Out There December 2017 by Out There Outdoors

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THE INLAND NW GUIDE TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, TRAVEL AND THE OUTDOOR LIFE-

GEAR WE LOVE

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Ski at Whitefish Mountain Resort (ranked #10 by Ski Magazine), snowshoe in Glacier National Park, or stroll the covered sidewalks of downtown. On- and off-snow adventures for all! Plan your visit at

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OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

CONTENTS

FEATURES

18 | Gear We Love 22 | Inland NW Local Holiday Gift Guide 40 | Local Outdoor Recreation Companies

40 SPECIAL SECTION 29 | On The Mountain Ski/Snowboard Section

DEPARTMENTS 12 | Nature 15 | Kids & Family 16 | Backcountry 17 | Cross-Country Skiing

COLUMNS 13 | Eatology

14 | Out There Kids

We lived in a refurbished sheep ranchhouse, warmed by a cheery woodstove, cozy as old bedroom slippers. A small museum was attached to the house, and a large picture window looked downstream over a wide sweep of the eternal, shining, and sibilant Snake River. DECEMBER 2017 / OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

DECEMBER 2017 WWW.OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM PUBLISHERS

Shallan & Derrick Knowles EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Derrick Knowles MANAGING EDITOR

Summer Hess ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jon Jonckers SPECIAL SECTION EDITOR

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree DIGITAL EDITOR

Siobhan Ebel COPY EDITOR

Andrew Butler

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CONTRIBUTIORS

Allison ArmfiELd S. Michal Bennett Young Bennett Siobhan Ebel Adam Gebauer Kayla Haas Rachel Harding Sarah Hauge Jon Jonckers Matt Jones Beatrice Lackaff Lisa Laughlin Amy McCaffree Ammi Midstokke Brad Northrup Erik Prichard Justin Skay Aaron Theisen Sandra Townsend Holly Weiler

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Mailing Address: PO Box #5 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 Out There Monthly is published 10 times a year by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher.

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Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are expertsor seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

Printed on 50% recycled paper with soy based inks in the Spokane Valley PROUD MEMBER Of

ON THE COVER: JESSE HANSEN, FROM WHITEFISH MT, DROPS INTO A BOWL NEAR KIMBERLEY, B.C.

Photo: Aaron Theisen 6

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

Intro: Gear We Love THERE IS A WORN, scratched, and cobweb-cov-

ered SMC ice axe that’s been hanging in one of my gear caves or another for over a decade. And I’ve never used it. This old blue ice axe is a bit too short for me, but the main reason it perpetually hangs on a wall collecting dust is that I haven’t been on a glacier or steep snowfield that required an ice axe in years. So why hold on to this un-used mountaineering tool for so long? Relationships with gear can be complicated. I have a yellow, 45 liter Black Diamond pack that my wife Shallan argues correctly is no longer yellow. It’s a frayed, stained, greasy sack with one zipper and a few straps that has followed me on long-distance wilderness treks, all-day mountain bike rides, backcountry ski tours, and down Utah slot canyons. It’s traveled to Mexico, Canada,

Ecuador, Costa Rica, Thailand, and most western North American states and provinces. And while I’m sure it has at least one more tropical surf trip left before it comes apart at the seams, these days it gets used more for hauling groceries home from the store on my back. People get attached to specific pieces of outdoor gear or clothing for lots of reasons. That BD pack may smell a bit like a dog kennel on a hot, humid day, and never mind the missing hip belt buckle and abrasion holes. I love the simplicity and familiarity of that old pack and don’t see a retirement in its future anytime soon. Back to that ice axe. It’s a sad story I rarely talk about that keeps me hanging on to this battered blue piece of steel, a hand-me-down from a friend. Brian was a few years older than me and

seemed lifetimes wiser and more experienced in the outdoor sports and other life passions we both pursued. The last time I saw him eight years ago, he showed up at the small cabin where I was living to solemnly brief me on his deteriorating predicament. The brain tumors that had already almost killed him in a climbing accident and the surgeries and treatment that followed, were striking back with a vengeance. We sat out in the Scablands and talked about the absurdity, beauty, and pain that life serves up; the off-the-map places we still wanted to visit; and we drank whiskey in the moonlight while Brian played his guitar and sang Bob Dylan and Merle Haggard to coyotes, cattle, and sagebrush. Before I knew it, he was gone, and that un-used ice axe he’d given me

after a hiking trip in the North Cascades became something more than a thing. There are pieces of gear, like my BD pack, that we use over and over again out in nature that become difficult to let go of while they have some thread of life left in them. Other artifacts of our outdoor adventures, like that ice axe, are a different, sentimental beast. We hold on even though we rarely or never use them, their presence having long ago transcended the elements they’re made of. Memories of people or moments in places we can never get back become fused with wood, aluminum, Gore-Tex, canvas, or steel. // DERRICK KNOWLES, EDITOR

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Out ThereNews&Events KALISPEL TRIBE RECEIVES GRANT TO HELP CARIBOU THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE awarded the Kalispel Tribe $96,000 through a Tribal Wildlife Grant to help fund the South Selkirk Mountain Caribou Maternal Penning Project. This grant, along with other funding that the Kalispel Tribe has obtained, will cover most of the construction and operation expenses for the project in support of protecting the South Selkirk population. The Kalispel Tribe will fund and assist in the

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS ON BIG MOUNTAIN

capture of females late this winter for placement in a maternal pen built to ensure the safety of the cows and newborn calves from predators. There are fewer than a dozen caribou remaining in the South Selkirk population, and the maternal pen project is a last ditch/stop gap measure to prevent the extirpation of these unique animals. (Jon Jonckers)

NEW VENUE FOR REEL ROCK 12 THIS YEAR Bower Climbing Coalition is hosting Reel Rock 12 December 6 at the Washington Cracker Co. Building (304 W. Pacific Ave. in Spokane), a new and bigger venue for this popular climbing film festival that has sold out in recent years. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. All proceeds support the Bower Climbing Coalition’s efforts to maintain, preserve, and expand Inland Northwest climbing. Food and beverages for this year’s event include Perry Street Brewing and Crate Street Food. This jaw-dropping climbing film festival is one of the greatest climbing film series traveling across North America. This year, Reel Rock features four unbelievable films titled “Break On Through,”

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FRED BECKEY’S LEGACY LIVES ON WASHINGTON CLIMBER Fred Beckey was a legend among Northwest Mountaineers as a climber, historian, and environmentalist. He passed away on October 30, 2017, at 94 years old. Beckey’s climbing career started at a young age, long before he became a member of Seattle’s Mountaineers Club in 1939 at age 16. Beckey climbed nearly to his dying day. Over the years, he explored thousands of remarkable first ascents on mountains across the globe. During the course of seven decades, Beckey amassed more first ascents than anyone else and authored books that are considered classics of mountaineering literature. While other guidebook authors merely recited maps and notes, Beckey created three of the

THE PANHANDLE NORDIC SKI and Snowshoe Club offers a variety of opportunities to get out on the snow on skis and snowshoes in North Idaho. All ages and levels of expertise (or non-expertise) are welcome to take advantage of the club’s free Nordic ski lessons (classic or skate). The lessons are for kids and adults who want to hone their skills. The Panhandle Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club maintains the 4th of July Pass Ski Area trail system east of Coeur d’Alene along I-90 in conjunction with the Forest Service. The club’s efforts include

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OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

most iconic guides in Washington. He wrote the “Cascade Alpine Guide” series (V1, V2 and V3). Beckey is also the author of “Mountains of North America,” “The Range of Glaciers,” “Mount McKinley: Icey Crown of North America,” and a personal narrative, “Challenge of the North Cascades.” Beckey’s life was also recently chronicled in the film “DIRTBAG: The Legend of Fred Beckey.” He never married or had children, he never pursued a professional career, and he never pursued financial security as a goal—his only goal was to climb mountains. Although he will be greatly missed, his books and climbing contributions will continue forever. (Jon Jonckers)

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“Above The Sea,” “Safety Third,” and “Stumped.” Year after year, Reel Rock delivers heart-thumping action, big laughs, and pure inspiration. However, this year is extra special. Reel Rock 12 features Margo Hayes, the first woman to climb 5.15; Brad Gobright, an up-andcoming free soloist with a donut addiction; the return of Chris Sharma to the deep-water soloing stage; and the film “Stumped.” Maureen Beck may have been born missing her lower left arm, but that hasn’t stopped her from going hard. She takes whippers on 5.12 and crushes overhanging boulders, while shot-gunning beers. But she is not here to be your inspiration. Only seeing is believing. (Jon Jonckers)

grooming the area and aiding in facility maintenance. Skiers and snowshoers who use the 4th of July Pass trail system or anyone who is looking to get more active in the winter is encouraged to join the club or participate in any of the group’s events or programs. Membership is $20 per individual with a discount for families. Park and Ski Passes for 4th of July Pass may be purchased for $25 at the club’s meetings. For more information about the club’s free ski lessons, meetings, and other events, visit Panhandlenordicclub.com. (OTM)

MOST BICYCLE FRIENDLY STATE IN AMERICA THE LEAGUE of American Bicyclists ranked Washington the most “Bicycle Friendly State in America” for 2017, according to a news release from the Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The League cited the passing of a state funding package that includes more than $20 million per year for bicycling and walking projects. They also noted WSDOT’s new Active Transportation Division. “As a State, we have invested in Safe Routes to School for a healthier next generation and in a transportation system that supports safer biking and walking mobility options for Washingtonians,” says Washington Governor Jay Inslee.

2017 marks the ninth time in the past 10 years that Washington received this honor. The League of American Bicyclists ranks each state based on infrastructure, education, legislation, policies, and continued planning. Minnesota and California ranked second and third respectively. Overall, the Bicycle Friendly America program is a tool for states, communities, businesses, and universities to make bicycling a real transportation and recreation option for all people. Learn more about the BFA or the League of American Bicyclists at Bikeleague.org/bfa. (Jon Jonckers)

BIKING THE CENTENNIAL TRAIL. // PHOTO JON JONCKERS

KIDS SKI RACING PROGRAMS AT MT. SPOKANE

INTRO TO SKI RACING SSRA STYLE.

KIDS AGES 6-11 who are interested in trying ski

racing but don’t want to commit to a full season of racing now have another option. The Spokane Ski Racing Association, a non-profit ski team operating out of Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, is offering a Holiday Camp program December 27-30 at Mt. Spokane. The cost of the camp is $200 plus lift tickets, as well as any gear a participant needs. The SSRA Holiday Camp is designed to expose young athletes to a variety of training environments and provide an introduction to alpine ski racing. Skiers will engage in directed free-skiing with drills and gate training, with a focus on developing fundamentals of alpine ski racing. SSRA’s experienced coaching staff will emphasize skill development and fun. Camp participants who decide to continue training with SSRA after the camp can apply the tuition toward any other SSRA programs. Athletes should be able to ski intermediate terrain with parallel turns and must be able to load and ride the lift alone. Gear requirements include one pair of all-mountain or junior race skis, plus a helmet, goggles, poles, and quality boots that fit well. Training is typically on the Hourglass ski run at Mt. Spokane. Training begins at 9 a.m. and

includes a lunch with parents from 11:30-12:30, followed by an afternoon session that runs until 2:30 p.m. SSRA also offers an Introduction to Ski Racing program for ages 6-11 that focusses on building fundamental skiing skills and skiing the whole mountain with confidence. This is a 6-week program offered on Sundays from January 7 through February 11 for intermediate skiers who can independently use the lift and restroom and put on and take off their own skis. In addition to directed free-skiing and exploring the mountain, this program exposes athletes to a variety of training environments. Experienced SSRA coaching staff introduce youth athletes to ski racing with an emphasis on skill development (and fun). Registration for the Introduction to Ski Racing program is $349 plus lift tickets, and three days of parent volunteering is required to help provide a quality program. SSRA offers multiple ski racing programs for kids ages 5 and up, as well as for adults who want to become expert, all-mountain skiers. Register for the Holiday Camp or Introduction to Ski Racing or learn more about SSRA at Gossra.org/holidaycamp. (OTM) //

DECEMBER 2017 / OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

MOAB FST ICE+

BITES INTO ICE DURING WINTER HIKES.

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OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

HikeOfTheMonth TRAIL #130 TO THE CCC CABIN

Mount Spokane // By Holly Weiler

ALL SMILES, AL THE TIME. // PHOTO: HOLLY WEILER

A SNOWSHOE HIKE to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cabin at Mount Spokane State Park offers some of the best views available on the snowshoe trail system and a chance to consider some interesting park history. The CCC had a spur camp in this location during the summers of the mid-1930s. Interpretive signage in the cabin explains that contract carpenters hastily constructed the original structure in preparation for a short dedication ceremony for the new camp in 1934. Short on time and money for materials, the camp superintendent requested funding from the State Park Committee to hire the project out to local carpenters, who completed the cabin in only a few days. That part of the story seems ludicrous on the surface, but it has also been a boon to park visitors over the following years. Since CCC crews did not build the cabin, it was not dismantled along with the rest of the camp at the end of the CCC era. Instead, generations of park users have enjoyed the spot as a unique destination for year-round trips. At no time of the year is it more enjoyable than during a winter visit, thanks to the warm stove inside the historic structure. Prepare for this trip by packing a picnic to enjoy at the mid-way point, along with the rest of the 10 essentials. The route begins with a climb up Trail 131 to Bald Knob Picnic Area. Winter visitors need to keep in mind that the route varies slightly from the summer trail, as snowshoe hikers are not permitted on B-29 ski run. Whereas the summer trail follows the cat track for a short distance, winter hikers should instead look for the blue diamond markers on the trees denoting a winter-only path that parallels the ski run for a short distance, then crosses a creek and climbs steeply uphill to Bald Knob Campground. This location boasts an open-air picnic shelter, also worth a visit as a good place to stop and catch oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breath. To continue to the CCC cabin, hike to the campground entrance and cross the Summit Road. Note that during the winter months, the Summit Road is part of the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s groomed snowmobile trail system. Watch for approaching snowmobiles, then cross the road to continue on Trail 130. This non-motorized winter route contours along the open hillside just below the road, and on a clear day the views extend from Post Falls to the Spokane Valley to the downtown Spokane area. At a little over two miles, enter the signed Heritage Area of the park and climb a short hill to Beauty

Mountain, home of the CCC cabin. Linger here to take in the history and enjoy that picnic, then retrace the route back to the SnoPark lot. Since the area around the CCC cabin is also open to crosscountry snowmobile travel, hikers should park their snowshoes close to the building entrance. Two bathrooms are located a short walk downhill from the cabin. Winter hours at Mount Spokane are 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., so this hike is also an excellent evening trek under the moon. DISTANCE

4.5 miles round-trip and 900 feet of elevation gain (intermediate). Getting There: From Spokane, travel north to Mount Spokane Park Drive. Continue beyond the park entrance to the upper SnoPark lot at the intersection of Mount Spokane Park Drive and the Summit Road. Remember that a SnoPark permit is required for winter visits to Mount Spokane State Park. If purchasing a day-use SnoPark permit, a Discover Pass must also be displayed.

GIVE BACK TO OUR TRAILS

The Washington Trails Association is on winter hiatus, but check back this spring for more opportunities to support public lands at wta.org/volunteer.

