Winter Recreation
Ski from your front door. Snowshoe to the river and back. Sled all day. Take your packed lunch to the trails or enjoy in our Lodge's Warming Hut, and enjoy the outdoor hot tub at night. Mazama winter activities from the North Cascades Basecamp are setup for fun!
Click here to learn more about our winter naturalist programs and to see a map of the Basecamp property's winter trail system.
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Ice-skating
- Alpine Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Backcountry Skiing and touring
- Ski Races & Events
Come ski in Mazama this winter on the best trails in the Pacific Northwest! The Basecamp's on-site trailhead provides out your door access to the 200+ km Nordic ski trail system maintained by the Methow Valley Sport Trail Association. Ski the Basecamp Trail up valley to the ski bridge over the Methow River and on to the Arrowleaf trails, or venture down valley to the Mazama Store and on to the Latte Loop. Enjoy hot drinks or sit by the warm fire at the Warming Hut at the Basecamp Lodge. The entire trail system is right there- the possibilities are endless!
Snowshoe trails at the North Cascades Basecamp will keep you busy for hours while getting off the main ski trails to enjoy the mountain views and river serenity. Bring your own snowshoes, or rent for a ½ or full day at the Basecamp Warming Hut. The Nature of Winter snowshoe tours are naturalist led 2-hour snowshoe tours that teach about winter ecology, wildlife and tracks, snow conditions and more. These family-friendly tours leave from the North Cascades Basecamp Warming Hut in Mazama at 11:00 a.m. on scheduled dates. See MVSTA's webpage for more details. Private naturalist tours are available- ask the Basecamp staff for more information.
The Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink, located outdoors right next to the Winthrop town trailhead, offers open skate, skating lessons, hockey, and rentals. Check the rink calendar for skating times and events.
The Loup Loup Ski Bowl is 45 minutes away, offering over 1500 vertical feet of fun in a family friendly atmosphere.
Snowmobile trail access at Yellow Jacket and Goat Creek Sno Parks are just three miles down the road.
You want powder and steeps? The guides at North Cascades Heli and North Cascades Mountain Guides offer guided trips for backcountry, alpine, and telemark skiing. You want rolling front country touring? Ask Basecamp staff for recommendations on the endless terrain above and around Winthrop. You want a place to put your feet up at the end of the day? Stay at the Basecamp!
MVSTA sponsors several competitive and fun for the family ski races and events during the winter months. Often times races start here in Mazama, and what a better place to position yourself for the fun than at the Basecamp.
