WINTERSPORTS -- The annual Methow Valley Nordic Festival based in Winthrop, Wash., kicks off Friday, Jan 23, for a three-day weekend to celebrate nordic skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking and winter trail running. 

To sweeten the event, Methow Trails, Winthrop Mountain Sports and other local business partners are offering:

• Free cross-country skiing all day (no trail passes required)
• Free rentals at participating businesses
• Free ski lessons courtesy of Methow Valley Ski School
• Free fat bike demo hosted by Methow Cycle and Sport

Saturday, Jan.24, events include:

• 30k classic ski race from Winthrop to Mazama as part of a one or two day skiing competition. 
• Winter trail runners can enjoy a 9k or a 15k winter trail run organized by Rainshadow Running
• Free skate ski clinic for runners hosted by Methow Endurance
• Free snowshoe nature tour begins at 11:00am from two Methow Valley locations.
• Nordic Festival Dinner, a fundraiser for the Methow Valley Ski Team. 

Sunday, Jan. 25, events include:

• ​The 30k Pursuit skate ski (race, tour, or relay) from Mazama to Winthrop with post-race party. 

Methow Trails is North America’s largest cross-country ski area with more than 120 miles of groomed trails where visitors 17 and under and those 75 and older ski free everyday.