Out There Outdoors // November-December 2022

THE GENERAL STORE GIFT -HAS AFOR EVERYONE

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022

WWW.OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

PUBLISHERS

Shallan & Derrick Knowles

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Derrick Knowles

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Jon Jonckers

Lisa Laughlin

DIGITAL EDITOR

Amy McCaffree

SENIOR WRITERS

S. Michal Bennett

Carol Corbin

Adam Gebauer

Sarah Hauge

Summer Hess

Ammi Midstokke

Justin Short

Aaron Theisen

Holly Weiler

CONTRIBUTORS

Olivia Dugenet

Tess Farnsworth

Katrin Ferraro

Chelsea Boyd-Gibson

Danica Heaton

Vince Hempsall

James P. Johnson

Brona Kekenakova

Scott Knowles

Bri Loveall

Trey Nichols

Brad Northrup

Josh Mills

Chris Maccini

Brad Naccarato

Wil Wheaton

Nikki Wiart

ART + PRODUCTION

Jon Jonckers

Shallan Knowles

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 6 times a year by Out There Monthly, LLC.

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©Copyright 2022 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC.

Disclaimer: Many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. The owners and contributors to Out There Monthly / Out There Outdoors do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or 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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INTRO A Season for Gratitude

school offering regular outdoor and educational outings; other alternative and nature schools (some public, some private) have popped up in our area too.

But the only thing my son could think of at the start of our road trip that day is that we were driving to Canada, and it’s too far and too long to sit in a car. After about 10 minutes of crying and trying to comfort him, the bargaining began. A while later, the begging started: “Can we please not go?!” After about an hour of all of this, my son eventually moved on to out-right defiance. He was not going. I couldn’t make him—so he exclaimed. This, of course, was exhausting, and we still had a two-and-a-half-hour drive to get to the caves. Eventually, we came to a negotiated agreement: his iPad and PBS Kids accompanied us on the drive.

ing on trees on a hike or mountain bike ride at Riverside, rafting the Salmon River, and skiing blue runs at different resorts at his young age, it’s hard not to compare childhoods. I did not have access to the amazing outdoor opportunities that he frequently gets. One way our family is going to try to be more reflective on how all these things relate—the bargaining car-trip struggle and the amazing experience, the freezing cold ski mountain weather and the pure joy of rushing down the slopes—is to put those thoughts down on paper.

AS THESE GRAY DAYS SETTLE IN, and the ability to easily get outside on a daily basis diminishes, conjuring feelings of gratitude often becomes a daily struggle for me. The need to bundle up in bulky layers to stay warm is too much of a barrier some days. It’s often not easy getting out the door with all of the snow season gear, but I’m hoping that this winter a conscious effort at being openly grateful will help. There is deep research into the science of gratitude, and the effect of a daily gratitude practice is well documented on both mental health and physical health. Studies show it can

lower blood pressure (which sounds like the opposite of getting a snowsuit on a child). Being aware of what we are grateful for can even change the cells in our bodies, some scientists report. But it takes practice. Recently, I took my son to Gardner Caves in Northeast Washington for a field trip with his amazing school, Pioneer School in Spokane Valley. Not to age myself, but back in my day, field trips were not like this. We might have had one or two cool field trips each year, but repeated learning adventures like the ones he gets to take are unique. Pioneer School, thankfully, isn’t the only

As it turned out, this school trip for my son was worth the long drive, and I think it’s something he will remember for a lifetime. After exploring the accessible bits of the 500-million-year-old, 2,072-foot-long cavern at Gardner Caves, the kids ran around wielding sticks and playing in the forest until we loaded back in our car for the drive home. After all of that, I began to wonder what my son thought of our struggle to get there. It made me think it might take practice to accept that you have to get through a hard thing to get to a good thing.

