December 2018 // Out There Outdoors

avy education

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little ripper

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ski tuning tips

DECEMBER 2018 // FREE

THE INLAND NW GUIDE TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE, TRAVEL AND THE OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE

LOCAL 75 GIFT IDEAS Flashback: Best Pow days ever

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Local snowshoe hikes

Fat Biking

in the Inland NW

Winter wandering in the Wenaha-tucannon wilderness

BC Ski & Winter Travel Guide

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

CONTENTS

FEATURES

16 | Gear We Love

28 SPECIAL SECTIONS 22 | Holiday Guide 28 | BC Ski & Winter Travel Guide 39 | On The Mountain Ski/Snowboard Section

DEPARTMENTS 11 | Running 13 | Nature 19 | Biking

COLUMNS 12 | Leaf, Root, Fungi, Fruit

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14 | Out There Kids 21 | Eatology

IN EVERY ISSUE 7

| Intro

8

| Dispatches

10 | Hike of the Month 15 | Health & Fitness 20 | Provisions 49 | Outdoor Calendar 50 | Last Page

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GAIN CONFIDENCE THROUGH FREE ICE-SKATING LESSONS ON WEEKENDS BEGINNING MID-DECEMBER. DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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DECEMBER 2018 WWW.OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM PUBLISHERS

Shallan & Derrick Knowles EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Derrick Knowles MANAGING EDITOR

Summer Hess ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Jon Jonckers Lisa Laughlin SPECIAL SECTION EDITOR

Amy Silbernagel McCaffree DIGITAL EDITOR

Siobhan Ebel COPY EDITOR

Andrew Butler CONTRIBUTORS

Crystal Atamian S. Michal Bennett Bradley Bleck Kelly Chadwick Dig Chrismer Anna Dvorak Adam Gebauer T. Ghezzi Sarah Hauge Summer Hess Andrew Jay Jon Jonckers Matt Jones Derrick Knowles Shallan Knowles Lisa Laughlin Kimbo May Amy S. McCaffree Ammi Midstokke Brian Munoz Brad Northrup Erika Prins Simonds Lisa Sunderman Aaron Theisen Brad Thiessen Holly Weiler Wil Wheaton Kristin Whitaker Kathy Wilson ART + PRODUCTION

Jon Jonckers Shallan Knowles Jordan Lemm Amy Jennngs TO REQUEST COPIES CALL

509 / 822 / 0123 AD SALES

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

Mailing Address: PO Box #5 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outthereoutdoors.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 Out There Outdoors is published 10 times a year by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2018 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC.

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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.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

Intro: Holiday Traditions EVEN THE MOST HOLIDAYS-HARDENED, Christmas-

season cynics among us usually have at least one tradition that stirs up sentimental spirits. Our awareness of these significant rituals—handed down through generations or created anew—are what can make the holiday season magical even if other things about the impending yuletide bum you out.

For me, the smell of cold November air always conjures up an anxious urge to get the holiday season rolling. My extended family has always been a giftgiving clan, so much so that we often overwhelm new comers. The art of finding the perfect gift, or, better yet, making the perfect gift, and then wrapping and delivering it, comes with big fanfare. But before the gifts are ever exchanged, the scene must be set.

At center stage has always been a real, live Christmas tree. When I was young, we had access to my grandparents' sprawling ranch near Coeur

d’Alene, so trees were harvested right from our family forest. Our tree-cutting expeditions were often led by my grandfather, who passed away this fall. Dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins, parents and grandparents would trudge off through deep snow to find our perfect trees. Us kids were taught to find one that was snugged up close with other trees, which would give the remaining trees a better chance to thrive.

Once the tree was home, it would invariably need some pruning to fit (trees always seem smaller in the forest). Next came the decorating. My mom insisted on putting the lights on when I was young since they needed to be just right, a practice I have since picked up at my own home. Then came the ornaments, put on one by one, with silent or shared reflections on where each one was acquired. Most were handmade or purchased on some memorable trip or have some other family significance.

This tree-decorating practice has always been steeped in

meaning for me, an act that conjures fond memories and a sense of home wherever these Christmas tree rituals have unfolded over the years.

Once the tree was up and the holiday setting was just right, the various family gatherings began in earnest: wreath-making parties, sledding and chili on Saturday afternoons, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling outings, and progressive dinners at the homes of aunts and uncles and grandparents.

On Christmas Eve came the finale. We would all gather at my grandparents’ house with bags of gifts for each person in our large family. Reflecting my value of meaningful gift giving, the presents I put under the tree were often ones I made myself or were thoughtful and useful—painted dish towels, ornaments, sachets of potpourri, and other crafts. After a big, traditional Christmas dinner, the kids would play elves and the culmination of gift giving, an ancient human tradition

that has long helped tie families, tribes, and societies together, ensued.

Last year my mom purchased DNA kits for everyone. Turns out, my grandmother is half Jewish. This revelation has brought a new dimension to the holidays for me as I ponder the possibilities for incorporating new rituals into my own small family’s holiday traditions. As families grow, fracture, evolve, and move forward without passing elders, it’s important to take stock in the traditions we hold onto and add new ones that make sense. That may mean learning about Hanukkah; ditching the plastic tree for a real one you pull out of the woods yourself; giving gifts to the less fortunate; or celebrating winter solstice with a snowy hike, bonfire, and boozy hot beverages. However you celebrate the holidays this year, find a way to make it all a little more magical. // SHALLAN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER

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Dispatches WHEN BEARS SWIM WITH SHARKS ON THE SEASON PREMIERE of “Shark Tank” 10,

Cory and Heidi Santiago from Spokane introduced Bear Bowls to a national television audience. Even better, their pitch was funded!

Fascinated by great camping gear, Cory envisioned a need for a compact cook kit. In a world where everything else was super compact and

ultra-lightweight, why did cooking pots remain strict metal cylinders? The Bear Bowl folds down to the size of a wallet, and it can even be used over a fire in a survival situation. No wonder the Bear agreed to a bite from the Sharks. Read more about the Bear Bowl in the Provisions section in this issue of “Out There.” (Jon Jonckers)

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Festival at Spokane’s Camp Sekani Park on the Spokane River is expanding in 2019 into a two-day event, July 13-14. The festival will be adding more live music and entertainment, an additional day of bike and water sports demos and clinics, new kids activities, and limited festival camping Saturday night. Over the past several years, Spokatopia has become one of the biggest bike demo events in the Northwest, with local shops and leading bike brand demo fleets on site for participants to try the latest mountain bikes, e-bikes, and other bikes

on Camp Sekani/Beacon Hill single-track and the Centennial Trail. For water sports enthusiasts, Boulder Beach, a short trail walk from the central festival grounds on the Spokane River, will be the site of two days of stand up paddleboard, kayak, canoe, and other water sports demos and clinics.

General admission is free, as are many activities, although there is a cost for a demo pass that gets festival goers access to bike and water sports demos and for guided outdoor adventure clinics through Spokane Parks & Recreation. More info coming soon at Spokatopia.com (OTO)

CENTENNIAL TRAIL REPAIR COMPLETED AT BARKER BACK IN 2017, the Spokane River flooded significantly and caused some major damage to the Centennial Trail near the Barker Road Trailhead.

This particular stretch of the trail is close to the water level, and it was only a matter of time before erosion damaged the Centennial Trail. Thankfully, Washington State Parks secured FEMA funding to repair the broken section. Even better, the plans for the repairs included modern drainage ele-

ments to ensure the trail wouldn’t need to be repaired in the same spot in the near future. This repair is a testament to the collaboration between the Friends of the Centennial Trail, Washington State Parks, Spokane Valley, and FEMA. The Centennial Trail is a beloved treasure yet it continually requires the efforts of a lot of agencies to keep it smooth and safe for the community.

(Jon Jonckers)

WINTER KICKOFF IN THE KOOTENAYS WITH 40-PLUS events happening over 10 days,

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

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visitors are invited to the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region in British Columbia, Canada, for a pre-winter celebration like no other. The 2nd Annual Winter Kickoff Festival runs November 22 to December 2, 2018. The greater Nelson area is known for its incredible outdoor adventure, boutique shops, artistic expression, and a whole lot of personality.

“We want to provide visitors with lots of compelling reasons to visit the Nelson and Kootenay Lake region before winter truly arrives. There will be plenty to see and do that reflects our unique

Kootenay vibe. It’s an awesome opportunity to travel, with savings up to 30 percent because of the US dollar,” says NKLT executive director Dianna Ducs.

Experience travel deals, film screenings, food tours, craft fairs, culinary attractions, brewery crawls, craft beer nights, retail events and specials, arts and culture, live music, a mural tour, Santa, and more. Winter Kickoff is a unique opportunity for people of all ages to really get excited for winter by taking part in events like these that inspire creativity, expand the imagination, and bring Kootenay locals and visitors together.

Info: Winterkickoff.com (OTO)

WASHINGTON STATE PARKS RELEASES ONLINE ADA RECREATION MAP THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. Washington State Parks recently launched an interactive online map that allows people with disabilities to find state parks with ADA accessibility. Over 90 of the 100+ parks are included in the map, and visitors can search for a variety of features such as ADA trails,

campsites, restrooms, docks, showers and cabins.

Washington State Parks is committed to making outdoor recreation accessible to all people. When searching for multiple features, only the parks that have all the selected features will come up in the results. The map will be updated as more ADA facilities become available. Parks.state.wa.us/156/ ADA-Recreation. (Jon Jonckers)

get ready for your backcountry ski and splitboard pursuits. Whether you are planning a multiday epic hut trip in B.C. or just like to get some cardio before work, slapping on your climbing skins and heading to the local ski hill is great exercise. But not all the mountains resorts in our area have the same policies regarding uphill travel. The five ski resorts in our area have safety as their top priority and therefore limit where and when you can travel uphill within the resort boundaries, if at all. They all prohibit uphill travel while the resorts are in operation.

At Schweitzer, Lookout Pass, and Silver Mountain resorts, uphill travel is prohibited (except on Nordic and snowshoe trails). They all state hazards including on-snow equipment, winch grooming, avalanches, and explosive work as legitimate safety concerns.

At 49 uphill travel is permitted when the resort isn’t open (Wednesdays and Thursdays) and before the lifts start running and after they shut down,

which means early-morning uphill skiers must transition to downhill travel before 9 a.m. or start after 4 p.m. on operations days. During these times uphill travelers must also stay 100 feet from any on-snow equipment.

Mt. Spokane allows uphill traffic that does not impact downhill safety, grooming, parking, and/or snow removal. Within the resort boundary, uphill is allowed from 6:30 a.m. to 9:10 am. Uphill travelers can start at Lodge 1, take the B-29 cat track, and follow the lookers left edge of Tea Kettle. During operation hours, uphill access is only allowed outside the ski area boundary, from the lower Selkirk parking lot following trail 131 to 130 passing the Bald Knob picnic area and straight up the skyline to the summit.

The most important aspect of uphill travel is to come prepared for all conditions: sweating, freezing, wind, snow, ice, rain, etc. Know the policies of your mountain and always be respectful of paying customers and patrollers—they are the ones who keep the mountains running. (Adam Gebauer)

5TH & 6TH GRADERS SKI FREE AT IDAHO RESORTS IF YOU HAVE A 5TH OR 6TH grader who loves to ski or snowboard or one who'd like to learn, you'll want to take advantage of the free skiing program offered by the Idaho Ski Areas Association, a.k.a.

Ski Idaho. The Idaho Peak Season Passport lets 5th and 6th graders ski or board 18 mountains for a one-time $18 processing fee. The program is open to any child from any state or country, not just Idaho kids.

Complete the application at Skiidaho.us/programs/passport to sign up. Ski Idaho will email you a passport you can print out or show on your smartphone when you walk up to the ticket window. Your child must have a parent or guard-

ian present to use the passport. Ski areas in the Inland Northwest that are participating include Schweitzer, Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain, Cottonwood Butte, Bald Mountain, Snowhaven, Brundage, and Tamarack.

"The family friendly reputation of Idaho ski resorts is well deserved," Ski Idaho board chair and Brundage Mountain Resort president and managing director Bob Looper says. "Our incredible, uncrowded terrain offers some of the most spectacular skiing and snowboarding on the planet regardless of your age and ability, and our Idaho Peak Season Passport makes it a lot easier for families to take advantage of our good wintertime fortune." (OTO) //

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2018 USA TRACK & FIELD NATIONAL CLUB CROSS CHAMPIONSHIPS

PLANTE’S FERRY in the Spokane Valley hosts the 2018 National Club Cross Country Championships on December 8 beginning at 10 a.m. Obviously, Spokane boasts a significant running community, but the USA Track & Field Club Championships adds a special component to the regular Northwest running spirit. This prestigious event brings approximately 1,500 athletes representing an estimated 65 running clubs from around the country. The men’s race is a 10k

course and the women’s race is a 6k course. The top women usually blitz the 3.7 miles under 20 minutes, while the top men burn 6.2 miles in 29 minutes. Next to Bloomsday, this might be the most competitive running event in the area.

Admittedly, there are several out-of-town runners that will likely win podium glory. Then again, the smart spectators will keep their eyes open for some Spokane Swifts or some Spokane Distance Project runners. (Jon Jonckers)

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HikeOfTheMonth PANJAB, MOUNT MISERY, AND UPPER RATTLESNAKE TRAILS Umatilla National Forest // By Holly Weiler

HIKING THE MOUNT MISERY TRAIL // PHOTO: HOLLY WEILER

WHILE MEMORIAL DAY to Labor Day may be prime time for backpacking, it’s not absolutely necessary to pack away the tent until warmer weather returns. With a trailhead that is generally accessible into the colder months and a bridge over the trickiest water crossing, the Panjab Trail into the heart of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness can be a good trail for a winter backpacking excursion, whether it be for nocturnal stargazing, marking the winter solstice and the promise of longer days ahead, or a recharging during the busy holiday season.

When I did this trip in December 2017, Spokane was in the grips of a temperature inversion that had us suffering through our short winter days in a thick fog the sun couldn’t penetrate. It’s the type of weather I find positively oppressive. Meanwhile, weather reports were indicating a chance to get

above the clouds to experience warmer daytime temperatures in the southeast corner of the state.

It just so happened that it all coincided with the Geminid meteor shower, which will peak the night of December 13 through the following morning this year.

Begin this hike by crossing a footbridge over a rushing creek and immediately entering the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. Bear left and continue uphill at an unmarked intersection with the Turkey Creek Trail at approximately the one-mile mark. The Panjab trail climbs 2,500 feet in nearly 5 miles to the first good campsite at Dusty Camp, just below Indian Corral and the Mount Misery trail. Set up camp here, or else continue to Indian Corral and camp at the nearby Dunlap Springs.

Both locations have access to water in the event there isn’t enough snow on the ground to melt for

COME TRAIN WITH THE

drinking and cooking. After base camp is set up, the high country along the Mount Misery trail offers several options for exploration. Follow Mount Misery south toward Oregon Butte or east toward Diamond Peak. From the Indian Corral junction, the upper portions of the Rattlesnake Trail follow the ridge north to a vantage point overlooking the Tucannon River drainage. Competition for campsites shouldn’t be intense during the winter months, but know that additional campsites are located along all of these trails.

When planning a December backpacking trip, fickle weather will always be a cause for concern.

The Panjab trailhead was accessible in December last year, but this year’s conditions could be different. The Tucannon River Road is plowed to the end of the pavement, which is a little over two miles from the Panjab trailhead. It’s also possible to access the Rattlesnake Trail from the Panjab campground at the end of maintained road. The main difficulty with this option is that there is no footbridge over the creek at this location. Sometimes a fallen log can be used to cross, or hikers can wade across. It makes for a cold start to a December trip, but is a good alternative in case snow prevents access to the upper trailhead.

Snowshoes may be necessary in the higher sections of the trail, and the lower portion of the trail could have icy sections that would require either snowshoes or microspikes. A good way to assess possible snow depth in the high country is to check the closest SnoTel site at Spruce Springs, or to check the snow data for nearby Bluewood Ski Area. Please remember that blue bags/wag bags are necessary for winter camping trips, since the ground will likely be frozen or covered in snow.

Prefer to day hike this trip and stay in a nearby historic cabin? See the “Four Winter Cabin Trips” article in the February 2018 issue of Out There online for a description of the nearby Tucannon Guard Station, which is available for year-round rental through Recreation.gov.

ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: 10 miles round trip and 2,500 feet elevation gain, with options for additional hikes from camp.

RATING: Moderate to difficult MAPS:

U.S. Forest Service map: Umatilla National Forest, Pomeroy Ranger District including the WenahaTucannon Wilderness, 2013 USGS maps: Panjab Creek GETTING THERE: From Spokane, take US 195 south to Colfax. Travel west on WA 26 for 16.6 miles to Dusty, then travel south on WA 127 for 27 miles to the junction with US 12. Travel east on US 12 for 8 miles to Tatman Mountain Road.

Continue on Tatman Mountain Road to Linville Gulch, then Blind Grade Road. At the intersection with the Tucannon River Road, turn left and follow the Tucannon River upsteam to Forest Service Road 47. When the pavement ends at FS 4713, bear right and continue 2.4 miles to the Panjab trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required. //

Holly Weiler is the eastern region coordinator for Washington Trails Association. She writes the Hike of the Month column in every issue of Out There.

THIS SEASON

Is your child ready to take their skiing to the next level?

We will introduce your athlete to ski racing and help them become great all mountain skiers.

The Mt Spokane Ski Race Team offers a variety of youth programs designed for 6 to 11 year old athletes.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

Running STAY MOTIVATED

Winter Running Goals to Keep You Moving // By Sarah Hauge all,” Carey says. Timing-wise, winter is an ideal season to maintain or add on mileage before warmer weather arrives and the more official racing season starts. “I think winter running is a really great time to get that base built up, so once the snow is gone, you’re ready,” Carey says.

If you need some extra motivation as the days get colder and shorter, though, making some running-related commitments can help you persevere—maybe even thrive—through the chilliest months of the year.

COMMIT TO A MILEAGE GOAL OR RUN STREAK

ERIK SMITH RUNNING IN KENDALL YARDS. // PHOTO: JON JONCKERS

WINTER ISN’T MOST RUNNERS’ favorite season, but it does have some things going for it that the others don’t—like less chance of overheating, fewer other people out and about, and more calm and quiet. “I actually enjoy running in the winter more,” says Laura Carey, a local year-round run-

ner. “Once spring hits and runners are back out I’m like, ‘Wait a second, this is my road,’” she says with a laugh.

It may be cold, but that comes with its own beauty. “It’s so much more peaceful. If there’s snow on the ground, there’s just that kind of quietness to it

Setting and attempting to meet a mileage goal—10 per week, 100 per month, etc.—can be enough of an incentive to get you out the door when the weather’s less than appealing. Apps like Strava make it easy to compare routes, paces, and total mileage with other runners (real-life friends or virtual ones) if you want a more “official” way to evaluate against your—hopefully friendly— competition. Similarly motivating is committing to a “run streak” to keep you going through the off season. A run streak might mean aiming, for instance, to run a mile or more every day from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Check out the group Runner’s World Run Streak on Facebook or the hashtag #runstreak on social media for ideas.

REGISTER FOR A WINTER OR SPRING RACE

If you need a more concrete goal, forcing the issue often helps. Sign up for a winter or spring race of your desired distance. There are plenty of local

options, enough that you could run a race just about every month, Carey points out. One possible lineup is the Turkey Trot at Manito Park on Thanksgiving morning, the Jingle Bell Run downtown in early December, the Partners in Pain 5K in February, the St. Paddy’s Day 5 miler in March, and one of the Negative Split distances in early April (5K, 10K, or half marathon).

It can be equally motivating to set a big goal and/or register for a race somewhere warm so you can look forward to a run in the sun. That’s the plan for Carey, who, along with a friend, signed up for a marathon in Hawaii in March. She says she’ll move some runs to the treadmill at the YMCA if and when conditions are icy.

MAKE A DATE YOU WON’T WANT TO BREAK

It’s a fact: it’s a lot easier to break a promise to yourself than it is to break a promise to someone else. Same goes with a running plan. Whether you set a weekly date with a friend for an early jog along the river, join a running group (try the Lantern Run Club, Flying Irish, Spokane Swifts, or Fleet Feet’s Winter Warriors), you’ll be more likely to get out there when there’s someone else who cares whether you show up. // Sarah Hauge lives in Spokane with her husband and two daughters, and hopes they’ll be onboard with her plan to attempt a Thanksgiving through New Year’s run streak this winter. She wrote profiles of local skiers and snowboarders for the November issue.

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Leaf, Root, Fungi, Fruit Farewell // By Kelly Chadwick

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FIVE YEARS AGO, a few of us were hiking in the Rattlesnake outside Missoula. We meandered along watching birds, eating leaves, finding mushrooms, and enjoying the surroundings. Each time we were overtaken by hikers, I noticed they were speed hiking, with their nose to the ground driving forward. It was surprising to see this lack of interest in other life forms and landscapes. In subsequent months listening to acquaintances discuss the outdoors, when they described what they saw, it was in a general sense: I saw lots of birds, there were pretty flowers, etc.

When one notices a tree, most often the tree isn’t being seen. Your brain recognizes basic features that imply tree, labels it, and move on. It’s a form of efficiency our species uses to navigate the world.

Having grown up in a Zen monastery, I was taught a core principle called “Beginners Mind,” which is synonymous with having child-like eyes and no preconceived ideas. It’s why traveling is so appealing; we have to process new data, and this engaged observation reveals the nuances of life. It enhances the perception of beauty, novelty, and magic.

This absorbent approach to exploring nature is what spurred this column, Leaf, Root, Fungi, Fruit, to inspire folks to engage their natural surroundings.

I wanted people to taste and smell and feel the life around them—to name it, which helps one see it.

Although LRFF’s lifespan is ending, this has been an invigorating and humbling opportunity to cultivate connection with our flora and fungi.

Moving forward, I hope to create new endeavors, some written.

In parting, here are a few suggested tools to pursue your outdoor foraging passions. See you on trail, ciao!

BLOG: FORAGER CHEF

This is my favorite foraging blog. Created by Chef Alan Bergo, it’s pithy, fun, adventurous, and approaches food as an art form. However, he lives in Minnesota so not everything applies to the Northwest.

PLANT FIELD GUIDE: “PLANTS OF THE SOUTHERN INTERIOR BRITISH COLUMBIA AND THE INLAND NORTHWEST”

This is a fantastic resource for learning plants of our region. It’s not comprehensive enough, although nothing is. However, it is clear, filled with photos, discusses potential look a-likes, and gives ethnobotanical information on most entries, i.e. food, medicine, and crafts.

ETHNOBOTANIST AUTHOR: NANCY TURNER

“Food Plants of Interior First Peoples,” is limited to a digestible 150 species. On the other spectrum of Turners' work, Ancient Pathways is an academic-sized reference guide. She is one of our defining curators of native plant knowledge, and her books are treasures.

