Winter in the Lake Chelan Valley might just be one of Washington’s best kept secrets. Crowds are sparse, the snow blanketed hills instill a gentle quiet, and opportunities abound for winter recreation. With an annual average of 34 inches of snowfall, a visit to Chelan during the “off season” is akin to hopping into a snowglobe. Here are the top activities we enjoy across the valley all winter long.

 

Sled at a Winery

Photo credit: Rio Vista Wines

The topography of the Lake Chelan Valley isn’t great for just grape-growing – it makes for some killer sledding hills as well! With many of the wineries offering sledding and s’mores at their tasting rooms, you can make a wine tasting tour a trip for the whole family.

 

Tubing and Skiing at Echo Valley Ski Hill

Photo credit: Echo Valley Ski Area

The Echo Valley Ski Area is an independently operated ski hill just 10 miles from downtown Chelan. With options for skiing and tubing, plus Nordic skiing tracks at the Echo Ridge hiking area above, there is no shortage of activities to make it a perfect snow day!

 

Red Wine & Chocolate

Photo credit: Fielding hills Winery

Throughout the colder months, many of the wineries set out fire pits and offer wine and chocolate pairings to warm the body and the belly. Stop by in February for the Month of Love, featuring decadent wine & chocolate pairings and specials at wineries across the valley.

 

Firework Displays

Photo credit: Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce

Fireworks aren’t just for the Fourth of July, and there is something especially dazzling about seeing the snow capped hills lit up. Catch a fireworks show as part of the Small Town Holidays festivities between Chelan and Manson throughout the month of December, as well as to kick off the Lake Chelan Winterfest events in January.

 

Bonfire Nights

When temperatures hold steady in the 20s, sometimes the best thing to do is lean into the chill. Many wineries and restaurants offer fire pits and bonfires throughout the winter – a great way to get out and connect with the community while keeping nice and toasty.