As more snow and cold arrive this week, many winter activities are underway while a few are still on hold. Here’s a roundup.
Ice skating
The Winthrop Rink’s regular schedule resumes this week, with The Great Puckaroo Roundup tournament this weekend. Want to beef up your resume? The rink is hiring Zamboni drivers. Visit the website for rates, schedules, and employment information: http://winthroprink.org.
Nordic skiing
A solid refresher of snow over the weekend ensured decent coverage on most trails, as well as sparkly white visuals. Visit www.methowtrails.org/trail-report when planning your ski to find out where the best conditions are, especially since there have been some equipment issues lately. Trail passes are required.
The South Summit Sno-Park area near Loup Loup Pass will be groomed when conditions allow. Dogs are welcome on some trails. Trail passes are not required, but each vehicle must display a Sno-Park permit, which can be purchased at Hank’s Harvest Foods in Twisp or online at https://parks.state.wa.us/134/Sno-Park-non-motorized-Permits.
Snowshoeing
One of the most beautiful times to be out snowshoeing is after a recent snowfall — everything glitters and wildlife tracks stand out in sharp relief. Check the Methow Trails website for groomed snowshoe trail conditions: www.methowtrails.org/trail-report.Trail passes are required on groomed trails.
Fat biking
In addition to the Methow Trails fat bike trails, Pearrygin Lake and Lloyd Ranch trails are open. If you find yourself leaving tracks deeper than 1 inch, please lower your tire pressure or choose other trails. Wear a helmet when fat biking as there is not much cushion when you fall and plenty of hard objects under the snow. Check www.facebook.com/methowfatbike for grooming updates.
Methow Cycle & Sport provides the most comprehensive list of fat biking trails and conditions in the Methow Valley. Visit https://www.methowcyclesport.com/articles/fat-bike-grooming-report-pg184.htm for more information and trail suggestions. Parking passes are required.
Not quite ready
• Alpine skiing: We’re getting close but the Loup isn’t open quite yet. Check https://skitheloup.com for ticket prices, conditions, updates, and operating schedule.
• Ice fishing: While waiting for Methow Valley lakes to freeze, some anglers are headed to lakes farther north in our region. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife recommends waiting until ice is 4 inches thick before venturing onto lakes for ice fishing, and 9 inches for snowmobiling. We’re not quite there yet.
• Snowmobiling: Plan ahead for Methow Valley Snowmobile Association events at http://mvsnowmobile.blogspot.com; or www.facebook.com/methowvalleysnowmobile.
• Sleigh rides: Sun Mountain Lodge’s sleigh ride program will open in mid-December for private and group sleigh rides; make your reservations now. Visit www.sunmountainlodge.com/sun-mountain/sleigh-rides for more information.