WEBSITES

• Matchmaker: Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest is a synoptic key. This means you put in whatever traits are available and get all possibilities, a much less grueling process than a typical field guide, which uses dichotomous keys. The software is a work in progress but offers a more educational and efficient system of identification.

• MushroomExpert.com is the most thorough site for mushrooms and gives lengthy and thorough explanations. Its one unforgivable failing is the absence of information on edibility and toxins.

• Northern Bushcraft lists a selection of wild foods from Canada that largely overlaps the Inland Northwest. The descriptions are brief but helpful and the site is a good place to get started without being overwhelmed. // Kelly likes scrambling up rocky hillsides, gliding through the trees on powder, and studying life forms in all their evolving niches. He signs off in December from the wild edible column Leaf Root Fungi Fruit to embark upon new subjects.

Nature STAYIN’ ALIVE // How Insects Survive Winter

By Matt Jones

POLISTES EXCLAMANS

AS THE TEMPERATURES DROP, we begin gear-

ing up for winter. We layer up our clothes and split wood to keep our houses warm. If you look around, you’ll see all types of wildlife preparing as well. Some mammals store fat to burn while hibernating, and others grow a thick winter coat. You’ll notice resident birds fluffing up their downy feathers, while others migrate south for warmer temperatures. “But what about the bugs?” you might ask. How do they make it through the winter?

Insects are “poikilothermic,” meaning they lack

the ability to maintain a constant temperature independent of fluctuations in ambient conditions; in other words, they’re “cold-blooded.” Aside from a few species of butterflies that migrate south, most insects have to find strategies to survive through the coldest part of the year.

Some insects, like ladybugs, gather into clusters to overwinter in leaf litter or under bark. Similarly, stink bugs look for cracks and crevices to get out of the wind and find protection from the elements, which is why you’ll often find them in your home in the winter.

Honey bees group together in the hive and vibrate their wing muscles to generate heat; this costs a lot of energy which is why beekeepers make sure to leave a lot of honey on the hive to help feed their bees through winter.

Some insects cannot survive the winter as adults and have evolved complex life-history strategies to dodge this challenge. For example, many insects, including tent caterpillars and aphids, complete part of their life cycle as overwintering eggs. Similarly, insects such as mayflies, dragonflies, mosquitos, and others, spend a significant portion of their lives underwater as immature nymphs. Here, underwater, they are insulated from the often colder, fluctuating air temperatures above.

Some of these activities make sense to us. We head inside for protection when we get cold, we jog in place to generate heat, or we “huddle together” to maximize our collective warmth. But there’s one strategy that’s still hard for me to wrap my mind around; it’s called “cryoprotection.”

Many insects have evolved to survive freezing temperatures by pre-conditioning themselves to sub-lethal temperatures. In other words, their strategy is to avoid ice formation. If ice forms within the cells of an insect, the water crystals crack and kill cells. However some insects, such as some wasps, have the ability to produce complex, anti-freezelike chemicals within their bodies, which prevents ice formation. Additionally, many of these insects

can clear their gut in order to prevent undigested food particles from serving as ‘nuclei’ for ice formation. If water can be removed from the critical parts of the insect’s body, crystals can’t form, and insects can survive the freezing temps.

THERE’S ONE STRATEGY THAT’S STILL HARD FOR ME TO WRAP MY MIND AROUND; IT’S CALLED “CRYOPROTECTION.” Imagine if you could go outside when it’s frigid, and turn on an internal process that pumps antifreeze through your blood. Think about that, and try not to be jealous the next time your feet go numb skiing, or you get the ‘screaming barfies’ in your hands while ice climbing. // Matt Jones, PhD, is research faculty at Washington State University who enjoys alpine climbing, backcountry skiing, surfing, and gardening. He wrote about fastest known times in March.

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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K K K

KIDS

K

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SPONSORED BY

10 WINTER & HOLIDAY EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY // By Amy S. McCaffree

K

WINTER FAMILY FUN AROUND THE NORTHWEST

SANTA’S BALLOON PARADE. PHOTO COURTESY OF SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT. // RIGHT: SKATE RIBBON COURTESY OF SPOKANE PARKS & RECREATION

PARENTING AND COORDINATING a busy family schedule can feel

more hectic during the holiday season. From music concerts to family gatherings to out-of-town travel plans, it takes intentional effort to not let this season of good cheer be overrun by stress and shopping. Remember this: Kids treasure best what we do with them and the experiences we give them—long past the giving of toys and other stuff. Create warm memories and new traditions with festive event experiences.

• Holiday Fest & Tree Lighting Ceremony: Gather the family and head to downtown Pullman, Wash., on Saturday, Dec. 1, for free holiday entertainment, hot cocoa and cookies, the annual tree lighting ceremony, and visit from Santa.

• Yuletide Lighting Festival: Enjoy retro Christmas activities in Wallace, Idaho, during December’s first two weekends—Nov. 30-Dec. 1 and Dec. 8-9—including: Breakfast with Santa ($5); Lighted Christmas Parade; PAW Parade (with festively-dressed pets); Charles Dickens Story Reading; 6th Street Theater Family Christmas Show; and family activities such as cookie and gift bag decorating, ornament making, and Santa photos.

• Riverfront Park Skate Ribbon: Gain confidence through free ice-skating lessons on weekends beginning mid-December. This month also includes Thursday theme nights, including “Elf ” and “Harry Potter”; Cheap Skate Mondays that offer free skate rental; Cocoa & Canvas painting event (Dec. 9) for ages 8+. General admission is $4.95-$6.95 per hour skate session and $4.50 for skate rental, or bring your own skates; helmets recommended. A Winter Value Pass includes a one-hour ice skate session with rental, SkyRide admission, and unlimited carrousel rides ($15.95-$19.95).

• Holiday Lights at Manito Park’s Gaiser Conservatory: Admire over 40,000 festive lights that adorn these indoor exotic plants and trees from Dec. 8-16.

• Night Skiing at Mt. Spokane: Cruise the alpine area from 4-9:30 p.m. starting Friday, Dec. 14. Sunsets and summit views of city lights are spectacular. Night ski privileges, available Wednesday-Saturday, are included with a daily or afternoon lift ticket. Kick off your child’s

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winter break on Saturday, Dec. 22, when Santa visits Mt. Spokane.

• Holiday Horse & Carriage Ride: Trot through downtown Spokane with free rides through Dec. 23. Climb aboard at 222 N. Wall Street on Fridays (3-8 p.m.), Saturdays and Sundays (noon-5 p.m.), and on Christmas Eve (noon-3 p.m.). Note: Horses take an hour-long break each day.

• Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival: Introduce your kids to “White Christmas” on the big screen on Dec. 8 at the Bing Crosby Theater. Tickets are free for children 12 and younger and $10 for 13+.

• Local Theatre Performances: Ditch the screens and experience live art. Try “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Liberty Lake Community Theatre ($14 through Dec. 15). Spokane Civic Theatre presents the regional premiere of “Elf the Musical” ($30-$32 through Dec. 23) and “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” ($10-$15 on Dec. 21-22), which features student-actors ages 7-18. The KROC Center in Coeur d’Alene hosts the seventh annual Traditions of Christmas Musical Spectacular, a Radio City Music Hall-style show that includes segments like Pageant of Santas, Christmas Around the World, USO Christmas, and Christmas Nativity ($21-$34; recommended for children ages 4+).

• Santa’s Balloon Parade: On Christmas Eve at Schweitzer Mountain Resort (1-4 p.m.), Santa will lead children and families in a ski parade, starting from the top of the Basin Express chairlift, heading down to the village. Festivities also include cookies, hot chocolate, and Christmas carols (kids of all ages welcome and must be accompanied by a parent).

• Winter Adventure Day Camp: Spokane City Parks & Recreation hosts day-camp sessions ($69) for youth (ages 9-12 on Dec. 27-28 and January 3-4). Campers will learn how to cross-country ski, snowshoe, and build snow caves. // Amy McCaffree is special section editor and Out There Kids columnist. She wrote about teaching kids to ski for the Family Winter Sports Guide in the last issue.

If traveling is in your winter or holiday plans, check out these events, activities, and programs around the region.

•Polar Express: Santa magic and “hot-hot-hot hot chocolate” only comes once a year—experience it live aboard a Polar Express train ride courtesy of Mount Rainier Railroad, Mount Hood Railroad, or Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum. There’s also a Santa Train from the Northwest Railway Museum that departs from North Bend. If traveling to Portland, check out the Holiday Express.

•Toy Train Christmas: At the Northern Pacific Railway Museum in Toppenish, Wash., families enjoy a caboose ride to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with more than 40 toy train sets and hands-on kids’ area.

•Ski Idaho: With 18 ski mountains throughout Idaho State— from small ones like Bald Mountain and Cottonwood Butte, to large resorts, close to Boise, like Sun Valley and Tamarack—it might be hard to decide which to visit. And of course, Schweitzer, Silver, and Lookout Pass are close to home. The Ski Idaho association offers a Peak Season Passport for fifth and sixth graders, which provides three days of skiing at all 18 resorts for only $18.

•Okanogan Valley: Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Days in Conconully (Dec. 1); Christmas on Main in Omak (Dec. 8). Includes Jingle Bell Jog, Santa visit, Twilight Christmas Parade, and fireworks.

•Yakima Valley: Lighted Farm Implement Parade in Sunnyside (Dec. 1), featuring all things tractor-related. In the city of Yakima, there’s a Christmas Lights Parade (Dec. 2); Santa Claus Trolley Rides and Luminaria at the local arboretum (Dec. 8-9); Old Town Christmas Parade in Union Gap (Dec. 9); Lighted Parade in Moxee (Dec. 15).

•Kennewick: Christmas Lighted Boat Parade (Nov. 30-Dec. 1) on the Columbia River; Merry Little Christmas Village (Dec. 15) in historic downtown.

•Western Montana: Take your pick of holiday celebrations on Dec. 7, hosted by both larger cities and small historic towns.

Events include Whitefish Christmas Stroll, with a Tree Lighting Ceremony, kid events in Depot Park, carnival floats, and fire dancers; Kalispell Art Walk and Holiday Stroll; and Stevensville Country Christmas.

•SE British Columbia: Kaslo Christmas Light Up Celebration (Dec. 1.)

Health&Fitness

CROSS-TRAINING ON CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS // By Brad Thiessen

OUTER LIMITS-WITH 35 MILES OF GROOMED TRAILS, MT. SPOKANE CROSS COUNTRY SKI PARK IS THE GO-TO SPOT FOR LOCAL NORDIC SKIING. // PHOTO: LISA SUNDERMAN

DURING THE 2018 Winter Olympics, an Associated

Press article gained notoriety among many in the Nordic ski community, due to the author’s assessment of our chosen winter activity as the worst Olympic event. He dissed it as an unrewarding slog—an assessment based mostly on how it looked when he watched it and on a single experience from his childhood.

Those of us who pursue the joy of gliding along the snow on long sticks have a hard time reconciling that writer’s low opinion of Nordic skiing with the endorphin-fueled highs we experience on the trails.

“When I raced triathlons professionally, Nordic skiing was a way to cross train and avoid the winter doldrums,” recalls Spokane triathlete Haley Cooper-Scott. “Instead of lamenting the fact that I couldn’t ride my bike outside, I looked forward to the change of scenery and challenge that Nordic skiing provided.”

Many other local athletes point to the massive training benefits of Nordic skiing. Fitness Fanatics owner Robin DeRuwe, herself an avid triathlete, says that getting out on the winter trails works

“muscle groups that would not get worked if all I did was swim, bike, and run.” Cooper-Scott expands on that benefit, saying that it “[strengthens] the body in different planes of motion… Skate skiing works the external hip rotators and abductors, which are notoriously weak in runners and cyclists.’’ Her husband Aaron broadens that list to “every part of the body… back, abdomen, arms, glutes, thighs— and especially the heart and lungs.

Even your fashion sense is challenged.”

Lisa Sunderman leads Spokane Nordic’s adult lessons and bikes and runs during the off-season.

One huge benefit she points to is that “Nordic skiing is super low-impact so your body can rest from a summer of running and hiking. I never get bruises like I do while mountain biking.”

The warm-season athlete looking to cross-train faces the question of which form to start with: classic, with its parallel forward-and-back motion, even in set tracks, or skate style, with its side-toside motion on a wide groomed deck.

Chris Sharman runs Spokane Nordic’s CrossTrain Ski Team, which introduces high school-age athletes to Nordic skiing, specifically as cross-train-

ing. His program starts the skiers out on classic skis, so they can figure out the balance required and gain proficiency using only one ski at a time. From there, they quickly move to skate skiing.

He points out that “skating takes more time to figure out the basics initially, whereas you can get up and moving with classic right away. But true mastery of classic style skiing can take a lifetime and sometimes be fleeting even after you’ve mastered it; whereas once you “get” proper skating technique it doesn’t tend to disappear.”

The most commonly-mentioned hurdle from summer athletes is the challenge of getting up to trails. A coalition including the Spokane Parks and Recreation department and other parties began a citylevel grooming effort last winter on area trails such as Dwight Merkel, Antoine Peak, and Rimrock, which is a good option when snow is adequate. Long-term plans are in place to develop a trail system around Mica Peak. Still, the Mt. Spokane Cross-country Ski Park remains the most reliable option close to Spokane; and with its 35 miles of groomed trails, it is an enviable training ground for the cross-training athlete and casual skier alike.

For most athletes in any pursuit, their chosen activity is about more than just performance. Haley Cooper-Scott sums up her love of Nordic skiing in a way that points beyond physical results. “The greatest benefit is psychological. I can spend my winter staring at power numbers on a bike computer while riding the trainer, slogging through ankledeep slush on Spokane’s poorly-plowed roads, or I can spend the morning on a snowy mountain top, often above the fog that settles in town, (enjoying) the fresh air, the sunshine, the workout, and the wonderful community of Nordic skiers.”

For information on introductory lessons, Spokane Nordic’s new Masters Ski Program training group, and the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park, visit spokanenordic.org. If you’re a high school athlete looking for winter cross-training, look up the Cross-train Ski Team. While you’re on the website, check out Winterfest on Jan. 13 and sign up for a $5 ski lesson! // Brad Thiessen is a runner and Nordic skier. He last wrote about electrolytes and hydration in the July edition.

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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More Power

The Humble Hand Warmer

By Sarah Hauge

AVAIL ABLE LOC ALLY Huckleberry’s | Main Market Pilgrim’s Market | Winter Ridge OR AMA ZON.COM

PHOTO: KATHY WILSON

I’LL TAKE A WINTER RUN over a hot summer

run any day. “Brisk,” “freezing,” and “snow” are all words I welcome in a pre-run forecast, and I’ll welcome just about any chance to get outside at the time of year when it feels like Vitamin D is evaporating from my skin. My body, often sluggish and swollen and sweaty in the summer, thrives in the cold.

This “thriving,” though, does not carry over to my fingers, which sometimes feel like they’re going to slowly freeze then snap off in my otherwise-beloved subzero winter temps. I struggle, Goldilocks-like, with gloves. Some are too thin and don’t offer real protection. Some are too thick and quickly feel swampy inside. But over time I’ve landed on a combo that works without fail: thin gloves and my secret weapon of winter, a single hand warmer.

Thanks to my generous mom, who lives near Seattle and for whom my family’s daily warmth in the Inland Northwest often seems questionable, I receive with some regularity a box of hand and foot warmers. When the temperature is very low, say 25 degrees or less, I get out one of the HotHands hand warmers from this thoughtfullyprovided stockpile, squeeze it to activate the stuff inside, and I’m off, holding it in my gloved palm.

The single hand warmer is key to the operation’s success. At first I tried double fisting it, one hand warmer per paw, but I found that uncomfortably warm. The single hand warmer, on the other hand (ha ha), is the perfect solution. I hold it in one glove until those fingers are almost uncomfortably toasty, then switch to the other side. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

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The hand warmer also solves another problem: my phone’s finicky battery life, which is even more unreliable in cold weather. While playing one of my favorite podcasts such as Hidden Brain, OnBeing, Serial, the Liturgists, and Armchair Expert, I nervously anticipate the moment it will abruptly be silenced, with nothing on my phone’s screen except the dreaded “zero battery” symbol. Once again, a hand warmer comes to the rescue. On a very cold day, I’ll wrap my phone in a spare glove or mitten and toss the hand warmer in there occasionally to keep things at a sustainable temperature.

My only concern with this otherwise perfect solution is the waste. HotHands are lightweight and unobtrusive, the ideal size for carrying on even a long run. They’ve never done me wrong, but after a single use these little guys get tossed in the garbage. My goal for this winter is to thoroughly research and then purchase something reusable. A few on my list to investigate: Zippo brand hand warmers, which are fueled with lighter fluid and have mostly good reviews online, but are bulkier than I’m used to; HotSnapZ, which are recharged between uses by boiling in water, which will take more prep time than I’m accustomed to, but are supposed to be easy to carry; and Osunlin Portable Pebbles, a rechargeable electric-powered option with three heat settings.

They’re also designed to work as a power banks for charging phones.

Until I’ve found a comparable option, I’ll keep working my way through my stash of HotHands.

Thankfully, I’ve got a box full. //

{GEAR WE LOVE}

kind apparel:

Did your ride end like this?

one of a kind

By Lisa Laughlin

Start the road to recovery by hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney who will fight the insurance companies for you so you can focus on getting back on your bike.

KIND APPAREL DESIGNS ARE CUSTOM PRINTED AFTER BEING SKETCHED AND DIGITIZED. // PHOTO BY MALLORY OTTARIANO

WHEN I FIRST DISCOVERED Kind Apparel, I’ll admit I was overwhelmed by the bright patterns and funky designs. I found a feathery, purple-gray running skort that was by far the tamest pattern available. When I looked closer, as if to poke fun at my attempted modesty, the tag revealed that the pattern was called “50 Shades.” The humor set me thinking beyond the product: Why had I ever bothered trying to blend in, choosing neutral tones over a pineapple-mango colored dress that made me smile?

I met Mallory, the creator and founder of Missoula-based Kind Apparel, when I purchased the 50 Shades skirt that day. She was savvy and cool, even in the heat of the July marathon expo, and I realized I wanted to spend a lot more time talking to her. After returning to Spokane and hiking in my new Kind Apparel skort, I wanted to write the woman some fan mail—this skort was a breakthrough.

Suddenly, I was wearing 50 Shades from the bluff to the brewery to a post-hike movie night at a friend’s house. The skort was flexible, breathable, and insanely comfortable. Not only did I bypass having to change from running tights to jeans for different activities, I soon found excuses to wear the skort when I had no outdoor recreation planned for the day. I wore it to the grocery store, to the coffee shop, and on road trips. Gaining confidence in my skort was just the beginning of celebrating femininity in the outdoors and shortening the time spent between life tasks and getting outside. I knew then that Kind Apparel was a company I wanted to explore and share with others.

For founder and owner Mallory Ottariano, Kind Apparel is more than an outdoors-oriented clothing company: it’s a philosophy. It’s a practice of being kind to the planet, kind to your body, and kind to the people around you. It’s about being one of a kind. It’s about sharing color, adventure, and a sense of community by creating adventure-ready wearables for women who get after it.

“Kind Apparel is for everyday women crushing their everyday goals,” says Mallory. “I think that is translated into the outdoors through inviting confidence with my clothing.”

With Kind Apparel, you can be confident in breathable, durable, do-anything fabric that’s good for the planet and stands out from the crowd. Most

clothing from Kind Apparel is made from recycled water bottles, an eco-friendly component that’s packed with purpose.

“Every one of my prints is also inspired by the natural world, just to keep that connection alive,” says Mallory.

Working with a unique printer in Phoenix, Mallory is able to take her outdoors-inspired sketches, digitize them, and have them printed in small batches on recycled material that fits the need of her small business.

“I love to be able to create exactly what’s in my head instead of having an idea and then having to shop for a fabric that matches that idea,” she says.

The roots of what would grow into Kind Apparel started in her parent’s basement, but that’s about as cliché as Mallory gets. She’s grown from upcycled thrift shop clothing creations to completely custom fabric, and she isn’t stopping there.

“The difficult component is that I have more ideas for patterns than really makes sense to produce at any given time. I’ve already designed everything for 2019 and now I’m working toward 2020,” she says.

Like Mallory, who says one of her goals has always been to stand out from the crowd, her prints are wonderfully bold. From the “Fern Gulicious” Slope Skort to the “River” Oasis Dress, Kind Apparel helps busy women get after it by wearing one outfit that will go from teaching to mountain biking to visiting the brewery.

Lately, Mallory’s been getting after it—she recently won Title 9’s Movers and Makers Pitchfest competition. We can look forward to Kind Apparel soon appearing in Title 9. Moving forward, Mallory is also planning to create an environmental giveback component with some limited release prints.

Her goal is to continue to be transparent about all that it takes to run and grow a small company.

For now, you can find Kind Apparel online at shopkindapparel.com or at one of the events that Mallory attends personally with her inventory. For winter wear, check out the Fjord dress, great for cross-country skiing or cozying up post-ski in the lodge, and the new wool bluff, a lightweight layer good for winter running or ski touring. And yes, you too can start at 50 Shades and move your way up to bolder patterns and freedom. //

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no Joke approach Shoes By Summer Hess

WITH APPROACH SHOES AND OTHER GEAR IN THE ENCHANTMENTS. // PHOTO: ANNA DVORAK

I THOUGHT THEY WERE A GIMMICK. They seemed unnecessary, like those dispensers in the front of grocery stores where you deposit a quarter, turn the handle, and retrieve a little plastic globe filled with three pieces of candy. I suspected that approach shoes took up space on the shelves as just one more thing to buy, and as one more way for companies to make a fortune on “outdoor lifestyle” apparel.

Approach shoes first shuffled into my life at Vantage, which is so overrun on weekends with Seattle climbers that it feels like the city’s largest outdoor gym. The approach to those crags is a few hundred feet and hardly requires specialized footwear.

These shoes also seemed like the kind of thing outdoor companies try to sell a gal so that she feels totally kitted out and invincible. But as a recreational climber, my performance did not demand the most technically advanced equipment, and my gear stash was already trending toward eye rolling territory. I was becoming a diva of sorts when it came to mountain footwear; my quiver included hiking boots, mountaineering boots, climbing shoes, and trail runners. Would one more footwear option really help this climber summit the next mountain?

I finally tried them out because I can’t resist a deal. On my quarterly visit to Mountain Gear to scrounge around in the sale racks, I found an ugly pair of green approach shoes that seemed burlier than the street shoe-like versions I had seen at local crags. They were super lightweight with rugged and grippy soles for scrambling long hours over rocky ridges; the high tops offered good ankle support

for uneven, root-bound trails; the leather was truly waterproof and, when paired with gaiters, aided in creek crossings by keeping everything below the knee bone dry. They were approach shoes, yes, but they were also the footwear version of all-terrain tires.

