It might be hard to imagine on a dreary Northwest winter’s day, but you can find sun and snow only a few hours away from Seattle. Leavenworth, the Bavarian-themed town nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, is a true winter wonderland. With a cabin rental just a click away, there is no excuse to not head out for a weekend escape full of skiing, snowshoeing and snow tubing.
Ready to start planning? We’ve outlined all the great activities in and around this family-friendly adventure town.
Downhill & Nordic Skiing at Stevens Pass
Just thirty minutes from Leavenworth, Stevens Pass is an easy day trip for ski enthusiasts, with 37 major runs that will thrill blue and black skiers alike.
If cross-country skiing is more your style, another five miles east on Highway 2 will take you to 28 kilometers of groomed trails. Need equipment or a quick lesson before hitting the trail? The Stevens Pass Nordic Center offers skis for rent and classic and skate skiing lessons.
Downhill Skiing at Mission Ridge
A smaller mountain located an hour east of Leavenworth, Mission Ridge boasts fewer lines, more powder and the low-key atmosphere of a family-friendly mountain. But don’t let the family reputation deter you if you’re an advanced skier. The Mission Ridge backcountry can’t be beat. Get a quick preview of the unrivaled backcountry in this video:
Cross-country Skiing at Icicle Creek
One of the best exercise sessions you can get in the snow, cross-country skiing offers a total body, low-impact workout, and helps build endurance while improving cardiovascular health. Ready to see for yourself? A trip to Leavenworth is the perfect time to try the sport. Whether you’re ready to try skate skiing or prefer to stay traditional, inexpensive ski rentals and trail passes for as low as $16 make this sport accessible for any level. Newbies should head to Icicle River, where two interconnecting loop trails offer the perfect terrain to test out new skis and get comfortable with technique.
Snow Tubing at Ski Hill
For those wanting to stay close to Leavenworth, head to Ski Hill, located just two miles from the downtown center. The whole family will enjoy the thrill of gliding down Ski Hill on a snow tube while watching nearby ski jumpers flying off of a 27-meter jump. To get in a great workout, you can also test out seven kilometers of intermediate and advanced Nordic tracks, with five kilometers lit for night skiing.
Snowshoeing
Prefer to explore this beautiful mountain town on foot? Opt for a snowshoe adventure! To avert the crowds and find extraordinary views of the Wenatchee River Valley, try the Hatchery Creek trail, a five-mile trek on easy terrain. For other trails, check out the top six snowshoeing trails in Leavenworth before you set out.
If your friends or family are spending the day on the slopes at Stevens, opt for a short, albeit difficult snowshoe on the Skyline Lake trail, which leaves from the Stevens parking lot.
Equipment Rentals – Stock Up On All The Gear You Need
Heading out to Leavenworth without equipment? No problem. Check out one of the many local vendors that will get you set up with all the gear you need for your winter adventure.
