How to Go Skiing in Echo Valley, Washington

Echo Valley sits in the vacationer's paradise of Chelan, Washington, and provides an alternative to some of the state's larger and more densely crowded ski areas. Offering slope options for skiers of all skill levels and ages, Echo Valley, Washington is a wonderful location for a family winter vacation. Sitting at 3,000 feet, it summons skiers and snowboarders with a 900-foot vertical drop. There is even a tubing slope, for a change of pace.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access to book reservations

Explore Lodging and Ski Options

1. Visit the Web site of the Chelan Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center or call 1-800-4CHELAN (424-3526) for information on many lodging options in the area, including condos, log cabins and camping.
2. Consider lessons to fine tune your skills. Lessons are offered for anyone from first timers to veterans. There are private lessons, billed per hour, and also a snow school that is offered on consecutive weekends.
3. Consider options for lift tickets. There are no season passes available but you can buy either full day or half-day chairlift passes (the latter is perfect for children), and you can also branch out and try the tubing hill, all for a very affordable price.

Get to Echo Valley

4. Book a flight into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and then book a rental car for a long trip to Chelan (about 180 miles). You can also book a commuter flight from either Sea-Tac or the Spokane Airport to Wenatchee, which is just south of Chelan.
5. Find the driving directions sections on the Web site, on the left hand column menu (see Resources below). Echo Valley is located off Highway 150 in central Washington.
6. Book a ride with the Echo Valley Shuttle, which runs from local parking lots and schools to the slopes. This is a convenient way to avoid the hassles of parking, and if you are ski club member it is an even cheaper trip. Find rates and stops on the Echo Valley Web site (see Resources below.)

Tips & Warnings

• Consider a time share. The adjacent town of Chelan offers many different time-share options, including houses and condominiums.
• Book accommodations online for the best information on packages and other deals.
• There are often a lot of kids at Echo Valley, Washington, as this is a good place to teach your kids how to ski.

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