Ultimately, those shoes provided stability and confidence as I stitched together all my alpine skills for bigger ascents. From established trails to where the trail wears thin; from the first plunge off trail into the dense brush to where the tree line ends; from clawing over a jungle of Manzanita on a slope to gaining the summit ridge—these shoes helped me do it all. They delivered me to the final portions of climbs, the point where it’s time to give the howling dogs a quick break before switching over to climbing shoes for the final pitches of technical climbing. As a sturdy company on hundreds of alpine miles, these shoes went from being frivolous to being an essential. They equipped me for the scrappy, bug-infused, hard work of traveling off trail, and traveling far.

I recently retired those ugly green shoes; the rubber wore off completely in the most impacted areas, and the tread is bald. I now wear them for dirty home improvement projects or while working in the garden. They smell like a wet dog lived in them for three years, which is kind of true. Like a lot of waterproof products, they don’t breathe well and make your feet sweat, but they were a steady companion on so many hard-earned miles.

No longer a skeptic, I’m already on to my next pair of approach shoes and excited to discover where we will journey next. //

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

FATTY FUN AROUND THE INLAND NW // By Bradley Bleck

WHITEFISH FAT FUN. // PHOTO: AMMI MIDSTOKKE

would stash our bicycles away. The fat bike, equally at home on snow as it is on many single-track trails, gives riders a way to rock ‘n roll through the snowy months. Looking to rent a fatty or take your own ride on a road trip? These are some of the best winter fat biking destinations to be had in the Inland Northwest.

WINTHROP/METHOW, WASHINGTON

The Methow Valley and Winthrop have long been known for world class Nordic skiing.

Next time you go, try the winter bike trails too. In addition to the roughly 15 miles of fat bike trails at the Loup Loup Ski Bowl Nordic area, the Methow Trails map for 2017-18 shows 10 more trails groomed for riding. The 2018-19 map is being revised as the story goes to press but will have no significant changes. Some trails are shared with cross-country skiers, snowshoers, or both. Some allow dogs. All together, these trails provide another 20 miles of riding.

Pearrygin Lake State has another 5.5 miles of riding. Given the various loops, connections, and out-and-back options, there’s plenty of riding to be had. All trails are rated beginner or intermediate.

Adrienne Schaefer, partnership manager with Methow Trails, suggests renting a bike from Methow Cycle and Sport, Cascades Outdoor Store, Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies, or North Cascades Cycle Werks.

“The trails are groomed for biking on a hard surface, with lots of trails for people who are just starting out,” Schaefer says. Kids 17 and under ride free on the Winthrop trail system.

WHITEFISH, MONTANA

Whitefish Bike Retreat (WBR) provides a wide variety of winter fat biking options, all free. According to owner Cricket Butler, the WBR (not to be confused with the Whitefish Bike Park) offers about 1.5 miles of groomed riding for beginners, and volunteers groom another 12+ miles of Forest Service road. The

33-inch packed surface is suited for beginner and intermediate riders. The groomed roads provide access to Murry, Dollar, Woods and Beaver Lakes.

Butler says there is “one track that goes out toward North Beaver. To ride it, people need to be able to take care of the bike and themselves.” At the lakes, conditions and safety permitting, fat bikers can ride on the ice. For more of a challenge, there is the Whitefish Trail, but even at its best, packed by snowshoers and Nordic skiers, fat bikers will be riding a narrow trench as opposed to the wider groomed roads.

ROSSLAND, BC

Rossland calls itself the mountain biking capital of Canada, and local bike shop Revolution Cycles says it’s also a “hotbed of fat biking in the winter.” Even the folks in Nelson are impressed. Local rider Rory Belter says the local community is working hard to expand Rossland’s winter fat biking. “Bring your skis and bike, and you are bound to have a good time. If it’s a good ski day, it’s probably a bad fat bike day. If it’s skied out, it’s probably a good bike day.”

This year over 11k of single-track, including six different trails that can be linked together via short connectors, will be machine groomed and accessible from town. Another 7k of trails are also groomed at the nearby Redstone Golf Resort. Those looking for a real challenge can ride the famed Seven Summits Trail in the snow, but this one requires the right weather and snow conditions. Revolution Cycles rents fat bikes and is working on a new map of the winter trails around Rossland so pay them a visit when you go. //



UNTIL RECENTLY, come winter, most of us

PLANNING A WINTER FAT BIKE TRIP

Fat biking in the winter requires the right bike, gear, and combination of weather and snow conditions.

T If you don’t have a bike with 4-inch tires minimum, rent one from a local shop or at your final destination.

T Dress as you would for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

T Snow conditions change day to day, just as they do on the slopes. A day, or the time of day, may make the difference between fun and “meh” or “ugh.”

T Don’t fat bike if it’s been above freezing for 24 hours, unless you like slip sliding in the slush.

T Don’t head out after a big storm before checking the local grooming report.

T Don’t be in a hurry. Fat bikes are generally slower than mountain bikes, and even more so in the snow.

T Stay off trails not designated for fat bikes.

T Consider a donation to the volunteer organizations that make your fat bike fun possible.

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Bradley Bleck teaches English at Spokane Falls Community College and is doing his utmost to not get fat over the winter. He most recently wrote about fall mountain biking opportunities around the region in the October issue of Out There.

STAY ON THE TRAIL, SERIOUSLY. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Provisions

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

BIOLITE FIRE PIT

COOL – AND HOT – CAMP COOKING STUFF

New camp cooking gear is a great gift for the techy people in your life or for those looking to save weight on backpacking trips—in other words, everyone! Here’s some recent innovations that will quickly become essentials in your loved one’s kit.

FIRE LUCID ROOTS WITH DANI LUNDQUIST FAMILY DINNER. // PHOTO: S. MICHAL BENNETT

APERITIF: GIVE THE GIFT OF DELISH

BY S. MICHAL BENNETT

MY MOTHER-IN-LAW likes to gift gourmet meals

in a box. Since we live so far away, it is the perfect gift. With the 2012 launch of Blue Apron, the first online meal delivery subscription service, gift choices for the foodies or cooks in our lives have increased significantly. Here are my top picks.

MEAL DELIVERY: I tried a couple online mail subscriptions and was impressed by the quality of ingredients, ease of ordering, and inclusion of eco-friendly packaging. Popular companies like Hello Fresh and Martha Stewart’s Plated deliver fresh ingredients in cold packaging, which must be immediately refrigerated. They also include detailed instructions on preparing your meal and offer a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian, and other diet-friendly choices. The meals I tested were quite tasty, but portions were a little small for us. Of the top-rated services in the U.S., Sun Basket caters to the most food allergies and diets, Veestro is 100% plant-based, Blue Apron offers the best pricing ($7.49/serving), and ButcherBox delivers grassfed meats. Stay Idaho local with Family Dinners or vegan salads delivered by Lucid Roots with Dani Lundquist in Coeur d’Alene. Follow this company on Facebook or Instagram for menus and ordering instructions. Give a subscription to the cook in your own kitchen or buy a gift card for a set number of meals for friends.

SNACK BOXES: Snacks are great stocking stuffers, and companies like Urthbox, Nature Box, and Graze make healthy snacking easy and adventurous. Like meals, these online delivery services are usually subscriptions. They can seem a little sparse (sample sized packages or limited selection), but they often supplement with coupons and online codes for additional snack foods. PaleoPax specializes in paleo-friendly snacking. Daily Harvest serves smoothies, harvest bowls, and lattes.

SOMETHING SPECIAL: Whether it’s a monthly bottle of wine through Winc, cocktail inspiration with Flaviar Whiskey Club, or a craft coffee discovery with Angel’s Cup, it’s easy to go online and gift something truly special to that exceptional person in your life. Surprise your partner with a date night from Datebox or create your own food gift with local products like Savor Tooth paleo pizza crust, a mini apple pie from Bean & Pie, or Apple Cider Syrup from Athol Orchards.

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SAVOR TOOTH PALEO TORTILLA STEAK CHICKPEA TACO // PHOTO: S. MICHAL BENNETT

LOCAL PALEO COMPANY MAKING TASTY FOODS

Having experimented with a lot of diet-specific foods, I always enjoy coming across a product that follows specific diet requirements while still tasting delicious. However, many times, regardless of flavor, these foods just have terrible textures. They fall apart, are a completely different texture than their glutinous counterparts, or are tough, dry, and inedible. Silver Valley’s Savor Tooth Paleo is tasty, conforms to the Paleo diet, and is meticulously true in consistency to what you would expect in a pizza crust, tortilla, brownie, and more.

Cyfrin Barefoot, founder of Savor Tooth, describes herself as “a bio hacker, a sprinter, a dogooder, and an anti-aging enthusiast.” She has a passion for digging deeply into the quickly evolving scientific research about health, nutrition, food, and supplements. “There’s so much information to make heads or tails of,” she explains. “That’s what I mean by bio-hacking. I will try anything to improve my health.”

After experiencing a severe bacterial overgrowth in her digestive system, which made her really sick for over nine months, she chose to pursue the paleo diet and establish a business of crafting paleo foods.

At the time, there was very little prepared food available for paleo eaters, and people had to cook everything from scratch. “In that process, I had to learn about my body again, as an older person, and just trying to be well,” Cyfrin recalls. She had eaten healthy her whole life, and this was a new exploration of who she was on this planet, in relation to food.

Aside from being an Inland Northwest company and using quality, creative, and clean ingredients, I was particularly impressed that the Savor Tooth tortillas didn’t fall apart when topped with juicy steak, kimchi, roasted peppers, labneh, and crispy chickpeas. Order at savortoothpaleo.com or pick up one of their products at Natural Grocers, Yokes, Huckleberry’s, Pilgrim’s Market, or other health food stores outside our region. (S. Michal Bennett)

BioLite has a long history of producing innovative and multi-tasking camp stoves, grills, and off-grid energy sources. In 2017 they launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to bring their FirePit to market in 2018. At merely $200, this sleek creation can take wood or charcoal, burns “without any of the smoke” of a campfire, features a hibachi style grill, and can be controlled remotely with a Bluetooth app.

For the environmentally conscious, the CaususGrill is a biodegradable, 100-percent natural, single-use grill that you can take anywhere and use to “cook almost anything.” Made from cardboard lined with lava stone and fitted with a bamboo grill rack, it’s easy to assemble, uses coals to cook, and can be simply disposed of in a campfire after your meal.

LIQUID

LifeStraw is more than just a water bottle, and much more of a filter than your Pur pitcher. Its awardwinning filter removes the typical odor and chlorine.

Then, with its two-stage activated carbon, it also removes 99.9 percent of waterborne bacteria and protozoa. No iodine needed. It’s durable, BPA-free, and one of the most compact water filters of this grade you can find on the market today.

Glass growlers and wine bottles can be bulky to pack and dangerous to transport. PlatyPreserve has crafted a portable, flexible, and unbreakable wine reservoir that can be filled and refilled, and its food-grade lining keeps your wine taste-free and airtight until you are ready to imbibe. For beer drinkers, TrailKeg’s double-walled, vacuum-insulated, pressurized growler “keeps your suds fresh and frosty” for miles.

Lume is a rechargeable portable grinder with a built in camp light for those drinkers that like their coffee as fresh as possible. It is fitted with professionalgrade conical ceramic burrs for a more even grind and consistent brew. You can also go basic with Dripkit’s biodegradable pour over packets that feature single origin coffees from specialty roasters.

WARES

GSI Outdoors, based in Spokane Valley, has compiled “every utensil for any gourmet adventure” into one compact and “exquisitely organized” case. The Gourmet Kitchen Set 11 is soft-sided for easy packing and is lightweight, at just over a pound. Upgrade to a Destination Kitchen Set 24 for double the wares, including a cutting board, spice shakers, and more.

Never fear a fireless night again. UCO Gear, based out of Seattle, makes Stormproof Sweetfire matches that are here to save the day. They will relight after being submerged in water and burn for up to seven minutes while you get your fire started.

(S. Michal Bennett)

PHOTO: JON JONCKERS

THE BEAR BOWL BREAKS NEW GROUND

The Bear Bowl stands alone as the first folding cook pot on the market. This product revolutionizes the industry and alters the outdoor arena. The Bear Bowl is compact, lightweight, and small but holds a whopping 32 ounces of water. It works with most camp stoves or over a fire in a survival situation. Also, the handle features nearly 12 feet of Paracord, boasting thousands of options for survival and general purpose camping.

Compared to all other camping items, the generic cook pot might be the least innovative item until now. Whereas tents and packs and stoves have been completely revamped in recent years, the cook pot has received less attention. The compact Bear Bowl overpowers previous cook pots because it folds into the size of a wallet, yet it unfolds to boil water, cook dinner, or operate as a skillet to fry an egg. Best of all, the unit folds flat for the easiest cleaning in camping history.

The Bear Bowl features other convenient uses as well—especially as a portable dog dish and container for holding trail food, harvesting huckleberries, or scooping up water to put out the campfire. Bear Minimum, the company responsible for the Bear Bowl, is Inland Northwest owned, and the Bear Bowl is just one of many products rolling out in the future. Definitely follow them on Facebook or Instagram to learn about their other new products.

(Jon Jonckers)

Eatology

GROW YOURSELF A NEW LIMB // By Ammi Midstokke surable improvement? What if we could grow ourselves some new limbs?

Helping our soft tissue recover requires rest and cellular activity. The body needs to push things into and out of the cells, needs to remove debris from the injured site, build scar tissue or repair damage.

It requires not only a lot of energy, but also the ingredients to make this happen. Both the environment and the nutrients must be appropriate to an optimal healing process. And since we all get injured from time to time, here are my favorite nutritional rehabilitation tricks: SPICE IT UP WITH THAI BONE BROTH

THERE ARE MANY SPECIES that will actually grow a new limb when one has been lost in some kind of wildlife duel. Unfortunately, humans are not one of them and despite lacking this particular super power, we do have a myriad of other rather miraculous regeneration abilities. Some of us can even grow entire humans.

In fact, I’ve previously grown four entire limbs in utero. Inasmuch, it would be relatively plausible to assume that I could grow myself a new hamstring.

There’s always a surgical option as well, but seeing as I’m a nutritionist, it seems like I should at least try the you-are-what-you-eat methodology and rump roast myself back to health.

As many of us outdoors folk (or those of you who take the gym super serious) can attest, injuries happen. This year alone I managed to separate the majority of my hamstring from the pelvis, and, in an attempt to complete that tear, dislocated my opposite shoulder. Even my best efforts did not

meet my insurance deductible. But the real reason I’m trying to avoid surgery is because those hospital gowns are never very flattering.

The thing about these soft tissue injuries is that they take a long time to heal. Like… entire ski seasons. The other thing about soft tissue injuries in the joint is, not letting it heal leads to chronic inflammation, which leads to arthritis, which leads to no more ski seasons ever. They also require a kind of passive healing process that makes most of us want to hibernate in a bottle of wine or an endless pint of ice cream (or both). We commonly stare with blinking eyes at our health care experts. Rest?

There are many psychologists out there exploring the mental and emotional impact of the injured athlete and some of the most challenging things they face is the aspect of having to wait for the body to do what the body does (heal) on its own clock.

What if we could actively take part in that process and feel less like standers-by as we witnessed mea-

1. STOP DRINKING ALCOHOL. Yeah, no one ever wants to hear that, especially this time of year.

Alcohol is pro-inflammatory and an immune suppressant, two things we just don’t need when recovering from an injury. It also disrupts our blood sugars and our precious sleep—those key hours when our resting body can do most of its healing work. For how long? It depends on the injury, but this hamstring of mine will enjoy a year of sobriety.

That’s how much I want to grow a new leg.

2. WATCH THE SUGAR. And remember that sugar comes in a lot of forms—empty carbohydrates like bread and white rice, crackers, and fruit cakes. First of all, if you can’t move as much, you really don’t need the extra calories. If you need to heal, you really can’t afford empty calories.

Everything that goes in should be nutrient-dense.

Sugar is pro-inflammatory, too. This isn’t buzzword bingo; it literally increases the amount of cytokines in our bloodstream. These little messengers of our cells send signals that increase inflammation and suppress inflammation and are key to the immune and healing process.

3. TRADITIONAL BONE BROTH. Every. Day. The hype is real. Bone broth is loaded with collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, gelatin, and essential minerals (not to mention protein!). This is the very stuff your own tissues are made out of. We don’t have a lot of science on Grandma’s recipe, but there is a myriad of science supporting the benefits of consuming the specific compounds in bone broth and their essential role to our health. Get a slow cooker to save your dollars and make yourself some chicken soup. Then drink the stuff out of your thermos all afternoon. It’s a perfect replacement for that sugary mocha or spiked cider.

4. BE YOUR OWN GUINEA PIG. I’m not suggesting you drop a ridiculous amount of cash on snake oil, but do be open to trying methods and means you haven’t tried before. I’ve seen no less than 12 witchdoctors in an attempt to pamper this tattered limb and the hobby may well have replaced my running habit. I learned that acupuncture reliably reduces my pain and that I can actually sleep with needles in me. I learned that prolotherapy brings out the sailor swearing in me. And I learned that Tiger Balm should never be rubbed into a part of my body that is that close to other parts of my body.

And of course, eat your vegetables. Your body is doing some underground work. Supply it with the love and tenderness it needs, and it will not disappoint you. Then do like your doctor said, and rest. // Ammi Midstokke tried to sever more than one limb from her body this year. She’s currently on lock down and swimming slow, careful pool laps. Last month, she wrote about the wonders of a good soup.

SO GOOD YOU’LL INTRODUCE IT TO MOM. onetreehardcider.com #onetree4 all

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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75 Local Gift Ideas

By Amy S. McCaffree

Spend less time shopping and more time on our local trails and mountains. Our annual list features unique and outdoors-inspired gift ideas from locallyowned shops and businesses, including gifts for fellow outdoor enthusiasts as well as less outdoorsy friends and family members on your list. Use this list beyond the holidays for birthday, wedding, and graduation gift-giving.

HOME & APPAREL 1. Put a Sasquatch on it! And it becomes a rad Northwest fashion item—like the Stickers Northwest brand camouflage cap with embroidered Bigfoot badge ($25) from Boo Radley’s.

2. PINE Sports Company makes outdoorsyNorthwest inspired graphic apparel, including Mt. Spokane and Bowl and Pitcher T-shirts ($30/each) and a Ski Northwest pullover hoodie ($43). Find them at pinesportsco.com.

3. College sports fan in your family? Sportswear, gifts, and memorabilia for Cougars, Bulldogs, and Eagles are sold at university campuses. Shop at WSU’s Bookie at Spokane’s University District or on the Pullman campus; Zag Shop on Gonzaga University’s campus; or EWU Eagle Shop on the Cheney campus.

4. A four-way stretchy, machine-washable Arcade Adventure Belt ($26, unisex/one-size-fits all), from Spokane Alpine Haus, keeps pants secure in fashionable style, whether its snow pants, jeans, or khakis for work.

5. Seattle-based Coal Headwear makes trucker-style caps featuring outdoor-inspired graphic patches ($29)—available at Spokane Alpine Haus.

6. All-natural Riverkeeper Soap ($6 each or 3/$15), made by Mountain Madness Soap Co. in Coeur d’Alene, is exclusively sold at Kizuri. Each purchase donates $2 to the Spokane Riverkeeper organization.

7. Support sustainability with a fashionable purse or handbag crafted from recycled tires, by Ganesh Himal Trading Company ($16-55), a fair trade business in Nepal. These bags help reduce air pollution because all those tires would otherwise be burned in Katmandu. Find them at Kizuri.

8. Another sustainability-inspired one-of-a-kind gift idea from Kizuri is jewelry made from melteddown bullet casings and crafted by women in Ethiopia ($15.50-$89).

9. Bring the outdoors inside with Cabin Incense ($6-17), made by Paine Products, featuring scents like balsam fir and red cedar. Available from Atticus Coffee & Gifts.

10. Out There readers will, of course, like books.

Auntie’s Bookstore owner John Waite suggests these recently-published titles: “Campfire Stories: Tales from America’s National Parks” edited by Dave Kyu and Ilyssa Kyu ($21.99); “Epic Hikes of 22

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

the World” by Lonely Planet ($35); “…And Then You Die of Dysentery: Lessons in Adulting from the Oregon Trail” by Lauren Reeves ($14.99); and “Cooking Scrappy: 100 Recipes to Help You Stop Wasting Food, Save Money, and Love What You Eat” by Joel Gamoran ($29.99). Buy from Auntie’s and support Spokane’s iconic indie bookshop.

11. Kids want toys and other cool stuff! STEM activities like Scientific Explorer Sorcery Science Kit ($11.49) and SICK Science! Snow Colors ($8.49), a DIY science experiment kit, are geared for children ages 6+ and sold at White Elephant.

12. Merlyn’s in downtown Spokane specializes in comic books and games. Here you’ll find the Basic Dungeons and Dragons Starter Kit ($20) and Scott McCloud’s acclaimed book, “Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art” ($25).

13. Climb Yeti Mountain from the comfort of your living room, winter cabin, or ski lodge with Dicey Peaks’ dice-rolling family board game ($21.59), available at White Elephant. Made by Calliope Games for ages 8+, it’s a creative way to vicariously take risks while climbing to the snowy summit.

14. Someone nostalgic for their hometown?

Spokane Tea Towels ($12), made by Seattle-based Potluck Press, feature outdoorsy themes to inspire warm-fuzzy feelings for those who’ve moved away.

Find them at Atticus Coffee & Gifts.

15. Another eco-friendly gift from Kizuri is a colorful dishtowel, pillow, or blanket made from recycled cotton sari fabrics ($5.50-$135).

16. Need a gift for a teacher or colleague? The Mason Jar Cold Brew Coffee Kit ($13), from Atticus Coffee & Gifts, is a nifty reusable, single-serving product made

by Kikkerland Design. Simply seep coarse grounds overnight and bring fresh-brewed iced coffee to work the next morning.

17. Don’t forget the family dog! Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile has healthy, seasonal pet treats, like a Candy Cane Bully Stick ($9), Polka Dog Holiday Treat Tube ($13-17), and Bocce’s Bakery Holiday Biscuits ($6).

18. Charming Pet plush pet toys ($6.99 and less) are made with K9 TuffGuard fabric to withstand vigorous playtime with a puppy or young-at-heart canine. Find them at Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile, which has two stores in Spokane, Kendall Yards and South Hill.

WINTER SPORTS

19. Find ski-swap deals year-round at NW Outdoors—“everything from brand-new lastyear’s stuff to 20-year-old gear that’s cheap but good enough to get you on the mountain,” says store owner Mark Schneider. Gear up your family for winter: alpine skis ($50-500), snowboards ($50-400), Nordic skis ($20-200) and boots ($2070), and ski jackets ($20-200).

20. Kulkea Thermal Trekker Heated Boot Bag ($240), from Sports Creel, provides comfort and ease for slipping on boots. Powered by a 12V automobile or 120V wall plug, the contoured, insulated heated side pockets warm the plastic inner shell of ski boots. Comes with travel and padded backpack straps and includes inner pockets for stowing gear accessories, including a helmet sling in a zippered pocket. Other style of Kulkea ski boot and gear bags also available from Sports Creel ($80).