DECEMBER 2017 / OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

Nature

CRYPTIC, COLD-LOVING ICE CRAWLERS // By Matt Jones

ICE CRAWLER IN A HAND. // PHOTO: HOLLY WEILER

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YOU MAY NOT SEE THEM if you’re skiing the groomers; but, venture off-piste at night, and you might catch a glimpse of these cryptic, cold-loving arthropods. Scientifically, these insects are classified within the Order Notoptera and the Family grylloblatidae. These elongate, flightless insects are specially adapted to living in cold climates, living beneath the snow during the winter, and heading underground or into rocky crevices to stay cool in the summer. At night, they come out of hiding to rove the snow surface, feeding on the carcasses of other insects that have blown in on the wind from warmer areas. Like many other specialists, these organisms have specific environmental requirements that create the particular microclimates they need to survive. Namely, these organisms have evolved to thrive in cold, snowy places, typically at higher elevations, and including the proper substrate to hide within. Picky, right? In our region, a goldmine of such habitat exists: our very own Mt. Spokane State Park. Ice crawlers have probably inhabited this mountain for hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of years. Historically, the north side of the mountain has provided the undisturbed habitat that ice crawlers require. In fact, this island of perfect habitat is home to a unique species (tentatively named Grylloblatta spokanistan), not known to occur anywhere else in the world! James Bergdahl, a local insect taxonomist and complete grylloblatid guru (and the man who first identified this local species), says things may look rather gloomy for the species. Just this year, the concessionaire who leases the land from the State of Washington to run the ski hill, was granted the

permission to develop an additional 279 acres on the mountain to enhance lift-assisted terrain in the state park. Unfortunately, the highest densities of this endemic insect have been found on the site chosen for the development. In a 2014 letter to the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, Bergdahl expressed that, “This is the only known population of the exceptionally unique and rare flightless insect in Washington State east of the Cascades Mountains.” He adds that, “individuals [of this group] have long life spans and low reproductive potential, which make their populations very vulnerable to an increase in mortality factors associated with habitat and climate.” Compared to large “charismatic mega-fauna,” sensitive insects rarely garner the attention required to gain any kind of protection from development. Time will tell what the change in habitat on Mount Spokane will cost the ice crawlers who call this place home. More than just the conservation of a rare endemic insect, this situation gives us the opportunity to ask bigger questions: Since every natural area has unique organisms that have evolved to inhabit that specific place, are we paying enough attention to the species with whom we share these spaces? And whether it’s a strange, snow-dwelling, insect-carcass-consuming arthropod, or a recognized and well-loved plant or animal, are our recreational habits more valuable than their right to exist on this planet? // Matt Jones is a PhD candidate in the Dept. of Entomology at WSU who enjoys alpine climbing, backcountry skiing, surfing, and gardening. This is his first piece in Out There.

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Eatology

BCAAS: NUTRITION WITCHCRAFT OR FOOD SCIENCE? // By Ammi Midstokke

EATING HAS BECOME an overwhelmingly

involved practice these days. From determining whether or not we should avoid gluten, dairy, red meat, and salt, to secret ingredients that promise to change your life, it’s hard to keep up with the latest trends—not to mention adapt our plates to them. If you’ve left your house any time recently, passed a hydrating soccer team or a grocery store, you’ll have no doubt seen or heard of BCAAs, or Branched-Chain Amino Acids. What the hell are these things supposed to be and do anyway? Why are we spending $40 or more on them? Do they actually work? Here’s your primer, and how to determine whether this new, market fad is one you may benefit from. BCAAs are a type of amino acid that make up a large portion of your muscle mass (about 35%). They are essential, meaning we cannot manufacture them ourselves but must actually consume them. Basically, they’re protein. Based on the unique way these proteins are metabolized, scientists in white coats have been feeding them to lab rats for a long time to observe both their benefits and shortcomings in everything from cognition to starvation to glucose metabolism. If you are a weight lifter, someone has been trying to sell you these for years. Studies are showing that consuming these proteins during and subsequent to training can increase the effectiveness of the workout and improve recovery. Some of the most promising studies show that consuming BCAAs after working out reduces muscle soreness significantly. A double-blind study even reported an impressive 80% reduction in perceived soreness. Other studies demonstrate that consuming BCAAs with the intention of increasing muscle mass was more effective than using other protein supplementation, such as whey. Some suggest they aid in a reduction of fatigue and increased endurance in long distance runners. Reading these few lines is almost enough to send us all running to GNC for the latest and greatest. I can work out harder and hurt less? Then I want to buy 1,000 bottles!!! Hold onto your pocket book. While some suggest we’re all deficient in amino

acids, studies also tell us that if we are eating enough dietary protein, we are likely not deficient in these essential amino acids. The question is then, are we are asking our bodies to do inordinate things that require inordinate supplies of BCAA? Probably. Other studies show us that excessive supplementation of BCAA can possibly trigger or cause ALS like symptoms (there’s a bucket of cold water to throw on a good idea), increase ammonia in the blood (this causes fatigue), and decrease the absorption of other important proteins. Once again, we learn that you can get too much of a good thing. Furthermore, studies of individuals tinkering with a ketogenic diet found that rather than supporting glucose sensitivity, elevations in BCAAs in the blood stream correlated to a reduction in lean muscle mass. So while taking them on a calorierestricted diet for body mass optimization may be effective, a super low-carb human may get the opposite results. So if we were going to buy into this latest fad, perhaps it would behoove us to consider what kind of dosing might be appropriate to our unique needs. More is not necessarily better. However, finding the right dose can be challenging. There is not enough research out there for us to determine precisely how many grams per pound of body weight we might benefit from. And, because all of our diets are unique, making a general recommendation is, well, not recommended. But now it’s confession time: I eat a ridiculous amount of dead animal, and I take BCAA before and after my workouts when I remember. The nutritionist in me says: Try them if you’re curious. Take the standard dose on the product you source, and see how you feel. The athletes in my practice are hooked and making super hero claims. Or at least they feel well enough to keep going back to the gym. Whether placebo or real, that’s a great side effect. // Ammi Midstokke lives in Sandpoint, ID, where she raises her daughter on a deeply-ingrained fear of gluten and an arguably-dangerous appetite for adventure. Her Eatology column appears in every issue of Out There.

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NERDING OUT ON BRANCHED-CHAIN AMINO ACIDS For those who want to dig a bit deeper, here are the BCAA-related studies that Ammi referenced: • Falavigna, G. et al. (2012) • Guano, A.B. et al. (2011) • Manuel, M. and Heckman, C.J. (2011) • Shimomura, Y. et al. (2010) • Stoppani, J. et al. (2009) DECEMBER 2017 / OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

KIDS++++++

++++++

WINTER FUN THAT DOESN’T REQUIRE A CHAIRLIFT // Amy S. McCaffree OutThereMonthly.com called “Mountain Sledding: Finding Places to Slide on Snow.” SNOWSHOEING

STREET HOCKEY KEEPS KIDS ENTERTAINED AND WARM. // PHOTO: AMY S. MCCAFFREE

DON’T SKI OR SNOWBOARD? No problem. Carpe diem this winter and play in the snow outside your door. Here are four wintry adventures that don’t require a resort lift ticket. SNOW TUBING

Get a sled from a local hardware store and find a park or schoolyard with any sizable hill—small ones are great for toddlers and preschoolers. Gear up your kids with weatherproof clothing so they stay warm and dry, and have them wear ski helmets and goggles, if possible, for better protection from injury. Bring along an old-school thermos

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

filled with hot cocoa, and spend an hour or more having old-fashioned fun. In Spokane, popular sledding hills can be found at Manito Park and Chase Middle School, both located on Spokane’s South Hill. My friends around Spokane County recommend Mission Park in east Spokane, the hill behind the ROTC building on Eastern Washington University’s campus in Cheney, Sky Prairie Park near the Five Mile hill in northwest Spokane, and Holmberg Park near Whitworth University. For more tubing locations, at local ski resorts and in Idaho, check out S. Michal Bennett’s story at

It’s almost as easy as walking. Borrow gear from friends or rent from a local shop. Snowshoes just strap on your own boots. If snow is deep enough where you live (at least 8-12 inches), you may be able to snowshoe wherever it hasn’t been plowed or packed down. The heavier you are, the deeper you sink into the snow. Little kids do better at floating on top of snow with their itty-bitty snowshoes. Or, head to a trail at a public park or Riverside State Park, such as the Deep Creek trail. You could even drive up to a mountainous trail. Be sure you have the proper Wash. or Idaho state park pass and winter trail permits for your vehicle. Wear layers (you’ll get warm quickly) and remember that snowshoeing can take up to three times as long (or more) as walking the same distance, especially with children. For more details about gear and tips for snowshoeing with children, check out my article “Family Fun on Snowshoes” from last winter. For snowshoeing with babies, see the tips from OTM’s Aaron Theisen’s article “Snowshoeing with Children: Tips for Keeping Warm and Having Fun.” Both of those articles are posted on Out There’s website. SNOW FORTS

These are super easy and super fun. Snow conditions just need to be suitably wet enough to make a good fort. It can’t be too dry. But, if snow is

packed, solid, and doesn’t just have a frozen top crust, it can more easily be cut into blocks. You can also burrow a tunnel into the side of a large snow pile that was created by shoveling or a snow plow. If you haven’t made a snow fort before, there are some great ideas online. Safety Warnings: whether it’s a snow tunnel or fort, kids should always enter feet first. If the snow roof collapses on top of a child, he or she can suffocate. Also, avoid playing in snow near a roof with overhanging snow pack as it can slide or break off. SNOW PEOPLE

Everyone has made a snowman, but have you ever made a snowdog? Snowskier? Snow punkrocker? Liven up the traditional snow person with creative accessories, colored spray chalk (you can make your own at home!), and battery-powered outdoor LED lights. When I was a kid, my dad once helped us use long 2x4 boards and ladders to make a family of giant snow people. Last winter, the Conrad family in Spokane Valley made a 22-foot Olaf in their front yard. What could your family create? It’s doesn’t have to be amazing; it just needs to be fun. // Amy McCaffree plays in the snow with her husband and their two children and husky. She is Out There’s special section editor and wrote most of the Family Winter Sports Guide in the October issue. Follow her adventures on Facebook @AmyOutdoorsSpokane or Instagram @adventure_amy_spokane.

FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADERS SKI FREE WITH SKI IDAHO’S PASSPORT PROGRAM // By Lisa Laughlin

TOP: A GROUP OF FIFTH GRADE SKIERS FROM A SANDPOINT AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. LEFT: SOUTH BOWL, OFF THE LAKEVIEW TRIPLE. RIGHT: A GROUP OF FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADERS TAKE THE BASIN EXPRESS TO ACCESS MIDWAY AT SCHWEITZER. // PHOTOS: SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT

THIS WINTER, Ski Idaho celebrates its 20th anni-

versary by once again offering its Ski Free Passport program to fifth-and sixth-grade students. While students have a limited number of days they can ski free, there are some perks that may not seem obvious. Fifth graders get three free ski days at any participating resort, and sixth graders get two free ski days at any participating resort, but both ages can use their two or three free days at each participating resort. This means, if you’re a fifth grader and have travel-willing parents, you could ski three days at each of the 18 participating Idaho resorts for a total of 54 free ski days. “The free days are amazing perks, but the lifelong connection to the mountain and snow sports is huge,” says Dig Chrismer, Marketing Manager at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. “Free helps get them to the mountains; the passion keeps them coming back.” The Ski Idaho Passport program is available to fifth and sixth graders from any state or country, though all the participating resorts are located in Idaho. Passports can be purchased online at Skiidaho.us and are made available for mobile access or to print at home. Each mountain will scan an electronic code on the passport to track the number of free days used. “In the beginning, we were seeing a lot of our local kids taking advantage of this program, but as time has gone on, more destination guests are tak-

ing advantage since you don’t have to live in Idaho to get the free days,” adds Chrismer. If your child fits the age for the program, it works as a discount for the whole family to ski. Ski Idaho notes that the program has encouraged parents who were former skiers to reengage, and it prepares students for middle school or high school ski teams and clubs. “Fifth and sixth graders are at a crucial age in their development where they are choosing healthy lifestyle activities, including sports like skiing and snowboarding, over more sedentary activities,” explains Tony Harrison, a Ski Idaho representative. January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, and Chrismer recommends it as a great time to take advantage of the passport program. Holiday crowds have usually thinned, and conditions tend to peak. Developing healthy habits is one reason the Ski Idaho Passport program focuses on the fifth and sixth grade age group. Chrismer has seen other perks with engaging this age group, too. “One of the best benefits for our local kids is that winters are long and cold in north Idaho. Getting involved with skiing and snowboarding helps keep them connected to outdoor sports all year long,” she says. “Playing outside is key to staying healthy both mentally and physically.” The fifth and sixth grade age group is also the perfect time for kids to start exploring the mountain, Chrismer explains. “Kids are old enough to

know how to stay warm and comfortable on the slopes. [They] still have the fearlessness that we see in younger kids.” Each passport requires a one-time online purchase fee of $15, and when they get to the mountain, students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the passport to be valid. While the passport does not include lessons or guided tours, Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers half day lessons for $49, which are available seven days a week. “Skiing and snowboarding have a reputation of being pricey, and while that can be true, there are ways to find great deals on gear and lift tickets if people research the resorts,” Chrismer says. For example there are also beginner packages for lessons and rentals to get other family members involved. Schweitzer’s “Beginner 1-2-3” lesson package for adults, paired with some free passports for kids of the right age, can create a new learning experience for the whole family. “Make plans to really give these sports a chance,” Chrismer says. “One day on the mountain is a good start, two is better, and the third time is the charm. As with anything new, the more time you can spend on your skis, the better!” Resorts participating in the Ski Free Passport program include Silver Mountain, Schweitzer, Lookout Pass, Sun Valley, Grand Targhee, Brundage Mountain, Tamarack, Cottonwood Butte, and other Idaho resorts. Find all the details at Skiidaho.us. //

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Backcountry FINDING THE SLEEPING DRAGON

Assessing Avalanche Risks // By Aaron Theisen DUDLEY IMPROTA, an avalanche specialist with the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation (WCMAC), carefully digs a pit on a finger ridge, high on the slopes of Morrell Mountain, in the Swan Range east of Seeley Lake. He uses the blade of his aluminum shovel to shave the sides, isolating a crosssection of the snow as long as his shovel handle and as deep as the blade. He pokes his finger into a thin ribbon a foot below the surface, as if checking the consistency of a still-baking layer cake. He swipes at the snow with a brush, examining the layers like an archaeologist or the investigator at the scene of a crime that hasn’t happened yet. Finally, he takes the scoop of his shovel, places it atop the wall of the pit, pounds with his hand, and the top layer of snow slides off en masse. Each year, avalanches bury about 30 skiers, snowmobilers and other backcountry enthusiasts in the U.S.; in fact, avalanches kill more people on national forest land than any other natural hazard. And with wilder winters and the increasing popularity in winter backcountry recreation, the potential for tragedy grows every year. That’s why savvy backcountry travelers swear by their local avalanche advisory—after all, it may mean the difference between life and death. Unlike the sophisticated satellite-aided analysis of traditional weather forecasting, avalanche study requires field observation in some of the most remote, snow-choked terrain in the lower 48 states. The hallmark techniques for snow stability are pit tests, by which avalanche specialists can assess the potential for initiation—the likelihood of a fracture occurring in a weak layer of snow—and

propagation—the likelihood that a sliding upper layer will “run” across a distance. Improta, who cofounded and staffs the WCMAC with avalanche specialist Steve Karkanen, likens it to “finding the sleeping dragon.” Like a spring-loaded bear trap, avalanches usually require a push to release their potential energy—and that push often comes from the bottom of a sled tread or a ski. As an avalanche specialist, “you’re out enough that you see people doing interesting things or taking bigger risks than you would,” says Improta.

SOMEWHERE ON TIGER PEAK. // PHOTO: AARON THEISEN

“Their skill level is such that they can negotiate steep slopes, but their avalanche knowledge isn’t.” Advances in snowsport technology, from fat, stable powder skis to more powerful snowmobiles,

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• Avalanche Level 1, Jan. 17 – 20, 2018, Schweitzer Mountain Resort • Avalanche Level 1, Jan. 31 – Feb. 3, 2018, REI Spokane & Lookout Pass $350 More info: Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education (Soleexperiences.org) • AIARE Level 1, Jan. 6-8, 2018, Flatiron Mountain, MT • Youth Specific AIARE Level 1 (16-25 years old only), Jan. 13-15, 2018, Schweitzer Mountain Resort • Women’s Specific AIARE Level 1, Jan. 19-21, 2018, Flatiron Mountain, MT (SheJumps exclusive, includes lodging) • AIARE Level 1, Feb. 24-26, 2018, Downing Mountain Lodge, Hamilton, MT • AIARE Level 2, Feb. 28-March 2, 2018, Downing Mountain Lodge, Hamilton, MT • AIARE Avalanche Rescue, Feb. 27, 2018, Downing Mountain Lodge, Hamilton, MT

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have also enabled recreationists to get farther into the backcountry in search of new stashes. The explosive popularity of winter backcountry recreation—with backcountry ski sales seeing annual double-digit gains in recent years—means avalanche specialists are digging more pits in more places. Says Improta, “More people are in the backcountry now since the gear can get them there. And since more people are there, more people are seeing what can happen—and sometimes that’s what it takes to make you a believer.” But safe backcountry recreation still requires more than mere faith in a bulletin; it’s a dynamic mix of interpreting one’s surroundings and the conditions, not only of the snow but of one’s group. “An avalanche advisory is just that—an advisory; it gives a skier or sledder a place to start,” says Improta. “Fortunately, I think a lot of people do understand that you can get good information from the advisories, but in the end you’ve got to make a call.” Aaron Theisen is the author of the forthcoming “Day Hiking Glacier National Park and Western Montana” (Mountaineers Books). He wrote about Montana fall hikes in the October issue.

