Aprés Ski in the City | Ski Bum Advice | Hiking Antoine Peak NOVEMBER 2014 // FREE
THE INLAND NW GUIDE TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, TRAVEL AND THE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE
Is Spokane a Ski Town? Family Winter Sports Guide Surviving & Loving the Gym MTB Idaho's Hot Springs Loop
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Out There Monthly / NOVEMBER 2014
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In This Issue p.5 / From the Editor
MONTHLY
Going Skiing
p.6 / Out There News
Out There Monthly / November 2014
p.8 / Hike of the month Antoine Peak Conservation Area www.outtheremonthly.com
p.9 / Running Chosen as O ne o f t he 21 Mos t I ncr e d i b l e T h eme d R aces by G r e a t i s t .c o m
Add Some
Jingle to Your Holiday Season!
Get in the spirit this holiday season and bring your family along to the 2014 Jingle Bell Run/Walk! Don your favorite holiday themed costume, tie jingle bells to your shoe laces, and celebrate the season by running or walking a 5K route with family and friends. Register today, form a team and have some fun at the Jingle Bell Run/Walk!
Spokane, WA
Riverfront Park December 6, 2014
Festivities Begin at 8:00 a.m.
www.SpokaneJingleBellRun.org Nationally Sponsored By
5 Tips to Keep you Running Through the Winter
Publishers
Shallan & Derrick Knowles Editor
Derrick Knowles
p.10 / Cross Country Skiing Getting into the sport in 4 easy steps
p.11 / Everyday Cyclist Fat Tires and Hot Pools
p.12 / Is Spokane a ski town? p.15 / Fitness & Training Ski Conditioning
p.16-19 / Family Winter Sports Guide Teaching Your Kids to Ski Tips for Saving Money on Ski Gear Learn to Ski Programs for Kids Tips & Tricks for Beginners
p.20-21 / INW OUTDOOR & 6-Month Training Calendar
Visual Editor
Shallan Knowles senior writers
Jon Jonckers Brad Naccarato Amy Silbernagel McCaffree Contributing Writers:
S. Michal Bennett Hank Greer Jonathan Hook Derrick Knowles Ammi Midstokke Brad Northrup Brad Thiessen Holly Weiler
Contributing photographers:
Keri Bascetta Jeff Donovan Fiona Hicks Jon Jonckers Bob Legasa Tom Schaaf Tom Sorenson David Uhlenkott Tim Wright
online content coordinator
Crystal Gartner Circulation director
p.22-25 /on The Mountain Why I Ride: Chuck Schmidt, Lookout Pass Chance of Snow Ski Bum Advice Regional Resort Updates Oh Canada!
p.26 / Last Page Surviving and Loving the Gym this Winter
“One can never be bored by powder skiing because it is a special gift of the relationship between earth and sky. It only comes in significant amounts in particular places, at certain times on this earth; it lasts only a limited amount of time before sun or wind changes it. People devote their lives to it “for the pleasure of being so purely played” by gravity and snow.” Delores LaChapelle
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Mailing Address: PO Box #5 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 FIND US ON FACEBOOK Out There Monthly is published once a month by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2014 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 experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and areknowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.
Printed on 50% recycled paper with soy based inks in the Spokane Valley
On The Cover: Tommy Frey waits for a ride back up the mountain Photo: Bob Legasa, Freeride Media
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Out There Monthly / NOVEMBER 2014
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From The Editor: Going Skiing In junior high, all my cool friends were skiers, and it took until 9th grade until I could join them up on the mountain. Our family did a lot of crosscountry skiing, which I loved for the chance to revel in quiet, snow-covered nature, but come Mondays, I listened longingly to my buddies talk about riding up lifts and skiing down runs. I would never trade those family cross-country outings to Mt. Spokane’s Nordic trails or the golf course trails in town (back when there was enough snow in Spokane) – they taught me to appreciate the silence of winter in the woods and sparked my love of backcountry ski touring and interest in Nordic skiing as an adult. Yet the allure of downhill slopes kept calling my name. Eventually, I answered the call of the lift-served
ski hill. I had squirreled away enough paper route cash to break out into the world of downhill skiing. I think that first season pass at Mt. Spokane was something like $49. My ski set-up was a $15 disaster that one of my friends, a guy who was raised in a skiing family that piled into their tank of a Suburban every weekend to ski, must have pulled out of his basement. They were seriously old, long, skinny planks with no shape and paint that looked like they had been run over by a sanding truck. I brought them home, polished them up, and gave my new skis a fresh coat of glossy black paint, with bright flecks of neon yellow splattered over the black. I thought they looked amazing. The boots were gray, or maybe faded blue, hard,
plastic tombs for my poor feet that were close enough to the right size with a rickety, minimalist buckle system. The bindings looked like something you would find rusted and hanging from a tree at an old trappers camp. Straps attached to the boots served as leashes to keep the brakeless skis from taking off down the mountain on their own if they ever released during one of my many wipeouts (they never did, thank god). There’s no way you’d get on a lift with those things today, but there I was, dressed in my finest non-water proof, non-technical winter jacket and snow pants finally going skiing! My cross-country background had prepared me for sliding around on skis, and soon I was spend-
ing more time upright than twisted in a heap of gray jacket, white snow, and shiny black skis with yellow flecks. Being a self-conscious teenager, by year two I had rallied my parents to get me a safer, less antique looking set-up. And I invested more paper route money in new ski pants and a real ski jacket (both bright neon green). I’m sure I looked like a glowing lime bouncing down the mountain, but there I was, finally doing what so many of my friends did every weekend in the winter, what I had been wanting to do. I was going skiing, and winters would never be the same again. // ------------------------------------------------------derrick knowles, editor editor@outtheremonthly.com
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Out ThereNews New Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails and Trailhead for Mica Peak?
Customized Bike Repair and Maintenance Clinics
Mica Peak that rises above Liberty Lake and forms a scenic backdrop to Spokane Valley, will soon provide more than an uplifting distant view. The planning stages for the 900-plus acre, four season, non-motorized Mica Peak Conservation Area, are well under way. Falling off the western face of Mica Peak, the area drops 2,200 feet through meadows and aspen/birch/tamarack groves to open ponderosa pine forest. The property was acquired in 2013 with Conservation Futures funding, and a trailhead site was secured this past summer. By the fall of 2015, the new trailhead parking area should be completed by Spokane County Parks, officially opening this special place for non-motorized recreational use. The new trailhead, located at the east end of Belmont Road, off Highway 27, will provide parking and access to the network of former logging roads already in place. However, Spokane County Parks has applied for $48,000 in grant funding from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office with which to design, secure permitting, and prepare to launch a new trail system. The system will be planned with recreation and conservation in mind through the creation of loops and additional singletrack trail. When the trail system is shovel-ready, the Inland Empire Chapter of Backcountry Horsemen, the
This Bike Life bike shop on Spokane’s South Hill is hosting private, personalized bicycle maintenance and repair clinics this fall and winter with a special 20% off on anything in the store (bikes and sale items not included) for participants during the clinic. Here’s how they work. Round up 6-10 of your bike loving homeys for a 1-1.5 hour long clinic ranging from beginner to expert, covering topics of your choice, ranging from how to fix a flat tire to wheel trueing or brake and derailleur adjustment. They can even do a clinic covering bike trainer set up and use
Washington Trails Association, and the Evergreen East Mountain Bike Alliance have expressed a willingness to provide their invaluable experience and sweat equity to build the trails. Spokane County Parks will find out this December if it gets the grant funding for trail design and implementation, and if it’s good news, the funds will be available to start design work next June. But could this just be the beginning of a brighter recreation future for Mica Peak and surrounding communities? This fall graduate students in Eastern Washington University’s Urban and Regional Planning Program will start a review of the public and private land holdings on Mica Peak, over 10,000 acres in all, to map similarities and differences in rules, management plans, and priorities of property owners. This investigation could provide the groundwork for future conversations exploring the potential of a coordinated recreation and fire management plan that works for everyone involved. “We’re just looking at ways to stitch this area together that benefit both area property owners and non-motorized recreation,” says Paul Knowles, Park Planner with Spokane County Parks, Recreation & Golf Department. For now, we can look forward to enjoying the valley view and fall colors from the slopes of Mica Peak about this time next year. // (Bea Lackaff)
Telluride Mountainfilm Festival Tour Celebrate the thrill of adventure, the exploration of culture and the preservation of the environment at the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival in Sandpoint Thursday, Nov, 20, at the Panida Theater. The festival features awardwinning, independent documentary films from around the world designed to educate, inspire and motivate audiences about outdoor and environmental issues. Selected from the best of the films shown at the four-day Telluride Mountain Film Festival in Colorado, the films represent the festival’s motto of “Celebrating Indomitable Spirit.” It’s been years since the festival last played in Sandpoint and the Idaho Conservation League decided it was time to bring the tour back to an eager North Idaho audience. “This festival has it
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Out There Monthly / NOVEMBER 2014
all – films that examine the beauty of the human spirit, high-octane adventure films and profound documentaries examining an environment in peril,” says Nancy Dooley, Idaho Conservation League’s North Idaho Coordinator. “This will be one of the most inspiring and profound collection of films you’ll ever see.” Proceeds from the event will benefit the Idaho Conservation League and its mission to protect Idaho’s clean air, water and extraordinary landscapes. Local beer and wine will be on tap and an outstanding collection of great raffle and door prizes will be given away. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door and go on sale November 1 at Eichardt’s and Eve’s Leaves in Sandpoint or online at: www.panida. org. Visit Idahoconservation.org or call 208-2659565 for more info. //
if you’re thinking about getting a trainer to ride your bike indoors this winter to keep in shape. All clinics are taught by TBL mechanics in a fun and friendly environment – participants are encouraged to bring their own food and softdrinks or adult beverages along with questions and curiosity about the customized clinic topic. The cost for a basic clinic is free. The more advanced clinics start at $15 and up per person based on the length and subject of your clinic. Call 509-413-2529 or stop in at the shop at 507 East 30th Ave. Thisbikelife.com//
Anti-Theft Bike Carrier Start-up to Launch Crowdfunding Campaign The world’s first truly anti-theft bike carrier, SCS Magnum, which also happens to be a Spokane-based company, will launch a crowdfunding campaign on November 7, in hopes of raising $90,000 for production of its new thief-blocking bike rack. The Magnum is a hitch-mounted, two-, three-, or four-bike carrier designed for car, SUV, truck or RV use. Creator Neil Johnson, who was inspired to invent the SCS Magnum five years ago after his third bike was stolen from the back of his car despite using a cable and lock to secure it, wanted to produce a carrier that is simple to use, strong, fully adjustable to a variety of frame geometries, and most of all, completely secure. The carrier protects against bike theft with a solid steel integrated security bar that is bolt-cutter resistant and pry-bar proof. Instead of fumbling with cableor chain-locking security systems, one simple movement locks all bikes onto the carrier. The one-piece, hingeless structure also eliminates
any other possible avenues for would-be thieves. Additionally, the locking bar stows inside the aluminum support arm when not in use. “A typical cable bike lock is like butter to any common thief with bolt cutters,” says Johnson. “I had tried multiple different methods of securing my bikes with no success. Finally, I realized that there was really no adequate product on the market, and began building my own design.” The 19-pound, all aluminum carrier with adjustable frame trays allows for all bike types, including mountain bikes, carbon road bikes and cruisers. Eventually a second attachment will be added to the SCS Magnum carrier which will allow skis and snowboards to be securely transported. Magnum will be crowdfunding on Indiegogo, the world’s largest global funding platform, for a 30-day campaign beginning November 7. The three-bike carrier will be available for a campaign contribution of $300. Eventual retail price will be $379. More info at: Facebook.com/SCSRacks. //
Court Orders Controversial Ridgeline Hut in the North Cascades to be Moved In a decision issued on October 15, 2014, Okanogan County Superior Court Judge Christopher E. Culp ruled that a controversial ridgeline cabin is in violation of protective covenants intended to protect the visual landscape along undeveloped areas like that of Flagg Mountain in the upper Methow Valley. The law-
suit was filed in 2013 by several Methow Valley residents after public pressure and negotiations – organized by the Move the Hut (www.movethehut.org) group –failed to reach an agreement to relocate the unfinished structure out of the view from the valley floor.//
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Antoine Peak Conservation Area (Spokane County Parks) // Hike of the month and photo by holly weiler
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As the snow begins to pile up in the high country, try one of the closer peaks for some lastchance hiking before it’s time to dust off the snowshoes. With two trailheads and numerous route options, the 1,100-acre Antoine Peak Conservation Area rewards hikers with views of the surrounding valley within the first mile. Choose a short out-and-back to enjoy the scenery, tackle the loop trail to increase the mileage, or head directly to the top for 360-degree views. This property provides a wildlife corridor along the southern end of the Selkirk range, so watch for deer, moose, and even elk along the way (note: there’s no hunting allowed within the Conservation Area, but it’s still prudent to wear blaze orange if hiking during hunting season). Keep little hikers entertained by visiting geocaching.com prior to a planned hike to download coordinates for the numerous geocaches on the property. Along with some trade items, pack the 13 essentials. Be sure to print a copy of the trail map from Spokane County’s website, then get out and enjoy the last of the fall colors. The area is open for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding and is dog friendly (leash required). There are up to seven miles of round trip hiking options. Getting there:
NOVEMBER
28-30
East trailhead: From I-90, take Barker exit #293. Drive north on Barker Road to Trent Avenue, then east on Trent to Campbell Road. Go north on Campbell 1.6 miles to Lincoln Road, then west on Lincoln for approximately one mile to the trailhead. (GPS = N47_43.530’ // W117_10.109’; TH elevation = 3,173’.)