21. LINE alpine skis ($400-700) are versatile, allmountain skis, available from Shred Sports Outlet.

The Sick Day Series and Supernatural models are especially popular.

22. A ski/snowboard helmet is the #1 gear item every alpine athlete needs. Find Bollé helmets for youth and adults at The General Store ($50-120).

23. Oakley snow goggles (starting at $80) consistently rank among the top 5 in expert gear reviews.

Find youth, women’s, and men’s sizes at Spokane Alpine Haus.

24. Libtech Snowboards ($450-600, adult & youth sizes) from Shred Sports Outlet are manufactured in Washington State, with all-USA made components. (Bindings sold separately.)

25. Dakine Super Tune ski/snowboard tuning kit ($125), from Alpine Haus, includes an adjustabletemp iron and all other essential DIY tools for filing edges and scraping, waxing, repairing, and polishing bases.

26. BootDoc fully-customized alpine ski boot orthotic insoles ($99-179), from Sports Creel, will “optimize the fit of a new boot or refresh the fit of old boots,” says Sports Creel manager Micah Genteman. Whether to eliminate pronation, cushion flat feet, or ease other foot-bed woes, buy a 2-D insole for wrapping and gifting, then the skier brings it back to Sports Creel to have their feet measured in a heated silicone mold for on-site 3-D customization—about a 45-minute process altogether.

27. Lenz rcB 1200 + Heat Sock 5.0 ($350), from Mountain Gear, are knee-high socks with rechargeable battery-powered electric heating elements, whose temperature settings are controlled from the battery or via smart-phone Bluetooth.

28. Shred Sports Outlet’s ski and snowboard instore tuning shop always aims for a 2-day turnaround. Gift a wax service ($10) or a full tune-up package ($45) to “make used skis better than new,” says assistant manager Chris Demmer.

29. Gear up your family for Nordic skiing with a Salomon gear package from Fitness Fanatics— includes skis, boots, and bindings. For adults, between a skate-ski ($449) or classic cross-country ($299); classic only for youth ($199.50).

30. Out There Kids need dependable waterproof footwear that withstand slushy puddles and rough play. The North Face gear lasts for years and come with a lifetime guarantee, which means it can pass down to siblings and cousins and still be sold at the ski swap. Check out the Alpenglow snow boots ($60) and Jr. Hedgehog Hikers ($60). For Out There adults, the North Face Hedgehog Fastpack Gore-Tex shoes ($120) are wearable year-round for casualdress workplaces on rainy or snowy days.

31. Rossignol XC50 R-Skin EVO cross-country skis ($349, skis and bindings), from Two Wheeler Dealer in Hayden, Idaho, come “with a new synthetic skin for the kick-zone,” according to the store’s assistant manager. Pair them with Rossignol X-5 Tour ski boots ($150).

32. Duckworth Co. merino wool ski socks ($26), beanies and hats ($35-45), and base-layers ($100)—sold at Sports Creel—are highly-rated for good reason. Not only are they exquisitely-soft, this “sheep to shelf company” based in Dillion, Montana, oversees the entire manufacturing process, from the wool supplied by the Helle Ranch and other Montana open-range ranches to the fiber spinning, knitting, and dying process.

33. The North Face Arrowood Triclimate Jacket ($199) is a 3-in-1 jacket that includes a waterproof shell and inner mid-weight fleece for versatile layering all winter long. Available in both women’s and men’s sizes; find it REI and The North Face store in Spokane.

34. Local mountain resorts and alpine ski parks offer deals and discounts for daily lift tickets— such as a 49 Degrees North 4-pack or 6-pack of

passes ($179-372) or a Mt. Spokane youth 5-pack or adult 3-pack ($129) or Family Fun Pack of 21 lift tickets ($599).

available from Runners Soul, carries two 10 oz. flasks and has a front zip-pocket big enough to hold an iPhone 7 Plus.

CYCLING

51. Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. ($25), available at Fleet Feet, is the latest cookbook from 4-time Olympian and world-class marathoner Shalane Flanagan, co-written with chef and nutrition coach Elyse Kopecky.

35. An e-bike makes an epic gift. Fresh Air E-Bikes in Spirit Lake, Idaho, has the IZIP Peak Plus mountain e-bike ($2,999) and IZIP Path Plus classic step-through e-bike ($1,999)—both provide electric-power assist pedaling when needed.

36. New fat bikes are here! Gear up for winter trail riding with a Specialized Fatboy SE ($1,620) or Salsa Mukluk ($1,800+), both available at Wheel Sport.

37. 45NRTH Cobrafist Handlebar Pogies ($115), from North Division Bicycle, provide advanced protection against extreme cold, wind, and snow or rain.

38. Get the rookie bike-commuter a Specialized Starter Kit ($50-65) from Wheel Sport, which includes two bottle cages, tire pump and levers, and water-resistant saddle bag.

OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE CAMPING, & TRAVEL

52. A Lewis N. Clark Waterseals waterproof magnetic-closure phone pouch ($20-30, depending on size), from The General Store, is a must-have for the outdoor adventurer.

53. A portable, lightweight Helinox Chair Two ($130), available at Mountain Gear, provides ultimate comfort around a campfire, at the beach, or along a soccer game sideline.

stadium seating ($28-83)—any activity requiring something cushy for your tushie. Find at Northwest River Supplies (NRS) in Moscow, Idaho; Trail Head (Missoula); Sportsman & Ski Haus (Kalispell, MT); and REI (inventory varies by store).

59. MPOWERD Luci Pro Lux + Mobile Charging inflatable solar light ($35) has four light modes and a two-way USB port for mobile charging.

Waterproof and attachable for packs (or wherever needed), it’s great for winter adventures and night photography in temps as cold as 15°F (-10°C).

Find it at Mountain Gear.

60. Lifeline Ultralight Survival Kit ($17), at The General Store, weighs 5.5 –oz. and has 29 items, including a quick-spark fire starter, whistle, and compass. Pair it with a LifeStraw Personal Water Filter ($20), which purifies water without pumping or chemicals.

39. Everyone needs a dependable bike helmet. Mavic helmets ($80-200), at Mojo Cyclery, come in a range of styles for road, triathlon, and mountain biking.

And the Bike Hub has Bontrager Rally MIPS mountain bike helmet ($140), among others.

42. Know someone who wishes biking was more comfortable? Gift them a Saddle Pressure Mapping & Observational Fit ($150) service from B & L Bicycles, in Pullman.

46. Asics GEL-Kayano 25 ($160), available at Runners Soul, are running shoes known for their stability and cushioning, which makes them a good all round shoe for most runners.

47. Stay safe on ice and snow with Due North Everyday G-3 ($20) over-the-sole winter traction devices, featuring Ice Diamond Spikes. Find them at Fleet Feet.

48. CEP compression calf sleeves ($45/pair), sold at Runners Soul, is a recovery tool to assist bloodcirculation after long-runs.

49. Balega Hidden Comfort ($13) running socks, sold at Fleet Feet, provide cushioning and moisture-wicking power to keep feet dry on winter runs, according to Fleet Feet store manager Danielle Ramsay.

50. Nathan TrailMix Plus 2 Hydration Belt ($40),

69. Feed a loved one’s fly-fishing passion with a guided trip for 1-2 people through Silver Bow Fly Shop ($400-500+) in Spokane for a day-long expedition on the Spokane, North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene, St. Joe, or Grand Ronde Rivers. Or help someone take their casting skills to the next level with a class at the Orvis Fly-Fishing School through NW Outfitters in Coeur d’Alene (1-day, $279; 2-days, $489).

72. National Geographic Live speaker events are gift-experiences that inspire and amaze ($30/ single ticket; $81/series tickets)—three different experts are coming February-April 2019 to present at Spokane’s First Interstate Center for the Arts (events.nationalgeographic.com).

43. A Velofix mobile bike repair service is a practical and creative gift idea (velofix.com/locations/ spokane) where the mechanic comes to you.

Perfect for the bike commuter who needs a quick fix during a work day.

RUNNING

68. A gift of Grounds & Hounds Organic Coffee ($4.99-18.99), available at Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile, helps support local pet rescue and animal shelters with the coffee company’s donation (20% of profits) to Inland Northwest organizations.

71. For adults new to indoor climbing, Wild Walls offers a Vertical Introduction Package ($35) for ages 12+ that includes a 2-hour class and oneweek membership. There’s also a Women’s Night class ($25, ages 12+), offered on Mondays only, 6-8 p.m., that teaches the fundamentals of indoor climbing and also includes a week-long trial membership to be use any week upon return.

41. Sock Guy cycling socks ($11-15) from Mojo Cyclery come in an array of colors with funky patterns and creative graphics.

45. Indoor bike trainers, such as the CycleOps 9904 Fluid 2 ($300) from Bike Hub or the CycleOps Smart Trainer, M2 or H2 models ($600, $1,200) from Wheel Sport help athletes maintain cycling fitness all winter long.

67. Fizz-up any liquid with the DrinkMate carbonating machine ($100) from Kitchen Engine, which has an in-store CO2 tank refill program. Use it for kombucha, juice, wine, and even flat beer!

70. Give kids an opportunity to climb someone else’s walls. Wild Walls Climbing Gym in downtown Spokane offers a Spider Monkeys class for ages 4-10 ($20/session) and Climbing Club for ages 10-14 ($12/session). The entire family can go (adult day pass, $16, or 10-visit punch pass, $135; youth 10-punch pass, $100, for ages 14 and runder). Note: Additional fee for gear rental.

40. Cyclists also need good bike lights. The Bontrager Ion 800 R front bike light ($100) features five modes; pair it with the Flare R rear bike light ($60), which is daylight-visible with 65 lumens—both available at North Division Bicycle. Or there’s the Specialized STIX Elite front and rear lights ($45/each), available at Two Wheeler Dealer.

44. The Küat Transfer 2-Bike Hitch Rack ($290), available from Bike Hub, is an easy-to-use system that doesn’t come in contact with the bike frame.

supplement for hydration recovery from exercise, illness, and even holiday hangovers. The travel size, TSA-approved concentrate bundle ($16/3pack) is great for the traveling marathoner or hiker. Buy direct from lytebalance.com or find at local stores such as Huckleberry’s, Main Market (Spokane), and Pilgrim’s Market (Coeur d’Alene).

54. Outdoor family needs a tent? The North Face Wawona 6 ($399) has all the best essentials to make 3-season tent-camping more comfortable and fun. It has two vestibules, and with an 80-inch peak height, parents can stand up. And like all TNF gear, it has a lifetime guarantee.

55. A YETI Hopper Two 20 leakproof, soft-sided cooler ($300) is the ultimate road-trip travel gear accessory.

It’s available from The General Store, along with YETI Rambler 18-oz. and 26-oz. bottles ($30, $40).

56. ENO DoubleNest hammocks ($70) are sold locally at REI, Escape Outdoors (Coeur d’Alene), and Northwest River Supplies (Moscow). Great gift for couples and families!

57. Dodecahedron Solid Firepit ($200-300+) is a portable, 30-pound, 2-foot diameter, hanging firepit with tripod legs, handcrafted by Shumake Designs—a new business created by local artist and welder Scott Shumake. His sturdy, eye-catching firepits are perfect for the backyard or vacation property. “The benefits of a fire off the ground is the 360-degree projection of heat,” he says. The tripod legs unplug from the cap at the top, which allows it to easily fit in a small car too. Instagram. com/scottshumake or call (509) 720-3594.

58. Crazy Creek, based in Red Lodge, Montana, makes durable lightweight portable chairs for paddling (Canoe Chair III, $53.50), backpacking, or

61. NFL Seattle Seahawks Shake n’ Score Travel Dice Game ($14.29), from White Elephant, is a family “Yahtzee” game that can be easily stashed in a ski bag or carry-on pack.

FOOD/BEVERAGE & EXPERIENCES

62. Spiceologist Rub Gift Set ($35) includes six 1-oz. jars of this Spokane-based company’s most popular gourmet rubs—like Chile Margarita, Smoky Honey Habanero, and Raspberry Chipotle. Find it at The Kitchen Engine.

63. DOMA Coffee Roasting Company offers a mixand-match 3-pack of 8-oz. bags of beans ($30).

Packaged in its own special box, gift it whole or separate into single packs for stocking stuffers.

Buy at domacoffee.com or from Doma’s Coffee Lab in Post Falls, Idaho.

64. Create a DIY bundle from Maryhill Winery— they provide a wine gift bag for you to then add your choice of wine ($14-45/bottle) along with chocolates, a bottle stopper, and/or festive napkins.

65. One Tree Hard Cider Cranberry and Pumpkin ciders are the latest seasonal delights—available from local grocers, such as Rosauers and Yoke’s.

66. Lyte Balance from SenseAble Supplements, in Liberty Lake, Wash., is an all-natural electrolyte

73. For the person who needs a winter indoor sport, Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym in Spokane hosts Bouldering 101 classes, Ladies’ Nights, and a Youth Climbing Team ($12-14/daily pass). With bouldering, the climbing features are close enough to the padded ground that you don’t need to be roped up.

74. Everyone could use more Namaste in their life. Gift a yoga class. Mellow Monkey in Spokane Valley is a yoga studio tailored to beginners and offers all sorts of class types ($15/class). Harmony Yoga, located on Spokane’s South Hill, offers a New Student Intro 5-class pass ($30) and has all sorts of classes, including “Yoga for 50+”and “Active 50+” for those beyond beginner level. Wild Walls Climbing Gym’s yoga studio offers weekday and weekend classes ($12/class). YogaJoy North, located in the Wandermere area in north Spokane, hosts a Kids After-School Yoga Club and adult classes, plus barre and barre/yoga mix. The New Client Intro offer is 2 weeks of unlimited classes ($40).

75. Inspire someone for ski season with an all-levels Ski Conditioning Class at Physical Therapy Associates’ Elevation Fitness workout studio, located on Spokane’s South Hill. Pilates, spin, yoga, and other classes also available (pricing details at ptassociates.net). // Amy McCaffree is special section editor and Out There Kids columnist. She contributed to the Family Winter Sports Guide in the last issue. Follow her winter adventures @ Instagram.com/adventure_amy_spokane & facebook.com/ AmyOutdoorsSpokane.

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

23

to make the 10 ways holiday season

magical

WITH SILENT, MOONLIT NIGHTS, sparkly snow

Pole with a 40-minute magical cruise from the Coeur d’Alene Resort. View the marina’s holiday light show before traveling to see Santa and his elves, and hear your child’s name read from the “Nice List.”

1. PARTAKE IN THE FAMOUS CHRISTMAS LIGHTING FESTIVAL IN LEAVENWORTH. Every

7. EXPERIENCE A MOONLIT ADVENTURE ON SNOWSHOES, FAT BIKE, OR NORDIC SKIS.

year, during the first three weekends of December, over half-a-million lights adorn this Bavarian village nestled on the eastside of Washington’s Cascade mountains. Stroll the streets, shop for gifts, and greet Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, Santa, and Mrs. Claus. Every Saturday and Sunday, around 4:30 p.m., is when the lighting ceremony begins with much fanfare. Your getaway can also include a visit to the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club ski hill in town, which includes terrain and tubing parks. There are many local Nordic skiing and fat biking trails (skileavenworth.com).

Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge, both less than an hour away, offer alpine skiing and snowboarding.

Traditional folklore refers to December’s full moon as the Long Nights Moon, Cold Moon, or Frost Moon, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. This year the full moon appears on Dec. 22, the day after Winter Solstice. For late-night adventure, Mt. Spokane Cross Country Ski Park is open daily until 10 p.m. For other parks be sure to check open hours since many close at 4 p.m. or dusk. For information about trail networks in Idaho, visit the Panhandle Nordic Club website.

If you miss December’s moon, the first full moon of the new year—called the Wolf Moon or Old Moon—will appear on Jan. 21, followed by the Full Snow Moon on Feb. 19.

2. TREK THROUGH A NATIONAL FOREST FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE. With a $5 tree-cutting

DURING THIS MONTH’S COUNTDOWN TO THE HOLIDAYS, TAKE TIME TO EXPERIENCE BOTH LITTLE AND SPECTACULAR MOMENTS OF WINTER MAGIC.

3. TAKE A SLEIGH RIDE. HIGH COUNTRY ORCHARD, part of the Green Bluff circuit in

Colbert, Wash., and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch in Sandpoint, Idaho, offer horse-drawn sleigh rides, with an option to get a fresh-cut Christmas tree.

Longer Life?

Weight Loss?

Improved Heart?

Injury Recovery?

Improved Brainpower?

Cancer Prevention? confidence?

Balance?

The new and improved way to fitness and fun! give the gift of better health for christmas

www.freshair.bike 24

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

4. GET AWAY TO THE SNOWY SHORES OF PRIEST LAKE. Stay overnight in a cozy cabin at

“It’s all about the Ride!”

LArgest selection of electric bikes in the inland NW. call for a test ride or free brochure.

208•659•1793 “Best experience ever! Staff is very helpful and knowledgeable! Fair prices and they will bend over backwards to make your purchase right!”

- Alan (Spokane)

6. TAKE A CRUISE ON LAKE COEUR D’ALENE— BUT NOT JUST ANY CRUISE. Journey to the North

crystals, snowflakes that stick to your nose and eyelashes, nature’s beauty inspires wonder, awe, surprise, delight, nostalgia, and love. During this month’s countdown to the holidays, take time to experience both little and spectacular moments of winter magic. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

permit, purchased from a Forest Service ranger office, you can bring home a rustic fir for your next tannenbaum.

GET YOUR PARENT RIDING AGAIN

By Amy S. McCaffree

either Hill’s or Elkins Resorts, both located on the western shore. There’s an extensive crosscountry ski trail system, which starts at Priest Lake golf course and connects to the lakeside trails at Hill’s Resort, and there’s Nordic gear and snowshoes available to borrow from the lodge. Hill’s lounge and dining room are open from Dec. 26 through New Year’s Eve. At Elkins, you can rent snowshoes and explore the trails right from the resort.

5. NORDIC SKI TO A BACKCOUNTRY HUT. Along

the Methow Valley’s 200 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, there are cozy huts for long winter nights. Make reservations for one of the Rendezvous Huts (sleeps 8-10 people), or return to the town of Winthrop and stay in a Rolling Huts glamping cabin.

8. SKI WITH SANTA. On Dec. 23, Mr. Claus will be geared up and ready to ski with children and their families at Schweitzer Mountain from 1-3 p.m. He will also make the rounds at other local mountains on Christmas Eve, including Lookout Pass (around Noon), Silver Mountain, and Mt. Spokane.

9.

EXPERIENCE WINTERFEST IN WALLACE, IDAHO. Enjoy three days of small-town fun from

Dec. 29-31, with snow sculptures, s’mores, and library snowman story time. More extreme than magical, there will also be vintage snowmobile races along with extreme “ski jor” race where ATVs tow skiers.

10. SKI OR SNOWBOARD IN THE NEW YEAR’S EVE TORCHLIGHT PARADE. Join Lookout Pass staff

and other advanced and intermediate-level skiers and riders to celebrate the end of 2018. Also spectacular to watch, as a line of skiers make big, wide turns from the summit to the base while carrying a red torch. Space is limited, so be sure to register online. //

“Super friendly and knowledgeable about everything - made transaction painless. Would highly recommend!”

- Sean (Utah)

Visit our new showroom!

6259 West Maine St. Spirit Lake, ID 83869

WINTER CARRIAGE RIDE AT LEAVENWORTH'S CHRISTMAS LIGHTING FESTIVAL // PHOTO: BRIAN MUNOZ, COURTESY OF LEAVENWORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Outdoor Gear

Gift Ideas

GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Cup

It’s hard to believe the Bugaboo Cup, which holds 14 ounces, weighs less than two energy gels. The secret behind this must-have cup with a foldaway handle is the tough, ultralight aluminum construction. Even better, the cup has easy-toread markings for measuring the right amount of liquids on the outside and the inside. This is extra useful and convenient when cooking in the backcountry. Available in four colors. MSRP: $9.95. Gsioutdoors.com (Jon Jonckers)

SCOUTbox Outdoor Gear Subscription Box

You don’t have to be a scout to want this box full of awesome camping gear, snacks, and other items for outdoor adventures delivered to your door each month. SCOUTbox intends to provide quality gear and outdoors educational materials for all subscribers (boys, girls, adults, scouts, and non-scouts). Each box will always include more in value than you paid for. Examples of SCOUTbox contents include things like a multi-tool, pocketknife, sharpening stone, camp-ready wallet, waterproof matches, first aid kit, educational cards, and more. SCOUTbox comes in one month, three month, or six month subscriptions ($40-$240).

Scoutbox.us (Wil Wheaton)

SNOWBOARD BOOTS

STARTING AT

199

$

GSI Outdoors Boulder Flask

Stainless steel flasks have been around forever, but they’re absolutely freezing in cold weather and sap your warmth if you have one in your pocket. Three things make this hip flask superior. First, the lid has a silicone grip and it’s on a hinge which means it’s easy to open and impossible to misplace. Second, the clear co-polyester construction is super lightweight, eco-friendly and you can see just how much spirits are left in the flask. Third, the Boulder Flask holds over a half-pint of your favorite beverage; 295ml or 10 fluid ounces to be exact. Available in two colors. MSRP: $14.95.

Gsioutdoors.com (Jon Jonckers)

110 Slim Knife from Buck Knives

Made locally at the Buck Knives headquarters in Post Falls, Idaho, the NEW Slim Line 110 folding knife has the silhouette and feel of their classic hunting knife but it’s redesigned with colorful, slimmer handles at a very competitive price. This new slim line includes a thumbstud for easy onehand opening and lockback design for safe use.

The stainless-steel pocket clip is removable and reversible. Best of all, the blades are finished with Buck’s advanced Edge2x technology that makes them sharper out of the box, hold an edge longer, and easier to re-sharpen. If you order the knife on their website, you can have it engraved and personalized too. MSRP: $110. Buckknives.com (Jon Jonckers)

t

SMITH HOLT HELMETS

69

$

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

25

GIVE THE

PERFECT GIFT! ALPACA HATS MITTENS SCARVES BLANKETS

All I want for

christmas is a legal

tree by ammi midstokke

Fair Trade Earth Friendly Local

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

SANTA AND HIS LEGAL TREE // PHOTO BY WOODS WHEATCROFT

DURING MY FIRST IDAHO CHRISTMAS, we lived on kidney beans and celery in a camper that sat directly on the cold snow. We slid around on our thrift store-score skis in the snow, arms flailing about with oversized mittens like boxing gloves plugged onto the ends of our spindly arms. My dad had brought his new Stihl chainsaw. We were felling trees for the log cabin we’d eventually build.

With much deliberation and ceremony, we chose a tree that would fit in the camper. He fired up the saw, cleared some snow around the trunk, and dropped that tree. It was only about 18 inches tall, so it just kind of tilted into the snow, but we still cheered.

