 One of my fondest ski memories was many years ago at Wolf Ridge Resort just outside of Winthrop, a small Western-themed town snugged up against the eastern slope of the North Cascades.
After three days of skiing, we were content to spend a lazy day inside, watching a typical Methow Valley snowstorm send millions of snowflakes swirling to the frozen ground.
My friends and I watched the storm from inside our cozy log cabin townhome, sipping wine, playing Scrabble.
As the daylight faded, so did the snowstorm. The clouds parted, revealing a brilliant full moon that begged some attention. After dinner, we hurried to get our snowshoes on and then headed across the snowy field to the outside hot tub, our way lit by the light of the golden moon.
 We finished out the night with some nachos and hot toddies (two of my main food groups), and tumbled into a comfortable bed, the moon shimmering through the curtins, a fresh blanket of snow outside waiting for us tomorrow. (Wolf Ridge Resort (509) 996-2828, wridge@methow.com.)
Throughout the Northwest, scenes and dreams like this are typical. An abundance of cabins, log homes, and idyllic winter lodges offer great escapes to stay while enjoying your favorite winter activity.
Check out some of our favorites!
 Mount Baker Lodging, Inc., Glacier, Wash.
Choose from a large selection of fully equipped cabins, condos, cottages, chalets and premier vacation home rentals at the gateway to Mt. Baker. Your woodsy getaway is just a two-hour drive from Seattle, the last part along the scenic Mt. Baker Highway. Whether it’s skiing, biking, hiking or just hanging out, these cozy cabins in the Whatcom County towns of Glacier and Maple Falls will have you relaxed and in homey comfort in no time. (800) 709-SNOW (7669), www.mtbakerlodging.com
River Run Inn, Winthrop, Wash.
Located in downtown Winthrop, the River Run Inn offers three riverfront single cabins and a double cabin — complete with kitchen, fireplace, front room and hot tub. Larger groups will enjoy staying at the Inn’s six-bedroom hacienda. The Inn is at the epicenter of the Methow Valley’s 200 kilometers of groomed trails. (800) 757-2709, rooms@riverrun-inn.com, www.riverrun-inn.com.
Rendezvous Huts, Mazama, Wash.
Up valley from Winthrop are the quintessential getaway cabins, huts if you will. Cross-country skiers can enjoy fabulous views of the North Cascades and the Methow Valley from 4,000 feet. With five huts all about five miles apart, the hut-to-hut system offers skiers overnight experiences with their gear and food brought in by snowmobile. Touch the stars! huts@methownet.com, www.methownet.com/huts/
Timberline Meadows, Mazama, Wash.
Choose from a group of eight well-maintained cabin-homes nestled in the upper reaches of the Methow Valley. Great views, near cross-country ski trails. Well-priced. (509) 996-3949, info@timberlinemeadows.com; http://timberlinemeadowns.com.
Harmony Lodge, Stevens Pass
Backcountry bliss. Located on 50 secluded acres, the cabin is nestled 20 feet above Index Creek. An old hunting lodge converted to deluxe accommodations, the cabin includes a kitchen, a deluxe 25-jet hot tub spa and panoramic windows with magnificent views of the river and mountains. Dog-friendly! (206) 650-5390, info@harmony-lodge.com.
Scottish Lakes High Camp, Leavenworth, Wash.
Get away from it all here. The only access to this pristine setting in Washington’s Central Cascades is via an eight-mile private road on snow cats or snowmobiles. There are nine cabins, each named for a wildflower found in this Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. Cabins vary in size and can house from one to 10 people. Each cabin is equipped with a wood stove, cooking stove, all necessary dishes and cookware, and a table and chairs. Most bedding provided. (509) 763-3044, Hicamp@scottishlakes.com.
Alta Crystal Resort, Crystal Mountain
Drive 10 minutes from here and you’re at Crystal Mountain, or head out the back door with cross-country skis or snowshoes and then come back and relax in Alta’s year-round heated outdoor pool. Choose from one-bedroom loft chalet suites (family or two couples), chalet suites (small family or couple) or the Honeymoon Cabin — sorry, no in-laws. (800) 277-6475, reservations@altacrystalresort.com, www.altacrystalresort.com.
Cascade Huts, Mt. Hood, Ore.
Three huts to choose from at elevations between 3,275 and 4,555 feet. Each hut is small (256 square feet) but can sleep up to eight people. Cooking utensils are supplied as are sleeping bags and pads. Cascade Huts offers multi-day and self-guided tours. (971) 322-3638; info@cascadehuts.com, www.cascadehuts.com.
Lonesome Duck Lodge, Chiloquin, Ore.
Skiing at Crater Lake in southern Oregon? Just 35 minutes away is your home away from home. Drop into this family owned and operated property and choose from a renovated ranch house or two log homes that’ll sleep you, your family and all your friends, too. Want more? Winter rates are 50 percent off summer. (800) 367-2540, steveh@lonesomeduck.com, www.lonesomeduck.com.
Carolyn Price is publisher of Outdoors NW and an avid cross-country skier and snowshoer.
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