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CrossCountrySkiing RENT NORDIC GEAR ON MOUNT SPOKANE By Lisa Laughlin

LEFT: AN INSIDE GLANCE AT THE RENTAL TRAILER, INCLUDING A WARMING FIREPLACE AND SOME SUPPLIES FOR PURCHASE. RIGHT: THE OUTSIDE OF THE FITNESS FANATICS RENTAL TRAILER AT SELKIRK LODGE ON MOUNT SPOKANE.

WHAT BETTER WAY to cut out travel time than to rent gear in the place you intend to use it? Fitness Fanatics had a similar idea a few years ago when it set up a satellite operation at the Selkirk Lodge on Mount Spokane, making it easy to rent gear on the mountain. If you’ve always wanted to try a Nordic sport, you can book a rental online from your couch, pop up to the Fitness Fanatics trailer the next day (with your required passes), and soon be gliding along groomed trails. “Skate skiing is my passion, and I want to get more people involved,” says Fitness Fanatics owner Robin DeRuwe. “It’s like rollerblading on skis. You’ll see some of the highest heart rates, and it’s the most intensive. It’s great if you’re someone who likes to push yourself.” The Fitness Fanatics trailer provides much more than skate skis too. Experienced and novice athletes alike can rent snowshoes and classic skis, purchase gear such as wax, socks, and shoes, or simply head into the trailer to warm up next to the fireplace and chat with knowledgeable outdoor enthusiasts. “I wanted to help build up the Nordic community by creating something that was convenient,” says DeRuwe, who recognized Mount Spokane could use a mobile gear rental service. This winter, the trailer will open on December 1 for its fourth season on the mountain. “It’s a lot of work for not much money,” admits DeRuwe, which attests to Fitness Fanatic’s passion for the outdoor sports and people they serve. When asked about the highlight of running the company for 29 years, DeRuwe immediately replied, “My customers! They’re awesome. They become my friends.” DeRuwe skis the mountain most mornings before heading into work at her Fitness Fanatics permanent store location on Trent Avenue in Spokane Valley so that she can share up-to-date information on mountain conditions with her customers. “People just need to get up to the mountain, it’s beautiful up there,” says DeRuwe. “With classic skis, it’s basically a peaceful hike on skis. It can be so sunny up there when it’s foggy and miserable down in Spokane.”

RESERVING & RENTING GEAR

To guarantee a rental in your size at the Fitness Fanatics trailer, you’ll need to reserve gear online by 6 p.m. the night before your outing. DeRuwe and her staff make nightly runs between their home base shop and the mountain to keep the trailer stocked with about 200 pairs of skis, but your reservation will ensure your size is among them before you go. If you’re already an experienced Nordic skier, the Fitness Fanatics trailer can provide an opportunity to test the newest gear for a day. Check out Fitness Fanatics’ website for rental prices (ranging from $20-40 for one day), grooming reports, an online trails map, and information on required permit prices. The website also hosts a live feed from a weather station installed at Quartz Peak’s SNOTEL site, located in the middle of the Nordic trail system, to give hourly snow depth and temperature updates. WHAT TO WEAR

The Fitness Fanatics trailer stocks a few clothing essentials, but you should come dressed for the sport of your choice. With Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, you generate your own heat as you might while running, so dressing heavily like you might for downhill skiing will likely leave you overheated. DeRuwe recommends dressing in layers including a thermal top and wind jacket, avoiding cotton or jeans, and possibly packing a backpack with water and snacks. If you plan to snowshoe, you will need to bring your own snow boots. Wearing good socks is also key prep for a day on the snow. If you need any gear before heading up to the mountain, stop by the Fitness Fanatics shop in Spokane Valley. GETTING IN NORDIC SHAPE

You don’t need to be a professional athlete to give Nordic skiing a shot, but you should be active on a regular basis and prepare for unexpected mountain conditions. “You need to make sure you’re physically able,” says DeRuwe. “Nordic skiing is a full-body workout, head to toe. If you’re doing it correctly, it’s 60 percent arms and 40 percent legs.”

DeRuwe says that with activities like running, walking, and biking, you spend a lot of time moving backward and forward. But, as she explains, “With skate skiing, you get side-to-side abduction movement, which is really great for cross training to build balance and core strength.” Whether you’re a serious athlete or not, it’s best to approach a new sport without expectation and to focus on having fun and getting outside. SAFETY ON THE TRAILS

Fitness Fanatics encourages people to try new sports, but DeRuwe emphasizes the need for safety. “A lot of people forget to hydrate when it’s cold out,” she says. Renters should remember that they’re participating in an activity that requires coordination and balance, and that they’re exercising in an area where cell phone coverage is not reliable. If you’re new to the mountain, you may want to pick a clear and sunny day, as it’s easy to get disoriented in foggy or snowy conditions. All Nordic trail intersections are marked, and if you stay on the trail you’ll always have a line of pine trees as guides.

lime, cherry, chocolate

LESSONS & GUIDED TOURS

Fitness Fanatics offers lessons and guided tours on the mountain for individuals or groups. If you’d like to try a new sport with your whole family, sign up for a private lesson. PASS/PERMIT INFO & FITNESS FANATICS TRAILER HOURS

The Fitness Fanatics trailer at Selkirk Lodge is open five days a week, Thursday through Monday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To access the Nordic trails on Mount Spokane, make sure you have a valid Sno-Park permit. A Sno-Park Day Pass for parking and Nordic trail use is $22. Find a full list of rental prices and required pass information at Fitfanatics.com. And, once you’re off the mountain, check out Fitness Fanatic’s permanent location 12425 E. Trent in Spokane Valley for Nordic skiing, running, swimming, and biking equipment and apparel. //

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GEAR we love Some of us hang on to beloved pieces of outdoor equipment because of the memories and bonds that can form through shared adventures. Others find the perfect fit or function and can’t bear to let it, whatever it is, go until, maybe, piled on the floor it begins to resemble compost more than the backpack you bought in high school. And sometimes we simply grow too accustomed to and comfortable with workhorse outdoor paraphernalia to ever give it up. In the following three pages, we pay homage to some of the gear that gets us out there on unforgettable adventures, up in the morning for pre-dawn runs, out the door to the coffee shop on a rainy day, and on the trail trekking day after day. Enjoy these stories about the gear we love!

best friend of steel JUSTIN WITH A FEW BUGS IN HIS PEARLY WHITES. // PHOTO COURTESY OF JUSTIN SKAY

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

WE BOND WITH OUR EQUIPMENT, at least in part, through what we endure with each other. Mine bears the harsh burden of abuse because I want only worthy things, and I am consistently clumsy. Sixto Rodriguez III, my wheeled friend of steel, has survived much of this heavy-handed attrition, albeit with two front triangle rebuilds. His story will elucidate my near-human adoration. Named for the regrettably obscure folk singer, Sixto was enlivened in the subterranean shop of R&E Cycles, whose brand name is Rodriguez. Our inaugural excursion stretched from Seattle to Washington, D.C., though I had dreamed of extending the trip to Christmas in Key West. In reality, perhaps I should have turned around after my last night in Republic, Wash., or at least paused to reflect. My cursory cruise through town revealed a forlorn thoroughfare inhabited by a few locals loitering in front of a closed business. I noted cafes, coffee shops, and bars. Returning, I saw the stragglers had organized into a lumpy line. I decided to be cooler than I felt and ask why. When the group turned to face me, they revealed their answer wordlessly. Behind them a temporary sign read “Republic Brewing Company,” the first of its kind since Prohibition. It was opening day. After teetering back to the yurt I had been instantly invited to stay in, I spent three days laughing, learning, and bonding with Republicans. Near the end of the third night, the brewery’s lengthening shadow told me it was time for Sixto and me to hit the road. I bid new friends farewell, exchanging numbers faster than the national debt clock, and rode refreshed into woefully insufficient light looking for a campsite. A half-hour on, I spotted the scantest fragment of flat ground as a passing train illuminated the roadside terrain. Camping so close to the tracks meant that rest would be shaky at best, but noting the location of the flat spot in the enveloping dark, I made a decisive right turn down the slope. A hidden drop and massive rock launched me over or through a fence with prepositions and nouns mixing midair. I landed midway to my campsite, head downhill, Sixto entangled above me like a lost sheep. Other than a bruise and self-healer here and there, I seemed intact. By the light of a dusty quarter moon, Sixto looked shipshape, and I flopped atop tree roots for a restless night. The train clanged by again at 4 a.m., and I sat up stiffly, feeling pains I hadn’t the night before. I reached up and touched dried blood above my left eye, the broad burn of road rash on my right leg. At first light, sighting down Sixto’s top tube, I detected a shallow crease on the left side, as if a child had hit it with a hatchet. Bummed but unbroken, we heaved sorely up the steep slope to the road, and limped over Sherman Pass to Kettle Falls, where I found a hardware store and bought a straightedge.

by Justin Skay The tube was bent. I had months to go, and no inkling of full repair. Not wishing to purchase a rubber mallet for three whacks, I resorted to carefully kicking the side opposite the crease, afraid to rebend or break the weakened tube. I finally stomped it as close as I dared. Regaining some momentum, Sixto and I blew into Montana past lumbering bears foraging berries and towering sunlit spires adorning Going-to-theSun Road. Over the Divide, down and east, relentless prairie winds pushed us over 300 miles in three days along the bank-full Missouri, her spillways shuddering with excess snowmelt. The stale sigh of the Midwest brought more corn than I cared to see again, having survived 17 years in that part of the country. East of Omaha, we joined 20,000 other cyclists on an organized ride traversing the corniest of states: Iowa. For six days we utterly dominated both lanes of snoozer views. Friends joined and left our ride, corn yielded to forest, and cold fall rain made Florida sunshine seem a clammy world away. Washington (state) to Washington (D.C.) started to sound round enough. Our final three days to the Capitol were spent mucking through a soggy trail along a canal barely distinguishable from it. My welcome was as sodden as the final slog to it. Whichever posh quadrant of D.C. I’d popped into, someone smelled out of place. In damp shorts, a crinkled, musty wool shirt, and stained ball cap covering greasy, tangled hair, I bellied up between a mover and two shakers, drank three $7 pints in silence, and listened to my barstool companions’ talk about their futures. For me, the future necessitated a painful separation. Sixto and I had been together every minute for five months, rarely more than a reach away. He had provided shelter, comfort, and access; I had fixed him repeatedly, and he me. Now dismembered, Sixto went west to the bike doctor’s laser, whose true eye told us my foot had failed to accurately align. So, for $250, R&E rebuilt his front triangle, and Sixto II was born. Reunited in Seattle, Sixto felt closer than ever, even only half himself. Far from languishing in local bike life, however, we would test our friendship out there repeatedly in ensuing years. During tribulations in Utah’s Canyonlands, even as welds cracked and crumbled, indestructible bonds of friendship were forever cemented, first with the second, then third iteration of my most treasured two-wheeled tool of endless exploration. // Justin Skay spins pedals whenever he can and has almost equal admiration for his other dream machine—an Ice Cream Truck fatty named Debo. He wrote about the science behind the Finch Arboretum in October.

Super old Superfeet by Sarah Hauge

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THE PERFECT FOOTPRINT. // PHOTO: SARAH HAUGE

I HAVE MY PRE-RUN ROUTINE DOWN. The alarm

goes off at 5:40 in the morning. I snooze until 5:49 then tiptoe downstairs in the dark, carrying the pile of gear I laid out the night before, careful not to disturb my husband or daughters. The goal is to finish most of my run before anyone awakens; the last thing I want is a cranky kid up too soon. I feed the dog, sip a half cup of coffee, and queue up a playlist. I’m as quiet as possible, reflexively wincing if I so much as drop a spoon or bump a chair. Just before I head out the door, I put on my shoes. SQUEAK! SQUEAK! SQUEEEEAK! The sound cuts through the house, comically undermining my efforts at silence. I already know it won’t work, but I try walking on the outside edges of my feet, then my tiptoes, hoping the noise will cease. SQUEEEEEEEEAK. I hear stirring and a cough from my daughters’ room and rush out the door before anyone emerges. The source of the squeaking—which I tend to forget in the mental haze of early morning—is my Superfeet. These green shoe insoles are my running mainstays, the squeaking (luckily noticeable only while walking, not running) a worthwhile tradeoff for necessary foot support. I first purchased Superfeet about 15 years ago, on the recommendation of a running store employee who thought they’d ward off repeat injuries. The insoles’ stiffness took some getting used to, but before long I appreciated it. My aches and pains lessened; I was a Superfeet convert and have worn them for just about every run since. Simply put, they work. But recently, I paused to ask myself—are they working? Sure, they did 15 years ago. But that was 15 years ago. Since then I’ve had IT band problems even with the insoles. Plus, I cross-train more purposefully than I did in my 20s; maybe I no longer have the muscle imbalances that contributed to my injuries in the first place. Curious, I looked up the anticipated lifespan of Superfeet on their web site. “You can count on reliable comfort and support for up to 12 months or 500 miles, whichever comes first.” I laughed out loud. In 15 years, I’ve replaced them once. Ignoring the mileage component, that

alone puts me 13 pairs off the pace. These little noisemakers are not only threatening my peaceful mornings, they’re likely not doing a thing for me. I can imagine what you’re probably thinking: Duh. Proper gear is not a “set it and forget it” operation, like a slow cooker or a DVR. Bodies change, and so does technology. I’ve stretched the insoles’ lifetime to the point of absurdity. Here’s the thing, though: even knowing what I know now, I’m not going to stop wearing them. I doubt I’ll even buy a new pair. This isn’t logical—frankly, it’s kind of lazy. But I want running to remain a set-it-and-forget-it part of my life. There are plenty of research-loving gearheads who find pleasure in ferreting out the ideal product for any problem, but such quests have the opposite effect on me. I know my tendency to overthink and fret. My brain is full of questions and worries enough; I’m sure anyone who follows the news cycle can relate. I need running to clear my head, not fill it

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I WAS A SUPERFEET CONVERT AND HAVE WORN THEM FOR JUST ABOUT EVERY RUN SINCE. SIMPLY PUT, THEY WORK. BUT RECENTLY, I PAUSED TO ASK MYSELF—ARE THEY WORKING? with more to stress over. Yes, it’s absurd to think my ancient Superfeet are really helping, but they don’t seem to be hurting—and sometimes, not hurting is enough. // Sarah Hauge will be running the Turkey Trot at Manito Park with her six year-old on Thanksgiving morning. She wrote about her experience as part of Out There’s Spokane to Sandpoint relay team in April of last year. DECEMBER 2017 / OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

the perfect hat by S. Michal Bennett

THE AUTHOR HOKIN’ IT IN HER PERFECT HAT. // PHOTO: YOUNG BENNETT

I’VE ALWAYS DESPERATELY wanted to be a hat

person, but that perfectly fitting topper continues to elude me. Usually, my head is too small, or the hat is too big. There are two exceptions: a little black JAX hat from Missoula and a wool Lost Horizons earflap beanie. Since I bought the beanie in 2009, it has become my adult security blanket, especially when it’s cold outside. I discovered Lost Horizon in 2008 when I started working at Pilgrim’s Market, a natural food store in Coeur d’Alene. As a member of the Fair Trade Commission, they have been collaborating with women in Nepal for over 25 years to develop knitting associations that train and employ local women as skilled artisanal knitters. Not only do they source hand-knit, original sweaters, hats, and accessories from these women, but they also bring value, sustainability, and a living wage to the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. For months, I perused Pilgrim’s selection of hats, hoping one would speak to me. Each Lost Horizon design and color scheme is unique, an artistic expres-

sion of the woman who created it, so I had a wide variety to consider. Then, there’s my emotional history with hats. My decision certainly wasn’t a simple one. The week before Black Friday in 2009, the store received a new order of hats, mittens, and scarves. As soon as they were on the floor racks, I was checking out the new styles. And there was my hat. The colors were earthy with a splash of color. It was wool, but also fleece-lined for a no-itch feel. It was just the right amount of “hippie” and “hip.” It had earflaps, which might be considered dorky, but were a plus for me. And it fit my head perfectly. That winter, I wore my new hat while hiking, riding my bike to work, getting coffee downtown, and snuggling under the covers in our under-heated bedroom. I discovered that, unlike other beanies or hats, it was gentle on my cropped hair. Nine times out of 10, I felt confident that I could wear it and remove it in public, and still have a good hair day. By spring, it had become the first hat I reached for when it was chilly. It’s been eight years since I invested in the women of Nepal with my little purchase, and this sweet winter hat is still my favorite. It has traveled with me to Montana, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, Canada, and Ethiopia. It has provided comforting warmth in blizzards, tents, trails, family gatherings, sick days, friend talks, and quiet morning meditations. It is the hat I put on when I get up at 5 a.m. to write for a deadline. It is what I am wearing now as I write about it. // S. Michal Bennett enjoys exploring the food, drink, waterways, mountains, and culture that makes the Inland Northwest unique. Her recent published adventures include an exploration of regional yurt accommodations and a story about a weekend excursion to Gold Creek Lodge on Lake Pend Oreille.

