Winter Activities to Try in Leavenworth Despite Low Snowfall

With little snowfall this winter, a Cascade High School student shapes a clay bowl during an afternoon pottery session, turning to pottery as an alternative seasonal activity. Photo credit: Sally Fortney (11). 

For generations, January in Leavenworth has been defined by the muffled silence of fresh powder and the crunch of snow underfoot. This year, the landscape has shifted to dull brown, missing the blanket of snow that typically transforms the town during winter. 

In the 2024–2025 winter season, about 85 inches of snow had fallen by Christmas. In contrast, the 2025–2026 season saw only an estimated 20 inches by the same date. With the lack of snow, skiers, snowboarders, and other winter sports enthusiasts at Cascade High School have been seeking alternative ways to stay active and engaged. 

Many students have turned to new hobbies and creative pursuits. “I have been doing a lot of pottery at my mom's studio. It is a good activity because it is inexpressive and creative hands-on activity to learn,” said Sally Fortney (11). Pottery lessons are offered at Tierra Learning Center, where Mijanou Fortney teaches students of all levels and hosts open studios on Wednesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. for a $12 drop-in fee. 

“This ski season has put me in a depressed state because there is not enough snow and it's so icy. To fill my time, I have been playing basketball and learning how to play the guitar. I would recommend people to join a new sport or learn a new hobby if they get bored,” said Milo Gibbs (10). 

Other students are exploring indoor activities and new sports. “This ski season has put me in a depressed state because there is not enough snow and it's so icy. To fill my time, I have been playing basketball and learning how to play the guitar. I would recommend people to join a new sport or learn a new hobby if they get bored,” said Milo Gibbs (10). 

Some students have also focused on schoolwork and extracurriculars to stay busy. “It is so sad with no snow, there is a lot more to do with snow. I have been staying busy with school, focusing on completing my homework. I have also been managing basketball, which has been fun. I also make sure to save time for hanging out with friends,” said Adan Vargas (11). 

Others have found ways to stay physically active without snow. “One of my favorite activities to do that doesn’t need snow is going climbing. I go to the gym in Wenatchee. I like climbing because it is a unique form of exercise, and I love to go with my friends,” said Ingrid Stockman (11). Riverfront Rock Gym in Wenatchee provides bouldering, top-rope, auto-belay, and lead climbing on some of the steepest, longest routes in Washington, along with rental gear and lessons for beginner climbers. 

Rather than letting the lack of snow dampen spirits, students and residents can embrace the season by exploring creative hobbies, indoor sports, and academic pursuits. Even without the typical winter landscape, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged, active, and connected during the colder months.