Winter Guide 2014-15 by Methow Valley News

methow valley 2014-15

WINTER

Visitor information Activities Calendar of events FREE A supplement to the Methow Valley News

TWISP RIVER PUB

Illustration by Corinna Luyken

Real Food • Fresh Brews Live Music

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Call or email to book your Large Party or Event Winter Hours: Lunch & Dinner Thursday-Sunday Sunday Brunch 10 am-2 pm Open every day Dec. 26th-Jan. 1st

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Winter the way it’s supposed to be! Ski the nation’s largest cross-country ski trail system from downtown Winthrop! Over 120 miles of world-class groomed trails right out your door will take you through spectacular winter scenery. You’ll find great lodging, superb dining, lively pubs, music, galleries and shops, all here in this remarkable place.

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Take a break from the ordinary.

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Winter’s waiting for you

So many trails. So many options. So many events. So little time. You’d better get started, because winter in the Methow Valley is a season of countless recreational opportunities in a wondrous setting. And it will pass quickly if you are active. You’ll encounter a lot of interesting people out there, and some of them will be us. Valley residents love the Methow winter too, and we are eager to share it with you. Our annual Methow Valley Winter publication is your guidebook to fully engaging in everything the valley has to offer during what, for many of us, is our favorite time of the year. If you’re outside, you’re probably going to need some gear — skis (Nordic and alpine), snowshoes, snowmobiles, snowboards, fat bikes, ice skates,

fishing poles. If you’re not bringing them, chances are you can rent them somewhere in the valley, and get some excellent instruction on how to use them. You’re only a “beginner” once; after that you’re just getting better. It doesn’t all happen outside. Check our calendar of events on pages 32 and 33 to find a variety of indoor activities and entertainment for all ages. At the end of the day, discover one of our distinct restaurants, then settle in and relax at one the valley’s many comfortable and cozy lodging options. Or spend a few moments outside (appropriately bundled up) to enjoy the brilliant winter sky, identify some constellations and maybe see a shooting star. Get a good night’s rest. There’s more to do tomorrow. — Don Nelson

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CONTRIBUTORS

Enjoy over 200 Kilometers of groomed trails!

Don nelson is publisher & editor of the Methow Valley News. Marcy staMper is a Methow Valley News reporter. ann Mccreary is a Methow Valley News reporter. laurelle Walsh is a Methow Valley News reporter and proofreader. Mike Maltais is a Methow Valley News reporter.

Restaurant  Free Wi-Fi Trails out your door Sauna  Hot Tub Rooms for every budget

ashley loDato

is a Methow Valley News columnist.

BoB spiWak

is a Methow Valley News columnist.

mazamacountryinn.com

Joanna Bastian

is a Methow Valley News columnist.

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Don Nelson | publisher/editor Darla Hussey | design

Tyson Kellie | advertising assistant Sheila Ward | advertising assistant

Rebecca Walker | office manager

Dana Sphar | ad design/production

A publication of the

Open Everyday 6am - 3pm

Downtown Twisp 116 N. Glover Street 509.997.5030 Free Internet Access www.cinnamontwisp.com

is a Methow Valley News columnist.

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Methow Valley News P.O. Box 97, 101 N. Glover St., Twisp, WA 98856 509.997.7011 • fax 509.997.3277 www.methowvalleynews.com editor@methowvalleynews.com

ON THE COVER:

The Rendezvous Hut. See page 18 for information

Photo By StePhen Mitchell

methow valley winter 2014 –15

3 Editor’s note 6 The skinny on fat bikes The Methow Valley is prime territory for winter cyclists

9 One hole, one pole … … and you’re ready to go ice fishing in the Methow

12 Outside shots

Winter photography requires some adaptation

14 Gotta love the Loup

Great skiing, friendly atmosphere at valley’s close-in hill www.methowvalleynews.com

contents

16 Trails abound for snowmobilers

Wildfires, floods didn’t affect the valley’s popular areas

18 Naturally Nordic

The Methow Valley has an unmatched system of ski trails — in an unmatched setting

21 Stepping into winter

24 The Methow on ice Winthrop’s outdoor skating rink offers fun for all ages

26 No gear? No problem!

Rent winter recreation equipment at many valley locations

28 Look to the heavens Winter is an ideal time for stargazing in the valley

Try snowshoeing for a unique experience on or off the trail

30 Pack a winter picnic

23 The Methow at your fingertips: basic info for visitors

32 Calendar

Fill your basket with locallyproduced food and drink

Fat bikes are an increasingly popular form of winter recreation in the Methow Valley. Photo by Steve Mitchell

The skinny on fat bikes The Methow Valley is prime territory for winter cyclists By Joanna Bastian

fat bike craze is in full swing, and the Methow Valley is the place to get in on the action. Recognized regionally as a winter playground, the Methow has blue skies above and perfectly packed snow underfoot — or under those oversized tires. 6

Methow Cycle and Sport in Winthrop first brought the bikes into its store in 2008 as something interesting and unique for people to try out. Co-owner Joe Brown teamed up with local fat bike enthusiast Steve Mitchell to develop trails and equipment demonstrations so that everyone can experience the invincible feeling of riding fat bikes on snow. A cooperative effort among Mitchell, Brown and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) opened up the Pearrygin Lake State Park and neighboring 300 acres of Lloyd Ranch to the fat bike-riding public. Fat biking is ideal for any rider, from beginners to over-achieving cycle hounds. Despite the comical

proportions of a fat bike, it takes only one ride to understand the appeal. The 3.8-inch tires create a huge contact patch with the ground, grabbing up traction on slick and loose surfaces. Speed is not the point. The massive volume of the tires allows for low air pressures, resulting in a veritable floating bike. Riders can easily roll over snow, sand, mud, wet roots, rocks and other terrain that would otherwise be impassable. The experience increases confidence for new riders. Think of it as a dune buggy with pedals.

History of fat biking

Steve Mitchell, now co-owner of Rocking Horse Bakery in Winthrop,

had been a cyclist for a long time by the mid-1980s when he heard about a crazy new race in Alaska called the Iditabike. The founder of the famous Iditarod dog sled races, Joe Reddington, challenged mountain bikers in Alaska to bike a portion of the iconic race, and a new sport was born. The first Iditabike race in 1987 had 26 competitors slogging through 210 miles of snow along the Iditarod course. Some participants claimed to be “hating life” during that race, but instead of giving up, they were thinking of ways to improve the experience. Races like the Iditabike defined the sport of winter cycling and today still drive the development of fat biking methow valley winter 2014 –15

technology. Mitchell traveled to Alaska to participate in the second Iditabike in 1988, along with 52 competitors. “I became so infatuated with the idea of riding on snow that I moved from Seattle to Alaska,” he said. “In the beginning, riders tried all sorts of things — what can we ride on and still float.” Some tried placing skis on the front wheel of the bike. Others created wider tires by welding two rims together, side-by-side mounted with two tires, for a double-wide wheel. The “Icicle Bicycle” fat bike was born. Small, independent frame builders began to custom-build wider rims for riders in Alaska and Minnesota, where cyclists wanted to continue biking through the heavy snowfalls of winter. It was difficult to find all the parts to create fat bikes until 2005, when larger companies started to mass-produce fat bikes. Today, fat bikes are a main player in the mountain biking world. Besides being fun to ride, fat bikes are also better for trails. The wider tire leaves hardly any footprint, causing fewer ruts that lead to washouts and trail damage. Local rider Jean-Philippe Combe uses his fat bike to commute to work during winter months on ice and snow, and during the spring

melt. “It is the best winter vehicle,” he said. He has studded tires for extra grip on icy surfaces.

Best Methow Valley trails

Multi-use trails at Pearrygin Lake State Park and Lloyd Ranch are managed by the WDFW. The state park and WDFW generously allow the use of their grooming equipment. Mitchell, Brown and a host of volunteers map the trail system and groom trails in the winter. The recreational area contains 15 miles of prepared trails and is open to snowshoers, cross country skiing, fat biking and dogs. It is the perfect lunch hour destination — an easy 1.5 miles out of Winthrop, with incredible views. A Discover Pass is required to park a car; otherwise the experience is free. A few Methow Trails (formerly Methow Valley Sport Trails Association) routes are open to fat bikes. Big Valley Trail is free to the public. This flat and scenic loop trail is a groomed multi-use recreational area and is located west of Winthrop by way of Dripping Springs Road. A trail pass is required for the use of all other Methow Trails trails. Kids 17 and under can always use the trails for free. Visit methowtrails.org for more information. Fat bikers can access Winthrop town trails

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A fat bike ride is a perfect family activity. Photo by L aureLLe WaLsh

Love this Valley Working with people to protect the land of the Methow Valley

www.methowconservancy.org ~ 996-2870

Inspiring people to care for the land of the Methow Valley

Methow Conservancy

photo by Mary Kiesau

Free demos This winter, group rides are scheduled every Tuesday to try out fat bikes and explore new places to ride. Fat Tuesdays will be hosted by Methow Cycle and Sport. See methowcyclesport.com for details. There are four free demonstration days scheduled this winter

starting at the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery. Also open to fat bikes is Gunn Ranch off of Rendezvous Road, offering spectacular views overlooking the valley. Sun Mountain trails, also managed by Methow Trails, have a new loop with easier terrain and better access for more people. The new fat bike loop follows the Patterson Lake Trail, Radar Creek Trail and Magpie Trail. Before starting, check the Methow Trails grooming report — updated daily at 7 a.m. Fat bikes are only allowed on those trails if there is an adequate, firm snow pack. As a rule of thumb, if you have to walk your fat bike, you are damaging the groomed trails and should stop. Riders can use any public dirt road, but are not allowed on snowmobile trails.

for people to try fat bikes on trails in the Methow Valley. All demonstrations are from 9 a.m. to noon. D ec. 13: Sun Mountain Trails D ec. 21: Pearrygin Lake State Park Jan . 10: Winthrop Town Trailhead Jan . 23: Backyard Ski and Nordic festival

SuggeSted gear

Fat bikes are ready to go right out of the box. A few pieces of gear to protect users from cold weather can make the experience even more pleasant. Pogies are large gloves that fit right over the handlebars and block cold winds. They are nice to use with a mediumweight winter glove. An added benefit of the Pogies’ insulated warm chamber is that it is a great place to store and soften energy bars for a quick afternoon snack. Another piece of suggested winter gear is an insulated cage coozie to hold a water bottle. The thick outer wrap prevents freezing. Wear insulated boots to keep your feet warm, and dress in layers. To top it off, use a thin beanie that can fit comfortably under a helmet, and a neck gaiter to keep your face and neck warm.

