Meet us early in the morning in Seattle. It's a bit of a drive (3-4 hours) to the Methow Valley, so dress comfortably and plan to relax in the van for the ride. We will stop for lunch along the way. Once we arrive in the valley, change into your ski clothes for a gear fitting. We will provide an introductory lesson in the flat 'test run' area just outside the ski shop. If you already know what you're doing, you can head out on the groomed trails – the area is wide open, with broad fields and loop trails so you won't get lost. Take a little time to get used to the equipment, then it's off to the Inn at Mazama for the first of our three nights there.
Itinerary
Washington's gorgeous Methow Valley is the nation's largest cross-country ski area, with over 200 kilometers (120 miles) of groomed trails. Nestled into the Northeast slope of the Cascade Mountains and surrounded by over a million acres of wilderness and forestland, the Methow Valley offers a pristine snow-covered landscape with a serene atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook. Spend three nights at one end of the valley and two at the other end, getting to know the host communities of Mazama and Winthrop, and expanding the amount of territory you can explore in one week.
Enjoy six days of cross-country skiing, classic and/or skate technique, with all equipment provided. Swap your gear from classic to skate-skis and try both! This trip is perfect for novice and expert alike. Never skied before, or it has been a long time? No problem, you will have an opportunity to take an introductory lesson on day one, and receive coaching and tips by experienced cross-country ski guides throughout the trip. Avid cyclists will appreciate cross-country skiing as the perfect winter complement to summer cycling. Have fun in the snow, then go home stronger on the bike – it's the best of both worlds. You’ll also have an opportunity to try fat-biking (rental included) or snowshoeing (equipment provided) if you want to use different muscles and see different trails.
Immersed in your unforgettable winter adventure, you will hone your skiing skills throughout the week, while traversing scenic trails, surrounded by majestic mountains and the tranquility of the Methow River.
[Note: Transfer to and from Seattle is included.]
Program zájezdu
Meet in Seattle and shuttle to Mazama. Head out for a ski before dinner.
Explore flat to rolling section of Methow Community Trail
We start the day with another short lesson (for those that want it). Then we’re off to explore a flat-to-rolling 10 km section of the 30 km Methow Community Trail. If you're up for a loop, head back up the valley on an 8 km rolling section of trail, or hop in the shuttle waiting near the end. Lunch is a fun, quaint affair at the Mazama Country Store. This afternoon, relax in the hot tub, swap skis for snowshoes if you wish - or slip away for another 10- 12k out-and-back cruise to an area called Base Camp.
Explore the Upper Methow Valley
After breakfast, we head out to explore the upper valley. Ski the River Run Loop this morning, through a beautiful valley surrounded by snow-covered cliffs, with glimpses of the snowy Cascade Range peaks in the distance. Today's trails head into the narrower part of the Methow Valley. Cozy woods alternate with open meadows and big flat loops. Soak up the sunshine at a spot affectionately named 'Cow Beach.' After lunch, ski (or shuttle) to Jack's Hut and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. Choose to keep exploring the trails by ski or snowshoe. Or head into the lodge to snuggle up by the fire.
Head south on the Community Trail, Explore the Western-themed town of Winthrop
We head south 18 km on the community trail to Brown's Farm this morning. Fit in as many – or as few – kilometers as you wish: there are plenty of opportunities to hop in the van. Arrive to greet a smiling guide and head into Winthrop to enjoy a nice hot lunch. Done skiing? Shuttle up to Sun Mountain Lodge for a soak in the hot tub and maybe even a massage (book your appointment ahead of time). Or get out on snowshoes to explore the expansive views from the ridge. Dinner is at the lodge tonight, so the afternoon is all yours.
Snowshoe or go fat biking in Winthrop
Shuttle into Winthrop in the morning and choose between going fat biking or snowshoeing (rentals included). Or you can just hang out and relax or ski from the lodge. In the afternoon we will head to the Chickadee Trailhead to explore some new trails. The terrain is woodsier here, but there are trails for all levels so you can take your pick. The afternoon is a good time to get a massage (if you opted out yesterday), soak in the hot tub or sit by the fire. We will head into Winthrop for a nice closing dinner, reflecting on the memories of great skiing and amazing scenery!
Get an early start to ski in the morning then shuttle back to Seattle
Have breakfast at the lodge and get an early start this morning to squeeze in another half day of skiing along the Chickadee Trails. After packing up, we’ll hop in the van for the drive to Winthrop to explore the town and have a bite of lunch on your own. Then it's back in the van to finish the remainder of the drive back to Seattle.
Podmínky storna
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
The responsibility of Bicycle Adventures and/or its agents is limited. Bicycle Adventures hereby gives notice that it acts only in the capacity as an agent for the tour participant in all matters, including payment, connected with lodging and meal services, sightseeing tours, and other suppliers of service and transportation, and Bicycle Adventures has no personal liability for payment therefore, either primarily or secondarily, other than as the agent for the tour participant.
In the event that it becomes necessary or advisable for any reason whatsoever to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations shall be made. Bicycle Adventures reserves the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason. In case of such a cancellation, Bicycle Adventures will place recoverable funds into credit on file in the guest's name, to be used toward any future trip of the guest's choice for which space is available. This shall release Bicycle Adventures from any further liability. Bicycle Adventures is specifically not liable for non-refundable airplane tickets and other personal expenses incurred in preparation for a trip that is canceled.