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Out There Monthly / NOVEMBER 2014
West trailhead: From I-90, take Pines exit #289. Drive north on Pines to Trent Avenue, then
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east on Trent to Evergreen. Go north on Evergreen, which will turn into Forker Road, for approximately 2.5 miles to the intersection with Bigelow Gulch and Brevier Road. Turn east on Brevier and travel approximately one mile to the trailhead. (GPS = N47_43.261’ // W117_11.806’; TH elevation = 2,634’).
View and print a map from the Spokane County website: Spokanecounty.org/data/parksnrecreation/ conservationfuture/pdf/AntoinePeakConservationAreaReduced.pdf.//
Running
North Division Bike Shop
5 Tips to Keep You Running through the Winter // By Derrick Knowles
Ashley Bruck running in Riverside State Park. // Photo Jon Jonckers
I’m a total hypocrite to be offering you a list of tips to keep motivated to run this winter, since I’m on about week four of an unplanned hiatus from running that I hope to end just as soon as I kick this cold. I’m hoping these words will help motivate me as much as they drum up some running inspiration for at least a few of you. 1. Buy yourself some quality, warm running clothes. Once November rolls around and it’s clear that summer’s not coming back, wearing technical running clothes that breathe and block wind and even rain will seriously help you out on the motivation front. Yes, it’s sad to put away my cotton cowboy shirt and jean shorts for another summer running season, but, I must admit, I’m looking forward to hitting the local running shop to buy some new duds that will keep me warm as it gets colder outside. 2. Find a running companion. This could be a friend, significant other or four-legged partner to help keep your motivation level up when the thermometer drops. Or maybe it’s a new, light-weight music player to keep your energy level charging while you grind out the miles over snowy, icy trails alone. Either can help give you the inspiration to tell that voice in your head, the one that’s whispering that it’s time to turn around 20 minutes into your run, to shut up. 3. Get a pair of traction cleats for running in slippery conditions. After successfully dodging slippery sections of snow and ice on a neighborhood run a couple winters ago, I rounded a corner a few blocks from my house and went flying across a sheet of black ice, limbs scattered in all directions like I was busting out some terrible breakdancing moves, and ending with my ass hitting the frozen cement. Once I realized I’d somehow avoided breaking anything, I slowly trotted home and went right out to buy a pair of traction cleats. The stretchy rubber cleats (there are several different kinds) fit right over your running shoes and help keep winter breakdancing, while you’re running, to a minimum.
We’re still riding! Sunday group rides. Check our Facebook page or website for details. We have Trek Fatbikes in stock. Closeout on Cyclocross bikes. Taking great care of the customer and having fun doing it since 1983. North Division Bicycle Shop • 10503 N Division • 467-BIKE (2453)
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4. Register for one race or fun run each month. Nothing beats signing up for something and committing to it in public to keep you honest. Invite a friend or two to sign up with you for these runs: •The 2nd annual National Veterans Day Run November 15 will take place at Riverfront Park with the start/finish line in the Clocktower Meadow (the run starts at 8:11 a.m.). Choose from three distances: 11K, 5K and a 1-mile family and supporter walk/run. This is the first race ever to take place simultaneously in several different U.S. cities and around the globe on the same day under one united cause: raising money for veterans’ causes (this year it’s Operation Gratitude that sends care packages to those serving in the U.S. military) and showing our appreciation to our military men and women. Veteransdayrun.org/register/Spokane. •Before the turkey and mashed potatoes, run the annual Turkey Trot and help other people in our community meet their food needs. This free, two-, three-, or five-mile run starts from the picnic area across from the Manito Park Duck Pond on Spokane’s South Hill. Start time is Thursday, November 27, at 9 a.m. Bring donations of food or cash to Second Harvest Food Bank. •Spokane’s 8th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation will take place on December 6 this year, starting and finishing in Riverfront Park (start time is 8 a.m.). It is the largest holiday themed event of its kind in the nation, and holiday themed costumes are encouraged. The festive, philanthropic event includes a 5k run, 5K walk and 1K children’s run. Spokanejinglebellrun.org. 5. Commit to a training event or group run. Fleet Feet’s 11-week Winter Warrior program for walkers and runners that includes social runs, educational seminars and themed runs for all abilities and experience levels was created to help people stay active and motivated to keep on running and walking through the winter weather months. Sign up and join group runs, themed runs and events and earn points and win prizes along the way ($25 registration fee). Based on the number of points you’ve earned, you’ll score various running swag at the end of the program. The kick-off run is the annual Black Friday Pancake Run on November 28 at 8:30 a.m. at Fleet Feet Sports Spokane. Fleetfeetspokane.com. //
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CrossCountrySkiing Getting Into Cross-country Skiing in Four Easy Steps// By Brad Thiessen In recent years, a growing contingent of people in the Inland Northwest have embraced snow sports besides downhill skiing – particularly snowshoeing and Nordic (cross-country) skiing. And while we live within easy reach of one of the premier Nordic ski areas in the Northwest, the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park, it can be challenging to figure out how to get you or your family into cross-country skiing. Step 1: Dress Up Unlike people who are used to long, intense winters, like Midwesterners or our friends up north in the interior of B.C., a temperature of 15 or 20 degrees is deemed by many of us to be so extreme that the only option is refuge in a toasty house. Having grown up in a colder climate, I can say that one of the biggest differences between us and more hardy snow people is simple: good warm winter clothing. Once you dress for the conditions, with a good-quality jacket, snow pants, gloves and face covering, there’s no better way to enjoy winter than out on the snow. For Nordic skiing, the key concept is layering: wearing a base layer such as thermal underwear, a warm long-sleeved shirt, and then a jacket that breaks the wind. Step 2: Gear Up For the newbie, Nordic ski gear can be a bit intimidating. But a trip to one of the local winter sports stores – Mountain Gear, Fitness Fanatics or REI – will get you all the information and
conditions posted daily at spokanenordic.org/ grooming. Step 4: Head Out Your first time on the snow in those slippery, skinny skis can be a bit intimidating. It won’t take long, though, and you’ll start to get the feel for it. One of the best things about Nordic skiing is that you can be as intense as you want. Some treat it as a high-energy workout – it’s great for off-season triathlon training – but many people prefer a more leisurely pace, enjoying the beautiful views and outdoors; and age isn’t much of a factor as long as you’re comfortable with mild physical activity.
Nordic Kids lessons are a great way for kids to learn cross-country skiing with the help of parent volunteers. // Photo: Tim Wright
gear you need to start out. Used gear is available through Craigslist, garage sales, or even from friends and neighbors, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for before buying. If you want to give Nordic skiing a try before committing to a purchase, you can also rent gear for
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the day at the three previously mentioned gear shops. And new this season, rentals will be available at the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park through Fitness Fanatics (details available soon). Step 3: Head Up The Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park is easy to access. Take Mt. Spokane Park Drive toward the mountain; about 3.25 miles up from the park gates, you will reach the crest of the road. A sign for the cross-country ski area will point to the right into a large parking lot. Go through the parking lot and continue up the road a few hundred feet to the Cross-Country Ski Park parking lot. You’ll need a State Parks Sno-Park pass for your car, which is $20 for the day and $80 for the year. Divide that by four skiers and you’re at $5 a day – cheaper than a visit to the gym. Annual passes are available at local winter sports stores and day passes are available in a kiosk at the main Selkirk Lodge at the cross-country ski area. State Parks staff open the lodge and begin grooming December 1, and the season runs through March 31. It’s always wise to check the weather and trail
That said, a lesson or two can be really valuable. For adults, Spokane Parks and Recreation has one-day lessons at points throughout the season (learn more at spokaneparks.org), and the Spokane Nordic Ski Association offers singleday or multi-day lessons throughout December. Fitness Fanatics also offers adult lessons throughout the season. For the kids, Spokane Nordic offers the popular eight-week Nordic Kids program, which runs Saturdays in January and February. Registration will open in mid-November. Learn more at spokanenordic.org/lesson_programs. Natasha Sharman, who coordinates instructors for the Nordic Kids program, has this piece of advice for parents: To make Nordic skiing attractive to kids, positive attitude and patience are critical. “Be creative, make it fun, have yummy snacks.” The Spokane Nordic Ski Association website (spokanenordic.org) is a comprehensive source of more detailed information on how to get into Nordic skiing, where to find lessons, and how to get up to the park. If you haven’t tried crosscountry skiing, or it’s been a few years, set a goal of hitting the trails at least once this year. And if you’re a die-hard, it’s time to start waxing up! // Brad Thiessen is Membership and Marketing Director for the Spokane Nordic Ski Association. SNSA is a nonprofit organization that creates, develops and delivers programs and facilities to foster cross-country skiing within the greater Spokane community. SNSA is a partner with Mt. Spokane State Park, Inland Empire Paper Co., and Idaho Department of Lands in operating and maintaining the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park.