HE FIRED UP THE SAW, CLEARED SOME SNOW AROUND THE TRUNK, AND DROPPED THAT TREE. IT WAS ONLY ABOUT 18 INCHES TALL, SO IT JUST KIND OF TILTED INTO THE SNOW, BUT WE STILL CHEERED. We decorated it with my infant sister’s bibs and binkies. We didn’t know what kind of tree it was, and it looked spindly before decorating, then downright sad afterward. But my Uncle Willis had given us kids a gallon jug of chocolate syrup for Christmas, much to my mother’s delight. All day, we cross-country skied and ate chocolate syrup snow cones, returning to our tiny Christmas tree to find the tiny gifts beneath it.

We were so poor that my parents could only afford an IOU gift certificate for my brother and me. He got one to Army Surplus and I got one to JCPenney. That meant I could buy brand new clothes for possibly the first time in my life. It was the best Christmas ever. And to this day, Christmas tree hunting is a highlight in my family’s annual tradition. I get larger trees, but they aren’t necessarily any prettier.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

Living in the great Northwest, it would seem that everyone would have a tree hunting tradition. Some of us don’t know proper tree-hunting etiquette or find farms and parking lots the easiest way to score good trees. But for city folk and flatlanders looking for the full experience of harvesting a tree in the wild, there are a few parameters that can help you get great trees, avoid some nasty fines, and support the forests as well.

GUIDELINES FOR CHRISTMAS TREE HARVESTING IN IDAHO AND WASHINGTON:

• Get a Christmas tree permit from a local ranger station. They are $5 each and allow you to legally harvest one tree of up to 15 feet high. Don’t forget to bring your tag or you can be fined for stealing trees, which is not in the Christmas spirit at all.

•Only harvest on U.S. National Forest lands.

Those are often the green blocks on the maps, and when you are grabbing your Christmas tree permit, they will likely offer you a map of those areas. It is not legal to harvest on state lands or to clear a better view in your neighbor’s yard. For the Colville National Forest, purchase a permit from the Colville, Kettle Falls, Newport, or Republic ranger stations. The Idaho Panhandle National Forest collaborates with the Bureau of Land Management to offer permits for trees in both north Idaho and western Montana. You can get a permit for north Idaho National Forest lands at Forest Service offices in Coeur d’Alene, Smelterville, Priest River, or Sandpoint.

• Take care of the forest. Cedar trees are not to be harvested, and in my opinion alpine fir make the best trees—preferably cut from a thicket of trees.

Topping trees is illegal. Don’t harvest boughs that can damage trees. Leave no more than a 6-inch stump. // Ammi Midstokke has been making ugly trees feel beautiful for decades. With her gift for finding perpetually-leaning trees and collecting kitschy decorations, underprivileged firs and pines have been given the opportunity to reach their full holiday potential.

6Snowshoe Hikes to slow down the

holiday

Great Gifts -For Every Cyclist-

season

Sale through December 24th

By Crystal Atamian

SNOWSHOEING AT MT. SPOKANE // PHOTO BY AMY MCCAFFREE

HOLIDAYS CAN BE A HECTIC time of year; time with family becomes a crazed rush to get from one event to another, or you find all that sitting around has everyone a little edgy. Making time to get outside can help relieve some of the holiday stress.

Snowshoeing, or simply hiking if there isn’t enough snow to warrant snowshoes, is a great way to slow things down, enjoy some time together, and be active and alive in the snow. It provides the perfect alternative to the fast-paced season. Walking through the fluid white landscape highlights the beauty of the season. Slowing down, mentally and physically, and taking time to enjoy the snow-covered cedars is a gift worth giving.

Break up the holiday rush by taking everyone out for a short romp in the winter woods. The bonus is that you can vent any holiday angst by lobbing snowballs at each other as you hike through the powder (assuming there is enough snow).

While you may not need snowshoes for these hikes depending on the time of year and weather, carry them with you if you think there might be snowy and icy patches farther in.

The mountains beckon with their deeper snow, but the drive eats up time we don’t always have closer to the holidays. Here are a few close-to-town options that offer great views and won’t eat up your whole day:

SLOWING DOWN, MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY, AND TAKING TIME TO ENJOY THE SNOWCOVERED CEDARS IS A GIFT WORTH GIVING. 1. ANTOINE PEAK CONSERVATION AREA. This

is my favorite snowshoe hike because of the fantastic view that extends from Liberty Lake to Beacon Hill. Its proximity to town means you can do a short hike on your lunch break, or plan an impromptu outing with the family midday. There are two access points: one off E. Brevier Rd. (near Forker and Bigelow Gulch), and the other off E. Lincoln Rd. (from Trent take N. Campbell Rd.).

The ascent is more gradual from the west side (Brevier).

and can be a winter wonderland as you walk along the creek and under snow-laden boughs of pine and fir. A hike in the Iller Creek area can range from a short out-and-back to loops of 5 or more miles.

4. DISHMAN HILLS: PINECLIFF LOOP TRAIL. This

trail runs through the Dishman Hills Natural Area and, at 1.4 miles, is perfect for families with younger kids. Start at Camp Caro (Appleway Blvd. to Sargent Rd.) and go through the breezeway of the lodge. Hike up the trail 0.3 mi. and take a right at the first fork. Follow the signs to do the entire loop or make it an out-and-back hike.

5. LIBERTY LAKE COUNTY PARK. Access to the park is easy in winter (S. Lakeside Rd. to S. Zephyr Rd.) and the trail down by the creek is very mild, making it perfect for those with reticent kids or those just wanting a leisurely stroll. From the parking area head south through the campground, and follow the trails as it winds past the lake and up into the forest. There is no parking fee in winter months. It is also possible to make this a more strenuous hike by following the 8.5-mile Liberty Lake loop trail.

For Sci-fi fantasy book, game, & comic fans in the

Pacific Northwest.

6. RIVERSIDE STATE PARK: BOWL AND PITCHER.

Enjoy the roar of the Spokane River and some beautiful scenery with an out-and-back hike of any length you choose or longer loops made possible by crossing the Centennial Trail to connect with one of several trails to the west. From the parking area at Bowl and Pitcher, cross the suspension bridge. Once across the river you can choose to go right or left. Either way you’ll find a nice hike. A Discover Pass is required. // Crystal Atamian gets teased by her family for wearing at least one layer more than everyone else. Coldblooded or not, she still gets out at least once a week to enjoy the fluffy white stuff. She wrote about Craters of the Moon National Monument in September.

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

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15 W Main Ave (509) 624-0957

Saddle Pressure Mapping & Bike Fit Sessions Make Great Gifts for the Cyclists in Your Life

2. MICA PEAK CONSERVATION AREA. Although

a little farther from town, the drive is not as far as you’d think. This hike offers a great escape and consistent snow, especially when lower elevations are lacking. From Highway 27 take E. Belmont Rd. From the parking area, take the left fork (which is an old service road) for wide open spaces and some good views. Take the right fork for a winter walk under the trees and along the creek.

219 East Main Street Pullman, WA 99163 509.332.1703

3. DISHMAN HILLS: ILLER CREEK. Taking the left

fork from the Iller Creek trailhead gives you a steeper climb and fantastic views. This section offers spectacular viewpoints in both winter and summer. The right fork has a more gradual ascent

GETTING KIDS SNOWSHOEING IS A GREAT WAY TO INTRODUCE WINTER SPORTS// PHOTO: CRYSTAL ATAMIAN

bandlbicycles.com

Call today to start the journey to a more comfortable ride for you or your loved one!

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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as s

sP ger Ro 6

Southeastern BC's

30

Okanagan Lake

6

Vernon

Highways Borders Lakes/Rivers

Travel

Penticton 97

20

36

Upper Arrow Lake

6

New Denver

6

Upper Arrow Lake

Nelson

33

8

Castlegar 3

19 3

9

25 Grand Forks 10

WASHINGTON

11

1 2 26 Trail 7

Curlew

395

Kettle Falls

25

34 Columbia Lake 95

Kaslo 32

3

28

6

3

13

Metalline Falls

3

5

Creston

14

16

15

Priest Lake

2

Kaniksu National Forest

2

Glacier National Forest Kootenai National Forest 2

1. NO PASSPORT? No problem. Washington residents can cross

the B.C. border with an enhanced drivers’ license (EDL) or, if you don’t drive, an enhanced ID (info at Dol.wa.gov). Another easy option, especially if you’re an Idaho resident where an Idaho state EDL isn’t available, is a federally-issued passport card; it’s basically a limited-use, wallet-sized passport good for land and sea crossings into Canada and Mexico (info at Travel.state.gov). Both a Washington EDL and passport card are cheaper and easier to get than a standard passport. If you already have a passport, make sure it hasn’t expired before you’re ready to split town!

2. WINTER DRIVING? B.C.’s highways are often better than the roads at home. If you or a friend or loved one worries about white-knuckle winter road trips, it’s worth noting that B.C. highways are religiously maintained after storms and are often in way better driving shape than their connecting thoroughfares south of the border. As a quick example, on a late-night drive to Kimberley in the middle of a blizzard last winter, my companion and I made highway first tracks in whiteout conditions until we 28

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

93

Thompson Falls

Whitefish Kalispell Flathead National Forest

95

2

Pend Orielle Lake

Coeur d’Alene

FINDING AWESOME IS A B.C. BORDER CROSSING AWAY er info on southeast British Columbia’s incredible collection of ski and snowboard resorts, Nordic and fat bike trails, hot springs, backcountry touring areas, and creative events within a half day’s drive of Spokane and North Idaho. With all of these amazing outdoor recreation opportunities so close, it’s shocking that more of us from the States don’t spend more time north of the border.

The U.S./Canada border presents a psychological obstacle that keeps many Spokanites and North Idahoans from enjoying B.C.’s winter wonderland of world-class mountains and outdoor activities. For some, stepping beyond the familiar into the unknown is a major challenge (something this guide can help you out with).

For others, there’s a perceived difficulty of needing proper ID to get in and out of Canada, dread over driving winter mountain roads, or hesitation over supposed border crossing hassles. Here are some tips to help break down barriers that keep too many of us from having a blast getting to know our beautiful and downright magical next-door neighbor.

UNITED STATES

395

Spokane

OUT THERE’S FIRST B.C. Ski & Winter Travel Guide pulls togeth-

CANADA

17

MONTANA

Sandpoint Roosevelt Lake

ALBERTA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

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Bonners Ferry

20

4

21 3

95

Pass

IDAHO

31 Colville National Forest 20

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ena oot

Guide

Fernie

Lake

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inter

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Kimberly Kootenay Cranbrook

Salmo

12 Rossland

Northport

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Duncan Lake

35

6

33

Kelowna

32. Ainsworth 33. Halcyon 34. Fairmont 35. Nakusp 36. Radium

Ski & W KIES ROC

29

31

LS EL RC PU

9. Osoyoos 10. Danville 11. Laurier 12. Paterson 13. Nelway 14. Porthill 15. Eastport 16. Roosville 17. Carway

97A

HOT SPRINGS

BC

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95

S KIRK SEL

US BORDER CROSSINGS

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18

Banff

Banff National Park

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HEES MONAS

1. 7 Summits Trail 2. Black Jack Nordic Trails 3. Cody Caves 4. FernieHarrison Fat Bike Trails Lake 5. Kootenay Pass Backcountry 6. Rogers Pass Backcountry 7. Rossland Fat Bike Trails 8. Whitewater Nordic Centre

1

Revelstoke

1

SKI RESORTS

18. Apex 19. Baldy 20. Big White 21. Fernie 22. Kicking Horse 23. Kimberley 24. Panorama 25. Phoenix 26. Red 27. Revelstoke 28. Salmo 29. SilverStar 30. Sun Peaks 31. Whitewater

Golden

27

Ski Resorts • Mountain Towns • Hot Springs WINTER ADVENTURES

1

y

Winter Wonderland

22

Flathead Lake

By Derrick Knowles

crossed from Idaho into Canada for the last leg of the drive on recently plowed and relatively clear B.C. highway.

3. EASY-PEASY BORDER CROSSINGS. Crossing the border in

either direction as a tourist visiting for a few days or weeks shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. That is as long as you have the appropriate ID and don’t have past run-ins with the law that could hang you up at the border (yes, that may include DUIs).

To speed things up a bit, try these time-saving tips. Save yourself the irritation and time of having your favorite fresh food items potentially tossed by agents at the border; buy what you need when you get where you’re going. Other items that are best to leave at home: guns, knives and other weapons; drugs; commercial goods; firewood debris, hay/straw, or other agricultural items; and large quantities of cash, booze, or tobacco. It also helps to have a relatively clean vehicle with your gear somewhat organized. When interacting with border agents, turn off your vehicle, take off sunglasses and hats, have your IDs ready, be friendly and helpful, and refrain from chit-chat or providing unsolicited information or snarky replies while explaining the non-business nature of your epic vacation.

4. TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR B.C. TRIP. For

Americans, travel to Canada requires little transition. Canadians speak English, drive on the same side of the road, eat similar foods, and enjoy the same modern amenities as most Americans.

However, a little planning will make that transition even easier.

Add an inexpensive phone plan that covers text and calls in Canada if you don’t already have one (make sure you don’t get charged extra for data roaming). Also, report your travel plans to the banks behind any of the cards you’ll be using so they work when you need them. While many businesses take U.S. dollars, it’s best to have some Canadian money in your wallet and use your card when you can to make sure you’re getting the best exchange rate. And finally, give the tips for fitting in as an American on page 30 of this guide a read! //

MIDWAY CROSSING

CHOOSING THE BEST BORDER CROSSING

Use this border crossing info and the above map to make sure you don’t get stuck at a closed crossing or waste time at the wrong one.

OSOYOOS/OROVILLE: 24 hours Use for some Okanagan resorts.

MIDWAY/FERRY: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Use for Big White/SilverStar shortcut when roads are good.

CASCADE/LAURIER: 8 a.m.-midnight Use for Big White, SilverStar & Phoenix.

PATERSON/FRONTIER: 24 hours

Use for RED Mountain & Rossland

NELWAY/METALINE FALLS: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. U.S. / 8 a.m.-midnight Canada Use for Whitewater, Nelson, Ainsworth, Kootenay Pass, Salmo, Nakusp, Revelstoke, Halcyon & Rogers Pass.

RYKERTS/PORTHILL: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. U.S. / 8 a.m.-midnight Canada Use for Creston/Kootenay Pass.

KINGSGATE/EASTPORT: 24 hours

Use for Kimberley, Fernie, Panorama, Fairmont, Radium, Golden, & Kicking Horse.

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

29

BC

Ski & Winter Travel Guide

CLEARLY(NOT)CANADIAN

HOW TO FIT IN AS AN AMERICAN By Aaron Theisen THE IDEA OF BRITISH COLUMBIA as a place to escape is nothing new; in fact, the Kootenays’ status as an enclave for draft-dodging Americans and pacifist Doukhobor Russians explains as much of the region’s adrenaline-hippie status as its big mountains. In fact, part of the welcoming vibe inherent to the province is the knowledge that most everyone here is from somewhere else.

Nonetheless, sometimes it’s best to blend in—or at least not loudly out yourself as a Yank. Here’s a bit of info to help you act at least a little more like a local.

1. It’s not a beanie, it’s a toque (rhymes with spook). And no one will balk at you wearing your toque in a restaurant.

2. See that woman pushing a stroller down Nelson’s Baker Street? She’s probably a much better skier than you. In five years, the kid in the stroller will be too. If you want to blend in, step your ski game up.

3. The national cuisine is poutine: French fries slathered in brown gravy and cheese curds. It’s such a perfect cold-weather comfort food that it’s a wonder Americans haven’t claimed it as their own the way we did with Neil Young.

4. A Caesar is the Canadian counterpart to a Bloody Mary, substituting Clamato for the latter’s tomato juice. Like a Bloody Mary, its salty snap works just as well as après-ski rehydration as a morning-after hair-of-the-dog tonic.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

5. Canadians drive in the snow the way they ski—that is, faster than you’ll probably be comfortable with.

There’s no shame in pulling over and letting them by.

6. Restrooms are called washrooms, which, you have to admit, sounds a bit fancier.

7. Nothing screams “American” like ordering ranch dressing with your salad or fries. Waitstaff will even lay a trap for you by asking “Let me guess, you want ranch with that.” Resist. Even better, ask for more brown gravy.

8. B.C. skiers can party as hard as they charge on the slopes, but they manage to do so quieter than the average American’s library voice. Dial back the volume a bit.

9. Curling is the sport with the broom. Beyond that, you’re on your own.

Despite your best efforts to blend in, you won’t. So go ahead, order those fries with a side of ranch dressing. And if all else fails, say you’re from Alberta. // PHOTOS - LEFT, SOUTHWEST POUTINE IN KELOWNA. PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES. // RIGHT: TOQUEVILLE. PHOTO: AARON THEISEN

RYAN FLETT

did you

know

RED Mountain Resort has a brand-new, ultra-modern hostel a 2-minute walk to the charlift?

Yeah, for real. From wireless to matching plates, a community grill and firepit to views like these, Nowhere Special at RED Mountain is your key to affordable powder pillaging this winter.

Prices starting at only $32 USD/night

4,200 total shreddable acres at your doorstep

Just a 2-minute walk to the chairlift

Private rooms available with mountain views

Now you know.

See redresort.com/nowyouknow for more insights into things every serious shredder should know.31 DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

BC

Ski & Winter Travel Guide

SOUTHEAST BRITISH COLUMBIA WINTER RECREATION DESTINATIONS

One of the things that sets the greater Spokane area apart from other outdoor cities and towns around the western U.S. is our proximity to British Columbia’s relatively unspoiled natural wonders and friendly mountain towns. Use this selection of some of the top winter recreation destinations in B.C. to plan your next trip. Again this year (as of November 2018), the exchange rate favors American visitors to Canada, and you’ll save up to 30% on everything from lift tickets and hotel rooms to plates of poutine and jugs of local brew.

Grab your passport, pack your boards and bags, and head north!

SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORTS APEX MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Penticton, B.C. Summit: 7,175 ft.

Lifts: 2 chairs, T-bar, & magic carpet Runs: 79 marked; 40+ unmarked Vertical: 2,000 + ft.

Annual Snowfall: Nearly 20 ft.

From Spokane: 5 hours Why Go: Dry, light powder; 5,000 hectares of backcountry terrain; close to amazing Okanagan Valley wineries.

BALDY MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT

Location: Oliver, B.C. Summit: 9th highest ski resort in Canada (7,580 ft.)

Lifts: 2 + magic carpet Terrain: 35 alpine runs, 360 acres of trails, and 240 acres of glades Annual Snowfall: 25 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours Why Go: Dry Okanagan powder; no crowds; 80% beginner and intermediate terrain.

BIG WHITE SKI RESORT

Location: Kelowna, B.C. Summit: 7,606 ft.

Lifts: 15 Patrolled area: 2,765 acres Vertical: 2,550 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 24.5 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours Why Go: The 2nd largest ski resort lift system in Canada with real Champagne powder (and no lift lines); 100% ski-in ski-out accommodations; huge, vibrant village with over 20 restaurants & bars and plenty of off-the-slopes fun to be had; super family friendly with plenty to do for all ages and abilities (even for non-skiers).

FERNIE ALPINE RESORT

Location: Fernie, B.C. Summit: 7,000 ft.

Lifts: 10 Skiable acres: 2,500 Vertical: 3,550 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 30 ft.

From Spokane: 5 hours Why Go: Fernie is an action-packed, real-deal ski town (check out the film “Ascent to Powder” to get a feel for the place); seemingly endless resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding; the views of jagged Rocky Mountain peaks above town (when it’s not snowing) are an incredible sight to wake up to.

KICKING HORSE RESORT

Location: Golden, B.C. Summit: 8,218 ft.

Lifts: 5 Skiable acres: 3,486 Vertical: 4,314 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 24 ft.

Inbounds chutes: 85+ From Spokane: 6.5 hours Why Go: 660 acres of new, rowdy terrain opening for the 2018/19 season; 60% advanced & expert terrain including 85+ inbounds chutes; and the 5th biggest vertical in North America!

KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT

Location: Kimberley, B.C. Summit: 6,500 ft.

Lifts: 5 Resort acres: 1,800+ Vertical: 2,465 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 13 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

OVER 50?

TAKE YOUR SKIING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH BIG WHITE’S MASTERS’ WEEK IF YOU’RE A PASSIONATE skier aged 50+, Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna, B.C. offers three separate sessions throughout the season that combine skiing, learning from top ski instructors each morning, and a number of exclusive après events and other optional activities. Sign up for one of these 2019 Masters’ Week sessions: January 28-February 1; February 25-March 1; or April 1-5. (Wil Wheaton)

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

Why Go: The best mix of sunny days and powder in the Kootenays; over 40% of the terrain is intermediate; super friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

PANORAMA MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Invermere, B.C. Summit: 8,038 ft.

Lifts: 10 Resort terrain: 2,975 acres Vertical: 4,265 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 16+ ft.

From Spokane: 5.5 hours Why Go: Top 10 vertical in North America; 75% of the runs are suitable for beginners and intermediates.

PHOENIX SKI AREA

Location: Grand Forks, B.C. Lifts: 2 (T-bar and rope tow) Terrain: 15 runs Vertical: 800 ft.

From Spokane: 3.25 hours Why Go: Great place for families to ski together and beginners of any age to learn; old-school community ski hill vibe.

RED MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Rossland, B.C. Summit: 6,807 ft.

Longest Run: 4.3 miles Lifts: 7 Skiable Acres: 4,200 Vertical: 2,919 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 300 inches From Spokane: 3 hours Why Go: $10/run in-bounds cat-skiing; some of the best tree runs in B.C.; nearly 82% of the terrain is intermediate to advanced; new luxury and ski bum lodging options right on the mountain.

REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Revelstoke, B.C. Lift-top Elevation: 7,300 ft.

Skiable Acres: 3,121 Longest Run: 9.5 miles Vertical: 5,620 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 30-45 ft.

From Spokane: 6 hours Why Go: Biggest vertical in North America; incredible in-bounds expert terrain; 45% intermediate terrain; new intermediate runs in the Ripper Zone and new glades.

SALMO SKI HILL

Location: Salmo, B.C. Annual Snowfall: Plenty From Spokane: 3 hours Why Go: Fully-lit night skiing; great family-friendly terrain; old-school community ski hill with friendly people on the way to Nelson.

SILVERSTAR MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Vernon, B.C. Summit: 6,280 ft.

Lifts: 11 Runs: 132 Skiable Acres: 3,282 Vertical: 2,500 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 275 inches From Spokane: 6 hours Why Go: Colorful, ski-in, ski-out mid-mountain village; all-inclusive lift ticket includes access to alpine slopes, Nordic trails, tubing, ice skating, and fat bike and snowshoe trails; B.C.’s 3rd largest resort; Canada’s largest daily-groomed crosscountry trail network.

