Winter fun where the Olympians train

Where to eat …

Breakfast: Wheaties, shmeaties. Sadie craves a three-egg omelet packed with cheese, spinach, olives, and mushrooms from the Duck Brand Cantina. The blueberry pancakes come in a close second. Calories? Carbs? Whatever, you’re in training. $; 248 Riverside Ave., Winthrop; 509/996-2192.

Lunch: Twisp River Pub, a family-friendly hangout and small-batch brewery, is Sadie’s stop for a veggie burger (the beer will have to wait another year until she’s 21) and live rock or reggae on Friday and Saturday nights. $, cover charge from $5; closed Mon–Tue; 201 State 20, Twisp.

Dinner: After a day outdoors, it’s okay to eat like an Olympic contender. Sadie splurges with a creamy arugula pesto pasta, enjoyed fireside at Freestone Inn. The finish? The bittersweet chocolate truffle torte. “Irresistible.” $$$; closed Tue–Wed; 31 Early Winters Dr., Mazama; 800/639-3809.

Getting to Methow Valley:

State 20 is closed in winter over the passes separating Methow Valley from western Washington. Give yourself 51/2 hours to drive the long way: From I-405 outside Seattle, take State 522 to U.S. 2 over Stevens Pass to Wenatchee, then head north on U.S. 97 and State 153 to Twisp.

Where to stay:

At the Freestone Inn in Mazama, choose a lodge room with a stone fireplace or one of five new condos with kitchens. Rooms from $140, including breakfast; condos from $195; 800/639-3809.

If you want the whole shebang (spa, ski lessons, gourmet suppers, and stunning views), book a room at Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop. Sadie likes to stay in the freestanding cabins, where she’s spent many birthdays sledding down the hill out back. Rooms from $160, including breakfast; cabins from $265; 800/572-0493.

The tiny Owl’s Nest Cabin at Winthrop’s Spring Creek Ranch has it all―if all you need is a cute, dog-friendly bolt-hole with kitchen, bedroom, and easy access to Methow’s main ski trails. From $100; two-night minimum; 509/996-2495.

More: Great snowy getaways in the West