2 for 1 Lift Ticket deals at Lookout Pass, Tamarack & other local resorts. Ski shop, outdoor retailer, & lodging discounts. www.MountainSportsClub.com Fall membership sale only $24.95 Phto: Freeride Media 10
Out There Monthly / NOVEMBER 2014
PRINT & USE COUPONS THE SAME DAY
veterans day Run - Nov 15 Spokane Turkey Trot - Nov 27 221 N. Wall St. 509.624.7654 10208 N. Division 509-468-1786
Everyday Cyclist Fat Tires and Hot Pools
Riding the Idaho Hot Springs Loop // By Hank Greer Greg SchÄubletakes a break to adjust gear on the hot springs loop. // photo: Jeff Donovan
Last February, Adventure Cycling released the maps for a new bike packing backcountry experience, the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route. There are two maps. One covers the main route, which is a 518-mile loop of mostly dirt and gravel roads. The second map covers four single track sections that will take you to even more rugged backcountry. The main loop is challenging enough. First of all, it’s 518 miles. And there are a few 3,000 plus foot climbs. There are many places to stop and refuel, but you’re traveling through pretty remote country in between. There is one 75-mile stretch where there are no services. You need to plan your trip to take into account the distances between towns and the climbing. On the bright side, water is plentiful for the entire route. The main loop is bisected by the Lowman Cutoff, so if you need to cut your trip short, or if you’re running late, you can shortcut across the middle and return to your starting point. The singletrack, about 150 miles worth, provides alternate routes to continue on the loop, but they are much more challenging. There are places where you can expect to hike your bike up steep ascents and across fallen trees and rivers. A dual suspension bike is highly recommended. There are no services on the singletrack sections, and you can expect any of those sections to take up to four days, so plan accordingly. Greg Schäuble of Spokane caught the bike packing bug after watching the documentary “Ride The Divide” a couple of years ago. When he heard about this new route, he was keen to check it out. Schäuble would like to do the Great Divide Race some day, and he thought the new Idaho Hot Springs route would be a good precursor. He enlisted his friend, Jeff Donovan, who Schäuble says is the only other person he knows who is crazy enough to do this, and they started preparing for the trip in the spring of this year. Both of them bike commute to work, and they trained by taking longer commute routes and doing some trail riding on weekends. Various constraints affected their preparation. Schäuble loaded his bike with his gear to make his training more realistic. Donovan did not. Donovan had time for some 60-and 80-mile rides. Schäuble had
to settle for 20-and 30-milers. Regardless, they both made it work. In July they drove to McCall, Idaho, parked their vehicle, loaded up their bikes, and were on the route at 1 p.m. Their goal was to get to Warm Lake before dark, which Schäuble admits was pushing it since it’s about 70 miles. It would have been better to drive down the night before and start riding in the morning, but their time off work was limited. Schäuble and Donovan returned to McCall in six days, stopping near Warm Lake, Stanley, Ketchum, Featherville, Idaho City, and Cascade along the way. Everyone they met along the way was taking two to three weeks to do the same ride. Regardless of how quickly they rode around the center of Idaho, they say the trip was amazing. The mountains and surrounding scenery, especially coming down the high descents, were breathtaking. Going from snow on the mountains to desert in an hour made for a unique riding experience. The more than 50 hot springs along the way were fun to see, but they noted how much more refreshing the springs would have been in cooler weather. They didn’t see as much wildlife as they would have liked, but they were not disappointed by what they did see. Schäuble and Donovan have some recommendations for anyone attempting a ride like this. First, load up your bike, put in a long day of riding and camp out overnight. This will help you get familiar with using and packing your gear and get you used to riding a loaded bike. And practice on some real hills – like Mount Spokane. Schäuble would do one thing differently. He would put front suspension on his bike. He rode on a rigid frame, and that took a toll on his wrists as he squeezed the brake levers while descending 10 miles of washboard gravel road. Jeff rode a dual suspension bike, which was more comfortable and faster on the descents. One of the interesting aspects of the trip for them was seeing the variety of bikes, how they were packed, and learning how people decided on both. Are you ready to see some wilderness by bike? Go to www.adventurecycling.org for more information and start planning your trip on the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route. //
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Is Spokane A Ski Town? By Brad Naccarato
It’s 7 a.m. on a cold, clear Thursday morning in January. The city’s collective daily grind is well under way as the sun barely pushes over the horizon. Today, as with any other winter weekday, the commute on Spokane’s freeways and city streets represents a diverse sample of people whose final destinations could ultimately be on completely opposite ends of the spectrum. Pulling up to any stoplight, you will most likely see some variations of the following: On your right, a clean-cut guy, wearing a shirt and tie, driving an Acura that’s been darting aggressively through traffic toward the downtown business district. On your left side, a couple of scruffy looking dudes, wearing poofy jackets and ball caps, driving a beat-up Subaru that’s been lazily following the traffic herd as they set a course for Mt. Spokane’s snow-capped summit with a two-for-one Thursday lift ticket voucher. Spokane has a complex identity that could be altogether confusing to someone passing through the city. One part regional business hub, one part working-class Western city, and one part outdoors town fully endorsed by avid skiers, bikers, hikers and anglers. To an outsider, this diverse mix would have you believe that there’s something more to this town than just that which is visible from within the city itself. Looking off into the distance, it’s obvious that Spokane is surrounded by mountains that are draped by winter snow. There’s definitely a passionate community of skiers, from ski families and hardcore season pass holders to the occasional skiers and riders who journey to the mountains a handful of times each year. But does the proximity to several reasonably sized ski resorts and a local population of skiers and riders to support them make Spokane a ski town? The answer to that question could be obvious to some and maybe a bit more thought provoking to others. There’s no doubt that Spokane has many of the ingredients that are needed to make it a proper ski town, but the question remains; does the sum of those ingredients equate to a ski town? Some would argue that Spokane’s ski vibe is now stronger and more diverse than it has ever been. Remember the guy in the Acura? He’s probably a hard-core skier too – he just kills it on the weekends. Properly answering this question requires digging deep into the roots of the city, its skiing community, and those who represent it, all in the hopes of gaining a better perspective on what Spokane is – and is not. Cracking the nut called Spokane is never a straightforward task. You’re going to need a panel of experts to weigh in on the topic and deliberately meet the question head on. 12
Out There Monthly / NOVEMBER 2014
Ski magazine editors, ski movie stars, shop rats, and mountain marketing moguls – Spokane is the birthplace of many prominent ski industry icons around the country as well as the current home to that many more. For the purpose of this story, we’ve assembled some of Spokane’s finest ski culture reps, in the hopes of ultimately (and properly) exploring this question. There’s No Place Like Home: Kevin Luby, SCARPA Athlete and Event Coordinator Spokane native Kevin Luby is someone who is absolutely on the leading edge of the collective ski scene in the U.S. For the past five years, Luby has been carving out his niche as senior editor of “Skiing Magazine,” as a freelance contributor to “Freeskier Magazine,” “SKI Magazine,” and “Outside Online,” and ultimately working for Scarpa, one of the world’s top ski boot manufacturers. During a recent conversation with the Lewis and Clark High School grad, who now calls Boulder, Colorado, home, Luby spoke positively about Spokane. “Spokane has all the hallmarks of a great ski town: killer shops dedicated to supporting and growing the local ski community (shout out to Brian at the Alpine House), easy access to a wide variety of skiing ranging from mom-and-pop areas to regional destination resorts – all with amazing terrain, and reliably good snow,” says Luby. “Plus, it’s a place where whole families can ski religiously and live affordably while mom and dad maintain steady jobs. In my mind that almost makes it better than many of the more glamorous ski towns out there,” he adds. As a grom racer who grew up on the local hills, Luby is stoked about the growth he’s witnessed since his early years in Spokane. “Most of the resorts seem very interested in creating sustainable growth over the last 10 years and have made thoughtful investments in infrastructure and terrain expansions. This positive growth is great for Spokane’s skiing community and has certainly helped to create Spokane’s growing ski town feel.” A Passion is Born: Brett Neste, Teton Gravity Research Tour Marketing Manager Brett Neste has a lot on his plate every fall. With each new upcoming ski season, Neste works tirelessly creating and implementing a market-
ing strategy for TGR’s annual ski/snowboard fall film tour of over 170 stops worldwide. With all the tour planning, promotions, athlete management and national sponsorship management, you could say that this Spokane native certainly has his finger on the industry’s collective pulse. While Neste lives in Seattle now, his fondest memories come from his earliest days of discovering skiing on the slopes of Mt. Spokane. “I grew up in the Spokane Valley, where I frequented the Sports Creel and remember pestering Herb all the time about free stickers. Somewhere around 12 years old, I finally ventured into the world of alpine skiing at Mt. Spokane thanks to a good friend of mine,” says Neste. “Once I was hooked on skiing, that passion just snowballed, and I never really looked back,” he adds. For him, the question of Spokane’s ski town worth is really a no-brainer. “If you think about Spokane in terms of its proximity to ski areas, it’s a pretty amazing place. You have five incredible places to ski and ride all within 1.5 hours, including a pretty impressive local hill less than an hour from town. So yeah – absolutely, Spokane is a ski town.” Shhh, It’s a Secret: Kristin Whitaker, Mt. Spokane Marketing and Guest Services Director Kristin Whitaker has been a mainstay in the Spokane ski and snowboard scene for the better part of the last decade. She walked onto the slopes of Mt. Spokane as a snowboard instructor 10 years ago. From there, she transitioned to the Ski School’s On-Snow Supervisor, and ultimately to her current role as the Marketing and Guest Services Director. In her time on the mountain, Kristin has certainly seen a lot of growth to the local scene. “I’ve been here for almost 10 years now and have seen some exciting changes in that time. Fall events are a great indicator – I can count over 10 ski and snowboard film premieres this season, as well as multiple snow shows and retail events, where there only used to be one or two each,” says Whitaker. “The ski industry as a whole is starting to recognize the Spokane area as a ski destination and is showing brand and athlete support at these and other local events. There are also quite a few professional skiers and riders who grew up here and have given the Spokane area some love in the
Every Ski Town Needs an Après Ski Scene No doubt, Spokane has its share of bars, pubs and breweries. There are tons of different flavors built to suit just about everyone – but where’s the best place for skiers and riders to hit after a day on the mountain? Centrally located, Spokane’s Perry District might just fit the bill. While not the only place to grab some post-shred suds and grub, the Perry District has a diverse mix of pubs and restaurants that will certainly help to punctuate the end of a killer day on the hill. Whether you’re looking for microbrews, killer food carts, gourmet eats, or cheap beer and fries, Perry’s got you covered. Located in the heart of the district, Perry Street Brewing is the neighborhood’s resident craft brewery and taproom. Featuring an extensive rotating tap list as well as a local wine list and non-alcoholic options, PSB is not only a great place to grab a beer, its also a strong supporter of Spokane’s growing ski and snowboard community. Wednesday November 5, Perry Street Brewing is hosting “Pray for Snow,” its first annual ski and snowboard season kick-off party. For the event, PSB will be rolling out the carpet with some classic ski flicks, beer specials, ski trivia, and a raffle sponsored by Mountain Gear. The doors open at 2 p.m. with festivities getting under way shortly after 5. Facebook.com/PerryStreetBrewing. // (Brad Naccarato)
continued on the next page
Top left: Jeff Yates overlooking the spokane sea on a bluebird day. Photo: Bob Legasa, Freeride Media // Bottom Left: While downtown is bare, mt. Spokane is covered. Bottom Center: dedicated riders hoof it to the top. David Uhlenkott // and bottom right: Kevin Luby and Timy Theaux in Val Thorens, France. Photo: Courtesy of Keri Bascettta.
NOVEMBER 2014
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national spotlight,” she says. As for her thoughts about Spokane’s potential: “Spokane could definitely be called a ski town – in fact it is a ski town. We’ve got so many great resorts within two hours of a large metropolitan area, with at least 15 more world-class resorts only a day trip away. The only other place you can find anything similar is Salt Lake City, or possibly Denver. We’ve got a great winter season with plentiful snow and large mountains that have still miraculously remained somewhat of a secret to the rest of the country.”