SUN PEAKS RESORT

Location: Kamloops, B.C. Summit: 7,060 ft.

Lifts: 13 Patrolled area: 4,270 acres Vertical: 2,893 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 19+ ft.

From Spokane: 8 hours Why Go: True to its name, Canada’s 2nd largest ski area soaks up over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year on average.

WHITEWATER SKI RESORT

Location: Nelson, B.C. Summit: 6,700 ft.

Lifts: 3 (and one handle tow) Skiable Acres: 2,367 Vertical: 2,044 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 40 ft.

From Spokane: 3 hours Why Go: 40 feet of Kootenay goodness fall here annually (on average); 55% advanced in-bounds terrain and incredible lift-accessed backcountry; friendly vibe, legendary food, and proximity to Nelson, B.C.’s one-of-a-kind mountain town amenities.

TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF WHITEWATER SKI RESORT. // TOP RIGHT: BIG WHITE SKI RESORT. PHOTO: ANDREW JAY

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

REFUELING IN ROSSLAND

British Columbia boasts over 50 Nordic skiing areas across the province, with many of them located within striking distance of the U.S. border and the Inland Northwest. Most alpine ski and snowboard resorts have at least a short groomed cross-country trail system, but here are a few larger Nordic areas worthy of a B.C. skinny-ski road trip.

FUEL GASTROPUB

FOR ALL ITS BONA FIDES as a mountain town, Rossland tend to roll up its sidewalks early. And for years the ski-bum assessment has been, “If this town had just one more cool restaurant and watering hole…” Now entering its second season, Fuel Gastropub might just be the spot that cements Rossland in the upper pantheon of ski towns.

Located in the iconic Rossland Filling Station building on Columbia Ave., Fuel feels decidedly upscale. But the date-night-worthy décor shouldn't deter dirtbags: there might be real linen on the table but there are plenty of puffy coats draped from chairbacks.

The menu rotates regularly but always favors local and organic ingredients. In-house smoked meats highlight a diverse menu, but there plenty of vegetarian-friendly options. (The gastropub also serves a full breakfast menu.) The bar offers a full collection of beer, wine and spirits, but don’t skip the Caesar, Canada’s answer to the Bloody Mary. If the celery-stick garnish seems too staid, go for the fried-chicken Caesar; it’s a one-stop combo of fat, salt and booze that’s ideal for après-ski. (Aaron Theisen)

SILVERSTAR/SOVEREIGN LAKE NORDIC CENTRE

Canada’s largest network of daily-groomed cross-country ski trails begin at the SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon, B.C. Connected to SilverStar’s 55k of world-class trails is another 50k of groomed Nordic trails at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre (dual mountain passes available).

NELSON NORDIC TRAILS

Located 10 minutes south of Nelson on Highway 6 at the Whitewater Ski Area turnoff, the Nelson Nordic Ski Club maintains 30k of groomed trails (classic and skating tracks) for all levels. The trail system includes a day lodge, two warming huts, and 1.5 k of lit trails for night skiing.

BLACK JACK SKI CLUB TRAILS

Five minutes north of the town of Rossland, the 40k Black Jack cross-country trail system is one of the premier Nordic areas in western Canada and the closest B.C. trail system to Spokane. In addition to the groomed classic and skate skiing trails, there is a 2.5k lit night-skiing loop.

KIMBERLEY NORDIC CLUB TRAILS

The Kimberley Nordic Club hosts a 33k first-class groomed trail network including double track, single track, and a center skating lane. The trail

system on the edge of Kimberley includes a 3.3k lit loop for night skiing, a lodge with bathrooms, and a warming hut.

FERNIE NORDIC TRAILS

There are over 50k of groomed cross-country trails around Fernie, from beginner circuits to advanced trails, meaning you can explore one of these different trail systems in the spectacular wilds of the Canadian Rockies each day of your trip: Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Golf Club, Island Lake Lodge, Montane, and the Elk Valley Nordic Centre.

FAT BIKING

Many of the southeastern B.C. resorts featured in this guide offer a limited number of fat biking trails and rentals. SilverStar near Vernon, B.C., has one of the more extensive groomed trail systems (15k) along with a fleet of rental bikes.

RED Mountain rents fat bikes and provides access

to an off-resort machine-groomed loop option.

Kimberley Alpine Resort also rents bikes and has easy access to the groomed fat biking trail system on the Trickle Creek Golf Course. While fat biking at many B.C. resorts is a great option when the slopes haven’t seen new snow in a while, your best bet for a more serious fat biking trip is to head for the more extensive groomed trail systems in Rossland or Fernie.

ROSSLAND FAT BIKING

This year a roughly 12k, machine-groomed loop pieced together with several well-known singletrack trails will be rideable from the Centennial Trailhead, Red Mountain Resort, or in town from Revolution Cycles or the Rossland Beer Company (both major supporters of local bike trails). Stop

by Revolution Cycles for a copy of a new fat biking trail map due out this winter as well as for bike rental or gear needs. The Redstone Golf Course in Rossland also has another 7k of groomed fat biking trails. If you’re really looking for a challenge, take on as much of the famed 7 Summits Trail as you can handle on your fatty when trails conditions and weather are right.

FAT BIKING FERNIE

Beginner, intermediate, and expert riders will find a variety of groomed and user-packed trails for fat biking right out of downtown Fernie and another 8k of groomed trails up at Fernie Alpine Resort. The trails around Fernie are perfect for riding throughout the winter with clear signage and well-built berms. Ride the Montane area trails off of Coal Creek Road for a fun ride to a warming hut. Visit Tourismfernie.com for specific trail info and a winter recreation map.

GO SNOWMOBILING AT BIG WHITE

Experience the backcountry surrounding Big White Ski Resort on your own snowmobile as part of a tour or self-guided trip. Choose from groomed trails and more advanced powder riding routes.

LEARN TO ICE CLIMB

Take a 2-3 day beginner ice climbing course from Nelson-based Summit Mountain Guides and learn the basics that will get you climbing frozen waterfalls in the East Kootenays or Canadian Rockies. Or give the 60’ Ice Climbing Tower at Big White Ski Resort a try for a less intimidating climb.

SNOWSHOE AROUND FERNIE

Find packed trails and untracked snowshoe wandering at several snowshoeing areas around the vibrant mountain town of Fernie (Tourismfernie. com). Or learn about Fernie’s rich history and the mountain environment on a Mountain Heritage Snowshoe Tour interpretive outing or book a snowcat ride, lunch, and snowshoe tour deep in the mountains at Island Lake Lodge.

EXPERIENCE CARNIVAL

CANADA’S

OLDEST

WINTER

Back in 1898, a Norwegian miner named Olaus Jeldness kicked off what has become Canada’s oldest winter carnival. Witness and participate in a wide range of events, competitions, and celebrations at this year’s Rossland Winter Carnival January 24-27, 2019: live music; booze-fueled revelry; a rail jam and bobsled race; a parade; fire spinners; ice carvings; and other festivities and impassioned, creative antics.

5 WINTER ADVENTURES EXPLORE CODY CAVES

NEW LODGING AT RED MOUNTAIN RESORT LOOKING FOR A NEW PLACE to stay the next time you head north to RED? Two new on-mountain

lodging options, ranging from budget to boutique, cater to a wide range of skiers and riders.

Ski Bumming on a Budget at Nowhere Special Hostel: Just a two-minute walk from the chairlift, Nowhere Special, set to open December 18 at RED Mountain Resort, is a modern hostel designed for travelers of all ages and privacy and price preferences. Typical rooms will sleep four and share an en suite bathroom, but private rooms and all-women dorms are also up for grabs. In traditional hostel style, Nowhere Special will feature practical communal spaces, including a clean, fullyloaded community kitchen (groceries not included!); outdoor patio with a firepit and two gas grills; and indoor bike and ski storage. For those who have put their time in at hostels around the world, what will set Nowhere Special apart from many other hostels is the clean, modern design, all at an affordable rate.

Adventure Meets Indulgence at The Josie: RED’s new, ski-in, ski-out boutique hotel, The Josie, is set to be open December, 2018, providing luxury accommodation with an authentic vibe just a few steps from the slopes. The new destination hotel, named after one of Rossland’s most notable mines, brings 106 stylish, deluxe rooms all with unrivalled vistas of RED and the surrounding Rossland Range within a snowball’s toss of the chairlift. Notable amenities include a spa with a curated menu of wellness treatments, a premier fitness facility, ski concierge, and a mountainside pool in the works for 2019. Opening along with The Josie is the Velvet Restaurant and Lounge (aka The Velvet), a French-influenced, craft eatery unlike any dining experience currently available in Rossland and the West Kootenay region. (Derrick Knowles)

Open for winter caving tours by email appointment only, Cody Cave Tours offers guided tours of a fragile underground world sculpted by glacierfed waters above Ainsworth Hot Springs north of Nelson.

PHOTO TOP: COURTESY FUEL GASTROPUB. // LEFT: COURTESY OF RED MOUNTAIN RESORT. // RIGHT: SNOWMOBILING FUN. COURTESY OF BIG WHITE.

APRÈS KIMBERLEY

THE PEDAL & TAP AND THE SHED WITH MORE THAN 40 dining options for this mountain community of just over 7,000, Kimberley can

credibly lay claim to the title of dining capital of the Kootenays. And Pedal and Tap can credibly lay claim to the best dining in town.

Outside, old bicycle parts decorate the windows and patio. Inside, the expansive beer and all-BC wine list spans an entire wall; the bar also makes many of its own cocktail mixers in-house. Menu items rotate regularly, but the offerings often nod toward seafood and Asian-influenced dishes, like the Vietnamesestyle pulled pork of the Tuk Tuk or the spicy kimchi/peanut satay mix of the Vegan Lightning.

One menu item that never leaves the lineup: mucky fries—hand-cut fries topped with mozzarella, aged cheddar, maple bacon, green onion and a house-made chipotle sauce. Any side of fries can be upgraded to this rich twist on poutine; don’t pass them up.

Around the corner, Pedal and Taps’ sister establishment, The Shed, offers late-night vibes and creative takes on pub staples like nachos and hot dogs. Outside, the pedestrian-only Platzl, its Bavarian-styled storefronts strung with lights, invites après-après strolling. (Aaron Theisen) DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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BC

Ski & Winter Travel Guide

HOT SPRINGS AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS RESORT

The hot springs at Ainsworth were first visited by the Ktunaxa First Nations peoples for healing and rejuvenation, and today the resort is fittingly owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of Creston, B.C., returning the Ktunaxa peoples to this significant place. The hot springs include warm, mineral-rich waters in a pool and a natural cave without the sulfur odor associated with some natural hot springs. There’s also a cold plunge pool and stunning views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains.

Amenities: Newly renovated hotel rooms (hot springs passes included with your room) and the new, family-friendly Ktunaxa Grill restaurant. 4 hours from Spokane.

views of the Canadian Rockies. Resort includes a hot pool, large warm swimming pool, and dive pool.

Amenities: A variety of lodging and dining options at the resort and an on-site, family-friendly ski hill.

5 hours from Spokane.

HALCYON HOT SPRINGS

This remote and beautiful resort along Upper Arrow Lake 20 miles north of Nakusp, B.C., offers mineral-rich natural hot spring pools and majestic lake-side views of the Monashee Mountains. The name “Halcyon” is a reference to a Greek myth and is a term used throughout history as a reference to times of peace and calm, which the resort serves up in abundance. The family-friendly hot springs also has a spray park for the kids.

Amenities: Multiple on-site lodging options and the Kingfisher Restaurant featuring healthy gourmet cuisine with many ingredients sourced from within 100 miles. 5.5 hours from Spokane.

NAKUSP HOT SPRINGS

This community-owned hot springs in the Selkirk Mountains near the village of Nakusp consists of two pools (one warm, one hot) fed by nearby natural springs.

Amenities: Rental chalets and camping, snack shop, and kids’ playground. More lodging and dining options available in the village of Nakusp.

Nearby trails offer excellent snowshoeing options.

5.25 hours from Spokane.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT

Canada’s largest natural mineral hot springs with

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS

Two large pools (one hot, one warm) provide soaking in natural mineral water within Kootenay National Park near the communities of Radium and Invermere, B.C. 5.5 hours from Spokane.

PHOTO: AARON THEISEN

THE SWEET SUNNY NORTH VITAMIN D-DEFICIENT SKIERS—and in the Inland Northwest, that’s most of us—have few

opportunities for bluebird powder days. Winter storms tend to park in the picket lines of peaks that make up the northern Rockies, so socked-in conditions often accompany snow. Odd as it may seem, sun-seeking skiers should look north for their fix.

Thanks to its location as a high-elevation mountain “island” in the Thompson-Okanagan region of southern interior British Columbia, Sun Peaks lives up to its name; with few surrounding peaks to trap them, storms tend to dump snow, depart, and make way for sun.

As Canada’s second-largest ski resort, Sun Peaks sprawls. And, despite the generous amounts of sunshine, there’s still only so much daylight in which to explore it all. But, thanks to a pair of unique offerings at the resort, skiers can schuss from sun-up to sun-down—and beyond.

Ski into the sunrise with the resort’s First Tracks program. Offered Monday, Wednesday and Saturday throughout the season, First Tracks offers skiing off the top elevation Crystal Chair for a little more than an hour before the lifts start spinning for the public. The program admits only 80 participants each day, so skiers can count on untracked lines in Crystal Bowl. The $36 CAD price includes $25 in breakfast and après-ski food vouchers; with the favorable exchange rate, stateside skiers pay roughly $8 for early-bird skiing.

After exploring the resort’s trio of peaks all day, ski off into the starlight with the Alpine Fondue and Starlight Descent, offered Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the ski season. Following a three-course Swiss fondue dinner at the newly renovated mid-mountain Sunburst Bar & Eatery, participants flick on headlamps for a ski descent back to the village base area.

Your best bet? Come mid-week and ski both programs in one day. Although bluebird days are common here in the Thompson Okanagan, Inland Northwest skiers know to make turns when the sun shines. (Aaron Theisen)

BACKCOUNTRY

If you prefer hiking and descending relatively crowd-free wilderness terrain to riding lifts, British Columbia has plenty of touring options to keep you busy for several lifetimes. If you have the necessary safety gear and avy/backcountry training or experience, backcountry ski or splitboard tours out of Kootenay Pass just north of the border near Salmo and Creston, Whitewater Ski Resort, Red Mountain Resort, and the Revelstoke area (including Rogers Pass) won’t disappoint. However those places are just the tip of the iceberg.

Backcountryskiingcanada.com is a treasure trove of backcountry ski and splitboarding route recommendations, forums, and other valuable information and resources to help you explore B.C.’s wide range of backcountry options wisely.

There are also dozens of cat skiing, heli skiing, and heli-assisted backcountry hut tours where you can explore the B.C. backcountry with the benefit of a guide. Always consult the Avalanche Canada website for the specific region you’ll be visiting for the latest avalanche advisory information.

LEFT: BOULDER HUT. TOP: KOOTENAY POW // PHOTOS: AARON THEISEN

WHITEWATER’S COLDSMOKE POWDER FESTIVAL THE KOOTENAY COLDSMOKE POWDER FESTIVAL is one of the best winter events in North America. With three days of

clinics and two nights of socials and entertainment at Whitewater Ski Resort February 22-24, 2019, the festival offers the perfect balance of serious skill building and serious fun. Each day starts with ski and snowboard clinics taught by some of the most capable guides and instructors on the continent, and each night concludes with food, films, and competitive antics that are rewarded with gear prizes—think free skis, handheld radios, and weatherproof attire.

Clinics are divided into two categories: on-area and backcountry. On-area clinics include technical instruction in alpine, off-piste, and free skiing and snowboarding. Backcountry clinics include beginner, intermediate, and advanced touring; route finding and terrain reading; companion rescue; and a two-day backcountry camp. There’s also the chance to compete for the King & Queen of Coldsmoke title through four traditional and bizarre events that show off participants’ mountain savvy.

All levels of mountain enthusiasts will find ways to challenge and enjoy themselves at an affordable price while surrounded by a few hundred of their new-found ski partners and friends. (Summer Hess)

PHOTO COURTESY OF WHITEWATER SKI RESORT

glows by night and shines by day Refresh your body and soul in our world renowned mineral pools, day lodge, accommodations and full service spa. Experience gourmet food and wine with spectacular views in the Kingfisher Restaurant and Lounge. Reserve our beautiful private meeting and dining room for your special event.

OPEN YEAR-ROUND

6 8 K M S O U T H O F R E V E L S TO K E OV E R L O O K I N G A R ROW L A K E

1.888.689.4699 H A L C YO N - H OT S P R I N G S . C O M

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

35

BC

COME RIDE

Ski & Winter Travel Guide

OUR MACHINE

GROOMED

RED, WHITE, AND YOU

A WEEKEND RIDE ON THE POWDER HIGHWAY

By Aaron Theisen

SINGLE

TRACK TOP: RED MOUNTAIN. // LEFT AND BOTTOM: WHITEWATER SKI RESORT PHOTOS: AARON THEISEN

Fat Bike Rentals, Trail Info, Bikes & Gear

www.revolutioncycles.ca 250-362-5688

Photo: Tourism Rossland/ Ryan Flett

THE POWDER HIGHWAY of southeast British Columbia boasts the world’s most concentrated collection

of skiable experiences: eight ski resorts and dozens of heli- and cat-skiing operations and luxury backcountry lodges linked by 677 kilometers of pavement. The names of the region’s resorts—Whitewater, RED Mountain, Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Fernie—stoke road-trip plans in skiers’ minds; it’s the landscape ski trip dreams are made of. And it’s easy for Inland Northwest skiers to take a spin on the Powder Highway with a weekend at its southernmost resorts, RED Mountain and Whitewater.

July 13 & 14, 2019 save the date!

RED MOUNTAIN RESORT

Camp Sekani on the spokane river

Biggest Bike Demo & Sale

Event of the Summer.

spokatopia.com

CLOSEST OUTLET TO SPOKANE

“SAVE MORE ON ALL PURCHASES WITH THE BEST EXCHANGE RATE IN YEARS!”

333 Baker Street • Nelson, BC

1-87-SNOWPACK • www.snowpack.ca

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

Outlet

Less than three hours north of Spokane, RED Mountain is the closest of the Powder Highway resorts. It’s the birthplace of Canadian skiing, and stays close to its roots. No high-speed chairlifts or heated sidewalks here. It’s the skiing that matters most, and, acre-for-acre, RED boasts perhaps the best, most expansive ski terrain in the region.

A trio of chiseled peaks—Red, Granite and Grey—comprise the terrain at RED Mountain. At approximately 4,200 acres, the resort is the size of Jackson Hole—at about half the cost, and with none of the locals-only airs.

In fact, RED welcomes powder pilgrims from the States (and elsewhere) with open arms. Here, locals willingly share their stashes; share a chairlift ride with a Rosslander for an insider’s guide to the resort. (A common suggestion: the steeps on the backside of Grey, which the resort added to its tenure just a couple seasons ago.) For those looking to blend in with the locals—or at least catch a great meal and a reliable slate of live music—Rafters Lounge is a good place to start.

For all its mountain-town accolades, Rossland is a quiet community. Grab a bite at the venerable Flying Steamshovel or the new Fuel Gastropub and then retire early for another big day on the mountain. With new on-mountain lodging opening at RED this season (the boutique hotel The Josie and a stylin’ hostel with dorm and private rooms called Nowhere Special), staying up on the mountain is also a great option.

WHITEWATER SKI RESORT

An hour from Rossland, bohemian Nelson is the cultural capital of the Kootenays. Scrabbling up a steep hillside on the fjord-like shores of Kootenay Lake, Nelson possesses an open-air mysticism, a mix of hardcore mountain-living and hippie, that’s represented in events from Renaissance faires to rave-music festivals. You won’t find coffee chains in downtown, but there’s no shortage of kombucha. And, like Rossland, the average person you encounter on Baker Street downtown probably skis better than you ever will.

Part of the reason is the city’s proximity to Whitewater Ski Resort. Collecting 40 feet of light, dry powder every season and capped by Ymir Peak—a name aptly reflecting the peak’s fierce, primeval face— Whitewater offers steep, snowghost-framed terrain and expansive backcountry access. Thanks to its protected location, Whitewater tends to benefit from consistent snow; it’s easy to plan ahead.

Despite its big-mountain bona fides, Whitewater welcomes families and first-timers. That’s the WH2O way: whether guests are dropping in to the perfectly spaced glades or sitting down to the award-winning cuisine of Coal Oil Johnny’s Pub, they do so surrounded by the laid-back cool of the Kootenays. //

23 OF B.C.’S MOST STANDOUT WINTER EVENTS

By Lisa Laughlin

WITH THE EXCHANGE RATE heavily in Americans’

SNOWED IN COMEDY TOUR

favor, this winter is a great time for a trip to southeastern British Columbia. From December to March, you’ll find a wide variety of resort and mountain town events and activities among wine country and champagne powder.

(Feb 7 @ SilverStar Resort) Enjoy one of the biggest comedy tours in Canada, then hit the slopes on the weekend to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, tube town, snowshoeing, fat biking, and more.

BIG REDS AT BIG WHITE

SKIED DATING—CELEBRATE LOVE DAY

(Dec 7 @ Big White Ski Resort) This 11th-annual wine festival will have you drooling over handcrafted, Okanagan-region wines, ranging from Bordeaux blends to “old world” style Pinot Noirs.

(Feb 10 @ Whitewater Ski Resort) A fun, relaxed, Kootenay-style “finding-friendsor-maybe-more-than-friends-that-like-to-shred” speed dating event. If you already have a sweetheart, enjoy the partner in crime lunch special.

HOLIDAY KICK-OFF WEEKEND

TRICKLE CREEK “S’MORES” FAT BIKE TOUR

(Dec 13-16 @ Sun Peaks Resort) Events include the Alpine Fondue & Starlight Descent, Ugly Sweater Contest, a figure skating performance, Santa arriving by sleigh, caroling, and more.

(daily @ Kimberley Alpine Resort) Take a 2-hour guided fat bike tour through the trails of the award-winning Trickle Creek Golf Resort forest. Fire pit, s’mores, and hot beverages available along the way.

BIG WHITE POND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

KOOTENAY COLDSMOKE POWDER FESTIVAL

(Dec 14 @ Big White Ski Resort) Register a team or watch this 5-on-5 pond hockey tournament. Then take advantage of many activities at Big White, like skiing and snowboarding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice climbing, and dog sled tours.

(Feb 22-24 @ Whitewater Ski Resort) In-bounds and backcountry ski and snowboard clinics with the experts, inspiring speakers and films, amazing food, and wild and crazy competitions all weekend long.

GNOME HUNT

(Dec 22 @ Revelstoke Mountain Resort) 10 gnomes will be hidden on the mountain—find one for a chance to win two Heli skiing seats with the Selkirk Tangiers.

(Mar 3 @ Red Mountain Resort) A family-friendly ski-a-thon that will raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. Individuals and teams attempt to ski the vertical height of Mt. Everest (29,029 feet) in one day.

