January February 2018

ON THE MOUNTAIN SKI/SNOWBOARD SPECIAL SECTION JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 // FREE

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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FINANCES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Set a budget, deposit checks, set mobile alerts and make transfers all from your phone.

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Ski at Whitefish Mountain Resort (ranked #10 by Ski Magazine), snowshoe in Glacier National Park, or stroll the covered sidewalks of downtown.

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CONTENTS SPECIAL SECTIONS 15 | 2018 Winter Adventure Guide 25 | Great Outdoors & Bike Expo 31 | On The Mountain Ski & Snowboard Section

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5 2 4 2 15

s e z i r p win !

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DEPARTMENTS 12 | Gear Room 24 | Cross-Country Skiing 30 | Health & Fitness

ng, i b m i cl mos e d & ts

kidfs’

44 | Provisions

COLUMNS

cra

10 | Everyday Cyclist 13 | Eatology 14 | Out There Kids

24

R A B Ll FU

IN EVERY ISSUE 7 | Intro 8 | Out There News & Events 11 | Hike of the Month 41 | Outdoor Calendar 46 | Last Page

10

She has traveled by bicycle across America twice and has also cycled along the eastern and western coastlines.

Although LaVoie is excited about cycling and sharing her knowledge, she never lets it go to her head.

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

5

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 WWW.OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM PUBLISHERS

Shallan & Derrick Knowles EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Derrick Knowles MANAGING EDITOR

Summer Hess ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jon Jonckers SPECIAL SECTION EDITOR

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree DIGITAL EDITORS

Siobhan Ebel Lisa Laughlin COPY EDITOR

Andrew Butler CONTRIBUTIORS

Allison Armfield // Bryn Ballenger // Larry Banks S. Michal Bennett // Steph Blase // Katie Botkin Sarah Brede // Nicole Bronson // Paul Chisholm Angie Dierdorf // Adam Gebauer // T. Ghezzi Hank Greer // Sarah Hauge // Summer Hess Jon Jonckers // Lisa Laughlin // Amy McCaffree Jayne McLaughlin // Ammi Midstokke Dave Nelson // Brad Northrup // Gary Peterson Justin Skay // Suzanne Tabert // Aaron Theisen Sandra Townsen // Holly Weiler // Rebecca White

ART + PRODUCTION

Art Director - Shallan Knowles Designer- Jon Jonckers Designer- Amy S. Jennings TO REQUEST COPIES CALL

509 / 822 / 0123 AD SALES

Derrick Knowles: 509 / 822 / 0123 derrick@outtheremonthly.com

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3D Scanning Technology: • MEASURES FOOT SHAPE • HELPS GUIDE FIT SOLUTIONS • EMAILS SCAN TO YOU

Mailing Address: PO Box #5 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outthereoutdoors.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 Out There Outdoors is published 10 times a year by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2018 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC. Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are expertsor seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

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PROUD MEMBER Of

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Spokane Valley

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13910 E. Indiana Ave. Spokane Valley, WA 99216 (509) 309-2174

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

ON THE COVER: NICOLE BLACK IS ALL SMILES WHILE ON A SHOWSHOE HIKE UP SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN, SANDPOINT, IDAHO.

Photo: Woods Wheatcroft

Intro: Out There What?

MAYBE YOU NOTICED the name change we snuck into this latest issue. It’s certainly not huge, but we figured we’d better explain. Two years ago Out There Monthly combined a couple of issues (Oct/Nov and Jan/Feb), meaning for the past 24 months, we have really been Out There “almost monthly.” And there’s the fact that we now publish more online-only content (check out our new website); send out a badass, bi-monthly Adventure Email with cool event and outdoor adventure ideas (sign up on the home page of our new website); and we now put on two outdoor recreation-themed events. If you haven’t made it to one of them yet, mark your calendar for the 2nd annual Spokane Great Outdoors & Bike Expo

at the Spokane Convention Center Feb. 24-25, and the 4th annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival at Camp Sekani Park on the Spokane River July 7. All of these changes and additions meant it was time for a little name update. Happy New Year Out There Outdoors!

When we took over the reins of Out There nearly five years ago, we put a lot of energy into making sure the print publication included inspiration, useful information, and trip ideas to help a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts get outside more— from hardcore skiers, mountain bikers, and hikers, to casual Centennial Trail riders and joggers, urban hikers, river tubers, and even those of you whose idea of outdoor adventure involves some

Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k April 8, 2018

combination of a cooler, camp chair, fishing pole, and barbecue. And our events have become the best way to further our quest to bring together a diverse collection of the Inland Northwest outdoors community to connect with one another in a personal and fun face-to-face setting.

When late February rolls around, come check out our next event: the Spokane Great Outdoors & Bike Expo. It’s the place to experience a huge gathering of our region’s diverse outdoor recreation community and celebrate the warmer months and activities that will be here before you know it.

With nearly 60 exhibitors, bike shops, travel destinations, and outdoor clubs and organizations; tons of cool clinics, presentations, and activities for kids

and adults; and hourly gear giveaways, the Great Outdoors & Bike Expo will be, as we say, the most outdoor fun you’ll have inside all year long.

Buy tickets early to score one of three outdoor experience bonus deals free with the first 1,000 tickets sold: a 2-for-1 stand up paddleboard rental from Fun Unlimited, a free Wild Walls climbing pass, or a 2-for-1 pass to Silver Mountain Bike Park. Stop by the Out There Outdoors booth and we’ll see you at the Expo Feb. 24-25! Spokaneoutdoorexpo.com. // DERRICK & SHALLAN KNOWLES, PUBLISHERS

Marathon and Half Marathon May 20, 2018

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Dishman Hills The Wild Heart of Spokane!

6:30 - 8:30 pm - Wednesday, January 24, 2018 Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S Regal Road, Spokane, WA 6:30 pm Volunteer Opportunities; 7:15 pm Presentation Learn More at www.DishmanHills.org or Call 509 999-5100

Out ThereNews&Events 2ND ANNUAL SPOKANE GREAT OUTDOORS & BIKE EXPO THIS TWO-DAY EVENT is a celebration of the

awesome outdoor recreation and travel opportunities and amazing lifestyle here in the Inland Northwest. This second-year event at the Spokane Convention Center February 24-25 will feature over 60 biking, outdoor gear, adventure travel, tourism, and outdoor organization exhibitors; presentations and clinics on a wide range of outdoor recreation and conservation topics; activities like rock climbing, bike demos, games, and product demos; and gear giveaways every hour. The Great Outdoors & Bike Expo is one of the biggest gath-

erings of the region’s outdoor community. Buy your ticket early to score a FREE outdoor adventure experience worth up to $35. Choose from a 2-for-1 Silver Mountain Bike Park pass, Wild Walls climbing gym pass, or 2-for-1 paddleboard rental on the Spokane River from Fun Unlimited.

Ticket holders also get access to the Spokane Golf Show the same weekend. Presented by Out There Monthly, this event is the most outdoor fun you’ll have indoors all year! Info: Spokaneoutdoorexpo. com. (OTM)

READY FOR THE EXPO? PHOTO: JON JONCKERS

NO MAN’S LAND FILM FESTIVAL COMES TO EWU THE NO MAN’S LAND Film Festival is an all-

female adventure film festival connecting women in pursuit of the radical. Based out of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the NMLFF highlights like-minded individuals who are action-oriented, have a desire to experience their passions and environments through a uniquely female lens, and above all, love adventure. The festival’s aim is to redefine femininity in sport, adventure, culture and conservation through the power of video.

This is the third year the film festival has toured

around the country, and 2018 features some of the best hardcore female adventure films around.

The Spokane EWU campus is hosting the event on March 2, and tickets are available now. The film festival begins at 7 p.m., followed by a panel discussion of women in the outdoors community.

The trailer for this year’s festival can be found at Nomanslandfilmfestival.org. The festival is free for EWU students, and only $2.50 per person for non-students. (Jon Jonckers)

REI PLEDGES TO ADVOCATE FOR THE PLACES WE LOVE

July 7, 2018 30+ vendors Kayaking Live Music paddle boarding mountain biking trail running Bike Demos Jump Jam Beer Garden Spokatopia.com 8

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

“WE JUST LOST MILLIONS of acres of protected land,” REI said in a recent statement.

“But we remain united as a community.” Several other major outdoor brands have joined Native American groups in seeking to block President Trump’s decision to slash two big National Monuments in Utah, a move to facilitate coal mining and oil exploration.

Beyond Utah, multiple sources report that U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has recommended shrinking and stripping protection from the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in Oregon, just north of the California border. “This move is

a monumental mistake,” said Senator Jeff Merkley.

“The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is a unique and special place, unlike anywhere else in the United States. The Trump administration is ignoring the voices of thousands of Oregonians who have spoken out in favor of the monument, and is recklessly risking the future of irreplaceable biodiversity and natural wonder.”

On the bright side, Zinke has said that the Hanford Reach National Monument, on the Columbia River in Eastern Washington, will not be questioned or reconsidered. (Jon Jonckers)

FOURTH ANNUAL INLAND NORTHWEST RUCK THE AMERICAN LONG DISTANCE Hiking Association West is sponsoring the 4th Annual Inland Northwest Winter Ruck, a long-distance backpacking clinic, on March 3 at the Eagles Lodge in Hayden, Idaho. This clinic is designed for anyone interested in extending the distance of their hiking abilities or doing a long-distance hike, especially on the most popular long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or Pacific Northwest Trail.

Presenters include Triple Crown recipients— hikers who have hiked over 8,000 miles and/or

completed the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. The Triple Crown hikers will share from their hard-earned adventures. Other long distance hikers who have traveled thousands of miles will also be sharing from their experiences.

The full day of clinics lasts roughly 8 hours.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their backpack and gear if they would like an experienced member to give your set-up a look in a one-on-one pack shake down. For more information, check out Aldhawest.org. (Jon Jonckers)

BACKCOUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL THE BACKCOUNTRY Film Festival is produced

each year by Winter Wildlands Alliance as a celebration of the human-powered winter experience, and a gathering place for the backcountry snowsports community. Winter Wildlands Alliance is a nonprofit organization working at the national level to inspire and educate the backcountry community to protect and care for their winter landscapes. This year’s films are definitely mindblowing, ranging from short expeditions to rich personal explorations, including the courageous movie about Caroline Gleich that documented her ski descents of the Chuting Gallery.

Funds raised at each screening stay in the local

community to support human-powered recreation and conservation efforts, winter education and avalanche/safety programs, and to raise awareness of winter management issues. This Spokane showing February 1 at the Hemmingson Auditorium at Gonzaga University is being hosted by Gonzaga Outdoors and The Spokane Mountaineers Foundation. Proceeds support the protection of non-motorized winter recreation in the Lookout Pass-Stevens Peak Area. Admission is $10.

You can also catch the festival on January 31 at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre in Moscow, Idaho, courtesy of the University of Idaho Outdoor Program. For more information and tickets go to

ALTAI SKIS HOK AND SKI FESTIVAL THEY HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME at last year’s

festival, they decided to repeat it. This year’s Altai Skis event is on Saturday, January 28 with Altai ski demos at the Sitzmark Ski Area, the smallest most retro ski area in North America. The area is close to Altai world headquarters in Curlew, Washington, and has been a favorite for many years thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and total absence of hype.

Sitzmark is a ski area for locals and a great fit for the Altai Skis demo and gathering as they have a

certain inclination to be retro as well. Activities are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and discounted lift tickets are available for those registered attendees interested in using the chair lift.

Nils Larsen, Altai Ski owner and cofounder, will be on hand to talk about his unique skis and ski/snowshoe hybrids. This gathering has a reputation for ski antics, great backcountry tours, good humor, and an unrivaled level of fun. Visit Altaiskis.com for more information. (Jon Jonckers)

Winter Adventure at the Lochsa Lodge

✺ Just 12 Miles From LoLo Pass ➳ Miles of Groomed Snowmobile & X-Country Trails ❊ Just 10 Miles from Jerry Johnson Hot Springs ✹ Home Cooked Cuisine ☛ Cozy and Comfortable Cabins ✪ Open Every Day of the Year

www.LochsaLodge.com (208)924-3405 Powell, ID

2016 FUN IN THE SNOW. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALTAI SKIS

POWDER MAGAZINE LISTS SPOKANE AS AN EMERGING SKI TOWN THE DECEMBER 2017 issue of “Powder Magazine”

recently reported that five ski resorts are “all within 70 miles [of Spokane] and the average season pass price to ski them is $421, and just $58 for an adult full-day lift ticket.” In a nutshell, the Inland Northwest is among the most affordable places to ski in America.

According to the magazine, the other emerging ski towns include Reno, Nevada; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Waterbury, Vermont. Overall, the article cited median home prices, and miles from a chairlift. The magazine also evaluated the median income, and the population density of Spokane.

In addition to the Washington and Idaho resorts,

“Powder Magazine” also highlighted Spokane’s proximity to Nelson, B.C. and Whitewater; RED Mountain; and hut trips north of the border.

“Powder” writer John Stifter also points out, “What Spokane lacks in a bucolic mountain town vibe and 500 inches of annual snowfall, it makes up for in bigger city options. Spokane has 20-plus wineries, 45-plus breweries and distilleries, and a quickly growing culinary scene.”

Most Spokane skiers and riders are happy to be included on this list but are undecided if they want the rest of the ski and snowboard world to know how good we have it. (Jon Jonckers) // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

9

Everyday Cyclist EMPOWERING WOMEN ON WHEELS // By Hank Greer

You asked,

we listened.

This year we are adding a 5K to this amazing run! Walkers welcome.

H A U S E R

L A K E

ICEBREAKER RUN 10K SU N DAY, A PRI L 8, 2018

5K

Join us for this fun, annual 5k/10k run around beautiful Hauser Lake.

The 10k race is a Bloomsday Second Seed Qualifying Race. This course is USA Track & Field Certified.

B e n e f itin g

DOUBLE J A 501C3

D O G

NONPROFIT

S ANCTUARY

R A N C H FOR D OGS WITH S PECIAL N EEDS.

W W W. D O U B L E J D O G R A N C H .O R G

Register now: www.Race360.com/23264 208-255-4496

Join us for the 4th annual “Fatty Flurry” Fat Bike Festival January 27th (near Sandpoint at Round Lake State Park).

GREASY FINGERS BIKES N REPAIR

North Idaho’s Fat/Snow Bike Headquarters Fat Bike Sales & Rentals Studded Tires/Winter Riding Gear Stop by for Fat Bike Trail info

3rd & Pine ∙ Sandpoint, ID ∙ GreasyFingersBikes.com 10

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

ANNIKA DEMONSTRATES CLEANING THE DRIVE TRAIN IN A BASIC MAINTENANCE CLASS // PHOTO: HANK GREER

ANNIKA LAVOIE has racked up an enviable amount of saddle time for someone halfway through her 20s. She has traveled by bicycle across America twice and has also cycled along the eastern and western coastlines. Although LaVoie is excited about cycling and sharing her knowledge, she never lets it go to her head. She well remembers her humble beginnings and recalls what it was like to be stranded, unable to fix her bicycle, and forced to hitch a ride home. In fact, one of the driving factors behind her ambition to empower women on bicycles is saving them from those feelings of fear and uncertainty.

In 2016 LaVoie joined the Wheel Sport Ladies, which creates opportunities for women to ride bikes together. She took over the reins soon after and started hosting free bike maintenance classes for women twice a month. These are hands-on classes where women bring their bikes in and learn the names of the parts, how to clean the drivetrain, and how to fix a flat. LaVoie makes a point to remember what it was like to be new to cycling. Because of her passion for cycling and grounded approach, people new to the sport feel comfortable enough to ask questions.

Her approach has reaped benefits for several of the women, including my wife and a friend, who sustained flat tires and reacted with a cheerful “I got this” attitude. Gaining the confidence and ability to fix a flat tire has been liberating for my wife, who is now comfortable riding on her own.

For 2018, LaVoie would like to offer more skills classes. One idea she has is to help people get used to riding with clipless pedals. Both my wife and I, when we first started using clipless pedals, suffered the embarrassment and minor injuries that occur when you stop but forget to disconnect your shoe from the pedal—or, as I did more than once, stop

but lean towards the side where the shoe was still connected to the pedal.

Another idea she has for a skills class is how to use your gears for best results since many people starting out are not familiar with the gear choices and their uses. In addition, LaVoie may offer basic road riding safety as well as a touring clinic.

Wheel Sport Ladies also offers group rides, which vary in order to match up with the experience and comfort levels of participants. For example, some rides are “no drop,” which means you’re not left on your own because you are slower than the rest of the group. There are also faster-paced rides and mountain bike rides for people interested in exploring the many Spokane-area trails.

It’s cool to see how supportive these cyclists have been on the group rides. On one occasion, a woman showed up for a more energetic ride with a beach cruiser-type bike and the wrong clothing.

GAINING THE CONFIDENCE AND ABILITY TO FIX A FLAT TIRE HAS BEEN LIBERATING FOR MY WIFE, WHO IS NOW COMFORTABLE WITH RIDING ON HER OWN. The group welcomed her anyway. She kept up as best as she could and they didn’t leave her behind.

Whether you’re new or an old pro, it’s a great group to connect with. You can find out more about the Wheel Sport Ladies Group rides on their Facebook page. // Hank Greer has been writing Out There’s Everyday Cyclist column for years and likes to ride his bike everywhere. The last article he contributed was about riding the Oregon Outback Route.

HikeOfTheMonth JOHN WAYNE PIONEER TRAIL Tekoa, Washington // By Holly Weiler

Embrace the beauty of winter $20 OFF YOUR WINTER CLOTHING P U RC H A S E O F $ 10 0 O R M O R E E PI RE S 1/31/2018

WE RENT FAT BIKES

TEKOA TRESTLE// PHOTO: HOLLY WEILER

ALL OF THE LEAVE NO TRACE followers know

that step one is Plan Ahead and Prepare, which I always do, generally in the last hour before leaving for a trailhead. That’s part of the reason why I haven’t spent as much time as I’d like on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. And I confess that, the first time I went, I didn’t know I needed to have an access permit instead of a Discover Pass.

Fortunately, securing an access permit just got a whole lot simpler. Rather than the snail mail process, trail users can now complete an online form for their permits. This must be done at least 15 days before the initial trip, but once the permit is in hand, it can be dated for up to a full year. This means I now have a short waiting period for my permit approval. Then, I can resume my trail use spontaneity, choosing my destination and mode of transportation on short notice—so long as I remember to bring my permit.