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goofy, indispensable Trekking poles by Erik Prichard

STAY ON YOUR FEET WITH THESE IN YOUR HANDS // PHOTO: ERIK PRICHARD

HILARIOUS. GOOFY. USELESS. Cumbersome.

Those were my thoughts when I would see someone hiking with trekking poles back in the late 90s when my love for the outdoors was beginning to take shape. Why would anyone want to lug those things around the forest unless they were elderly or handicapped? Weren’t they meant for skiing? I quickly fell into my usual train of thought and assumed that crafty marketing had pulled another fast one on consumers, feeding their constant quest for the next greatest thing to make their lives easier. I was determined not to fall for it. Then, in late 2001, I was preparing for a thruhike of the Appalachian Trail, scrolling through eBay, looking for, you guessed it, trekking poles. A well-respected friend had convinced me that they were essential on a long distance hike, so I decided to give them a go. They were titanium—with cork grips, and carbide tips—the Cadillacs of the era. I figured if they were all they were cracked up to be, I might as well go with a quality pair. After all, they had to last the 2,169 miles from Georgia to Maine. At 23 years old, standing in the Georgia rain with 50 lbs. of gear propped up on spindly titanium poles, I nervously questioned my ability to walk all the way to Maine. What had I gotten myself into? It seemed too late to change my mind. Farewells and hugs behind me, I pointed my boots north and began the first of many steps and trekking pole strides up the East Coast. Six months and 10 days later, I summited Mt. Katahdin in Maine after a journey that had changed my life forever. I had worn through six pairs of shoes, two backpacks, and over a million calories. Not only were my trekking poles with me the whole

way, but they had also become my all-time favorite piece of gear. During my AT hike, I witnessed pole-free hikers turn into T-Rex lookalikes with lanky, atrophied arms and tree trunks for legs. Most of them either ended up buying poles or crafting some out of carefully selected branches. Either way, the consensus was that they were nearly essential. Not only do they give your upper body a workout and relieve some of the “legwork”, but they also help you maintain balance while fording rivers or traversing through rocky sections. Climbing an extended steep grade, you can shorten them and then lengthen them on the descent, saving your knees the impact of the extra force. Nowadays, trekking poles have become more commonplace, and for good reason. With the more prevalent use of carbon fiber, along with avalanche probe design, they have become lighter than ever before—some weigh under a pound for a pair. Even long-distance trail runners are finding them beneficial to carry. However, if you like to travel by foot, chances are trekking poles will help you reach your destination. Today, I (somewhat embarrassingly) own three pairs. All have their purpose, but only one stands out: My 15-year-old pair that went the distance with me. Covered in scratches and stickers, they will forever remind me of that journey I took up the East Coast happily looking hilarious and goofy. // When Erik Prichard is not writing, you’ll most likely find him trail running with his dog Miles searching for new trails. He wrote about mountain biking at night in October. DECEMBER 2017 / OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

Inland NWLocal Holiday Our annual gift guide leans heavily towards things and experiences you can buy here locally from a real person at a real shop. We include gift ideas for the gear geeks that are inevitably on your list, as well as a wide range of cool and unique items for the less outdoorsy people you’ll no doubt be shopping for. Joy is in the giving, and it feels even better when you’re keeping dollars here in the local community. Use this guide to get your shopping done quick so that you can get back on the trail or slopes where you belong! (OTM)

By Amy S. McCaffree, Jon Jonckers, & Derrick Knowles

NORTHWEST APPAREL WOMEN’S ACTIVE APPAREL

Title 9’s “Thermalite” fleece-lined tights ($89) work as an alpine-sport base layer or running pants, or can be worn as an everyday comfy-casual option when paired with a Title 9 dress or hooded full-zip sweater tunic ($149) or warm dress ($89-$179). For a cute and cozy après ski outfit, pick up a poly-wool skirt ($89) or “Alpha Omega” skirt ($69) from Title 9, or Skhoop brand Bun Warmer wind and water-resistant skirt ($119). Sweater skirts are also available at Mountain Gear, such as the merino wool Ibex Fresco ($120). (ASM)

HIKING/RUNNING/MULTISPORT TRACTION DEVICES

PUFFY JACKET

Every Inland Northwest resident should have a good “puffy,” also known as a goose-down vest or jacket, for everything from walking to the pub to winter camping. It keeps a person warm and dry as an outerlayer on dry days and under a weatherproof shell in snow or rain. Mountain Gear has a wide variety of high-quality brands available, including Patagonia, one of the world’s most socially responsible and sustainability-minded outdoor gear corporations. Patagonia has a Nano Puff vest ($149), jacket ($199), and hoody jacket ($249). All Patagonia products have an “Ironclad guarantee,” making this a puffy for life. (ASM)

Over-the-sole traction devices for winter boots or running shoes provide stability on slippery surfaces from city sidewalks to snowy trails, especially when deep snow covers pesky ice. Types include Petzl Spiky Plus for running or winter boots ($35), Kahtoola NanoSpikes ($50), or Microspikes for deeper snow ($70). Find them at Mountain Gear and REI (inventory varies). Due North traction devices (formerly known as the Get-a-Grip brand) are available at Fitness Fanatics, including Everyday Pro ($25) and All Purpose ($40)—two non-bulky options “for the person who wants to make it through winter without running on a treadmill,” says Robin DeRuwe, owner of Fitness Fanatics. “These are going to give them better natural traction.” (ASM)

MOUNTAIN TEES

RUNNING SHOES

Spokane-based Peak Style t-shirts ($25) feature artistic topographical mountain maps. You’ll find wellknown regional peaks and mountains on soft, quality cotton tees, making them a great gift for anyone who has climbed Adams, Baker, Hood, Jefferson, or Rainier. They even feature Mount Stuart and Mount Spokane. Available at Atticus Coffee & Gifts and peak.style.com. (ASM) NORTHWEST THREADS

Based in Spokane, the Great PNW company designs and produces tees and sweatshirts for women, men, and youth; billed hats and beanies; and accessories, like stickers (Spokane 6-sticker pack, $9) and now socks ($18). Available at Atticus Coffee & Gifts and online at Thegreatpnw.com. (ASM)

CAMPING CAMP SHOWER

What stinks? Every backpacker or rustic camper. Patchouli and deodorant can only do so much. Which is why the Sea to Summit pocket shower makes a great gift. It holds 10L of water for a 7-minute shower ($33). Pair it with a Cascades Designs pack towel ($25), which absorbs four times its weight in water. Find them at Mountain Gear. (ASM) BEVERAGE BOTTLES

The uber-trendy Hydro Flask thermal stainless-steel water bottles and other drinkware come in a rainbow of bright colors, which means you can personalize drinkware based on style, size, color, and lid variations. Based in Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask drinkware keeps hot drinks hot and ice cubes frozen for over 24 hours. Available at Mountain Gear, White Elephant, and REI. Similarly, YETI Rambler drinkware improves the hot or cold beverage consumption experience. The Kitchen Engine carries different colors of all sizes—such as the 14-oz. mug and 30-oz. tumbler ($20-$35). (ASM) CAMP COOKWARE

Spokane-based GSI makes enamel tableware and utensils for camping and cabin-living—plates, bowls, and cups—as well as coffee percolators ($12+), tea kettles ($18+), and more. Available from The General Store, White Elephant, Mountain Gear, and REI. (ASM) NALGENE FRENCH PRESS

Transform any Nalgene water bottle into a French press for brewing coffee or tea with the addition of a Press-Bot ($20). Backcountry trips can only get better with this nifty gadget—find it at Mountain Gear. (ASM) CAMP KNIFE

Buck Knives’ Selkirk Knife ($87) is art in two parts. First, the design is smart and minimal with an intelligent sheath. Second, it’s an American-made blade with stunning features that embarrass other knives. Named after the local mountain range, this fixed-blade knife makes a great gift with a sheath. Available at local Buck Knife dealers such as White Elephant and at the Buck Knives headquarters in Post Falls. (JJ) 22

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 running shoes ($120) feature a sleek new mesh upper design for this latest version available at Runners Soul. Bloomsday will be here sooner than you think. (ASM) MULTI-SPORT WATCH

The ultimate multi-sport watch for the athlete on your list is the Garmin Fenix 5 or 5S (starting at $699). This waterproof, multi-function technology counts laps and arm strokes in the pool; tracks open-water swim distances and running speed, mileage, and cadence; and tracks heart rate (wrist-based), walking steps, and sleep patterns. Data uploads to a phone via Bluetooth. Looking for something less hard-core? Consider the Garmin Forerunner 935 ($500) for triathletes and runners (includes built-in altimeter and electronic compass) or Forerunner 35 ($200) GPS running watch. All available from Fitness Fanatics. (ASM) REFLECTIVE JACKET

The Brooks Canopy Jacket ($150) for men or women, exclusively available from Fleet Feet Sports’ two Spokane locations, keeps runners seen, warm, and dry with its breathable, reflective, wind- and waterresistant fabric design. It’s lightweight and stuffs into its own left pocket, making this a great piece for on-the-go layering. Includes a storable hood that snaps into place when needed. (ASM) LIGHTS

Give the gift of light to the runners and fitness walkers in your life. A Nathan reflective vest ($25-$27) and Mag Strobe LED Clip light ($15), plus reflective bands for around arms or ankles (starting at $9/pair), should help them to be better seen and safe. Available at Runners Soul. (ASM) RUNNING TRAINING PROGRAM

Fleet Feet Sports in Spokane and Spokane Valley offers two spring training programs for runners, one for 5Ks ($69, begins Feb. 20) and the other for the Windermere Half Marathon ($100, begins Feb. 28). Give a gift card to be redeemed for in-store registration. (ASM) MASSAGE ROLLER

Fleet Feet Sports offers a variety of tools to massage running muscles before and after runs. The Addaday “Type C” Ultra Roller+ ($42) is a small, portable handheld roller that’s easy to stash in a training bag. (ASM) RUNNING BELT

Stow your essentials while trail running with the Nathan TrailMix Plus 2 ($50), a bounce-free, adjustable waist belt that holds two 10-oz hydration flasks. It also includes a large zippered pocket and front stash pouch. Available at Fleet Feet Sports. (ASM) REFLECTIVE RUNNING TIGHTS

For coverage and visibility during winter runs, Fleet Feet Sports has women’s Nike Power Flash Epic Lux Tight ($120), which has an eye-catching striped reflective design starting from the mid-thigh down. Stow a phone in the zippered pocket. (ASM)

Gift Guide BOOKS/ART/GAMES MOUNTAIN RESCUE

When hell breaks loose, search and rescue is a miracle. The latest book from Bree Loewen, a wife and mother and respected leader of Seattle Mountain Rescue, is a great gift for anyone who loves playing in the mountains. “FOUND: A Life in Mountain Rescue” ($17.95, published by Mountaineers Books), is a brilliant collection of Washington stories that reveal the author’s deep thoughts about confronting danger, risk, and, often, death for a stranger. Available at Mountain Gear. (JJ) MOUNT SPOKANE

In addition to an extensive line of regional guidebooks, Mountain Gear has the new “Mount Spokane State Park User’s Guide: History, Trails, Adventures, Information, and More,” by Cris M. Currie and The Friends of Mt. Spokane State Park ($14.95). This book is a helpful resource, especially for friends and co-workers new to town. (ASM) ADULT COLORING BOOKS

Give the gift of art therapy with an adult coloring book. “Color the Pacific Northwest,” ($13, published by Timber Press) by Portland-based illustrator Zoe Keller, is perfect for a relaxing winter afternoon. Available at The General Store. (ASM) FAIR TRADE GIFTS

It’s possible to find gifts for multiple people or even everyone on your list at Kizuri Fair Trade Gifts & Clothing. Kizuri’s shop in the Community Building on Main Street downtown Spokane is packed with beautiful, handcrafted baskets, jewelry, art, clothing, furniture, soaps and personal care items, and many other unique, fair trade, earth friendly items made by craftspeople from all over the world. (DK) PACIFIC NORTHWEST ART & CRAFTS

Pacific Northwest-themed art curated by Spokane-area craftspeople is available at the new Tsuga Northwest Arts Gallery, located in Spokane’s South Perry District. For the holidays, the gallery will feature a mix of fine art and handmade goods that are geared towards those who love the outdoors, including custom-made fly rods, mountain and fly fishing paintings, handmade knives, woodwork, burl-wood and antler walking sticks, handmade whiskey flasks, growlers, and much more. (ASM) POP UP SHOP HANDMADE GOODS

Pop Up Shop, located in downtown Spokane’s Steam Plant Building, is a collaborative retail store dedicated to local makers popping up around the Inland Northwest. Purchase handmade goods such as jewelry, toys, housewares, leather goods, body care items, and fine art. Proceeds help support local artists. (ASM) SPOKANE-THEMED ART PRINTS

Spokaloo, founded by local artist Amy Jennings, sells Spokane-themed illustrated art prints and wall décor ($20-$45), including a yeti carrying skis at Mount Spokane and the Vista House (winter and summer versions). Jennings also transformed local neighborhood grid maps into art. Available at Boo Radley’s and online at Spokaloo.net. (ASM) SKI-THEMED ART

Staggs and Staggs, a Spokane-based husband and wife business, creates ski-themed family crests and signs for homes and cabins, mountain-themed ornaments, customized GPS coordinate signs, and much more. Buy at Staggsandstaggs.com or Pop Up Shop. (ASM)

WINTER SPORTS FOG-FREE GOGGLES

The Smith I/OX Turbo Fan Goggles ($300) will help you win the war against fogged-up goggles. The extra-large lens is rad, but it’s the unparalleled anti-fog technology and military-derived, two AAA battery-powered fan that sets these goggles apart. The ultimate gift for anyone who has struggled seeing on the mountain. The Smith I/OX is also compatible with prescription ski goggle inserts that will stay even more fog-free with the fan quietly working its magic. Find these beauties at Spokane Alpine Haus on the South Hill. (DK) NORDIC SKI PACKAGES

Fitness Fanatics has Nordic ski packages that include Fisher Nordic Cruiser skis, bindings, boots, and poles (starting at $300) that are a great starter set for beginners. For the more-experienced, the skate ski package comes with Salomon skis, bindings, boots, and poles ($599). (ASM) BOMBER GLOVES

For super cold conditions, the Outdoor Research Stormtracker Heated Gloves ($265) mean business with varied levels of heat. This package includes a mini-jack, rechargeable batteries, and charger. For milder temps, lightweight glove liners can feel warm enough to wear by themselves, such as ones from Burton and The North Face ($25/each), Arc’teryx ($39), and Outdoor Research whose VersaLiner gloves ($55) include removable liners. Available at Mountain Gear and REI. (ASM) WINTER PANTS

For sledding, hiking, Nordic skiing, or other winter activities, water-resistant “Cold Killer” pants ($99) provide warmth without the bulk of traditional ski pants. Pair them with a base layer of “Spark tights” ($54), both available at Title 9. (ASM) SKI OR SNOWBOARD SET-UP

Gear up your loved one for carving and kickers at Sports Outlet. Their huge wall of boards (starting at $250) includes Libtech, Gnu, Capita, Salomon, Ride, and K2, among other brands. Select your bindings ($150+) and boots ($100+) and you’re ready to shred. Sports Outlet also has loads of ski gear in adult and junior sizes, including top-rated Rossignol and Volkl ski and binding combos (starting at $399). Get your boots ($129) and poles ($20+) and don’t let your family miss another great winter. (ASM) ALPINE/BACKCOUNTRY SKI JACKET

