
North Cas-
cades Mountain Guides
in Mazama (
&
509/996-3194;
www.ncmountain
guides.com), which offers 2-day courses for $265 per person.
OTHER AREA ATTRACTIONS
Though Winthrop is primarily a base for skiers, hikers, and mountain bikers, it
also has a few interesting shops. If you're interested in the town's history, visit the
Shafer Historical Museum,
Castle Avenue (
&
509/996-2712
), which consists
of a collection of historic buildings from around the area. It's open Memorial
Day to Labor Day, Thursday through Monday from 10am to 5pm. Admission
is by donation. To find the museum, go up Bridge Street from the junction of
Wash. 20 and Riverside Drive and turn right on Castle Avenue.
WHERE TO STAY
If you're interested in renting a cabin or vacation house, contact
Methow Valley
Central Reservations
(
&
800/422-3048
or 509/996-2148; www.methow
reservations.com).
IN TWISP
Methow Valley Inn
If you're searching for a classic B&B experience in the
Methow Valley, this is it. Built in 1912, this beautifully restored old home is just
a block off Twisp's main street. The interior is bright and simple, with tasteful
country decor. Breakfast is served in a large sun room, and, in addition, there is
a comfy living room and a study where you can watch movies and munch pop-
corn. In summer, colorful gardens surround the inn.
234 Second St. (P.O. Box 668), Twisp, WA 98856.
&
509/997-2253.
www.methowvalleyinn.com. 7 units,
4 with private bathroom. $89 double with shared bathroom, $99-$109 double with private bathroom. Rates
include full breakfast. MC, V. Children 12 and over accepted.
Amenities:
Concierge; massage. In room:
No phone.