Once my permit application is approved, I’ll be returning to the portion of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail just northwest of Tekoa. There are several other access points for additional exploration, but Tekoa boasts a particularly scenic old trestle (not usable, but quite photogenic) and is a good place to stop for some post-exercise treats. Get to the trail by turning west on Lone Pine Road just north of town. In a mile, turn south on Summer Road. The road crosses the trail here, and there’s a small, wide spot with room for two or three vehicles. Part of the need for the permit system is the lack of developed trailhead parking areas, so carpool for this trip and don’t block Summer Road. Look for planned trail improvements in the years to come.

For a short hike, begin by hiking east approximately a mile to the edge of the Tekoa trestle.

Don’t venture out on the structure, but there is a safe vantage point for admiring the view over

Hangman Creek. Then retrace your steps and consider extending the hike by continuing farther west on the trail. The trail tread is in good shape for approximately three miles before entering a boggy area with tall grasses. Improvements have recently been made to this area, affectionately referred to as “The Swamp” by regular trail users, so future visitors may have drier feet than I did following my last visit. This is a good turn-around point for an 8-mile hike. Remember the public right of way along this old rail bed is restricted to 20 feet from centerline along the trail; don’t trespass on adjacent private property.

Depending on winter conditions, the trail might be snow free or it might be a better place for a snowshoe hike, Nordic ski tour, or fat bike ride.

It’s also a popular destination for bike tours and even boasts an annual horse-drawn wagon event in the summer. Cover your bases and select all of your favorite activities when applying for your permit.

DISTANCE

Up to 8 miles round-trip as described, although the trail extends 285 total miles across Washington.

Getting There: From downtown Spokane, travel south on US 195 to Highway 27 to Tekoa; from Spokane Valley take Highway 27 south.

Turn west on Lone Pine Road just before entering town. A small parking area is located at Summer Road, the first left off Lone Pine.

Holly Weiler is a cross-county coach and the Eastern Region Coordinator for Washington Trails Association. She writes the Hike of the Month column in every issue of Out There.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

11

GearRoom

WINTER ADVENTURE GEAR // By Derrick Knowles

w x

v

MERINO BASE LAYER PATTERN HOODY (1)

Layer up for the lifts, a mellow winter walk, or throw this ultra-warm layer in your pack on a snowy fat bike ride or backcountry ski tour for snack breaks or safety meetings. Made from Merino 250 fabric, this hoody is so soft you may come home from your next adventure and end up taking a nap in it. MSRP: $130. Smartwool.com.

5.11 ENDEAVOR FLANNEL SHIRT (2)

5.11 got its start making technical gear for law enforcement and other public safety workers who need quality gear that is up for whatever realworld challenges await out in the field. Branching out with products that appeal to outdoor and fitness enthusiasts was a good move. I really can’t stop wearing this flannel. This stylish, soft shirt has abrasion resistant fabric in the right places and snap buttons for easy venting and removal with gloves or cold fingers. Large chest pockets have lots of room for a phone and wallet and the ease of snap buttons. It’s a solid, warm flannel that you will want to wear around the house or as a comfortable, light jacket outside when a puffy or thick fleece is overkill. MSRP: $79.99. 511tactical. com.

5.11 DEFENDER-FLEX JEANS (3)

Stretchy, comfortable, stylish denim jeans with plenty of pockets that you could wear on a search and rescue mission but will more likely deploy for winter beer runs or urban hikes are pretty rad.

And the tough construction means you really can give them the business out in the woods or in the urban wilds when nature beckons. MSRP: $69.99.

511tactical.com.

OBOZ BIG SKY LOW WINTER SHOES (4)

Slip these insulated, waterproof, low-cut shoes on anytime your winter errand run doesn’t require tromping through deep snow. The casual yet classic style means you can get away with wearing them to work at most Northwest offices, and the 12

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

z y

u

inter-optimized rubber keeps you from getting all slippy on that sidewalk slush as you dash to make a meeting. Waterproof leather and a wool lining that sports 100 grams of Thinsulate keeps feet warm and dry splashing through parking lot puddles on the way to the local market or pub.

While I love having warm, dry, nice-looking feet in the winter, the thing I like best about these shoes is not having to bend over to tie cold, wet laces over and over again each time I step out the door. MSRP: $135. Obozfootwear.com.

ENO SOLOPOD HAMMOCK STAND (5)

Now you can take your ENO hammock anywhere, from the sagebrush sea of the Columbia Basin to your tree-less backyard or basement.

The SoloPod hammock stand packs down easy for stowing in the rocket box and quick-release, tool-free construction makes for easy campsite setup. Nonslip feet grip smooth surfaces and the 10-foot plus length allows for set-up in most indoor and backyard spaces. Use one as a fun way to get your kids to nap or keep one on hand as an extra sleeping space for out-of-town guests. Stop by the Expo Campground at the Spokane Great Outdoors & Bike Expo Feb. 24-25 at the Spokane Convention Center to try out an ENO SoloPod hammock set-up yourself. MSRP: $249.95. Eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com.

KLEAN KANTEEN INSULATED CLASSIC 20 OZ BOTTLE (6)

Keep hot liquids hot for up to 20 hours and cold drinks cold for just over two days with this classic, insulated steel water bottle. No shattering, rusting, leaking, warping, or leaching toxic chemicals and unwanted nastiness into your beverages. Haul it around with the loop cap to aid daily hydration; throw it in your ski pack full of warm, salty broth or cocoa; or fill it full of hot water wrapped in a wool sock at the bottom of your cold-weather sleeping bag. MSRP: $30.95. Kleankanteen.com. //

Eatology

NEW YEARS AND THE NEUROLOGY OF CHANGE // By Ammi Midstokke

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS ON BIG MOUNTAIN

SKI & STAY for just $89* Includes lodging, lift ticket, hot breakfast & hot tub access.

RIGHT AROUND NOW, my phone starts ringing

with the calls of highly-motivated people who want to undo 11 months of damage in one month.

That’s approximately how long their commitment lasts. They will, at any cost or level of starvation or deprivation, do ‘whatever it takes’ to turn new leaves and start the New Year as a new human.

Stop that. That is not, for most people, how to create sustainable, lasting change.

The culture of embracing extremes is part of our personal health struggles. We seem to be all in or all out. We are either on some fancy cleanse or binging on the latest Oreo invention. When we get tired of the guilt and bloat, or when the self-image issues and the gluttony have had their run, we know we’ll ‘get back on track.’

The problem with being on track is that we’re striving for a level of perfection that is unsustainable, unrealistic, and no damn fun at all. We teeter-totter to both ends of the spectrum. We hate to stop the Oreo binge because the level of commitment we’re asking of ourselves on the other end is so uncomfortable. No Oreos? Ever?

Let me just finish this box and then I’ll be ready to say goodbye. There are other options or other rides on the playground.

The neurology of change is a fascinating one, and it is biophysical. It is a firing and wiring in the brain that creates those other options and makes them regularly available. A Whole30 jumpstart might seem like the right idea, but after 30 days, your old wiring is still present. This is why when people get off-track, the slippery slope sucks them into a neurology as old as their existence.

In our brains, when we encounter a familiar situation but respond in a different direction, the firing of synapses creates a new connection with just a few instances of that firing. So if your habit is to come home and pour a glass of wine, but you begin pouring a glass of sparkling water instead, you create more options in your brain.

This is how we break habits most effectively and create true change. Choosing not to do something is not enough—our brains need alternatives—and the more, the merrier.

If this is your year to create change, take time to look at your long-term goal. Is it five years or one year down the road? What changes need to take place to get there? What behaviors will you change

individually to create a shift in direction? What behaviors are limiting you from achieving this goal?

Commit to making one change at a time.

Commit to providing yourself with options instead of just depriving yourself. Celebrate each change as the foundation of the next change you will make.

If you want to get healthier this year, maybe January is the month you will focus solely on increasing your vegetable intake with each meal. Or, maybe you’ll focus on increasing hydration. Once

CELEBRATE EACH CHANGE AS THE FOUNDATION OF THE NEXT CHANGE YOU WILL MAKE. you’ve implemented this so well it has become second nature, you’re ready for the next step.

Maybe February is the month you’ll work on establishing a workout routine that actually fits into your life. By March, when most people have long forgotten New Years (though a few are hanging on by the thread of Lent), you might be ready for the next exciting change you’re going to create in your life.

That ‘in your life’ part is important. Why work hard for something that is only going to be a temporary fad for you? Yes, we feel better when we’re in control and on some sort of restrictive diet or health kick, but is it improving our life in the long run? Are we going to apply our learning to the rest of our days?

This year, look at the big picture. Pause. And resolve to create change that shifts the course of your life—not just your New Year. And do it one step at a time, with an Oreo here or there. // Ammi Midstoke lives in Sandpoint, Idaho, where she raises her daughter on a deeply-ingrained fear of gluten and an arguably-dangerous appetite for adventure. She wrote about BCAAs in the December issue.

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++++++ 4 BOOKS FOR OUTDOOR FAMILIES // Amy S. McCaffree

KIDS++++++

environment. Louv presents research-based arguments about what led to the decline in American children’s experiential knowledge of the natural world, including societal and parental restrictions and poor urban design. His pragmatic and bold solutions helped inspire the national No Child Left Inside movement.

“LET THEM BE EATEN BY BEARS: A FEARLESS GUIDE TO TAKING OUR KIDS INTO THE GREAT OUTDOORS,”

by Peter Brown Hoffmeister

BOOKS ARE ONE OF MY FEW OBSESSIONS.

Re-reading a great book feels like returning home as I revisit that author’s ideas, insights, experiences, encouragement, or advice. These books inspire me in my resolve to better help my outdoor family be the best version of us—determined adventurers; curious explorers; fun-loving recreationists; caring, informed, and compassionate conservationists.

Winter is a great season to take guilt-free indoor time for reading, and it’s not too soon to start planning camping trips and making site reservations.

To kick off 2018, here are my top four parentingrelated books that I recommend to families who want to do more and dare more in the great out-

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

doors. These non-fiction books inspire and propel me towards new goals as a fellow adventurer with my children. They enable me to guide, teach, and nurture them while enjoying both simple and epiclevel outdoor moments, whether in a national forest or our own backyard.

“LAST CHILD IN THE WOODS: SAVING OUR CHILDREN FROM NATURE-DEFICIT DISORDER,”

by Richard Louv

I first read this book a few years before I became a mom, and I regularly re-visit favorite chapters and excerpts to refresh my resolve to be an advocate for children’s rights to play outside in a healthy

As a father and co-founder/director of the Integrated Outdoor Program at Eugene High School in Oregon, Hoffmeister shares pragmatic ideas and encouraging advice, using humor, personal anecdotes, and examples from his teaching and guiding experiences. His prose is helpful for all readers, whether experienced outdoorspeople or novices.

“BALANCED AND BAREFOOT,”

by Angela J. Hanscom

Hanscom is an occupational therapist who runs a thriving therapeutic outdoor program called Timbernook. Her book’s subtitle provides a clear synopsis: “How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children,” and it’s notable that Louv wrote the book’s foreword. If you know a child who has been labeled as ADD or

ADHD, who fidgets in class, or who feels frustrated by limited outdoor recess time, then you need to read this book. Hanscom provides in-depth explanations about the physiological, emotional, social, and cognitive health benefits when children are provided ample, high-quality outdoor play and learning experiences, and she covers all developmental stages, from babies to teens.

“I LOVE DIRT!: 52 ACTIVITIES TO HELP YOU & YOUR KIDS DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF NATURE,”

by Jennifer Ward.

This seasonally-organized guide shares easy-toimplement, hands-on activities that help adults engage with children from ages 4-8. Each activity, such as #44 (Fluffy Flakes), includes a brief description, answers to key questions to help kids understand the scientific or ecological concept (e.g., “How are snowflakes made?”), and indicates which goal the activity fulfills (e.g., “stimulates observation skills, curiosity, and appreciation of art and science”). Ward’s other book for parents and children ages 8-12 is called “Let’s Go Outside!

Outdoor Activities and Projects to Get You and Your Kids Closer to Nature.” // Amy S. McCaffree compiled last issue’s Local Holiday Gift Guide. During winter, she alpine skis, snowshoes, goes sledding, and plays street snow hockey with her children, ages 7 and 6.

ADVENTURE GUIDE

2018 WINTER

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CANADA ROAD TRIP

KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT

BY AARON THEISEN

AMONGST SERIOUS SKIERS, hearing a ski

resort described as “family friendly” is, if not the kiss of death, the kiss of disinterest. The skinny on Kimberley Alpine Resort, in British Columbia’s East Kootenays, is that it’s familyfriendly. But watching skier Steve Blake, who grew up skiing this mountain, launch a 60-foot high-speed spread-eagle jump off one of the resort’s blue runs, one thing is clear: it may be family friendly, but it’s also a badass playground.

B.C.’s Powder Highway includes the eight ski resorts, dozens of heli and cat-skiing operations, and luxury backcountry lodges that comprise the largest concentration of skiable experiences in the world. Kimberley will strike stateside skiers as the most like its south-of-the-border counterparts. As opposed to the ragged peaks of, say, Revelstoke or Kicking Horse, Kimberley is part of the relatively mellow Purcells and occupies a timbered prominence. In the absence of big-mountain bowls and steep rock faces, the key runs take advantage of the thickly-treed hills for high-speed thrills.

Steep, fall-line blacks and long, cruiser blues make the most out of nearly 2,500 feet of vertical; a mid-mountain roll gives skiers a chance to rest their quads. But it’s the trees where Kimberley excels; expertly spaced and nicely graded glades comprise roughly a third of the resort’s 1,800 acres, and the resort offers the largest, glade-heavy terrain in North America.

For a great example of this, drop into the Black Forest for top-to-bottom tree skiing, which is accessed from the fixed-grip Easter Triple. But that’s not to say there aren’t big-mountain views.

TOP: THE WAY TO THE TOP OF THE PLAYGROUND. RIGHT: ADULT NIGHTLIGHTS PHOTOS: AARON THEISEN

Kimberley sits above the Columbia Valley, which boasts the most sunny days in the province, and Fisher Peak and its Selkirk siblings to the east frequently make an appearance.

Kimberley shines after the sun goes down, too. The resort offers weekend night skiing on the longest lit run in North America. And in the Bavarian-style town with its pedestrian-only Platzl, storefronts are strung with lights that invite evening strolls. Try stopping in at Pedal and Tap for hip pub fare and a large beer and wine menu.

Non-skiers or those taking a half-day break from the slopes can ice skate at the outdoor skating rink or rent a fat bike to cruise the Trickle Creek Golf Course, where snow-packed cart paths cruise past aspen groves and open forest.

Big-mountain accommodations belie the

resort’s small-hill charm. In the base-area plaza connecting the North Star Express quad to the Stemwinder Bar & Grill, classic-rock radio gives way to live music every weekend night during the winter. On-mountain accommodations at Trickle Creek Lodge and Mountain Spirit Resort nearby ensure the après-ski can easily continue well after last chair; the latter’s two-room condos and 30-person hot tub accommodate family gatherings and guys’ or girls’ ski weekends. Like so much else here, the accommodations prove that “family friendly” need not be a compromise. // Aaron Theisen is author of the forthcoming “Day Hiking Glacier National Park and Western Montana” (Mountaineers Books). He wrote about avalanche awareness for the December issue.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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THE DOG DAYS OF WINTER

ADVENTURING WITH YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS

BY PAUL CHISHOLM

AS I APPROACHED the starting line, I quickly

realized this race was unlike any I’d ever been to before. The competition was fierce. The conditions were uncomfortable. And the racers? Several had already licked me.

It was the annual running of the Eagle Cap Extreme Dog Sled Race, the only Iditarod qualifier in the western United States. The air was filled with nervous excitement—the type that can only come from over a 100 energetic canines barking in eager anticipation.

One by one the mushers brought their teams to the starting line. A staggered start ensured that the teams avoided entanglement, and before long the chorus of barking dog teams faded into the snowy afternoon horizon.

Witnessing a dog sled race is one of the perks of the Inland Northwest winter. This season, the Eagle Cap Extreme will be held on Jan. 18 in Joseph, Oregon, and the Priest Lake Sled Dog Race will occur on Feb. 3 near Nordman, Idaho. Either race will give spectators a healthy introduction to the sport, but if that’s not enough, there are also options for individuals wishing to pursue dog-powered winter recreation themselves.

Skijoring—a combination of cross country skiing and dogsledding—is quickly gaining a dedicated following in the Spokane area, and requires much less gear and preparation than a typical dog sled setup.

“I just kinda went out and did it,” explains Jim Ekins, a Coeur d’Alene resident who took up skijoring nearly 17 years ago. “My dogs figured they could run, I could ski behind them, and it was good.”

Unlike dogsledding, which can require up to 12 dogs and thousands of dollars of specialized equipment, skijoring is relatively accessible to any skier with a four-legged friend. Ekins setup cost between $75 and $80.

The equipment is basic, given the prerequisites of skis and a dog. All you need is a harness that distributes pressure evenly across the dog’s body, an approximately 10-foot lead, and an attachment point on your body such as a harness, belt, or backpack.

Many people have preconceived notions of what kind of dog will pull a sled or a skier, but Ekins maintains that any reasonably athletic and motivated dog will work. Team size typically ranges between one to three dogs. These days, Ekins’ team consists of a border collie and a lab-shepherd mix.

Still, he acknowledges that some dogs just don’t have the innate drive to pull a skier.

While many skijorers rely on traditional verbal commands—“haw,” “gee,” and “hike”—having a responsive, well-trained team isn’t entirely crucial.

“Some people will train their dogs and make them really responsive to commands. My dogs aren’t responsive to commands,” Ekins admits.

“But they like to run and they like to pull. If you can find a dog that likes to work and naturally is into it, you can make it work.”

In addition to providing a great winter workout for both human and beast, skijoring also opens up longer routes that might not otherwise be accessible. Ekins notes that he can cover an 11-12 mile loop in around 2 hours. “I can’t run 12 miles in 2 hours,” Ekins explains. “I couldn’t ski that on my own in that time, but the dogs make it possible.”

Dogs are great pets, but they can also open up new opportunities for winter recreation. Whether it’s viewing a dog sled race or trying skijoring for the first time, your next outing in the snow is sure to be a lot better if it involves a wet muzzle, a wagging tail, and an enthusiastic, barking ball of fur.

Paul Chisholm enjoys trail running in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. He wrote about the Moscow Mountain trail system in the September issue of Out There.

SKIJORING HOTSPOTS FARRAGUT STATE PARK

Dogs aren’t allowed on the Nordic trails, but you can skijor on the groomed fat bike trails. Loops range from 4 to 10 miles.

PALOUSE DIVIDE NORDIC SKI AREA

Dogs are allowed at this trail network an hour north of Moscow. Several miles of gently sloping beginner trails make it a good spot to hone your skills.

