The secret is out! The Lake Chelan Valley, in the center of North Central Washington, has long been known for its winter recreation opportunities, but until now, few people have heard about it. Whether you like downhill skiing without the crowds, or cross country skiing through the beautifully valley scenery, we have something for skiers of every skill level.

Echo Valley Ski Area
Want an enjoyable day of skiing without the crowds? Lake Chelan's Echo Valley is the perfect fit for a family ski weekend in North Central Washington. Known for its tradition as a training ground for young skiers, the Echo Valley Winter Recreation area offers alpine skiers over 70 acres of skiable terrain.

What: Owned and operated by the Lake Chelan Ski Club, the ski hill offers three rope tows and a 1,400 foot Poma lift for the more advanced skier.¾ Echo Valley is the perfect place to take the kids for their first skiing experience. There is ski instruction available for all ages including kids down to three years old. The ski area has a day lodge with a roaring log-sized fireplace to warm the toes and a food concession.

When: Open on weekends and holidays (daily from December 16 through the Christmas holiday season) and remains open until the middle of February depending on snow conditions.

Where: Head north of Chelan on Manson Highway about 2 miles to Boyd Road. Turn left and follow Boyd Road approximately 7 miles to Cooper Gulch Road. Follow signs a short distance to the Ski area.

Tubing at Echo Valley is a family affair.

Cost: Daily lift tickets are $20 and kids five and under ski free. Instruction is available for children as young as three. Rental equipment is available at the hill from Lakeland Ski.

Contact: (509) 682-4002 or (800) 4-CHELAN

www.echovalley.org

Echo Ridge Nordic Area
Can't wait to hit the cross-country ski trails? Well, as of mid-November Echo Ridge is already skiable, proving that this premiere Nordic ski area is one of the earliest ski areas to open up to cross-country skiers.

What: This professionally designed ski area offers 23 km (14 miles) of groomed trails and 7 km (4 miles) of ungroomed trails that follow the contours of the terrain creating interesting and exciting skiing for all ability levels.

When: Opened mid-November 8^th this year, and will remain open until conditions no longer allow skiing.

Where: Head north of Chelan on Manson Highway about 2 miles to Boyd Road. Turn left and follow Boyd Road approximately 7 miles to Cooper Gulch Road. Continue past the Echo Valley Ski Area about 2 miles.

Cost: Echo Ridge is a U.S. Forest Service facility operated by the Chelan Ranger District and the Lake Chelan Nordic Club. It is a fee-use area under the Northwest Forest Pass program. Season's Passes are available at USFS Chelan Ranger Station, Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, Lake Chelan Sports in downtown Chelan, and at the Rental Shop at Echo Valley

• A season's pass is $40 for 18 yrs & over with daily fees at the trail head of $5.
• 17 and under are free.

For a PDF version of the '05-06 Echo Ridge Ski Pass application form, email nealg@eigenvector.com

Note that Sno-Park, Northwest Forest Pass and Golden Age are not accepted.

Contact: Lake Chelan Nordic Club 

For current Grooming Reports, click here
For a map of Echo Ridge, click here

Mission Ridge Ski Area
Mission Ridge is a best bet for excellent powder skiing and for those staying in the Lake Chelan Valley, the Ridge is only about one hour driving time.

What: With a summit elevation of 6,770 feet and a base elevation of 4,570 feet, the Ridge offers skiers 2,200 feet of vertical, 36 runs and a snowboard park with four double chairs and two rope tows. Mission Ridge has gained a reputation for excellence in grooming, powder and sunshine. Check out B.2.4, the new terrain park located near the top of Chair #2 with approximately 3 ½ acres of features and fun!

Mission Ridge offers families ski and snowboard lessons and rentals. Other facilities include dining at Hampton Lodge and Midway as well as a full service rental and repair shop, retail items and one of a kind gift items, child care, season lockers and 4 nights of night skiing.

When: Schedule opening date, usually the first weekend in December.

Mission Ridge offers families ski and snowboard lessons and rentals.

Where: Mission Ridge is located 12 miles from Wenatchee. From Chelan, drive south on 97A through Wenatchee, and then follow the signs that will direct you to Squilchuck Road, and the Ridge.

Cost: Season Pass, Bomber Card offering discounts at all kinds of local locations, Stay and Play packages and Mountain Money, information available online at www.missionridge.comor by calling (509) 663-6543.

Contact: This year, the Ridge has gone on-line to help reduce lines and allow people to reserve rental equipment or sign up for lessons. The Internet site is www.missionridge.com. Or for personal help, call (509) 663-6543.

X-C Ski Equipment Sales and Rentals available
Lake Chelan Sports, Inc
132 E. Woodin Ave
Chelan, Wa 98816
(509) 682-2629
Fax: (509) 682-8426 e-mail: info@Lake Chelan Sports.com Sporting goods: water skiis, inflatables, x-c skis, snowshoes, tennis rackets, basketballs, volleyballs, sunglasses, Jansport backpacks, and athletic shoes & sandals, and brand name sportswear.