Desiree’ Leipham flying high // Bob Legasa, FreeRide Media
Accessibility and Affordability Are Key: Herb Gentry, The Sports Creel Owner Successfully running a ski and snowboard shop in Spokane is not for the faint-hearted. Ups and downs in the local economy, the mountain snowpacks, and the contrasting weather in town all can fluctuate wildly, dictating the difference between a profitable season and a complete tank. As owner of Spokane Valley’s Sports Creel, Herb Gentry knows a thing or two about the retail side of Spokane’s ski culture. Leather boots, neon one-piece suits, radical new ski shapes – in 46 years of business, Herb has seen it all. “It used to be that the winter season hype would never start before Thanksgiving, but we’ve been watching it creep up closer and closer to Labor Day weekend with each passing year. People in Spokane are eager for snow the minute they put their water toys away for the summer,” says Gentry. “I love to see that growing enthusiasm in the community; however, a lot of those folks get burned out on skiing and riding by the end of February. Those of us who are still going strong know that the late season months are when this region really can be at its best. You’ve got sunny days, some of the most active snow accumulation, and little or no crowds,” he adds. To Gentry there’s no question about it, Spokane certainly qualifies as a ski town. “You look at any other major city out west – can any of them boast having so much skiing and riding diversity all within an hour and half drive? But more importantly, the varying degrees of price and terrain at these resorts have helped to keep the sport fun, accessible, and affordable to many Spokane families of different income levels and different skill levels. And of course there is one very visible mountain resort that you can’t miss while driving to work on the freeway every morning.” Is Spokane Really a Ski Town? So does Spokane pass the test? The answer, at least for these local ski industry leaders, is an unequivocal yes, but with a slight caveat. Spokane is absolutely a ski town, but not in the same vein as Aspen, Telluride, or Steamboat. Unlike its distant mountain-village cousins, Spokane is a unique, new-age, working-class, urban-driven type of ski town that represents the best of both worlds. Here the advantages of an urban lifestyle coexist with a brimming mountain culture that is instantly available when you drive in any direction from the center of the city. Spokane is at the nexus of five lift-served resorts in both Washington and Idaho, while it’s also the
closest major city to many world class resorts in southern British Columbia, just on the other side of the border. Adding to the lift-service opportunities, the backcountry ski touring and cat skiing potential within a day’s drive is incredible. Any way you slice it, Spokane’s ski culture has grown in leaps and bounds to become what it is today. With each passing season, the scene continues to grow and undoubtedly progress in a positive direction. Raise your glass Spokanites, and chug a local craft brew at your favorite après-ski haunt, because after all, we are finally living the dream in our very own ski town. //
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Out There Monthly / NOVEMBER 2014
Fitness&Training Ski Better and Avoid injury with the proper ski conditioning // 1) Learn how to fall One of the factors most strongly related to ski injury is skier experience. Several studies have demonstrated that the least skilled and least experienced skiers are the most prone to injury. More experienced skiers are able to fall less frequently, and when they do fall, they do so in a less hazardous manner. Two recent studies demonstrated decreased incidence of ACL injuries through simple instruction of injury prevention techniques. The most basic technique was to fall with the knees flexed and avoid trying to get up while sliding
If the cooler nights, fading morning light, and brilliant leaves aren’t enough, the hundreds of ski swap signs blanketed across Spokane are sure signs that we are rapidly approaching winter. If you’re one who looks forward to the snowy season, soon fall checklists will turn into pre-season ski rituals. Whether you annually tune your skis, follow the hundreds of large white signs to the ski swap, or start checking your snow report app in anticipation of a powder day, there’s one more thing you need to add to your list this year: ski conditioning. Physically preparing your body for the demands of such a dynamic sport is essential to maximizing your enjoyment on the slopes and minimizing your risk of injury. When examining injury statistics, it’s apparent that there have been dramatic changes over the past 50 years as skiing and the equipment have evolved. Early alpinists suffered ankle sprains and tibia fractures from soft leather boots and bindings derived from crude cable technology with unreliable release mechanisms. Though advancements in equipment have led to a fall in the gross numbers of ski-related injuries, the rates of serious knee ligamentous injuries have actually increased. Some studies have found that skier ACL injury risk has now risen to a level comparable with that of collegiate football players. While ski shapes have more recently started to curb this trend, there are other strategies to keep you out of the operating room.
2) Don’t ski through fatigue Fatigue is an unavoidable component in a full day of skiing. A large percentage of skiers take one or two ski vacations a year and try to cram the most into each day. Bodies aren’t accustomed to 6-8 hours of exercise, which can lead to fatigue and weakness. Most injuries happen at the end of the day due to the fading light and trying to ski through fatigue. 3) Pre-Season Ski Conditioning A simple pre-season training program can be divided into building stamina, and strength and improving balance and flexibility. Here are some tips to get you started, but the best way to ensure you have a solid program that is enjoyable and trains you adequately is to enroll in a ski conditioning class like those offered by Physical
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Avoiding Injury In addition to proper conditioning, here are some other suggestions to minimize injury risk on the slopes: •Use equipment that is appropriate for your age, size and ability. •Equipment must be well maintained and properly adjusted by a professional on an annual basis. •Ski under control and within your limits. Stop skiing before fatigue compromises your ability to ski safely. •Recognize that as surface conditions deteriorate, the slope or trail difficulty level goes up. •Undertake a pre-season conditioning regimen incorporating strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. // Sign Up for a Ski Conditioning Class Physical Therapy Associates (2507 E 27th Ave, Spokane) offers ski conditioning classes on Monday and Thursday from 6-7 p.m. from November 4 to December 16. The classes are high-energy with 10-15 circuit stations designed to simulate what your body will encounter on the slopes. For more information contact classes@ptassociates.net or call 509-456-6917. Learn more about all the classes at Ptassociates.net.
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Therapy Associates in Spokane (see sidebar). What better way to prepare than to sweat with a bunch of powder crazed carvaholics whose ski fitness levels have also fallen to sub-par. •Build your stamina. Begin to strengthen your heart by exercising 3-4 times a week, working up to at least 30-45 minutes within 60-80 percent of your max heart rate (220-age) to maximize the benefit of exercise. Consider at least two means of exercise. Also, try specifying your cardiovascular program to your winter sport. For downhill skiing, incorporate interval training into your workouts. •Build your muscular endurance. Choose exercises targeting your core and lower extremities, which will allow you to ski for a longer period of time safely. Inadequate strength affects ski technique and increases the risk of injury. With any strengthening program it’s important to work to a point of fatigue to maximize muscle growth. •Improve your balance. This is vital when needing to change directions quickly on advanced terrain or recovering from a non-ideal position. Good skiers aren’t necessarily in the ideal position at all times, but they are able to continue to perform and return to a state of equilibrium. An applicable definition of balance on the slopes is a sequence of linked recoveries. •Improve your flexibility. Recent studies have shown static stretching before sports is ineffective at reducing injury but that dynamic stretching or warm up does a better job of preparing for the
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Teaching Your Kids to Ski Lessons from a Ski Family Skiing together allows my family to achieve one of our common goals: to embrace outdoor adventures year round. We appreciate living in a four-season climate, and being skiers helps us to joyfully welcome winter cold and snow. My husband would say we’re teaching our children to ski because we want them to love what we love – so we can enjoy the outdoors together for years to come. Like camping or biking, skiing is a lifelong and generational pastime. In these early years, as we work together to teach our preschoolers to ski, the synergy bonds us, and our ski memories sustain us. Being a “ski family” also teaches us how to love each other better – practicing patience, kindness, sacrifice. Of course, when I ask my kids what they like best about skiing, they say it’s the chairlift rides. But I’ve seen their smiles after a good run; they feel proud of their hard work and best efforts. During our eldest child’s first ski season, we kept our expectations simple. He was not yet three years old – the only skier with a pacifier. Each time we were on the mountain, our goals were for 16
Out There Monthly / NOVEMBER 2014
By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree
him to have fun and try his best. To ensure that, he was asked after each run and before getting on the chairlift again: “Are you warm enough? Are you still having fun?” To increase his motivation, we shamelessly offered fruit snacks on the chairlift, after each run,
Photos left to right: Demonstrating the wedge at Mt. Spokane. Photo: Amy Silbernagel McCaffree // This girl is ready to go. Photo: Courtesy Winter Swap // If the helmet fits, wear it. Photo: Courtesy Winter Swap. // Trying on boots. Photo: Courtesy Winter Swap.
stopping to making S-turns where we descended the bunny hill like a train: “Follow Daddy and all his turns.” Last season, while teaching two kids, if we completed three to five runs together before lunchtime, we considered that a success – and if we had a few more runs after lunch, it was a great day. Here are some key lessons my family has learned so far. 1. Get a child on skis as early as possible preseason – if there is snow on the ground where you live, suit up and go outside. If you plan to use a ski training system, such as the CoPilot™, now’s the time to start using it. Find a short slope and do some test “runs” to simply help her get the feel of it – balancing with bent knees and weight
Admittedly, it is time-consuming and challenging to teach children how to ski. I don’t get to my favorite runs as often as I would like, and I’m on a first-name basis with the bunny hill chairlift operators. But it’s worth it. and even during descents. Après-ski hot chocolate was also a routine reward. Yet, my husband and I didn’t underestimate what our son could accomplish. Rather than say “let’s just see what he can do,” we expressed clear, progressive goals for each new attempt – from working on speed control and
forward while moving. Children have a lower center of gravity, so the shorter they are, the less they struggle to learn ski balance. Once on the hill, they learn progressively how to slow down, stop and turn. 2. Increase excitement and anticipation by
monitoring weather and snow forecasts, viewing ski mountain webcams, and watching ski videos together. 3. Exemplify how much fun it is to ski – from the beautiful views to the camaraderie with other mountain lovers. Express gratitude for nature and strong, healthy bodies to enjoy the sport. 4. Warm kids are happy kids. Invest in good clothing and gear, especially ski helmets and goggles. (Tip: put mittens on before the jacket so the wrist cuffs remain snug.) 5. Not every outing is blissful. A cranky child who’s done after only a few runs, or worse – who suits up but only wants to play in the snow – is inevitable. Laugh about it, and try again another day. 6. It’s never too late to teach a child to ski. I’m proof of that. I didn’t grow up in a skiing family, but my sister’s husband did; he taught me some basic skills when I was a teenager. This inspired me to join my school’s ski club and take lessons. I never imagined that I would someday be a season pass holder. Admittedly, it is time-consuming and challenging to teach children how to ski. I don’t get to my favorite runs as often as I would like, and I’m on a first-name basis with the bunny hill chairlift operators. But it’s worth it. My kids have fun while learning about hard work, perseverance and responsibility. And someday, we’ll all swoosh down blue square and black diamond runs together – my kids proud to be skiing faster and better than me. //
Tips for Saving Money on Ski Gear for Your Family: Skiing and riding as a family can be one of the best ways to keep active and healthy in the winter, grow strong bonds between parents, kids and siblings and help your kids develop skills on the slopes that will provide a lifetime of active winter fun. Fortunately, you don’t need to take out a second mortgage or borrow from your kids’ college fund to get your family set up to ski or ride this winter. The Inland Northwest is blessed with plentiful family-friendly ski resorts that are still affordable for the average workingclass family, offering discount learn-to-ski programs and family pass and lift ticket deals and discounts. The next question is often how to outfit a family with ski gear on a budget. There are many ways to find excellent deals on new and used ski and snowboard equipment, from hitting the clearance sections and the ski swaps, to taking advantage of ski shop lease and rental programs. Try these tips for getting your whole family set up with the perfect gear to match their size and ability level this season and saving a ton of money in the process. Local Shop Lease & Trade-Up Programs Taking advantage of shop lease or trade-up programs can be a huge savings over having to buy frequent new equipment as your kids grow out of boots, skis and boards, and it can be a smart move for you too, especially if you’re not sure how often you will make it to the mountain or if you want to ski on the latest technology each season. The Alpine Haus on Spokane’s South Hill offers used ski and snowboard lease packages starting at $119 used and $199-299 new depending on the size. The packages include everything (including a mid-season tune). Pick gear up now and return equipment by May 1 with the option to buy at the end of the season. Details: 509-534-4554 Facebook.com/SpokaneAlpineHaus. For the first year ever, the Ski Shack in Hayden is offering a limited number of $100-$130 ski lease packages, with exact pricing size dependent. Packages include everything. Call for details and availability (208-772-3112). Haydenskishack.com. While Sports Creel out on Sprague in Spokane Valley doesn’t have a season lease program, they do offer a similar “trade-up” program. Anyone (adults or kids) can bring in a package that they have purchased at the Creel in recent years and get a value back on trading it in towards a new package (trade-ins need to be in good enough shape to re-sell and the value depends on the condition of the gear). Call 509-924-2330 for more info. Facebook.com/pages/The-SportsCreel/312711075603. Wintersport on the Division Street hill near downtown Spokane offers new, used, and performance ski and board lease packages for kids and adults. Kid’s packages range from $129-229 (boots only for $49), while adult packages range from ski only packages starting at $99, to standard ($179) and performance ($229-$349) and boot only ($69) packages. Gear can be picked up now and returned in May, with a buy option at the end of the season.