MT. SPOKANE STATE PARK

A selection of trails are open for skijoring Sunday after noon and Wednesday all day. //

PRIEST LAKE RACE TURNS 50

16

In 1969, the Inland Empire Sled Dog Association (IESDA) hosted a race on the shores of Priest Lake, just south of Nordman, Idaho. With the exception of a few years, it has been held during the first weekend in February ever since and has become a cherished component of the Priest Lake winter community. This year’s running—which will be held on Feb. 3—marks the 50th anniversary of the event. The event draws teams from all over the Pacific Northwest. Mushers are entered in a variety of categories based on race distance, dog breed, and the skill level of the musher. There will also be two skijoring events—one for advanced racers and another shorter event for beginners. The event begins at the Forest Service airstrip on the west end of Priest Lake and the race routes head west into the surrounding Selkirk foothills. Spectators are more than welcome, and race organizers are always looking for volunteers to help staff the event. The start line is roughly a 2-hour drive from Spokane. Visit www.iesda. org for more information. // OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

TOP: JANE DELVIN’S TEAM AT THE FINISH LINE: MIDDLE: HAPPY DOGS AT THE FINISH LINE BOTTOM: A TEAM AT THE EAGLE CAP EXTREME SLED DOG RACE PHOTOS:PAUL CHISHOLM

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WINTER BLUES

SIX WAYS TO STAY HAPPY DURING THE DARK WINTER MONTHS

BY SARAH HAUGE

COLDER, DARKER, AND WETTER—it’s winter in the Inland Northwest. Drearier weather coupled with a fleeting window of daylight between sunrise and sunset can contribute to a seasonal funk. But there is hope: though it’s always wise to consult a doctor for medical advice when it comes to mental health, there are many ways to mitigate the winter blues on your own.

GET OUTSIDE

It’s never a bad idea to breathe some fresh air, feel the wind on your cheeks, and change up your scenery. Not only does outdoor time provide a natural source of Vitamin D, it’s just more fun than hibernating for months on end.

If you’re looking to mix up your routine, head to an outdoors store like Mountain Gear to rent winter gear and try snowshoeing or crosscountry skiing at Palisades Park or Dishman Hills; rent a pair of skates and check out the new ice ribbon at Riverfront Park; or meet friends for night skiing at Mt. Spokane.

FLIP YOUR SCHEDULE

If you have the flexibility, mix up your work schedule to allow for more outside time. Instead of waking up early to exercise, hop onto your laptop first thing to start knocking out the day’s work tasks. In the afternoon when the sun’s (hopefully) shining, take a break to walk, bike, run, hike, snowshoe, or sled outside—you’ve earned it.

EAT SMART

Many of us turn to comfort foods to combat the effects of gloomy weather. Nutritional therapist and Out There columnist Ammi Midstokke puts it this way: “In winter we find that a decrease in light can lead to a decrease in serotonin and dopamine production (our happy hormones). This tends to make people enjoy sweets, alcohol, and other highly rewarding foods a little more as they stimulate those neurotransmitter sites in the brain.” But while they feel good at the time, Midstokke recommends filling up with healthful comfort foods like soups, which can make up for nutritional gaps by increasing vegetable intake and providing good sources of protein. (Bonus: take a snowy walk to the neighborhood grocery store to shop for ingredients.)

MOVE!

Endless gray days make binge-watching Stranger Things incredibly tempting—but resist that urge, at least occasionally. If you can’t bear

trudging through the slush one more time, turn up some favorite tunes and have a dance party, open YouTube and do an online workout, or roll out a yoga mat for some sun salutations.

“Getting outside especially helps, but any workout or movement enhances my mood, and helps me be more productive and focused,” says Heather LeFriec, president of the Spokane Swifts running group and a high school health and fitness teacher.

Winter is the perfect time to try a new-to-you indoor workout like TRX, RowFit, or hot yoga (hey, you can pretend you’re in the tropics!).

Check out the YMCA or other local gym for a class that’s out of the ordinary—a rewarding challenge for mind and body.

January 17-20, 2018

MAKE PLANS WITH A FRIEND

Can’t bear to keep up your solo early-morning jogs once the sun makes itself scarce? Make plans with a buddy for a walk, join a seasonal running group like Fleet Feet’s Winter Warriors, or join a friend at Wild Walls after work one evening. For maximum accountability, register yourself and a partner for a winter race like Partners in Pain, held in Spokane each February, where a combined score is given for the total time it takes a couple to run or walk the 5k course. Surround yourself with people who encourage you, and good things will happen. “Being a part of a community helps by keeping you accountable for showing up and getting your workout in,” says LeFriec, whose Swifts group trains year-round. “A community provides support, camaraderie, and accountability, and you have more fun!”

GET YOUR VITAMIN D

Lack of sunlight does not do a body good. “In these parts, we see a lot of Vitamin D deficiency, so I am often prescribing this between November and March for patients,” says Midstokke. Coupling Vitamin D with Vitamin K helps with absorption, she advises—though she cautions that supplements alone can’t solve everything. “Far more effective than any vitamin I can recommend is the incredible power of going outside. Don’t be a winter hermit. Get out, move your body, and soak up what little sun we’ll see!” // Sarah Hauge will be talking herself into runs through the slush, snow, and ice this winter.

Her essay, Super Old Superfeet, appeared in the December issue.

Get active and fight hunger all at the same time!

Saturday, April 7, 2018 5K and 10K run/walk begins at 9 a.m.

Plante’s Ferry Park

Registration, packet pickup and race information available online:

thehungerrun.org

A collaborative effort of Second Harvest and Union Gospel Mission to feed the hungry.

Presented by

ILLUSTRATION: ERIKA PRINS SIMONDS JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Healing Balance Massage Therapy RUNNING DURING Spokane winters is a mental and physical challenge; the icy conditions can be treacherous to navigate, and it is hard to be motivated with fewer hours of daylight and colder temperatures.

Some people opt to run indoors on a treadmill or focus on cross-training until the conditions are safe enough to return to the pavement.

However, runners stand the chance of becoming faster and stronger by the time spring comes if they run regularly through the winter months.

Many people who brave the conditions do so in groups, like the Fleet Feet Sports winter incentive program. The program, called Winter Warriors, is a point-based group running game stretched across 12 weeks.

“The whole point of the game is to get people moving in the winter and during the dark hours since we have such short days,” says training groups coordinator Jessicah Travis. “It’s hard to be motivated, but that’s what we’re doing with the points and the prizes. You’d be amazed at what people will do for extra points,” says Travis.

Extra points are awarded to runners for getting out in elements that would normally keep someone at home, such as snow, rain, or temperatures below 30 degrees. There are various other ways to secure extra points, such as attending themed runs or posting photos on social media.

“The goal is to get as many points as you can, and every year we crown a winter warrior,” Travis says.

Of course, running in these sorts of elements requires different clothing and gear than in other seasons. “Here in Spokane, I would definitely recommend some traction spikes, as it can get icy and those will keep you upright,” says Travis.

Reflectivity is also important when running in the dark, and headlamps or flashing lights are required for Winter Warriors.

“The key to being comfortable when you’re running in the colder temperatures is to have a really good base layer,” says Nicole Lund, also from Fleet Feet. The properties to consider in a base layer include moisture wicking, or “something that pulls the sweat away from your skin and prevents you from feeling that icy chill,” says Lund. She also recommends form-fitting base layers so that additional layers can be added as needed.

“It’s a good idea to dress for weather that is 20 degrees warmer,” says Lund. “You’ll feel cold when you start out but, as you get going, it’s nice having that flexibility to shed a layer.” She also recommends a lightweight shell or something that will block wind and has vents to allow breathability. Other accessories include wool (or synthetic) socks, gloves, and a beanie. Some runners also wear trail running or waterproof shoes.

The outlook for this year’s Winter Warriors campaign is bright. “Every year we grow a little bit more,” says Travis. “We expect to be around 250 Winter Warriors this year.”

By joining Winter Warriors, participants can “make a lot of new friends…it’s a great community” says Travis. They can also “expect to be a bit competitive and feel proud of themselves for getting out there when it is a hard time of year to be outside. And they can expect some awesome prizes at the end!”

In fact, this sense of community is one of the best parts of joining the club. “I just hope that everybody can come out and have fun and hopefully stay motivated and not be alone this winter,” says Travis. // Allison Armfield enjoys backpacking, hiking, running, yoga, and cooking vegetarian meals.

She wrote about Jackass Ski Bowl (aka Silver Mountain) in December.

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GET OUT & RIDE A FATTY

HAVE SOME SERIOUS FUN IN THE SNOW

BY S. MICHAL BENNETT

LEFT: FAT BIKE FUN // DAVE NELSON THIS PHOTO: JAY DAVIS AT LAKE PEND OREILLE // BRYN BALLENGER ALTHOUGH I AM AN AVID commuter and recreational cyclist, I have only ridden a fat bike once—and it wasn’t in the snow. So, my biggest question is: with all the winter sports available to us here in the Inland Northwest, why ride a fat bike when the snow flies?

“It’s just plain fun,” says Dave Nelson, one of the three founders of the Northwest Fatbike community on Facebook. “I have never seen someone get on a fat bike and not smile ear-to-ear.”

Mike Gaertner, owner of Vertical Earth bike shop in Coeur d’Alene and the first to sell fat bikes in this area, has seen his fat bike sales double since 2014. “It’s a fun winter activity,” says Gaertner.

“You can be an avid skier or snowmobiler on the weekends, but fat biking doesn’t have to be a weekend thing. It can just be a couple hours on a weekday evening, which makes it versatile.”

Jay Davis, a long time Coeur d’Alene resident, rides different bikes during the warmer months, but almost solely pedals his fat bike in the winter. After snow biking for almost three years, he prefers it to snowboarding and skiing. “I’m not an adrenaline junkie,” he says. “The bike is

more stable and less nerve-racking than throwing myself down a hill.” He also makes the point that, for some people, making a one-time fat bike purchase is probably more affordable than getting the gear, clothing, lift tickets, passes, and everything else needed to ski or board every season.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Pretty much every bike shop in the Spokane area and North Idaho now carries or is beginning to demo fat bikes. “There’s a lot more availability,” says Gaertner. The perks of browsing at your local shop are that you can ride before you buy, find the perfect fit and color, and take advantage of the service and community each shop has to offer.

When picking a place to snow bike, start with spots specifically groomed for fatties. If there’s nothing close by, choose an area with snowmobile trails. “Avoid super soft snow,” says Gaertner, “and deep powder that hasn’t been packed.” Instead, look for “packed trails with a corduroy finish, about 84 to 168 inches wide,” says Ryan Griffith, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director in Spokane.

Finally, make sure your tires are 3½ inches or

INLAND NW FAT BIKE EVENTS WINTER FAT BIKE CLINIC WITH JAY & TRACEY PETERVARY (Feb. 9-11, Whitefish, MT) Learn from and ride with winter fat bike riding experts. The Whitefish Bike Retreat near Whitefish, Mont., is hosting Jay and Tracey Petervary, two winter fat biking legends, to share tips, tricks, and knowledge for riding in the snow. There are only 15 spots available for this clinic at the Whitefish Bike Retreat, a beautiful, bike-centric lodging facility with 17 miles of maintained fat biking trails at its door. The clinic is geared for both newcomers wanting to learn more about fat biking as well as long-time riders looking to pick up more advance techniques to ride farther through more difficult terrain. Topics covered will include how to dress, moisture management, tire pressure, how to read the snow, how to handle the bike on the snow, gear suggestions, bike setup, safety and many more topics. The cost for the weekend, including lodging, most meals, and guided rides and instruction, is $550 per person. Learn more or sign up at Whitefishbikeretreat.com.

4TH ANNUAL FATTY FLURRY FEST (Jan. 27, Sagle, ID) Load up your fat bikes and head to Round Lake State Park near Sandpoint for this 4th annual celebration of winter riding sponsored by Greasy Fingers Bikes N Repair. Free fat bike demos will be offered from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., with group rides kicking off at 1 p.m. Greasy Fingers fat bike rentals are available for the group rides (reservations required, call 208.255.4496). Riders must be at least 18 years of age for demos and group rides. Warm up around the bonfire and enjoy refreshments with your fatty-riding pals after the group rides. An Idaho state parking pass is required. Sponsored by Greasy Fingers Bikes N Repair.

TRAIL MANIACS SNOWSHOE & FAT BIKE RACE (Feb. 11, Silver Mountain Resort)

All ability levels are welcome to participate in this fun and challenging race on snowshoes or a fat bike. The 2.2 mile loop course starts at the bottom of Silver’s tubing hill and follows the snowshoe trail with moderate climbing. Choose from two laps (4.4 miles) or four laps (8.8 miles). Helmets and fat bike with a minimum of 4” wide tires are required. Info: Silvermt.com

UP, DOWN, ROUND & ROUND (Feb. 25, Lookout Pass) Choose from two laps on a fat bike, two laps on skis or a splitboard, or one lap on skis or splitboard followed by one lap on a fat bike. The fat bike course starts at Lookout’s base area and heads up Grub Stake and then up Huckleberry Ridge. The decision of how far up and where the turn off is will be decided the morning of the race based on weather and snow conditions. The $15 entry fee includes a lunch voucher. More info: Skilookout.com. (OTO)

larger, reduce your psi to 10 or lower, and don’t forget to pick up a helmet and a good headlamp.

Oh, and pray for snow.

WHERE TO RIDE

State Parks and County Trails Last winter, Farragut State Park began grooming their ski and snowshoe trails to accommodate fat bikes, and there are miles of groomed, multiuse trails around Sandpoint, Lake Pend O’reille, Priest Lake, Round Lake, and other snowmobile, cross-country, and snowshoe areas in North Idaho and Eastern Washington.

Around Spokane, Griffith plans to coordinate with both Trail Maniacs and Wheelsport, who have both purchased fat-bike specific groomers, to provide more multi-use access to trails around Spokane, including Antoine Peak, Riverside State Park, and the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex.

Using their new groomer, the Trail Maniacs plan “on grooming some of the Canfield trails and possibly some of the Empire trails out of Spirit Lake,” says Dave Dutro.

Fat Bike Community Beta Join a fat bike group and learn the local trails that open up when the snow flies. Or, take a trip to Winthrop, Wash.; Rossland, B.C.; or the Whitefish Bike Retreat in Whitefish, Mont. and meet other riders and explore new trails. Northwest Fatbikes and Idaho Panhandle Fat Bikers have public community pages on Facebook where they post about events and trip ideas too. The Trail Maniacs group frequently updates its website with snow and trail conditions as well as info on riding opportunities.

Bike Shops Connect with your local bike shops to join weekly rides and get information about events, destinations, and groups. Once the snow falls, Vertical Earth’s Thursday mountain bike rides turn into fat bike rides. Trek Bicycle Store, also in Coeur d’Alene, hosts monthly Full Moon Fat Rides. Ask your bike tech or check each shop’s calendar of events for a group ride happening near you.

lime, cherry, chocolate

Ski Resorts The five ski resorts in this area are quickly becoming more fat bike-friendly. Although Mt. Spokane only allows fat bikes on snowmobile trails, Lookout, Silver, Schweitzer, and 49 Degrees North have opened up groomed trails and other routes to fat bikes. These four will also be hosting events for fat bike enthusiasts this season. // S. Michal Bennett enjoys exploring the food, drink, waterways, mountains, and culture that makes the Inland Northwest unique. Her recent published adventures include a story about her favorite winter hat and a rundown of snow happenings at local ski resorts.

domacoffee.com JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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FIVE FAVORITE SNOWSHOE HIKES

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO BRING

BY AMY S. MCCAFFREE

ERIN JONCKERS AT 49 DEGREES NORTH PHOTO: JON JONCKERS

VIGOROUS YET GENTLE exercise, beautiful views, peaceful wilderness, low-cost gear— these are all reasons to enjoy snowshoeing.

SHERMAN PASS LOOP (Advanced) At 5,575 feet of elevation, Sherman Pass is Washington State’s highest mountain pass that’s open year-round, according to Recreation.gov.

Since no avalanche advisories are available for this area, Sherman Pass is recommended for experienced users who know survival skills and are educated about assessing avalanche risk.

Located in the Colville National Forest, east of the town of Republic, the Kettle Crest Trailhead begins just off Highway 20 (Sherman Pass Scenic Byway), and connects with Kettle Crest South Trail #13 to create a 6-mile loop, with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. “It’s a gorgeous area,” says Mark Beattie, Mountain Gear’s assistant store manager with over 40 years of snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, telemark skiing, and Nordic skiing experience. You’ll likely see backcountry skiers enjoying this area as well.

Beattie recommends visiting Snow Peak Cabin, located south of the summit—a oneroom cabin open year-round that’s available for overnight reservations through the recreation. gov website. Before you go, check pass driving conditions at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website. A Washington State Sno-Parks permit is required for parking. For more hike details, visit wta.org.

FOURTH OF JULY PASS (Beginner)

East of Coeur d’Alene, the Fourth of July Ski & Snowshoe Area (exit 28, I-90) is a network of trails for snowshoeing, in conjunction with cross-country ski trails. “It’s moderate terrain, with no huge grades,” Beattie says, which makes it suitable for beginners. However, he notes that “it’s a good idea to always have a paper map with you—a GPS is not always reliable.”

Heed his advice and prevent getting lost on an unexpected 25-mile snowshoe hike you aren’t prepared for. Familiarize yourself with this area via the Panhandle Nordic Club website. Here you’ll find digital, downloadable maps for the Inner Loop, Outer Area, and Twisted Klister

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Trail System. While some trails are designated as snowshoe-only (with dogs allowed), most are mixed use with groomed cross-country tracks.

An Idaho State Park-N-Ski sticker is required for parking and is available as an annual or three-day pass. There are two warming huts; the first one is only a quarter mile from the parking lot and the other, Ian’s Eagle Warming Hut, is an additional 3 miles away.

LOOKOUT PASS (Intermediate to Advanced)

Formally called Runt Mountain on a topographic map, the national forest land around Lookout Pass is as ideal for snowshoeing as it is for backcountry and Nordic skiing. To figure out where to go, the Panhandle Nordic Club website once again has maps and trail descriptions. Beattie, an alumni of Wallace High School, recommends the trails beyond the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) navigation installation where “the views are amazing.” He says the St. Regis and Copper basin areas can have high avalanche risk. However, the area located left off I-90 (when traveling eastbound), is better-suited for novices. “It’s relatively open, with sparse trees, and you can create a number of loops and see all your navigation points,” he says. To check current avalanche advisories, visit the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center online.

CANFIELD MOUNTAIN (Beginner) Canfield Mountain is located mere minutes from downtown Coeur d’Alene. As long as the snow is deep enough, Canfield Mountain is ideal for beginners, says Randy Richards, the sporting goods manager for Tri-State Outfitters in Coeur d’Alene. Public parking is available, and the trail network includes small loops and out-and-back trails. “The nice thing about snowshoeing is you can make it as tough as you want,” he says, keeping in mind terrain, travel speed, and distance traveled. “It’s a sport that anyone, any age, can do.”

