Chelan, Washington may be known for its clear blue lake and warm-weather activities, but it is actually a great place to visit in any season. Winter is certainly no exception. The snowy months turn Chelan’s small-town charm into a winter wonderland with plenty in store for visitors and residents alike.
If you are looking for a winter destination for your next vacation, Chelan is just the place to go to. Here are some of the best activities you can include in your winter itinerary.
Winter sports and outdoor activities
Chelan’s snowy winters make it the perfect setting to engage in exciting winter sports and outdoor activities. Take your pick from skiing, sledding, snowboarding, or snowmobiling. Only 10 miles from Chelan, the Echo Valley Ski & Tubing Area offers a 70-acre ski area with 900 vertical feet of ski and snowboard runs and a 6-lane tubing hill that the whole family can enjoy. On the other hand, the Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area & Trails offers over 25 miles of groomed trails where you can enjoy cross-country skiing.
Wine tasting
With over 30 wineries in the area, Lake Chelan is known for its excellent wine. It was designated an American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 2009 and so wine tasting should be part of your itinerary, whatever the season. There’s a great selection of wineries to choose from, such as Amos Rome Vineyards, Vin du Lac Winery & Bistro, Tipsy Canyon Winery, and Tsillan Cellars & Sorrento’s Ristorante. Check out their websites for business hours or schedule a reservation.
Cideries and breweries
Cider is another thing Lake Chelan is known for, thanks to their world-famous apples. So if wine is not your thing, you might want to visit Chelan’s cideries instead. Some that you might want to check out include Rootwood Cider Co., Steelhead Cider, and ChelanCraft Cider. You can also sample the craft beer at local breweries such as Lake Chelan Brewery or Stormy Mountain Brewing. Better yet, include cideries and breweries in your itinerary.
Winter festivals
Make your trip to Chelan even more memorable by attending the yearly Lake Chelan Winterfest and the Red Wine and Chocolate Festival. Winterfest is held in January and features ice sculptures, fireworks, wine tasting, and more. Pick up a souvenir Winterfest button that comes with special offers from participating businesses. The annual Red Wine and Chocolate Festival is held over two weekends in February, the perfect way to celebrate the month of love. Whether or not you are there for the romance, you can enjoy artisan chocolate pairings offered by local wineries.
Winter cruise
Enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Chelan aboard the Lady of the Lake. The Lake Chelan Boat Company’s Lady Express is open all year round with trips across the 55-mile length of the lake to Stehekin, Holden Village, and Upper Lake Chelan. The company also offers a Winterfest Fireworks Cruise for an even more memorable Winterfest experience. Book tickets ahead of time for guaranteed seating.
Learn more about Lake Chelan as a winter destination and discover your real estate options in the area. Contact our expert Lake Chelan Realtors, Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan Properties, at 509.682.7777 or email info(at)cbchelan(dotted)com.