Cross Country Skiing at Echo Ridge near Chelan
If you’re looking for a perfect day of cross country skiing with blue skies, no crowds and a wide variety of challenge levels on the trails, look no further than the Echo Ridge Ski Area near Lake Chelan.
This is my favorite place to cross country ski anywhere in Washington State – the catch is it has a fairly short season on this sunnier and drier side of the Cascade Mountains.
Not only is the skiing amazing – when conditions are good (which isn’t all the time) the best in Washington, but visiting the town of Chelan is absolutely delightful in winter.
Lodging is much more affordable in Lake Chelan in winter, and it’s just as beautiful. Some businesses are closed or with more limited hours but most things are open and it’s a great time to visit Chelan’s many wineries.
Pass Needed: Bring $15 CASH per person
Dog Friendly: No, dogs are not allowed on the trails here during winter
Cell Service: There is some cell service most of the time, but not everywhere. Download the map before arriving.
Restrooms: There is a pit toilet in the parking area
Related: Beginner cross country skiing near Seattle
When is there snow at Echo Ridge?
January and February are usually the best months for skiing here, but it’s really important to check the trail conditions before heading out because the drier weather here means that you can’t always count on good snow. It may be good as early as December and as late as March, but don’t count on those months, or really any months. Always make sure to check.
How to get to Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Trails
You can follow Google maps here, but you might lose service so having directions on your is a good idea. The nordic (cross country) ski area is about 11 miles from the town of Chelan.
From the town of Chelan, head out towards Mason on the Mason Highway. Turn right on Boyd Road which becomes Cooper Mountain Road. When you get to the Echo Valley downhill ski area and the cabins (great place to stay by the way), continue up on the forest service road. It’s a couple more miles and very steep and winding and at times very icy – make sure to take it very slow and watch for traffic coming the other way.
The road dead ends at the upper trailhead and you can pay your fee here and get ready to hit the trail.
Exploring the cross country ski trail system at Echo Ridge
One of the wonderful things about this trail system is the many, many miles of trails and the variety of challenge levels. There are lots of beginner trails and also some very challenging trails that are way too hard for me!
My favorite route is about a 5 mile loop that’s a combination of green and blue routes and follows Nowhere to Hide, Big Critter, Far East and Upsy-Daisy on this map.
You can add endless loops and options to create the perfect ski day for you.
There are forested areas and places with big sweeping views on clear days and sort of clear days.
There’s also a warming yurt near the parking area that often has the woodstove going and has a few tables and chairs to enjoy your picnic lunch at (make sure to take all your trash and food with you).
Everyone I’ve ever met skiing there has been friendly and it’s never busy compared to cross country ski trails closer to Seattle or Vancouver.
On the way back to Chelan you’ll drive past many wineries, perfect for enjoying some local wine and snacks while continuing to check out the amazing view of the lake.
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