FARRAGUT STATE PARK (Beginner to Intermediate) Only 20 minutes north of Coeur d’Alene, Farragut has three designated snowshoe trails: Thimbleberry Loop, Visitor Center Trail, and Highpoint Trail. A trail map is available at the

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

Idaho State Parks and Recreation website. Parking requires a $5 day-use fee or annual Idaho Passport.

Amy S. McCaffree snowshoed last winter with her husky around the park and soccer fields near her home in Spokane. She’s hoping for enough deep snow for that to happen again.

SNOWSHOEING GEAR YOU NEED

by Sandra Townsend • Snowshoes: Any store that sells snowshoes should be able to find a pair that works for you. The basic rule is you want a bigger snowshoe if the snowshoe is handling more weight, since a larger surface area creates more float. You will also need a bigger snowshoe for walking in fresh powder than if you are walking on a snowmobile track. Consider renting or borrowing until you find a style that you enjoy.

• Poles: Any type of pole will generally do, but make sure they have powder baskets at the tips to create a little more stability. You don’t need poles to snowshoe, but many people find they provide more balance.

• Boots: Most waterproof hiking boots should work well. If you plan on long, epic snowshoeing trips, you might consider looking at winter-specific hiking boots that are warmer, offer a little more support, and are less likely to create blisters.

• Backpack: Any small backpack will do. Use this to carry everything else you bring, including water, food, a headlamp, extra layers for when you work up a sweat, and other essentials you should always carry in the backcountry.

• Map: If you don’t know the area, print out a map and have an app on your phone that can show you the surrounding area and where to go. Always have a plan and share that plan with someone back home.

• Food: Carry a couple of snacks for a quick pick-me-up after an hour or more of exertion.

• Water: Carry at least one quarter of water. Consider a water bottle instead of the hydration bladder since tubes tend to freeze quickly.

• Headlamp: It gets dark early. Also, remember to carry extra batteries.

• Clothing: The biggest mistake beginners often make is wearing too much clothing, which means that dressing in layers is important. Always check the forecast before you go and take precipitation and temperature into consideration. Generally, start with wool or synthetic socks, thin thermal tops and bottoms, and synthetic pants. Depending on the weather, wear a fleece, puffy, or wool sweater and a breathable rain jacket. The idea is to wear thinner layers that are easy to take on and off and store in your backpack as needed. Take layers off before you start to sweat and put layers on soon after you stop moving in order to trap your body heat and stay warm. The sun can be powerful in the winter, so bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap to protect your face. Always bring gloves and a warm hat. Also, you get extra style points if you have a colorful hat and scarf duo!

Sandra Townsend is currently training for future mountaineering objectives around the Pacific Northwest. She wrote about ski tuning in December.

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PRIEST LAKE SNOWSHOE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

CATCH THE FEVER

BY AMY S. MCCAFFREE

EVERY JANUARY SINCE 1985, when he was

19 years old, Jeff Barrington traveled from his home in north Spokane to Priest Lake where he straps on snowshoes, grabs a beer and softball bat, and gathers with his teammates for the annual Priest Lake Snowshoe Softball Tournament. What began nearly 50 years ago as a competition for softball buddies is now a generational tradition for 12 teams and their families and friends.

Now age 51 and living in Colbert, Barrington originally joined the tournament to play for the Maxwell House team. “My friend’s dad (George Dupree) was one of the originators of it. We all played recreational softball together in the summertime, so we all played on his dad’s snowshoe team,” he says. Bud Adams was another tournament founder.

Barrington now plays for the South Hill Auto Licensing team and says each team is typically sponsored by a local small business who has a personal connection with the players. The sponsor pays the $150 registration fee, and each player contributes $20. Funds pay for umpires and specialized equipment and supplies, including men’s modified softballs (colored pink and designed for playing in snow), metal bats, red Jello (to mark field lines), and specialized plastic molded snowshoes for each player. Everyone brings his or her own softball glove. Players typically stay overnight, mostly in the cabins at Hill’s Resort, and typically arrive on Friday afternoon to play games on Saturday and Sunday.

“Probably the most enjoyable experience from snowshoe softball is getting out of town during the winter and spending time with good friends in an extremely relaxed and party atmosphere.

It’s a great winter getaway,” says Barrington,

whose brother John also plays. Last year, their cousin Jim Barrington was an umpire, and Jim’s son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Bridget, who are recent transplants to Spokane from Seattle, are among the team’s newest players for the TruShine Cleaning Services team.

“The tournament has grown over the years, with a cap of 12 teams. Unless a team drops out, there’s no room for others,” says Jeff Barrington. Six teams play each other the first weekend of the tournament, while the other six teams play the following weekend. The top three teams from each weekend play during the tournament’s final weekend for the

naments, it’s not required. “I’ve tried to make it not so serious,” he says. “All those guys who came for years, they had fun but games were taken a little too seriously. I’ve tried to make it a lighter atmosphere and to include more locals from the Priest Lake area to umpire.”

Just as it sounds, playing softball in the snow is challenging—especially since only the infields are groomed. Weather conditions can make it even harder, but the tournament at Priest Lake has never been canceled due to weather or snow conditions.

“Imagine running through three to four feet of snow with a cheap pair of snowshoes. The outfield

SNOWSHOE HIKES AROUND PRIEST LAKE Priest Lake has plenty of snowshoeing options, some which follow the lake shore, while others traverse meadows or climb up into the surrounding hills and mountains.

Elkins Resort (Elkinsresort.com) and Hill’s Resort (Hillsresort.com) on the west side of the lake have snowshoeing routes of varying difficulty that start right there at the resorts. Ask resort staff for specific snowshoe route recommendations. Both resorts also rent snowshoe equipment.

The Hanna Flats Nordic trail system 33 miles north of Priest River off of highway 57 has 2.2 miles of easy snowshoe trails with loop options and the chance to visit old growth cedar trees along the Hanna Grove Nature Trail. (OTO)

championship. Pitchers must use “a men’s underhand modified pitch,” he says. “The teams with the best pitching are usually the best teams.”

As umpire commissioner in charge of scheduling and a tournament umpire himself, Jeff says, “Sometimes I think I enjoy the umpiring gig as much as playing.” While certified American Softball Association umpires have been hired for past tour-

doesn’t get packed down, so you’re high-kneeing through the snow,” says Jeff. “It is comical. It’s hard to retrieve a ball that gets stuck in the snow. People fall and can’t get up, which is why it’s fun.”

New player Dan Barrington says, “At first, it’s nearly impossible to play modified fastpitch in snowshoes, but soon you get the hang of it.

Constant bloopers and falls and wipeouts keep you

laughing all weekend long…I will never miss this event.”

Despite all the fun, game injuries sometimes occur. One year Jeff sustained a compound fracture in his right hand, due to a flying bat when a teammate lost his grip. “My fingers have never been the same. I now have to write differently,” he says, though this outcome was better than letting the bat smash his face. Another time he needed stitches in his head, also because of a flying bat.

Players range in age from 18 to veteran players in their 60s. There are no rules about age or gender for team configurations. According to Jeff, two volunteers primarily plan and organize the tournament: Priest Lake Snowshoe Softball Association President Joe Chimienti and Tiffany Adams, who is the great granddaughter-in-law of tournament co-founder Bud Adams. Similar snowshoe softball tournaments take place every winter around the U.S., including Winthrop, Wash., and Anchorage, Alaska.

Though the camaraderie and competition keep softball players returning year after year, the setting is just as rewarding. “Seeing Priest Lake in the winter—the first time (for me) was 35 years ago—is really something. It’s beautiful,” says John Barrington, who plays on the Maxwell House team and enjoys the relaxing weekends at Hill’s Resort with his wife. With snow-capped mountains, still water, snowy trees, and quiet trails, winter at Priest Lake drastically contrasts with its busy summer season. // Amy S. McCaffree is the special section editor and Out There Kids columnist. She compiled the Local Holiday Gift Guide in the December issue. Follow her adventures on Facebook @AmyOutdoorsSpokane or Instagram @adventure_amy_spokane.

PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAN BARRINGTON

WHEN & WHERE TO WATCH THE SNOWSHOE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT While it may be nearly impossible to get on a team for the tournament, showing up to watch some of the action while enjoying the beauty of Priest Lake in the winter makes for a great outing, especially when combined with your own snowshoe hike. Priest Lake’s 2018 tournament begins the weekend of Jan. 13-14 at Priest Lake Golf Course, which is a new location for the event. The first game starts at 9 a.m. The second weekend of games is Jan. 20-21, followed by the championship on Jan. 27-28. (ASM) JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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WINTER GETAWAY

LOCHSA RIVER ADVENTURES

BY ANGIE DIERDORFF

THE REGION’S COZIEST winter camping is located along Highway 12 in Idaho’s Nez PerceClearwater National Forest. The Lochsa Lodge, a historic, year-round resort on the Lochsa River just an hour west of Missoula, has wood stoves, clean bathrooms, a nice restaurant, and a bar with a selection of mostly local brews on tap. Also, this affordable and simple longweekend destination is within a half-day drive from Spokane.

Our weekend started as any Montana adventure should: with an epic Good Food Store shopping and noshing trip in Missoula paired with a delayed start as we rolled off the slushy highway past dark. We easily found the main lodge with gift shop for checking in, and we set out to find cute little Cabin #7. Out of the car, we took deep breaths, cracked the first beer, and stepped through the screen door into a very dark and cold room. Our eyes adjusted enough to notice the neat stack of split firewood along a wall.

Not quite knowing what to expect when we reserved a “rustic” cabin, each of us valiantly tried to hide any confusion or disappointment from the other, accepting that we might be in for three cold nights in a screened-in shelter without electricity or heat. Just as I was thinking that we might need some Schnapps, I began to make out a second door in front of us. Stumbling past a shin-high bench, I made it to the actual entrance of our living space, and the warmth of the wood stove welcomed us.

Our cabin was everything we needed it to be over the next few days. We marveled at the lights, outlets, and clean towels, along with kindling and paper for our fires that had been carefully set on the hearth. The ample screened-in porch space served as kitchen, refrigerator, and gear storage.

Heated bathrooms and a shower were only steps away, and on one such trip a family of white-tailed deer greeted me as I stepped out into the cold, starry night.

Once we were settled in and fed that first night, we came up with a plan to check out as many of the local hot springs as possible. As hard as it was to stop playing cards by the fire and leave the comfort of our classic cabin, we were rewarded for making the short drives and treks to some local natural hot springs. // Angie Dierdorff wants to make it to every hot spring in the Pacific Northwest by 2025. She has been an Out There contributor since 2008.

STAYING AT THE LOCHSA LODGE Lochsa Lodge is a year-round lodge, restaurant, bar, and store located along north-central Idaho’s Wild & Scenic Lochsa River. Winter lodging options range from $75-$185 per night depending on your choice of a rustic cabin with shared bathrooms and wood heat, cabins with private bathrooms (some with propane heat), and various lodge units with private bathrooms suitable for couples and families.

View all the cabins and lodge rooms as well as the restaurant menu at Lochsalodge.com.

GETTING THERE: THE LOCHSA LODGE IS LOCATED 57 MILES WEST OF MISSOULA, MONTANA, ON HIGHWAY 12, JUST WEST OF LOLO PASS AND THE IDAHO/MONTANA STATE LINE.

SHALLOW POOLS AT JERRY JOHNSON HOT SPRINGS. PHOTO: ANGIE DIERDORFF

HOT SPRING HIKES OFF HIGHWAY 12

by Justin Skay

Weir Hot Springs, a scant half-mile up a straightforward, if slippery, trail, is a lush, creek side paradise attainable by even pre-K soakers with attentive parents, and certainly by myself and my nimble companion. Multiple waist-deep pools sit picturesquely perched above the softly muttering Weir Creek, with thick mist creating a Cretaceous feel.

As we lazily pondered the pool’s origin, and whether or not we’d retained the necessary muscular rigidity to make the return trip, we glimpsed a contented couple languidly vacating a higher, hotter pool, and decided to extend our stay. The decision and dicey barefoot scramble proved worth the effort. Bubbly chatter faded into the burbling stream below, and we could easily imagine ourselves alone in this mist-shrouded pool for two.

The following day, relaxed almost beyond walking ability, we bravely endured an even shorter and flatter hike, and plopped into the first shin-deep pool of Jerry Johnson Hot Springs. It fronted a shimmering waterfall and warbling Warm Springs Creek, and thankfully we had ample libations to see us through another long, perfect day of soaking. // Justin Skay is rallying a crew to soak up the Idaho Hot Springs Loop next spring. He wrote about his trusty touring bicycle Sixto in the December issue of Out There.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

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WINTER GLAMPING

THE WENATCHEE GUARD STATION

BY HOLLY WEILER

WHILE SEARCHING for a little snow adventure inspiration early last winter, I stumbled upon an old trip report on the Washington Trails Association website for the Wenatchee Guard Station. The trip reporter’s photos showed a quaint cabin perched on a high ridge overlooking the Blue Mountains in southeast Washington. I had to go see it for myself, and a mid-February penumbral lunar eclipse and comet combo provided the perfect travel window.

I couldn’t believe my luck when my preferred dates were available, so I booked a two-night stay and started planning a trip with three friends from the Spokane Mountaineers.

When each of my friends had to cancel for various reasons, I simply packed a couple extra books to make up for the lack of conversation and headed out.

There was one surprise in store for me: a wind and snow event in the days leading up to my trip created a massive snowdrift on the road to the SnoPark where the trip starts. I found my approach to the cabin lengthened by nearly two miles. The big snowstorm had been followed by a few days of warm weather before a return to freezing temperatures, so I had a layer of ice to contend with while gaining the nearly 1,500 feet of elevation over almost six miles to the cabin.

I’m no ultra-light enthusiast, and I hate to leave things at home if they might be fun to have along.

I had Nordic skis for the trip in, snowshoes and microspikes for just in case, and Hok skis to play with once I gained the ridge. This resulted in a comically overburdened gear sled, and it was slow progress as I was forced to rearrange my equipment after each topple on the ice. Despite leaving home mid-morning, I didn’t crest the final hill until sunset, just in time for a spectacular view accompanied by fierce gusts of wind and snow flurries.

Over the next few hours, the wind reached blizzard proportions. Thoughts of nocturnal eclipse and comet photography fizzled, but I was content to read a book as close to the fireplace as I could get without catching on fire. I love winter tent camping, but nights like that one teach me to appreciate rental cabins with their propane heat and light.

Although I had the entire forest to myself Friday night, on Saturday I learned to share. The Wenatchee Guard Station sits perched on the edge of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, but it’s outside the wilderness boundary on a groomed snowmobile trail. I found everyone friendly and considerate as I shared the trails while out on snowshoe jaunts and ski tours around the cabin. All of the motorized users slowed down and waved as they passed, and I found their tracks the easiest place to ski given the icy conditions.

All the same, next time I hope to find some fresh powder to play in, and I’ll plan a mid-week visit to avoid the crowds. //

Holly Weiler is a cross-county coach and the Eastern Region Coordinator for Washington Trails Association. She writes the Hike of the Month column in every issue of Out There.

THE METHOD OF TRAVEL IS WORTH THE DESTINATION PHOTOS: HOLLY WEILER

4 WINTER CABIN TRIPS Try “winter camping” in comfort with one of these rentals. Each of these Forest Service cabins can be reserved at recreation.gov.

Replicate my trip by booking the WENATCHEE GUARD STATION on the Pomeroy Ranger District. It’s a bargain at only $50 per night for up to four guests. This one requires ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile access in the winter, and a SnoPark permit is required at the Cloverland SnoPark trailhead.

Want to travel with a larger group? THE CLEARWATER BIG HOUSE has a similar winter approach via a groomed snowmobile trail and can accommodate up to 10 guests.

It’s $75 per night and a SnoPark permit is required at the Rose Spring SnoPark—the winter access location for this cabin.

Prefer a place with running water? The TUCANNON GUARD STATION has room for six guests, electric lights, running water, and even boasts a bathtub with shower. Winter access on the Tucannon River Road is generally maintained, but call ahead to check current road conditions.

Looking for something out of state? Try the BULL RIVER GUARD STATION in Montana. It’s a relatively short ski or snowshoe to the cabin, but there are additional trails nearby, including the Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area, where trails are occasionally groomed for Nordic skiing. The cabin sleeps up to eight guests and is $55 per night.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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CrossCountrySkiing MT. SPOKANE CROSS-COUNTRY SKI PARK EVENTS // By Brad Thiessen

THE 2013 SPOKANE NORDIC CHALLENGE LOPPET HAD 150 PARTICIPANTS, 20 OF THEM UNDER AGE 18. // PHOTO: JAYNE MCLAUGHLIN

THE MORE-THAN 60 kilometers (37 miles) of trails at the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park provide an abundance of opportunities for every level of Nordic skier, and attract everyone from the casual beginners to the hard-core long-distance enthusiast. Three main events during the season cater to this range of skiers.

SPOKANE, WA

WINTERFEST (Jan. 28) Winterfest is a smorgasbord of activities designed to meet virtually every skier. Beginner and novice skiers can dip their toes in Nordic skiing with $5 classic or skate-style lessons. All levels and ages of skiers can take part in the Donut Dash sprint race, free hot lunch, Altai backcountry ski demo, and immersive sit-ski and blind-ski experiences.

Intermediate and experienced skiers can hone their skills at the waxing clinic or bring their canine buddy to the skijoring clinic (being pulled on skis by your dog—how cool is that?).

DISCOUNT TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

TUESDAY – FEBRUARY 6TH BING CROSBY THEATER SHOW – 7pm

DATE: Sunday, Jan. 28, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

PRICE: $5 for 45-minute lessons. $25 for ski-

jor clinics. Lunch and all other activities are no charge, courtesy of the Spokane Nordic Ski Association.

Information and registration: Spokanenordic.org/ winterfest. Registration is required for lessons and skijor clinic.

FEBRUARY 24-25 24

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

AARON THEISEN

LANGLAUF (Feb. 18)

Langlauf, now in its 28th year, bills itself as “the biggest and oldest cross-country race in the Pacific Northwest.” This 10k classic-style race has layers of traditions: beyond the intense competition that, for many, is a years-old rivalry, there is also the effort to re-capture the past with the “woolies” contest, where people race in their finest traditional woolen garb. The awards ceremony is a rousing celebration as dozens of high-end raffle prizes are given out. Young kids just aiming to finish join those who have participated every year since it was

launched. A sense of community swirls around the entire day.

The race takes place on the traditional 10-kilometer course and has wave starts to accommodate skiers of all abilities and speeds. Langlauf is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit with proceeds from the event going back to the Nordic ski community in the form of grants for trail improvements and financial aid for youth race team athletes.