Bicycle Adventures reserves the unilateral right not to accept or retain as a tour participant any person whose condition or general deportment, in Bicycle Adventures' sole judgment, impedes the operation of the tour or affects the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants. Should such a person be required to leave a tour, it will be treated as leaving a tour early per our cancellation policy. Should a traveler be removed from a trip, they will not be refunded any portion of their trip fee even if that portion is unused. They will also be responsible for arranging and paying for all expenses related to returning home and/or changing their travel arrangements. Bicycle Adventures' obligations with respect to any funds received shall be those of a debtor and not a trustee.
There are certain risks and dangers inherent in any form of adventure travel. Bicycle Adventures assumes no responsibility or liability for any claims or damages, for any reason, arising from these risks. Guests are responsible for choosing a trip that suits their abilities, fitness level, and state of health.
A Release, Indemnity Agreement and Assumption of Risk form must be signed by each guest and returned to our office prior to the start of their tour. If the unaltered and signed Release, Indemnity Agreement and Assumption of Risk form is not received in the Bicycle Adventures office when due, Bicycle Adventures has the right to consider that reservation cancelled and resell your space.
Bicycle Adventures reserves the right to cancel your trip and resell your space if your final payment has not been received by the due date. Terms and conditions of any tour may be amended only by an officer of Bicycle Adventures.
Tour prices are per person, in United States dollars, fixed regardless of the number of people on a trip (no tier pricing), fixed regardless of foreign exchange fluctuations, and are the same if you are arriving alone or with others (no single surcharge). Prices include lodging; all meals as indicated in the trip descriptions; drinks and snacks from the van; maps and written route directions; all support vans and trailers as required; taxes; all gratuities to waiters (except for items that you pay for) and baggage handlers; leadership; all maintenance on rental bicycles; all park entrance fees; sea kayaking, rafting, canoe rentals, wildlife cruises, boat rides, snorkeling, horseback riding, and tourist attractions where noted in the trip descriptions; and ferry boat tickets where the ferry ride is part of a day's standard itinerary.
Excluded from the Trip Price are items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, any discretionary gratuities for your trip leaders, excursion boat rides you charter, museum and tourist attractions entrance fees you purchase, food and beverages you purchase, room service charges, some meals where indicated in the trip descriptions, telephone calls you make, laundry, parts to repair your personal bicycle, and repairs to your personal bicycle done in a bicycle shop..
Podrobnosti o zájezdu
Ubytování
Our regional expertise, a constant re-evaluation of last year's inns, and a continuing search for the best experience ensure that our lodging is always among the finest the area has to offer. By limiting the number of guests on each trip, we expand our choices and are able to fit into some smaller, award-winning bed and breakfasts and country inns that wouldn't be able to accommodate a larger group.
Lodging is based upon two people sharing a room with a private bath. If you're traveling solo on any of our trips and you're open to sharing a room with another solo traveler of the same gender, you pay 50% of the single supplement fee up front. If we are able to assign you a roommate, that fee is refunded to you. You can guarantee a private room and bath if you pay the full Single Supplement Fee. Occasionally, a room with two beds consists of one bed plus a rollaway bed or sofa bed. Call our office to see if this is applicable to the trip and date you select.
Doprava
You are welcome to ride in the van at any time - no explanation required. Some want a lift to warm up or to skip a few kilometers of skiing; others have ridden in the van for the entire trip. It's your vacation - you decide.
We use a fleet of specially ordered and customized 15-passenger vans. Most have a seven-liter V-10 engine, high rear axle ratio, and heavy-duty trailer towing package for efficiently moving a van full of people pulling a large trailer full of luggage and food. Vans for winter tours have all wheel drive and guides who are experienced with driving in winter conditions.
Pojištění
Doplňkové služby
- Skiing - Choice of classic or skate skis, boots, & poles included
- Snowshoeing - snowshoes and poles provided
- Fat biking - fat bikes provided
Doplňkové služby
- 1 lunch
- 1 dinner
Jídlo
All meals except for one lunch and one dinner are included in the cost of your tour. On the days that you're on your own for a meal, there will be ample options within walking distance of our location.
At Bicycle Adventures we like to eat well. Dinner is eaten together at the best restaurant in the area each night. If we have to shuttle everyone a short distance to get to that special place, we do it. At most restaurants, you order what you want from the menu. Except for alcohol, everything is included, even appetizers, salad, soup, and dessert. Breakfast is typically provided by the hotels and inns that we stay at, but if there's a local spot known for great breakfast, we'll find it and you'll be treated to a nutritious meal to start your day. Lunch is provided at a state park or similar scenic setting midway during the day’s ride. Guests are always surprised at the variety and quality of lunches we prepare. Besides sandwich fixings and cold drinks, we offer fresh fruits and vegetables and hot lunches such as tortellini with pesto or veggie burritos. If you prefer a certain item of food or drink, just let your tour guide know and we will be sure to prepare just the right lunch to keep your energy up for the rest of the day.
During the day water, fruit juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, energy bars, fruit, and snacks are available from the van. A cold beer from our cooler waits at the end of the day, and you can relive the day’s highlights at our wine and cheese party before dinner.
Guide
Our guides are selected and trained for unparalleled personal service. Their backgrounds vary, but all share a love for the outdoors and, most importantly, a desire to help people make the most of their vacation. There are several ski instructors, a political analyst, an Emmy-winning journalist, and a college professor, among others. Almost all are college graduates. All are mature adults with expertise in leading our tours and extensive knowledge of the region we travel through.
Dobré vědět
Měna
US Dollar
USA