When the doors close for the season and the last apple has long been picked, it’s easy to imagine the Orchard at Altapass going completely still. But winter is actually one of the most important chapters in the life of an apple tree — and in the story of this land.
The quiet months are where next year’s harvest is born.
The Trees Are Resting — On Purpose
Apple trees need winter. Cold weather triggers their dormancy period, giving them a chance to rest and reset. Without enough “chill hours,” the trees won’t bloom properly come spring. Luckily, our mountain ridge delivers exactly what they ask for: cold nights, crisp mornings, and just the right amount of frost.
This slowing-down phase is nature’s way of rebuilding energy for the next season’s growth. Winter isn’t empty time — it’s preparation.
Pruning Season Begins
Once the deepest cold settles in, pruning becomes the Orchard’s main winter task. Pruning looks simple from the outside — snipping branches here and there — but it’s one of the most important things we do. It shapes the tree, improves fruit quality, prevents disease, and helps sunlight reach every limb.
Good pruning now means healthier trees and better apples later.
Wildlife Takes Center Stage
Without the buzz of visitors and summer activity, wildlife returns in full force. Deer move quietly through the rows, birds forage among the bare branches, and the occasional bear leaves tracks across the frost. Winter is when the Orchard’s conservation mission really shines.
This land isn’t just for apples — it’s habitat.
Planning for the Year Ahead
Winter is also our reset button. Behind the scenes, we’re:
- choosing next year’s events and music lineup
- reviewing which apple varieties thrived
- prepping conservation projects
- tuning up equipment
- dreaming up improvements for the visitor experience
The Orchard might look still, but the work never really stops.
Why We Love This Season
Winter strips the Orchard down to its bones. No leaves, no crowds, just the mountains, the trees, and the rhythm of nature doing what it’s always done here. There’s a quiet beauty in that.
And when spring finally returns, every blossom will be a reminder that rest — real, deep rest — is what makes all things grow again.