Alpine Gear List for Kids
Having the right gear up on the mountain can make all the difference. Use this checklist to make sure your kids have everything they need to have a fun, warm, and comfortable day out on the slopes. • Ski helmet and ski goggles to fit. • Skis and binding. (poles not necessary when learning to ski). • Well-fitting ski boots. • Moisture-wicking underwear (pants and long-sleeved shirt). • Ski socks (synthetic wool-blend). • Weatherproof ski pants (bib-style usually preferred). • Ski jacket; if no separate removable layer, a separate fleece jacket or vest can be worn with jacket. • Scarf/neck warmer (some adult sizes work as well, or sew your own made out of fleece). • Waterproof ski mittens. • Duffel bag or large backpack for carrying gear. • Après-ski snow boots. // (Amy Silbernagel McCaffree)
Lease, Rent, Bargain & Borrow renting ski or snowboard gear for you and your family up at whatever ski resort you go to can be more affordable than leasing from a shop. Call the resort ahead of time to make sure they have what you need and to confirm pricing. Ski Swaps For outfitting a family with inexpensive ski and snowboard equipment and clothing, nothing beats the bargain pricing you can find on great gear at a ski swap. There are still a couple ski swaps happening in November, in addition to the ones that usually happen in October. For tips on how to make the most of your time at a ski swap with your kids, visit Out There Monthly online at: Outtheremonthly.com/surviving-theski-swap-experience-with-your-kids. Also, mark these November Ski swaps on your calendar: Winter Swap: Saturday, November 1, Kootenai County Fairgrounds (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.). Coeur d’Alene plays host to the combined ski swap efforts of the Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain volunteer ski patrols. The 16th annual Winter Swap is an excellent place to pick up new and used ski gear and clothing for the coming season at a serious discount. Admission is $5 and children under 12 accompanied by an adult get in free. Winterswap.org. Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS) Ski Swap: November 8, Sandpoint. This annual ski swap features thousands of new and used winter sports items being sold by both individuals and regional vendors. The annual event benefits the SARS ski racing and freeride programs for over 150 local and regional athletes ages 5 and up. For more information about the swap, visit www.sars. net. Bargain & Borrow Even if you’re on a really tight budget, there are still ways to get you and your family up enjoying the slopes together. Here are a few ideas that could work for you. Check out clearance deals at local ski shops like Sports Outlet, Fitness Fanatics, and other shops. No luck there? Try Craigslist and eBay for used gear often at a big discount. It’s also worth putting the word out to friends and family or on Facebook to see if someone you know has ski gear gathering dust down in the basement that might work for your kids that you could borrow or even buy. // (Derrick Knowles)
Rent on the Mountain If you only plan to ski a couple times this season, NOVEMBER 2014
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Learn to Ski Programs for Kids Make Skiing and Riding Easy and Affordable 5th Graders Ski for Free If you’re in the 5th grade, no matter where you live, you can ski or snowboard for FREE for three days at any participating Ski the Northwest Rockies resorts with the 5th Grade Ski Free Passport Program (a $20 processing fee is required). With the passport, 5th graders can choose from Mt. Spokane, Lookout Pass, 49 Degrees North or Silver Mountain and present their passport at the ticket window to get their free lift ticket (a few blackout dates listed in this year’s passport apply). If you live outside the greater Spokane area, the program is also available at Bluewood, Loup Loup, and Mission Ridge. The passport also includes special deals on equipment rentals, lessons and other activities, and some ski areas even offer specials for parents or siblings to come along. Applications for the 2014-15 program will be available in 5th grade classrooms in November or fill out and submit an application online at: Skinwrockies. com/5th-grade-ski-ride-passport. EZ Ski/Ride 123 (ages 7 and up) Helping your kids get into skiing or snowboarding at an early age is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Kids who start skiing when they are young are more active, especially during the gloomy winter months, and they pick it up faster, giving many kids a boost of self-confidence. The EZ Ski/Ride 123 program is an affordable and easy way to introduce your kids to a new sport that will provide a lifetime of smiles and enjoyment in the great outdoors. The complete package includes three lift tickets (choose from four local ski hills), three rentals (boots, poles, skis or snowboard), and three lessons. Get your kids, their friends, and your whole family out of the house and up on the ski hill enjoying some fun in the fresh mountain air this winter. Learn more about the program at Skinwrockies.com/ ez-ski-ride-1-2-3. It’s EZ as 1-2-3: Here’s How it Works 1) Pick a ski area: 49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, or Silver Mountain. 2) Purchase your EZ Ski 1-2-3 package by calling the ski area to sign up and schedule lessons. 3) Head to the mountain to get your kid(s) fitted for their rental gear in time to enjoy their first lesson! (Repeat two more times and then look for other ski deals to keep your family skiing together all winter long).
Pick Your EZ Ski 123 Ski Area (price includes three lift tickets, three rentals and three lessons) 49 Degrees North ($129): Lessons on weekends and holidays for ages 7-13 from 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. for ages 13 and up (reservations must be made 24 hours in advance). Visit Ski49n.com or call 509-935-6649 x610. Lookout Pass ($99): Kids start out on the beginner lift and then move on to the rest of the mountain for their three lessons. The graduation gift for completion of all lessons is a complimentary season pass for the rest of the season! (First time skiers only). Available for ages 13 and up all days and 7-12 year olds on weekends only. Visit Skilookout.com or call 208-744-1301 x14. Mt. Spokane ($119/$159): All EZ Ski participants are eligible for a buy one, get one free lift ticket after completion of the program ($119 for ages 13 and up/$159 for ages 7-12). The EZ Ski program will only be offered on weekends and holidays (including the entire Christmas break). Visit Mtspokane.com or call 509-238-2220 x215. Silver Mountain ($119): Ages 7 and up will stick to the Prospector Lift, with lessons starting at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The EZ Ski program will only be offered on weekends and holidays. Visit Silvermt.com or call 800-204-6428 x8308. Free Ski School at Lookout Pass In its 75th year, the famous Free Ski School at Lookout Pass has been around for generations, introducing over 60,000 kids to the wonderful winter world of skiing and snowboarding. The lessons, often taught by volunteer instructors, last for an hour every Saturday morning between January 10 and March 14 from 10 a.m. for beginners and an hour and a half starting at 11:30 a.m. for intermediates. Skiers and riders age 6-17 are eligible. Register online and during the first three weeks of ski school (applications cannot be accepted after January 24). While the lessons are free and no lift ticket is necessary during the session, your kids will need their own equipment and gear and a lift ticket or pass if they want to continue skiing after the lesson. Equipment can be rented at the Lookout rental shop, and buses run up to the mountain from Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, and Silver Valley and western Montana locations. Register at Skilookout.com/famousfree-ski-school. // (OTM)
Bring a Friend Skiing and Win Prizes! It’s so much more fun to learn to ski or ride with a friend, and with the 2015 Bring a Friend Challenge, you also both get entered to win big prizes! To enter and take the challenge, all you need to do is get at least one newcomer to enroll in a beginner lesson or lesson package from a professional instructor at one of our local mountains. You will be doing a friend a favor by saving them from years of winter boredom trapped inside, and then you also both get entered to win some great winter sports prizes. The Challenge starts December 1, 2014, and ends February 28, 2015. To learn more and register, visit Learntoskiandsnowboard.org/take-the-challenge. 18
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Learn to ski programs get kids outside and learning to love winter. Photos top and bottom courtesy of Lookout pass.
About the Inland Northwest Family Winter Sports Guide We created this family winter sports guide to engage and inspire parents looking for resources to get their families out there enjoying skiing, snowboarding, and other winter recreation in the greater Spokane region. A partnership between two local, family-owned publications – Kids Newspaper and Out There Monthly, this annual guide is your gateway to winter recreation in the great outdoors. Send us your feedback at editor@outtheremonthly.com.
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Tips and Tricks for Beginners First Day on the Hill Remember that everyone was a beginner once, and they all had a first day. Signing up with a ski or snowboard instructor will make that first day for you or your kids so much more fun and relaxed. Your instructor will have all the information for you on how to get started. Stop by the ski school on the mountain to sign up for lessons. Don’t push yourself or your kids too hard and remember to have fun!
Hats, Sunglasses and Goggles are About More than Looking Cool Up to 80 percent of your body’s heat can escape from an uncovered head, so wearing a warm hat is essential when it’s cold. Sunglasses also do much more than make you look cool – they protect your eyes from damaging solar radiation, and goggles are necessary when it’s snowing so that you can see what’s coming at you down the mountain.
Clothing Recommendations Skiing and riding is a lot of fun when you are warm and dry. The best way to dress for winter weather is to wear layers. In general, the three main layers are: 1. wicking 2. insulating 3. weather protection. The wicking layer is the layer worn next to your skin, usually consisting of long underwear. Make sure this first layer fits snugly, but not too tight so that it wicks sweat away from your body efficiently. The insulating layer is the middle layer that includes sweaters, sweat shirts, vests and pullovers. The final weather protection layer is the exterior layer, generally a jacket and pants that serve to guard against the elements of winter. That important layer should repel water from snow, sleet or rain and block the wind, while also letting perspiration evaporate.
Can I Use the Old Skis in My Neighbor’s Garage? Unlike traditional straight skis, the shorter, curvier shaped skis that have been standard on the mountain for years now are easier to control, turn, and stop on most types of terrain. Old, outdated gear will make it harder to learn to ski and can be dangerous, increasing your risk of injury. Your best and safest bet is to rent modern gear from a ski shop or resort rental shop that is fitted to your body size and ability level. The Right Boots Make All the Difference Properly fitted boots with the right flex are essential for controlling your skis and keeping your feet warm. But what should a boot feel like? A properly fitted ski boot should feel like
hands gently clasped around your ankles. Your heels should not slip up and down, your calf muscles shouldn’t feel pinched. The boot should feel comfortably snug, but you should be able to wiggle your toes just a little bit. Boots that are too tight cause your feet to get cold, cramp, or go to sleep. You can’t do anything on the slopes if you can’t feel or move your feet. Have a professional from a ski shop help you get fitted in the right pair of boots. // (OTM)
January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month!
Humans were never meant to hibernate in the winter! It’s never too late to introduce your family to a world of winter fun and adventure on the ski slopes. You can take lessons from professional instructors all winter long, but Learn to Ski Month in January is the time when many ski resorts offer their best learning deals. Wouldn’t you love to introduce your family to a new winter sport? Learn more about local resort Learn to Ski Month deals: SkiNWRockies.com/learn-asnowsport-month.
Kids NOVEMBER 2014
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OutdoorCalendar Full events calendar at www.outtheremonthly.com CLIMBING (Ongoing Mondays & Wednesdays) Spider Monkeys Climbing Club. Where: Wild Walls
Climbing Gym. When: 5 - 7 p.m. Kids ages 4 - 10 welcome. Please call ahead. Climb and meet new people. info: wildwalls.com
BIKING (Fourth Fridays) Fourth Friday Pub Peddlers. Where: Swamp Tavern When: Meet at 7 p.m., ride at 8 p.m. Group cycling ride, making a few stops along the way to a final destination.
(Wednesday Nights) Wednesday Bike, Brew, and BBQ Mountain Bike Group Rides. Where:
Terra Sports 510 E Sherman Ave, Coeur d’Alene. When: 5:45 p.m. 100% no drop, beginner to expert. Meet at Terra Sports at 5:45, or Nettleton Gulch Trailhead at 6:15. Every Wednesday. Cost: Free. Info: terrasport.com or 208-765-5446.
