Did you know The Lodge is only 25 minutes from miles of gorgeous winter trails?
That’s right! All it takes is a short drive into the Manson Hills to climb above the cloud cover and immerse yourself in the winter beauty of North Central Washington.
We’re talking about Echo Ridge, which serves as a summer recreation destination and a winter haven for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Cross-country skiing is an especially popular activity, with over 25 miles of trails to explore at every skill level!
Let’s dive into the history of cross-country skiing and everything to know before you hit the trails at Echo Ridge!
The Origins of Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing has a history spanning back thousands of years!
Evidence suggests that cross-country skiing began in Scandinavia 6000 years ago, although it may have been practiced as early as 600 BCE in what is now China.
Early Nordic societies used skis to traverse snowy terrain for hunting, gathering, and survival. By the Middle Ages, skiing had evolved into a critical mode of transportation and even a tool of warfare.
The 19th century marked the shift of cross-country skiing from a necessity to a recreational activity. Norway played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport, setting the foundation for its inclusion in the Winter Olympics and its spread worldwide.
Today, cross-country skiing is an Olympic sport, a favorite winter workout, and an excellent excuse to drink hot cocoa afterward!
Cross-Country Skiing vs Downhill Skiing
Skiing is skiing, right?
Wrong!
Cross-country skiing is all about traversing flat or rolling terrain using your own strength and momentum, while downhill skiing focuses on gravity-powered descents down steep slopes.
With cross-country skiing, skiers use long, lightweight skis and flexible boots to glide across groomed trails, open fields, or backcountry paths. Poles play a vital role, propelling the skier forward with synchronized arm and leg movements.
Downhill skiing, on the other hand, requires stiff, rigid boots fixed to shorter, wider skis for better control during turns and stops. The terrain is typically steeper, and skiers often rely on ski lifts or gondolas to reach the top of the slopes.
Both offer unique challenges and joys while catering to different kinds of adventure-seekers!
Cross-Country Skiing at Echo Ridge
Photo credit: Echo Valley Ski Area
Now that we know a little more about the history of cross-country skiing, it’s time to hit the trails!
What You’ll Need
Well, skis, of course! If you don’t have your own cross-country skis, no need to worry. There are two rental options in the Chelan Valley.
You can rent cross-country skis from Lake Chelan Sports in downtown Chelan or the Echo Valley Ski Resort on the way up to Echo Ridge (open seasonally).
Both locations have rates for children and adults, and you can even rent for multiple days at Lake Chelan Sports. Rentals come with boots and poles, so you don’t have to scramble for extra equipment.
Check the Lake Chelan Sports rental website and the Echo Valley Ski Area website for more details.
Other than skis, make sure you wear warm winter clothing—although remember that cross-country skiing can be quite the workout! Breathable fabric will be key to keeping you warm, but not TOO warm.
Base layers made from polyester or merino wool are good options, as is a middle layer made from fleece and a lightweight, waterproof, and windproof jacket.
Getting to Echo Ridge
Getting to Echo Ridge is a breeze from The Lodge.
Take a right out of The Lodge parking lot, then a right onto E Wapato Way.
After about two miles, take a left onto Winesap Ave (between Cairdeas Winery and Lake Chelan Winery), and then follow the road up, up, up until you hit Silver Bell Winery, where Winesap will take a sharp left curve.
Continue on Winesap Ave. for about 2.5 miles before you hit Boyd Loop Rd.
Take a right on Boyd Loop Rd, then a left on Cooper Mountain Rd, and follow the signs to the end of the pavement at the Echo Valley Ski Area/Chelan Rentals Resorts complex.
From this point, a Forest Service road winds steeply uphill (right) for about two miles, where you can access the Switchback Alley (for snowshoeing), Zoom (groomed for skiing and snowshoeing), and the Shoe Trailheads (for snowshoeing), and finally the main parking areas at Lower and Upper Echo Trailheads.
Day ski passes are $15 per person and can be purchased with cash or check at the self-service fee areas located at the trailheads. Kids 17 and under ski free! The ski trails are open 24/7.
Have Fun!
If you’ve never cross-country skied before, you may find it a little challenging to get started.
That’s totally normal!
Remember that practice makes perfect, and falling is just part of the process! Luckily, you’ll have nice, powdery snow to soften the blow.
Take it slow, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you glide through the forested landscape. We promise it will make that post-skiing glass of wine taste even better!
Thank you to the Lake Chelan Nordic Club for regularly grooming and caring for the cross-country ski trails! You can find more info about trails and grooming on their website.
Book Your Winter Getaway at The Lodge
Mountain View Lodge is located right in the heart of the Lake Chelan Valley, a quick walk to the charming Village of Manson and a short drive along the lake from Chelan.
With proximity to shops, restaurants, and the lake, it’s the perfect space to make your home base while you explore all the charm our valley has to offer this winter!
Book online or give us a call today to book your stay in the Lake Chelan Valley. We look forward to hosting you!