"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
Snowed-in logging roads offer excellent cross-country skiing, especially after a fresh snowfall. With warm weather, however, the daily sunshine and nightly re-freezing promptly turn the trails to ice. That’s the time to head for one of the many groomed trail systems in the Cascades.
There are three types of groomed cross-country ski trails in Washington. The State Parks Department sets tracks at several Sno-Parks, funded by revenues from the sale of Sno-Park permits. Commercial ski areas groom their trails and charge the public to ski for the day. Private ski clubs and some communities groom selected trails on public and private property, and some welcome the public to enjoy their work.
Groomed Sno-Parks
Funding for non-motorized Sno-Park trail grooming typically runs out in March, even though funding for grooming motorized Sno-Parks usually lasts longer. Washington State Parks sets ski tracks at Lake Easton, Cabin Creek, Hyak, Lake Wenatchee, Chiwawa Road and Kahler Glen Sno-Parks. Call for more information and conditions. A current Sno-Park permit with supplemental groomed trail sticker are required to park a vehicle at these Sno-Park trailheads. These trails are closed to snowmobiles; in fact, the Forest Service has been going further and closing the entire vicinity of some trail systems, such as Cabin Creek, to avoid "accidental" use by "lost" snowmobilers. In my opinion, you have to be pretty disoriented, or stupid, to snowmobile down a groomed X-C track.
Commercial Nordic ski centers
These operate as late into spring as the snow and skiers remain in sufficient quantity to warrant it. These areas tend to be popular on a nice weekend, in part because they’re very convenient to get to, and in part because there’s a heated lodge with food and beverage service. The alpine ski areas at Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass both have nice Nordic centers. Generally, no special parking permits are required, but a trails pass will cost $10-$15 per day. Many nordic centers rent skis, too.
Clubs and communities
The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association grooms a large network of fine trails, and plows their own parking lots. While they have stopped grooming the Winthrop Trail because of thinning snow, they continue to groom many miles of upper trails. A $14 per day trail pass covers parking in their lots, and skiing their 200 km of trails. Visit their web site for current information.
The Lake Chelan Nordic Club maintains 14 miles of groomed trails at Echo Ridge, near Lake Chelan. With elevations starting at 3400 feet, they’re making the snow last as long as possible. Visit their web site for the latest information.
The town of Leavenworth grooms X-C trails right through the middle of town, along the river, and on the golf course. Call the Leavenworth Visitor Center for current conditions.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions.