Complete Lake Chelan Winter Guide & Tips (2024)
Lake Chelan is a year-round destination with summer, then winter being the most popular seasons to visit, and is a great weekend trip from Seattle. Lake Chelan winter is amazing, with beautiful snow-capped hills, fun festivals, wine tasting and other outdoor activities.
I have travelled the world, but one of my happiest places is still Lake Chelan, a charming lake town 200 miles east of Seattle.
My family has owned a cabin in Lake Chelan my entire life. I have grown up visiting multiple times a year.
In the winter, I try to visit twice for Winterfest and Red Wine and Chocolate, two festivals that include community activities and wine tasting events.
Follow this Lake Chelan winter guide to get a glimpse at what makes this place so special and learn how to plan a winter getaway.
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Things to Do in chelan in Winter
There are many fun activities to do in Chelan in the winter. The town hosts two winter festivals: Winterfest and red wine and chocolate.
In addition, there are fun outdoor activities to play in the snow such as tubing and cross country skiing.
While many view Chelan Washington as a summer destination, there are many Chelan winter activities that can’t be missed.
1. Lake Chelan Winterfest
Winterfest takes place over MLK weekend in January. The festival offers wine tasting specials, an ice sculpture trail and deals at local vendors.
To take advantage of the deals and support the Lake Chelan chamber of commerce, purchase a Winterfest button.
This button will provide savings at wineries, restaurants and stores. To take full advantage of the long weekend, I recommend heading over on Friday, wine tasting Saturday and Sunday then enjoying an outdoor activity on Monday.
2. Chelan Red Wine and Chocolate Festival
Occurring two weekends in February, Red Wine and Chocolate is another great event in Lake Chelan in the winter. The weekends typically surround Valentines day, making this event great for celebrating with a loved one.
As the name suggests, Red Wine and Chocolate is focused on celebrating local red wines paired with artisan chocolates. Each winery will celebrate differently, offering chocolate options such as fondue, truffles or even a full tasting menu.
3. Echo Ridge Nordic Trail
Visit the Echo Ridge area to find a variety of Nordic ski trails for cross country skiing. Equipment can be rented in town and tickets are available for purchase for $10. Echo Ridge also has great snowshoeing trails, making this a great place to get some exercise and enjoy Lake Chelan Winter.
4. Echo Valley Tubing
For other great outdoor Chelan WA winter activities, visit Echo Valley ski area. This ski and tubing resort offers the perfect half-day of fun. The ski hill is small and good for beginners or kids. However, it will be underwhelming for avid skiers (elect to visit Mission Ridge for better skiing). I prefer to spend a couple hours on the tubing hill. Echo Valley provides tubes with the $15 admission. All you need to bring is warm clothing for a day of fun.
Lake Chelan Winter Wineries
Lake Chelan Washington is an underrated wine region. There are many wineries and tasting rooms all offering delicious wines from Chelan and other areas of Washington.
While you cannot go wrong with any of the wineries, the below are some of my favorites. These are great in summer as well but provide heaters, fires, and/or blankets for the chilly Lake Chelan winter.
The Chelan visitor center can provide a map of all wineries in the area if you want more options.
1. Benson Vineyards
Tasting Cost: $15 for Four Pours | My Favorite Wine: Viogner
Benson Vineyards has the best view of all the Lake Chelan vineyards. The large patio and lawn overlook the Chelan valley with stunning lake views.
In addition, the wines are delicious and consistent. If you are hungry, there is a bistro onsite serving woodfire pizzas and sandwiches.
2. Radiance Winery
Tasting Cost: $10 for Five Pours | My Favorite Wine: 2016 Syrah
Radiance Winery has two locations: downtown and a barn in the hills. Their barn location has a large patio with a fire, space heaters and amazing views.
The barn tasting room is charming and quaint. For convenience, the Manson tasting room is easy to get to.
3. Tipsy Canyon Winery
Tasting Cost: $10 | My Favorite Wine: 2018 Malbec
Tipsy Canyon Winery has the best facility for Lake Chelan winter. The large deck is covered and has built in fireplaces. The large patio furniture is great for groups and makes for a relaxing afternoon.
To keep warm, Tipsy Canyon provides lap blankets. In addition, the wine is tasty and the service is exceptional.
4. Amos Rome
Tasting Cost: NA | My Favorite Wine: Rose
Amos Rome has been producing quality grapes for local vineyards for years. Recently, they have begun bottling their own estate wines, lucky for us.
All of their wines are delicious, enhanced by the special attention their winemaker pays to the growing grapes. The large facility has a beautiful deck overlooking the lake and their vines.
5. Cairdeas
Tasting Cost: $15 for Four Pours | My Favorite Wine: Tri
Cairdeas creates my favorite wines in Chelan. They use unique grapes that create special and complex varieties. The family-owned business has a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere.
Cairdeas recently added a large barn tasting room which is perfect for Lake Chelan Winter. I continue visiting Cairdeas each trip and look forward to seeing them grow.
6. Root Wood Cider
Tasting Cost: $15 | My Favorite Cider: Harvest 105
Root Wood Cider is a great way to break up a day of wine tasting. This cider house pays honor to the apple orchard history of Chelan.
Visit the Orchard or Manson tasting room to enjoy their delicious ciders. If you are feeling adventurous, try the spicy ghost pepper cider.
For another great wine tasting trip, check out my guide to Napa Valley.
Getting to Chelan Washington
Chelan is a three-hour drive from Seattle or Spokane Washington. If coming from out of state, fly into either SeaTac or Spokane airport for easy access.
Then, rent a car for the rest of the journey. Eastern Washington gets consistent snowfall in the winter, especially on the pass. Rent or drive a car with all wheel drive and monitor pass conditions for safety.
Where to Stay in Lake Chelan
Since Lake Chelan is a popular tourist destination in Washington, there are a variety of lodging options. Hotels are great for the included amenities and locations.
Vacation rentals are great for large groups and sometimes offer a better value for the price. The below options are the best hotels in Chelan.
Campbells Resort
Campbells Resort is the most popular hotel in Chelan. Located on Woodin Ave, Campbells is in the middle of downtown Chelan.
This resort is very walkable and near many great restaurants. In the summer, take advantage of the large pool area and beach access. In the winter, spend time admiring the view of the lake with snowcapped hills in the background.
Grandview on the Lake
Grandview is a waterfront condominium complex. The one- and two-bedroom units are great for families.
Similarly, to Campbells, this accommodation is centrally located and walkable to many restaurant and stores. Be sure to get a river view room to see the natural beauty of Lake Chelan winter.
Summary of Lake Chelan in Winter
Overall, you will have a great time visiting Lake Chelan in the winter. Enjoy time at wineries, playing in the snow and soaking in the Lake Chelan winter views.
For more details on visiting Chelan, read my complete guide that covers the best things to do in Chelan in every season and more travel tips.
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- What To Do In Chelan: Complete Travel Guide To Chelan Washington
- My Absolute Favorite Wineries In Chelan Washington
- Planning A Trip To Washington State: Insider Tips From A Local
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- The Best Seattle Weekend Trip Guide & Itinerary From A Local
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