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Group outings are a great way to learn about fat bikes. Photo by Steve Mitchell

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One hole, one pole … and you’re ready to go ice fishing in the Methow

Ice fishing on Patterson Lake: fish seem to be hungrier in the winter. Photo by Don nelson By Marcy Stamper

to fishing in the summer, with plentiful insects buzzing around the water and fish emerging to grab a morsel, a thick sheet of ice blanketing a lake may not suggest life teeming below the surface. But with the right equipment, you can pierce that layer in less than a minute, gaining entrée into a world of fish more flavorful than at any other time of year, according to dedicated ice fishers. “A lot of people who’ve never done ice fishing before are surprised by how much fun it is — one pole, one hole, not a lot of moving. There’s a novelty to it,” said Charlie Snow, a fish biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and lifelong ice fisherman. Like Snow, a lot of local ice fishers are expatriates from the Midwest where, if you don’t ice fish, you don’t fish for a good part of the year, said Snow. But the sport is also catching on here, as people discover how easy and inexpensive it can be — and how tasty the fish are. ompared

www.methowvalleynews.com

Ice fishing has been growing in popularity in the Methow Valley and Okanogan County in recent years as more local lakes open up and weather conditions favor the sport. Last year, with especially cold temperatures early in the season but little snow, many people flocked to Patterson Lake near Sun Mountain Lodge to seek their fortune below the ice, said Lance Rider, co-owner of The Outdoorsman in Winthrop. Fish seem to be hungrier in the winter, making for a satisfying success rate. “And they’re really good flavored — really fresh,” said Rider, who said warmer water can make fish taste “fishier.”

Low-cost entry

Ice fishing also offers an easy, lowcost entry into the world of fishing, requiring just a short pole, an ice auger and a scoop to keep the hole free of snow and slush. You can be set to catch fish beneath the ice for less than $100, and some people successfully improvise with just a stick and some fishing line. “It’s very affordable, compared to fishing in

the Columbia, for example, where you need a boat and a big pole — that costs twice as much,” said Rider. Many people use a bucket to support their rod, which can double as a chair and a container for the day’s catch. Others just use a lawn chair. You can also bring a wheelbarrow or a metal trough to build a fire, or go more upscale and erect an ice shelter. Rebecca Walker of Gold Creek

recalls ice fishing in the middle of a frozen lake when a storm blew in. She and her companions — several people and a dog — took turns trading places for warmth in a small tent. Still, they scored a delectable meal of fish tacos, she said. While shelters here are usually just small tents, in the Midwest people erect elaborate, heated buildings with pre-cut holes in the floor that provide

Ice safet y Make sure the ice is thick enough Drill a hole with an auger a foot or two from shore and measure the thickness of the ice, then test it again in the middle of the lake. Four to 6 inches is generally considered safe, but remember that ice is not uniform — it may be a foot thick in one area but only an inch or two thick nearby. clear, black ice tends to be More solid, and ice that has becoMe off-color is usually weaker. New ice is generally stronger than ice that has been to support you.

around for a while — for example, 4 inches of clear, newly formed ice many support one person, while a foot of older ice that has thawed and refrozen may not. r eMeMber that snow insulates the ice , Meaning it will freeze More slowly. c arry ice rescue claws , which you can Make froM pieces of wood or a brooMstick with nails eMbedded into the ends , or froM sharpened screw-

drivers . The claws will enable you to climb out if you fall through the ice.

direct access to the ice. Ice fishing generally uses a short rod and a jig to sink the lure or bait straight down. When you get a fish on the hook, you pull it straight up through the hole, rather than reel it in, said Rider. Although it doesn’t take much to make the rod twitch, some people like an electric sensor that beeps

or lights up, or a device with a flag that indicates you have a bite, said Rider. Others use an underwater camera or sonar to gain an advantage, but Rider enjoys trying to figure out where to drill. “It’s a little bit of a chess game,” he said. “There’s no clue whether there’s fish under there or not.”

Drilling a hole, even with a hand-cranked auger, can be surprisingly quick. With a sharp auger you can make a hole through more than a foot of ice in less than a minute, making it easy to move around every 10 or 15 minutes if you’re not getting any bites, said Snow. “A good auger is worth its weight in gold,” said

Ice-fIshIng tIps, prIzes

An early-season ice-fishing trip to Patterson Lake. Ice fishing is often particularly good before the snow falls. Photo courtesy Michael huMling

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For an ice-fishing extravaganza, try the annual Northwest Ice Fishing Festival in Molson in northern Okanogan County, which attracts several hundred people a year. The organizers “plant” 5,000 fish and offer prizes for largest fish, number of fish, oldest and youngest fishers, among other achievements. This winter’s event is Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, with registration at 7 a.m. and fishing beginning at 8. For more information, call the Oroville Chamber of Commerce at (888) 699-5659. You need a fishing license and should check WDFW regulations for open lakes and catch limits. There are helpful resources on the WDFW ice-fishing webpage at wdfw.wa.gov/ fishing/ice_fishing, including a link to fishing and safety information from Minnesota, where ice fishing is a way of life.

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Mike Vaughan, a WDFW scientific technician and avid ice fisher, who makes a hole about 6 inches in diameter so he can see what he’s doing and easily bring up his catch. Experts advise keeping holes under 8 inches in diameter, since larger ones can compromise the ice and create a safety hazard.

Best winter lakes

The most popular local lakes for ice fishing are Patterson and Davis. The primary catch at Patterson is yellow perch — particularly good in January

and February — but you’ll also find rainbow trout and kokanee. There is no limit on the number or size of perch you can catch, while trout and kokanee are generally restricted to five a day. Perch tend to congregate on the bottom, whereas trout move throughout the water column. Snow said he finds trout tend to be easier to catch during the winter than at other times of year. If you’re lucky, you may get a bass in Patterson, but they are so inactive in the cold that they are hard to catch, said Rider. Winter is the only time of year

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“If the fish are in there and you drop something they like, you can usually do pretty good,” said Rider. Ice fishing is quite popular around Oroville and Tonasket, where there are many accessible lakes that freeze solid, said Rider. While you can catch 6- to 9-inch kokanee in Patterson Lake, at Palmer Lake near Loomis people often get fish up to twice that size, said Vaughan.

Wes Tibbits fishing for yellow perch at Patterson Lake. Even with minimal equipment, he was successful catching a good number of perch (see the evidence to his right). Photo courtesy charlie snow

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when you can keep trout from Davis Lake, which is regularly stocked with rainbows. Leader Lake, on the east side of the Loup Loup summit, opened a few years ago for ice fishing and has become a particularly popular spot, with a good population of perch, bass and catfish along with rainbow trout, said Snow. People have also been successful finding black crappie and bluegill there. Perch and bluegill tend to fight hard, which evens the playing field and adds to the enjoyment, said Snow. There are many successful ways of snagging fish in winter, using live bait, a shiny lure or artificial maggots, said Rider. It takes some experience to figure out what works, since conditions are different under the ice, which makes the water darker. “A micro-jig head, tipped with a meal worm — that’s pretty tough to beat,” said Vaughan. Most days, three or four hours is plenty of time to catch a lot of fish and still not get too chilled, said Vaughan. “Sometimes it doesn’t take long to get so many perch that you don’t even want to clean them all,” said Snow.

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Outside shots Winter photography requires some adaptation By Bob Spiwak

A view of Patterson Lake from Sun Mountain: look for the light. Photo by Don nelson

range of photographic instruments keeps growing, especially since “smart” phones came along. I know little about them, but there are basic things that should be done under winter conditions, not only to get quality photos but also to preserve your camera, whether it’s a $50 point-and-shoot or a $4,000 singlelens reflex. If your camera fits in a pocket, keep it protected, but as far from your body heat as possible. Winter means cold and you don’t want frost covering your he

lens. Another problem can be condensation within the camera, which can ruin it. When you return to a warm room, have a plastic bag in which to seal the camera. Leave it outside for at least an hour — the condensation will be on the bag’s outer side. A small camera can possibly be operated with one hand, although two hands are better for stability. You likely will be wearing gloves or mittens, which will have to be removed to make the exposure. As you probably will have one or two poles if skiing or snowshoeing, push a pole into the snow, then pull gloves off with your teeth. In some cases, a ski pole can be a “monopod,” a one-legged version of a tripod, for extra stability. Lenses should have a filter or optically transparent device to cover them. A good camera store can advise you of what is available for any camera, and for some of the smart phones. This is to protect the lens, especially if you drop

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the instrument on snow or ice. If the lens is snow-covered, do not blow it off — your breath will fog up the lens. Instead, gently flick the snow off with a soft cloth — keep one in an accessible pocket for this purpose. If snow is falling, even one flake can ruin your picture. The most important item for quality pictures is a polarizing filter. If you can attach a lens hood, all the better. A polarizing filter limits or eliminates glare. On a sunny day, glare can ruin a picture. The polarizer works at its best by darkening bright skies and/or snow, and emphasizing colors when you are aiming at 90 degrees from the sun’s location. The greater the angle is from 90 degrees, the less effective the polarizer becomes. Watch out for your own shadow. If your filter screws onto your camera, you can turn it around on its mount and determine the best exposure. If the camera is too large for a pocket, carry it in a neck-corded bag or purse. If the ambient temperature is below freezing, nest the camera in a

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foam or bubble wrap shroud. These are just a few basic suggestions. Needless to say, winter is the most difficult time to take pictures if you are afoot, or stepping out of your vehicle to get a shot. With this in mind,

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Gotta love the Loup Great skiing, friendly atmosphere at valley’s close-in hill By Don Nelson

Loup Ski Bowl, the Methow Valley’s family-friendly neighborhood ski area, is always just one good storm away from launching its annual winter season. “Once we have snow, the rest falls into place,” said new General Manager C.P Grosenick. The rest includes alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, fat biking, a comfy day lodge with food and beverage service, a beer garden, picnic tables, an equipment rental shop, ski and snowboard lessons, a first aid room, meeting rooms, great views from Little Buck Mountain and a tubing hill for the kids (or adults who don’t mind behaving like kids). And it’s all just a quick jaunt from either side of the Loup Loup summit on Highway 20. If the weather gods are kind, the Loup will have the 24 inches or so of snow it needs for a good base by midDecember, in time for the holidays. Of note this year is that the Loup oup

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The Loup offers excellent alpine skiing, minutes away from the Methow Valley. Photo by sharla lynn

escaped damage from the Carlton Complex fires, although the flames did come close. The hill and facilities are all intact, Grosenick said. Grosenick, a life-long skier and former competitor who has been skiing in the Methow for 20 years, is enthusiastic about the Loup experience. “It is an incredible hill,” Grosenick said, “and I don’t know any place in the state that has better snow.” The ski area is operated by the nonprofit Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation, whose board of directors is responsible for oversight and fundraising.

blue

sky

Locals love the Loup. Being what some people have described as the bestkept secret among the state’s ski areas gives the Loup a certain cache, but the Loup’s board wouldn’t mind spreading the secret more broadly. Board member Chris Stern, whose Loup Loup ties go back to the 1970s when he was director of the ski patrol, said the Loup has a lot of ardent supporters but still needs to get the word out to more people. Stern said that getting youngsters involved is “integral to our mission.” Children age 6 and under ski free, as do all fifth-graders from Okanogan,

real

Chelan and Douglas counties. “It’s a safe place for kids,” said board member Jeff Brown. “You’ll see grandparents up there [in the lodge] all day, watching their grandkids ski.” In fact, Stern said, many visitors describe skiing at the Loup as something of a throwback experience, reminiscent of the scenic slopes and rustic lodges that pre-dated the huge, gaudy resorts that came along later.

Still improving

That said, Stern added, the Loup continues to make improvements in its ski areas, trail grooming, the lodge

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and related facilities, and the overall Loup experience — while maintaining affordable prices. The Loup also hosts competitive events, most notably the annual Wolf Chase races in early February. Proximity and the quality experience also make the Loup an ideal place for the local alpine skiing and snowboarding teams to practice. Stern and Brown said the young people’s presence reinforces a key element of the Loup’s mission. “It builds character, and they are ambassadors for us,” Brown said. “And they become really good skiers.” A lack of early snow accumulation hampered last year’s season, but Grosenick is hoping for a better bounty of snow for 2014 – 15. The Loup would like to have a snowmaking machine, he said, but those are expensive and require a lot of water to operate, so that prospect is still somewhere out in the future. This season, Stern said, the Loup will have a new grooming machine financed by a low-interest loan through the Okanogan County Electric Cooperative.

We’re here.

Staying in touch with the Methow Valley is just a click away! www.methowvalleynews.com

Basics at the Loup

• Located on Little Buck Mountain between Twisp and Okanogan on Highway 20 • 1,240 vertical feet, 10 cut runs, highest elevation, 5,280 feet; 23 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails; 50 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails at nearby South Summit • Quad chair lift, platter surface tow, rope tow • Ski school, snowboarding lessons, equipment rentals and repairs, day lodge with food and beverage service, first aid room, tubing hill, snowshoeing and fat biking, some designated dog-friendly trails • Season passes and day passes available • Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday during January and February, 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Open every day during Christmas week, except Christmas Day. Open all week for President’s and Martin Luther King holidays • For information about rates, rentals and snow conditions, call (509) 557-3405 or visit skitheloup.com

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Trails abound for snowmobilers Wildfires, floods didn’t affect the valley’s popular areas By Mike Maltais

arts of the Methow Valley landscape have undergone some radical changes since snowmobilers last plied the popular 175-mile network of trails that traverse the countryside from Harts Pass to the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness Area, and from Loomis to the Loup Loup summit. The largest wildfire in Washington state history burned through the valley and was followed by flash floodwaters that washed out roads, streambeds and many homes. Craig Stahl, president of the Methow Valley Snowmobile Association (MVSA), said that the fires and floods largely affected areas south of the Methow’s network of snow machine trails that criss-cross the upper valley. The flash floodwaters that followed shortly after the fire likewise inflicted minimal damage to the trails. So when the snow falls in quantity sufficient to allow the Mountain Trails Grooming Association to once again get trails in shape for one of the valley’s many popular winter sports, snowmobilers will still have access to some of the finest scenic rides in the Northwest. There are a variety of routes and destinations from which riders can choose, and 11 Sno-Parks located throughout the trail system allow convenience of access. One popular run starts at the Boulder Creek Sno-Park on East Chewuch Road and heads east

Group outings are popular with Methow Valley snowmobilers. Photo by L aureLLe WaLsh

some 40 miles to the snowmobile-friendly town of Conconully. It’s both a scenic and challenging route that takes riders to high elevations at Tiffany Springs, Lone Frank Pass and Salmon Meadows down to Kerr Campground, where a plowed road covers the final miles to town. On West Chewuch Road, the Eightmile Sno-Park is the jump-off point for a tour of 6,000-foot Sweetgrass Butte, where 360-degree views from the crest reward visitors. Riders can also hook up with the Goat Creek drainage, Banker Pass, Goat Peak and the Goat Creek Sno-Park south of Mazama. North of Mazama, the Yellowjacket Sno-Park provides access to the scenic splendors of Harts Pass.

Also from Yellowjacket and Goat Creek, riders can take a break at the cozy Black Pine warming shelter. One of MVSA’s projects this year was installation of a cement floor, new stove and paint job at the hut, Stahl said. When snow closes Highway 20 over the North Cascades, snowmobilers often cruise the nongroomed corridor, some traveling as far as the Ross Lake road closure on the west side.

Twisp RiveR, The Loup, and beyond

West of Twisp on the Twisp River Road, the Twisp River Sno-Park connects riders with a network of groomed trails leading to Buttermilk Butte and the

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isolated beauty of Gold Creek further south and bordering the Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness. The Gold Creek drainage, also accessible via the Black Canyon and Southfork Gold Creek Sno-Parks off Highway 153 between Carlton and Pateros, was directly in the wildfire’s path, so trail users should watch for possible falling trees or limbs weakened by both fire and accumulated snow load. The North Summit and South Summit Sno-Parks on the Loup Loup summit are accessible via Highway 20 south of Twisp. North Summit allows riders access to Starvation Mountain and Peacock Meadows with a connecting route to Conconully. South Summit connects with Paradise Hill Road into the Benson Creek drainage, where riders will find burned-over terrain from the past summer’s fires. The current extensive snowmobile trail system is the product of decades of planning and maintenance by a dedicated group of conscientious snowmobile enthusiasts. And in the Methow Valley, MVSA’s work goes well beyond its recreational outings.

MVSA hosts an annual Christmas dinner at the Methow Valley Community Center for anyone who needs a holiday meal. The group provides warming barrels at Winthrop’s Christmas at the End of the Road celebration, supports the annual ’49er Days celebration, handles food concessions at the annual Methow Valley Memorial Day Rodeo, gathers snow data at various weather monitoring stations around the trail network, and serves as the local contact for an annual college scholarship through the Washington State Snowmobiling Association. To learn more about trail conditions as winter sets in and what the Methow Valley Snowmobile Association will be doing on a weekly basis check out the following online sites: mvsnowmobile. blogspot.com or https://www.facebook. com/methowvalleysnowmobile. Daily and seasonal Sno-Park permits are available at Hank’s Harvest Foods in Twisp, Pardners Mini Market and Winthrop Mountain Sports in Winthrop, or online at www.parks. wa.gov/winter/nonmotorparks/permits/.

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The Methow’s Nordic trails are well marked and regularly groomed. Photo by Don nelson

Naturally Nordic The Methow Valley has an unmatched system of ski trails — in an unmatched setting 18

By Ashley Lodato

t ’s hard to imagine a place more conducive to Nordic skiing than the Methow Valley, probably because such a place doesn’t exist. True, the hiking is fabulous, the fishing is gratifying, and the climbing is the subject of lore, but when it comes to Nordic

skiing, the Methow is unparalleled. Let Whistler brag of gondolas and Sun Valley boast of clubhouses; we’ll take 200 kilometers of corduroy any day. And we do — every day all winter. Methow Valley snow and trails allow for a generous range of usages and users. From toddlers with strap-on skis to Olympic hopefuls to fat bikers (size of

tire, not girth of cyclist) to bird watchers on snowshoes, the trails are home to recreationalists who love to take advantage of all that winter has to offer.

Methow trails

Two years ago the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) went public, moving its office from methow valley winter 2014 –15

Tr ails deTails — passes, evenTs and more Backyard Ski day : Jan. 23 and March 7. Free trail access, equipment rentals, and lessons. Trail paSSeS: Most trails in the Methow Trails system require day-use, multiday, season, or lifetime passes for those over 17 and under 75, and for all canines. Passes are available at Methow Trails and at numerous businesses throughout the valley. Adult SeASon PASS: $325 dog SeASon PASS: $35 Adult dAy PASS: $22 Adult Afternoon PASS: $17 SnowShoe dAy PASS: $5 dog dAy PASS: $5 Adult Multi-dAy PASS: $57 Adult week-dAy PASS: $199 For more information about Methow Trails, including races and other events, call (509) 996-3287 or visit www. MethowTrails.org. G roominG: methowtrails.com/winter-trails/ grooming/ or (509) 996-3860 www.skitheloup.com/the_mountain/nordic_trails/ or (509) 557-3405

a mostly-residential side street to a more visible location in downtown Winthrop, just upriver of the Spring Creek Bridge, which connects the town with the trail system’s busiest access point: the Winthrop Trailhead. Having moved into better physical prominence, the 34-year-old nonprofit organization is now changing its name to increase its brand visibility. The new name — Methow Trails — will allow the organization to communicate with its customers more effectively, says Program Manager Danica Ready. “‘MVSTA’ is pretty cumbersome and meant nothing outside the valley,” she says. “The name change has been a long time in coming. It more succinctly conveys who we are, what we do.” Indeed, who are they and what do www.methowvalleynews.com

l oup l oup nordic TrailS: AreA 51 Adult dAy PASS: $15 AreA 51 Adult Afternoon PASS: $10 South SuMMit dAy PASS (Sno-PArk): $20 South SuMMit SeASon PASS (SnoPArk): $40 For more information about Loup Loup trails call (866) 6995334 or visit www.skitheloup. com/the_mountain/nordic_trails/. more informaTion For more information about the Methow Valley Nordic Team, including youth clinics, biathlon, and other events, visit methowvalleynordic.com/juniors/ or call (509) 996-6000. For more information about the Methow Valley Nordic Club, including camps, clinics, and classes, visit methowvalleynordic.com/nordic-ski-club/ or email mvnordicclub@gmail.com. For more information about vouchers for free skiing, lessons, and rentals for families in need, contact Room One at (509) 997-2050. See the article on equipment rentals (page 26) for more information.