Give two jackets in one. Flylow freeride jackets are designed for skiers who spend time in the backcountry and at resorts (maybe with a pair of skins in the backpack). Flylow bridges the gap between technical, water-proof/breathable apparel and freeride fit and style. Find plenty of options to choose from at Spokane Alpine Haus. (DK) COOL HATS

The Ski Shack is packed with some of the best ski and snowboard gear and apparel on the market, so there’s no doubt a gift for someone on your list is waiting there in Hayden, Idaho. And if you’re looking for a hat for a picky hat person, Ski Shack is the place to go. The shop has one of the largest and best selections of cool hats for on and off the mountain in the region. (DK) SKI HELMETS

Don’t forget a brain bucket. Sports Outlet has 70 different models to choose from for adults and juniors, including Smith and Oakley (starting at $50). (ASM) BACKCOUNTRY SKI/SNOWSHOE HYBRID

The innovative Hok Skis ($220-$330) made by Altai Skis, based in Curlew, Wash., are a hybrid of crosscountry skis and snowshoes. The short, wide design makes these skis easy to use and maneuver, with integrated climbing skins on the base. Hoks are available in two sizes for adults (with or without bindings), as well as a kids’ Balla Hok. Find them at Mountain Gear or Altaiskis.com. (ASM) CONSIGNMENT SKI GEAR & APPAREL

Functional art in the form of nature and landscape photography makes a great gift: choose from a 2018 calendar from the Sierra Club ($15, wall style; $16, engagement calendar) or wall calendar featuring the black and white photography of Ansel Adams ($20). Available at Auntie’s Bookstore. (ASM)

Missed ski swap? NW Outdoors in Spokane has great deals on lightly used and new/never-used gear with inventory changing daily. Choose from a wide selection of brand-name technical outerwear, base layers, and everything else ($20-$200). All of the store’s alpine skis are 10 years or newer, and the shop carries Nordic and backcountry skis ($60-$500). Complete the set-up with boots, poles, and helmets at wholesale prices. (ASM)

CHILDREN’S GRAPHIC NOVEL

ALPINE BASE LAYERS

LANDSCAPE WALL CALENDARS

Popular with local elementary-age readers, “Victoria Jr.” ($12, hardcover)—available at Merlyn’s—is the first in a series of full-color children’s graphic novels created by Spokane author Manny Trembley (fishtankbooks.com). Its style appeals to those who like the spooky weirdness of The Addams Family. (ASM) FANTASY CARD GAMES

“Iconic Masters” is the new set of 15 cards ($9/pack) for addition to the popular fantasy game “Magic: The Gathering”—which has a loyal following of fans in Spokane. Find it at Merlyn’s. (ASM) SPOKANE ART T-SHIRTS

Is your friend who moved away missing Spokane? Boo Radley’s has t-shirts and prints featuring the Spokane-inspired artwork from local artists, Chris Bovey and Noriyan ($19-$25). (ASM)

Skiers and snowboarders need a dependable, durable baselayer, like The North Face collared half-zip men’s L1 Top ($125) made of polyester/elastine or the women’s 100% merino wool long-sleeve zip neck baselayer ($130), paired with 100% merino wool baselayer tights ($99). Find a great selection at the Spokane North Face store. (ASM) WOMEN’S DOWN PARKA

Help keep the love of your life warm with The North Face’s new Women’s Transit Jacket II ($249), a parka-length water repellant 550 fill goose down insulated jacket that comes with a snap-off removable cocoon-brimmed hood. Available at the Spokane North Face store. (ASM)

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THE PERFECT PAIR FOR HOLIDAY CHEER INTRODUCING FAT TIRE ® BELGIAN WHITE

COOKING/CRAFT FOOD & BEVERAGES FAIR-TRADE SPICES

“For the chef in your life, Rumi spices are delicious,” says Kim Harmson, owner of Kizuri, in downtown Spokane. Rumi was founded by U.S. military veterans who served in Afghanistan and, as a way to give back and promote peace, started their business to employ local Afghan farmers. Products include saffron ($10) and spice blends like Afghan Curry Braise and Kabul Piquant Chicken Saffron ($12.50 each). All are hand-packaged in glass jars with cork lids. (ASM) CAST IRON COOKWARE

How meals are prepared can improve flavor. Heirloom-quality Finex Cast Iron Cookware ($125-$270), based in Portland, Oregon, is polished smooth for non-stick performance and their coil handles stay cooler longer. Find it at The Kitchen Engine. (ASM) CRAFT KITCHENWARE

Spokane-based artist Kelsey Jo Flatoff sells handcrafted ceramic “food-focused functional wares.” KJ Pottery line-up (starting at $21) includes coffee mugs, plate sets, serving bowls, and other kitchenware, all with earthy hues that are perfect for a Northwest Style home, ski condo, or lake cabin. Buy online or at Pop Up Shop. (ASM) TEAK CUTTING BOARD

Give the artisanal foodie or cook in your life an anti-microbial, sustainably-sourced TeakHaus cutting board ($15-$150), an “end-grain” board made from teak wood that maintains the sharp cutting edges of knives. Find it at The Kitchen Engine. (ASM) SPOKANDY GIFT PACK

Founded in 1913, Spokandy is an iconic Spokane chocolate and candy company whose original-recipe sweets are well-known and sold way beyond the Inland Northwest. At its store front on Third Avenue in downtown Spokane, get a ready-to-grab and easy-to-mail boxed, ribbon-tied gift pack. Three versions are available: Northwest Assorted, Mountain Peak (which includes the new “Bigfoot Family bars), and Spokandy’s Favorites ($31-$61). (ASM) RE-USABLE FOOD STORAGE WRAPS

GIVE THE

PERFECT GIFT! HANDCRAFTED ETHICALLY SOURCED

FUNCTIONAL

Fair Trade Earth Friendly Local 24

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

www.kizurispokane.com 35 west Main, Spokane Mon-Sat: 10 am - 5:30 pm Sundays in Dec: 10 am - 4 pm

Store artisan breads, cheeses, and other food in these re-usable Bee’s Wrap ($12-$45) plastic bag alternatives. Made from organic cotton sheets infused with beeswax, Bee’s Wraps are available in various shapes, sizes, and print patterns from The Kitchen Engine. (ASM) CRAFT CIDER BLENDS

Spokane’s One Tree Cider makes blended hard cider with pineapple and mango—making it a sweet tropical treat for a relaxing island-ambiance staycation. Other One Tree flavors include huckleberry, lemon basil, caramel cinnamon, among others ($44-$55 for half-case/6 bottles). Find bottles at Idaho Pour Authority, Tamarack Market, Huckleberry’s Natural Market, Rosauers, Super 1 Foods, Growler Guys in Spokane, and other local retailers. More cider info and online store at Onetreehardcider.com. (JJ) LOCALLY ROASTED COFFEE

A great organic gift with local flair is Roast House Coffee’s Bloomsday Blend ($16), with proceeds benefiting the Lilac Bloomsday Association. Or give a bag of the seasonally new Winter Brew ($9-$16) and Working Elf Blend ($9-$16), as well as Mocha Java ($10-$19). Find Roast House at Huckleberry’s, My Fresh Basket, and other local retailers and online. For coffee with a healthy kick, Defiant Coffee’s Mushroom Blend ($22/1 lb.) provides anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, among other benefits, and a Collagen Blend ($16/1 lb.) that includes bovine collagen to help restore a person’s own protein supply that’s gets depleted due to processed foods, white sugar, and other impacts—recommended for osteoarthritis, gut health, and tissue repair. Buy locally at Barney’s Harvest Foods in Spokane Valley and Pinehurst, Idaho, Flour Mill Natural Foods in Hayden Lake, or online.

DOMA Coffee Roasting Company in Post Falls, Idaho, offers seasonal beans to make anyone’s holiday season bright. Try the organic Winter Wonderland ($15.85) or DEEP Coffee ($19), which was created in partnership with P.O.W.—Protect Our Winters—with $1 from every purchase donated to this climate change advocacy organization, comprised of winter sports athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Purchase online. Giving a bag of Sandpoint-based Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters beans is like a cozy hug—every cup of coffee will be a reminder of your friendship. Which, on a powder morning, might be a hot cup of Organic Chair 6 Breakfast Blend ($13, 12-oz.) or Fall Line Espresso Blend ($12.75). Evan Brothers has two cafe locations, in Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene, and also sells cool swag, like Idaho State and ski-themed t-shirts, mugs, and tumblers (starting at $12). Buy at the shops or online. (ASM) AUTOMATED ESPRESSO MAKER

Like a robot barista, the Breville Oracle Touch espresso machine ($2,500) provides café quality drinks without any fuss, through an automated 3-step process for grinding, brewing, and prepping milk. Up to eight personalized drinks are memorized and prepared with a simple press of a touch-screen button. Available from The Kitchen Engine. (ASM) WASHINGTON WINE

Every holiday meal or party needs a good award-winning wine from Washington’s wine country. Conveniently located next to the Centennial Trail in Spokane’s Kendall Yards neighborhood, the newlyopened Maryhill Winery tasting room has the right wine for every occasion. Even better, buy a case (10% savings) so you can enjoy some at a party, and give bottles as gifts. Classic Whites (starting at $14) are very popular and a sweet treat at every festivity. And a case of wine with a Wine Club membership is a classy gift that keeps on giving. The “Taste of Maryhill Wine Club” is free to join and club case prices of three bottles per shipment start at $70, with deliveries four times a year. (JJ) FRESH BAKED GOODS

Give the gift of freshly-baked bread and other treats. Great Harvest Bread Co., locally-owned on Spokane’s South Hill, offers a Sugar & Spice gift bag that includes a loaf of cinnamon burst bread and 6-pack of cookies ($15) or mix and match items to create a personalized gift basket wrapped with festive tissue paper and cellophane. Add a Frontier Hearty Meals natural soup mix, like Ski Country Chili Mix ($8), with baked goods for a quick alpine-themed gift to go. (ASM)

ADVENTURE DOGS HIKING WITH YOUR HOUND

Like to hike with your dog? So does Amy Barker, co-owner of Prairie Dog Mercantile, which has a new store at Kendall Yards in Spokane in addition to its South Hill location. She recommends practical, priceconscious gear to make life on the trail more comfortable for both dogs and their owners, such as the Olly Dog Mt Tam Hands-Free dog leash ($33) paired with a Ruffwear Front Range harness ($40). (ASM) PET TRAVEL GEAR

The H2O4K9 stainless steel water bottle (25 oz) and travel bowl ($20) from Prairie Dog Mercantile is a 2-in-1 design that allows you to pour unused water back into the bottle. Use a Messy Mutts travel towel ($15) to efficiently clean and dry off dogs before they get back into your car. (ASM) COLD-WEATHER CANINE GEAR

Urban Canine has fleece-lined Muttluks booties ($50-60) to keep little feet warm. Some dogs may also need a RC Pet coat, such as the fleece-lined, water-resistant soft shell Cascade Coat ($44) or Skyline puffy vest ($45). Or the USA-made Gold Paw Duluth double-fleece coat (starting at $30). Available from Prairie Dog Mercantile and Urban Canine (inventory varies). (ASM)

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DECEMBER 2017 / OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

Books to educate, entertain & enlighten everyone on your gift list.

BIKING WOMEN’S CYCLING APPAREL

Tonik Cycling makes stylish and comfortable tanks and dresses for women of all shapes and sizes. Not only for biking or a spin class, they are great for traveling or hiking trails. Founded by two women on Whidbey Island, Tonik has three styles available locally: Mary Cycling Dress, Abbey Tank, and Maggie Tank ($79-$82). Find them at Mojo Cyclery and North Division Bicycle. (ASM) BIKE TOOLS

Even an occasional rider could use a Finish Line Grunge Brush ($14) that makes cleaning bike chains easier. Same goes for a portable multi-tool set ($10-$34). More hardcore wrenchers will love an adjustable torque driver—like the Park Tool ATD-1 ($65)—and a digital tire pressure gauge for mid-fat or full-fat tire riders (most pumps are not accurate down to lower PSIs). All items available at North Division Bicycle. (ASM)

402 W. Main Ave (509) 838-0206

HAND-BUILT FAT BIKE WHEELS

           

Spokane’s Mathew Larsen Wheelbuilding is the choice for surprising serious cyclists with a new set of hand-built wheels for all types of bikes. For fat bikers, order up a set of fat bike wheels made to order, with carbon and aluminum rim options in many widths and axle configurations. Choose wheels built with power-generating dynamo hubs that create power for your lights and nighttime adventures while you ride. (DK) BEAR BELLS

Remember last summer’s news stories about mountain bikers surprising bears on trails? No happy endings. Which is why a Timber Mountain Bell ($20) for alerting wildlife is a must-have for backcountry riders. It snaps around and hangs from the handlebars and can be turned off when needed. Find it at North Division Bike Shop. (ASM) CYCLING HAT

     

Keep your helmet-head warm with Bontrager headwear, like the merino wool B3 Balaclava ($60) or beanie ($25) or a thermal cycling cap ($25) that includes ear flaps and back ponytail hole. All available from Bike Hub. (ASM) CYCLO-CROSS BIKE

Is someone in your family struggling at cyclo-cross races on their 15-year-old mountain bike? Time for an upgrade. The Masi CXR Expert hits the mark of desirable CX racing technology and affordability in a lightweight and versatile package. This beauty was Mojo Cyclery’s featured bike in November. Stop by Mojo in Spokane Valley to check it out. (DK) SOFT SHELL CYCLING JACKET

The Bontrager Foray jacket ($130) is great for bike commuting—it’s a casual design, black with reflective piping, to transition from bike to the office in style. Or opt for Bontrager’s Rhythm Windshell ($90) with vents in the back and armpits for breathable comfort. Find them at Bike Hub. (ASM) FAT BIKE

Ride on snowy trails and through powder with a Specialized Fatboy or Hellga (starting at $999), sold by Wheel Sport, or the Trek Farley (starting at $1,700) from Bike Hub. (ASM) WINTER CYCLING GLOVES

Keep safe with Specialized Element 3.0 lobster-style gloves (starting at $65) for cozy warmth while still being able to use brakes and gears. Available at Wheel Sport. (ASM) ELECTRIC ASSIST FAT BIKE

Go farther on snow, gravel road, or trail with a fat bike set up with a geared hub electric motor for assist when you need it. Fresh Air E-Bikes in Spirit Lake, Idaho, sells Surface 604 electric-assist fat bikes that the company describes as an all-terrain sport utility bike for all seasons and trail conditions. According to many converts, this combo of a fat bike with electric assist is an “absolute game changer.” 2017 demo bikes are on sale in December for 30% off while they last. Freshairebikes.com. (DK) WINTER POGIES

Protect hands from wind and cold this winter while mountain biking or commuting with the 45Nrth Cobrafist insulated handlebar covers ($99), from Two Wheeler Dealer in Hayden, Idaho. Features include a water-resistant tear-resistant poly outer shell, zippered vents, and inner pocket stowage. Or the Wolf Tooth Singletrack Pogies ($100), from Wheel Sport, that are roomy for easy use of brakes and gears. (ASM) LED BIKE LIGHTS

A good bike light for a reasonable cost is the Cygolite Dash Pro 600 USB ($69). It charges in 4 hours and provides over 10 hours of brightness (600 lumens) when on low mode (eight mode choices available). Find it at Two Wheeler Dealer. Or try the even more affordable Serfas E-Lume 450 lumen light ($45) at Mojo Cyclery. These light-weight bike lights are plenty bright for most nighttime riding purposes and charge in only 3.25 hours. (ASM) MOBILE BIKE REPAIR

(509) 747-0336 Downtown Spokane (509) 456-7479 26

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

A great way to help encourage a friend or family member to get back into cycling is to gift them a visit from Velofix Spokane. The Velofix full-service mobile bike shop van will show up at your home or office to tune and repair any type of bike that may have been sitting around for a while, saving a trip back and forth from a brick and mortar bike shop, and hopefully providing motivation to get out and ride more. (DK)

FAMILY & KIDS STREET HOCKEY

Keep your kids active outside without having to drive to a mountain or ice rink. The Toysmith Street Hockey Set ($18, age 5+), available at White Elephant, comes with a puck, ball, and two sticks for playing on snow, grass, or pavement. (ASM) CLIMBING

Let your kids blow off some steam by climbing someone else’s walls. Wild Walls or the Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym in Spokane have routes suitable for kids (and adults), as well as youth classes and programs. (ASM) SNOWSHOES

