Methow, Winthrop, Twisp bc in the Winter?

So I've scoured the net for info on skiing on the east side of Highway 20 in the Winter, and it appears the only way to get to good terrain in a day is to own a snowmobile? Is this true? I'm guessing the two best approaches in the area are Highway 20 and Twisp River road but I'm afraid I will be passed by about 100 sledheads as I'm slogging up the 6 mile approach through the woods. Not that I have any thing against sledheads; I just don't have one. Is it possible to hitch a ride from someone? Do any of the local outdoor shops or mountain guides offer a one ride up into the bc? I've skied Washington Pass from the hairpin after the road opens, but I really want to get into that area mid-winter? Should I just start saving for a sled of my own?

I know what you're talking about. The easy answer is to contact the guides out of Mazama (same opperation as North Cascades Heli, I believe). I think they offer guided BC rando/tele style trips w/snomo access. I've heard about an area of easily accessed reasonable terain near Mazama. I think the locals reffered to it as "The Ranch"?
If snow coverage is good, (this is a big "if") get a topo map. You can ski many of the hills around the winthop/twisp area. Much of this is private property, but I did it this year and met a property owner riding a snowmo on the road to his driveway. After looking me up and down as I gave my diplomatic submissive request to play on his property, he gave me a ride to where our paths diverged and some good locals (actually, owners) knowledge!
There's aways Loup Loup. You can skin around that area, even on piste. I don't think its EVER busy enough to be an issue.
Poke around. Ask questions. If you see a vehicle w/bc gear in the ski rack, flag them down. Whatever you find out, PM me. I take a trip or two there each winter to visit with my G-friens family (all non bc types). I'm like a crack addict looking for a fix while I'm there, beautiful mountain scenery and ussually only 12" on the ground. Maps spread out, peering out the windows through binoculars. They think I'm nuts.

We skied Delancey Ridge off the end of the road last time I was in the Methow during the winter. We had talked to a couple of people at the Winthrop snowsports store and learned basically the same message as you note: the best bc terrain is found using a sled.

Delancey is a nice south-facing ski for a day trip. To stretch it out you can drop down the north face into the Hardscrabble Creek basin. And if neither of those are long enough for your urges, across the highway is Silverstar via Silverstar Creek. That's the extent of my knowledge for opportunities more or less off the plowed road - I imagine you run into sleds for trips requiring longer approaches.

Patterson Mountain by Sun Mountain Lodge appears to be an OK option if there is enough snow. I was there on Jan. 6 snowshoing with my wife, and was jealous to see a few locals enjoying some turns. The powder was light up until about the top 200-300 vertical - that was windpacked. There are also great lines in most directions as there are few trees.

I believe you can get consistent 1200 ft. vertical runs on this hill.

Here are my Mazama recommendations from a few places (just found them by looking at a map -- no local knowledge)

Last Chance Peak has reasonable (a full day) access to true alpine terrain from the end of the Lost River road without a sled (though a sled does make it easier - add an hour each way to approach without a sled). 4500' makes a long day and there is some avi exposure depending on route choice.

The Gunn Ranch ski hill is great for an afternoon if there is reasonably fresh snow for a 1500' run. I have always seen others around here enjoying the turns too.

It would be nice if there were a 'public snow transportation' option that didnt require everyone to own a sled to access washington pass. i.e. something similar to the Mountaineers Meany Lodge, but at Washington Pass - a snowcat that made regular trips up and down to a rustic backcountry lodge to serve as a basecamp with lots of touring options!

- Kevin

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

It would be nice if there were a 'public snow transportation' option that didnt require everyone to own a sled to access washington pass. i.e. something similar to the Mountaineers Meany Lodge, but at Washington Pass - a snowcat that made regular trips up and down to a rustic backcountry lodge to serve as a basecamp with lots of touring options!

- Kevin

This is a brilliant idea. Too bad the forest service would freak out at such a logical suggestion. Backcountry Access offered to pay for a shuttle up Teton Pass to ease the congestion at the limited parking area, but the forest service said no go. I really don't want to have buy a snowmobile, but with global warming, and the forest service's belief that snowmobilers are the only people with any interest in venturing into the woods in winter, I'm afraid I have to.