CUSTOM Programs
METHOW BACKCOUNTRY
Eastern North Cascades | Day trips | Dec-June
Adventure skiing.
Near our home base in Washington's Methow Valley we have access to a wild swath of terrain. Accessed by snowmobile, this small but mighty zone has tree skiing, summits, couloirs and runs over 4000 vertical feet. True adventure skiing with all that it entails, including some occasional bushwhacking.
OVERVIEW | the experience
The Methow Valley is our home base and a number of our guides live here. We all share a love for this community and these mountains – our back yard when we're not off on bigger trips.
While Washington Pass is the most popular backcountry zone in the NE Cascades for good reason, our PAG operating area is in a different subrange of mountains off the beaten path. Less accessible, less user friendly, and less popular, which for us is what makes it special.
"Adventure skiing" is the genre we specialize in and it's a good way to summarize this terrain. A 30-40 minute snowmobile ride gets us into the mountains where typical days can range from 3000-5000+ vertical feet. From mid-winter powder touring to spring ski mountaineering, there's a little bit of everything here.
PROGRESSION
Getting out with our guides in their home terrain is the highlight of skiing here with us. As an option, we can focus our time on training and skills progression, whether you are preparing for a bigger trip like Tebay Lodge, or simply want to improve your backcountry game.
WHO IT'S FOR
Previous backcountry touring experience, advanced downhill skiing ability, and excellent physical fitness are required. On the up you should be solid with your kick turns, and on the down you should feel confident skiing/riding in a variety of snow conditions.
If you are looking for the ultimate access to the NE Cascades, check out our Heli-Assisted Touring program in partnership with North Cascade Heli.
If you are a newer backcountry skier, are looking for an introductory course, or want the classic Washington Pass experience, we recommend our friends at North Cascades Mountain Guides.
SCHEDULE | flow for the day
Here's a sample itinerary based on mid-winter temperatures:
7:30 AM* – Meet in Winthrop. Your guide will be in touch with meeting time and location.
8:15 AM – Gear up at the trailhead. Pre-trip safety briefing and snowmobile orientation.
9:00 AM – Touring uphill from the sleds as we set off on our adventure for the day.
3:30 PM – Back down at the sleds (we can stay out later as the days get longer).
4:30 PM – Done for the day.
* Expect an earlier start for spring days or bigger missions.
DETAILS | the logistics
GROUP SIZE
1-4 skiers/riders and 1 guide
COST INCLUDES
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A full day of backcountry skiing/riding at a 4:1 max ratio.
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Snowmobile use (no experience necessary)
NOT INCLUDED
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Vehicle transportation to the trailhead
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Personal gear
PRE-TRIP INFO
GETTING HERE
With good road conditions, the Methow Valley is approx. 4.5 hours from Seattle, 3.5 hours from Spokane, and 2 hours from Wenatchee. Flights are available to all of three of these cities, but Wenatchee can be less reliable in the winter.
WHERE TO STAY
You can stay in Winthrop, Mazama, or Twisp – these three towns are a fairly short drive from one another. Lodging options including hotels and vacation rentals are plentiful.
METHOW
BACKCOUNTRY
SKIING & RIDING
DATES
For current availability please contact us or use the Check Availability button below.
COST
$395 – Group of 2+
$650 – 1:1