HOW TO SPEND A WINTER WEEKEND IN WINTHROP WASHINGTON.
There are tons of reasons to head east of the mountains in winter in Washington—starting with the good chance of sunshine! Plus, outdoor adventure is practically guaranteed. Winthrop, Washington, is a small town in the Methow Valley that’s packed with things to do, especially in the winter. It’s known for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, but there’s so much more to explore. Here’s how to spend an epic winter weekend in Winthrop!
Getting There
If you are coming from the West (Puget Sound) in the winter Highway 20 is closed starting at mile marker so the only real way to access this area is from the East. You have two options if coming from the West, over Stevens Pass on Highway 2 or over Snoqualmie Pass / Blewett Pass on I-90 and Highway 97.
Where to Stay
There are endless options of places to stay in Winthrop from hotels, to resorts to cabins. However, there aren’t many Airbnb’s due to zoning rules and regulations.
We have stayed at the Rio Vista Inn, its family run, squeaky clean and has local artisan touches everywhere. And there is a reservable hot tub that overlooks the river, which our kids LOVED. And it sits right in town so you can walk to your morning espresso and to local activities such as the Winthrop Ice Skating rink. Check it out HERE.
If you are looking to be in a BEAUTIFUL setting with lots of activities at your fingertips check out Sun Mountain Lodge. It sits up top its own mountain with epic views and lots of different accommodation options. It also has its own (extensive trail system) Check it out HERE.
And if you are looking for something a bit unique having all the cozy cabin vibes, check out the Rolling Huts. We recently booked an “off-season” weekend at the Rolling Huts in Mazama – it was fantastic. Though they’re tiny, they’re cozy and perfect for a few days of warmth by the wood stove, reading, or hitting the trails. And they are BEAUTIFULLY designed. Check them out HERE.
Day 1 of Your Adventurous Winter Weekend in Winthrop Washington
Start with coffee at Little Dipper—their espresso is incredible. There are several coffee shops in town and I recommend you try a new one each day. They all offer something a little different and special. But for starters check out this small and quaint (and delicious) coffee shop.
Activity: Next, grab your Nordic skis or strap on your snowshoes and dive into the Methow Valley Trail System. With over 100 miles of groomed tracks, the options are endless—and you’ll have a hard time deciding where to begin! (I know I did!)
Check out their website for detailed downloadable Maps for each area!
If you are looking to get into snowshoeing, check out: START SNOWSHOEING IN WASHINGTON, all you need to know.
Afternoon Activity: Ice skate at the Outdoor Rink in Winthrop. Check their schedule, as public skate times vary. Its such a friendly atmosphere where the locals gather. And they play good music while you skate. You can check out their public skate times HERE.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Highway 20 Pizza, it just feels local. The vibe, the staff and the food is just delish. You really cant go wrong with any order but I would highly recommend the calzones and the spinach salad. We always bring a deck of cards for some family fun for before and after we are served.
Check out their Menu HERE.
Day 2 of Your Adventurous Winter Weekend in Winthrop Washington
Grab coffee at Rocking Horse Coffee on the main strip in Winthrop. Try one of their tasty pastries. YUM.
Daily Activity: Hit up Loup Loup Ski Bowl, a hidden gem in 34 minutes from Winthrop in Washington’s Okanogan Highlands! This nonprofit ski resort not only offers incredible skiing but also has an inspiring mission. Every year, funds raised through silent auctions and local donations help provide free skiing for kids up to age 12 (and they hope to raise that to 15 soon!).
Loup Loup is the kind of place where the people are friendly, the vibes are low-key, and the slopes are never overcrowded—just good times all around. If you’re looking for a relaxed, affordable spot to ski and enjoy the outdoors, this is it!
Check out there schedule and current lift tickets HERE.
Dinner: After a fun day on the slopes head back to Wintrop for dinner at Jupiter for a fresh and delicious meal. They close at 8 PM, so dont wait too late to eat.
Evening Entertainment: Catch a movie at Barnyard Cinema, a cozy one-screen theater with comfy seating and recent releases. You can view their current movie selections and show times HERE.
Day 3 of Your Adventurous Winter Weekend in Winthrop Washington
Morning Adventure: Go luge sledding at Loup Loup Ski Bowl on Bear Mountain. It’s 2 1/2 hours of fun including instruction, a ride up the mountain in the back of a snowcat and a sled ride down 1500 ft of elevation. All the instructors are volunteers and as nice as can be!
Book a Luge Sledding lesson HERE.
Afternoon Activity Option: After a fun morning of Luge Sledding, you may need a little downtime. Visit the beautiful Winthrop Library—it is great for kids. Checkers, chess, cozy reading nooks, it is a beautiful building.
Afternoon Activity Option: If you still have energy to burn, you can head to the public sledding hill next to the Ice Rink. Its open 24hours and its free!
Afternoon Activity Option: Head up to the Washington Pass closure gate and snowshoe up to see the views. Make sure to stop by the Mazama country store for some fresh goodies (and delicious coffee!)
Dinner: End your trip with a healthy and flavorful meal at Meza. Its sure to delight!
There is so much to keep you busy in this cute and charming Washington town. Its a great escape from the city and into the snow in the Winter. Honestly, its a great place in all seasons.
You might be interested in wildflower hikes of the Methow Valley – it gives you another reason to head to Winthrop in the Spring too!
