Sun Mountain Lodge is Opening This Week!

Our projects are finished and we're ready to reopen!  The Lodge is beautifully decorated for the holiday season.  Check out our holiday special event schedule here. 
We are anticipating more snow this weekend, which will open up more skiing opportunities.  Please contact our Ski Shop at (509) 996-4735 for more information or visit the MVSTA groom page here.
Come on up to visit us for some winter fun!  We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Last Call for Fall

The fall colors continue to be great in the Methow Valley.  One of the better fall color seasons in recent memory.  So hurry over for this final weekend before we close for our annual clean up and refurbishment at noon on Sunday, October 21.  Some of the projects include new drapes in all of the Main Lodge rooms and new furniture in the Deluxe Lodge rooms:  204, 210, 304 and 310.  We will re-open for the winter season on Friday, December 7.

Fall Colors

I drove across the North Cascade Highway yesterday and the fall colors are absolutely stunning!  This is the last week of our Fall Color Package.  So come over and enjoy some spectacular scenery at a great rate.

Fall Colors are out in the Methow!

Expect another beautiful fall weekend in the Methow Valley.  65 degrees and sunny on Saturday and 71 degrees and sunny on Sunday.  Fall colors are at their peak throughout the valley.  Plus, Saturday night the Kenya Safari Acrobats will be bringing an exciting show to the Winthrop Barn.  The performance starts at 7pm and the cost is $15 for adults and $5 for students.

Air Update: What a difference a day makes!

The skies around Sun Mountain Lodge are crystal clear today.  I woke up at 2 AM this morning and saw that all the stars were out.  Opened all the windows.  Beautiful out there today, hope it lasts.

Air Quality

Air quality at the Lodge today is pretty good.  A little smoke this morning, but not bad.  We can see all the way up into the Pasayten Wilderness from the Lodge.

Smoke concerns

Due to the fires in the Wenatchee and Pateros areas, there has been some concern over the smoke and air quality in the Methow Valley.  As of 2pm today, Winthrop's air quality was rated better than Phoenix, Las Vegas or LA.  The advisory level was the same as is currently in effect in Puyallup, WA.  There is some smoke, but it's not too bad.

What's Happening this Weekend

Saturday Sept. 22 all of the action is in Twisp with the weekly Farmer's Market kicking things off from 9am to noon.  Later that afternoon the artist's take over with the annual Art Walk from 4 to 8 pm on Glover Street.  The Confluence Gallery will be hosting an artist's reception for the opening of it's latest show entitled "Altered Realities".  Natural Selection will be showing at the Peligro Studio.  On Sunday Sept. 23 the fun moves up to the trails at Sun Mountain Lodge where the MV Off-Road Duathlon will be taking place beginning at 9am.  This event features a 40K mountain bike ride and a 10K trail run, starting and ending at the Chickadee Trailhead.  Call 206 940 4507 to sign up.

Rodeo Time

This Saturday and Sunday is the 41st annual Methow Valley Labor Day Rodeo.  A $6,000 jackpot awaits the winners in ranch saddle bronc, bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, ranch rodeo events and much more.  The fun begins each day at 1 PM.  Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 7-12 and free for children 6 and under.  The rodeo grounds are located on Twin Lakes Road between Winthrop and Twisp.  Let 'er buck!

Covington Cellars/Two Vintners

This Saturday night Morgan Lee, the owner and winemaker, of Covington Cellars/Two Vintners from Woodinville, WA will be in The Sun Mountain Lodge Dining Room from 5:30 to 8pm pouring some of his finest wines.  Call to make reservations at 509 996 4707.

Interesting Weekend Activities in the Methow Valley

This weekend is the first Mazama Festival of Books at the Mazama Community Center.  Nine guest authors will pair up with hosts Katherine Lanpher or Lauren Cerand for on hour conversations about life, inspiration and work.  There will be three sessions:  Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning.  Each session is $5.  And in Twisp, the 10th Heart of the Methow Powwow will take place beginning on Friday at 7pm and running through Sunday afternoon in the Twisp Park.  This celebration of reconciliation will feature dancing, drumming, feasting and a talk circle.

Special Needs Travel Mom on Sun Mountain Lodge

Karin Sheets writes Special Needs Travel Mom.  Linked here is an article she wrote about her family's recent horseback riding experience at Sun Mountain Lodge: 

http://tinyurl.com/cezhbx9

25th Annual Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival

This weekend Winthrop hosts the 25th annual Rhythm and Blues Festival out at the Blues Ranch on Highway 20 just west of town.  The music starts on Friday at 7pm and runs through Sunday night.  This year's headliners include Elvin Bishop, John Mayall, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band and Ruthie Foster, plus many, many more.  Tickets are $80 in advance and $90 at the gate.  A $10 pass for Friday night only is available and is a fundraiser for The Cove food bank in Twisp.

