Along the Cascades’ Eastern Scarp (two hours’ drive due east of Seattle via U.S. Highway 2) lies the Bavarian village of Leavenworth in the heart of Washington's snow country. The surrounding district is a showcase of the state's downhill and Nordic skiing resources, plus outfitters to take you snowmobiling, dog-sledding, and sleigh riding. The Cascades divide the state and block storms blowing in from the Pacific. The mountains act as a big sponge, soaking up moisture. Thus the sheltered east side is much drier, sunnier, and colder, with great powder snow. And terrain is more gentle, perfect for Nordic skiing.

Leavenworth grooms 39 km of Nordic trails through town, along the Wenatchee River, through the golf course, and up the old ski jump hill. The town is also the hub of lodgings (hotels, pensions, B&Bs), restaurants, and frequent festivals. Here, too, you can arrange snowmobiling tours into the back country (800-858-2276), or sleigh rides in town or from nearby ranches. What about dog sledding? Take a half-hour, hour, or two hour trip, driving your own team! Commercial outfitters are popping up across the state, but one especially appealing locale is Icicle Creek, just minutes from Leavenworth (800-521-1694). For details on all services, call the Leavenworth Chamber (509-548-5807).

Lake Wenatchee State Park (509-763-3101), about 20 miles north of Leavenworth via U.S. 2, offers 35 km of groomed Sno-Park trails. Another 20 miles westward on U.S. 2 is Stevens Pass Resort (360-973-2441), a major downhill skiing complex based at 4,061 feet. With 11 chairlifts serving 37 major runs, Stevens can transport 15,700 skiers per hour. Extensive trail work has added 7.5 more acres of terrain at Barrier Bowl. Just a few miles east of the summit on U.S. 2 is the Stevens Pass Nordic Center where about 30 km of groomed track entice skaters and striders.

Twenty-five miles south of Leavenworth on U.S. 97 is 4,102-foot Blewett Pass, with some of the state’s best mid-season powder snow. Sno-Parks provide access to extensive trails (mostly ungroomed) leading into a vast back country.

Beyond Leavenworth, near the town of Wenatchee, is yet another major downhill resort called Mission Ridge, famous for its Rockies-like combination of powder and sunshine. Mission lies 12 miles south of downtown. Call 509-663-7631 or visit www.missionridge.com.

North of Wenatchee, about 40 miles via U.S. 97, above the shores of frosty Lake Chelan, lies another Nordic resort called Echo Valley (800-4-CHELAN). Just 12 miles northwest of the town of Chelan, Echo Valley claims only minor facilities for downhilling, but 28 km of groomed track for Nordic skiers with grand views of the lake.