RUNNING (November 2) Qualchan 12K Trail Run. Where:
Manito Blvd. When: 10 a.m. Cross country race sponsored by Bloomsday Road Runners Club. Info: brcc.net
(November 8) Sugar Rush 5K or 10K Fun Run. Where: Gonzaga University campus. When: 9 a.m. Race along the Spokane River and loop through Riverfront Park before heading back to the finish line. Hot cocoa and chocolate reception. Info: inlandnwbaby.org
(November 8) 3rd Annual Veterans Day Race. Where: East Beach, Soap Lake, Wash. 5K and 10K. Cost: $15/$25. Info: active.com/soap-lake-wa
(November 14) 2nd Annual Clarkston National Veterans Day Run. Where: Swallows Park. When:
7 a.m. Race offers three distances: 11K, 5K and 1M family walk/run. Info: veteransdayrun.com/register/ clarkston
(November 15) National Veterans Day Run. Where: Riverfront Park, Spokane. When: 8 a.m.. Race offers three distances: 11K, 5K and 1M family walk/ run. Info: http://veteransdayrun.org/ register/spokane (November 22) Harvest Hustle. Where: Othello,
Wash. When: 10 a.m. Work off the pre-Thanksgiving feast with a 1 mile walk or run, 5K walk or run or 10K walk or run. Info: ulbfit.com or christine@ ulbfit.com
(November 27) Turkey on the Run 12K, 5K and Kids Race. Where: Rotary Park, Wenatchee, Wash.
When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Turkey on the Run is a great way to kick off your holiday season with a fun and fit jaunt in Wenatchee. Info: www.runwenatchee. com or 509-387-0051.
(November 27) Cheney Turkey Trot. Where: Cheney High School. When: 9 a.m. Thanksgiving day walkers or runner of all ages. Info: jmartin@ cheneysd.org
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SIX MONTH TRAININGCALENDAR RUNNING (December 6) Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Where:
Riverfront Park. Wear a holiday themed costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. Raise funds to help find a cure for arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Run or walk a 5K route with your team members and celebrate the season by giving. Info: www.spokanejinglebellrun.kintera. org or 509-315-5862.
(March 21) Rapid Rabbit Run. Where: East Valley High School. When: 10 a.m. 5 mile (qualifying race for Bloomsday 2nd seed) and 3-mile run. Cost: $20 with a shirt or $12 without. Info: eastvalleyhs.wix.com/rapidrabbitrun. (April 11) Hope Run. Where: Children of the
Sun trail in north Spokane. When: 9 a.m. All proceeds help local children with cancer. Participants recieve a t-shirt. Info: hoperunspokane.com
(April 12) Negative Split Spokane-Half Marathon & 5 K. Where: Kendall Yards, Spokane. Info: nsplit.com
CYCLOCROSS (December 13) Inland NW Cyclocross Series Finals. Where: Waterfront Park, Medical Lake.
When: 9 a.m. Info: inlandcyclocross.com
Wintersports (December 6) Snowshoe Moonlight Hike. Where: Meet at Yoke’s Foods on Market St. When: 6-9 p.m. Quietly explore the meadows and woods around Mt. Spokane. Guides, transportation, headlamps, poles and snowshoes included. Sponsored by REI. Cost: $29. Info: 509-625-6200 or spokanecity.org/parksrec/
(December 28) Snowshoe Tour Mt Spokane. Where: Meet at Yoke’s Foods on Market St, Spokane. When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This guided hike will travel through snow-covered trees and hills around Mt. Spokane. Transportation, snowshoes, poles, trail feels and guides included. Cost: $39 Info: 509-625-6200 or spokanecity.org/parksrec/
(January 17) Snowshoe Tour 49 Degrees North. Where: 49 Degrees North Ski Area. When: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. This all women’s guided tour will give you tips leading to better control and more fun in a non-competitive atmosphere. Includes trail pass, guide, poles, snowshoes and lunch. Cost: $39. Info: spokanecity.org/parksrec/
(January 17) Skirennen Nordic Citizens Race. Where: Leavenworth Golf Course. When: 9:30 11:30 a.m. 5K & 10K open to all ages. Most people set their personal best 10k time on this course. Info: SkiLeavenworth.com
(January 17-18) Race of the Methow. Where: McCabe Trails at Liberty Bell High School. 2-day race weekend for skiers of all ages. Info:methowvalleynordic.com (January 25) Nissebakken Tele Race. Where:
Leavenworth Ski Hill. If you can drop a knee, you can participate in this giant slalom race of two runs. Info: Skileavenworth.com
(February 6) Nordic Ski Clinic. Where: Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Sandpoint Idaho. Private coaching, Beginning Skate Skiing, Advanced Beginner, and Intermediate classes available. Info: 208-2553070 or lessons@schweitzer.com
(February 7) Winthrop Ski Derby. Where: Sun Mountain Trails, Winthrop, Wash. 15K and 30Km classic technique race at the Chickadee Trailhead. Classic ski terrain, with small hills, smooth transitions for the 15K, with big climbs on the 30K. Info: methowvalleynordic.com/events (February 13-23) Sandpoint Winter Carnival. Where: Schweitzer Mountain Resort and Sandpoint, Idaho. Several days of events include Ski Joring (a Scandinavian-inspired, centuriesold contest with horses and riders pulling skiers around a course at breakneck speeds), laser light show, sleigh rides and dinner show, a cross country race, fat bike poker ride, KPND ski party, taste of Sandpoint, Cirque de Sandpoint, snowshoe on the Pend D’Oreille Bay Trail, Snow School, K9 Keg Pull, and many other events. Info: http:// sandpointwintercarnival.com/
(February 14) Try Biathlon. Where: Mazama biathlon range, Mazama Wash. When: 10 a.m. Open to anyone age 9 and older, first come first shoot. Info: methowvalleynordic.com (February 20-22) Annual Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest. Where: Whitewater Ski Resort,
Nelson B.C. The festival is for all ability levels, and there are plenty of in-bounds workshops for both skiers and snowboarders. Events include several days of clinics, competitions, events and celebrations of all ski/snowboard pursuits. This event is at the powder mecca of the Kootenays and just a hop to the Kootenay hub of Nelson B.C. Info: ColdSmokePowderfest.com
(January 23-25) Methow Valley Nordic Festival. Where: Winthrop, Wash. A three-day weekend dedicated to celebrating Nordic skiing in the Methow Valley. For the avid skier, join the 2-day challenge of our signature American Marathon Series race, the Methow Valley Pursuit. Info: www.mvsta.com/events/calendar-events/ methow-valley-pursuit.
YOGA
(December 19) Winter Solstice Practice. Where: Harmony Yoga. When: 5:30 - 8 p.m. The practice will weave together yin and yang yoga with a focus on mindfully accepting ourselves as we are right now. Cost: $30 Info: harmonyoga. com/workshops.html
OUTDOOR KIDS CAMPS (December 22&23 or 29&30) Camp Youth Winter Adventure. Where: Mountain Gear
Parking Lot. When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids ages 9-12 will learn cross country skiing and snowshoeing skills at 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort. They learn to ski and travel the trials in search of animal tracks. They will also learn to build snow caves. Cost: $79 Info: 509-625-6200 or spokanecity.org/ parksrec/
(Weekends in January & February) Ski and Snowboard Camp. Where: 49 Degrees North
Mountain Resort. When: Friday evening through Sunday evening. All inclusive ski and snowboard camp for kids ages 8-13. Included: lodging, meals, equipment rentals, lift tickets, professional instruction, chaperones and transportation from Spokane. Cost: $279 Info: 509-625-6200 spokanecity.org/parksrec/
OTHER (December 3) Hands-on Nordic Ski Waxing Basics. Where: REI Spokane. When: 7 - 8:30 p.m. Waxing cross-country skis is both an art and a science to attain the perfect kick and glide. Use waxing benches, irons, wax & brushes as shop technicians talk and walk you through the best practices in waxing your cross-country skis. Cost: $35 - $55. Info: rei. com/spokane
(December 4) Map & Compass Navigation. Where: REI Spokane. When: 7- 8:30 p.m. Learn basic navigation skills using map and compass to find your way. In this class you’ll learn the parts of a compass, how to read a topographic map and how to use them in tandem. Cost: $30-$50 Info: rei.com/Spokane (January 15) Ski & Snowboard Tune-Up Class. Where: Mountain Gear. When: 6 - 7:30 p.m. Learn to tune and wax downhill skis and snowboards, and cross country skis. Introduction to tuning equipment and techniques will be covered. Cost: $19. Info: 509-625-6200 or spokanecity.org/ parksrec/
(January 29) Backcountry Film Festival. Where:
The Bing Theater, Spokane. Now in its 10th year the Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival celebrates the human powered winter experience through film. The festival aims to entertain while helping to raise funds and awareness for Winter Wildlands and our like-minded partners. Info: winterwildlands.org
Have an Event You Would Like to List? Please visit www.outtheremonthly.com and click “Add Event” under the “Outdoor Calendar” tab to get your events listed online and considered for the monthly print magazine calendar. To be considered for the print calendar, events MUST be entered by the 20th of the month to be listed in the following month’s issue. Please follow the instructions for submitting an event using the web form.
OutdoorCalendar (November 9) Bellingham Trail Marathon & Half.
Where: Lake Padden Park, Bellingham. When: 8 a.m. The marathon is a stunning mix of trail running in Bellingham with lots of tough climbs on single track trails, as well as fast interurban trails. Info: bellinghamtrailmarathon.com
CYCLOCROSS (November 9) Apple Cross at Walter’s Fruit Ranch. Where: Mead, Wash. (Green Bluff). When: 9 a.m. Info: inlandcyclocross.com
(November 22) Riverside Rumble. Where: Riverside State Park. When: 9 a.m. Info: inlandcyclocross.com (November 23) WSBA Association Championships. Where: Riverside State Park. When: 9 a.m. Info: inlandcyclocross.com
WINTERSPORTS (November 1) Winter Swap. Where: Kootenai County Fairgrounds. When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain volunteer ski patrols host the 16th annual event. Sale includes new and used skiing equipment, snowboarding gear, accessories as well as all types of winter clothing. Admission $5 per person. Info: winterswap.org (November 5) Pray for Snow Party at PSB. Where: Perry Street Brewing, Spokane. When: 5 p.m. Celebrate all things skiing, boarding and the upcoming winter season. Ski movies, raffle prizes, swag and beer specials. Prizes for best “vintage” ski attire. Info: Perry Street Brewing Facebook Page.
YOGA (November 8) Soul Motion Conscious Dance Practice. Where: South Perry Yoga Buddhio. When: 3 - 6 p.m. Investigate the active pause within the dance. This guided practice of movement and stillness will help align the body and soul. Cost: $30-$35. Info: moondancermoves@gmail.com or 208-304-3143
Harmony Yoga. This workshop is designed to present information and experience in the ways that Iyengar Yoga can be used to meet the challenges of scoliosis. Info: Harmonyoga.com
OTHER (November 1) Warren Miller’s No Turning Back. Where: Bing Crosby Theater. When: 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. From beneath the blankets of powder in Niseko, Japan, to the top of Greece’s Mount Olympus, the French Alps, and the Mom & Pop hills of Montana, each location is sure to provide nothing but stoke. Info: warrenmiller.com (November 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 & 16) Wilderness First Responder. Be prepared to be self sufficient
for any medical situations that arise in remote locations. This is the standard medical training for individuals managing groups in remote settings. Cost: $625. Info: longleafmedical.com
(November 5) Hands on Alpine Ski & Snowboard Waxing Class. Where: REI Spokane. When: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Hands-on maintenance class focuses on how to prepare skis and boards throughout the winter season. Use waxing benches, irons, wax & brushes as the shop technicians talk and walk you through the best practices in waxing your alpine skis and snowboards. Cost: $35-$55. Info: rei.com/ Spokane
(November 6) Snowshoe Basics Class. Where:
REI Spokane. When: 7 - 8:30 p.m. Learn the appropriate selection of gear as well as the basics on what you need and where to go to get started. Info: rei. com/Spokane
(November 7) Almost Ablaze. Where: Panida Theater, Sandpoint Idaho. When: 8 - 10 p.m. A ski film presented by Teton Gravity Research. Cost: $11 Info: panida.org (November 7) Bats-Wonders of the Night. Where: Coeur d’Alene Library. When: 7 p.m. Biologist Jenny Taylor will share insights into this fascinating creature with her program, which will include information on why bats are important in our lives, bat myths and which bats have habitats in North Idaho. Info: 208-769-2315
(November 20) Reel Rock 9: Valley Uprising. Where: Perry Street Brewing Company. When: 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. This film documents the history of climbing in Yosemite National Park and the counter culture roots of outdoor sports. Info:rareearthadventure.com or 509-279-2820
(November 20) Telluride Mountain Film Festival on Tour. Where: Panida Theater, Sandpoint.