Made in the Methow

Take a look at this week's Methow Valley News for a great special section:  "Made in the Methow".  It features many of the local businesses, artists, craftsmen, farmers and others that create their wares right here in the Methow Valley.  A plethora of food products including specialty coffees, grains, beers, wine, baked goods, hot sauces, meats, cheeses, herbs and more.  A large gallery of local artists producing all types of works including pottery, oils, water colors, woolens, fabrics, jewelry and metalworks.  Read all about it, then go out and pick up some local products

NOAA Says Summer is Here!

According to NOAA, summer temperatures will be here for at least the next six days.  Their forecast for Friday through next Wednesday calls for sunshine and high temperatures at or above 85 degrees.  Patterson Lake starts to look mighty inviting when the thermometer is up there.  Go swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing or just lie on the beach.  Or sit by the pools up at the Lodge.  Either way, it's a great way to beat the heat.

Early July Fishing Report

The Methow river is fishable but still a bit high. As of 4th of July, the river is coming down slightly, but may bump up again with warmer weather predicted and a stubborn snowpack still in the mountains. The Chewuch is also still a bit higher than perfect early season conditions but an option (remember, it is closed above 8 mile). Nymphing is probably your best. There are some hatches occuring and a dry stone or caddis make pick up some fish. Please be careful wading, the river can be deceiving at this water level. A mistake at this level can be very costly. The lakes are still a great option as we have had a cool spring. The damsels and mayflies are out of course. Fishing the dry or nymph patterns, depending on time of day, can be very successful. Big Twin, Davis and Campbell have provided for lots of fun for fisherman, all requiring single, barbless catch and release gear. Black Pine is another great option this time of year, especially with kids and something green at the end of you line; deep. For more info. on the Methow watershed or lakes, please feel free to email or call our shop, 509 996 4735.  Bret and Kevin in the Sun Mountain Lodge Activities and Fly Shop.

4th of July Family Fun

Lot's of family fun in Twisp for the Fourth of July.  The annual Independence Day parade kicks off down Glover Street at 11am.  Followed by the 25th annual Methow Arts Fest in the Twisp Park beginning at 11:30am.  Lots of hands-on art making booths and entertainment until 4:30 in the afternoon. 

25th Annual Methow Arts Fest

Wednesday July 4th is the 25th annual Methow Arts Fest at the Twisp Park.  One of the all-time great family fun events.  More than a dozen booths will offer hands-on art experiences to kids of all ages.  Wooden boat making, copper arts, tie-dyed tee shirts, face painting, robot making, botanical prints and book arts are just some of the featured activities.  A stage full of performers will be entertaining as well.  Aerial artist Jenn Q, aka Ms Marvel, will be showing her skills in static trapeze, tiny ring and aerial silk.  Brittany Walsh of Wanderlust Circus will perform her repertoire of contortionist and hand balanceing routines.  Plus music from Brody Blackburn and The Last Outlaws, a sneak preview of the Merc Playhouse's upcoming musical The Music Man and dancing from Salyna's Scheherazades.  The fun starts at 11:30 and runs until 4:30.  Cost is $5 for kids and $7 for adults.  For more info visit:  http://www.methowvalleyarts.org/arts-and-events/25th-annual-methow-arts-festival/

Summer Singletrack Celebration, July 5-9

The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) and the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) are teaming up for a celebration of Methow Valley mountain biking with a variety of opportunities for everyone to become involved in making the Methow an even greater place to ride.  Show your passion for great rides by joining us at all these great events:  Thursday July 5, 7-9pm, Mountain Bike Social at the Winthrop Ice Rink.  Saturday July 7, 9am-4pm, Trail Building School at the Winthrop Ice Rink.  Sunday July 8, 9am, Mountain Bike Ride, meet at the Winthrop Barn.  Monday July 9, 8:30-10am, Better Living Through Trails, Winthrop Barn.  For more information, click here:  http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/517677/65c10b1ac7/1535507532/9bff9a112e/

Winthrop this Summer

Check out what is happening in Winthrop this summer in the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce events newsletter:  http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/736868/e65c81e3bd/281515915/d2a6172312/

Sun Mountain Big Ring Bash

This Saturday, June 23, the fifth round of the Fat Tire Revolution Series of mountain bike races will be held on the fast and fun single track trails at Sun Mountain Lodge.  The course will be approximately 10 miles of classic, swoopy Sun Mountain single track.  Registration begins at 8am at the Chickadee trailhead.  There will be a free kids race and races for Pro/Cat 1, Cat 2 and Cat 3 riders.  For more information and to pre-register visit http://rideviciouscycle.com/events/fat-tire-revolution-series/sun-mountain/

Attention Artists

This weekend, June 23 & 24, The Artist Trust will be offering a two day professional development workshop for artists entitled "I Am An Artist".  The class will be held at TwispWorks and costs $50 for Artist Trust members and $95 for non-members.  The workshop is for artists of all disciplines.  The class will be facilitated by Artist Trust program manager Libby L. Gerber and the guest presenter is Kathleen Richert of Springboard for the Arts.  A panel of local artists will also be featured.  Artist Trust is a Seattle nonprofit whose mission is to support and encourage individual artists working in all disciplines in order to enrich community life throughout Washington State.  For more information contact Libby Gerber at libby@artisttrust.org or call 206 467 8734, ext 23.