they do? Methow Trails manages the largest Nordic ski trails system in North America: a 200-kilometer network of trails that is a central attraction to visitors, a driver of the area’s economic stability, and a critical aspect of the happiness of many year-round residents. The product of a group of skiers with a vision in the 1970s, the trail system maps about half of its terrain on U.S. Forest Service lands, while the other half crosses private properties thanks to landowner agreements with Methow Trails. Laid end-to-end, the trail system would reach from Winthrop to Leavenworth; fortunately for the skiers, bikers, and snowshoers who use it in the winter, it covers much more interesting ground, stretching from the Sun Mountain area up to Mazama, and

connecting the Methow River terrain with the Chewuch River drainage via the Rendezvous trails. Methow Trails’ goal is to support the community through the trail system, and achieving this goal in recent years has meant broadening its user base and embracing innovative ways to get people out on the trails. Kids 17 and under ski for free, for example (as do those 75 and older — reason enough to keep skiing well into retirement!), and opportunities to take your dog, your snowshoes, or your bike out onto the trails abound. A partnership with the Winthrop Ice & Sports rink, the Methow Valley Ski School, and the local equipment shops enables Methow Trails to offer a community “Backyard Ski Day,” during which trail access, equipment rentals, beginner lessons, groomer rides, and even trailside snacks are free to all. Backyard Ski Days are scheduled for Jan. 23, 2015, and March 7. Additionally, families in need — including those impacted by the summer’s fires and floods — are eligible for free trail pass and equipment rental vouchers via Room One throughout the season. “We’re taking the long view,” says Ready. “Improved access for everyone is within our mission.” Although last winter’s late and light snowpack has skiers a bit worried about the coming year, Ready points out that Methow Trails’ groomers were able to keep the trails open 110 days last season. “We still ran four Pisten Bullies most nights last winter,” she said. Not all trails were open all the time, but by working carefully with the initial snowpack, the groomers kept conditions remarkably skiable on as many runs as possible. There aren’t a whole lot of changes planned for the coming season; however, many skiers will be excited to learn that groomers will now carry GPS units on them and transmit data back to the grooming report on the Methow Trails website and to the grooming app. This means that skiers can keep abreast of the grooming conditions throughout the day, which comes in handy when a huge snowfall occurs after the initial nighttime grooming. Some people choose to ski every one of the system’s trails over the course

of the winter; others aim for a total kilometers goal. Those with more moderate ambitions or limited time might simply choose to ski a few of the following routes, selected for their widespread appeal: Story Ski: Two 1-kilometer loops are lined with colorful story panels introducing kids to books written and illustrated by local author/illustrator Erik Brooks. Polar Polka lines the ski trail leaving the Mazama Junction and Totem Tale reads counterclockwise on the Chickadee Loop at Sun Mountain. The kids will be so busy looking at the books that they won’t even notice they’re skiing! Community Trail: The quintessential Methow Nordic experience takes skiers from Mazama to Winthrop on 30 kilometers of fun, with a nice climb and descent right in the middle. Start with coffee at the Mazama Store, break for refreshments 10K later at Kelly’s at Wesola Polana, and finish at the Winthrop Town Trailhead, then walk into town for a bowl of soup at Rocking Horse Bakery. Sun Mountain: Varied terrain, with all the ups and downs you could ask for, plus some moderate rolling loops through pine forests and historic sites. Gunn Ranch: If you like to ski with your dog, Gunn Ranch is the place to be. The valley sparkles from the sunny slopes above the trailhead and access to the Rendezvous trails is easy from here. Suspension Bridge: The Suspension Bridge section of the Community Trail

The Rendezvous Huts offer comfortable overnight stays. Photo by A shley lodAto

provides an easy and scenic destination ski for those looking for a relaxed pace. Other moderate routes can be found in the Arrowleaf area. Big Valley: Dog-friendly and exempt from the trail pass requirement, Big Valley affords open views and flat terrain. Loup Loup Pass: These trails are not part of the Methow Trails system; however, they are easily accessed from the valley and they provide some variety for those who have the luxury of plenty of time. About 23 kilometers of trail are groomed at Area 51 of the Loup Loup Ski Area, and across the road at South Summit (which is typically groomed on Fridays), skiers can jump on a 46K trail network shared with snowmobiles, fat bikes, and dogs. Rendezvous: Although most people ski the Rendezvous trails on day trips, the best way to get to know the Rendezvous is by spending a couple of nights up there. The Rendezvous Huts provide a simple, safe, and affordable way for families and groups of friends — and even dogs — to enjoy European-style hut-to-hut skiing. The huts can be a daytime destination or lunch site, but day-trippers be forewarned: you’ll wish you didn’t have to leave.

Rendezvous Huts

The unique ease of Rendezvous Hut trips cannot be overstated. Most huts can be reached via a number of trailheads within a few hours; it’s a remarkably accessible backcountry experience. The huts are fully equipped with everything except bedding and food, and the gear haul option makes it possible to ski in with just a light load. Upon arrival, you light a fire, unpack

the up-to-300 pounds of clothes and food that have been hauled in for you, heat up the gourmet dinner you had the foresight to prepare for your party in the convenience of your home kitchen, pour a glass of your favorite beverage, and settle in to the comfy eating nook. Spend layover days exploring the terrain between your hut and others, or arrange your trip along a linear route and move to a different hut each night. Visitors new to the Rendezvous Huts will appreciate the practical combination of rustic appeal and thoughtful provisioning; returning guests may enjoy seeing the new locally fabricated haul bags on the sleds and snow grates on the porches. All will delight in the magic of cozy huts joined by glittering white ribbons of trail.

MetHow valley noRdic teaM

First-time visitors to the valley are often surprised to see young kids skiing fast and well. The products of the Methow Valley Nordic Team, these kids often start classic skiing when they’re 2 years old and learn to skate ski in kindergarten. With programs for 6-18 year-olds, the Methow Valley Nordic Team supports young athletes who learn to compete or who develop a lifelong love of Nordic skiing (or both). The team also trains biathletes, so don’t panic if you see kids with guns in the Mazama Meadows area; their biathlon range is on the loop.

MetHow valley noRdic club

Adults seeking to improve their skills, increase their fitness levels, and/ or develop camaraderie with a cohort

Mazama’s numerous ski trails are as scenic as they are accessible. Photo by Marcy StaMPer

of Nordic aficionados might consider joining the Methow Valley Nordic Club (MVNC), which promotes Nordic skiing in the valley by offering camps, clinics, and classes, organizing both non-competitive and racing events, and supporting projects such as trail enhancements and youth scholarships. If you’ve watched the Doggie Dash (canines and costumed humans cruising around the Winthrop Town Trailhead), participated in the Tour of the Methow (20K, 30K, 50K, and 80K tours of the valley’s best trails), or refined your skiing technique at the December Ski Camp, you’ve been a part of MVNC. Most of the valley’s most prominent drivers in the Nordic realm are on the MVNC board and teaching staff, so the coaching is unmatched and the events are relevant and fun. MVNC offers a welcoming way to experience Nordic skiing, so if you’re a bit daunted

by facing the trails on your own, do it while holding the friendly hand of MVNC. Still not convinced that the Methow Valley is North America’s premiere Nordic destination? Come visit and see for yourself. We’re betting that your first visit won’t be your last.

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methow valley winter 2014 –15

Stepping into winter Try snowshoeing for a unique experience on or off the trail By Bob Spiwak

Snowshoes have evolved dramatically over the years. Photo by bob SPiwak

Oregon grape. If you are going for a night outing off trail, have a good headlamp with a wide beam. My wife and a friend went out on a lovely full moon night

JOIN THE FUN!

was about 8 years old, living in Maryland, when I first snowshoed. The “snowshoes” were a pair of decrepit tennis racquets my dad had acquired. There was adequate snow on the ground and with the webs tied to my shoes with heavy twine, off I went, several times landing on my butt and probably on my face as well. What was most memorable was that before the day was over, I was fairly proficient. I’ve been snowshoeing ever since. If you have never partaken of this most ancient way of moving through the snow, you ought to give it a try. You’ll probably take a few missteps at first, but within 15 minutes you’ll be cruising. The Methow Valley is a great place to learn because there are groomed trails all over the place, and many guided outings led by knowledgeable outdoors people. Snowshoes have evolved, as have skis, from wooden frames to space-age polymers and metals. I own a prespace age WWII army issue pair with magnesium frames and cable webs. I bought them at surplus for $35. You don’t have to buy modern

up-to-date models for your snow fun here in the Methow. Two of the valley’s three outdoor stores — Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies in Mazama and Winthrop Mountain Sports — sell and rent snowshoes; Cascades Outdoor Store in Winthrop sells but does not rent snowshoes. Sun Mountain Lodge also rents snowshoes. All the stores have experienced owners and employees, and they can advise you about necessary stuff such as wearing layered clothes (because you’ll work up a good sweat after half an hour), carrying a water bottle, using poles, and many other tips. You will be fitted for boots and gaiters if you don’t have them. As for the snowshoes, light metal composites are the thing these days. And some manufacturers even have models designed especially for women that are tapered fore-to-aft to accommodate the difference in female and male strides. One model actually has a contraption like an elevator that lifts the heel to provide relief from calf-aches that afflict some folks. The big advance, especially for those with difficulty bending over and adjusting them, is in bindings. Nowadays they usually have some sort of ratchet arrangement, or step-in, much like cross country skis. They are a blessing, especially in deep snow. One of my own tips is to have a belt knife with a blade at least 3 inches long if you are going off-trail. Beneath that snow, unless it is really deep, are brush, vines, old branches and other things that can trip you. You may need to hack your snowshoe out of a clump of

www.methowvalleynews.com

unaware there was a lunar eclipse in their future. The light got dimmer, and soon it was total blackness. They had to stop and wait, and a chorus of coyote howls did not add to their comfort.

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Lots of options

falls heavily your tracks will soon be obscured. If you use the tape, remove it as you pass on the way out. I have tried many different kinds of snowshoes, and while there may be some who will disagree this, I still prefer wooden shoes, ideally with a crampon-like non-slip apparatus on the bottom for when the snow is deep and powdery. Wood shoes are simply a frame with a webbing filling it. The modern shoes I used did not offer the floatation of webs, as they have solid bottoms in various configurations, and that makes a big difference when the snow is knee- to hip-high. One final tip, for beginners or experienced snowshoers alike: lightly drag your heel as you progress. Neophytes and experienced people I have seen (and I was once one) tend to “walk” through the snow, lifting feet and shoe free of the white stuff. This puts an extra strain on the hips, and can affect knees and leg muscles as well. And here’s an idea: Include packages of hot dogs and marshmallows along with a tiny backpack stove in your daypack. What better way to take a pit stop?