Selected from the best of the films shown at the four-day, Telluride Mountain Film Festival, the collection of films document and promote the beauty of the human spirit, the rewards of perseverance and the preservation of our environment. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Idaho Conservation League. Local beer and wine will be on sale. Raffle and door prizes will be awarded. Cost: $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
(November 21-23) Banff Mountain Film Festival. Where: Bing Crosby Theater. A weekend full of adventure films, from shorts to features. Cost: $17$45. Info: 509-325-9000
(November 21-23) Rossland Mountain Film Festival. Where: Rossland, B.C. Three evenings
filled with an adrenaline-fueled film festival. Party to follow. Info: RosslandMountainFilmFestival.com
(November 24) Traveling the Pend Oreille River Water Trail. Where: Mountain Gear Corporate
Headquarters. When: 7 - 8 p.m. Mike Lithgow presents a program about the recently established 72-mile water trail between Newport, Washington, and the Canadian border. Access points, portages, camping opportunities will be featured. Info: sckc. ws or 509-209-3066
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
(November 21-23) Yoga for Scoliosis. Where:
(November 4) Avalanche Awareness Class. Where: REI Spokane. When: 7 - 9 p.m. Learn to access local avalanche bulletins and weather reports, recognize basic signs of avalanche danger, and learn simple ways to help avoid avalanche danger. Info: rei.com/Spokane
NOV 2014
MARATHONS
Artist collaboration with Tiffany Patterson
DOMACOFFEE.COM NOVEMBER 2014
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On the Mountain: Alpine Sking and Riding
Why I Ride: Chuck Schmidt, Lookout Pass
by S. Michal Bennett
Editor’s Note: What drives some people to spend so much of their winters out in the cold and snow, sliding down mountains on skis and boards? It can be difficult for passionate skiers and riders to explain to those who don’t know and even harder for the uninitiated to understand sometimes. This winter, we dive into the depths of what motivates some of our region’s most impassioned skiers and riders in our “Why I Ski (or Ride)” series. In the process, we hope to spread some of the love and stoke for getting out in the mountains this winter.
Chuck Schmidt doing what he loves. // Photo: Tom Sorenson
Sitting comfortably on the couch across from Chuck Schmidt, the new Marketing Director at Lookout Mountain, I realize I really don’t know a lot about this 26-year-old friend of mine. I start the interview with, “Just act like I don’t know anything about you,” but I end it with a deeper understanding of a young man whose passion and snow experience belie his short years. Schmidt likes to refer to himself as a “cliché Idahoan.” By this, he means he’s from California, but has lived here for 18 years. Two of those years he spent in Mammoth, California, riding the prosnowboarding dream – the same place where his dad first put him on a pair of skis. “I was three, and he had to lie about my age so he could put me in the class,” says Schmidt. He skied until he was 12, when the family relocated to Idaho. It was here that peer pressure nudged him into snowboarding, and he got his first board for his 13th birthday. Then everything changed. He was a natural,
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Out There There Monthly Monthly // NOVEMBER Out NOVEMBER 2014 2014
and North Idaho became his winter playground. He was that kid who, during the week, would put on his gear and practice his moves in front of his bedroom mirror. Snowboarding was his sport. So, what is it about snowboarding exactly that continues to draw him back to the slopes? It’s all about the freedom and art. “Snowboarding is very artistic,” says Schmidt, “even in the way you ride down the mountain, picking lines, going through trees. There are no boundaries.” Riding also helps him relax and reconnect with life. “I can have a horrible day and then go snowboarding, and it takes a lot off my mind.” These passions are what took him back to Mammoth after high school to pursue a budding pro snowboarding career. “I had contracts handed to me from major companies,” he says, “but then I got some serious injuries that set me back.” Although he has suffered a wide range of injuries over the years, in this case, he was forced to re-evaluate his life and what he wanted to do
with the sport. “I discovered certain avenues that I really, really enjoyed,” he states, “one of those being business.” This realization set him on a path pursuing business through snowboarding, particularly during his time at Lookout Pass. Schmidt first started riding Lookout when he was 15 or 16. With the first snow of the season and affordable passes, Lookout was where he and his friends would ride for a week or two before the other mountains opened. “It was very low key, cheap and fun,” he remembers. About five years ago, the then ski school director approached him about coming on board as the terrain park manager. It was a great opportunity to do what he loved, and he easily got the job. Over the course of four seasons, Schmidt built Lookout’s terrain park from one park with four features to three parks with a total of 35 features, created mostly from re-purposed materials. “I’m 26 years old, but I just still love riding the park,” he says. Outside the park, his favorite area on Lookout is Chair Three, but he concedes the fact that the snow,
weather conditions and powder days anywhere on the mountain can’t be beat. “It’s a small mountain, but there are a lot of cool spots.” These days, Schmidt is learning the business ropes in his new role as Lookout’s Marketing Director. Although he now spends many of his hours in an office, he counts it a privilege to work and play in such a magnificent setting. “It’s just cool to be able to grab my snowboard, get on the hill and technically call it work,” he says. “I would rather spend time doing something that I love rather than just fill up my bank account.” Schmidt has always believed in doing what you love in life, but he has discovered that the reality of this belief may not necessarily look like he imagined it. One thing he is certain of – riding will always be a part of his life. “I want to be that crazy guy on the mountain that just snowboards then takes his goggles and beanie off and you see this old bag underneath,” he chuckles. “That’s gonna be me. For sure.” //
A Chance of Snow: The Return of El Nino? I am one of those guys who tries to take a “glass is half full” view on things, especially when it comes to winter recreation. As such, I rarely check the snow report before heading to the mountain for a very simple reason. It doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t matter if it’s a powder day or a groomer day. What does matter is that I am going skiing, so as long as the lifts are running, life is good. If the conditions turn out to be primo, then it’s a bonus. Either way, it’s a good day in the mountains. With that being said, the word on the street is that the Northwest might see a return of El Niño this winter, which typically means above average temperatures and below average precipitation. Now before all of you skiers and riders out there start freaking out, let’s keep in mind that this forecast is for the Pacific Northwest in general. What could potentially occur here in our part of the region might be totally different. I once attended a winter forecast presentation at NOAA’s headquarters in Seattle, and their weather guru said accurately forecasting weather for the mountains of northeast Washington was challenging, and often very different from that of the rest of the state. Let’s hope that is the case this season. Take a look at the following summaries of this season’s predictions – and keep thinking the glass is half full. NOAA Seems you can always count on the government
to lead the charge with negative vibes. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, “El Niño is favored to begin in the next 1-2 months and last into the Northern Hemisphere through spring 2015.” Above average temperatures combined with below average precipitation can be expected. Ok, so that sounds bad. “A weak El Niño event is most probable, but a strong El Nino event is not likely to occur this year.” That’s better – let’s hope for the best. Farmer’s Almanac For our neck of the woods, the Farmer’s Almanac has a little bit different spin than the Debbie Downers at NOAA. Although temperatures are expected to be above normal for our area, the Almanac is predicting that precipitation will be above normal. Factor in a little elevation and a slight temperature drop in the right direction, and you get the magical white stuff dreams are made of. Additionally, the Almanac is predicting that early/mid-December and mid-February will be the coldest and snowiest periods, which is perfect for an early opening and mid-season off-piste skiing and riding. OWSC The Office of the Washington State Climatologist is basically parroting the forecast from NOAA. “The outlooks are reflecting the expected development of the El Niño in the coming months. The temperature outlook has increased chances
By Brad Northrup
CITY LIMITS PUB AND GRILL
of above normal temperatures for the entire state, and the chances of warmer than normal temperatures are greater west of the Cascade Mountains. For precipitation, there are increased chances of below normal precipitation statewide.” Whatev…. My 2 Cents Having spent a few years as a snow farmer, I have an idea as to how this is all going to shake out. First off, I predict a normal opening for our local resorts, like around the first weekend of December. This will be followed by good to very good conditions for the holiday period. January will be mostly dry (as usual), with normal temps. February and March will be the months that bring the powder dumps we all live for, and I foresee several weeks of “epic” conditions that lead into early April. Now, here is the science behind my prognostications. First, I found a very large, hairy caterpillar in one of our bark beds this summer. Second, we experienced a wicked fire season this year. And third, one of my co-workers chose NOT to purchase a season pass this year, threatened to take up cross-country skiing and bowling, and stated he would pay full price for a season pass if Old Man Winter did actually decide to pay us a visit. I say bring it, Old Man Winter. If you can make it, I have a half full glass of beer with your name on it. Think snow. //
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Big Resort • Bigger Value Ski Bum Advice: 10 Signs You Might Be a Ski Bum By Brad Northrup For those of us who grew up in the 1980s, what brain cells we still have that retain those memories probably make us think of Van Halen, parachute pants (I had a red pair – they were rad), and Pee-Chees. The 1980s also introduced what many social historians regard as a cultural celebration of the ski bum life, with classic movies like “Hot Dog” and “Better Off Dead.” Seems everyone who skied wanted to live that kind of life: Ripping powder all day on 205cm skis, lounging with bodacious babes in a hot tub while sipping champagne at night, basically partying like it really was 1999. Ah, the memories. Or what’s left of them. Back then, it was easy to spot a ski bum. Today, in the second decade of a new century, the lines are blurred, and identifying those who live for the colder months is difficult. Lucky for you, I have a 45-minute commute each way that provides me ample time to ponder such things. If any of the following apply to you (or your kids), seek help immediately. You might be a ski bum if: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
The balance of your bank account equals the number of days you skied last year. The value of your gear is greater than the value of your car. You have not had a serious relationship since the late 20th century. Your ski socks are the nicest socks you own. On your IRS 1040 EZ tax form, you write “skier” in the box that asks your occupation. Your car has a bumper sticker that says “Summer Sucks.” It took you eight years to get through college, mainly because you only took three credits during winter quarter. You have ever slept in your car in the resort parking lot just to make first chair. A majority of the beer you drink has the word “Ice” in the name. The only ironing you have ever done involved wax. //
Brad Northrup is a former ski resort marketing director, race coach, and ski bum. His gear is still worth more than his car.
Pre-Season
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C H E W E L A H, WA S H I N GTO N
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On the Mountain: Alpine Sking and Riding
A Whole Lot of New at Regional Resorts: Better Runs, Expansion Plans, Terrain Park Additions, Night Vision Web Cam, Mountain Hosts, Cheap Cat Skiing, Fat Biking, and More! With the first flakes of the ski season already behind us, and plenty more likely to fall in the coming month, resorts around the greater Inland Northwest are gearing up for what should be another solid season of powder days and sunny groomers (with a few variable, overcast days to keep it real, of course). If you’re wondering what your favorite local mountain or destination B.C. powder stash has been up to over the past year, enjoy these dispatches from around the region. 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort (Chewelah, Wash.) The crew up at 49 have been hard at work with their summer slope maintenance, including brush cutting that will make the 500 acres of new terrain they’ve added in the last five years more accessible earlier in the season. Hopefully for you that means fewer brush hits and more face shots for opening day. Still haven’t ridden the new terrain off of Angel Peak? Then you have plenty to catch up on. Other improvements range from a new high performance rental fleet, ongoing planning for the new remote lodge (construction to start in 2017), eight new terrain park features, and, a big deal for many of us who spend more time than we’d like to admit in the lodge or bar, 49’s new head chef Frank Marmo has completely revamped the food and beverage operation to rave reviews. Ski49n.com. Clearing brush for the upcoming season // Photo: Courtesy 49 Degrees North Resort
Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area (Wallace, Idaho) Over the past decade or so, Lookout Pass, a place that undoubtedly has some of the region’s best snow and an exceptionally long season, has added two new lifts and hundreds of acres of new terrain. And over the next 20 years, it is are planning a more dramatic expansion of lift-served terrain of up to 2,000 acres that could include as many as eight new lifts and a new base lodge. The first phase of the proposed expansion that could add two new lifts is currently moving through the Forest Service environmental analysis process. The expansion proposal process will likely take several years, and involve various stakeholders, including the backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers who already recreate in parts of the proposed expansion area. In the meantime, Lookout has added a new cat to enhance their grooming capacity, and has done some aggressive brush cutting on the Rolling Thunder run to improve the riding conditions in the terrain park. New features are also being added to the park, including a new rail in collaboration with Pistole Boardshop in Spokane. Skilookout.com.
