Winter Experiences

Winter is prime time to explore Kittitas County whether you are a fan of the speed of snowmobiling or the stillness of Nordic skiing. The county offers hundreds of miles of groomed trails and winter recreation options for a variety of skill levels.

EXPLORE EXCURSION VENDORS AT

centralwashingtonoutdoor.com/outdoor-activities/excursion-vendors

n SNOWMOBILING

Flocks of visitors journey to Kittitas County each winter, but few activities draw more outdoors enthusiasts to the area than snowmobiling. The county offers 2,300 square miles of terrain to explore and 450 miles of groomed trails. Riders are treated to spectacular views of jagged peaks and wooded valleys.

Find up-to-date information about sno-parks on the Washington State Parks website. Also check the state’s avalanche hotline at 206-526-6677 before heading out. parks.wa.gov/winter, information on local clubs at wssa.us

n SNOWSHOEING & CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

Kittitas County offers miles of opportunities for snowshoers and cross country skiers. The array of terrain available in Kittitas County can challenge those looking to test their stamina with a grueling hill climb or provide a flat and mellow experience for trail users seeking leisurely sojourns into nature.

Popular places for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing include Snoqualmie Pass, the Hyak area, and Blewett Pass along Highway 97.

Several shops in the area offer gear rentals, and visitors can find more information about snowshoeing, crosscountry skiing and other activities by checking in at the Cle Elum Ranger Station at 803 W. Second St. in Cle Elum. The U.S. Forest Service offers guided snowshoe hikes at Snoqualmie Pass in the winter. The visitor information center at Snoqualmie Pass can be reached at 425-434-6111. n FAT TIRE BIKING

n SKATING & OTHER FUN

Suncadia has a small ice skating rink that’s open to the public in the winter months and offers skate rentals. The Lazy F Camp and Retreat on Manastash Road outside of Ellensburg has offered ice skating and tubing, weather permitting, in the winter. Rental equipment is available.

n SKIING & SNOWBOARDING

Downhill skiers and snowboarders can find their fill of excitement at the Summit at Snoqualmie ski area, about 50 miles from Ellensburg. Beginning skiers can visit Summit West to acquire skills, intermediate skiers can go to Summit East, and those who desire advanced runs can hit Alpental. Summit Central, the most popular destination, boasts something for everyone.

In addition to the ski runs, The Summit at Snoqualmie also has multiple options for snowboarders.

The ski area also offers a tubing area along with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. summitatsnoqualmie.com.

Fat tire biking in the snow has grown in popularity in recent years, and Upper Kittitas County is a good place to try out the sport. The Northwest Bicycle Improvement Company in Roslyn rents out fat tire bikes. The bicycles have large tires that are designed for snow.