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ethow M ic

dio Ra

Orga n

As for where to go, lots of help is available from the Methow Trails organization. It and many local stores offer free trail maps and expert answers to any questions you have about the snow, the routes, the weather and much more. There is a price to be paid for a snowshoe jaunt. If you are going out on any trails groomed by Methow Trails other than the Big Valley Trail, you will need a trail pass. They cost $5. If it is a U.S. Forest Service trail, you need a pass as well. Off-trail treks may be feefree, but that does not give you license to be on any private property without permission. If you like snowshoeing on the groomed trails you may be inclined at some point to head out on virgin untrod snow. This is how I do it. First, unless you are intimately familiar with where you are and where you are going, have a map and compass. If the terrain is densely treed, have a roll of survey tape and periodically hang a piece on a branch over your trail. You may think that all it takes is back trailing to get to where you came from, but if the snow

KTRT 97.5 RadioRoot.com 22

methow valley winter 2014 –15

The Methow at your fingertips: basic info for visitors NEED A PLACE TO STAY? Central Reservations: 996-2148 or (800) 422-3048; www.centralreservations.net; info@centralreservations.net INFORMATION CENTERS Twisp: 997-2926; 201 Methow Valley Highway (Methow Valley Community Center) Winthrop: 996-2125 or (888) 4638469; 202 Riverside Ave. POLICE/EMERGENCY Emergency: 911 Twisp Police Department: 997-6112; 118 S. Glover St.; townoftwisp. com/index.php/departments/ police-department/ Winthrop Marshal’s Office: 996-2160; 206 Riverside Ave.; www.winthropmarshals.com Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office: (509) 422-7232; www.okanogansheriff.org Washington State Patrol: (509) 422-3800 Okanogan County Fire District 6: 997-2981 Aero Methow Rescue Service: 997-4013; www.aeromethow.org

OPEN LATE Hank’s Mini Market: 410 E. Methow Valley Highway, Twisp; 997-4332; until 10 p.m. every day; 24-hour fueling Mazama Store: 50 Lost River Road, Mazama; 996-2855; 24-hour fueling Pardners Mini Market: 900 Highway 20, Winthrop; 996-2005; until midnight every day; 24-hour fueling Twisp Chevron: 126 N. Methow Valley Highway; 997-3181; until 10 p.m. weekdays and Sunday, 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 24-hour fueling NEED TO CLEAN UP? Laundromat, showers and free wi-fi at The Washworks: 325 E. Highway 20, Twisp; 997-0336; www. hwy20washworks.com NEED A TOW? Classic Towing, Twisp: 997-2333 Winthrop Motors: 996-2277 NEED TO CHARGE YOUR ELECTRIC VEHICLE? Pine Near RV Park: 316 Castle Ave., Winthrop; (509) 341-4062, www. pinenearpark.com

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Mazama Country Inn: 15 Country Road, Mazama; 996-2681; www. mazamacountryinn.com Twisp River Pub: 201 N. Highway 20, Twisp; 997-6822; www.twispriverpub.com Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop: 996-2211; www.sunmountainlodge.com CAB & SHUTTLE Classic Mountain Cabby: 996-2894; classicmountaincabby@gmail.com HIGHWAY INFORMATION Washington State Department of Transportation: Dial 511 for pass and road information; www.wsdot.wa.gov HEALTH CARE Three Rivers Hospital, Brewster: (509) 689-2086; www.threerivershospital.net Mid-Valley Hospital, Omak: (509) 826-1760; www.mvhealth.org The Country Clinic, Winthrop: 996-8180 Methow Valley Family Practice, Twisp: 997-2011 Brewster Clinic: (509) 689-8900 Omak Clinic: (509) 826-1800 Steven C. Harrop DDS, Winthrop: 996-2164 Sawtooth Dental Care, Twisp: 997-7533 Ulrich’s Pharmacy, Twisp: 997-2191 PET PROBLEMS? Methow Valley Veterinary Hospital: 910 Highway 20, Winthrop: 996-3231 Valley Veterinary Clinic: 20335 Highway 20, Twisp; 997-8452 Winthrop Veterinary Services: 19100 Highway 20; 996-2793 RECREATION INFORMATION U.S. Forest Service: 996-4000; 24 West Chewuch Rd., Winthrop Methow Trails: 996-2387; 309

Riverside Ave., Winthrop; www. methowtrails.com; info@methowtrails. com Pearrygin Lake State Park, Winthrop: 996-2370; www.parks.wa.gov/563/ Pearrygin-Lake Cascade Loop Scenic Highway: www. cascadeloop.com North Cascades National Park: Newhalem visitor center, (206) 386-4495 ext.11; www.nps.gov/ noca/index.htm Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife: (360) 902-2200; www.wdfw. wa.gov POST OFFICES Carlton: 997-6091; 2274 Highway 153 Methow: (509) 923-2759; 34 Main St. Twisp: 997-3777; 205 Glover St. Winthrop: 996-2282; 1110 Highway 20 GOVERNMENT City of Pateros: (509) 923-2571; www. pateros.com Town of Twisp: 997-4081; 118 S. Glover St.; www.townoftwisp.com Town of Winthrop: 996-2320, 206 Riverside Ave., www.townofwinthrop.com CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Twisp: 997-2020; www.twispinfo.com Winthrop: 996-2125; www.winthropwashington.com Omak: (509) 826-1880 or (800) 225-6625; www.omakchamber.com Okanogan: (509) 422-4034; www. okanogachamber.com Brewster: (509) 689-3464; www. brewsterchamber.org Pateros: (509) 923-9636; www.pateros.com LIBRARIES Twisp: 997-4681; 201 Methow Valley Highway (Methow Valley Community Center); wireless hot spot Winthrop: 996-2685; 49 Highway 20; wireless hot spot INFORMATION & MEDIA Methow Valley News: 997-7701; 101 N. Glover St., Twisp; www. methowvalleynews.com; frontdesk@ methowvalleynews.com www.methownet.com www.methow.com KTRT, 97.5 FM KCSY, 106.3FM KOZI, 93.5FM KTWP (public radio), 91.1FM All 996 and 997 prefixes are in the 509 area code.

www.methowvalleynews.com

The Methow on ice Winthrop’s outdoor skating rink offers fun for all ages By Ann McCreary

lidinG across glassy smooth ice, breathing fresh winter air and enjoying panoramic views of snowcapped mountains — skaters at the Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink (WISR) are treated to a one-of-a-kind sensory experience. The rink’s exceptional setting earned it a ranking as one of the top 10 outdoor skating rinks in the West by Sunset Magazine, and visitors and residents know that the experience of skating outdoors can’t be matched by indoor rink. “I grew up skating on natural ice at Lake Tahoe,” said Sharla Lynn, WISR’s new manager. “Skating outdoors gives more of a connection to nature and feels more natural,” she said. When conditions are right and the ice is immaculately groomed, “it’s a perfect marriage of being outside and having that perfectly manicured surface,” Lynn said. Located near the busy Winthrop Town Trailhead, and a short walk from downtown Winthrop via the Spring Creek pedestrian bridge, the ice rink is a focal point for winter fun in the Methow Valley. Created through a grassroots campaign by devoted skating and hockey

enthusiasts, the Winthrop ice rink is modeled on outdoor rinks in European and Canadian communities — centrally located and easily accessible to pedestrians. The rink opens at 1 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends for public skating, and hosts pick-up hockey sessions at 6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. on weekends. One of only a handful of full-sized outdoor ice rinks in the Northwest, the rink offers hockey for every interest and skill level — beginners, adults, women and USA Kids Hockey, for kids ranging from 5 to 15 years. Learn-to-skate programs are offered for ages 3 and up, and lessons are available for intermediate and more advanced skaters as well, led by local figure skater Anne Sprague. On Tuesdays, “cheap skates” sessions offer half-price admission in the afternoons, perfect for students and families. Themed dance parties on Friday nights encourage the community to join in the fun, with half-price admission to anybody wearing a costume. The rink also hosts a New Year’s Eve party. The rink rents skates and hockey gear, and provides helmets for free, although the supply is limited. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available, and a warming room and second floor viewing room with ping pong tables provide comfortable places to take a break or watch the action on the ice. Last year the rink hosted the first annual Pro Edge Winter Classic Hockey Tournament, which brought

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Open skating periods are popular at the Winthrop rink. Photo by Don nelson

65 players and their families to the Methow Valley for three days in January.

More tournaMents

Rink backers want to bring more tournaments to the Methow Valley, but in order to make tournaments a part of the rink’s future, they need to add one more important amenity to the facility — guaranteed ice. It’s a big investment, but since the rink opened seven years ago, the nonprofit WISR board, which operates the facility, knew that someday the rink would need to be refrigerated to be economically viable. A fundraising campaign got underway last year to make that dream a reality. The Town of Winthrop, which owns the rink, has received a $497,000 grant from the Washington Recreation

and Conservation office (RCO) toward the refrigeration project. The fundraising campaign is working to raise matching funds from local donations, which will include $70,000 of in-kind labor and materials and a portion of the $170,000 bequest made to the rink by the late Red McComb. The rink’s ice is created each winter by flooding the grassy area that is used as a soccer field in summer. Whether and how long the rink is open is up to Mother Nature — the weather must be cold enough to maintain the ice. Even in a good year, the rink isn’t open as long as WISR would like. With refrigeration, the skating season would extend from mid-November to midMarch, guaranteeing ice for hockey tournaments during the shoulder seasons and for public skating during busy holiday periods.

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The rink brings in about 80 percent of its revenue during the Christmas, Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day holidays. If the weather is too warm or wet, the rink takes a big financial hit and residents and visitors miss out on skating. In addition to paying for refrigeration equipment, the fundraising campaign will provide money for construction of a larger skate rental area and changing rooms to accommodate hockey tournaments. More public restrooms will be added as well. WISR President Jill Calvert said the rink hopes to host up to six hockey tournaments during non-holiday periods. The tournaments will benefit not just the rink, but the entire valley, she said. Last year’s tournament drew almost 400 visitors, who booked 70 rooms in local lodging establishments, and spent an estimated $35,000 on ice time, rooms, dining, groceries and retail sales, Calvert said. “But we got lucky. Had the tournament been a week later, warm temperatures and melting ice would have

meant a cancellation, loss of opportunity and revenue,” Calvert said. The fundraising campaign has raised about $170,000 in donations and pledges so far, leaving about $142,000 left to earn, said Laurie Ulmer, who is leading the campaign. “The biggest thing that people need to understand is the rink isn’t just important for people who skate. It’s important for the economic infrastructure of the valley. When there’s no snow [for skiing] or inclement conditions, the rink will still operate,” Ulmer said. Plans call for the refrigerated rink to remain uncovered, which means snow would have to be removed and rain could be an issue. But the rink’s outdoor setting, with its spectacular views of Mount Gardner and the Cascade Mountains, and occasional bald eagles flying overhead, is a key part of its appeal. Until refrigeration becomes a reality, skaters are advised to check conditions by calling the ice line, (509) 996-4199 or visiting the website, WinthropIceRink.com.

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For parents who want to go farther than their little ones can ski, Methow Valley Ski School also rents pulks, an enclosed sled on skis that allows an adult skier to tow a child behind. Individual or group Nordic ski lessons with a certified instructor may be arranged at all three locations for 30 minutes, one hour, or a two-hour “tour and learn.” Ski school owner and instructor Don Portman also recommends trying out Altai hoks: a wide, short ski modeled on those used by the indigenous people of Central Asia. Hoks are good on ungroomed snow and have an attached climbing skin that allows for climbing like a snowshoe and gliding downhill with slow and easy control, Portman said. Rentals and lessons are available.

No gear? No problem!

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Ski rentals for alpine and Nordic equipment are available at several Methow Valley locations. PHOTO BY LAURELLE WALSH

Rent winter recreation equipment at many valley locations By Laurelle Walsh

EAR rentals are everywhere in the Methow; whether you’re hitting the slopes at the Loup, trying out skate skiing for the first time in Mazama, or playing a pick-up hockey game in Winthrop, chances are you can rent the equipment right where you want to use it.