DATE: Sunday, Feb.18, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

PRICE: $30 before February 11

Information and registration: Spokanelanglauf.org

SPOKANE NORDIC CHALLENGE LOPPET (March

11) A Loppet is a non-competitive, long-distance ski event. The Spokane Nordic Challenge offers 20, 30 and 50 kilometer options, with the 30 and 50 K options offering stellar views from the Outer Limits trail that extends for miles into Idaho and looks down into the valley and Spirit Lake below.

Many participants use the Loppet as a year-end training goal. In past years, upward of 20 youth as young as age 6 have participated, and there are always entrants in the senior and masters categories; this truly is an all-ages event to close out the season.

DATE: Sunday, March 11, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

PRICE: See website. Early registration ends Feb 16.

Information and registration: Spokanenordic.org/ challenge-loppet Finally, women should check out the Souper Bowl snowshoe and ski event Feb. 4. Learn more at Spokanenordic.org/events. // After a two-year absence, Brad re-joined Spokane Nordic Ski Association as Director of Engagement in fall of 2017. He last wrote about Nordic skiing on Mt. Spokane in October 2017.

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Learn from These and Other Outdoor Clubs & Organizations

February 24-25 at the Spokane Convention Center

expo campground & REI Campfire clinics

The grass, campfire, and trees might not be real, but you’ll definitely want to stop by the Expo Campground sponsored by REI! Lounge out on some great REI camp furniture or an ENO hammock, grab a s’more, and dream about glamping out your own camp set-up this summer. The Expo Campground is also the place to brush up on your outdoor skills and test sweet gear at one of the 20-minute, interactive REI Campfire Session clinics held throughout the Expo!

Cooking in the Backcountry

REI’s outdoor experts will explain the latest and greatest backpacking stoves on the market. (Participant will receive Mountain House samples.)

Portable Power

From solar panels to large portable power stations, Goal Zero provides many portable power options that can accommodate any adventure. Learn about different options available based on your needs.

Essential Knots

From hanging tarp shelters, tying up your boat, or securing your food away from wildlife, tying knots is an essential outdoor skill. Learn a few key knots to add to your knowledge tool kit.

The Art of Relaxation: Hammocking 101

REI’s hammocking experts will share tips and tricks to hang your hammock for the most comfort and usability and take your hammock on the trail with the right accessories.

Water Filter Tech & Demos

Learn all about the latest and greatest water filtering technology that makes your water safe to drink out in the wilds and get the chance to try them out for yourself.

Find a complete Campfire Session clinic list and schedule at SpokaneOutdoorExpo.com

Be Bear Aware Center of Lift Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club City of Spokane Parks & Recreation Dishman Hills Conservancy Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance Friends of the Bluff idaho Trails Association Inland Northwest Wildlife Council Spokane Mountaineers Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club Spokane County Parks Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Washington State Parks Washington Trails Association

r u o h y f! p f p u l b ha e h t for

Enjoy a discount beverage and bid on silent auction items at the Expo “Campground” central area on Saturday (Feb. 24) from 4-5 p.m. support the conservation and enhancement of one of Spokane’s best trail systems and natural areas.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

27

tickets $8 online // $11 at the door

outdoor adventure presentations

Learn and discover new things about the Inland Northwest’s great outdoors, from hiking and biking trails and local wildlife to stories of adventure successes and mishaps on the region’s trails, waterways, and mountains! All presentations are free with your expo admission.

Saturday, 10:15-11:00 a.m.—“Backyard Adventure: 1st SUP Descent of the Spokane River.” This past summer, Spokane locals Jed Conklin, Alli Roskelley and Grace Robison

paddled four consecutive days down the 112-mile length of the Spokane River from Lake Coeur d’Alene to the Columbia River. Join Jed and Alli as they share their story and photographs from this first stand-up paddleboard descent of the Spokane.

Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.— “I Should Have Known Better: Mistakes an Outdoors Person Should Never Make or Admit To.” Laugh along with Out There contributor and adventure writer Ammi Midstokke as she shares photos and stories of “the stupidest things I’ve done in the most wonderful places.” Midstokke’s talk promises to be hilarious and serve as a useful guide for avoiding common outdoor mishaps.

Saturday, 12:45-1:30 p.m.—“Tribal Lives in the Most Remote Places on Earth.” Spokane local Hazen Audel has been traveling with National Geographic to some of the most remote and physically demanding places on the planet where tribal and traditional people are still living and thriving. Hazen will share some photos, videos, and stories from his travels, highlighting the amazing people and wild animals that inspire him.

Saturday, 1:45-2:30 p.m.—“Tips from the Trail: Lessons Learned from a Triple Crown Hiker.” Have you ever dreamed of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, or

Continental Divide Trail? Long-distance hiker and Spokane REI employee Tim “Tribhu” Plaza has completed them all and brought back plenty of stories from the trail. Plaza will also walk you through gear and preparation considerations that will be useful for anyone looking to tackle a long hike.

Saturday, 3:00-3:45 p.m.—“Renegade Bulldozer, Threats from Development, and Future Plans for the High Drive Bluff.” The well-loved “Bluff ” off of Spokane’s South Hill is a

500+ acre natural area with over 20 miles of trails. Last spring a bulldozer carved an illegal road through High Drive Bluff Park, and Friends of the Bluff stepped in to stop and repair the damage. Hear the story and learn more about other development threats and future trail and conservation plans from Pat Keegan with Friends of the Bluff.

Sunday, 10:30-11:15 a.m.—“What Was That? Tips for Identifying and Recreating Safely with Wildlife.” Learn how to identify wildlife you see, and even those you don’t, through tracks and scat. Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife biologists Annemarie Prince and Trent Roussin will also offer tips for recreating safely in the natural habitat of black and grizzly bears, cougars, wolves, and other wildlife.

Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.—“Local Favorites: Classic North Idaho Hiking Trails.”

Looking to plan an unforgettable summer’s worth of hikes? Idaho Trails Association representatives will share some of their favorite Idaho hiking trails in the Panhandle and beyond. ITA staff and volunteers spend thousands of hours each year hiking, maintaining, and advocating for Idaho’s trails. Come learn trail secrets from these seasoned trail advocates!

Sunday, 2:45-3:30 p.m.—“Proof of Life.” In June 2015, three days before Brad Thiessen was to enter his first 50k trail run, he ended up in an operating room having a brain tumor removed.

This short, moving documentary tells the story of Thiessen’s journey from brain cancer to a 50K comeback on Inland Northwest trails.

FEATURED PRESENTATION “Trailtopia: Washington’s Case for Best Trail State in the Country.”

Sunday, 1:30-2:15 p.m.

Washington State is home to some of North America’s most enviable long trails and pathways.

Hiking and biking trails like the John Wayne Trail, Columbia Plateau Trail, Centennial Trail, Fish Lake Trail, Ferry County Rail Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, and others form a network that connects with other trails throughout the region. Join Jon Snyder, Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development Policy advisor to Governor Inslee, on a tour of the good, the great, and the lesserknown aspects of trails in Washington State. Snyder, who is a former Spokane City Councilman and the founder of Out There Monthly magazine, will also look ahead to what the future may hold for Washington’s world-class trails.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

grand prize package 3 Lucky Winners Will Take Home One of These Grand Prizes!

inner

IZE w ND PR

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enter to win hourly outdoor gear prizes

Saturday 9 - 5 & Sunday 10 - 4

Outdoorsy Activities

Don’t let the indoor setting fool you. Check out these fun, entertaining, and engaging activities happening all weekend long. Find the full Expo activity schedule at SpokaneOutdoorExpo.com.

Outdoorsy Games: Play cornhole, stone stacking, horseshoes, and other outdoor-themed games for all ages.

Sponsored by INB. Archery: Shoot different bows and learn about archery in a safe environment with the experts at Evergreen Archery Club.

How It Works: Enter up to three times each day for the hourly

Rock Climbing: Kids and adults can give climbing a try

drawings you plan to be there for (winners must be present at

without ropes on a low-to-the-ground bouldering wall.

the time of a prize drawing to win). Drawings for multiple prizes

Bike Fight Races: Challenge your friends to a one-

will take place each hour starting at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday and 11:15 on Sunday. Winners will be announced at the Campground at the center of the Expo. Three Grand Prize drawings will take place, one at 5 p.m. on Saturday, and the other two at 4 p.m. on Sunday. Winners must be present to take home two of the three grand prizes.

minute, head-to-head race on bikes set-up on indoor trainers. Pedal the farthest and you may win an $80 bike-tune card from The Bike Hub.

Crosscut Log Sawing: Test your outdoor

skills at the end of a traditional crosscut saw with Idaho Trails Association and see if you can make that saw sing!

Kids’ Strider Bike Demos: Kids ages 2-5 can try Strider balance bikes on a fun course with ramps. Sponsored by SpokeFest Association.

prizes up for grabs include

over $4,000

Camp Crafts & Games: Kids will love the Invisible Maze game or making Friendship Bracelets and God’s Eyes crafts with Campfire Inland NW.

worth of

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with your expo ticket JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

29

Parent-Child  Nursery  Kindergarten  Grades 1-6

Health&Fitness

REACTIVE BALANCE // By Katie Botkin

FINDING BALANCE AND ADVENTURE // PHOTO: KATIE BOTKIN

DANNY CLARK stands two feet off the ground,

Windsong Visiting Days!

Register at: www.SpokaneWindsongSchool.org/Tours

January 27th Februar 10th March 17th April 21st May 12th

Come see if Windsong is right for your family!

Space is limited, Please RSVP to reserve your spot.

4225 W Fremont Rd, Spokane WA (509) 326-6638 admin@SpokaneWindSongSchool.org 30

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

balancing on the long end of a block of firewood.

He wobbles back and forth but in a controlled, rhythmic way.

“I went to a yoga class recently, and the instructor did a one-leg balance series to see if she could make me lose my balance. She couldn’t,” says Clark, performance director and Chief Operating Officer of MovNat, a natural movement-based wellness company.

Clark used to be based in Sandpoint, Idaho, where he helped run a conventional gym and worked as a trainer. He currently resides in Sante Fe, where he helps run MovNat as a company and works to expand it internationally.

Since he has taken up balancing and other core natural movements, his overall fitness has improved. Improving reactive balance helps with every outdoor sport, including snowboarding, skiing, climbing, mountain biking, trail running and even hiking. Clark has realized that, if you’re climbing a mountain or crossing a creek, it doesn’t matter if you can pick up a set of weights—or even a boulder—that weighs 250 pounds. However, it does matter if you can navigate wobbly or uneven surfaces.

He also believes that boosting your ability to balance can transfer to confidence in your sport. But for many people balance is hard to maintain unless it’s practiced in artificial situations, such as lifting one foot briefly in yoga. And even then, people frequently topple or tap out. They rarely have complete control over their bodies. “It’s one thing to balance. It’s another thing to balance and have control,” says Clark.

Of course, in the natural world, balance rarely looks like standing still on a flat surface; balance is what happens when you correct in changing snow conditions while you ski or snowboard down a mountain. It looks like leaping onto a wet rock in a stream or changing how you navigate a log because

of the weight of a backpack.

Balancing on a swaying block of wood is not something that can be learned overnight. Clark emphasizes the need for step-by-step progressions, starting with one foot on a flat surface, and then progressing to something like a two-by-four on the floor. Once you can navigate a strip of wood forwards, backwards, and sideways, even while leaning over or otherwise shifting your center of gravity, you can progress to uneven surfaces like branches, logs, or slightly unstable rocks.

Self-correcting in unstable situations is the ultimate goal. For one thing, improving your balance and specifically your reactive balance can help prevent injury. If you are capable of correcting during unexpected turbulence, you fall less frequently.

IMPROVING REACTIVE BALANCE HELPS WITH EVERY OUTDOOR SPORT, INCLUDING SNOWBOARDING, SKIING, CLIMBING, MOUNTAIN BIKING, TRAIL RUNNING, AND EVEN HIKING. Finally, there are physiological benefits to improving balance, including better posture, more hip and torso stability, and more foot and knee strength.

Practicing balance at home is easier on your body than practicing on the slopes, says Clark.

“It’s hard to slow down when you ski, but you can slow things down when you’re balancing on a twoby-four.” // Katie Botkin is the managing editor of MultiLingual magazine. She enjoys climbing, dance, snowboarding and natural movement. She wrote about backcountry fashion in August.

BY DERRICK KNOWLES

Taking ski or snowboard lessons as an intermediate-level skier isn’t all that common, even though any chairlift ride will give you a bird’s-eye view of dozens of full-grown skiers and riders who would benefit from some professional help. Unless you started as a kid and took lessons or learned from an expert rider, chances are you too would find that a few lessons would improve your technique and form and make sliding down the mountain a lot more fun.

I got started alpine skiing relatively late in the game and switched from alpine, to snowboarding, and then back to skiing on telemark gear. That meant I never got very good at any of those disciplines. I picked up some pretty bad habits along the way too. When I first took tele lessons a little over a decade ago, my instructor threatened to tie my poles together in front of me. Evidently soaring down the mountain with arms spread wide like a cormorant ready to take flight is acceptable while snowboarding but certainly isn’t proper skiing form. I still struggle to keep my hands and poles where they belong.

Over the past several seasons, a busy schedule has meant fewer ski days and less time on the snow to work on my bad habits. I’ve also been switching back and forth, maybe too much, between resorts and backcountry, parallel and tele turns, and alpine and telemark gear. As a result, my skiing has actually gotten worse, and, consequently, less fun. That’s not a very encouraging thing to think or write about in your early 40s, especially during a late-December powder dump. But the solution is easy: start skiing more and sign up for another round of lessons.

Ready to take your skiing or riding to the next level? All five of our local resorts offer lessons for adults as well as the occasional specialized clinic. January is Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month, but it’s also as good a time as any to take a lesson to improve your intermediate or advanced level riding. Fortunately, you’re never too old to learn to have more fun on the mountain.

ON THE MOUNTAIN

NEVER TOO OLD

SKI/SNOWBOARD SECTION

FIRST TRACKS:

PHOTO: AARON THEISEN

SECTION SPONSORED IN PART BY:

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

31

ON THE MOUNTAIN LEARN TO SKI

LESSONS FOR THE LITTLES. // PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT

IT’S A GOOD MONTH TO BE A SKI NEWBIE

BY LISA LAUGHLIN JANUARY IS LEARN TO SKI AND SNOWBOARD MONTH, and local resorts are offering great

to skiing or snowboarding through professional instruction since the start of the Learn to Ski movement in 2009. The program began as a proactive grassroots movement, focused on introducing new people to the sport rather than catering to established ski customers.

“We want people to have a great experience, and having that formal instruction at the beginning is key,” says Tom Stebbins of Vision Marketing, who along with his wife and business partner Karen also run the non-profit Ski the Northwest Rockies group that helps promote skiing and snowboarding at local resorts. Stebbins was there with a few other passionate ski industry people at the brainstorm session that led to the launch of the Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month movement. Since that initial meeting, the program has taken off across the country, including here in the Inland Northwest.

“The Inland Northwest was involved from the beginning, and was instrumental in getting the initiative off the ground,” says Tarallo. The four Ski the Northwest Rockies affiliated resorts, Mt. Spokane, 49 Degrees North, Silver Mountain, and Lookout Pass, are all celebrating Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month with some incredible deals and programs that we cover below. For more info on Learn to Ski deals Schweitzer Mountain Resort is offering in January, check out Schweitzer.com.

resources to get started. From 3-step instructed programs to “graduation” deals like discounted season passes, this month is the time to play in the mountains.

“We wanted to grow the sport,” says Tom Stebbins, and with the Learn to Ski & Snowboard program, that’s happening here locally. “It’s the industry standard to ski or snowboard three times before you can proficiently move around on green or blue runs. We’ve been able to bring in a new group of people,” he explains.

The early goal of the Learn to Ski program was to create a framework that would allow resorts to expand their own programs to suit their regional needs. The national Learn to Ski website (learntoskiandsnowboard.org) is now a resource to locate ski areas and find tips on approaching the sport around the U.S. “We want to get newcomers outside in winter being physically active,” says Mary Jo Tarallo, Executive Director of Learn to Ski and Snowboard.

“We also want to convey that there are many affordable opportunities for newcomers to get involved and stay involved, but you have to know where to look.” Tarallo estimates that Learn to Ski resort partners have introduced more than 870,000 people 32

49 DEGREES NORTH

Location: Chewelah, WA January Deals: Learn to Ski and Learn to Ski “Plus” package; EZ 1-2-3 Package “We’ve got a very family-friendly resort that is really welcoming to people of all abilities,” says 49 Degrees North Ski and Snowboard School Director Rick Brown. “Skiing is a sport that sometimes can seem a bit daunting. To have a quality coach, good terrain, and a friendly atmosphere greatly increases the success rate.”

At 49 Degrees North, folks learning to ski or snowboard will have access to low-stress trails away from the stream of higher-level ski traffic. “We have some pretty unique terrain that is very functional for people to learn on,” says Brown. “Skiing is not like Disneyland where you can go and stand in line and take a ride. Our programs are a great way to get people started off on the right foot.” The best thing about these programs at 49 Degrees North?

You don’t have to use them in January—you can purchase this month and use the package at any time during the season.

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY SPONSORED BY2018 SKI

THE NW ROCKIES

The resort’s Learn to Ski or Snowboard package includes a one-day lesson, rental equipment, and Chair 3 lift ticket to access beginner terrain.

Group lessons are offered on weekends and holidays. If you upgrade your package to the “Plus,” you’ll receive all the Learn to Ski benefits with the addition of a morning and afternoon group lesson and All Mountain Lift Ticket granting unlimited mountain access.

If you want to build a good skiing or snowboarding foundation, 49 Degrees North’s EZ 1-2-3 program includes three lessons, three rentals, and three lift tickets. You’ll need to schedule lessons ahead of time. Check out the resort website for more info: Ski49n.com.

MT. SPOKANE

Location: Spokane, WA January Deals: EZ Ski or Ride 1-2-3 Package Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park is as close as it gets if you live in Spokane and want to try to ski or snowboard this year. The mountain offers multiweek lessons and has an extensive ski school. “We really want to get people excited, and not just have their friend or spouse teach them, but learn those tips that can help them succeed,” says Mt. Spokane’s Brenda McQuarrie.

Mt. Spokane offers a discount on the price of the EZ Ski or Ride 1-2-3 package for the month of January. The package includes three lessons, three lift tickets, and three rentals. On your first lesson you’ll learn the basics with a Chair 5 lift ticket with access to the beginner hill, progressing to an allmountain lift ticket with the second two lessons.

Upon finishing the third lesson of the program, you’ll be eligible to buy a season pass at a discounted price. Check out Mt. Spokane’s website for more info: Mtspokane.com.

