WA biathlete recommends her favorite cross-country ski spots

The Evergreen State has turned its usual wintry shade of white, marking the high season for cross-country skiing and many other snowy outdoor pastimes.

For the uninitiated, Washington boasts hundreds of miles of world-class cross-country ski trails. For the underprepared and/or overwhelmed: Why not start the season with some expert recommendations for Nordic ski trails?

The Nordic sport of biathlon merges cross-country skiing with rifle shooting. While dedicated courses are few and far between in the States, biathlon athletes still must train their cross-country skills. Decorated biathlon athlete, Associated Press investigative reporter and Washingtonian Martha Bellisle named her favorite Washington spots where she keeps her Nordic ski skills sharp in winter.

Methow Trails

21 Horizon Flats Road, Winthrop, Okanogan County; methowtrails.org

Annual pass: $399; annual weekday pass: $225; day pass: $28

With over 200 kilometers of groomed trails, Methow Trails is the largest cross-country ski network in North America. There are trails for skiers of every skill level. Methow Valley Nordic partners with the trail system to put on a number of events, including two Try Biathlon events, where those curious about the sport can learn how to shoot, take safety training, and try out a course.

Stevens Pass Nordic Center

Forest Service Road 6960, Leavenworth, Chelan County (just off Highway 2 near Wellington); stevenspass.com

Season pass: $99/older adults, $119/kids, $219/adults; day pass: $20/older adults and kids, $30/adults

About 5 miles east of Stevens Pass, the Nordic Center has over 30 kilometers of trails, with varied terrain suitable for beginners and experts. For those looking to go beyond cross-country skiing, Washington Biathlon Association will host a newcomer clinic on Jan. 7-8 and one race per month from January to April.

Trails around Leavenworth

From in-town trails to the 50-kilometer network of groomed trails at the four Sno-Parks around Lake Wenatchee, the Leavenworth area has something for all levels of cross-country skiers.

Bellisle suggested Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, which offers 26 kilometers of groomed trails, including the Icicle River Trail and the Golf Course Trail, both right in town. Just down the road, the Plain Valley Nordic Ski Trails feature 22 kilometers of groomed cross-country skiing stemming from the hardware store in town.

Leavenworth Winter Sports Club

Ski Hill: 10701 Ski Hill Drive, Leavenworth

Icicle River: 7505 CYO Road, Leavenworth

Golf Course: 9101 Icicle Road, Leavenworth

Season pass: $295/adults, $100/kids and older adults; day pass: $26/adults, $20/kids and older adults; skileavenworth.com

Plain Valley Nordic Ski Trails

18889 Beaver Valley Road, Leavenworth

Season pass: $240/adults, $10/under 18; day pass: $20/adults, free/under 18; skiplain.com

Summit Nordic Center

490 Hyak Drive E., Snoqualmie Pass

Not yet open for the season

Day pass: adults/$33, kids and older adults/$25; summitatsnoqualmie.com

Convenient to Seattle (but not yet open this winter), the Nordic center at Summit at Snoqualmie boasts a network of nearly 70 kilometers of groomed trails. The expert trails require either skiing all the way around the mountain or taking a ski lift up, so know where you’re skiing before you go. The Nordic center here offers a variety of instruction programs, including group and private lessons and courses for youth and teens.