WINTHROP

METHOW TRAILS www. methowtrails.org (509) 996-3287

Methow Trails (formerly MVSTA) does not rent gear, but it does maintain the valley’s 120 miles (200-plus kilometers) of groomed cross country ski trails. Go to its website, www. methowtrails.org, or visit the office located at 309 Riverside Ave. in Winthrop for information and maps on all winter recreational activities. Trail passes are required for those over 17 and under 75 on most ski, snowshoe and bike trails maintained and groomed by Methow Trails. Passes are available for purchase at all gear rental outlets and at the Methow Trails office. Methow Trails and its community partners — Winthrop Mountain Sports, Methow Cycle and Sport, Methow Valley Ski School and Cascades Outdoor Store — offer two free Backyard Ski Days this winter, Jan. 23 at the Winthrop Town Trailhead and March 7 at the Mazama Corral. Equipment rentals and Nordic ski lessons for beginners are offered at no charge on those days, and trail use is free. Vouchers for trail passes and/or equipment rentals are available to local

families who want to get out on the trails but can’t afford the cost of gear rentals or passes, according to Methow Trails Program Manager Danica Ready. In addition, season’s passes are available for those who lost their homes in the Carlton Complex Fire. Contact Room One for more information: www. roomone.org, (509) 997-2050. METHOW VALLEY SKI SCHOOL www.methownet.com/skischool/ Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day

Methow Valley Ski School rents equipment and gives Nordic ski lessons out of three locations: The Sun Mountain Lodge activity shop, (509) 996-4735; Mazama Junction, (509) 9963744; and Methow Cycle and Sport in Winthrop, (509) 996-3645. Gear may be rented at any of the three locations and returned to another. Skate and classic sets (skis, boots and poles) may be rented by the day in adult and children’s sizes, even strap-on skis for tots. Snowshoes may be rented by the 2-hour increment in adult and children’s sizes.

Besides having the Methow Valley Ski School and its rental operations based out of the activity shop, Sun Mountain Lodge also offers horsedrawn sleigh rides, with or without a dinner package. Sleigh rides may be reserved by calling the activity shop. The shop focuses on skiing and snow activities in the winter, but you can get information on guided steelhead fishing trips on the Methow River and fishing gear there. METHOW CYCLE & SPORT methowcyclesport.com, (509) 9963645. Open 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Methow Valley locals have quickly learned that cycling doesn’t have to end when the days get frosty. In fact, some very fun riding — on- or off-road — can be done in the winter on fat bikes. Methow Cycle and Sport is the only place in the valley to rent fat bikes. Methow Cycle and Sport rents fat bikes in every size made, for adults and kids as short as 4’10”, according to shop co-owner Joe Brown. Bikes can be rented in increments from 4 hours to 4 days, and the store has doubled its rental fleet this winter. Helmets and hand protection for riding on cold days are also provided. As the store is an outlet for the Methow Valley Ski School, classic and skate ski gear for adults and kids is available, as well as snowshoes and pulks. Nordic ski lessons may also be booked at the bike shop. methow valley winter 2014 –15

WINTHROP MOUNTAIN SPORTS www.winthropmountainsports.com, (509) 996-2886. Open 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. and Sun.

Winthrop Mountain Sports has provided winter gear rentals and service for over 20 years, and is proud to outfit more than 100 young skiers of the Methow Valley Nordic Team every winter, according to co-owner Rita Kenny. The store offers full or half-day rentals of classic, skate, touring, and alpine touring (AT) ski packages for adults as well as classic and skate ski packages for kids. Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak holiday season, Kenny said. Racing ski packages are available by reservation. Winthrop Mountain Sports rents snowshoes for kids and adults, poles included, as well as Kindershuttle and Chariot pulks — snow sleds for pulling young children behind an adult skier. CASCADES OUTDOOR STORE www.cascadesoutdoorstore.com, (509) 996-3480. Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas days

The new Cascades Outdoor Store, located in downtown Winthrop, is owned and operated by outdoor sports aficionados Brian and Amy Sweet. The Sweets have many years of Nordic ski experience between them, which includes racing, instructing and coaching, according to Amy. The store rents skate and waxless classic ski packages for adults and kids. For those interested in comparing several brands of skis, the demo fee is the same as the daily rental fee, and is waived if skis are purchased.

Try out snowshoeing by renting a pair. PHOTO BY D ON NELSON

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WINTHROP ICE AND SPORTS RINK www.winthropicerink.com

The Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink is an open-air rink with no refrigeration. Therefore, its season is variable and dependent on consistently cold air temperatures to maintain skate-able ice. Check the website for days and hours of operation. The rink rents ice skates in all sizes and hockey sticks; helmets are provided for free. Skate sharpening is also available. Ice skating and hockey sessions, theme nights and parties run throughout the season. Adult and children’s lessons are also available. CHEWACK RIVER GUEST RANCH www.chewackranch.com, (509) 996-2497

The Lundgren family offers halfand full-day snowmobile rentals at their ranch located six miles north of Winthrop on East Chewuch Road. Both single and double sleds are available. Snowsuits and helmets are part of the rental package. Reservations are recommended. Two-hour, 4-hour and full-day guided snowmobile tours are also available.

TWISP

LOUP LOUP RENTAL EQUIPMENT SHOP www.skitheloup.com, (509) 557-3406. Open 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. every day the ski area is open

Loup Loup Ski Bowl is a downhill ski hill located between Twisp and Okanogan on State Route 20. The Loup Loup Rental Equipment Shop, is located near the day lodge and owned by the Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation. The shop rents full or half-day alpine ski and snowboard packages, helmets, rentals, and Nordic ski gear. Loup Loup Ski Bowl also rents inner tubes for use on its tubing hill near the lodge. Private or group downhill ski and snowboard lessons with certified instructors are available for adults and kids by the hour. “First-timer” specials include lift ticket, rental equipment and a 1-hour lesson. Arrive 30 minutes before lesson time if renting gear for a ski or snowboard lesson.

LOUP LOUP SKI & SNOWBOARD SHOP www.louploupskishop.com, (509) 846-5076. Call for hours.

The Loup Loup Ski and Snowboard Shop is located at 427 Highway 20 South in Twisp, next to Hank’s Harvest Foods, and is operated seasonally by the Mackie family. The shop offers full or half-day alpine ski and snowboard packages — both of which include helmets — for kids and adults. Snowshoe rentals are also available. Classic Mountain Cabby runs a shuttle service to Loup Loup Ski Bowl, departing from the Ski & Snowboard Shop on weekends. (See below.) CLASSIC MOUNTAIN CABBY jtd2014.wix.com/classicmountaincabby, (509) 996-2894

Classic Mountain Cabby provides passenger shuttle service for people and their skis, snowboards, bikes and fishing gear to trailheads and ski areas throughout the region. Once Loup Loup Ski Bowl opens this winter, Classic Mountain Cabby will be running regular weekend and holiday shuttles to the Ski Bowl from the Loup Loup Ski and Snowboard Shop next to Hank’s in downtown Twisp. The shuttle will depart Twisp at 7:45 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with a return trip from the Loup at 3:45 p.m. An extra trip on Saturdays and Sundays will depart Twisp at 11:30 a.m. A Community Trail shuttle will run on Saturdays and Sundays, leaving Methow Cycle & Sport in Winthrop at 8:45 a.m., with stops at Brown’s Farm and Mazama Corral. Call or check the Cabby’s website or Facebook page — Classic Mountain Cabby LLC — for further shuttle information.

MAZAMA

GOAT’S BEARD MOUNTAIN SUPPLIES www.goatsbeardmountainsupplies.com, (509) 996-2515 Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.

Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies in Mazama, located across the courtyard from the Mazama Store, specializes in ski gear for folks who want to get off the trails and into the backcountry, according to sales associate Isaac Davis. Goat’s Beard rents both alpine

Rita Kenney stocks up at Winthrop Mountain Sports. PHOTO BY L AURELLE WALSH

touring (AT) ski gear — designed for steeper terrain — and metal-edged backcountry touring ski gear — better for traveling over rolling terrain. The store also rents avalanche airbag packs, for safety while skiing the backcountry. The shop also rents Burley ski pulks, snowshoes, and split snowboards, for climbing up and shredding back down the mountain. NORTH CASCADES BASECAMP www.northcascadesbasecamp.com, (509) 996-2334. Call for hours

North Cascades Basecamp, located on Lost River Road in Mazama, rents snowshoes at the Warming Hut for half or full days, and for use during the Nature of Winter snowshoe tours at the Basecamp on Saturdays in January and February. JACK’S HUT www.freestoneinn. com/jack-s-hut, (509) 996-3906 ext. 356

Jack’s Hut is located at the Freestone Inn on Highway 20 west of Mazama. Jack’s Hut sells outdoor clothing and gear as well as trail passes, rents some equipment, arranges outings and also serves food and beverages. 27

Look to the heavens

By David Ward

Winter is an ideal time for stargazing in the valley

Deep sky image of the constellation Orion. Photo courtesy WikiPedia commons

here is nothing like looking up into a clear, dark sky on a chilly winter night. The brightest stars to be found anywhere in the heavens are on display. The air is cold, and cold air is heavier and much steadier than the warmer and wavy air of summer. The stars shine brighter and clearer than at any other time of the year. Maybe you just want to simply glance upward while unbuckling the skis on top of your car. There is nothing wrong with that and you are sure to see something. A more serious venture out under the night sky in winter requires a little preparation. As with any outdoor activity, dress warmly and remember, stargazing is not an aerobic activity. You might also want to think about getting away from those annoying Christmas lights that everyone loves to put up this time of year. The subtleties of the night sky cannot compete with that flashing red Santa and his reindeer next door. OK, you got out there under that beautiful starstudded dome. Now here are some things to look for. We will start with the planets. Other than the International Space Station and the moon, they are the closest objects to us. The planet Mars will be visible all winter low

in the southwestern sky. A close look will reveal its distinctive orange-red color. The ancient Greeks thought it looked like blood, so they named it after the god of war. Mars was his Roman name and he was the tall and handsome son of Jupiter, king of the gods. He had a dark side to him, though. Mars was vain and arrogant and he loved nothing more than the blood lust and fury of battle. Venus will grace our skies this winter as the bright and spectacular evening star. You may catch a glimpse of her in December, low in the west just after sunset, but she will come into her full glory by early January. The rest of the winter and into the spring she will climb higher into the western evening sky, outshining everything but the moon. Venus is the Roman name for the drop-dead gorgeous goddess of love and beauty. Aphrodite was her Greek name, and our word aphrodisiac comes from her. Despite all that beauty and sweetness, chastity was not one of her virtues. On Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, the beautiful goddess of love was known for her lack of discretion in matters of the heart. In the east, the planet Jupiter will shine almost as bright as his counterpart, Venus. Early in the winter, look for Jupiter to rise later in the evening, but by the end of winter he will be visible in the east early enough to be seen at the same time with

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Venus in the west. Jupiter was named for the Roman king of the gods. His Greek name was Zeus and he was the god of the sky and thunder and famous for his deadly thunderbolts. He ruled Mount Olympus with wisdom and justice, but he had a thing for beautiful mortal women. On a lazy afternoon up on Mount Olympus Jupiter could be found gazing longingly down on the countryside below in search of a beautiful maiden. His romantic pastimes drove his wife, Hera, crazy and many an innocent mortal woman bore the full fury of her jealous wrath.

