Your Guide to the Perfect Ski Trip in Wenatchee, WA
On the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains and about 2.5 hours away from Seattle, you’ll find Wenatchee, Washington is a wonderful destination for a ski getaway. There are dozens of wineries and breweries in the immediate area, and this central part of the state is significantly less-rainy and sunnier than the coast. It’s the perfect recipe for a powder-filled weekend on the slopes (and off)!
Here’s everything you need to know about planning the perfect Wenatchee ski trip.
Where to Ski in Wenatchee, WA
One of the best things about choosing Wenatchee as your home base for a ski trip is the quick, convenient access to two ski resorts.
Mission Ridge Ski Resort
Just 25 minutes from the Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel, Mission Ridge is a family-friendly ski resort in Washington known for the light, dry snow it gets. If you’ve ever skied or snowboarded in heavy, wet snow you’ll appreciate the magnificent feeling gliding down the mountain in feather-light snow. The resort is also built right into a basin, which gives it a unique geography that situates it slightly higher than other nearby ski mountains.
Badger Mountain Ski Area
Near Waterville, WA, about 45 minutes from Wenatchee and 35 minutes from the hotel, Badger Mountain is a small ski area with two unique offerings. It’s home of the lowest-priced ski lift ticket in all of North America at just $10 per day, and it’s run entirely by volunteers. While not as big or well-known as Mission Ridge, there’s something to be said for the quaint and welcoming feeling provided by Badger Mountain Ski Resort.
Non-skiing Fun Things to do in Wenatchee WA
You’ll spend plenty of time on the ski slopes, of course, but there are so many other awesome things to do in Wenatchee!
Explore Leavenworth
Leavenworth is an utterly charming Bavarian-themed mountain town about 25 minutes from Wenatchee, situated right on the banks of the Wenatchee River. It feels like a step back in time, with its colourful alpine buildings and abundance of pubs and breweries lining Front Street. Being in the Wenatchee Valley and so close to the Cascades, Leavenworth is also a great access point for some of Washington’s best snowshoeing and cross country skiing trails.
While Leavenworth is renowned for its annual Oktoberfest celebration, winter is a wonderful and magical time to visit. The entire town, appropriately called Christmastown, lights up in November and stays decorated through February! There’s also a fantastic European-style Christmas market and the unique Reindeer Farm!
Pybus Public Market in Wenatchee, WA
Public markets of this calibre are typically only found in major cities such as Seattle. Wenatchee’s Pybus Public Market is so impressive, however, that it’s an attraction in its own right, drawing people from all over the place!
The indoor marketplace is open year-round and features over 20 local vendors and creators, ranging from restaurants and Wenatchee breweries to artisan gift shops and wineries. There are also cooking classes, tastings, and other fun demonstrations held throughout the year.
Believe it or not, the public market’s physical building is one of the most interesting things about it. A former steel factory, there’s still part of a railroad track running right through the market! The scenic Columbia River also flows right next to it.
Apple Capital Loop Trail
Fun fact: Wenatchee is known as the Apple Capital of the World! Locally known as simply the “Loop Trail,” this scenic paved trail makes a loop through Wenatchee, following the Columbia River and then weaving its way through other parts of town.
In its entirety, the trail is about 17 kilometres (11 miles) long, but it also passes right by several riverfront parks, so it’s easy to hop on or off the trail at different points and do only as much as you want. Because it’s paved, the Loop Trail is also rather easy for walking — don’t let the longer distance dissuade you! Bonus: the trailhead is right down the street from the Pybus Public Market, so you can treat yourself to some local goodies before or after your hike!
Go Wine Tasting in Wenatchee, WA
As the saying goes, “When in Rome…” and in this particular case, Rome happens to be Washington wine country. The Wenatchee Valley may not be quite as well-known as Napa or Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, but it’s a fantastic wine region, unique for its unusually dry, sunny climate.
There are many excellent local Wenatchee wineries and tasting rooms right in town, and even more within an hour’s drive, toward Lake Chelan (perfect for exploring during a ski weekend!). If you’re a fan of reds, check out Horan Estates and if you prefer whites or blends, Crayelle Cellars is your spot.
Visit a Wenatchee Brewery
Wenatchee itself is home to five great local breweries, including four that are all clustered together within walking distance of one another downtown. These four make up what’s affectionately known as Brewer’s Row, comprising Badger Mountain Brewing, Columbia Valley Brewing, Wenatchee Valley Brewing Company, and 509 Bierwerks.
Each of the city’s breweries offer tastings and flights. Create your own little Wenatchee brewery crawl as part of your ski getaway!
McGlinn’s Public House
In a town with no shortage of fantastic eateries, it’s really saying something that McGlinn’s is worth going out of your way for. The restaurant serves up extremely well-executed comforting classics, like creamy macaroni and cheese topped with bacon and blue cheese and burgers smothered in tangy tzatziki.
The real draw of McGlinn’s, though, is the physical space it occupies. It’s housed in a well-preserved historic building and has an absolutely adorable outdoor patio. Best of all, the restaurant sources all local ingredients and makes almost everything in-house. Don’t forget to try a wine slushie!
Where to Stay in Wenatchee, WA
In the heart of downtown just steps away from the waterfront, the Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel is the perfect homebase for exploring Wenatchee, from skiing to enjoying the city itself. Guests will enjoy being within walking distance to restaurants, tasting rooms, the Pybus Public Market, and Apple Capital Loop Trail.
We’re ready to welcome you in any season, but the winter is an especially festive, cozy time, as our lobby fireplace is roaring and everything is decked out in holiday decor. In fact, this is one of the most popular spots in town for holiday photos!
Enjoy being within about 30 minutes from both local ski resorts and Leavenworth, plus several hotel amenities.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Unique indoor/outdoor pool
- 24/7 fitness center