Whether on trails or at urban parks, snowshoeing is perhaps the easiest winter sport for all ages. For children, there are Tubbs, Louis Garneau, or MSR ($50-$90) snowshoes available at REI. For adults, including styles specialized for backcountry terrain, high-quality brands include Crescent Moon and Atlas Elektra ($140-$300). Find them at Mountain Gear and REI (inventory varies). (ASM) SUSTAINABLE, AMERICAN-MADE TOYS

Toys, the universal item on a child’s wish list. Give something that inspires imaginative play, like the non-toxic Green Toys line of tool and tea sets, trucks, boats, and more, which are USA-made from 100% recycled materials. Available from White Elephant and Whiz Kids at River Park Square. (ASM) DISC GOLF

Innova disc golf gear, available at The General Store, will equip friends and family for fun throwing discs while hiking through the woods at local disc golf courses. (ASM)

TRAVEL & EXPERIENCES LODGE GETAWAY

Give a winter resort vacation package for Silver Mountain Resort’s Morning Star Lodge, Selkirk Lodge at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Whitefish Montana’s Lodge at Whitefish Lake, or Lochsa Lodge in Powell, Idaho. In Leavenworth, Wash., Sleeping Lady Resort offers unique all-inclusive recreation-focused vacation packages for downhill or Nordic skiing. (ASM) THE GIFT OF SHREDDING

Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, 49° North Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain, and Schweitzer all have great lift ticket deals that make great stocking stuffers. And a sweet gift for new skiers or snowboarders is enrollment in a program like the EZ-Ski or Ride 3-day package that includes three lift tickets, lessons, and rentals. (ASM) RIVER TRIPS & EXOTIC ADVENTURES

Locally known for its spring and summer raft trips down the Spokane and Clark Fork Rivers, ROW Adventures, based in Coeur d’Alene, offers broader regional and guided global adventure travel and tours including rafting the Snake River in Hells Canyon or Oregon’s Rogue River. Or go beyond North America for sea kayaking in places such as Cuba, Patagonia, the French island of Corsica, or the Galapagos Islands. Any ROW trip would make a memorable gift. (ASM)

STOCKING STUFFERS The Spokane River Centennial Trail Map ($5) is a useful gift that helps support the Friends of the Centennial Trail Foundation. Find it at Mountain Gear and REI. Save a life! Have a particularly hard-core adventurer friend? Give a SOL Emergency Blanket ($5) or Survival Blanket that fits up to 2 people ($7)—find them at REI. Moe’s Pucker Paste ($4) is made by Spokane Symphony trumpeter Eric Moe, who invented an all-natural lip balm to give his own music-making lips some TLC. Find it at Etsy.com/shop/MoesPuckerPaste. Expo ’74 Memorabilia, including vintage, original dishes, postcards, and even belt buckles ($3-7) commemorating Spokane’s 1974 World Expo can be found at Boo Radley’s. Groovy! (ASM) // DECEMBER 2017 / OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

we’re SO MUCH DEEPER than just THE POWDER Only about 90 minutes east of Spokane, Sandpoint is the kind of place to really find yourself this winter. It’s an outdoor mecca, with the deep powder skiing at Schweitzer Mountain and outdoor pursuits from snowshowing to XC to snowmobiling – all amid the inspiring landscapes of huge Lake Pend Oreille and the rugged Selkirk and Cabinet mountains. Sandpoint’s inside game is pretty awesome, too. There’s an amazing entertainment scene, awardwinning breweries and wineries, art galleries, live music and performing arts, an historic theater and outstanding culinary choices. This winter, go deep, to beautiful Sandpoint.

VISITSANDPOINT.COM

You should be

HERE

Get visitor information at 800-800-2106 • www.VisitSandpoint.com 28

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

BY AMY S. MCCAFFREE

With local mountains kicking off an early ski and snowboard season, we have plenty to celebrate as annual snow rituals begin. We all love getting up on the mountain as early as possible (my family and I enjoyed one of our earliest first ski days ever this year), but since my husband is a nearly 20-year member of the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol, we also take mountain safety seriously. At least we try our best. One Christmas morning a few winters back while my husband was on duty in his patrol jacket, our then 4-year-old son, in route to the bunny hill lift, came crashing into another child and her ski instructor. All the while I was frantically attempting to catch up, yelling, “SLOW DOWN!” Luckily, my son was the only child crying after the collision. We remind him of this story every December before our family’s annual Safety Talk. As you get ready for your own early days on the slopes, consider these cautionary pointers. Start slow. Use those first few runs to warm up your legs and remind your muscles what turning and stopping are all about. It’s been awhile since they’ve been in boots and gone over bumps and through powder. Perhaps venture down a run you consider easy, or, if with children, the bunny hill. Refresh your memory. Test your knowledge of dos and don’ts by reading the Skier Responsibility Code on the National Ski Area Association website and, if you have kids, watch the brief educational video. Don’t overdo it. Listen to your body and don’t push it past reasonable limits for early season workouts. If you’re feeling too tired after lunch, call it a day and relax with a cocoa or beer in the lodge bar. Be cautious. Variable terrain and low snow coverage should be expected for the first several weeks of the season. Bushy scrub and low-hanging branches, logs, rocks, and downed trees may be sticking out of the snow or hiding close to the surface. Don’t be that person who breaks a snow bridge and falls into the creek or gets the tips of your skis or board trapped under a downed branch. If you’re lucky, all you’ll end up with is some snow in your jacket and some embarrassing photos on Facebook. Worse: you could end up with a toboggan ride down the hill. Get out there and enjoy some of the earliest turns we’ve had in years, but remember: there’s a long season ahead that you’ll miss out on if you’re laid-up with crutches. //

ON THE MOUNTAIN

EARLY SEASON SAFETY TALK

SKI/SNOWBOARD SECTION

FIRST TRACKS:

FLYING THROUGH WINTER // PHOTO: AARON THEISEN

SECTION SPONSORED IN PART BY:

DECEMBER 2017 / OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

ON THE MOUNTAIN RIDE BETTER

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS— TAKE A LESSON THIS WINTER 49 Degrees North offers private lessons for any ability level. If you purchase four lessons at once, you receive the fifth for free. If you’re learning with a group of friends at the same level, you can add up to four people to the lesson for $39 per person. In addition to private lessons, Mt. Spokane offers ladies-only lessons on January 12, February 9 and March 2. These lessons include lift tickets, rentals, and a continental breakfast and lunch all for just $89. Lookout Pass is well known for its beginnerfriendly terrain. Their private lessons are suitable for all skill levels, whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, telemark skier, or cross-country skier. Lookout also offers senior workshops for those 55+. Silver Mountain offers both group and private adult lessons with the convenience of a gondola to take you from car to slope without having to travel slippery mountain roads.

SKI & SNOWBOARD LESSONS ARE FOR EVERYONE BY SIOBHAN EBEL

LEARNING TO SKI at any age can be intimidating, but kids often have an easier time of it due to their inability to fear the consequences of failure. Nonetheless, about three seasons ago, I decided that I was going to learn to ski. After an unsuccessful first attempt that included bombing down the bunny hill and narrowly missing the unfortunate pack of children who ended up in my path, it occurred to me that I might not be a natural on skis. A grand finale that included face planting in the snow confirmed my hunch. Also during my first week on skis, I made the mistake of following my friends down a top-to-bottom blue run because they assured me I was ready. Needless to say, I was not ready, and my confidence on skis took a serious hit. While some people may

have an unwavering confidence that enables them to strap on a pair of skis and ski black diamonds within their first week on snow, most of us need a little confidence boost from time to time. I got a few pointers from a friend who learned to ski before she could walk, and fortunately my subsequent attempts went a bit better. Pizza and French fries only gets you so far, and, as I learned, friends don’t always make the best instructors. No matter how patient they may be, there’s only so many times they’ll go down the bunny hill with you. After all, they paid to ski, not babysit. If I was ever going to graduate from greens, I needed to learn some control, so the following season I decided to take a couple of lessons at 49 Degrees North. I chose 49 because it’s close and has

plenty of beginner-friendly terrain. It was a good choice, but I’ll admit — the first ski lesson didn’t exactly go as I envisioned. Instead of skiing black diamonds, I was on the bunny hill using only one ski at a time to descend the mountain. If you need a visual, picture a flamingo on skis flapping their way down the mountain. I won’t lie and say I didn’t question what on earth I’d gotten myself into, but for whatever reason, I decided to stick with it. More lessons followed, and some of them seemed ridiculous at the time; but, ultimately, these lessons made me a better skier. While I still wasn’t skiing black diamonds, I did graduate from pizza and French fries. It turns out the thing I needed most was a few pointers and a large dose of confidence.

Like any sport, you will eventually reach a point where you seem to plateau with no forward progress regardless of your skill level. Sometimes this is because you don’t have the skills or you haven’t developed the necessary muscles to progress, but in my experience, it’s usually due to a lack of confidence. And the best way to get over a lack of confidence is skiing with someone who’s paid to tell you how great you’re doing. I firmly believe that lessons are beneficial regardless of your experience level. After all, even the best skiers have coaches. // Siobhan Ebel can’t wait to hit the slopes this season. She most recently wrote about fall hiking in the October issue.

JANUARY IS LEARN TO SKI & SNOWBOARD MONTH GET ON THE SLOPES WITH THESE SWEET DEALS! EACH JANUARY, resorts around North America celebrate Learn to Ski and Snowboard month. Local resorts are once again offering amazing deals to help entice people of all ages, kids to adults, who have never given skiing or snowboarding a try to make this year the year they are going to finally learn. Check out these great learn-to-ski or snowboard deals from the four local Ski the Northwest Rockies resorts (49, Lookout, Mt. Spokane and Silver). EZ SKI-RIDE 1-2-3

All four of the Ski the Northwest Rockies resorts participate in an EZ 1-2-3 program designed for first-time skiers and snowboarders. This program includes three lessons, three lift tickets, and rentals for those three days. It’s a great opportunity for anyone at any age to learn to ski or snowboard for the first time with others at the same skill level. Many of the resorts also offer either a free or discounted season pass for the rest of the season once you complete the program. Learn more at Skinwrockies.com/ ez-ski-ride-1-2-3. INTRODUCE A FRIEND TO SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING & WIN PRIZES

If you are a loyal skier or rider at one of the four Ski the Northwest Rockies resorts (49, Lookout, Mt. Spokane and Silver), bring a friend to your favorite resort for lessons from a pro and enter to win a ton of great winter-sports prizes all while helping spread your passion for your sport. Presented by Snocru, the Bring a Friend Challenge starts during Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month on the weekend of January 5 - 7, 2018, and runs through February 18, 2018. Enter to win some great prizes from HEAD, Rossignol, Lange, Seirus, Polarmax, Krimson Klover, Never Summer, and Zeal Optics. And you get a free membership to the Mountain Sports Club, which offers members awesome lift ticket deals at resorts around the Inland NW and North America, with your Challenge entry. The contest is open to anyone 13 years of age or older who wants to bring a friend up to the mountain who has never skied or snowboarded before to try it out and take a paid ski or snowboard lesson from a pro (proof that the newcomer took a beginner lesson is required to enter). You can enter as many newbies as you want for more chances to spread the stoke and increase your odds of winning prizes. Find the complete set of rules and the contest application form at Skinwrockies.com/learn-a-snowsport-month. 30

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017 SPONSORED

BY SKI THE NW ROCKIES

LEARNING TO FLY BACK IN THE 90S. WE WONDER WHERE THEY ARE NOW. // PHOTOS COURTESY OF SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT.

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ON THE MOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN ORIGINS

TOP LEFT: MT SPOKANE TOP RIGHT: ORIGINAL LOOKOUT LODGE BOTTOM LEFT: 49 DEGREES NORTH BOTTOM RIGHT: JACKASS MOUNTAIN.

HISTORICAL ROOTS OF LOCAL RESORTS BY AMY S. MCCAFFREE

49° NORTH MOUNTAIN RESORT

Chewelah Peak Ski Club, founded in 1935, was the first to install a cable tow on the mountain, with permission from the U.S. Forest Service. The two-story lodge was completed in 1950, followed by a double chairlift a year later. By 1968, however, the ski area had closed down, only to re-open two years later as 49 Degrees North, after the Chewelah Basin Ski Corporation took over and made improvements. The ski and snowboard destination as it is known today is due in large part to local entrepreneur John Eminger who, along with his wife, purchased the business in 1996. Within 10 years, Eminger, working with Colville National Forest land managers, expanded the terrain, added chairlifts, created Sunrise Basin, and installed 20 new runs. The Angel Peak development followed in 2009, and its chairlifts were completed in time

for the 2013-14 season. Today, on-mountain lodging and living development and year-round recreation opportunities are in the works. Ski49n.com LOOKOUT PASS SKI & RECREATION AREA

Scandinavian immigrants were the first skiers here and, back then, what is now I-90 was called the Old Yellowstone Highway. The Idaho Ski Club constructed a rope tow for the 1935-1936 winter season. The following winter, the free ski school was created, and in February 1938, Lookout Pass Ski Area officially opened as one of America’s original ski areas. By winter 1941, the CCC had built the rustic lodge, and it’s now the Pacific Northwest’s second-oldest ski lodge that’s still operating. Lookout Ski Patrol was the 9th charter member of the newly-formed National Ski Patrol in 1938, making it the Inland Northwest’s longest-

serving patrol. The first chairlift was installed in 1980, and the ski club oversaw operations until the 1990s. Now owned by Lookout Associates LLC, who added chairlifts and expanded the lodge over the years, Lookout Pass is renowned for its 400 inches of annual average snowfall. Skilookout. com MT. SPOKANE SKI & SNOWBOARD PARK

Originally called Mount Carlton, Mount Spokane became a State Park in July 1927, encompassing 1,500 acres at the time. In 1931, the Spokane Ski Club was founded and with help from the Selkirk Ski Club and Spokane Mountaineers, the groups purchased 500 acres and created rope tows, a small jump hill, and a lit hill for night skiing. Also during the 1930s, roads and trails were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Cook’s Cabin

FLASHBACK 1968: JACKASS BY ALLISON ARMFIELD

“The town which was discovered by a Jackass — and which is inhabited by its descendants.” This phrase is the unofficial slogan of Kellogg, Idaho, according to the book “Silver Valley” by Arcadia Publishing. It references a day in 1885 when a miner named Noah Kellogg lost track of his mule, only to find she had stumbled across ore and what would be the future Bunker Hill and Sullivan mines. In 1968, a ski resort opened and was named in honor of Kellogg’s original founder: Jackass Ski Bowl. Although Jackass Ski Bowl only lasted about five years before changing ownership and its name, some of the locals continue to call the resort by its original moniker. Jackass has become almost a term of endearment to those who cherish the Inland Northwest’s best-kept wintertime secret and its colorful history. LEFT: FROM THE SILVERHORN DAYS 1973-1989, PHOTO LEFT IS THE BASE OF CHAIR 4, WHICH IS STILL IN OPERATION. CHAIR 4 IS A RIBLET SKI LIFT, AND WAS MANUFACTURED IN SPOKANE. THE ORIGINAL LODGE (BIG BROWN BUILDING) HAS SINCE BEEN REMOVED, BUT FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE THE CHAIR 4 BASIN IS STILL THEIR FAVORITE PART OF THE RESORT.

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017 SPONSORED

BY SKI THE NW ROCKIES

was completed, and the Vista House was built by a private contractor. The Mount Spokane Ski Patrol was founded in 1938, and today it claims to be one of the nation’s largest all-volunteer patrols. In 1946, the Mt. Spokane Ski Lift Association installed the “World’s First Double Chair Lift” on the south face. After a fire destroyed the original Grand Lodge in 1952, Lodge 1 and Chair 1 opened a few years later, followed by Lodge 2 and Chair 2 in 1961. The alpine ski area was overseen by the Mt. Spokane Ski Corporation until 1997 when the non-profit organization Mount Spokane 2000 took over concessionaire operations. Find more historical resources at Mountspokane.org and more info about the ski area at Mtspokane.com. SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT Long-time locals may remember Jackass Mountain—the location of Noah Kellogg’s old Bunker Hill Mine—which operated as the Jackass Ski Bowl from 1968 to 1973. The moniker reputedly came about because of the horrible condition of the summit road. The City of Kellogg took over management in 1984 and renamed it Silverhorn Ski Area. In 1990, once the gondola was ready, it was renamed Silver Mountain. Six years later, Eagle Crest Partners purchased it and transformed the area into a resort, creating the Gondola Village, Morning Star Lodge, a 9-hole golf course, and Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark. Last fall, longtime Silver Mountain visitor Tryg Fortun, from Seattle, purchased the resort. //

Amy McCaffree plays in the snow with her husband, two children, and a husky. She is Out There’s special section editor and wrote for the Family Winter Sports Guide in the October issue. Follow her adventures on Facebook @AmyOutdoorsSpokane or Instagram @adventure_amy_spokane.