SILVER MOUNTAIN

Location: Kellogg, ID January Deals: Learn to Ski Package; Easy Ski or Ride 1-2-3; Flex 5 Program Silver Mountain Ski Resort boasts easy access for newcomers. “There’s no crazy mountain driving or throwing on ski boots in the parking lot,” says Willy Bartlett, Director of Marketing at Silver Mountain.

“People can walk in with their street shoes, hop in the gondola, and have a relaxing ride up.” When you do get to the mountain, you’ll benefit from lots of acreage and short lift lines. Silver Mountain also

boasts the longest surface lift in the region, located right at the lodge, so you can try some quick laps without tackling chairlifts when you’re first getting started.

With the purchase of a lift ticket, you’ll receive a beginner group lesson and free rental with Silver Mountain’s Learn to Ski package in January. Silver’s Easy Ski or Ride 1-2-3 program is available at any time this season and includes three lessons with rental gear and lift ticket.

If you want to commit to a fun season, purchase Silver Mountain’s Flex 5 deal by January 15: you’ll get five lessons, five rentals, and five lift tickets.

Upon completion, you’ll receive a free season pass, and get half price off your pass for the next season.

More info: Silvermt.com.

LOOKOUT PASS

Location: Mullan, ID January Deals: Learn to Ski or Ride in Three Days Package Despite the name, this ski area straddling the Idaho/Montana state line also helps skiers and riders avoid some of the worst winter driving. Lookout is located 200 yards off Interstate 90 at Exit 0, a 90-minute drive from Spokane. It’s a relatively small ski area, so newcomers can bank on plenty of easy terrain and little cross traffic.

“We’re a family-oriented mountain,” says Marketing Director Matthew Sawyer. “You’re a name here, not a number.” Sawyer cites the quality of instructors and training experience as a big reason to choose Lookout for your learning experience. For true first-time skiers or snowboarders, Lookout awards a “graduation” present in the form of a free season pass good for the remainder of the season.

Lookout’s Learn to Ski package includes three rentals, three 75-minute group lessons, and three lift tickets, two of which provide mountain-wide access. Find prices and more package information online, including info about a one-day package with lift ticket to a beginner slope, rental gear, and hourplus lesson: Skilookout.com. // Lisa Laughlin is Out There’s digital editor. She wrote about the Nordic ski and snowshoe rental program that Fitness Fanatics runs at Mt. Spokane in the December issue.

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33

ON THE MOUNTAIN SKI SCHOOL

SKIING POWDER

BY BRAD NORTHRUP DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR? It snowed all week,

with storm after storm pounding the local mountains and dumping well over a foot of fresh snow.

Come Saturday morning, there will be little in the way of groomed runs, and you are still a relative rookie when it comes to skiing in new snow. But, you spent good money on that season pass and are committed to skiing every weekend. So how does someone learn to ski powder, and what tips can help advance powder-skiing skills? I sat down with Rick Brown, Director of Skiing and Snowboarding at 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort, to find out.

IF YOU WERE GOING TO GIVE A PERSON LEARNING TO SKI POWDER ONE TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE? RB: The first things that come to mind for me are patience and flow. In soft snow it can take longer for the ski to react to your input. As an example, when you tip the skis to make a turn on groomed trails, there is already firm surface that allows the skier to apply pressure and immediately get the skis to start bending. In soft snow or powder, the snow has to compact or compress before there is

34

enough support to get the skis to bend. When I think of skiing powder, my mind instantly leaps to the feeling of floating on top of the snow that I get when skiing powder. The physics aren’t all that different than waterskiing. A combination of surface area and speed allow the skis to float or plane along the surface, be it water or snow (frozen water). Maintaining the proper momentum means that the skis will stay on top of the snow instead of sinking to the bottom.

POWDER DAY. // PHOTO: AARON THEISEN

WHERE SHOULD YOUR WEIGHT BE WHEN SKIING POWDER, AND WHAT ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP? RB: When skiing softer snow, try to maintain balance over your whole foot on both skis, staying more or less in the middle of the ski. Try to be more fluid and calm with your movements, maintaining that relationship [between] your center of mass over the feet and the middle of the skis.

Making aggressive forward moves to start a turn, like one might be able to do on hard pack, will probably result in the ski tips diving and the skier’s center of mass continuing forward past their tips.

Getting your weight back over your heels or your

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY SPONSORED BY 2018 SKI

THE NW ROCKIES

tails may help get the tips up out of the snow but will result in having your weight being supported by much less of the ski. You’ll end up working harder with far less control, much like trying to steer a bike from a wheelie. It also puts far more strain on the muscles and joints of the lower body, resulting in fatigue and a higher risk of injury.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO SKIING POWDER AND WHAT IS A TIP THAT HELPS MITIGATE THIS? RB: For many who are new to skiing powder, the

biggest challenge is adapting their current skill set to a new environment. Most of the time when we try something new, we approach it with some caution and a lot of thought. We tend to fall back on skills or techniques that are already habit. Slowing down movements, making movements that are more fluid and continuous, being patient, and letting the ski respond to those types of input will result in a series of turns that have a smooth flow.// Brad Northrup is an avid skier and frequent lodge bar patron. He wrote about Old School Ski Tricks in the December issue.

PASSHOLDER PROFILE ON THE MOUNTAIN

THIS PHOTO: MT. SPOKANE REGULAR, TOM MACLEOD, SKIS THE SLOPES 3 DAYS A WEEK. // PHOTO: REBECCA WHITE RIGHT: PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM MACLEOD

THE LINEBACKER IN THE LIFT LINE

BY AMY S. MCCAFFREE A FOLDED-UP NEWSPAPER on top of a blue lunch

bag in Mount Spokane’s patrol lodge lets me know that Tom MacLeod is already skiing first tracks.

Over six feet tall and fit, charming, and friendly, MacLeod—who turns 67 this January—is a regular at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park. He has been a season pass holder for 38 years, since moving to Spokane in 1979. As a patrol alumnus, he enjoys the benefits of the patrol chalet, along with current patrollers and their families.

Born in Duluth, Minnesota, MacLeod learned to ski in 1955 when he was 4 years old. “It was not common back in the day to ski as a family, but my dad just got the idea that we were going to be skiers,” he says. So, along with his parents and older sister, they skied the runs and used the rope tows at Mont du Lac in western Wisconsin.

MacLeod’s first pair of skis were wooden; he

doesn’t remember the maker but knows the bindings released. Today, he uses Rossignol Soul 7 skis.

“It’s so much easier on my legs…they turn really nice. I’m amazed at how technology has improved the skiing experience,” he says.

As MacLeod grew up and then became a student and football player at the University of Minnesota, he continued skiing whenever he could. “That’s how you stay in shape for football—you ski. I called it high altitude training at the time,” he says.

After college graduation in 1967, the Green Bay Packers drafted MacLeod into the NFL at age 22. The following season he transferred to the Indianapolis Colts and was a professional linebacker for 6 years—missing one season to recover from a torn Achilles tendon and playing for two more seasons after that. “I have my legacy [from] of all that,” he says, referring to the physical impacts of

football tackles and hits since he was in 7th grade.

“It adds up after a while…You don’t want to play in the NFL too long or else you can’t be a skier.”

MacLeod even managed to hit the slopes while performing as an athlete. “When I was playing professional football, my wife and I would take a ski trip every spring. After I decided to [leave the NFL], I was looking for a place where I could ski and build homes, and Spokane looked like a good place for that,” he says. “But there was a hell of a recession at the time.” So after relocating, with no job but time to ski, he joined Mt. Spokane’s Ski Patrol and started his first season. Before too long, he passed the firefighter exam for Spokane County and was stationed at District 1.

In the mid-80s, MacLeod “retired” from patrolling but remained a loyal season pass holder. “You can’t beat powder—that’s what’s so nice about the backside of Mountt Spokane. A lot of people don’t even know about it, which makes it even better,” he says. A man of routine, MacLeod skied regularly five days a week each season until 2001, when he retired from his 20-year firefighting career. He then reduced his schedule to four days. About 10 years

ago, he tore his other Achilles tendon, which was his only significant ski injury. Last season, when he started feeling pain in his knees, he decided to do only half-days on the mountain. And this season he plans to ski three rather than four half-days each week.

“I’m trying to put my body back together so I can keep skiing,” says MacLeod, who also does gym workouts. “I’m just getting old. I have to adapt, but I don’t have to like it.” MacLeod also skis once a week with Faye, his high school sweetheart and wife of nearly 47 years.

While MacLeod is a regular fixture at Mt. Spokane, every year he lives out his dream ski trip: heli-skiing in Nakusp, British Columbia, with Canadian Mountain Holidays. “If you want to ski powder, it doesn’t get any better.” // Amy S. McCaffree, who writes the Out There Kids column, is enjoying her 15th winter as a Mt. Spokane season pass holder. Her favorite ski runs are Rock Slide, Teakettle, and—especially with her kids—Crash & Burn.

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35

ON THE MOUNTAIN HEALTH & FITNESS

AVOID WINTER SPORTS INJURIES

BY LISA LAUGHLIN WE WENT STRAIGHT TO THE DOCTOR and asked how to avoid common winter sports injuries to help you up your odds of not getting hurt this winter.

THE DOCTOR

Dr. Eric Anderson is a primary care sports medicine physician at the Sports Medicine Orthopedics department at Rockwood Clinic in Spokane. While earning his medical credentials, he skied competitive freestyle for the University of Colorado. He’s now an avid skier in the Spokane area and makes a great resource for injury prevention tips.

COMMON INJURIES

Dr. Anderson says that alpine skiing and snowboarding are the most common in this region for traumatic injuries. He sees few ankle injuries, as the ski boot industry has evolved. Most skiing injuries he sees are from the boot up—with such a stable ankle area, the torque travels elsewhere (usually to the knees).

Photo: Ryan Flett & Tourism Rossland.

Alpine Skiers: Knee damage such as MCL or ACL injuries. There’s an occasional shoulder dislocation, rotator cuff tear, or concussion, but alpine skiers’ lower extremities take most of the damage.

Snowboarders: Upper extremity injuries such as wrist fractures, shoulder injuries, and concussions.

Nordic Skiers: Overuse injuries such as tendonitis.

FOLLOW THESE TIPS & DON’T GET HURT

1. Precondition: For alpine skiing and snowboarding, maintain core, hip, and leg strength. For Nordic skiing, make sure you’re in aerobic shape. “Remember that you’re doing functional movement patterns that you’re not accustomed to doing,” says Dr. Anderson. When you’re starting a new season, allow yourself an acclimatization period.

Check trail conditions, book tours or rentals, & shop bikes at

www.revolutioncycles.ca 250-362-5688

2. Check Your Gear: Use decent, current equipment. Check your equipment regularly, and have a shop professional set your ski binding and release settings. “I see people cranking down on their ski bindings, and then they don’t release when they want them to, which can set them up for a knee injury,” he says.

Helmets also come doctor-recommended. “The technology is such that they’re lightweight and warm, and they can lessen a concussion and prevent head trauma.” Wrist guards can also protect alpine skiers and snowboarders from wrist fractures.

3. Stay Hydrated & Nix Alcohol: You lose your drive for thirst at colder temperatures, and cold, dry air can add to dehydration. Keep up on your water intake, and wait to imbibe until you’re back at the ski lodge.

“Drinking during the ski day can compound dehydration, decrease your reaction time, and increase your risk of an exposure injury,” says Dr. Anderson.

4. Wear Proper Clothing: When you’re worn out, you’re more likely to make mistakes leading to injury.

Regulating your body temperature will help prevent fatigue and dehydration. The doctor recommends wearing a base layer, a mid-weight insulating layer, and an outer shell.

5. Know Your Limits: Have a good self-appraisal of your skills. “I see it way too often where people will ski with friends who are better, and they’ll push themselves beyond what they’re technically able to do,” says Dr. Anderson. “I think people forget that skiing is a pretty intense sport, when you consider that you have pounds of equipment on your extremity that you’re throwing around in potentially deep snow.”

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

6. Take Lessons: “We’re very good about putting our kids into lessons, but I see so many adults who could benefit from professional instruction. It would make the sport safer and much more enjoyable,” says Anderson. If you’re new to something like recreational ice skating or sledding, consider wearing knee, elbow, and wrist pads to prevent fractures.

7. Have Backcountry Awareness: Get proper avalanche training and appropriate gear if you’re in the backcountry. The doctor recommends, at a minimum, to carry a beacon, shovel, probe, airbag, and have a partner. You should be aware of snow conditions, carry a map, and have a contact person who knows your location. Carry a cell phone and battery pack. Hand warmers and snacks are helpful if you become injured and have to wait for rescue. //

FLASHBACK ON THE MOUNTAIN

FRESH POWDER RUNS. // PHOTO: GARY PETERSON

EPIC LOOKOUT POWDER DAYS

BY SARAH HAUGE LOOKOUT PASS, the ski area that spans both sides of the Idaho and Montana border in the Bitterroots Range, is known for major annual snowfall, averaging 400 inches and leading to many days of fresh powder. We asked a few Lookout locals to share their best recent memories of Lookout’s powder dumps.

WHO: Kevin Pryor, Lookout Pass local WHEN: February 2011

“Probably the best day isn’t so recent, but man, was it epic,” says Kevin Pryor, who frequents Lookout Pass and many other local resorts in his quest to ski 60-70 days each year. In 2011, according to British-based Skiinfo, Lookout Pass received more snowfall over a seven-day period than any other ski area on the planet. “There was record snowfall,” Pryor says. “It was phenomenal—I mean, oh my god, it was the whole month of February. We went up every week. Every time it was 22-28 inches, every week we went up.”

Pryor recalls taking Chair 1 up during that period. “Off the chair line on the backside, it’s pretty steep back there. I remember one day that year, the face of 1 right there is pretty great, but people couldn’t ski it. I ski on big fatties and my buddy does, and if you didn’t have big fat skis you didn’t get down.” He pauses, thinking back on the fun of that moment. “It was awesome, man.”

Asked about favorite runs, Pryor says he generally heads for the backside of the mountain. “I’m a timber guy, I love skiing in the trees…it cuts out a lot of people.” He’s downright evangelical about the quality of the snow at Lookout. “Lookout always gets the snow. It does,” he says. “You go to Lookout, bring a snorkel, because they get the powder.”

WHO: Phil Edholm, president and CEO of Lookout Pass WHEN: January 2017 It was just about a year ago when Phil Edholm last had an unforgettable day on the mountain.

“There was a time in January—I think we had about a foot of fresh powder,” he says. “I’ve been a ski patroller for 40 years. One of my luxuries is I get to ride the chair up for the first ride of the day.”

First thing in the morning, when all was fresh and untouched, Edholm went up on Chair 2, which drops down into Montana. “You know they have that saying, ‘Montana smoke’?” he asks. “They call it Montana smoke because it’s generally colder and drier in Montana, so being at the crest of the Bitterroots, there are colder temps. We get these storms that come in and they stay there for a while and dump a lot of snow.”

When Edholm ducked off the backside of the mountain, the magic began. “It was like skiing through feathers—up to your waist. It was just effortless skiing; it was like floating in space,” he says, still awed by the memory. “You can feel your heart pounding, you see your breath in the air; it’s just a wonderful experience.”

Sneaking down the mountain before it was open to the public made it all the more special.

“The other part that makes it fun is the other patrollers are right behind me, everybody’s whooping and hollering,” Edholm says. “We have the whole mountain to ourselves for about 20 minutes right before everyone else gets out there, so it’s really fun.” // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 SPONSORED BY SKI THE NW ROCKIES

/ OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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ON THE MOUNTAIN SKI BUM ADVICE

$300 boots from Nordstrom’s. I even saw a Range Rover with my name all over it, but, unfortunately, the payment had my name all over it as well. No, there was plenty that I wanted, but very little that I actually needed.

This got me thinking, though. When it comes to ski gear, there are all kinds of things I want but really don’t need. Some of my reluctance to buy is a matter of pride, and some of it comes down to money; either way, I have a hard time pulling the trigger on, but still secretly wish for, items like these: BOOT HEATERS—My favorite time to ski is when

HEATED BOOTS, FOR DELICATE FEET.

STUFF I WANT, BUT REALLY DON’T NEED

BY BRAD NORTHRUP I TOTALLY GOT OFF EASY during the post-

Thanksgiving shopping freakiness this year, at least according to other chaps my age. I spent a whopping two hours wandering through stores

in good ol’ downtown Spokaloo, and managed to purchase absolutely nothing. That right, nada.

Now, there was plenty I wanted, like a new down jacket (because every skier needs at least 2) or

there is fresh snow and its super freaking cold, like single digits. The problem is my feet do not do well. They turn into blocks of ice on the first chairlift ride to the summit, and I question whether I should move to Florida. You would think I would have no problem spending a couple of hundred bucks to have warm feet, but I can’t seem to do it. The old ski racer in me whispers things like “pansy” and “soft” in my ear as I silently wish for July, which is about when my feet thaw out.

Getting past your ego is tough, but getting frozen ski boots off is tougher.

ANY SKI BRAND TRUCKER HAT—I tend to be very picky when it comes to the hats I wear, mainly because I can never seem to find any that fit. This is all due to having a small head. Put a normal hat on my head, and I look like an idiot. Put a trucker hat on my head, and I look like a world-class idiot, or some kind of weird man-child masquerading as a semi-responsible adult. Sucky thing is I really want a cool trucker hat to wear in the bar after

skiing but have resigned to wearing a stocking hat instead. I tell myself it’s way cooler to look like a bank robber, logger, or longshoreman, anyway.

SUPER DARK MIRRORED GOGGLES —Nothing says badass skier like super dark mirrored goggles, and I have come oh-so-close to buying some way too many times. Yet I have not a pair in my ski bag. First off, I don’t see well to begin with and typically have to use yellow lenses up until March every season just to get my sorry backside down the mountain in one piece. Second, I am not sure I like the idea of people using me as a mirror on the chairlift, especially for checking to see if there is anything in their teeth or if their make-up still looks good. I am ok with teeth that have food on them, and the mountain is no place for make-up.

NEON YELLOW HEADBAND FOR SPRING SKIING—Every year I see some dude totally rock

a brightly-colored headband in the spring, and every year I get a little more jealous. Why you might ask? Two reasons. One, I don’t have the hair to pull off a headband. Thinning blonde hair with a saucer-sized bald spot and headbands do not go well together. And two, I am quite certain I would forget to put on sunscreen and would end up with a huge white band across my forehead. That said, I still want one. They do make men’s headbands in extra small, right? // Brad Northrup is a former ski racer, coach, and ski bum. He spends a ridiculous amount of time online searching for hats that fit small heads and writes Ski Bum Advice for Out There every winter.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

ARTIFACTS ON THE MOUNTAIN HOW TO CATCH THE SKI BUS LOOKOUT PASS

A free bus runs from Kellogg, departing at 8 a.m. PST and returning at 3:30 p.m. PST from Jan 7 to March 11. Catch the bus at these locations in the Silver Valley: Pinehurst Elementary, 8 a.m.; Lookout Ski Shop in Kellogg, 8:15 a.m.; Stein’s Family Foods in Osburn, 8:25 a.m.; Silverton Post Office, 8:30 a.m.; and at Harvest Foods in Wallace at 8:45 a.m.

