Winters are glorious in Lake Chelan. With 300 days of sun a year, breathtaking scenery, small-town charm, and plenty of outdoor adventures, Chelan is a winter wonderland come true. Check out our favorite Lake Chelan winter activities below and don't forget, our VINEYARD POOL is heated and open for year-round enjoyment!
Winterfest:
Even when the holidays are over, the seasonal festivities continue in Chelan with our annual Winterfest celebration, the 2nd weekend in January. Experience the beauty of winter at the lake and the small-town traditions you'll only find here. For over 30 years, this has been the best winter celebration in the state. These are a few of our favorite Winterfest activities:
- For the Local Drink Lovers: Wine Walk | Alefest | Bubble Bar | Battle of the Bloody Mary
- For the Ice Obsessed: Ice Sculptures | Snowdog Snowshoe 5k/10k | Polar Bear Splash
- For the Entire Family: Horse Carriage Rides | Ice Slide | Fireworks | Snowflake Lane
Downhill Skiing:
Echo Valley Ski Area
Imagine a day of skiing fresh snow, run after a run under a blue sky. Imagine there are no lines, a full day pass costs $30, and the apres-ski diner serves homemade cinnamon rolls...No, we haven't gone back in time. We've just gone east of the mountains.
One of Central Washington's hidden gems, the Echo Valley Ski Area is a laid-back alternative to busy Cascade resorts. Downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are all popular activities but with the relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere that Chelan is known for. And just 20 minutes from The Lookout, it's easy to access and work into your weekend plans. Please refer to their website for hours of operation. They are often closed during the week.
Mission Ridge
Located 12 miles from Wenatchee, Mission Ridge offers terrain that will delight skiers and boarders of all skill levels. The resort is a little higher in elevation, which equates to light, dry powder and quite a bit more sunshine. You won’t be disappointed. Visit Mission Ridge site to learn more.
Nordic Skiing:
With professionally designed loop courses and over 25 miles of well-maintained terrain, the Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area is one of the best places to cross-country ski in Washington. Varied between wide trails and single-track backcountry paths, both beginners and advanced skiers have plenty of ways to get a workout, and in a beautiful setting. The ridge-top views of Lake Chelan, the Stuart Mountain Range, and the surrounding valleys are unbeatable.
Snowshoeing:
Snowshoers will love the 2.5 miles of dedicated trails at Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area. Breathtaking scenery and warming huts with wood stoves are part of the experience. There are trail options for all levels and even your powder-loving canine companions!
Snowmobiling:
For a more adrenaline-filled day in the snow, the Lake Chelan area offers over 170 miles of marked trails approved for zipping on snowmobiles. There are six Sno-Parks in the area with trails that are typically groomed from mid-December to mid-March. Visit lakechelannordic.org or call 509.687.SNOW for current grooming reports.
Rentals: Sharkey’s Snowmobile Rentals 509.687.2312
Chelan area Sno-Parks:
- Antillon Lake
- Black Canyon
- Gold Creek
- Entiat
- Echo Valley
- 25 Mile-Creek
Tubing:
Echo Valley Ski Area also provides runs for tubing perfect for the entire family. Looking for something closer to The Lookout? Our Vineyard Park has a great sledding hill.