Winter in the Wild West
Have you ever wanted to jump into a Christmas movie, where you settle into the simple aesthetic of a rural mountain town, flocked with snow, teeming with character as the warm glow of twinkling lights illuminate family-owned storefronts? The small town of Winthrop, Washington is just that place. A quaint, rustic community resting beside a glistening river that transforms into a whimsical wonderland as winter sets in.
Winthrop in Winter
The hand-hewn boardwalk planks of town set the scene, where you can hear the chime of cowboy spurs and the clop of horses hooves as you mosey through the historic hamlet. With relics from a bygone era incorporated throughout town, you will feel like you stepped back in time. The storefronts bring added charm with an old mercantile, farm exchange building, general merchandise store, antique automotive repair shop and old-timey bank. The town has a rich wild west character that transports you to simpler times while offering modern amenities, abundant recreation, stunning natural beauty and exciting events. It is the perfect destination for a holiday getaway.
Winter is the perfect time for creating memories, making magic out of little moments and finding charm throughout the season. It’s a time for soul-soothing beverages, delicious treats, and cozy clothing that bring on the nostalgia of younger years. We gather together with loved ones, reflect on the year’s achievements and set goals for our futures. As the quiet of winter sets in, we create time for mindful moments of gratitude that seem to escape us throughout the rest of the year.
Winthrop is the ideal setting for a romantic wintry retreat. Cozy up in a local coffee shop with views of the valley or enjoy a date night in a snowglobe with craft brews and delicious food from inside a riverside geodesic dome. Hold hands as you circle the charming outdoor ice rink surrounded by snow capped peaks or hit the trails to see winter wildlife and frosty ponderosa pines glittering the winter sun.
Share a cocktail together at the oldest legal saloon in Washington State or take a walk around the grounds of the Shafer museum to learn more about the vibrant history of the area. Spend an afternoon strolling along the boardwalk with your sweetheart shopping for trinkets and gifts in the family-owned shops and galleries on Riverside Avenue.
Set on the eastern slopes of North Cascades National Park the Methow Valley is perfect for an action-packed winter family vacation. Home to North America’s largest cross country ski system that weaves through Winthrop and into the foothills of the valley, you will find adventure starting the moment you arrive.
winter outdoor fun in wintrhop
Try out classic or skate skiing on the meticulously groomed trails or strap on snowshoes for a tromp through dazzling frozen forests. Rent fat bikes from one of the local outdoor stores for a cruise through the snowy valley or grab an auger from our local hardware store and set up a picnic for a day of ice fishing on one of the alpine lakes just outside of town. For an adrenaline rush, book a heli-ski trip into the untouched backcountry or venture to remote areas of the valley on an epic snowmobile tour.
Winthrop hosts a variety of iconic events throughout the winter. There’s a hilarious and adorable costumed ski race with your dog, a competitive community snowshoe softball tournament, a local filmmaker outdoor movie screening, holiday markets and bazaars with regional craft vendors, live music at local establishments, ice skating parties at the outdoor rink, and a mesmerizing hot air balloon festival.
In the winter months, the North Cascades Highway is closed due to avalanche risks. With the highway closed, Winthrop becomes the last established town on the road, making the allure of a remote getaway even more enticing. It’s a place where you can escape from all the stresses of everyday life and tuck yourself away in a unique and secluded destination.
Due to the wildfire risk in the summer, Winthrop opts out of traditional Fourth of July festivities and instead, holds a winter festival called Christmas at the End of the Road with horse drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, a traditional town lighting ceremony with caroling, seasonal specialities and a spectacular fireworks show illuminating the entire town and splashing color across the snow covered landscape. Held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year, it is a quintessential winter celebration that you don’t want to miss.
Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway in a picturesque town snuggled beside a crackling fire or for an exhilarating adventure with epic excursions in the rugged terrain of the North Cascades, Winthrop is the place to be this winter. Find lodging options at WinthropWashington.com and book your trip now in a riverside cabin, mountain lodge, cozy home rental or classic hotel. Your winter vacation awaits!
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Juliet Kennedy lives in the remote mountain community of Mazama in North Central Washington. Her home rests on the banks of the Methow River, nestled beneath jagged peaks, surrounded by the vast wilderness of the North Cascades. You can usually find her in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest with her husband; hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, foraging and connecting with the natural abundance this state has to offer.