Cool Water this Weekend

Cool Water, the award winning eclectic folk rock duo featuring Brook Pennock and Wendy McDowell, will be performing this Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 9PM in the Wolf Creek Bar and Grill at Sun Mountain Lodge.  Winners of the West Coast Songwriters Award, the Best Emerging Artist Award and a Lilith Fair Performance Finalist, this harmonious folk rock group will make you feel good.  There is no cover for these shows, so come up early and have dinner and enjoy a fun evening out.  You can preview their sound at http://www.coolwatermusic.net/.

The Sun Mountain Lodge Intern Program is featured on Methow Grist!

Check out this great article on our Internship Program!  Click Here to read all about it.

Free Fishing and Much, Much More

Free fishing this Saturday, June 9 at the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery for kids 12 and under.  It is one of the many activities available at the hatchery to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Day.  Lots of other great activities in the Methow Valley this weekend:  Farmers Market on Saturday morning in Twisp.  The Methow Valley Studio Tour, sponsored by the Confluence Gallery, will showcase 23 local artists working
in 6 different studios.  A free self guided tour map to the studios is available at the Gallery.  The studios will be open Sat. and Sun. from 10am to 5pm.  The Winthrop Gallery is opening a new show this week:  "In a World of Her Own" featuring the work of fiber artist Katie Swanson.  An artist's reception will be held at the Gallery on Sat. evening from 6 to 8pm.  Outward Bound, the national outdoor school, will be hosting a free community event of hiking, climbing and dining at it's basecamp in Mazama on Sat. from 9am to 9pm.  So come on over, there are lots of fun things going on this weekend in the Methow Valley.

Winthrop Marathon and Half Marathon

This Saturday, June 10, is the Winthrop Marathon and Half Marathon.  Starting on the edge of the Pasayten Wilderness in the Okanogan National Forest at an altitude of 3,300 feet the course loses 1,000 feet in elevation in the first 10 miles as it follows the scenic Chewuch River to Winthrop.  The course is USATF certified and can be used as a Boston Marathon qualifier.  Even if you don't want to run, come out and cheer on the runners as they come into town to finish.

National Trails Day, June 2

This Saturday is National Trails Day.  Sun Mountain Lodge is partnering with The Mountaineers, the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association and the Wilderness Society to host a full day of activities to celebrate this nationally recognized event.  There will be 2 full day hike options plus 2 half day hike options.  The hikes are guided and are free.  The Cowboy Camp Dinner will be available for your evening enjoyment at a cost of $47 per person plus gratuity and tax.  At 8PM locally renowned outdoor enthusiast Don Portman will be giving a slide presentation on day hikes in the North Cascades.  For more information contact the Sun Mountain Lodge Activities Shop at 509 996 4735. 

Let 'em Buck

This weekend is the 41st annual Methow Valley Memorial Day Rodeo featuring family fun for all you cowboys and cowgirls.  Always one of the highlights of the spring here in Winthrop.  Rodeo participants will be competing for $7,500 in prize money in events such as Ranch Saddle Bronc, Barrels, Bulls, Saddle Bronc, Junior Rodeo Events and Mutton Bustin'.  Showtime is 1 PM on Saturday and Sunday May 26 & 27.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 7-12 years old and free for those 6 and under.  The Rodeo Grounds are located on Twin Lakes Road, just down the hill from Sun Mountain Lodge.  So come on over and enjoy the fun.

More Running in the Methow

Another great running event in the Methow Valley this weekend:  The Mazama 10K and 5K Fun Run.  It starts at 9am on Saturday, May 26 at the Mazama Community Center.  For more info click here:  http://www.mvsta.com/maz10k.html

Memorial Day Weekend

The forecast is calling for nice weather this Memorial Day Weekend at Sun Mountain Lodge:  sunny with highs in the upper 60's.  Come on over and enjoy the beautiful wildflowers, the great hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.  The fish are biting in Patterson Lake.  The Spa has some great spring specials.  And the Four Diamond Award winning Dining Room will be serving delicious dinners Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.  Saturday is nearly sold out at the Lodge, so call ASAP.  800 572 0493.  See you out on the trails.

