Travel

#Lake Chelan becomes getaway for all seasons

Special to The Seattle Times

LAKE CHELAN The lure of the lake being in, on, above or near it has for decades drawn warm-weather fun-and-sun seekers to Chelan, the small Central Washington town at Lake Chelan s southeastern tip. Accordingly, the town swelled with tourists in the summer, then snoozed its way through the offseason.

That s not the case these days. Chelan began waking from its offseason slumber back in the late 1990s when vineyards and wineries took root where orchards once stood.

Wine tourism now brings visitors earlier in the spring and later in the fall. New eateries, tasting rooms and coffee shops continue to sprout. There s a festival or celebration every season.

Still, the pace slows in the winter. Some restaurants, tasting rooms and businesses operate on reduced hours or by appointment only. A late-night spot it s not. But for a winter getaway, there are several reasons to head to Lake Chelan, including:

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Outdoor fun

The area s brisk and bright days are enticing greater numbers of winter-sports enthusiasts to the hillsides surrounding the lake, usually snow-covered beginning in December.

Nine miles from Chelan, Echo Ridge Nordic Ski Area has 25 miles of groomed ridge-top cross-country ski trails (beginner to advanced), and a 2.4-mile loop snowshoe trail. Sno-Park permits not valid here. Day-use passes are required and can be purchased at the trailheads: adults, $10; free for 17 and younger. More info: lakechelannordic.org. Purchase season passes at the Chelan Ranger District Station, 428 W. Woodin Ave. (509-682-4900 or www.fs.usda.gov/okawen ) or Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, 102 E. Johnson Ave.

There s also downhill skiing and tubing at the nearby Echo Valley Family Ski Area. Rental equipment is available on site. For conditions, rental and rates info: EchoValley.org .

The area s six Sno-Parks with trails ranging from 40 to 102 miles are regularly groomed from the week before Christmas until mid-March. Sno-Park permits are required. For maps and permit requirements/purchase: parks.wa.gov/winter .

Outdoor gallery walk

For a less strenuous outing, pick up a free copy of the Outdoor Gallery brochure and map (available at the chamber of commerce), then take a self-guided walking tour of the town s 28 sculptures and murals.

Winter festivals

Thanksgiving weekend features Fall Barrel Tasting at the area s 24 wineries, Nov. 28-30. Santa s arrival and Chelan s tree-lighting ceremony on Nov. 28 starts Chelan s monthlong Small Town Christmas celebration. Nov. 29, Santa arrives in nearby Manson to start its Winter Festival and Village of Lights celebration.

Lake Chelan Winterfest. Jan. 16-25, fills two weekends with outdoor winter fun for adults and kids, including wine walks, ale tastings, bonfires, music and ice sculpting. Info: lakechelanwinterfest.com.