PASSHOLDER PROFILE ON THE MOUNTAIN

THE HOSKINSON FAMILY BY KAYLA HAAS

SAYING THE HOSKINSON FAMILY enjoys ski-

FROM THE LEFT: FATHER PAUL, GRANDSON ANDERS, SON ROBERT AND SON EVAN. // PHOTO: COURTESY OF HOSKINSON FAMILY

ing is an understatement—skiing runs in their blood. Father Paul, brothers Evan and Robert, and Robert’s son Anders make up the triple generation ski family. They welcomed me into their home, eager to share ski stories and careful not to give away too many mountain secrets. These transplants from the West Side have been calling North Idaho and Silver Mountain home for over 20 years. Evan and Robert learned to ski in the Cascades. Starting young at 2 years old on a pair of K2s, the brothers made their first turns settled between their dad’s skis with a jump rope under their arms. Keeping the tradition alive, grandpa Paul took 2-year-old Anders skiing for the first time last season. The Hoskinsons each average 30-40 days a year, and their favorite conditions are powder, powder, powder. Evan and Robert were quick to throw their dad under the bus as the powder snob, saying it’s only “by necessity because of his old bones.” Paul reminds his sons that he is in the first gondolas every time he goes up so he can “ski the best and leave the rest.” Even with higher standards for pow days, Paul makes sure every year he’s the first person to ski off the top all the way to town. With three generations of skiers who have a history of working for and with ski resorts and ski shops, it’s safe to say the Hoskinson men own enough pairs of skis to start their own ski swap. They have a combined total of 40 plus pairs of

skiable skis— rotating through four to seven pairs throughout the season, depending on the conditions. Paul, Evan, and Anders prefer to shred on K2s, and Robert is the outlier, mainly riding Liberty skis. Paul summed it up best when he said if you’re diligent “you can ski a fresh line every line all day long...Silver is a little mountain that skis big.” Robert has skied all over the western U.S. and Canada, and loves that Silver Mountain is so affordable. “Dollar for dollar it’s one of the best skiing experiences.” All three love that it’s still a hidden gem and a skier’s town without pomp and circumstance. With deep snow, no crowds, and affordable ticket prices, Silver is a skier’s dream they say. The family has high hopes and is excited to see what the future has in store for Silver Mountain. Paul hopes “the new owner continues the classic experience with a few new tricks and treats.” With a healthy dose of humor sprinkled with the free spirits, this skiing family reminds me of why I love to call the Inland Northwest home. This season, when you’re up at Silver make, get there early and if you’re lucky you may get to ride with the Hoskinson crew. // Kayla Haas grew up hiking and skiing in the mountains of the Inland Northwest and is a passionate member of our local SheJumps community. This is her first story in Out There.

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ON THE MOUNTAIN SKILLS

SANDRA TOWNSEND TUNING UP HER FAVORITE PAIR OF SKIS.

A SKI TUNING TUTORIAL BY SANDRA TOWNSEND

TUNING MEANS something different to every

skier or snowboarder, but the basic idea is the same: boards should ride better after a tune up. This could mean the appropriate wax for the conditions or a full grind on the bases and core shots filled in. A good ski shop can do almost anything you need to get your boards into winter shape— but there are several things you can do yourself to keep your skis or snowboard in good condition for years to come.

LIMIT PREVENTABLE DAMAGE

Prevention is the best medicine. The best tuner can’t turn back time and add more base material or metal. I am not going to tell you to stop riding the trees, just don’t ski through the parking lot. Asphalt leaves distinctive scratch marks on your bases that every ski technician recognizes. Stop whacking your skis together on the chair lift, it destroys your top sheet. Don’t store your skis in

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

the garage, the skis absorb the moisture from the concrete leading to rusty edges and the base material delaminating. Finally, after your awesome day on the mountain, bring your riding implements inside to fully dry. It’s important that your boards don’t go through a freeze/thaw cycle where water gets between the bindings and skis or board. This ultimately leads to your wood core rotting and the binding screws stripping out. DEBURR THOSE EDGES

Deburr your metal edges with a stone. I prefer to use a medium grit diamond stone. Lubricate the stone with water and run it up and down flush to the side and then bottom edge until it glides smoothly and your edges are rust free, then wipe clean. This will extend the time between edge sharpening, which takes off more material from your edges and shortens the lifespan of your boards.

WAX YOUR BASES

Wax your skis anytime there is a drastic change in snow conditions or your bases start to turn grey/white. Snow is abrasive and wax helps add a layer of protection and glide between the bases and snow. Since there are so many different types of snow conditions, there are an equal number of types of waxes. Wax types generally follow the rainbow spectrum—yellow is for the warmest spring conditions and green is for the brutal cold. Make sure to clean your bases before you wax them. To apply the wax, use an iron at the appropriate temp noted on the packaging to melt the wax—too hot and you change the chemical composite of the wax, too cold and your wax won’t absorb into the base of your skis. Wait for the wax to cool, and scrape with a sharp plastic scraper. Finally, use a brush to get rid of any excess wax. This opens up the structure of the base to combat any suction between your skis and the snow.

Waxing can be a messy and time-consuming process, but many find it meditative and the instant gratification can’t be beat. KNOW WHEN TO SEE A PROFESSIONAL

You should get your alpine ski bindings tested once a year and after a major crash to make sure that the binding is working properly. Get a full tune up as needed; this includes filling in scratches, grinding the bases flat, adding structure, edge sharpening, and wax. Don’t be surprised if a shop quotes you $30-$60 for a tune, it’s a lot of work to get your skis back in fighting shape. Every ski technician tunes a little differently; ask questions and shop around. Find one that listens to you and can tune the ski to where and when you ski, and to your style of skiing. I personally get a full tune at the end of the season and a layer of summer wax. When the snow comes again all I have to do is scrape and brush, then I am off to the hills! //

SLOPE STYLES ON THE MOUNTAIN

RACHEL SHOWING OFF THE LATEST STYLES. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SPOKANE ALPINE HAUS

TIPS FOR STAYING WARM ON THE MOUNTAIN

THE STYLES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ BY RACHEL HARDING

WINTER APPAREL has long been known to be louder, brighter, and braver than your normal everyday attire. And why not? It’s great having that color contrast against a white back drop while you huck a huge 360 off a cliff under the chair. Skiing is fun, so why not have your outfit share the sentiment, right? However, this year we are seeing some changes. More muted, neutral tones are taking the stage. Rust-colored jackets and pants with a more work wear-inspired edge are more prevalent. The great thing about this style change is that your outdoor apparel will be a bit more timeless and will go with more options as your closet evolves. But don’t fret if you like bright. It hasn’t gone away. In fact, we are seeing a lot of toned-down neutral colors sparked with really bright accents! It allows your jacket

NOW OPEN!

or pants to pop without it going over the top and makes a piece special. Along with these color shifts, expect to see improvements to the technical side of outdoor apparel. We live in a cold and often wet environment here in the Pacific Northwest. Our days are short and the sun is not out for long. However, companies have kept up with the need for keeping us warm and dry and are continually exceeding our expectations. Brands like Flylow are a great example of this. Flylow’s roots stem from the backcountry. As tech gear advances, apparel gets tighter and lighter, which is not always the best combo for hiking around in the snow. The founders of Flylow started the company with a simultaneous emphasis on fit and comfort. This translates well into their all-mountain apparel. The success of their company

has shown that, while people want to be protected, the fit and style of their outdoor pieces is incredibly important as well. Whether you are just getting into winter sports or are a longtime outdoor enthusiast, take the time to go to your local outdoor stores to speak with a representative about the pieces you are looking for. There are so many changes and advancements in apparel. And at the end of the day, we’ll help you look good, too. Because, let’s be honest—that’s also kind of important! // Rachel Harding was born and raised in Montana and skied competitively in Freestyle in college before moving to Boise to open a Helly Hansen store. She and her husband, Drew, now live in Spokane and own and operate the Spokane Alpine Haus.

One of the biggest misconceptions we see when it comes to apparel is what you’re supposed to be wearing right next to your skin. Being cold is probably the No. 1 complaint I hear from skiers and snowboarders. Staying warm actually starts from the inside out. You’ll want to find baselayers that are masters of moisture movement. Stay away from fabrics like cotton, which stay wet for hours and don’t breathe. Even be wary of fabrics that “wick.” Wicking just takes moisture and spreads it over the fabric. The plus is that your garment will dry faster because the moisture is spreading. The downside is that you end up colder (and often smellier) because you’re now wet all over while you’re waiting for your garment to dry. Brands like Helly Hansen make baselayers with fabrics like Polypropylene and Marino Wool that transfer moisture away from your skin immediately, which keeps you warm and dry.

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ON THE MOUNTAIN SKI BUM ADVICE

10 SIGNS YOU HAVE TOO MANY SKIS BY BRAD NORTHRUP

I SHOULD PROBABLY preface this column by

More Power

sharing a simple fact: I hate getting rid of skis. Yeah, sure, us skiing folk might make light of this traitorous act by calling it “thinning the herd” or “shrinking the quiver,” but the fact remains that it sucks to dump skis. A few years back, I totally rationalized selling a pair of giant slalom racing skis by telling myself I hardly ever rode them. The reality was they scared the bejesus out of me, which is why I loved them. But I digress. Sadly, there comes a time in every skier’s life when a pair or two of boards have to go. In case you are wondering when that time may be, keep an eye out for the following signs.

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1. You have numbered slots for each pair in your garage, which happens to take up a ton of space— so much in fact that your mountain bike, lawn mower, and other various implements are rusting away in both the front and back yards. Your neighbors are not impressed. 2. Every time you go to the mountain, you take a minimum of three pair, which takes up most of the space in the back of your Subaru. Your significant other has to contort themselves into the front seat and ride all the way to the hill with their gear on their laps. This lasts about two weeks. He or she decides watching the Seahawks flounder on Sunday is way more fun than riding to the mountain with you and your bevy of sticks.

3. The street value of your quiver equals the minimum down payment on a duplex. 4. The annual tuning costs of all of your skis is equal to or greater than the cost of one semester at WSU. 5. The reason the ski check limits the number of pairs of skis one can leave is because of you. 6. You can’t remember the last time you rode at least two of the pairs of skis you own. One of them has likely never been ridden. 7. The amount of time you spend in the fall prepping all of your skis far exceeds the amount of time you spend cleaning your house and doing yardwork. Coincidently, your house is a mess and your lawn is two feet tall. 8. You have been on a first-name basis with the crew at your local ski shop for the last decade. 9. If you were to take all of your skis in at once for tune work, you would need to rent a trailer and get your CDL. 10. You have actually Googled “How Many Pairs of Skis is Too Many?” Brad Northrup is a former ski racer, alpine coach, and resort marketing director. He has cut his quiver down substantially over the past few years.

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APRES ON THE MOUNTAIN

ELYSIAN SPACE DUST IPA ON TAP AT NOAH’S // PHOTO COURTESY OF SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT

EARN YOUR BEERS BY ADAM GEBAUER

IN THE WINTER there is no better way to earn your beers than a day on the slopes. Our local ski areas

have some great places on and off the mountain to rest your quads and work on those 12-ounce curls. Mount Spokane’s Foggy Bottom Lounge has excellent views down mountain where you can watch the evening snow fall while contemplating that drive. The big, communal tables often foster some rowdy conversation about where to find the good snow. If you are looking to cozy up to a wood stove with a black farm

dog at your feet and a craft beer in your hand, Big Barn Brewing Company is also just minutes from the mountain. Once your legs are feeling up to it, you might even be able to challenge the owner to a game of Ping-Pong in the beautiful, you guessed it, big barn. Boomtown Lounge on 49 Degrees North is a rustic, cozy place to shoulder up to the bar and make some friends with your fellow skiers and riders. And, as they should, local breweries are popping up everywhere with Chewelah now housing Quartzite Brewery. This new brewery is adorned appropriately with old skis and snowshoes on the wall, and their beers are named after the peaks of the Colville National Forest. Silver Mountain’s Moguls fosters the feeling of hanging with your extended family members—the cool ones that ski and ride. There is plenty of room for the whole crew and, if need be, the shot ski. But one of the best things about Moguls is the to-go cups for the gondola ride. Radio Brewing Company in Kellogg is a new craft brewer on the scene, offering up a variety of brews with retro

radio-themed names. A favorite haunt on Schweitzer Mountain is the Outback Inn, tucked on the backside with plenty of fun runs and a high-speed lift. Here you can warm your soul with some fellow adventurous spirits. The new Nest sits up on the summit and, while you are enjoying a frosty beverage, you can take in the offers 360-degree views of the Selkirks and Lake Pend Oreille. Taps, upstairs in the lodge, is a big open space with great views of Schweitzer Bowl, but you’d better get there early if the Seahawks are playing. Of course, you can saddle up to the long bar at MickDuff ’s Brewing in the heart of Sandpoint for an in-town option. When the wind chill picks up at Lookout, look no further than the Loft Pub. This is a classic ski bar on the top floor of the lodge with exposed rafters and a great panoramic view. Here you can sip your beer, eat a brat, gaze up at both Montana and Idaho, and decide which state is less windy. Stopping in Wallace on the drive back to town can allow for a visit to two breweries. Downtown’s Wallace Brewery looks just like it must have during the boom in silver mining, and North Idaho Mountain Brew located at City Limits Pub sits just on the edge of town. No matter if you want to stay up on the slopes or head back to town, there is a great array of après ski options out there. Many of these spots host music on the weekends and have rotating drink specials. So, gather up some friends, shred some powder, and reward yourself for a hard days work in the mountains. When Adam Gebauer is not teaching skiing or summiting a mountain, he is wrangling his herd of goats and running Syringa Ecological Consulting. He wrote about Mount Spokane’s “Beer Rock” in October.

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SKIER FLIES LIKE AN EAGLE AT KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT. // PHOTO: AARON THEISEN

OLD SCHOOL SKI TRICKS BY BRAD NORTHRUP

AS AN OLD-SCHOOL SKI RACER who grew up with skinny skis, tight pants, and bad hair, I admit I am at a loss when it comes to the plethora of tricks the newer generation is throwing down. On several occasions I have watched in awe at some of the things these “kids” can do today. Shoot, even the language they use to describe their airborne acrobatics sounds like a foreign language. Want to utterly confuse any dude over 40? Ask them what a Zutnick, Lui Kang, or Skodeo are and watch them stutter and check out. As cool as it all may be, it’s important to remember that these tricks all evolved from a handful of basic, old-school ones. Here are three that no one who grew up on snow in the 1970s and 80s will ever forget, because we all tried them, with varying degrees of success. THE DAFFY

Regarded as perhaps the most stylish of all of the old-school ski tricks, a well-executed Daffy requires the skier to extend one leg forward, and one leg back, while trying to keep 200-centimeter skis as vertical as possible. While this sounds easy enough, there is a higher level of commitment to pull it off than one would think. I knew many a good skier (including me), who chickened out right before full extension of the legs occurred, thus rendering the attempt feeble at best. Heckling from one’s skiing partners usually ensued immediately thereafter. Only a gifted few could make the Daffy look seemingly effortless, like they had always been able to do it. THE HELICOPTER

PRINT & USE COUPONS THE SAME DAY www.MountainSportsClub.com Photo: Freeride Media 38

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

As the predecessor to the now famous 360, the Helicopter was the one trick everyone wanted to do, and it usually caused the most carnage when attempted and failed. Part of the reason

for this was the sheer length and weight of the skis. Imagine launching yourself off a jump and attempting to twist your body in a full circle, all the while praying that when you land, you either stick it, or safely come out of your bindings. I once witnessed an unfortunate landing by a friend of mine that resulted in his bindings actually blowing apart. Despite the risks, every kid I knew wanted to successfully land a Helicopter. THE SPREAD EAGLE

As the trick that everyone started with, it’s still the one that I see on the mountain today. From little kids to dudes in their 60s, the Spread Eagle is a ski trick staple that requires the least effort and risk. While airborne, simply spread your legs apart. Awesomeness is rated by how far you spread your legs, which is also where things can go wrong. Go too short, and you look like a poser. But go too far apart, and things will get messy if you don’t stick the landing. The cool thing about the Spread Eagle is that it’s the first trick we all tried as kids, and it’s even cooler still to see that it hasn’t changed in the last four decades. There is no doubt that the moves performed by skiers and snowboarders in today’s terrain parks are amazing to witness and leave us wondering what crazy thing will happen next. But keep in mind where those insane tricks started. The came from a time when terrain parks were snow-covered rocks and stumps, and you could count the number of possible tricks on one hand. Brad Northrup grew up skiing in Central Washington and has been a contributing writer for Out There since 2011. He writes the Ski Bum Advice column all winter long.