Runners Gone Wild

This past weekend over 330 runners took part in the Sun Mountain Trail Races.  With events spanning 50 miles, 50K and 25K, that's a lot of running!  Great weather, beautiful wildflowers, and a well run event made for a wonderful weekend.  Congratulations to race organizer James Varner and his crew.

Lots Happening this Weekend

There is a lot going on in the Methow Valley this weekend.  Sun Mountain is hosting a series of trail running races for the long distance crowd.  50 mile, 50K, 25K and 1K (for kids) courses will be available.  The Merc Playhouse in Twisp is presenting a play titled "I Hate Hamlet".  Lots of music as well:  Jazz at Tappi, Bluegrass at The Old Schoolhouse Brewery plus The Pipestone Orchestra and Chamber  Music Concert at the Methow Valley Community Center.  The weekly Farmers Market in Twisp and the annual Migratory Bird Count.  Lots to see and do, so come on over.

Wildflower Season

It is now prime wildflower season in the Methow Valley.  The arrowleaf balsamroot (what most people call sunflowers) are at their peak.  The purple hued lupine are starting to bloom.  The white, fragrant blossoms of the serviceberry are arrayed across the valley.  The dainty yellow desert parsley and magenta shooting stars are out as well.  So come on over and have a look.

Mother's Day Brunch

This Sunday, May 13, Sun Mountain Lodge will be serving its annual Mother's Day Brunch from 9am to 2pm.  The menu features Eggs Benedict, Imported Cheeses, Seared Salmon, Prime Rib, an Omelet Station, Assorted Fresh Spring Salads, Bananas Foster, Cherries Jubilee and more.  Price is $29 for adults and $12.95 for children 12 and under.  For more information or to make reservatons, please call the Dining Room at 509 996 4707.

It's Official

It's official:  the North Cascade Highway will open at noon on Thursday.  yippee!  The weather should be beautiful this weekend.  The forecast calls for 74 degrees and sunny on Saturday at Sun Mountain Lodge.  Enjoy the drive!

North Cascade Highway is Opening!

We hope!!! that the North Cascade Highway (Highway 20) will open mid-afternoon this Thursday May 10th.  But double check with WSDOT before you drive over!  Look forward to seeing you this weekend.  It's the 49ers Day Celebration in Winthrop.  The Sunflower Relay and Marathon is being run from Mazama to Twisp.  The Farmer's Market is happening in Twisp.  And there is a super fine Mother's Day Brunch being served at Sun Mountain Lodge.  So come over and enjoy the beautiful views at the Pass and the pretty wildflowers down here in the valley. 

We're Open!

As of Wednesday, April 18, Sun Mountain Lodge is open for the season! The snow is melting and we're seeing the first wildflowers bloom. Come on up and see us!

We wanted to share this great article on Winthrop, Northcentral Washington!

Winthrop, Northcentral Washington

Trails of Cancer Survivorship Event

Cancer Survivorship and Support Walk
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Walk with us in conjunction with the E.A.S.E. Cancer Foundation. Walks and hikes available for all abilities. Weekend events include yoga, walks, a celebratory dinner with a slideshow of the day’s events by renowned photographer Alan Kearney, music and entertainment by award winning folksinger Linda Waterfall, Wenatchee’s Bluegrass Saddle Rockers and Comedian/Musician SumGuy.

$50 suggested donation benefits the E.A.S.E Cancer Foundation. Two night packages that include Friday and Saturday night rooms, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday are available from $175 per person based on double occupancy. Reservations required.

For more information and reservations please contact our Reservations Office800-572-0493 or (509) 996-2211www.sunmountainlodge.com—Winthrop, WA
http://www.easecancer.org/

Sun Mountain Lodge Receives the Honor of the 2012 Restaurant Award

Sun Mountain Lodge has received the “Restaurant Appreciation Award” from the WAWGG (Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers) for its outstanding wine list featuring Washington State wines. Sun Mountain Lodge has over 400 different Washington wines, and over 460 Northwest wines.

This program is in its thirteenth year and the goal is to select and highlight restaurants that do an exceptional job of highlighting the width and breadth of wines available from our state.

The award was presented at the 2012 convention and trade show held at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Cashmere, Washington.

For more information, please call Don Elsing, Wine Director, toll free at 800-572-0493, extension 770, or direct at (509) 996-4770. Visit our website at http://www.sunmountainlodge.com/ or email us at smlwine@sunmountainlodge.com . For more information on the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers, visit http://www.wawgg.org/ .

We Have Snow!
We have beautiful, fluffy white powder, with crisp blue skies and sunshine forecast for the weekend of January 6-8. Come on up and enjoy great skiing and snowshoeing! Here's the link to MVSTA's grooming site for more details.