Don’t miss orion

As far as the constellations go, the one you cannot miss is Orion. By midwinter he will be halfway up in the southern sky in the early evening. Look for a large rectangle of four stars with a bright reddish star, Betelgeuse, in the upper left corner and a bright white star, Rigel, in the lower right corner. Three bright stars in a row mark his unmistakable belt. Orion was a famous hunter and

he boasted he could kill any animal on earth. His love life was a disaster, however. He chased the beautiful Seven Sisters for seven years around Greece, to no avail. They were so repulsed by his amorous advances that they pleaded to Zeus for help. First Zeus changed them into doves so they could flee from Orion, and then into stars in the sky. Look for the Seven Sisters, also known as the Pleiades, above and to the west of Orion. They form a little cluster of stars, about the size of the full moon, and they sparkle like diamonds sprinkled on the black velvet of the sky. Most people can only see six of the sisters. There is a legend or two to explain the discrepancy. One myth tells that the sister Elektra abandoned her starry post in grief when Troy, which was founded by her son Dardanus, fell to the Greeks during the Trojan War. Another story says that the sister Merope left her sisters in shame because she alone married a mortal man. There was a bit of gender discrimination going on up at Mount Olympus

in ancient times. It was fine for a male god to have an affair with a mortal woman, but not the other way around. Notice that Orion chases the Seven Sisters across the sky from east to west each night, but he never catches them. Just south of the Pleiades, another group of beautiful maidens lights up the winter sky. Look for them in the shape of a dim V with a bright star at the end of one leg of the V. These are the Hyades, half-sisters of the Pleiades. Their claim to fame is that they cared for the infant Dionysius, otherwise known as Bacchus, the god of wine and

partying. Our tour of the winter sky would not be complete without a glance at the brightest of all the stars in the heavens. Line up the three stars in Orion’s belt and point down to the southeast. That dazzling bright white star, often twinkling furiously, is Sirius, one of the hunting dogs of Orion and a close neighbor, cosmically speaking, to us. Enjoy all the fun winter activities the Methow Valley has to offer, and be sure to look up into the starry universe one of these clear, sparkling nights.

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Pack a picnic for your winter outing Fill your basket with locally produced food and drink By Georgina Tobiska

C Bread from Rocking Horse Bakery is a nice staple for a winter picnic. Photo by Steve Mitchell

omfort in the cold of winter begins with great food. The truly tantalizing tastes of Methowmade foods fit the bill, whether you’re coming in famished, hot off the trail, or taking it easy by leisurely dining in the snow on Methow time. Planning the perfect winter picnic begins best with foods straight from the land in which you travel. Following

a winter excursion, our local foods simply surprise with how much joy they add to the day. The perfect winter picnic you’ll find here takes little effort, and is full of flavor and fun. A tour of Methow food producers prior to your winter excursion may prove just as enjoyable as your picnic itself. Visiting our local producers is a delightful way to get closer to our unique community — a vacation in itself, leading to lovely relationships with your merchants, whom you know you can trust. Chris Thomson is the valley man to visit for quality custom meats at his retail outlet in Twisp. Thomson’s various smoked meats and dried jerkies all qualify as favorites. You’ll want the first for making up delectable sandwiches in the snow and the latter for a side snack, beloved by the little ones and hunters

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methow valley winter 2014 –15

alike. New this year, look for their applewood smoked meats. Make a visit to Crown S Ranch, between Twisp and Winthrop just off Highway 20, for another inspirational experience. Farmer and owner Jennifer Argraves reflects on this year of record fires and farming: “With the fires this year, farming has been challenging. Just like everyone in the valley this summer, we lost work and valuable goods, but we’re still sustainable and running strong.” Crown S offers fresh deli meats such as roast beef and ham, but don’t stop there — the side sauces, produce and specialty foods will add exponentially to your flavor board. Try their pestos of many varieties, beef, pork and veggie tamales, and fresh organic fruits throughout the winter. Mazama Store breads, Sunny Pine goat cheese, and all-natural sodas and teas are also available. Sunny Pine Farm on Twisp River Road is well worth an exploratory trip, and their goat cheeses are more than worth a sampling. After years of organic production, Sunny Pine’s cheeses will set your taste buds at their peak. These spreadable cheeses are available at any Methow Valley grocer and now in Haggen stores on the west side, according to owner Ed Welch. In particular, the honey lavender and the black pepper and garlic goat cheeses are unbeatable as spreads alone or combined with a meat or fruit on bread. And breads abound in the Methow, where you have your pick of bakeries

across the valley from Mazama to Twisp. Try the Mazama Store for the perfect, authentic, French sea salt baguette, a local favorite. Visit the Rocking Horse Bakery for particularly good sourdoughs or pick-up-and-go yummy treats. And further south, hit up the Cinnamon Twisp Bakery for yet more handcrafted, organic bread varieties. The country herb is highly recommended. For the coffee affection-ado, our valley will not be found lacking. Per capita, the Methow has more independent, quality coffee roasters than any other mountain town we know. Blue Star Coffee Roasters offers a sit-down espresso cafe located at the south end of Twisp. Lariat Coffee Roasters has a retail outlet in Winthrop. Both are available at local grocery stores and other retail outlets. As you sip and sample the tastes of marvelous Methow Valley foods, keep in mind you can find many online for delivery throughout the year.

A steaming thermos of either Lariat or Blue Star coffee deserves a spot in every winter picnic basket. Photo by Don nelson

Top picnic picks PROTEINS: Smoked meats, hard salamis and jerkies from Thomson’s Custom Meats (recommended: applewood smoked meats, the new specialty) Deli meats and pestos from Crown S Ranch (favorites: organic ham, olive pesto) Sunny Pine Farm cheeses at Crown S Ranch or Glover Street Market (favorites: black pepper and garlic or honey lavender) CAFFEINE: Lariat Coffee Roasters, Blue Star Coffee Roasters

www.methowvalleynews.com

BREADS: Sea salt French baguette from Mazama Store Country sourdough from Rocking Horse Bakery Rustic herb bread from Cinnamon Twisp Bakery PRODUCE AND SIDES: Quality organic fruits through February at Crown S Ranch Booth Canyon Orchard pears, apples WINE, BEER AND CIDER: Lost River Winery (Winthrop), Twisp River Pub (Twisp), Old Schoolhouse Brewery (Winthrop), Methow Valley Ciderhouse (Winthrop)

gear for all seasons . . . whatever your sport

Full Service XC & BC Ski Shop XC & BC Ski Rentals open 7 days a week

257 Riverside Ave in Winthrop 509.996.2886

winthropmountainsports.com 31

Calendar NOVEMBER

8-9 POETRY WORKSHOP: Two-day workshop with poet and teaching artist Daemond Arrindell at Confluence Gallery & Art Center in Twisp. $65, registration required. 997-2787. 14 JAZZ/SOUL: Jennan Oaks at

Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7-10pm

15 MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATER: Two performances of Robin Hood at MV Elementary. Free. methowarts.com or 997-4004. 3pm and 7pm

28-29 CHRISTMAS AT THE END OF THE ROAD: Annual fireworks and holiday festivities celebration in downtown Winthrop. Free. winthropwashington.com or 996-2125. All day.

29 HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: Re-

ception at Winthrop Gallery. Show runs through Jan. 5. Free. 996-3925. 5-7pm

29 COUNTRY ROCK: RT Jr. & Hank

Cramer at Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7-10pm

DECEMBER

15 AMERICANA: Solo musician Liz 5-7 WINTER WONDER: Stories Fohl at Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7-10pm

21 ROCK/FUNK/BLUES: Jive Coulis at Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7-10pm

22 BURN: STORIES FROM THE

FIRE: Methow Valley storytellers share experiences of the summer wildfires at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp. Admission by donation. 9977529. 7pm

22 ALT AMERICANA: Hillary Scott

Duo at Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7-10pm

and dance of the season at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp. Adults $15, youth 18 and under $5. 9977529. Fri. and Sat. at 7pm; Sunday at 2pm

6 ART ABUNDANCE SALE: Many

local artists come together for one-day sale at Methow Gallery at TwispWorks. Free. 997-0255. 2-8pm

9 BEARS OF THE LAST FRONTIER: Program by ecologist Chris Morgan and holiday social with the Methow Conservancy at the Winthrop Barn. Free. 996-2870. 6-8:30pm

6-24 HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Local artisan gift show at Local 98856 in Twisp. Free. 997-0978. 10am-4pm daily

10-13 WINTER WONDER: Stories and dance of the season at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp. Adults $15, youth 18 and under $5. 997-7529. 7pm 12-14 NORDIC FALL COLLEGE:

Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA-NW) training and certification exam at Sun Mountain Lodge. $65-$130. (206) 244-8541 or www.psia-nw.org.

12 KINSEY SICKS: America’s favorite dragapella beautyshop quartet at Winthrop Barn. Age 21 and over. $200 premier table for four; $36 general admission. methowarts.com or 997-4004. 7pm 13 FAT BIKE DEMO DAY: Try out

fat biking with Methow Cycle & Sport at Sun Mountain Lodge. Free. 996-3645. 9am-noon

16-17 HOLIDAY CONCERT: Cascadia Chorale and Pipestone Orchestra perform music of the season at the MV Community Center. Admission by donation. 997-0222. 7pm

18-21 NORDIC SKI CAMP: Three-day camp with classic and skate ski tips and techniques at Sun Mountain. $405. www.methowvalleynordic.com 21 FAT BIKE DEMO DAY: Try out

fat biking with Methow Cycle & Sport at Pearrygin Lake State Park. Free. 996-3645. 9am-noon

21 VISIT WITH SANTA CLAUS:

In the Sun Mountain Lodge lobby. Free. 996-2211. Noon and 3pm

24 THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Read by Santa Claus in the Sun Mountain Lodge lobby. Free. 996-2211. 4pm

27 WINTERFEST: Music, family activities and dance party at TwispWorks. Admission by donation. 997-3300. 4pm-late

27 CLASSICAL MUSIC: Violinist Tara Weaver in the Sun Mountain Lodge lobby. Free. 996-2211. 7pm 28 CLASSICAL GUITAR: Terry

Check out the holiday bazaars for locally made gifts. Photo by Don nelson

Hunt and his guitar students in the Sun Mountain Lodge lobby. Free. 996-2211. 6:30pm

29 MUSIC: Rob Thran on hammered dulcimer in the Sun Mountain Lodge lobby. Free. 996-2211. 6:30pm 30 CLASSICAL GUITAR: Terry

Hunt solo performance in the Sun Mountain Lodge lobby. Free. 996-2211. 6:30pm

31 SKI RODEO: 10K, 5K, 2K and 1K ski races and tours for all ages and abilities at Mazama Corral trailhead. $25-$30; kids 17 and under free. www.methowtrails.com. 10am 31 LIVE MUSIC: Cool Water in the Wolf Creek Bar & Grill at Sun Mountain Lodge. No cover charge. 996-2211. 9:30pm-12:30am

