For what it's worth I've seen somebody patrolling Gold Creek and Cabin Creek every time I've been there lately. The Times says they write a lot of tickets every weekend all winter at Gold Creek.

I buy a season permit in December because you only have to go out a couple times before it's cheaper, and I love cross country skiing. The Methow trail system is $28 a day, the Snow Park system is a great deal if you use it a lot.