SKI WITH SANTA

GOURMET SKI WEEK

(Dec 25 @ Red Mountain Resort) Ski with the jolly old man on the slopes, then enjoy breakfast in Paradise Lodge.

(Mar 4-7 @ Big White Ski Resort) The ultimate ski holiday for foodies. Culinary experiences will include wine lunches, après cocktails, chef-hosted dinners, and more.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY PARTY IN THE PLAZA

(Dec 31 @ Kimberley Alpine Resort) Kick off the New Year with music, games, an ice-skating party, BBQ, and night skiing! Enjoy a beer garden, fire spinners, torch light parade, and fireworks display.

COAST CAPITAL SAVINGS CRUZ THE BLUES

(Jan 12 @ Big White Ski Resort) Think you can ski all the blue runs at Big White in two days? Embark on this blue run scavenger hunt, and win prizes at the prize ceremony finale.

MOONLIGHT SNOWSHOE & MULLED WINE

(Jan 14 @ Sun Peaks Resort) Part of the 21st annual Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival. Take a guided snowshoe tour to a cozy winter woodland camp.

WINTER CARNIVAL & SNOWBALL APRÈS

(Jan 19-20 @ Whitewater Ski Resort) Family-friendly activities such as taffy tasting, kid’s scavenger hunt, marshmallow roasting, live music, buffet dinner, and torch light parade.

ROSSLAND WINTER CARNIVAL

(Jan 24-27) Canada’s oldest winter carnival will include the Bobsled Calcutta, a variety show, carnival parade, fire spinners, snow statues, a rail jam competition, and more. Catch the Blizzard Music Festival at Olaus Ice Palace this weekend too.

28TH ANNUAL NORTH OKANAGAN HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL

(Feb 2-3 @ Vernon, B.C.) The skies will fill with hot air balloons as part of the 10-day Vernon Winter Carnival.

SLOPES FOR HOPE

CANADIAN FORMAL, EH

(Mar 9 @ Whitewater Ski Resort) Work in teams of three to complete a snowshoe race, lumberjack challenge, and maple syrup shot ski. Prize for Best Canadian Costume; bring your flannel, denim, and toques.

BEER GOGGLES

(Mar 15-16 @ Red Mountain Resort) Join the famously ridiculous and epic Beer Goggles Craft Brew Fest, with over 60 craft brewers, music, food, and powder to ski!

MONSTER ENERGY BOARDERSTYLE COMPETITION

(Mar 15-16 @ Fernie Alpine Resort) A hybrid boardercross, slopestyle, and obstacle course race, with four snowboarders shredding simultaneously in a tournament-style bracket for prize money.

CLAM SLAM CAESAR MAKING EVENT

(Mar 17 @ Red Mountain Resort) The third-annual Caesar showdown and distillery tasting will be brought to you by the Kootenay’s top bartenders. Expect clam-broth/tomato/vodka concoctions, a live DJ, and outdoor BBQ fest.

BELGIAN BEER DINNER

(Mar 29 @ Kicking Horse Resort) A Bavarian dinner with a B.C. twist, featuring some of Belgium’s top beer producers.

BANKS, CRANKS, & BREWS

(Mar 30 @ Panorama Resort) A banked slalom for snowboarders, fat-tire bikers, and mountain bikers. // DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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ON THE MOUNTAIN LOCAL RESORTS MT. SPOKANE SKI & SNOWBOARD PARK LOCATION: Mead, Wash.

ROOKIE TERRAIN: “Beginner’s Luck” and new

surface lift

LEARN TO SKI/RIDE MONTH DEALS: EZ Ski 1-2-

3: Three 2-hour group lessons, three rentals, and three lift tickets for $159 ($149 during the month of January). Available every Saturday & Sunday.

“THIS SEASON WE ARE totally changing up our

MT. SPOKANE. // PHOTO: KRISTIN WHITAKER

DON’T HIBERNATELEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD!

BY LISA LAUGHLIN IF YOU’RE DREADING the cooler temps and first sign of snow—and live in the Inland Northwest—it’s high time for you to take up a new winter hobby. Luckily, January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard month, and some of our local ski areas have made it insanely easy (and fun!) to get in on that winter magic that your ski and snowboard friends are always so hyped about.

Both kids and adults can rent gear, sign up for a learning package, and be well on their way to mastering that snow-and-gravity mix that winter sports enthusiasts live for. Find your footing on beginner terrain, and soon you’ll be gliding around, happy about seeing snow in the forecast. As the Learn to Ski program puts it, “humans were never meant to hibernate.” Get out there!

LOOKOUT PASS SKI & RECREATION AREA LOCATION: Mullan, Idaho ROOKIE TERRAIN: Success Slope, Huckleberry

49 DEGREES NORTH MOUNTAIN RESORT LOCATION: Chewelah, Wash.

ROOKIE TERRAIN: Hobbit Handle Tow, “Payday”

LEARN TO SKI/RIDE DEALS: One-day learn to

LEARN TO SKI/RIDE DEALS: Learn to Ski/

Ridge, Tamarack

ski or snowboard with 1.5-hr beginner-specific group lesson package ($59) and three-day learn to ski or snowboard package, which includes an all-mountain lift ticket on the third day ($99).

LOOKOUT PASS IS NOT AS DAUNTING as it may

sound to beginners—their beginner’s “Success Lift” is a triple chair, which allows a ski or snowboard instructor to sit between two students and guide them on and off the chair. Success Lift also provides access to several beginner trails to help newbies gain confidence.

“As the beginner lift is closer to the ground on the trip up, it helps put people at ease,” says Matt Sawyer, director of marketing and sales for Lookout Pass. The length of the lift is shorter than most, the beginner terrain has a shallow pitch, and there’s a large staging area at the top to get comfortable with unloading. For those interested in the terrain scene, the intro-level features and smaller jumps at “Huckleberry Jam” will provide a great opportunity to build freestyle moves.

This season, Lookout Pass has also brought in a new ski school director, Chris Sawyer, who has extensive teaching and directing experience with children’s programs. Milam has designed new full and half day programs for kids ages 4 to 12.

“Lookout Pass is where you go if it is all about having fun,” says Sawyer. “We have also been running a free ski school for kids for 77 years. Our terrain for beginners is welcoming, as is our staff.”

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Chair 3, Treasure Hill

Snowboard lesson package, EZ Ski/Snowboard 1-2-3 program, and private lesson programs for all ages and abilities.

“AS THE GREAT FILM MAKER Warren Miller was so fond of saying, ‘If you don’t do it this year, you’ll just be another year older when you do,’” says 49 Degrees North director of skiing and snowboarding, Rick Brown. To encourage those new to the sport to make this year the year, 49 serves up some great beginner terrain.

“Easy Slide, Gold Chute, Fool’s Gold, Trolley Car, and Hans’ Highway make for great adventures on wide, gentle slopes that flow through a beautiful forested area,” says Brown. “Users of all ages get to really engage in the mountain environment, enjoy nature, and spot a variety of painted animals that are mounted to trees as landmarks along the trails.”

These beginner routes at 49 are for all ages, and Chair 3 will provide a slower run to make for easier loading and unloading.

49’s ski school is also constantly working on new techniques to provide a great experience, whether they use hula hoops, balloons, stuffed animals, Right Reels, or just continue to train their team with the newest, proven approaches to teaching. “The mountains provide so many possibilities,” Brown says. “It’s so sad to think about being cooped up inside for months and months when there is so much fun to be had.”

learning area,” says Brenda McQuarrie, guest services director and marketing coordinator for Mt. Spokane. “We’ve expanded it to make room for a 100’ surface lift for beginners.”

The new surface lift will provide a much-welcome ride up the flats while standing, which is helpful when the beginner is learning the basic skills and still getting comfortable with their equipment.

It will also lessen the energy used in the lesson to gain a little altitude to slide back down.

Once the novice rider is ready for a chair lift, Beginner’s Luck will fit the bill. This chair is lower and slower than the other chairs on the mountain and services the “bunny hill” and other green runs that a beginner will feel comfortable on. The lift operators on Beginner’s Luck are trained to give an extra hand to newcomers who may struggle. “We build confidence here before we move to more challenging slopes, depending on the needs and desires of the student,” McQuarrie says.

The learning area at Mt. Spokane is also fenced and separated at the bottom of Beginner’s Luck to keep other guests distant and let newbies feel safe while learning their new favorite sport.

Additionally, Mt. Spokane is installing a new lift that will serve intermediate (blue square) terrain at the top of the mountain that will add a new area to explore and learn on.

“Mt. Spokane welcomes families and we do a good job in accommodating them,” says McQuarrie.

“We can offer a more personal experience with each person getting their needs met individually by our experienced staff. This is Spokane’s home mountain and we do our best to make it feel like that home away from home in the snow.”

SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT LOCATION: Kellogg, Idaho ROOKIE TERRAIN: Two beginner’s lifts, a surface

lift, and a fixed grip double that serves easier terrain.

LEARN TO SKI/RIDE DEALS: In January, purchase a full-priced adult or youth ticket and pay just $2 for lessons and rentals.

AT SILVER MOUNTAIN, you can take a ride up

Easy Street—it’s as beginner-friendly as it sounds.

Located just outside the Mountain House, Easy Street transitions from nearly flat to a 10-percent grade. “It’s steep enough to make turns on, but still not intimidating for first time skiers and boarders,” says ski patrol director Drew Mahan.

Once comfortable on Easy Street, newbies can access beginner terrain via Chair 5, a low-speed double chair that only serves beginner terrain, which is a nice introduction to how to ride a chairlift. Soon, you’ll be gliding around Ross Run, another beginner’s run directly beneath the resort’s gondola. It has a bit more pitch, but is wide and well-groomed. Nearby Progression Park also offers 10 to 20 beginner- and intermediate-oriented terrain park features.

“We have a great diversity of options for people to choose from,” says Mahan. “We have skiing and boarding on Easy Street, snow tubing, snow shoeing on the snowshoe trail, or just watching from the picture windows of the lodge.”

One misconception is that the learn to ski lessons are only for kids—Siobhan Ebel, of Silver Mountain marketing, reiterates that plenty of adults are out there learning for the first time, as are full families who want to learn to ski together. “Learning to ski or snowboard is a great way to make friends or spend time as a family while staying active,” says Ebel. And, as ski school director Jake Waterdown puts it, “Silver Mountain will offer passionate instructors and mellow beginner runs to get you started on a life-long hobby.”//

LOCAL WINS NATIONAL BRING A FRIEND CHALLENGE

YOU MAY HAVE HEARD that January is Learn to Ski Month. But did you know you can win swag by helping a friend sign up for lessons from a pro? Hosted across the nation through the organization Learn to Ski and Snowboard, the Bring a Friend Challenge rewards those who help a newbie get started. In 2018, Post Falls, Idaho, resident Cindy Rust won the national challenge and picked up some sweet swag for her efforts.

Rust has been snowboarding since 2007, after moving to Idaho and having two kids. She knew it would be worth her time to share her love of snowboarding in the Northwest with everyone she knew. “My children and I all snowboard. Not only do we have fun together, we know it helps give us a mental vacation from stress,” says Rust. “We want to share that with others. My uncle and cousin got me into skiing, so I am just paying it forward.”

For paying it forward last year, Rust won a sweet Never Summer snowboard. And, just because she won doesn’t mean she’s stopped her efforts: she hopes to help a disabled friend get into sit skiing in the 2018-19 season.

Part of the Bring a Friend Challenge is to pass your friend off to a pro, an aspect of the program Rust finds especially valuable: “Certified instructors are trained to communicate clearly and effectively the actions and skills needed. They know the tricks to helping people understand quickly due to their experience. Friends think they know, but can be too demanding as they want their friend to hurry and learn. [That’s] not how you want to create a lifelong riding partner.”

Rust says an important mentality she passes on to the friends she brings is to expect the learning to be tough, and give it many tries before expecting to go on a blue run with success. “To help people be patient with themselves, we warn them it’s hard and you just need to laugh at yourself,” says Rust.

“Meanwhile, we are in the background celebrating the small successes with them.”

To bring your own friend and be entered to win prizes, visit Skiandsnowboardmonth.org. The 2019 Bring a Friend Challenge will run through the entire month of January. You’ll need to register and send in a beginner lesson receipt.

LOCAL RESORTS ON THE MOUNTAIN

EPIC LOCAL RESORT POWDER DAYS

BILL FUZAK CHARGING THROUGH POWDER. // PHOTO: KIMBO MAY

BY ADAM GEBAUER EPIC POWDER DAYS! On hot summer nights we

dream about bouncing through the deeps. We pine over forecasts and snow reports. We count up our sick days, or as I like to call them, mental heath days. Powder days can be elusive as storms move too far north or south, or other life plans get in the way. But when they happen, we love to regal our friends about the runs, the refreshed tracks, the quality of the snow: blower powder, whip cream, cold smoke, over the boots, full on snorkel, and swimming back to the lodge.

Powder days can destroy your legs at the same time they elevate your spirit. They can humble you while they let you play the hero. You can make instant friends whooping across a glade or get lost to the magic of a whitewashed forest. We are lucky to have so many skiing and riding options in the Inland Northwest, where we can track the storms and head for the mountains with the biggest dumps. And with a strong skiing community, there is no lack of intrepid riding partners. The saying is “No friends on powder days,” but in my experience that is when your true friends shine. Enjoy these four tales of epic powder days from our local mountains!

MT. SPOKANE: TOO DEEP FOR BEEFCAKE

Mandy Marek is the mom that wants to shred with her kids as opposed to hanging in the lodge.

In January 2016 she headed to Mt. Spokane with her 5-year-old son, known by mountain staff as Beefcake due to his compact stature. The prospect of getting her son out on an 18-inch powder day was just too temping. The plan was to run some laps off of chair 3. But on the first run Mandy’s son magically went from a 5 year old to a 3 year old.

Beefcake was just too short to power through all the powder. Many of us know the feeling of being transported to the blissful days of childhood on a powder day, and some of us may also have had to struggle when the snow is just too deep. After taking an hour on the first run, Mandy and Beefcake had to call it quits so they could come back and shred the mountain another day.

LOOKOUT’S BIGGEST DUMP IN THE WORLD

Bill Fuzak is a mainstay at the local mountains, having skied them for a few dozen years. I have frequently found Fuzak lurking and hooting in the tree stashes at Mt. Spokane. But this tale of epic powder unfolded at Lookout Pass on March 20, 2012. Lookout Pass had the most snowfall “in the world” that week, with 46 inches in just two days!

He was forced to lap Purgatory under the North Star lift, the only face steep enough to deal with all that snow. Bill has the experience to push his way through the deep stuff. No backseat action for

him. He rocked his 115-underfoot Line skis and fully extended on the up swing of his turns. Take it from a seasoned master to show you the proper technique for riding deep powder.

FRESH TRACKS FOREVER AT 49

Landon has been skiing local mountains since he was 2. He was a ski racer and spent some time being sponsored in Colorado, so he knows a powder day when one comes his way. One Friday last season, Landon drove up to 49 Degrees North in a white-out. His buddy Brad was already in line for first chair, and Landon was able to slip right in. They spent the first few runs lapping the fresh tracks from the midway stop on the bonanza lift.

They spent the morning slashing the powder, stopping to check their surroundings and then slashing some more. As more people arrived on the scene, they then headed over to the trees along Silver Ridge where the hero snow let them get air on every knob and feature without fear of bottoming out. Toward the end of the day they got creative and headed for some secret stashes off of Lost Dutchman. Here they did not cross a single track for the rest of a blissful, exhausting day.

Sunday of President’s Day weekend 2012, with a buddy in town from the west side, they headed to Silver Mountain. That previous days had brought a few inches here and there, so they were thinking it would be an above average day but not epic.

Then the noon hour came and the snow began to fall in earnest; between noon and last chair 12 inches of fluffy powder came down! The pair headed to chair 4 and repeatedly lapped from top to bottom. They prospected for powder, dug for white gold, and found solitude on the blue and black runs without crossing tracks. The powder day camaraderie was palpable, and they were “whooping repeatedly to Wardner’s wonders,” calling to those intrepid souls hiking up Wardner Peak. The snow came so quick during that afternoon that Fourth of July Pass was almost closed.

Lucky for them they made it back to town so they could get out and ski another epic on that long weekend. // 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 Canada lynx in October.

WHITE GOLD RUSH AT SILVER

Although Nigel is more likely clad in Lycra atop a bike or a pair of skate skis, he can’t say no when the prospect of a powder day is looming. During

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ON THE MOUNTAIN ARTIFACTS

Commitment to powder days.

WHITEF ISH MOUNTAIN RESORT

THE AUTHOR WITH HIS FIND. // PHOTO: BRAD NORTHRUP

THE CASE OF THE OLD WOODEN SKIS

BY BRAD NORTHRUP

IT HAD BEEN A LONG WEEK, and I was looking

W H I T E F I S H , M O N TA N A

Commitment to character.

In the ‘30s local skiers discovered good skiing on the “big mountain” north of town. Since then we’ve been committed to a life of good times, great

people and deep snow. In Whitefish you’ll find a community true to itself and a deep-rooted lifestyle where character is encouraged.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

Photo © GlacierWorld.com

forward to sleeping in on Saturday, sipping coffee in my pajamas, and binge-watching some shows on Netflix. Instead, I was summoned to help family load up furniture from an estate sale.

My back hurt just thinking about loading up the furniture. But on Saturday morning, I grabbed my truck and headed a couple of miles down the road. I located the owner and we loaded everything without any trouble. I noticed that there was a shop out behind the main house and wandered out to see if I could find some useful lawn equipment or anything else that might come in handy. Pickings were pretty slim, since most of the good stuff was likely snatched up the previous day.

As I turned to leave, I noticed what looked like a pair of very tall wooden skis shoved in a dark corner of the shop, covered with dust and partially hidden by other junk. Once freed from their hiding place, I figured they were about 7 feet tall with screwed-on edges. Not being as informed as I should be on the history of skis, I guessed they might be from the 1950s, but I really had no idea.

Regardless of their age, I thought they were a cool piece of skiing history and would make a nice addition to some of the other decorations in our house.

One of the guys working the sale approached me and asked if I wanted them. “Forty bucks,” he said.

“I’ll give you $25,” I countered. “Deal.”

Once home, and with the furniture unloaded, I took a closer look at my find. The skis measured out to 6 and a half feet long and 3 inches wide. No manufacturer markings were visible, and it appeared they had been remounted at some point in their history. Each section of screwed-in metal edge was 9 inches long. A rubber pad was affixed where the heel of a boot would be. I conducted a detailed

photo survey of both skis, noted the measurements, and decided to seek out an expert opinion.

I reached out to Dana Mathios, curator and director of collections at the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Museum, who provided an exceptionally thorough historical overview and assessment of the skis. She explained that the segmented steel edge was invented in 1926 in Austria and gave skis much better grip on hard snow while still allowing the wood to flex naturally. The first ski with a continuous, low-drag, integral steel edge was introduced in 1948 by Chris Hoerle. Hoerle made about 200 pairs, but the ski was never brought to market. This type of edge was quickly adopted by Howard Head and Head skis, and later evolved into the Head Standard ski. Its plywood core was glued under pressure and heated between top and bottom aluminum sheets with plastic sidewalls. The bottom sheet had a continuous full-length steel edge. The Head Standard was the most commercially successful early metal ski.

According to Mathios, steel edges are a great way to estimate an age range for skis. Since the skis I found have a segmented steel edge and a binding pad, Mathios dated them from the 1930s to the late 1940s, leaning more towards the 1930’s due to the binding pad. The use of binding pads started in the 1890’s and continued until the after the Second World War. But without any maker’s marks, it’s hard to say. Mathios did advise that this could mean that the skis were custom made, which typically indicates an older date.

Not a bad find for $25 and a sore back. // Brad Northrup holds an MA and a BA in History and has an affinity for unique items from the past.

He has been a contributing writer for Out There Outdoors since 2011.

LITTLE RIPPERS ON THE MOUNTAIN

OWEN CLINE THROWING A METHOD GRAB AT MT. SPOKANE’S JINGLE RAILS. // PHOTO: COURTESY OF MT. SPOKANE TERRAIN PARK

THE CLINE BROTHERS

BY T. GHEZZI

WHILE RIDING THE PARK or in the powderfilled trees at Mt. Spokane, there are two little rippers to look out for. The Cline brothers, Wyatt, 12, and Owen, 14, are humble, stylish, and ride hard. They rip, stomp, and are extremely passionate about snowboarding. The brothers are sponsored by Capita Snowboards, Union Bindings, Smith Goggles, and by local Pistole Lifestyle & Skate shop. Recently they just hooked up with the clothing and outerwear company 686 Technical Apparel. And, when it comes to the snow, they are season pass holders at Mt. Spokane and Stevens Pass.

The boys enjoy waking up early to lay down some pow laps. When the untouched powder disappears, they head to the park to finish their day of riding. When asked about local little rippers, Mt. Spokane terrain park manager Zachary Lingo—who sees hundreds of young riders each year—quickly spoke of the Clines saying, “they kill it… and they are both incredibly good.” Wyatt and Owen attribute their passion for snowboarding to their dad and to close family friend Johan Malkoski.

Their hunger to ride has taken the boys all

over the Pacific Northwest, riding events like the Dirksen Derby Banked Slalom at Mt. Bachelor and the Stevens Pass Minor Threat contest. The Cline boys love and commitment toward snowboarding has also taken them to the sought-after High Cascade Snowboard Camp at Mt. Hood, Oregon.

Wyatt’s favorite trick right now is a nose grab. He looks up to pro rider Scott Stevens. Older brother Owen’s favorite trick these days is a method grab.

Owen is inspired by the style and power of Seattlebased pro rider Austen Sweetin. The brothers’ all terrain riding style shines strong; Wyatt won the boys’ 2017 Next Gen contest at the world renowned Legendary Baker Banked Slalom, and Owen took a podium finish for best method at Mt. Spokane’s 2017 Hips and Hot Dogs contest. These brothers from Spokane are clearly part of the new generation of riders holding it down for the Inland and Pacific Northwest. // T. Ghezzi is Pacific Northwest-raised and believes we should respect the land, spend time in nature, explore, adventure, hike, and never stop the pursuit to ride powder. He wrote about little ripper Vance Lazarus in October 2018.

CITY RIDE CAMP

City Ride is grassroots collaboration of two self-proclaimed kooky snowboard buddies, involved in two different Spokane nonprofits. Friends Shane Thompson and Nick Sackman started City Ride to bring inner-city, under-resourced, and at-risk youth to the mountains to experience snowboarding and skiing in their own backyard. The City Ride mission is simple: create life-changing experiences that lead to life-changing relationships.

City Ride started in 2013 as a monthly-ride day with a small group of seven to 10 kids. Now it’s transformed into a three-day, two-night camp. Last year City Ride hosted 35 youths with roughly 15 volunteers. This is no small task to pull off, and the City Ride founders mentioned they couldn’t make it happen without the support of their amazing partners: Mt. Spokane, Youth for Christ, and Snowboard and Skiers for Christ.