Chris Barrett riding the rails at Lookout. // Photo: Courtesy Lookout Pass SKi area
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park (Spokane, Wash.) Spokane’s hometown resort is primed for another season with improvements in the works and affordable pricing that, along with great conditions, keep bringing loyal skiers and riders back season after 24
Out There Monthly / NOVEMBER 2014
season. If you’ve been following the news, you know that Mt. Spokane’s plans for adding a new lift and runs off the west side of the mountain continue to move through the public process, with a decision expected from the Washington State Parks Commission in November. Stay tuned. Until then, the staff at Mt. Spokane have been busy busting out other improvements to Spokane’s closest ski hill, including getting existing runs in shape, making updates to both lodges, and adding a brand-new terrain park that will feature all-natural hits, jibs, and rails, making it the mountain’s third terrain park, adding to the existing mile-long park, and the Progression Park geared specifically for beginners. Mtspokane. com. Schweitzer Mountain Resort (Sandpoint, Idaho) For the coming season, Schweitzer added to its already exceptional grooming capacity with a new grooming machine, upgraded the snow making system on the lower mountain, and completed other infrastructure improvements around the resort. A popular program they launched last winter, called Kids/Parents Night Out, is back again, allowing parents to drop their kids off with professional staff (with a $25 deposit for each child) to go have some fun in the Village. If your receipt total at the end of the night is more than the deposit, you get the entire deposit back. Free and fun ski hill child care! Schweitzer has also welcomed a new chef for the Gourmandie specialty foods market who has revamped the inside space and created a whole new menu, serving up delicious food in an already popular venue. For ticket deals, the Lake Louise Plus Card is back again this season, offering 3 free days, discount lift tickets all season, and they are redeemable at Schweitzer and four other Canadian resorts (details online soon). You’ll also notice some new construction on the mountain this year, as the next phases of the MountainSide development come online with new on-mountain residences. Schweitzer.com. Silver Mountain Resort (Kellogg, Idaho) Silver has been hard at work getting the mountain spiffed up for opening day with various improvements that are sure to make anyone stepping off the gondola smile. Two new runs that they roughed in last year, Bootlegger and Shady Lady, have been cleaned up and widened. Both runs have already gained a following due to their length and challenging pitch. For those who are new to the mountain, a new Mountain Host program has been rolled out to offer up local mountain experts to help answer guests’ questions and show them around to get better acquainted to Silver’s vast terrain. Other improvements include expansion of the progression terrain park and a remodel of the rental shop to help speed up and improve the rental experience. Silver is also adding a First Tracks program on Saturdays that will get you access to fresh snow and the opportunity to lay down your own first tracks ahead of the crowds. And finally, this is a cool innovation: A new webcam with night vision aimed at a snow stake and temperature gauge will be installed on the top of Kellogg Peak. Silvermt.com. RED Mountain Resort (Rossland, B.C.) On the heels of a major 1,000 acre expansion to Grey Peak that included a new chairlift, RED Mountain Resort has another expansion in the works that will include nearly 200 acres on adjacent Mt. Kirkup, where a new cat skiing operation will act as a shuttle from Grey Mountain to the peak of Mt. Kirkup with seats sold for just $10 (with purchase of a lift ticket). The new snowcat-accessed terrain is sure to be a powder lover’s paradise, with intermediate to advanced runs delivering riders back to the new Grey Mountain Chair. If all the positive press Red has been getting lately from throughout North America and around the world, lines like “Most Underrated Ski Resort” (“Skiing Magazine”) and “Number 1 Ski Town” (“Powder Magazine”) have you concerned that your secret powder stash is about to be spoiled, don’t fret, as lift lines continue to be nearly non-existent, with even more exceptional terrain to spread out the “crowds.” Redresort.com. Whitewater Ski Resort (Nelson, B.C.) Whitewater has always been renowned for its deep inbounds powder (40 feet of the white stuff on average) and spectacular terrain, and, for those with the lungs and the gear for it, the unlimited surrounding backcountry. New this season, WH2O is launching a Discover Whitewater Backcountry educational program to meet the increased demands for backcountry access and educate participants on what skills and knowledge are necessary for exploring beyond the ski area boundaries. Also new this year, the resort will be offering fat bike rentals for riders to explore the five kilometers of new multi-use trails in the Nordic center. And if you’re looking to hitch a ride to Nelson for a ski vacation without having to drive, the existing shuttle service from the Spokane airport to Nelson and Rossland is expanding this winter with daily service (Kootenayshuttle.com/Spokane), so now you can pull off a car-free Kootenay ski vacation. Skiwhitewater.com. // (Derrick Knowles)
OH CANADA! Forget a Passport: Crossing the Border for B.C. Powder Has Never Been Easier The Inland Northwest is an amazing place in its own right, but one of the best things about living here, especially if you’re an outdoors person, is the proximity to British Columbia and Alberta, where you’ll find uncrowded ski resorts; laid-back and creative mountain towns; and mindblowing hot springs, hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, whitewater boating, and other outdoor adventures. The largely wild and lightly populated mountains, parks and wilderness and recreation areas are a taste of what parts of the American West were like decades ago (so I hear), but without giving up the progressive cultural and modern technological benefits and comforts that come along with the Kootenays. Keep an eye out for future “Oh Canada!” features highlighting trips and tips to get you stoked to pay a visit to our neighbors to the north in upcoming issues of OTM. Not since pre-9-11 days has it been this easy to head north across the border to the storied powder magnate that is the Kootenay and Canadian Rockies region of British Columbia. Crossings going either direction seem to be easier, faster and friendlier in recent years. The only thing standing between you and a veritable wonderland of word-class B.C. resort and backcountry skiing is the proper identification. No passport? No problem. There is a cheaper and more easily obtainable option. Washington is one of a handful of states offering an enhanced driver license, and its youth counterpart, the enhanced ID. An enhanced driver license or ID is all you need to confirm your identity, granting you access to the great white north. Already have a well-worn passport? Double check that it hasn’t expired, as there’s still plenty
M O U N T A I N
of time to send it in for a new one that should arrive well before the lifts start running. Either way, don’t let border crossing apathy or passport worries keep you from the B.C. mountains and mountain towns a few hours north of Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Sandpoint. Follow these steps to get your border crossing ID and you’ll be skiing somewhere along the Powder Highway before you know it. 7 Steps to Border Crossing Freedom: How to Get Your Enhanced ID 1. Round up proof of citizenship. Your original certified birth certificate or a valid passport (or one that has been expired for less than five years) will work. If you were born in Spokane County, you can get a copy of your birth certificate for $20 at the Spokane Regional Health District office. If
you were born elsewhere, it’s still pretty easy to get a copy (Google it). 2. Make sure you have documentation to prove your identity. A current driver license, military ID, or Parental Authorization Affidavit for anyone under 18 will do the trick. 3. And don’t forget documentation to prove that you’re a resident of Washington. There’s a long list of common documents that will get this done (see the WA Department of Licensing website). 4. Make sure you remember your Social Security number (card isn’t necessary) and have your current driver license with you, and then drive down to the Department of Licensing office at 6519 N Lidgerwood Street in Spokane during open office hours with the above documentation and your credit or debit card. 5. Get in line and then prepare to zip through
the application process where they will record your physical description, ask you a few simple questions, make you turn in your old license, take your new ID photo, and finally ask you to pay your fee ($20 for the enhancement, plus $18 for a new 6-year license, minus $3 per year for each year you have left on your current license). 6. Your new border-crossing-ready enhanced driver license should arrive in the mail in a few weeks. 7. Pack your skis/board, suitcase, and hot springs bathing suit and get ready to head north! Be sure to read through the DOL’s instructions yourself to make sure you don’t miss any requirements that might apply to your unique situation! Dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/edlget.html. // (Derrick Knowles)
BLUEBIRD
M O M E N T
# 1 5 4
bluebird [bloo-bird] noun
A beautiful sunny day that follows a massive snowstorm. Otherwise known as Every Skier’s Best Day. Commonly found on The Kan.
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Last Page Surviving (and Loving) the Gym This Winter // By Ammi Midstokke I used to think the only reason to go to a gym was if you were in prison – for fitness and so the guy on the top bunk wouldn’t try to make you his girlfriend. Then I went to a gym in Europe, and I realized gyms were, at least for women, a place where we could wear entire hot pink outfits with matching shoes sponsored by Adidas. It wasn’t even necessary to work out, so long as your outfit was tight and you occasionally walked to the water fountain. Health and fitness is achieved for many of us in the great outdoors. Unfortunately, the great outdoors here in the Northwest, between blizzards, ice storms, and perpetual grey, can force us indoors more often than not. Our options are to either take up competitive knitting, or drag our resistant rear ends to a gym. In my case, my gym training this year started early because I apparently need a boulder-accident-free zone until some broken bones heal. With much reluctance, I found myself crutching into a controlled atmosphere earlier than scheduled. I put on my brightest Puma track suit and prepared to throw around some of those five pounds girl weights and drink from the water fountain. Or I’d just stand around and heckle the squash players. Much to my surprise, people at the gym were actually sweating. It turns out, gyms are not just places to socialize in wicking fabric, but they indeed have equipment and resources we may use to develop or maintain fitness.
photo: Fiona Hicks
For many of us who like to play outside, it can be a hard sell to come indoors and run on a treadmill. However, there can be many benefits to gym training, not to mention types of gyms that will suit your own health needs. As for me, I prefer a gym with lots of shirtless men, an espresso machine, and a stereo system that drowns out my struggling groans after the third pushup. If you’re thinking about getting a gym membership to get you through the fall and winter, consider these pros and cons of a few common options: The neighborhood gym has all kinds of stan-
dard equipment from free weights to treadmills, rowing machines to swimming pools. Pros: Regardless of your sport, they probably have some machine that emulates its movement. If you’re into that sort of thing or branching out, they probably have a class where you can break a sweat dancing to Ricky Martin. There are approximately three per square block in urban areas. Cons: You may be exposed to a few people with a tanning bed habit that is nothing less than concerning. No one will be impressed by your race t-shirts. The rock gym is like a faux crag that serves as a climber’s alternative to real granite, minus
the spiders and snakes. Spokane has Wild Walls, Sandpoint has the Sandpoint Rock Gym, Coeur d’Alene’s Kroc Center has some climbing walls too. Pros: It can double as a date location if you’re a hipster. They are a great place to safely learn how to climb. Cons: They typically have no other equipment with the exception of boards nailed to the wall in what appears to be some sort of inquisition torturing system for your fingers (although Wild Walls does offer several yoga classes a week, and they have some free weights and exercise equipment upstairs). A CrossFit Box, which is really just a gym with an intense approach to fitness that uses industrial decoration, cultish terminology (I’m pretty sure they name workouts after legendary stripper moves), and a dubstep soundtrack to motivate you through your eight-hundredth pull-up. Pros: It’s socially appropriate for fine human specimens to train in minimalist clothing, which distracts you from the likelihood that you may vomit after your workout. It’s an effective way to cross train during the off season regardless of your sport. Cons: Your friends may roll their eyes when you talk about your training. If you eat bread, you must keep it a secret. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you can sneak in some extra winter fitness by experimenting with some indoor sports at a gym. You might just find that a little break from your usual routine brings you some new muscles, some new friends, and come spring, a foundation of strength to build upon. You’ll also be that much more excited about getting back outdoors. //
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