SCHWEITZER

Park & Ride Mt Express Shuttle, free for season pass holders, $3 uphill ride for non-pass holders. The bus runs from the Red Barn Park & Ride area. Catch the bus Saturday, Sunday & on holidays every 30 minutes. The first bus up is at 6:30 a.m., with the last ride down departing at 5:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, catch a ride every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to noon then hourly until 5 p.m.

LONG LIVE THE SKI BUS

MT. SPOKANE

Free shuttle between lodge 1 and 2.

BY ADAM GEBAUER WHY WOULD ANYONE climb into a cramped bus, awkwardly carrying objects with sharpened edges, unwieldy poles, helmets, and goggles while walking in big, clunky boots?

On the ski bus, more often than not, you end up sitting next to the park rat, who may not have washed his jersey in the last few weeks—only to realize that you haven’t washed your own long johns in about the same amount of time. Or, you end up standing for the whole ride next to a toddler who can’t stop swinging her heavy, shin-bashing boots. And this is just the tip of the iceberg in the ways of the ski bus.

But there are good things about it, too. Riding the ski bus eases your driving needs. You use less gas by leaving your car lower on the mountain or at home. You can leave the driving of sketchy moun-

tain roads to the professional shuttle bus driver.

And you get to ditch dealing with parking too close to the next car to open the door, or traipsing through the long, icy parking lot with arm loads of unwieldy gear.

The shuttle bus is a great way to get a feel for a new mountain. Buses frequently have maps posted, and it gives you time to look one over. If you can sit yourself next to an old, salty tele skier who has been riding this mountain for 40 years, she can point out all the good trails and secret safety meeting places in the trees.

The ski bus also gives you time to set a plan with your riding buddies, which many times gets neglected in the hustle of parking and charging to the lift. It is always good to determine whether you will lap certain chairs or hit the terrain park, and where to meet if

someone gets separated. And, of course, you have to choose when to meet for happy hour.

If you are riding solo, the ski bus is an excellent way to meet your new riding buddy. Walking onto the bus, you can scan for that empty seat and plop yourself next to another loner. It is always good to find a buddy to keep an eye out for when you are skiing the trees, and maybe they will buy the first round.

When you think about it, the camaraderie on the ski bus is like no other. On the ride up, there is the shared sense of anticipation from everyone—from those who are new to the activity of sliding down the mountain to those who are headed straight to the back bowl. And on the way down the mountain, when the bus is full of people burning off all that adrenalin and a beer or two, someone may start a

round of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”

Several of our local mountains offer some kind of shuttle bus. Check their websites for updated schedules. Have your gear well packed, remembering that ski and boot straps make loading the bus easier. Be aware when you are turning around in those tight aisles that your helmet or boots don’t collide with someone’s face. Finally, make sure you check the schedule so you are not left trying to hitch back to town after that last bus has already left. // When Adam Gebauer is not teaching skiing or summiting mountains, he is wrangling his herd of goats and running Syringa Ecological Consulting. He wrote about local post ski drinkaries, “Earn Your Beers,” in December.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

39

ON THE MOUNTAIN TERRAIN PARK GUIDE

THE BIKE SHOP THAT COMES TO YOU

BOOK ONLINE VELOFIX.COM

40

ASHER COLEMAN AT MT. SPOKANE IN THE PROGRESSION PARK AS HE HITS HIS FIRST RAIL AND LANDS HIS FIRST INDY GRAB. // PHOTO T. GHEZZI

LOCAL RESORT TERRAIN PARKS

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

BY T. GHEZZI ALL FIVE of Spokane’s local resorts have multiple

terrain parks that suit different levels of riders— thanks to behind-the-scenes “park crews” who hustle to make it happen. Park crews dedicate many hours to planning, building, shaping, and constant maintaining of these features. While others are off slashing fresh powder in the early mornings, the park crews are handling their playground; digging out rails from overnight snowfall; and hand raking the takeoffs, landings, and lips of rails and kickers.

This season both Schweitzer and Mt. Spokane are stoked to get new park-specific PistenBully snow cats. The addition of the PistenBully to these resorts should help in the production of snow features. Efficiency is key for keeping things lively by changing features on a weekly basis. Dan Nylund has been Schweitzer’s terrain park manager for the past 12 years and says they plan to build more creative and original features thanks to the geometry and range of the PistenBully blade.

With the extremely early season snowfall this year, a limited number of features were up for opening day, sparking some early-season terrain park sessions. As the season progresses and the snowpack increases, so will the total number of available features at the local resort parks covered in this guide.

SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT

Silver’s park manager Terry Gosline says they are shooting for at least 30 features in their Chair 2 Basin Park. They are also expecting to have 10 plus features in Noah’s Progression Park. Be aware that the access to the Chair 2 basin park has changed this year due to the new Klondike Express run. Gosline says there are plans to build a banked slalom course that will snake down to the bottom of the basin park. Also, they are looking to add a couple new rainbow boxes this season, along

with a tower pole feature. Gosline says there are a few young shredders to watch this season—especially Clayton Jerome, who helps out part-time and is very involved in the terrain parks.

LOOKOUT PASS SKI & RECREATION AREA

Lookout will again be offering at least two parks this season: Rolling Thunder and Huckleberry Jam. Both parks are geared for fun with 30-plus features. Huckleberry Jam is their progression park and is designed to help beginners hone their skills and build confidence on smaller features.

Rolling Thunder is mostly an all-natural terrain park featuring a 1,111-foot-long quarter pipe and is designed for riders with multiple skill sets.

Lookout’s general manager Brian Bressel describes it as a “natural flow park set up [that] features a little something for everyone.”

49 DEGREES NORTH MOUNTAIN RESORT

49 will be pushing this season to have 30 or more features, and they have plans to build several new rails. Gavin Wachtel, who is part of the park crew, says they are happy to have core members of the park crew back this season. The park crew is looking to bring back to life a battleship box and a flat down box that have been sitting in the rail and box bone yard. Wachtel mentioned a signature piece they have had for two years now—a rail that was painted by Northwest snowboard icon and legend Jamie Lynn, who is a sponsored Lib-Tech rider.

Local standout riders to watch this season at 49 include Chaz Riddler and Cameron Fryman, who is sponsored by Pistole Boardshop.

MT. SPOKANE SKI & SNOWBOARD PARK

Mt. Spokane’s park manager Zach “Grandpa” Lingo says he’s excited about many things this season— especially his new and returning crew and their hard work fabricating new rails. Grandpa

is also thankful for the continued support of Mt. Spokane towards its terrain park. “There will be lots of new stuff this year,” says Lingo, but he wants to keep much of his plans a secret at this time.

He does share that they plan to offer something for all age levels, with more than 25 features. Mt. Spokane has a total of four terrain parks, and they are all accessible from Chair 3 (or what some are calling the Parkway Express). Lingo says he’s looking to “keep it fresh and hesh all season.”

SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT

Schweitzer has three parks and is known for its large jump features. Nylund, the park manager, explains: “We focus a great deal on jump design and safety… and we put a lot of time and energy into building our jumps.” The first is the Terrain Garden, which is designed for beginners and generally contains a wide fun box, a couple of small jumps, and a few rollers. South Park is usually the most popular park on the mountain and has at least two medium size jumps and a wide variety of jib features with multiple line options. The third park—Stomping Grounds— is the largest park. Unique to Schweitzer, a Terrain Park Pass is needed to access the Stomping Grounds. Here, the largest jump features are found, and it’s also where the park crew gets to be creative with its own signature jib set-ups.

For more information, visit resort websites and follow the local terrain parks on social media. Also, be sure to thank the park crews when you see them. // T. Ghezzi is Pacific-Northwest raised and believes we should respect the land, spend time in nature, explore, adventure, hike, and never stop the pursuit to ride powder. This is his first article for Out There.

EVENTS ON THE MOUNTAIN

LEFT: SHE JUMPS. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT. // THIS PHOTO. WINTER CARNIVAL. PHOTO COURTESY OF LOOKOUT PASS

15 MOUNTAIN EVENTS

BY S. MICHAL BENNETT WITH FIVE SKI MOUNTAINS close to Spokane,

Coeur d’Alene, and Sandpoint, there is no shortage of snow happenings to choose from. Here are a few of our picks this winter.

49° NORTH

Kicking off the new year January 6-7, Winter Sports Fest sponsored by Mountain Gear and Spokane Parks and Recreation includes Nordic and cross-country skiing clinics, gear demos, seminars, and more. “It’s a great educational outreach day,” says Eric Bakken, Base Area Manager, “and it gets people out on the trails.”

January 13 is 49’s annual Sheimo Cup sponsored

by Hale’s Ales. This dual-slalom event is a fundraiser for the mountain’s F.A.S.T. alpine race training program and presents a mellow course for a wide range of competitors. If you’re more adventurous in your skiing, sign up for the Al Voltz Need for Speed USSA Masters Race happening February 16-18. “It’s an event for people who have a love for ski racing,” says Bakken.

If you want to do a little good in the community and have a great time in the process, head up for night skiing January 13 and February 17 and hit the slopes in the moonlight for $5 and three cans of food donated to local food banks.

MT. SPOKANE

Learn essential skills with Mt. Spokane’s Multiweek Lessons program for ages 5 to adult starting January 6 (only $269 or $329 with rentals on Saturdays or Sundays). Plus, you earn a free pass after your sixth lesson!

On February 9-10, the resort has combined the 2018 terrain park Kan Jam with their second annual Brewfest. Friday starts with a Rail Jam off Lodge 2’s deck from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday heats up with a Half-Hitch Park event, 11 a.m. -2 p.m.

Compete, watch, and sip on local beers and ciders at a cost of only $15 per event or $25 for both.

Mt. Spokane is wrapping up February with a ladies-only day with Lisa Ballard Densmore, the 2017 Master Racer Super G Champion. This event for advanced skiers will include four hours of instruction, video review, ski and pole demos, door prizes, gear discounts, and continental breakfast and lunch. Don’t miss your chance to be coached by the best on Feb. 21!

SCHWEITZER

On January 13, Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, the Schweitzer Mountain Community Association is putting on quite the Northern Lights show! It starts with a torchlight parade down the Jam Session run. Then the whole village lights up with a phenomenal fireworks show.

Afterwards, head to Taps for live music and a good party. “That’s right,” says Dig Chrismer, Marketing Manager, “North Idaho style is all the good stuff in life.”

On January 20, Snowsports Industries of America’s Winter Trails Day, Schweitzer will be offering free access to their Nordic trails and giving everyone the opportunity to learn about

cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking.

“Trails offer children and adults across the country the chance to discover the great fitness benefits of these easy-to-learn sports,” says Chrismer. Check out the free Learn to Cross Country Ski Event happening the same day!

She Jumps will be at Schweitzer February 25 promoting women connecting to the outdoors and each other, and learning about all things outdoors and snowy. The day is retro-themed, and a prize will be awarded to the most creative costume.

Proceeds will go to SheJumps.org to fund low-cost educational and social events for women and free youth programs.

LOOKOUT PASS

January is “Learn to Ski & Snowboard” month.

Learn to ski or ride in three days (your choice of days) for $99. You’ll get lift tickets, a lesson, and rental equipment each day. Plus, when you’re done, you receive a complimentary season pass for the rest of the winter.

Lookout also invites you and your family to a day of music, fun, and…wife carrying? Their Winter Carnival and Family Fun Day on January 14 will include a 3-legged race, egg-carrying contest, face painting, snowman contest, and a 100foot sprint for men carrying their wives “Estonian style or Piggyback.” First place wins his wife’s weight in cash. No entry fee required.

The skinning and fat bike race—Up, Down, Round & Round—happens on February 25. The $15 entry fee includes a lunch voucher, a number plate, and entry into three categories: two laps of alpine or splitboard, two laps fat bike, or one lap of alpine or splitboard followed by one lap of fat bike. Sponsored by Bicycle Sales & Service, Wallace Brewing, Trail Maniacs, and Mountain Gear, this race is guaranteed to be one of the most exhausting yet entertaining events of the season.

SILVER MOUNTAIN

It’s the 50th Anniversary of the Jackass Ski Bowl on Silver Mountain. Celebrate on Jan. 5 with “retro-priced” lift tickets ($12), fireworks, night skiing, Jam 4 Cans Rail Jam, best retro outfit contest, canned food drive, a worthy birthday cake, and live music from Yesterday’s Cake at Mogul’s Lounge. All donated food will go to the Shoshone County Food Bank.

The Doug E. Fresh Weekend is back on Jan. 27 and is sponsored by the Ski Shack. Doug Johnson was a fixture in the Inland Northwest ski and bike industry, and each year this event celebrates his memory and raises money for his kids and family. This year, the old-school terrain competition has a new location for easier spectator access.

Continuing the festivities, the bar will be open until 11 p.m. that night, and The Rub will be playing live music.

From Feb. 10-11, Silver will be putting on a comprehensive Backcountry Weekend, the Wardner Peak Uphill Downhill Race (see page 42 for details). // JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

2017 UPHILL DOWNHILL RACE // PHOTO: SARAH BREDE

SILVER MOUNTAIN BACKCOUNTRY WEEKEND

BY LARRY BANKS TWO YEARS AGO I received a message from Willy

Bartlett, the Silver Mountain marketing coordinator, telling me about the First Annual Uphill/ Downhill race. The idea was spawned by Silver Mountain patroller Drew Mahan several years prior. I had heard of such races elsewhere, wherein participants use their touring gear to skin uphill to a given point, transition to downhill mode, and continue like this until the finish line is reached.

This event intrigued me because it was hosted at my home resort on Wardner Peak, on in-bound, winter-hiking-accessed terrain. The inaugural race attracted 14 skiers, one snowshoer, and me on a split board. It consisted of climbing three quarters of the way up Wardner Peak; transitioning into downhill mode and riding to a pre-set location; and transitioning several more times to finish with a ride down the face of Wardner to the finish line, where beers and cheers awaited the finishers.

Not long after, Bartlett said the event was going again, and they had learned a bit from the first event. This time the course was fully on the front side of Wardner to allow easy spectator viewing from start to finish. It would include more beers and grills for hamburgers and hotdogs, as well as a small change to the course outline. Also, there would be three separate categories: Hard Core—three laps for a total of 2,025 feet of vertical, Soft Core—two laps for a total of 1,350 feet, and Leisure—one lap for a total of 675 feet. The year-two turnout increased to 23 participants, a mix of skiers, split boarders, and three snowshoers carrying snowboards. One certainty about the

Uphill/Downhill is that many show up for the fun and camaraderie (although some take the race seriously).

Now going into the 3rd year, the Uphill/ Downhill is morphing into the Silver Mountain Backcountry Weekend. Set for Feb. 10-11, the event will include two days of activities consisting of an On-Snow Avalanche Clinic, presented by Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center (IPAC) and National Ski Patrol (NPS). The clinic will benefit even the most novice backcountry user, and an avalanche transceiver park will be open to anyone who wants to learn how avalanche transceivers, also known as beacons, work. There will also be a deep burial beacon search and recover competition. Concluding the weekend events is the Uphill/Downhill race.

Bartlett is stoked about the competition. “We’re lucky to have a great area for backcountry riding,” he says. As backcountry skiing and snowboarding have become more popular, “A lot of people are curious about it— they just don’t know where or how to start.” Willy notes that “This event gives the opportunity to team up with knowledgeable and experienced backcountry users and avalanche professionals,” as well as meet like-minded backcountry enthusiasts— all in one place.

Learn more about the Silver Mountain Backcountry Weekend at Silvermt.com. // Larry Banks is an accomplished splitboarder who co-founded PanhandleBackcountry.com. His last article for Out There back in January 2017 highlighted splitboarding in British Columbia.

we’re SO MUCH DEEPER than just THE POWDER Sandpoint is the kind of place to really find yourself. Of course, there’s the deep powder skiing at Schweitzer Mountain, just 20 minutes from downtown, plus outdoor pursuits from snowshoeing to XC to snowmobiling.

But perched on the shores of huge Lake Pend Oreille, with the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges at hand, our magnificent landscapes inspire so much more. There are award-winning breweries and wineries, art galleries, live music and performing arts, and outstanding culinary choices.

Go deep this winter, to beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho.

DON’T MISS THESE

Jan 13: Northern Lights at Schweitzer VISITSANDPOINT.COM

Jan 18-20: Banff Mountain Film Festival Jan 25: Five Alarm Funk at The Hive Feb 16-25: Sandpoint Winter Carnival

Get visitor information at 800-800-2106 • www.VisitSandpoint.com

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

43

Provisions

(n.) food, drink, or equipment, especially for a journey.

EVANS BROTHERS CDA // PHOTO: STEPH BLASE

NEW EVANS BROTHERS CAFÉ IN COEUR D’ALENE

Tucked behind Community 1st Bank, just off the corner of Sherman Ave. and Fifth Street, Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters opened its second café this past November. With a focus on quality and a desire to engage the community, this sleek café is already turning heads in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Brothers Rick and Randy Evans moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, while looking for a place to raise their families near plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities. Randy had been in coffee for about 10 years and had a deep passion and knowledge of it. Rick was more entrepreneurial and had experience in sales and marketing. He also wanted to support Randy and create an income that would keep them both in North Idaho. Thus, Evans Brothers Coffee was born.

After a few years as solely a wholesale roaster, they opened a Sandpoint café to showcase their coffees. “It’s been a great way to connect with more people and has helped us on the wholesale side,” says Rick. It also taught them a lot about what it takes to operate a successful coffeehouse.

The thought to open a Coeur d’Alene café came from a pensive place. “We wanted something that was about slowing down, savoring the experience, and creating something special around coffee,” says Rick. Connection to community through coffee is at the core of Evans Brothers, and everything in the CDA café speaks to that.

From their Sandpoint designer, Katie Cox, to the Coeur d’Alene table craftsman, Daniel Howard, to the pastries, vendors, and even baristas, there is a melding of Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene influences. The coffee is highlighted in big and little ways. When you order a pour over coffee from the precise Marco SP9 brewing system, it is presented in a locally-made mug on a block of wood with a card detailing the origin, process, roasting profile, and tasting notes.

