A Guide to Cross-Country (or Nordic) Skiing Washington
A version of this article originally appeared in the Jan+Feb 2013 issue of Washington Trails magazine. | By Holly Weiler
A cross country skier enjoy the picturesque Artist Point. Photo by Alison Mehravari.
Before grabbing the snowshoes for another winter walk in the woods, consider an alternative: Nordic (skate) or classic cross-country skiing.
For those who are new to the sport, classic skiing is easy to pick up after just a few outings. For those who are looking for a challenge, skate skiing provides a full-body workout that is hard to duplicate in any other outdoor activity.
A basic cross-country setup is relatively inexpensive, and there are rental options from a variety of outdoor retailers for those who would prefer to try it before they buy it.
Locations and permits
Once properly outfitted, your best bet is to head for one of the Sno-Parks in Washington set aside for nonmotorized use with groomed trails for skiing.
There are also a handful of privately operated Nordic areas across the state, and these areas have their own parking or permitting system. Remember that in addition to knowing which permit is required, it is crucial to know the trail basics before heading out. See a list of trail systems at the end the article.
Dogs and skijoring
Dogs are generally not allowed on groomed Nordic trails — however, there are exceptions. Some Nordic areas offer specific dog-friendly trails or trail hours, so call ahead if your outing will not be complete without your four-legged friend. Know that even if your pup is allowed, she may be required to remain on-leash. The best way to ski with a dog (when dogs are allowed) is by using a sled-dog harness and a bungee leash system: this is skijoring, and it’s a fast-growing winter sport in some locations.
Cross-country courtesy
Snowshoes are not allowed on groomed Nordic trails. Many nonmotorized winter Sno-Park locations offer nearby snowshoe trails, but walk across groomed trails on snowshoes — it ruins the tracks and the skating deck. This is good practice, even outside of official ski areas. If you are snowshoeing on roads or other popular routes, avoid stepping on ski tracks.
Finally, remember that the usual rules of the road apply here. Always keep skier-right when classic skiing, and try to remain right of middle while skating. Yield to downhill traffic — it’s hard to turn and stop quickly on Nordic skis!
If you fall (and you will!), try to smooth out the spot after you get up again. A depression left in the snow will cause the next skier to fall there too.
Kautz Glacier Route. Photo by Andrew Monks.
Cross-country ski trail systems across Washington
South Cascades
Three Sno-Parks in this region share a linked trail system that offers approximately 40 miles of Nordic trails. McClellan Meadows is the smallest of the three, Old Man and Koshko is the largest.
Spokane
This trail system offers 23 miles of doubletrack with a skating deck. Don’t miss the annual Langlauf 10km classic ski race (all ages and abilities) in February. Visit the Spokane Nordic Ski Association for more info and events.
Methow Valley
The Methow Valley is a mecca for Nordic skiers. The trail system is divided into four areas: the Methow Valley Community Trail system (30 km), the Sun Mountain trail system (54 km), the Mazama Trails (33 km) and the Rendezvous Trails (48 km). Local ski events include the Backyard Ski Day on January 31, 2025, followed by Race of the Methow on February 1, and then the Ski to the Sun on February 8.) Visit Methow Trails for more info.
Chelan-Leavenworth
The Echo Ridge Nordic area boasts more than 25 miles of groomed trails. The trail system is operated by the Chelan Ranger District with the Lake Chelan Nordic Ski Club; Sno-Park permits and NW Forest Passes are not honored here. Visit during the Lake Chelan Winterfest January 12-21. Visit the Lake Chelan Nordic Club for more info.
Closer to Leavenworth, the Plain Valley Nordic Trails offer 22 km of regularly groomed ski trails. Also in the area are the Lake Wenatchee State Park, Chiwawa and Nason Ridge Sno-Parks, all of which offer places to make tracks.
Mount Baker
The Razor Hone Base Area trail at Salmon Ridge Sno-Park offers 30 km of both track skiing and a skate deck. The Nooksack Nordic Club received a grant a few years ago to improve trail grooming here.
Stevens Pass
Visit the Nordic Center just east of Stevens Pass, which offers 28 km of groomed trails.
Greenwater-Yakima
Mount Tahoma Trails Association maintains 44 km of groomed trails and offers three backcountry huts and one yurt. Bunks are available at only $15 per night and can be reserved ahead of time. Bring a sleeping bag and food; the huts contain everything else you’ll need for a night on the ski trails, but be prepared to share the space with other visitors (yes, even overnight). Learn more at the Mount Tahoma Trails Association.