JANUARY THURSDAYS SOUP AND NATURAL HISTORY: Dinner and presentation at North Cascades Basecamp. Presentation free. $5 for homemade soup and bread. 996-2334 or info@northcascadesbasecamp.com. 5:30pm

SATURDAYS NATURE OF WINTER SNOWSHOE TOURS: At Sun Mountain Lodge and at North Cascades Basecamp. Free (snowshoe rental extra). 996-2211 or 996-2334. 11am

2 TRY BIATHLON: Try the Olympic sport with the MV Biathlon Team at the Mazama Biathlon Range. Ages 9 and up. $20 donation. methowvalleynordic.com. 10am2pm

6 SQUIRRELS OF THE PACIFIC NW: First Tuesday program with wildlife tracker Dave Moskowitz at the Twisp River Pub. Free. 996-2780. 7-8:30pm

9-10 AUDITIONS FOR MERC CHILDREN’S THEATER: Ages 10 and up try outs for March production of Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp. 997-7529. Friday 4-6pm; Saturday 10am-noon

10-11 NORDIC CLUB SKI CLINIC:

Two-day intensive with instruction in skate and classic technique at the Mazama Community Club. $150, membership required. www. methowvalleynordic.com. 9am-3pm both days

methow valley winter 2014 –15

10 INTRODUCTION TO WINTER

WILDLIFE TRACKING: With wildlife tracker Dave Moskowitz. $45, space limited, registration required. 996-2870 8:30am-12:30pm

10 FAT BIKE DEMO DAY: Try out

fat biking with Methow Cycle & Sport at the Winthrop Town Trailhead. Free. 996-3645. 9am-noon

23 BACKYARD SKI DAY: Free day of skiing, rentals and festivities on all Methow Trails trails. Free. www. methowtrails.com. All day.

23 FAT BIKE DEMO DAY: Try out fat biking with Methow Cycle & Sport at the Winthrop Town Trailhead. Free. 996-3645. 9am-noon

24-25 NORDIC FESTIVAL: Pursuit ski races and tours, winter trail run, fat bike demos and Nordic celebration on Methow Community Trail. $40 events; kids 17 and under ski and race free. www. methowtrails.com. All day.

FEBRUARY ThURSDAYS SOUP AND

NATURAL hISTORY: Dinner and presentation at North Cascades Basecamp. Presentation free. $5 for homemade soup and bread. 996-2334 or info@northcascadesbasecamp.com. 5:30pm

3 STUDYING GRIZZLY BEARS IN

ThE NORTh CASCADES: First Tuesday program with wildlife ecologist Bill Gaines at the Twisp River Pub. Free. 996-2780. 7-8:30pm

Dressing up for the Doggie Dash is encouraged. Photo by A shley lodAto

6 ThE DUhKS: Polyethnic neofolk band from Winnipeg plays blend of French Canadian, Celtic, blues, soul and Afro-Cuban tunes at the Winthrop Barn. $18$25. www.methowarts.org or 997-4004. 7pm

7 WINThROP SKI DERBY: 15K and

30K classic technique ski race at the Chickadee Trailhead. $40-$55. www.methowvalleynordic.com. 9am

7 NATURE OF WINTER SNOW-

ShOE TOURS: At Sun Mountain Lodge and at North Cascades Basecamp. Free (snowshoe rental extra). 996-2211 or 996-2334. 11am

14-15 SNOWShOE SOFTBALL: Eight-team co-ed tournament at the Winthrop Ball Field. Free for spectators. winthropwashington. com or 996-2125. All day

14 TOUR OF ThE METhOW: 30K,

50K, and 80K non-competitive tour of most of the valley’s ski trails. Various locations. Free-$20. www. methowvalleynordic.com. 8am

14 TRY BIAThLON: Try the Olympic sport with the MV Biathlon Team at the Mazama Biathlon Range. Ages 9 and up. $20 donation. methowvalleynordic.com. 10am-2pm 14 NATURE OF WINTER SNOW-

ShOE TOURS: At Sun Mountain Lodge and at North Cascades Basecamp. Free (snowshoe rental extra). 996-2211 or 996-2334. 11am

14 NORDIC CLUB POTLUCK: Eat

dinner, socialize and recuperate from the Tour of the Methow at the Winthrop Barn. Free. www. methowvalleynordic.com. 5:30pm

14 ChAMBER MUSIC: Methow

Music Festival hosts a Valentine’s Day concert of piano quartets by Dvorak and Turina at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp. $20. 996-6000. 7pm

15 DOGGIE DASh: Dog-human

Indoor performances will be staged at several venues. Photo by lAurelle WAlsh

www.methowvalleynews.com

Nordic ski race in costume at the Winthrop Town Trailhead. Free-$12. www.methowvalleynordic.com. 10am

15 DOG & CAT PhOTO CONTEST: Reception at Winthrop Gallery. Free. 996-3925. 11am-3pm

21 NATURE OF WINTER SNOW-

ShOE TOURS: At Sun Mountain Lodge and at North Cascades Basecamp. Free (snowshoe rental extra). 996-2211 or 996-2334. 11am

MARCH 6-8 WINThROP BALLOON ROUNDUP: Hot air balloon launches from Winthrop Inn daily; night glow downtown Winthrop on Saturday. Free. winthropwashington. com or 996-2125. Daily launches start at 7am; night glow 6pm

6-8 MERC ChILDREN’S ThEATER: Production of Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp. Adults $12, youth 18 and under $5. 997-7529. Thurs., Fri., Sat. at 7pm; Sunday at 2pm

7 BACKYARD SKI DAY: Free day of skiing, rentals and festivities on all MVSTA trails. Free. www. methowtrails.com. All day.

12-15 MERC ChILDREN’S ThEATER: Production of Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp. Adults $12, youth 18 and under $5. 997-7529. Thurs., Fri., Sat. at 7pm; Sunday at 2pm

27-28 MERC READERS’ ThE-

ATER: Production of Circle Mirror Transformations, a delightful new comedy by Annie Baker at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp. Admission by donation. 997-7529. 7pm

Directory of Advertisers ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS Johnston Architects........................ 2

Grocers Mazama Store................................. 12

Automotive/Gasoline King’s Pacific Pride & Car Wash...................................29

Health/Medical Facilities Three Rivers Hospital................... 13

Bakeries Cinnamon Twisp Bakery................4 Rocking Horse Bakery...................17 Bookstores Trail’s End Bookstore....................24 Builders & Contractors Palm Construction..........................12 WSA Construction.........................29 Building Supply All Valley Insulation . ................... 30 Cafes/Dining/Espresso/ Spirits Blue Star Coffee Roasters..............4 Cinnamon Twisp Bakery................4 East 20 Pizza...................................24 Freestone Inn..................................28 Hometown Pizza............................28 Freestone Inn, Jack’s Hut............. 15 Kelly’s at Wesola Polana...............17 LaFonda Lopez................................ 12 Lariat Coffee Roasters..................29 Logan’s Steakhouse.........................8 Mazama Country Inn.......................4 Mazama Store................................. 12 Old Schoolhouse Brewery............13 Rocking Horse Bakery...................17 Sun Mountain Lodge..................... 22 Trail’s End Bookstore....................24 Twisp River Pub................................ 2 Winthrop Tipi Dinners..................10 Entertainment Old Schoolhouse Brewery........... 13 The Merc Playhouse Theater..... 13 Twisp River Pub................................ 2 Event Facilities Old Schoolhouse Brewery............13 Twisp River Pub................................ 2 Winthrop Barn Auditorium........... 7 Galleries/Arts Events Merc Playhouse Theater............... 13 34

Heating AlJu Stove & Fireplace..................10 Lodging Central Reservations..................... 36 Freestone Inn .................................28 Mazama Country Inn .....................4 Mazama Ranch House...................17 Methow River Lodge & Cabins........................................ 20 North Cascades Basecamp.........25 North Cascades Mountain Hostel......................... 21 Rendezvous Huts........................... 16 River Run Inn...................................22 Sun Mountain Lodge..................... 22 Twisp River Suites..........................35 Virginian Resort..............................29 Wolf Creek Cabins & Lodging..................................... 30 Winthrop Inn................................... 16 Organizations City of Pateros.................................35 Loup Loup Mountain Resort......... 3 Merc Playhouse Theater...............13 Methow Conservancy..................... 7 Winthrop Barn Auditorium........... 7 Winthrop Chamber of Commerce.................................. 2 Radio KTRT – 97.5 FM...............................22 Real Estate Blue Sky Real Estate..................... 14 Recreation Freestone Inn, Jack’s Hut............. 15 Loup Loup Mountain Resort........................... 3 Methow Valley Ski School.... 20, 21 Morning Glory Balloon Tours...... 23 North Cascades Basecamp.........25 Rendezvous Huts........................... 16 Sun Mountain Lodge.....................22 Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink.........11

Stunning vistas abound in the Methow Valley. Photo by Marcy StaMPer

Retail Aspen Grove....................................25 Cascades Outdoor Store.............. 14 Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies.....................35 Freestone Inn, Jack’s Hut............. 15 Mazama Store................................. 12 Methow Cycle & Sport.................. 15 Nectar Skin Bar...............................23 Outdoorsman.................................. 13 Rawson’s............................................11 Trail’s End Bookstore....................24 Winthrop Mountain Sports......... 31 Ski/Snowboard/Snowshoe Rental & Sales Cascades Outdoor Store.............. 14 Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies.........................35 Loup Loup Mountain Restort....... 3 Loup Loup Ski Rental Shop.........10 Methow Cycle & Sport.................. 15 Methow Valley Ski School.... 20, 21

Ski/Snowboard/Snowshoe Rental & Sales, cont. Outdoorsman.................................. 13 Sun Mountain Lodge.....................22 Winthrop Mountain Sports......... 31 Snow Removal Palm Construction..........................12 Spa Services Nectar Skin Bar...............................23 Sun Mountain Lodge.....................22 Waste Management WasteWise Methow........................8 Websites Methownet.com.............................28 Yoga Yogalush............................................25

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Escape to Twisp for Winter Luxury at Twisp River Suites Hotel The Methow Valley’s Top 5-star Accommodation Cozy River View Suites with Fireplaces & Kitchens Separate Pet-friendly Building • Luxurious Memory Foam Mattresses Gourmet Breakfast Included

First-class Accommodations your suite and Personal Service “This small, suite hotel is a gem in the magnificent Methow, providing first class accommodation and comfort with all the personal service you would expect in a small town. Joe and his amazing staff have taken care of all the small details to make your stay memorable, right down to the fully equipped rooms, and home baked breakfasts.” —D. B., Washington Best Dog Friendly Hotel! “Joe and staff were well adept at making us feel at home. Every detail has been properly thought of when it comes to being a pet friendly property. My partner and I and our two dogs stayed just before the 4th of July and fell in love with this place. Simply amazing.” —M. S., Seattle

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