The pastries in the case are from a variety of North Idaho vendors, including Jupiter Jane’s Traveling Café and Mudge Chocolates. The food is simple and delicious, and the seasonal drinks and shrub sodas offer something for every palate.

“I love bringing a little of our Sandpoint style to Coeur d’Alene, and it seems like it has been well received,” says Rick. “We’re excited to be a part of a really exciting time in coffee and food in Coeur d’Alene.” Visit Evans Brothers Café at 504 E Sherman Ave. in Coeur d’Alene from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

7 days a week. (S. Michal Bennett) 44

COLD WEATHER BREWS THAT ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH GAIWAN GOLDEN MILK. // PHOTO: S. MICHAL BENNETT

GAIWAN TEA HOUSE: BREWING ZEN IN A MUG

With the rise of specialty coffee and craft beer, imbibers have become more curious about all sorts of brews—spirits, bitters, kombucha, kefir, tea, and more. They are remembering the rich tradition and comforting quality of a steeping cup of hot tea, including exploring tea lattes and the strangely addictive sensation of Taiwanese bubble tea.

In 2015, Matt and Snezana “Snowy” Kaufmann opened Gaiwan Tea House in Coeur d’Alene.

After years of traveling, they wanted to bring the art of high-quality and organic tea to the Inland Northwest. And they succeeded.

I grew up with a tea-loving mother, so I was naturally drawn to the teahouse, whose peaceful vibe and lack of WiFi encourages meaningful connections. The main room is warm and inviting with plenty of natural light, wooden furniture, and doors leading to more intimate spaces: the Japaneseinspired lounge with banana leaf floor poufs and low tables, and a softer-lit space furnished with a comfy couch, alcove table, and chairs. If you prefer to take in the fresh air, head out to the bamboo tables in the side yard.

The menu includes more than 70 loose-leaf teas, from classic black, green, white, and herbal to more adventurous options: matcha green, oolong, rooibos and pu-erh teas. Matcha and house-made chai are spotlighted in specialty and seasonal flavors, lattes, and bubble teas. When you order a hot tea, they bring the pot to your table with the cup and saucer, advising you of the brew time intended for your specific tea choice. Iced drinks are presented in glasses that highlight the brew and make you feel you are drinking something truly special. A simple selection of pastries is available to accompany your drink. And, no, they don’t serve coffee.

While I have sipped many drinks from the teahouse’s menu, my two favorites are a simple hot green tea, and a rich and chewy chai bubble tea, sometimes with coconut milk, sometimes with dairy. And if I’m feeling a bit immune-compromised, their turmeric ginger herbal tea is the perfect way to warm up and soothe my senses. (S. Michal Bennett)

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

SYRINGA CHICKEN RAMEN // PHOTO: S. MICHAL BENNETT

SYRINGA’S RAMEN: A COMFORTING FOOD MOMENT

While winter is often touted as the best season for warming broths and stews, I find that many soups end up being either less than filling or chock-full of cream and flour, leaving me feeling heavy and stuffed. A steaming bowl of ramen from Syringa’s Japanese Café and Sushi in Coeur d’Alene is neither of these. The delectable enticement of Syringa’s ramen lies in its fusion of simple ingredients and complex flavors. It is my top go-to lunch when I need a serious warm-up, relief from a stuffy cold, or a comforting food moment in the midst of a stressful day at work.

Ramen can be categorized into five types: shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), miso (fermented bean paste), and tonkotsu (pork). Each style refers to the ramen broth and its ingredients, because the broth is the heart of this traditional Japanese soup.

Syringa only serves shoyu ramen and makes their stock from scratch in the classic French style. And you can taste the flavorful difference. “We make the broth ourselves from roasted chicken bones,” says Viljo Basso, chef and owner. “That’s the base, then we doctor it up.”

The doctoring starts with good noodles, or the body of the soup. For years, Basso talked about adding ramen to his menu, but it didn’t happen until he found just the right noodles. Made by a company in California, they are creamy, savory, and the perfect complement to his broth. And they are cooked to perfection—never rubbery or bloated.

The soul of Basso’s ramen exists in the toppings added just before serving, like a poached egg, nori, meat, carrot flowers, bean sprouts, and other vegetables. My favorite bowl is the smoked pork, but the chicken and pork belly are also delicious. Not a fan of meat? Syringa’s vegetarian shoyu ramen is just as tasty and made with just as much scrupulousness.

Currently, ramen is a lunch menu item at Syringa, but, if you ask nicely, they’ll make you a bowl for dinner. Accompanied by a piping mug of green tea or a bottle of Sho Chiku Bai Organic Nama sake, this soup will fill you up and carry you through a winter day. (S. Michal Bennett)

Be ready for the cold and flu season with elixirs that provide relief from congestion and colds.

COLD AND FLU ELIXIR: For this recipe, you need

equal parts fir and/or spruce needles, ginger, and lemon.

DIRECTIONS: Fir and spruce needles contain aromatic essential oils that allow for freer breathing and for killing viruses. Gather about five branch tips about the size of your hand, and mince the needles with a pair of scissors. Ginger is warming, helps to alleviate the “elephant on the chest” feeling, and helps to remove mucous from the lungs and sinuses. Use two 2-inch chunks and shred with the peel. Lemon is high in Vitamin C, small amounts of B vitamins, and antioxidants.

Thinly slice a lemon and cut into quarters. You’ll use both the peel and fruit. Fill a pint jar with all your botanicals and halfway with brandy, then top off with honey. Cover the jar, let it steep for two weeks, and strain. A quarter to a half teaspoon in a cup of warm water is all that’s needed to provide incredible relief. Your family and friends will be very happy when you provide them with herbal medicine that works well.

FIRE CIDER: Fire Cider is an all-time favorite remedy for immune boosting symptom relief.

INGREDIENTS: One large chopped onion; 2 full heads of garlic, mashed; 2 fresh jalapenos, minced with seeds; 2 inches each of ginger and horseradish, minced; 1 lemon thinly sliced.

DIRECTIONS: Place all ingredients in a quart jar, then fill jar to the top with organic unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. Cover with a plastic lid, or put parchment paper between the vinegar and lid to prevent rusting. Let your fire cider sit for about three weeks to a month, then strain. You can take this by the spoonful several times a day when you feel a virus coming on; gargle with it when your throat is sore; or use it as a salad dressing, sprinkled over cooked greens. Make a fabulous BBQ sauce with it by adding a tablespoon or two to a half cup of organic ketchup. It’s tasty on fries, chicken, or ribs! (Suzanne Tabert) //

OutdoorCalendar RUNNING

WINTER SPORTS

(January 20) 5K Frostbite Footrace.

(January 24 & 26-28) Avalanche Level 1 Course. Where: University of Idaho, Moscow. Learn

Where: Deer Park, WA. Part of the Deer Park Winter Festival, this 5K fun run includes a flat and fast course that starts and ends at Deer Park High School. Info: Cityofdeerparkwa.com

BIKING (January 27) 4th Annual Fatty Flurry Fest.

Where: Round Lake State Park, Sandpoint. Greasy Fingers Bikes N Repair is hosting year four of the Fatty Flurry Fest, with free fat bike demos and a group ride. Bonfire and refreshments after the ride.

Limited bike rentals are available for reserve in advance. Info: Greasyfingersbikes.com

(February 9-11) Winter Fat Bike Clinic with Jay & Tracey Petervary. Where: Whitefish Bike Retreat, Whitefish, Mont. Learn from and ride with winter fat bike riding experts. The clinic covers tips, tricks, and knowledge for riding in the snow geared for both newcomers and long-time riders. Price includes clinic, lodging, most meals, and guided rides and instruction. Info: Whitefishbikeretreat.com

(February 11) Trail Maniacs Snowshoe & Fat Bike Race. Where: Silver Mountain Resort. All ability levels are welcome to participate in this 4.4 or 8.8 mile fat bike or snowshoe race. Info: Trailmaniacs. com

(February 24-25) Spokane Great Outdoors & Bike Expo. Where: Spokane Convention Center.

Find your next new bike at the 2nd annual Spokane Great Outdoors & Bike Expo. Local shops and reps will have over 18 brands of mountain, road, gravel, fat, electric-assist, bmx and other bikes to check out, buy, and demo. Find deals on other bike gear and outdoor equipment; enter to win thousands of dollars of bikes and other outdoor gear; and explore outdoor skills clinics, biking destinations, and outdoor clubs.

Info: SpokaneOutdoorExpo.com

(February 25) Up, Down, Round & Round.

Where: Lookout Pass. Choose from two laps on a fat bike, two laps on skis or a splitboard, or one lap on skis or splitboard followed by one lap on a fat bike.

The fat bike course starts at Lookout’s base area and heads up Grub Stake and then up Huckleberry Ridge.

Info: Skilookout.com

how to stay informed and safe in the backcountry.

Info: Uidaho.edu/outdoorprogram

(January 28) Altai Skis Hok and Ski Festival.

Where: Sitzmark Ski Area, Okanogan County.

Sitzmark is a ski area for locals and a great place to demo Altai Skis, including the Hok ski/snowshoe hybrid. Discount lift tickets are available for those who wish to ride the lifts. Info: Altaiskis.com

(January 28) Winterfest. Where: Mount Spokane.

Beginner and novice skiers Nordic skiing lessons, a Donut Dash sprint race, free hot lunch, Altai backcountry ski demo, immersive sit-ski and blind-ski experiences, waxing clinic, and skijoring clinic. Info: Spokanenordic.org (January 31) Winter Wildlands Backcountry Film Festival. Where: Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, Moscow.

(February 1) Winter Wildlands Backcountry Film Festival. Where: Hemmingson Auditorium, Gonzaga University, Spokane. The Backcountry Film

January-February 2018 Festival is produced each year by Winter Wildlands Alliance as a celebration of the human-powered winter experience, and a gathering place for the backcountry snowsports community. Proceeds from the Spokane showing support the protection of non-motorized winter recreation in the Lookout Pass-Stevens Peak Area. Cost: $10. Info: BackcountryFilmFestival.org

(February 18) Langlauf 10k Nordic Race. Where: Mount Spokane State Park. Info: Spokanelanglauf.org

(January 22) Native Paddlecraft Design.

Where: Mountain Gear Corporate Headquarters, Spokane. Hari Heath designs and builds Wahnooyak boats, a hybrid woodstrip canoe/kayak. Heath’s presentation covers history, hull design, materials, hydrodynamics and aerodynamics from the Stone Age to today. There will be multiple crafts on display at this event sponsored by Spokane Canoe & Kayak Club. Info: Sckc.ws

Where: UIdaho, Moscow. Learn how to stay informed and safe in the backcountry during winter. Info: uidaho.edu/outdoorprogram

(February 6) Fly Fishing Film Tour. Where: Bing Crosby Theater, Spokane. The original and preeminent exhibition of fly fishing cinema, The F3T is a one of a kind experience. Soak up films from around the world, spin a few yarns amongst friends, and dream about casts yet unmade. Info: Flyfilmtour.com

(February 23-25) Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Festival. Where: Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson,

(February 24-25) 2nd Annual Spokane Great Outdoors & Bike Expo. Where: Spokane

(Feb 15, 17-19) Avalanche Level 1 Course.

B.C. A festival for skiers, snowboarders, splitboarders and tele skiers. Clinics, competitions, parties and more. Info: Coldsmokepowderfest.com

OTHER (January 18-21) 3Oth Annual Inland Northwest RV Show. Motorhomes, mini motor homes, travel trailers, tent trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, campers, and more! Info: Spokanervshow.com

Convention Center. This two-day event will feature over 50 biking, outdoor gear, adventure travel, tourism, and outdoor organization exhibitors; presentations and clinics on a wide range of outdoor recreation and conservation topics; activities like rock climbing, bike demos, games, and product demos; and gear giveaways every hour. The most outdoor fun you’ll have indoors all year! Info: Spokaneoutdoorexpo.com

SIX MONTH EVENTCALENDAR RUNNING (March 17) O’Grady’s St Paddy’s 5K Run & Walk. Where: Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, Leavenworth, Wash. The 5K will utilize an outand-back course, starting and finishing adjacent to O’Grady’s Pantry at Sleeping Lady. Afterwards, there will be a post-race party (beer, food and other refreshments) at O’Grady’s. Info: Runwenatchee.com

special needs dogs at the Double J Dog Ranch. Info: Facebook.com/hauserlake10kicebreakerrun

(April 8) Negative Split Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K. Where: Kendall Yards, Spokane. Negative Split’s signature race is the best way to kick off your running season. Boasting three great distances and scenic courses, this race is full of energy and swag!

Info: Negativesplit

(April 7) Hunger Run. Where: Plante’s Ferry Park, Spokane. 5K or 10K race benefiting Second Harvest and the Union Gospel Mission. Info: TheHungerRun.org.

(May 6) Lilac Bloomsday Run. Where: Downtown Spokane. Spokane’s most famous 12K fun run. Info: BloomsdayRun.org

(April 8) Hauser Lake 10K Icebreaker Run.

(May 20) Windermere Marathon & Half Marathon. Where: Centennial Trail, Spokane. A fast,

Where: Hauser Lake, Idaho. The Ice Breaker run is an annual 10k race the first Sunday in April. It is an official Bloomsday Second Seed race that benefits

flat course with scenic views of the beautiful Spokane River. Info: Nsplit.com/windermere

WINTERSPORTS: (March 11) Spokane Nordic Challenge 20/30/50k Loppet. Where: Mount Spokane State Park. The Spokane Nordic Challenge Loppet has options for 20, 30 or 50 kilometer distances. “Loppet” is the traditional term for a long-distance cross country ski event that can be either recreational or competitive. Info: Spokanenordic.org

OTHER (July 7) Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival. Where: Camp Sekani Park/Boulder Beach, Spokane. Try outdoor activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking and more.

Spokatopia is the biggest bike demo event of the year.

Live music, beer garden, and other entertainment and activities. Cost: free general admission; some activities cost between $5-$20. Info: Spokatopia.com

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Last Page EXCLUSION OF A FINER GRAIN // By Summer Hess I MOVE CAREFULLY through the rocky Red Banks section on Mt. Shasta after summiting in the early morning. Traversing a little lower to one of many massive snowfields, I sit down on the mashed potato snow and prepare for what is perhaps the longest glissade in the lower 48. It’s a bit steep, and I keep my crampons on until I’m ready to commit to the long descent. My partner has paused to set up his splitboard, and I want to have eyes on him before continuing down the slope.

That’s when I hear an unexpected “Hey!” from a professional guide about 100 yards away. His exclamation echoes with a tinge of urgency. He’s breathing easily at 12,000 feet while the client he’s short roped to sits and gulps down air. I can feel him scanning my set up and position from behind his reflective glacier glasses. “Hey! You shouldn’t glissade with crampons on.”

When I first heard the term glissade a few years back, I imagined alpine wizards performing ice-axe trickery up steep terrain. Turns out, glissading is a fancy term for sliding down a mountain on your hind parts. You’re not supposed to glissade with crampons on because the sharp metal teeth of the steel or aluminum footwear can dig into the snow, securing your leg in place as the rest of your body shoots down the mountain. The 2017 “Accidents in North American Climbing” reports that glissading is the most common injury on Mt. Shasta.

“OK.” I yell back. I wasn’t sure how to catalogue his unsolicited advice. That he assumed I was about to make a poor decision annoyed me, but I also didn’t fault him for speaking up about a safety issue.

He would have been first on scene had my tibia snapped. He also knew about the large concert of

46

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

people and resources needed to extract any injured climber and did not want to mobilize Search and Rescue for an avoidable mistake.

Farther down the mountain, in the heat of the day, the snow turns to total mush. I’m now skat-

and, because it’s so cold, see if your lips stick to it.

You should hit the gym more often so you can gain 7,000 vertical feet in a day like me.

When my partner Matt and I debriefed the climb, we chuckled about these two men and their

ing down the mountain in wet boots, a bit worried about the tendons in my knees, but I can no longer glissade. After more than 3,000 vertical feet of descent, my butt has turned into a numb stump.

“Hey!” I hear again. This time a man in his mid-20s with a first trimester beer belly evaluates me and my set up. Sweat gushes out of his pores.

Judging by the time of day and the size of his pack, I see that he is geared up for an overnight trip.

“Hey,” he says, “You should be glissading—not walking—down the mountain.” A flurry of indignant responses queues up in my brain: You should mind your own business. You should kiss my ass

somewhat contradictory advice. But I’ve often thought about that day—and many other incidents of unsolicited advice—and have tried to unpack what those scenarios reveal about those men, and what they say about me.

The situation with the guide is complicated because his advice was safety related, and he was right—you shouldn’t glissade with crampons on.

But why didn’t he give me the benefit of the doubt?

And how much did being a woman contribute to those doubts?

If I were generous, I’d say the second guy wanted to save the tendons in my knees. But here’s what it

felt like in the moment: He seemed arrogant and douche-y. He thought he knew something that I didn’t and wanted to sound smart among the members of his group. He assumed my inexperience so that he could sound accomplished.

One arrogant and douche-y comment, of course, isn’t that big of a deal; but a lifetime of fielding them has made me guarded and less likely to absorb the good kind of advice—the peer-to-peer learning that has always been part of mountaineering.

In many ways, there’s never been a better time to be a female athlete. We climb in pants instead of corseted skirts, and no one’s saying that we can’t push ourselves lest our uteruses detach and float recklessly around our bodies (no, really—American doctors used to believe this). But while societal expectations have shifted and sports are more inclusive, we still experience exclusion of a finer grain. There are a lot of people out there—men and women alike—who habitually think less of us.

I believe we need to be honest about and open to exploring our unconscious attitudes. We can’t help that we inherited a world full of stereotypes, but we can come together, examine our implicit biases, and be intentional about ditching the old ways of treating each other that no longer serve us. // Summer Hess is the Managing Editor of Out There Outdoors. She invites you to join her and EPIC Adventures on March 2 for a screening of No Man’s Land—an adventure film festival that highlights female athletes and acts as a platform for progressive thought in the outdoor industry.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Black Diamond Halo 28 Jetforce Pack $1099.95

Patagonia Men’s & Women’s Down Sweater $229.00

Black Diamond Mojo Zip Chalk Bag Reg $19.95 SALE $15.98 Oakley A-Frame 2.0 Goggle Reg $110.00 SALE $69.98

Crescent Moon Eva-The-All-Foam Snowshoe $159.95

Metolius Super Chalk $4.50

Black Diamond Rocklock Screwgate 2nd Reg $10.95 SALE $8.98

Salomon Men’s Utility TS CS WP Women’s Kaina Mid CS WP 2 Reg $150.00 SALE $74.98

Kahtoola Nanospikes $49.95

Smartwool PhD Outdoor Mountaineer $34.95

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018

Main Image: Peter Kohlepp drops in above the Fairy Meadow Hut in the Canadian Selkirks.

Kevin Dombrock