THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A GRAND WINTER ESCAPE to the
mountains. The scent of pine and Douglas fir, the scrape of skis over crisp powder,
and only the sound of your lungs pumping in fresh, crystalline air for miles
around. Except this time, we took the drive over Snoqualmie Pass and there was
no snow. A few downhill skiers had staked out what little snow was left on the
ski runs, but cutting down into Cle Elum, it was high and dry.
This is visiting in late February.
Suncadia Resort is affiliated with Hyatt. For those looking
for a closer cross country ski haven than the legendary Methow Valley in
Central Washington, it’s only about 1.5 hours from Seattle area. As we came
down the drive, it felt like we were entering a gated community. Houses flanked
the main drive left and right, much of it recent construction. We passed the
Swim and Fitness Center which offers outdoor pools and hot tubs of all
temperatures, an indoor option, and two massively fun waterslides. A short distance
away was the main lodge where we were staying.
I’m telling you, the view is quite jaw-dropping. Walking
into the hotel, you’re met with a dizzyingly beautiful panorama of the Cascades
plunging into a deep valley, of which a river and old bridge run through. The
second outdoor pool is fastened to this cliff overlooking it all and is open until
10 PM, so you can add dazzling stars to the list as well. There are tons of
trails in back of the hotel but be prepared for cliffs. It’s quite a drop off.
There are also a couple of firepits. The hotel puts out everything you need for
making s’mores around 7 PM.
The rooms are comfortable, some offering kitchenettes, in
addition to three restaurants around the Suncadia Resort, and a quick
grab-and-go eatery inside the main lodge. Safeway at Cle Elum is a quick stop
from here, and Roslyn also isn’t far away for some additional restaurant
options.
I imagine if there was snow, it would be a great family cross
country trek to Nelson Farms. We still visited by car, because there is a wonderful
playground, and the nearby farm owners were nice enough to let us explore their
property. It looks to be mainly for special events, but there’s fun little
tractors and hay bales for littles to climb.
However, we were on a mission to find snow, damnit, and find
it we did—we drove to Salmon le Sac Sno-Park (pass required). Most cars were lined
up off the main road, but there was also a sign on the right pointing into a
parking lot. There was still snow, albeit, a bit wet and dirty, leading off
into the woods. Luckily for us, we had little kids who were more interested in
sledding. The small slopes next to the parking lot were the perfect size for
them.
Then it was back to the lodge to get in our swimsuits—it was
a brisk trek to get over to the Swim and Fitness Center, but we had the entire
pool to ourselves. Us grown ups got the chance to try out those fun water
slides, zero line. Perks of going in the off season! Plus with the s’mores
under the heavens at night—you really feel like you have the entire Cascades to
yourself. However, maybe next time, would recommend a bit earlier in the year.
Disclaimer: the above is depicted as fiction and not fact.