Due to the many challenges these kids face, City Ride provides everything. They gear the campers up with socks, gloves, hats, pants, jackets, boots, helmets, goggles, all the riding gear, meals, and transportation to and from the mountain. City Ride usually takes place the first full week in March.

Thompson and Sackman believe every kid should get a chance to experience life on the mountain and, just as importantly, have the chance to build a relationship with someone who honestly cares about them. Thompson says, “The deeper beauty of City Ride is the relationships that are created and deepened between the kids and the volunteers.”

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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ON THE MOUNTAIN SKI BUM ADVICE GOGGLES

Ever seen those folks flying down the mountain with their goggles flapping off the back of their helmets and laughed? Only thing worse is not having any goggles at all. Last time I checked, having the ability to see while going sehr schnell is kinda important, unless you enjoy the challenge of trying to see while tears are ripped from your eyes. A bluebird day with full sun is even better, so you can enjoy a nice case of snow blindness and call an Uber to get home since you can’t see enough to drive. The Uber driver just snickers as you whimper in the backseat on the drive down the mountain.

GLOVES

Sure, you were pretty proud of those $200 North Face expeditiongrade gloves you found on sale over the summer, but they do little good sitting on the floor of your closet at the exact same time you are shuffling your way to the lodge. Fortunately for you, there is always a menagerie of lost gloves in the lost and found.

Unfortunately for you, the only ones that are left are a size XXL left, and a size XS right. The former smells like cat pee and cigar smoke, and the latter has one finger that appears to be coated in kid snot. As a side note, no amount of hand washing can get rid of the aroma of cat pee and cigars.

ILLUSTRATION: ERIKA PRINS SIMONDS

SKI BOOTS

HOW DID I FORGET THAT?

BY BRAD NORTHRUP

I LIKE TO THINK that I am always ready to go skiing; or, at least I

N O OW PE N

have proven adept over the years at convincing myself that I am.

My ski bag is always packed, I know where my skis and poles are, and I can usually locate my base layers within two hours once the search begins. Alas, this has not always been the case. Many a time in the distant past I began the ski season in a state of what one could call “unorganized” or, as my friends called it, “a total cluster.” If you have forgotten any of the following, you are definitely not ready to hit the hill.

SKI SOCKS

The most important equipment you own are your ski boots, and a critical component that goes with these is a pair of synthetic socks.

Dry feet equal warm feet, but you somehow left your piggy warmers in the top dresser drawer when you left the house. This tragedy is discovered in the parking lot as you attempt to boot up. You begin the day with ice blocks for toes thanks to those awesome Champion athletic socks you wore on the drive up and the now frosty foot sweat trapped within them.

This is perhaps the gold medal winner of all rookie moves. As mentioned, your feet are where the art of making good turns starts, and without your boots things tend to go downhill in a hurry. No pun intended. Thankfully, the mountain resort you frequent has a rental shop that offers a wide selection of entry-level boots available in every size—except yours. After shelling out $40 for a pair two sizes too big, and another $15 to have your bindings adjusted, you finally hit the slopes. As you go to make your first turn, you notice your foot actually moving inside of the boot, yet your skis keep going straight.

As you approach the speed of sound, you wonder what it was you did to piss off the snow gods. // Brad Northrup is a former ski racer, coach, and ski bum. He has forgotten all of the above noted items at least once.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

SKI SCHOOL ON THE MOUNTAIN

DIY WAXING AND TUNING BENCH

BY ADAM GEBAUER

BEING ABLE TO FINE-TUNE your Nordic, skate, or

alpine skis or snowboard lets you get the perfect glide, without waiting for your sticks to come back from the shop. Matt Larsen, who works in the ski and bike industry, gave some suggestions on how to build your own custom tuning bench from just a few pieces of wood, a waxing iron, a few scrapers, and brushes.

A waxing and tuning bench doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, but there are a few key features that are needed. First, an area big enough to hold your skis or board horizontal and where wax can be collected or spilled on the floor. The bench consists of supports to hold the skis or board and can be as simple as setting it on an existing workbench or saw horses.

There is a key difference in the supports needed for setting up a bench for alpine gear versus Nordic and skate skis. Cross-country skis are softer and therefore need support for the entire length of the ski. This can be created by tracing a 2 by 6 to the profile of the ski so that pressure can be applied to the whole base of the ski when brushing off wax.

An alpine/snowboard bench usually consists of

two padded upright supports with a notch cut in the center of each. These supports allow for two positions; edges horizontal for waxing and edges vertical for sharpening.

The supports can be padded with carpet scraps or old bike tires to protect the top sheet. To prevent the sticks from sliding around, they can be anchored with a bungee cord wrapped around the bindings and brakes and connected to eyelets on supports.

Matt suggests having separate waxing irons for skis with metal edges (downhill) versus those without (cross-country). He also uses a variety of scrapers and brushes ranging from softer to harder to more aggressive.

Matt claims that it takes 100 waxings to fill all the pores on a new set of gear and that the more you wax, the more efficient you become and faster you go. So if you are looking for a project that will enhance your winter fun, try building a tuning bench. If you are looking for someone with a bit more experience for advice and questions, contact Matthew Larsen Wheelbuilding at mlwheels.com. //

BUILD YOUR OWN SKI & BOARD WAX SET-UP WITH THESE TOOLS

BY SANDRA TOWNSEND

• Bench: A sturdy table or bench that is around the length or longer of your skis or board.

• Vises: To hold your boards to keep them from moving when you are scraping and brushing.

• Towels: Any old rag works great.

• Citrus cleaner: This helps clean the bases of any dirt and rust. $10-$30 per bottle.

• Stone: These come in many different grits and generally either 70 or 100 millimeters in length. A 200 grit, 100mm length stone is a great starting stone.

• Iron: Choose one that allows you to regulate the temperature. Yes, you can use your old clothing iron. But once you use a proper ski iron, you will never go back.

• Waxes: The sky is the limit here! Figure out what temperature the area you ski at most is generally, and buy a wax to correspond to that. Don’t know? Ask your local ski shop what they recommend. Use a rub on wax for scaled skis.

• Scraper: These come in different widths, 3-5 millimeters, depending on how much flex you want from your scraper. 4 millimeters is the standard width. Consider also buying a panzer file to keep the plastic edge sharp.

• Brush: These come in different sizes and stiffness. A good one-quiver brush is a big white nylon brush.

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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ON THE MOUNTAIN BACKCOUNTRY

DROPPING INTO SPACE WALK, IN JACKSON HOLE, WY. // PHOTO: TYLER HORNE

TRUE FRIENDS ON A POWDER DAY

BY T. GHEZZI

INDEPENDENT LOCAL

music and perspectives

LIKE MOST SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS of the Inland Northwest, I have a passion for riding deep, untouched powder. I have spent years working at restaurants at night, just so I could chase the snow during the day. My pursuit of powder has taken me all over the U.S. and Canada. I have traveled to the Swiss and Austrian Alps and ventured to Japan’s north island of Hokkaido for the “Japow.”

So I’m very familiar with the phrase “No friends on a powder day.” I also know that it can mean different things to different people in the ski and snowboard community. It could mean heading out early in the morning and leaving your friends who aren’t ready at departure time. Maybe it’s ditching your friends if they don’t make it to the lift fast enough. Maybe it’s staying out and not taking a break for lunch. For most people, the definition also includes making decisions about resort riding and riding out of bounds.

The idea of “No friends on a powder day” changed for me on March 1, 2011, the day Lookout Pass received more snowfall in seven days than any other ski area—totaling 6.5 feet according to the resort’s website. Riding the last day of the epic week of snowfall, I watched my best friend Jeff Hall disappear into a tree well, where I quickly helped dig him out of the overhead pit. That day made me rethink the importance of backcountry knowledge and whom I ride with in those conditions. Out there we are essentially putting our lives in each other’s hands if something does go wrong, suggesting that we really do need friends on powder days.

Unfortunately the 2017/2018 winter in the Pacific Northwest was particularly tragic.

Washington had one of the deadliest seasons for backcountry enthusiasts due to avalanches.

Social media, split boards, and snowmobiles have increased the exposure to the backcountry and

lures individuals to dangerous zones.

Wanting to raise awareness for the up coming season, I reached out to John Grollmus, a gifted skier and guide for the Selkirk Powder Guides, and his wife Kim “Kimpossible” Grollmus, who has been a ski patroller for over 15 years. When I asked John for three simple backcountry safety tips, he offered up the following: “There’s so much to think about and have at the ready; it’s hard to boil it down to three things.” Beside the basic backpack, shovel, beacon, probe, and friend, here are three backcountry safety tips John and Kim Grollmus emphasized.

•Build local knowledge. It’s important to have local knowledge of the snowpack and its history throughout the season. Reading the terrain and assessing it for clues is important. There really isn’t a substitute for knowing what lies buried under the snow surface. Knowledge of local weather patterns and history is the best indicator of what that might be underneath the snow surface.

•Take first aid knowledge and supplies. Many backcountry riders have some degree of avalanche awareness or education but little to no training or knowledge about first aid. In the event of an avalanche or other event leading to a serious injury, there can be no substitute for first aid supplies and knowledge.

•Pack emergency gear. Fire starter, thermal blanket, headlamp, protein bars, and electrolyte powder are things you might be glad to have if you simply miscalculate your route and have to spend the night out in the woods.

Cheers to a safe and epic winter riding powder with your friends. //

BACKCOUNTRY RESOURCES • For further information on backcountry safety, check out the American Institute for Avalanche (AIARE) at avtraining.org. They are the leaders in avalanche education.

• Locally, Panhandle Backcountry members are extremely present and passionate about “Know Before You Go” and avalanche education. Visit their website panhandlebackcountry.com for dates of local avalanche courses. Learn more about tree wells and deep snow safety at this excellent website: deepsnowsafety.org.

• To learn more about what’s happing regionally, check out the Northwest Avalanche Center and their website nwac.us.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / DECEMBER 2018

RACING ON THE MOUNTAIN

FARLI BODEN CRUISING TOWARDS HER NEXT TELE CHALLENGE. // PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT

SANDPOINT TEEN LOOKS AHEAD AFTER WINNNG US TELEMARK NATIONALS

BY DIG CHRISMER BORN IN SANDPOINT and raised next to the

bunny hill at Schweitzer, one could argue that Farli Boden, 18, has literally had skiing in her sights her whole life. “My parents put me on alpine skis as soon as I could walk,” she laughs.

“Then, I started telemark skiing when I was 5 or 6. Our friend Craig Marine had to help remold the shell of the boots and double up my socks just to make them fit.”

“When I was about 9, my parents put me into a Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS) Christmas camp hoping to make me a better skier.

What we didn’t expect was how much I would really like racing.” Farli notes that she was relatively late to the racing scene when she started competing at the age of 10. “When I went to my first junior national telemark competition, I was amazed by all the people cheering everybody on. It got me hooked.”

Balancing both alpine and telemark training has been exciting for Farli with telemark racing adding even more to her schedule when she made the US Telemark Development Team at the age of 13. By the time she was 16, she was competing for the US National Team.

Her hard work isn’t just on the race course though. Farli, who carried a solid 4.0 GPA throughout high school, plans to head to college and keep on racing. “I want to continue racing both alpine and telemark in college but I can see that with telemark racing, I have a better opportunity to compete on a national and international level so I may need to defer those plans for a year to focus on training.”

In fact, Farli wrapped up the 2017/18 season by winning the US Telemark Nationals and becoming the #1 female racer in the US. “If telemark racing gets sanctioned for the 2022 Olympics, there’s a chance I could compete in Beijing and that’s really, really exciting.”

Telemark racing has more components to it than alpine, she says “There’s a jump section, a 360

degree turn called a ‘wrap,’ and a skate portion. It’s a very demanding race. With tele, you’ve got to be on your game. It’s funny to me that people think only old people telemark ski,” she says with a huge smile. “That’s so not true.” //

Dig Chrismer is a tele skier and the marketing manager at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. This piece originally appeared in the 2018-2019 issue of “Schweitzer Magazine.”

DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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PRESENTATIONS & Clinics

Kids

Strider Bike Demos, Arts & Crafts, Rock Climbing

OutdoorCalendar RUNNING (December 1) Jingle Bell Run. Where: Riverfront Park, Spokane. The Arthritis Foundation’s annual fundraiser. Costumes and jingle bells on shoelaces encouraged. Info: Events.arthritis.org

(December 1) Reindeer Run.

Where: Coeur d’Alene. Christmas themed 5K loop. Bring a donation of food for Idaho's Community Action Foodbank. Info: Fleetfeetcda.com

(December 8) 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 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) Manito Running Club. Where: Manito Park, Spokane. An intermediate to advanced running group affiliated with the Bloomsday Road Runners Club. Manito Runners are strongly encouraged to join the BRRC but everyone is welcome. The club meets every Saturday at 8 a.m. in the 18th and Grand parking lot, rain, snow, or shine. Info: Manitorun.com

(December 6, 13, 20, 27) Millwood Milers Running Club. Where: Millwood Neighborhood, Spokane. This 3-5 mile Thursday evening run

through the scenic neighborhood starts and ends at Millwood Brewing Company each week. Info: Facebook

Cancer Services and Bonner Partners in Care Clinic.

Info: Schweitzer.com

(December 3, 10, 17, 31) Spokane Valley Bison Running Club. Where: Spokane Valley. This infor-

Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, B.C. Enjoy handcrafted, 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

mal Monday evening running club typically meets at the Monkey Bar at 5:50 p.m. but occasionally "the herd will roam," they say, so always check Facebook for run locations. Info: Facebook

BIKING (December 2) Global Fat Bike Day +1. Where: Schweitzer Roundabout, Sandpoint. 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 (December 5, 12, 19, 26) Millwood Brewing Group Ride. Where: Beacon Hill, Spokane. A group MTB ride open to anyone prepared to ride a 6-mile in and out trip with significant elevation. Info: Evergreeneast.org

WINTER SPORTS (December 14) Community $10 Day Fundraiser.

Where: Schweitzer Mountain Resort. $10 lift tickets at Schweitzer. All proceeds benefit Community

(December 8) Big Reds at Big White. Where:

(December 15) Brewfest. Where: 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort, Chewelah, Wash. Powder intermingles with the finest local craft breweries. Join 49’s thirstiest powder hounds for a Saturday of hops and fun. Info: Ski49N.com (December 16) KPAX Ski Free Food Drive.

Where: Lookout Pass. Bring 4 cans of food and receive a FREE lift ticket for the day. Info: Skilookout. 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. Enjoy a buffetstyle 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 EVENTCALENDAR RUNNING (April 7) Hauser Lake 10K Icebreaker Run. Where: Hauser Lake, Idaho. The Ice Breaker run is an annual 10k race the first Sunday in April. It is an official Bloomsday Second Seed race which benefits special needs dogs at the Double J Dog Ranch. Info: Facebook.com/hauserlake10kicebreakerrun

(April 7) Negative Split Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K. Where: Kendall Yards, Spokane. Negative Split’s signature race is the best way to kick off your running season. Boasting three great distances and scenic courses, this race is full of energy and swag!

Info: nsplit.com/negativesplit

(April 28) Spokane River Run. Where: Riverside State Park. Annual trail run held through beautiful pine forest along the Spokane River. Courses range from 50k to 5k. Info: SpokaneRiverRun.com (May 5) Lilac Bloomsday Run. Where: Downtown Spokane. Spokane’s most famous 12K fun run. Info: BloomsdayRun.org

(May 19) Windermere Marathon & Half Marathon. Where: Centennial Trail, Spokane. A fast, flat course with scenic views of the beautiful Spokane River. Info: Nsplit.com/windermere

(May 26) Coeur d'Alene Marathon.

Where: McEuen Park. The Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k fun run offers one of the most spectacular events in the country in scenic Coeur d’Alene. Info: Nsplit.com/cdamarathon

WINTER SPORTS (January 13) Winterfest.

Where: Mt. Spokane

Cross-country Ski Park. Sponsored by Spokane Nordic, this annual cross-country ski event includes activities for all ages and levels of skiers, including the return of discounted beginner and intermediate lessons and FREE lunch for all. Info: Spokanenordic.org

(January 30) Backcountry Film Festival. Where: Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, Moscow, Idaho.

The Backcountry Film Festival is produced each year

by Winter Wildlands Alliance as a celebration of the human-powered experience and a gathering place for the backcountry snowsports community. Info: Winterwildlands.org (February 3) Souper Bowl Women’s CrossCountry & Snowshoe Event. The 14th annual event at Mt. Spokane is open to women of all skill levels, and will feature a Poker Ski for classic and skate skiers, Poker Snowshoe, games for skiers and snowshoers, a lunch of homemade soup, bread and cookies, and prize drawings. Proceeds benefit the Women & Children’s Free Restaurant. Info: Spokanenordic.org

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

(February 22-24) Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Festival. Where: Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson, B.C. A one-of-a-kind festival for skiers, snowboarders, splitboarders and tele skiers. Clinics, competitions, parties, prizes, demos, and more. Info: Coldsmokepowderfest.com

(March 10) Spokane Nordic Challenge 20/30/50k Loppet. Where: Mt. Spokane State Park.

The Spokane Nordic Challenge Loppet has options for 20, 30 or 50 kilometer distances. "Loppet" is the traditional term for a long-distance cross country ski

event that can be either recreational or competitive.

Info: Spokanenordic.org/challenge

OTHER (January 24-27) Rossland Winter Carnival.

Where: Rossland, B.C. Plenty of family fun and crazy antics await at Canada’s oldest winter carnival. Info: Rosslandwintercarnival.com

(February 1-3) Whitefish Winter Carnival.

Where: Whitefish, Montana. For 59 years, Whitefish has celebrated its Winter Carnival based on the lore and history of Ullr. The festivities include a Penguin Plunge (a hole is cut into Whitefish Lake and participants take a dip to raise funds for charity), an old fashioned main street parade, pie social, torch-light ski parade and more. Info: Explorewhitefish.com

(February 15-24) Sandpoint Winter Carnival.

Where: Sandpoint, Idaho. This annual festival includes such favorite events as the K9 Keg Pull, fireworks and fun at Schweitzer, live music, parties, plus other traditional favorites like the Parade of Lights and the always-delicious Dine Around Sandpoint, loaded with great dining deals from Sandpoint’s terrific restaurant community. Info: Sandpointwintercarnival.com

(February 23-24) 3rd Annual Spokane Great Outdoors & Bike Expo. Where: Spokane Convention Center. Check out all types of bikes from local shops and reps; find deals on bikes, paddle sports gear, and other outdoor equipment; explore adventure travel destinations and clubs from around the region; and enter to win thousands of dollars of outdoor gear prizes. Plenty of kids’ activities, including a climbing wall, games, and Strider bikes. Info: SpokaneOutdoorExpo.com

domacoffee.com DECEMBER 2018 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Last Page TEAM MEDIOCRE // By Summer Hess

WE SHOULDN’T HAVE STOPPED RUNNING. The muscles in my legs hardened, and my hands froze into two numb stumps thanks to hours of swinging through cold air. I wondered how we would start again after snapping a photo, but the moment deserved commemoration. I had run farther than I ever had before— by 2 full miles— and Ellen was back in the game after a 10-year hiatus from distance running. Our time wasn’t impressive, but we felt really good about our uninspiring performance. After all, we were proud members of Team Mediocre.

Hatched by a high-desert runner out of Oregon named Dave Thomason, the Team Mediocre anthem, commemorated on a sassy little sticker, provided the perfect perspective—the only perspective, really, that would allow us to have it all.

For me having it all meant staying sane during a time of intense transition. Within a three-month span, I would juggle two jobs, move across the state,

start renovating a house, and support my partner in finishing his PhD. Oh yeah, and get married. I hated to admit it, but the wedding stressed me out the most. My body was going to be center stage, wrapped in a thin veil and elegant lace. Despite efforts to relax, the expectations still baffled me. I was supposed to look more beautiful than I ever have before while hosting the biggest party I’ve ever thrown to commemorate vows that are nearly impossible for any human to keep.

While it might seem counterintuitive to add one more big thing—my first marathon— to the crazy mix, the habit of running, of showing up several days a week for myself, was the key to holding it all together. I needed a practice that would ground me. All the multitasking and anticipation sent my thoughts spiraling out in a thousand different directions, and I had to tether my mind to my body. I longed to get worn out physically to calm the mental gymnastics. Running was not just one more thing on a brimming plate; running was the solution to a stage of life.

The Spokane marathon was only nine weeks away by the time I decided to run the race, so the recommended 16-week training plan was out of the question. That was fine by me. I wanted to run the least amount of miles possible, and just enough to get me over the finish line. But I didn’t want to do it alone. As things got busier, I knew it would get harder to manage the discipline of 18-mile training runs.

But how do you make that pitch to your running partner? How do you ask someone else to be mediocre, and aim for less than her best, with you?

I shared my unexceptional intention with Ellen over beer at a local brewery. She handed me the

Team Mediocre sticker that her buddy Dave had designed and assured me that mediocrity fit the context of her busy life, too. We agreed to squeeze in two mid-week runs alone and meet on Friday mornings for long runs together. We would check in each week to make sure the build up of miles still felt good. We would wait until the last day possible to sign up for the race, to make sure our lives still aligned and our bodies were up for it. We built the equation on grace, and either partner could bail at any time for any reason.

It would be my first time signing up for a race and intentionally choosing—from the outset—not to do my best.

It felt strange, but also liberating. I didn’t have to go subfour hours on my first marathon. I could just show up and run.

T h i s p e rspective turned out to b e a much-needed reset for my type A brain. Competition, with another person or with myself, had been the supreme motivator. I had wanted to change this for a long time, but I could not figure out how to discard the old ways of thinking—don’t slow down; don’t suck; be better. But I could gradually replace the inner dialogue with new thoughts: never first, never last; not slow and not fast.

The morning of the race arrived, cold and calm.

Ellen and I limped to the starting line. We had both

sustained acute but non-running-related injuries that week. It probably would have been best to stay home—after all, we weren’t that well prepared. But we decided to approach the race with the same leisure and grace as our training runs. We figured we could commit to a really slow half marathon and just see how much longer we could hang on after that. “The thing about Team Mediocre,” I said to Ellen, “is we have the dignity to get shut down on the course.”

I love that photo at mile 20 because it reminds me that, for the first 85 percent of the race, we cruised; we ran faster than we thought we would. We were doing really well for a while. But by mile 22 the knee that I wasn’t supposed to run on deteriorated from tender to unstable with sharp pain.

Fortunately, we had trained for this. No athlete likes to slow down and likes even less slowing her partner down. But we listened to my body, put on the brakes, and hobbled across the finish line with a crowd of unexceptional runners, getting exactly what we came for. Team Mediocre for the finish. // Summer Hess is managing editor of Out There Outdoors. A long-time swimmer and climber, she recently took on the goal of becoming a mediocre distance runner.

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