Idahoâs inland mountain ranges manage to rock a desert-type climate: low humidity and just enough snow to keep the ski bums happy. With a new chairlift and no reservations required, the ski part of the resort should hum along as usual this winter, though the 125 miles of Nordic ski trails offer even more social distancing. Three direct flights link the tiny town to Seattle most days, but itâs only a 10-hour drive to get there in the bubble of your own car.
The tight quarters of Western-themed Winthropâthe wooden sidewalks crowd easilyâbelie the big-sky feel of the Methow Valley around it. The resort perched high above town sits next to 37 miles of Nordic ski trails and 15 minutes from 87 miles more, plus an outdoor skating rink. The stateâs lone heliskiing operation takes off nearby, and Sun Mountain might be the only place in the state to rent Altai Hok Ski shoes, a kind of combo snowshoe-ski. On the other end of the spectrum: a stunning view from the outdo