Lake Chelan Winter Icefest Sculptor
By Mike Steele
Crisp, Clear & “Naturally Intoxicating” – Lots to celebrate in Lake Chelan during the winter months
Located in the heart of Washington’s Cascade Mountains and just a three hour drive from Seattle, Wash., Lake Chelan is a spectacular Pacific Northwest waterfront destination. Fed by more than 100 glaciers from the Cascade Mountains, Lake Chelan is characterized by its crystal clear, blue water; sunny, semi-desert valley climate; and sprinkled horizon of fruit orchards and vineyards. Our visitors in the winter months experience a combination of breathtaking scenery and a long list of winter activities including snowmobiling, cross country skiing, wine tasting and special events.
One annual favorite is the Lake Chelan Winterfest during back-to-back weekends in January, celebrating all things snowy for the 27th year. This year, the event runs January 11-13 and January 18-20. One of the event’s biggest draws for locals and visitors alike is an outdoor gallery of ice art, where 20 international ice sculptors turn more than 20,000 pounds of ice into picturesque sculptures for the public to view.
The event also features a Fire and Ice Torchlight Parade, Beach Bonfire and Polar Bear Splash where yes, people jump in the lake for an icy cold thrill. An impressive fireworks display lights up the winter nights, all surrounded by the snow-capped buttes and the beautiful glacier lake. Visitors can also relax in the Ice Lounge and enjoy hours of live music, or warm up with a bowl of homemade chili and hot drinks around a fire pit. Winterfest activities also include sleigh rides though Historic Downtown Chelan and the year’s largest Wine Walk, featuring nearly 20 local wineries. Visit www.lakechelanwinterfest.com for a complete list of festivities.
If the Wine Walk isn’t enough, the tasting opportunities continue in February, with the annual Red Wine & Chocolate celebration hosted by Lake Chelan Wine Valley’s world-class wineries. For two weekends, February 9-10 and February 16-17, more than 15 boutique wineries will open their tasting room doors to pair gourmet chocolate desserts with elegant, artisan wines.
Throughout both weekends, various wineries will host special Winemaker Dinners, offering a delicious way to celebrate the month of love. To view a complete list of wineries, wine releases, tasting room hours and special event activities planned at each winery, please visit www.lakechelanwinevalley.com.
These exciting events are set in and around Historic Downtown Chelan, which is full of small-town charm. The area is home to a classic American main street complete with galleries, retail shops, a variety of dining options, and the Ruby Theatre, one of the oldest movie theaters in the Northwest.
The Chelan Valley offers a variety of accommodations including resorts, condos, family hotels, quaint bed and breakfasts, luxurious homes and secluded private cabins. If you’re bringing the RV, you may still want to experience the exceptional dining and spa options that the local resorts offer. Try Campbell’s Resort, a 170-room historic property that was built in 1901. The waterfront resort was recently renovated and features the deluxe River Room Spa and two restaurants, 2nd Floor Pub & Veranda and Campbell’s Bistro. For downtown charm, the Riverwalk Inn is conveniently located near Riverwalk Park and the Chelan River with a view of the lake and mountains. Stop by for breakfast at its cozy café featuring French toast with locally made Lucky Sage Bread and organic, nitrate-free bacon. Other local dining favorites include The Vogue, a popular hangout which is a coffee shop by day and wine bar at night, or Lakeview Drive In, famous for its custom burgers and French Fries with homemade seasoning salt and tartar sauce. Or, for savory and creative comfort food, check out the Tin Lilly, open nightly for happy hour and dinner and open for lunch on the weekends.
For the RV travelers, there are five nearby options offering a variety of scenic surroundings to choose from. Visit www.lakechelan.com/visit/camping for more information. And if you need a break from the RV, the Lake House at Chelan offers a luxurious alternative to the comforts of the RV. Guest rooms are appointed with full kitchens and fireplaces, private decks for early-morning lake views, and a relaxed campfire experience (complete with s’mores) each evening.