DECEMBER 2017 / OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

INLAND NW OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY FOUR SPOKANE BUSINESSES SELLING COOL THINGS TO GET US OUTSIDE BY JON JONCKERS

LEFT: HUROIC GEAR TOP: OWNER OF NW OUTDOORS, MARK SCHNEIDER, SHOWING OFF THE ABUNDANCE OF BIKES FOR SALE. PHOTO: JON JONCKERS BOTTOM: ZIP WAX CONTAINERS. RIGHT: THE REGULAR BOTTLE OF LYTE BALANCE CAN MAKE 64 FULL SPORT DRINKS. NOW, THAT’S A GIFT..

THE INLAND NORTHWEST has been home to major outdoor recreation industry businesses that reach a national and international audience for years. Companies like Mountain Gear, GSI, Omega Pacific, and NRS have been selling outdoor recreation equipment from local home bases for decades. Less known are the many other smaller outdoor recreation-based companies that have taken root here in recent years. The owners of these four businesses are just a handful of the many small companies that have found a way to turn their passion for the outdoors into a meaningful livelihood, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy in the process. (OTM) HUROIC GEAR (Spokane)

Established in the Northwest in 2010 as Huroic Clothing Co., the brand initially aimed at making quality outdoor clothes at a reasonable price. Fast forward a few years when Isaac Crandall stepped up with a bold idea for dry bags, and the company continues to grow. Dry bags are the one universal piece of gear that some argue is frequently overlooked. In recent years, there have been so many advancements for waterproofing gloves, boots, hats, tents, packs, as well as special waterproof treatments for ropes, sleeping bags, and down jackets, but there haven’t been many upgrades in dry bags. More importantly, while the other advancements are key for keeping the user warm and dry, doesn’t it make sense to keep certain imperative items like food or expensive electronics dry too? Once you own a good Huroic dry bag, you will wonder how you got along without it. Right now, the bulk of their sales are directly from Spokanebased Huroic’s website, but they’re also available on Amazon. Learn more at Huroicgear.com. 40

OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM / DECEMBER 2017

ZIP WAX ANTI FOG CLEANER (Spokane Valley)

The Zip Wax website shares a brilliant story about the genesis of their product. Sometime during World War II, soldiers discovered this amazing solution that kept their glasses clean and also reduced fog and mist. The clarity and anti-fog benefits were important, not only to soldiers with spectacles, but to every soldier using a scope or binoculars. In a nutshell, Zip Wax is an amazing glass and plastic cleaner. It does not eliminate scratches but it fills them in. Zip Wax is also a great anti-fog inhibitor. Anytime you go from hot to cold or cold to hot, your lenses or goggles can fog up, but Zip Wax keeps this from happening. Even better, it’s safe on all lenses including high-end camera lens, telescopes and other optics. One of the biggest details that separate Zip Wax from any other lens cleaner is the principles of the recipe: alcohol free, ammonia free, and safe for all lenses. Even better, a little bit goes a long way. The most popular size often lasts up to three years for most users. Zip Wax headquarters resides in Spokane Valley. The product comes in three configurations: a half ounce jar, one ounce jar, and a two ounce spray bottle. Initially the product was a great option for glass, but more and more uses are discovered every day, including ski goggles, swim goggles, sunglasses, snowmobile helmets, even bathroom mirrors. Zipwaxantifogcleaner.com. LYTE BALANCE ELECTROLYTE CONCENTRATE

Lyte Balance overturns everything people think they know about sports drinks. It’s pure electrolytes without any sweeteners, flavors, or caffeine. It’s the most practical and potent way to regain electrolytes lost through sweat, without unnecessary calories. Best of all, you can add it to any other drink like water, juice, or coffee, or

even a protein shake. Senseable Supplements is a licensed Nutraceutical Manufacturer making Lyte Balance from its home base in Liberty Lake. They are a socially and environmentally conscious microenterprise focused on expanding good hydration. Daily use of Lyte Balance can improve electrolyte balance for optimal performance and recovery for anyone. Whereas many people used to believe that red, blue, or yellow sports drinks were the only way to properly hydrate during or after a workout, Lyte Balance opens up a whole new world of hydration improvements. Lyte Balance is most commonly found in a 16-ounce bottle at several locations around the region. One 16-ounce bottle contains up to 64 servings. You can find it at Huckleberry’s Natural Markets, Pilgrim’s Market, and online at Amazon, or check out their website at Lytebalance.com. With so many tablets and powders on the market, it can be tough to know what works best when you want to perform your best. Lyte Balance easily beats the fizzy caffeine drinks and the neon yellow power drinks because it’s just pure electrolytes. Add a capful to water, juice, milk, tea, even a celebratory post-ride or run beer; this might be the best way to replace sweat. NW OUTDOORS QUALITY OUTDOOR GEAR CONSIGNMENT STORE

Mark Schneider grew up in a rural farming community where he spent his days outside either working on the farm or enjoying good ole Mother Nature. After four years in the military plus 15 years as a production manager/engineer for a few companies, he decided to shed the polos and khakis and open NW Outdoors in Spokane. “I wanted to turn my passions into a career, to be immersed in the outdoor community and find

a way to give back to an industry that has given me so much,” Schneider says. “I also was a repeat customer of a consignment shop in Boise.” Since opening this past spring, NW Outdoors has become Spokane’s premiere source for quality used outdoor gear and apparel. One of its mottos is “liberate your closet and put money in your wallet.” In other words, quality old gear that doesn’t fit, isn’t used, or was upgraded long ago, can have new life in this consignment shop. Even better, people can gather new gear for a variety of outdoor pursuits without paying full retail price. Based on the most recent sales figures, snowshoes, multi-day backpacks, full suspension mountain bikes, SUPs, and kayaks don’t sit on the shelves very long. The gear in NW Outdoors is really diverse, and plenty of customers have made decent cash selling their gear on consignment. Schneider is enthusiastic about his new home and the local outdoors community. “I love the Inland Northwest because it’s the perfect mix of climate, mountains, lakes and rivers. There is a large, active, and friendly outdoors community without the overcrowding of larger cities.” He also points to the fact that there seems to be a volunteer organization for every discipline. “With so many people making a daily effort to provide access to public resources, it’s hard to not want to play and be active in all of them.” When Schneider started looking for a location to open his business, he was excited to see that Spokane didn’t have a dedicated outdoor consignment shop. “It seemed like the perfect fit for me and this business model.” Stop by the NW Outdoors shop at 3220 N Division Street in Spokane to buy or sell ski, snowboard, and snowshoe equipment, backcountry ski gear, or almost any other warm or cold season outdoor sports gear and apparel you can think of. More info at Nwoutdoors.co. //

OutdoorCalendar RUNNING (December 2) Jingle Bell Run/Walk.

Where: Riverfront Park, Spokane. 5K with a holiday costume contest that benefits arthritis research. Info: Jbr.org

(December 9) Reindeer Run. Where: McEuen Park, Coeur d’Alene. Christmas themed 5K loop. Bring a donation of food for Idaho’s Community Action Foodbank. Info: Fleetfeetcda.com (December 9) Stocking Stuffer 5K Fun Run/ Walk. Where: Coney Island Park, Medical Lake, Wash. Come celebrate Christmas with a 5k fun run/ walk. Info: Medicallake.org/5k

(December 31) Resolution Run. Where: Riverfront Park, Spokane. Free 5K run/walk through the park that’s part of the downtown Spokane First Night celebration. Info: FirstNightSpokane.org.

BIKING (December 3) Global Fat Bike Day +1. Where: Schweitzer Roundabout, Sandpoint. In its 6th year, Global Fat Bike Day in Sandpoint is just like it sounds, a day to celebrate and ride fat bikes. Group fat bike rides leave at noon. Info: Greasyfingersbikes.com

WINTER SPORTS (December 6) Winter Wildlands Backcountry Film Festival. Where: Numerica Performing Arts Center, Wenatchee. Info: Facebook.com/elsenderobackcountry

(December 8) Community $10 Day Fundraiser. Where: Schweitzer Mountain Resort. $10 lift tickets at Schweitzer! All proceeds benefit Community Cancer Services and Bonner Partners in Care Clinic. Info: Schweitzer.com. 100% of the ticket revenue raised will be donated to these two organizations! Don’t ski? You can still donate $10 to a great cause by purchasing a ticket online.

(December 9) Big Reds at Big White. Where: Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, B.C. Enjoy hand crafted, amazing Okanagan wines in an intimate atmosphere while interacting with the winemakers. Pair the wines with the incredible early season powder at Big White. Info: Bigwhite.com (December 15) Night Skiing Kickoff Party. Where: Mt Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park. Don’t miss this annual celebration of the night skiing season! Mt. Spokane is firing up the night lights and hosting the first live band of the season. Info: Mtspokane.com

(December 16) Pray for Snow Brewfest. Where: Lookout Pass. Ski, snowboard and enjoy great beer! Sponsored by 10 Barrel Brewery. Info: Skilookout.com (December 22) Winter Blast Family Fun Day. Where: 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort, Chewelah, Wash. Save $10 on every lift ticket and rental package. Ski49N.com

(December 23) Local Brewfest. Where: 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort, Chewelah, Wash. Powder intermingles with the finest local craft brew-

eries. Info: Ski49N.com

(December 31) New Year’s Eve at Silver Mountain. Where: Silver Mountain Resort. Ski or snowboard under the lights until 6 p.m. or tube from 5-7 p.m. After a day in the snow, warm up at Silver Rapids where it’s always 85 degrees. There will be a balloon drop, lazy river duck race, and a family New Year’s Celebration in Silver Rapids Waterpark with a 9 p.m. New York countdown. Enjoy a buffet-style prime rib dinner in Noah’s Loft from 6-9 p.m. and a karaoke/DJ party with a champagne toast at Noah’s Canteen. Info: Silvermt.com

SIX MONTH EVENT CALENDAR (February 24-25) 2nd Annual Spokane Great Outdoors & Bike Expo. Where: Spokane Convention Center. This two-day event is a celebration of all the awesome outdoor recreation and travel opportunities and amazing lifestyle we enjoy here in the Inland Pacific Northwest. This second-year event will feature over 60 biking, outdoor gear, adventure travel, tourism, and outdoor organization exhibitors; presentations and clinics on a wide range of outdoor recreation and conservation topics; activities like slacklining, rock climbing, bike demos, games, and product demos; and gear giveaways every hour. The Great Outdoors & Bike Expo is one of the biggest bike and outdoor gear sales events of the year. Buy your ticket early to score a FREE 2 for 1 Silver Mountain Bike Park pass, climbing gym pass, paddleboard rental, and more! Presented by Out There Monthly, this event is the most outdoor fun you’ll have indoors all year! Info: Spokaneoutdoorexpo.com

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DECEMBER 2017 / OUTTHEREMONTHLY.COM

Last Page A MONTH OF SERVICE // By Beatrice Lackaff CACHE CREEK STATION, FROM DOWN RIVER. // PHOTO: BEA LACKAFF

THE FOREST SERVICE LADY’S eyes shone like moss agates. “You’d be PERFECT,” she announced, “to be our permit host at Cache Creek—on the Snake River—for the month of December. How about it?” Thus began my adventure: finding paradise in Hells Canyon in the winter! Six weeks later, safely deposited just within the northern boundary of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, with Petunia the Corgi, gear, and (hopefully) ample food for a month, I waved ‘Goodbye’ as the Forest Service jet boat wheeled away from the dock and headed downstream.

I immediately started taking in the grandeur and solitude. We lived in a refurbished sheep ranchhouse, warmed by a cheery woodstove, cozy as old bedroom slippers. A small museum was attached to the house, and a large picture window looked downstream over a wide sweep of the eternal, shining, and sibilant Snake River. From the kitchen window I watched troops of turkeys, bevies of quail, and families of dark-eyed mule deer, all partaking of some feast or another that lurked below the blackberry thicket grown up over Cache Creek. Every day began by solemnly

raising the flag, hopefully before the first boat of the day, and a round of “America the Beautiful” for the flickers. Visitors to the permit center were mostly expeditions fishing for steelhead, then chukar and elk hunters, and the occasional boatload of fishery biologists. I greeted all the boats I could, though I was only asked to stock the self-permit forms for entering the HCNRA, and collect and tally daily permits. I swept the spiders and other detritus from the lightly used vault toilets and snow from the dock and ramp. There was no radio, cell phone, or Internet connection. I used just enough solar light to read from the rich trove of the Cache Creek library. I cooked, puttered, knitted, and played accordion by the picture window. Each week revolved around the brief but exciting visit from the mail boat. Nearing Christmas, I was blessed with a weekly bounty of cards, letters, and goodies. I sent as many letters and sketches as I could—doing my best to share Cache Creek with family and friends. The hiking adventures were exhilarating. Daily I hiked the wide bench upriver along an old farm track through the hackberry trees, scattering chickadees, gold finch, and hundreds of robins and watching the marsh hawks on their incessant gliding hunts. Sometimes I clambered downstream along a shoreline game trail, scattering chukars and “Huns” into the rocky outcrops of the side hill. The road up Cache Creek was most challenging. If there were cougars nearby, they’d be up there! The creek and side draws were bastioned with poison ivy. Leaving the ranch house in a gentle skiff of snow, I could soon be floundering knee-deep, a thousand feet higher, breaking trail for my staunch

little companion. The elk herd high above us realized how harmless we were and soon just lingered quietly browsing and resting on their sunlit slope as we approached. The snow, the quiet solitude, and this “sensory deprivation” served to enhance every experience. A wisp of pink cloud, the silhouette of bulbous turkeys flapping high in the trees to find balance for a night’s sleep, applesauce with rosehips. I experienced all of this as blessed events, surely as Paradise. Maybe I was a little crazy up there, but I’ll take it! I tried, but couldn’t stop talking to the patient ranger as we boated out. Pestered, he finally conceded that much of the comments the Forest Service gets from the “public” are complaining, and many abusive. (This was less than a year from the militant take-over of the Malheur Wildlife Refuge not too far away.) The Forest Service, in managing the HCNRA, works to protect boater safety and quality river experiences, keeps clean latrines and campgrounds along the way, and maintains roads and trails. Staff do the best they can, often relying upon volunteers to get their jobs done under ever-reduced funding and, sometimes, little public support. “Hooray!” I say for those who serve our great American legacy as stewards of our public lands, and for the opportunity to volunteer with them—a rich and rewarding adventure. Learn more about volunteering yourself at Fws.gov/volunteers. // Bea is a retired cartographer. She currently presides over her “overgrown empire” of a garden in Spokane’s West Central neighborhood and squeezes in as many camping/hiking/road trips as she can. She wrote about backyard birding in October.

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Altai Skis Hok w/ Xtrace Binding $319.95

For a complete list of class descriptions, events and information, contact us: 2002 N Division, Spokane • 509.325.9000 • mountaingear.com/retail

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UPCOMING EVENTS WE’RE SPONSORING: Saturday Dec 9 | Lookout Pass Ski Area Pre-registration REQUIRED at Mountain Gear 2002 N Division, Spokane | 509.325.9000

Sorel Men’s Falcon Ridge Women’s Nakiska Slippers $70.00

Petzl Tikkina Headlamp $19.95 Patagonia Women’s Bivy Hooded Vest $179.00

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 18oz $29.95

Patagonia Men’s & Women’s Better Sweater $139.00

Kahtoola Nanospikes $49.95 Atlas Men’s & Women’s Rendezvous Snowshoes $139.95 Bluewater 9.7mm Lightning Pro Dynamic Rope 60m Reg $193.00 SALE $167.95

The North Face Men’s & Women’s Chilkat III $109.95

Patagonia Refugio Pack 28L $89.00

Patagonia Reversible Bivy Down Vest $189.00

La Sportiva Men’s & Women’s Tarantulace $80.00

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Top of Bernard Peak above Bayview, ID

Photo: Jim Rueckel