When I watch our kid run around bang-

Right now kids are feeling more stress, anxiety, and depression than ever before, and it’s not for a lack of experiences and things. Perhaps all the outdoor experiences are not enough, and possibly what they’re lacking is deeper connection and reflection. Maybe we all need some quiet time to go along with all the adventuring.

For the next two months, we will be bathing in the light of the holiday season as the sun’s light wanes. And come New Year’s (my favorite of all the holidays), we will start a new tradition: a family gratitude journal. It just might help set my son up to be more aware of how good he has it and be happier and healthier because of that awareness. I hope it helps his parents be more grateful for it all too. //

Shallan Knowles, Publisher

GARDNER CAVES TOUR. //

PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES

A SOLAR HOME

DISPATCHES

WAIKIKI SPRINGS NATURE PRESERVE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR BRIDGE WORK

MEAD, WASH.

Beginning in late October, the Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve, adjacent to Waikiki Springs Wildlife Area on the Little Spokane River in Mead, is closed for a month and a half while Inland Northwest Land Conservancy works with Garco Construction to widen the pedestrian bridge over the river. The work will increase the width and load limit so that trucks can cross the river, allowing continued restoration work and access for fire trucks and tribal fisheries trucks that will be used to continue salmon reintroduction efforts.

Inland Northwest Land Conservancy purchased the 95-acre preserve in August 2020 with a state budget appropriation

through the Washington Legislature. The purchase included money to complete the bridge work, construct several loop trails on the land, and enhance nature education programming in the area.

Once the work begins, it will take approximately a month and a half to complete. During this time, the bridge will be closed. Since it is the only access point to the nature preserve, the community is asked to find other trails to enjoy during this time. Attempting to cross the river in other areas is dangerous and damaging to the ecosystem. For updates about the project, visit InlandNWLand.org/waikikisprings-nature-preserve. (Carol Corbin)

WA DISCOVER PASS BACKPACK PROGRAM EXPANDS

SPOKANE, WASH.

Thanks to donations by Washington State Employees Credit Union and Washington State Parks Foundation, the number of Discover Pass backpacks available to check out at the 11 libraries in Spokane County Library District tripled this year to 44. The Check Out Washington Discover Pass backpacks include a special library Discover Pass that provides day-use access to state lands managed by Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington Department of Natural Resources; a pair of binoculars; Washington field guides; and other interpretive materials. To help direct resources

where the need is greatest, the additional Discover Pass backpacks have been made available at libraries that sit in proximity to communities that experience the greatest environmental health disparities in Washington. Learn more about the Check Out Washington Discover Pass backpacks at Scld.org/check-out-wa.

While you are out enjoying Washington’s public lands and parks, share your outdoor adventures on social media using #CheckOutWA for the chance to win prizes from the Washington State Parks Foundation. (OTO)

NEW BUSINESS OFFERS SOLUTION FOR RENTING OUT YOUR GEAR

SPOKANE, WASH

Looking for a way to make a little extra cash on outdoor gear you don’t use often enough? Need to borrow a bike, stroller, or other gear for a visiting friend or family member or some tools for a project? Spokane-based peer-to-peer rental business ULendMe might be just what you need. Started in 2021 by Spokane native Justin Anderson, ULendMe really started to take off this past summer.

The peer-to-peer rental business model isn’t new, but there wasn’t really a place to go to rent your everyday items like sporting goods, camping items, tools, and other household items, explains Anderson. “People are always looking for a way to make a little extra income, and so I thought, why not rent out your items that you barely use? Make your items you own work for you.”

The majority of items available for rent on the ULendMe site are outdoor gear like skis and snowboards, wakeboards, bicycles, fishing gear, golf equipment, and other recreation gear, says Anderson, who is an avid skier, hiker, and golfer. The platform isn’t exclusively focused on outdoor gear, however; it’s set up to rent out anything from electronics and tools to baby gear and wedding/event items or pretty much anything. Anderson says the process to get started is as simple as creating an account, following a few prompts, and going through a verification process intended to protect users from fraud. The company also offers insurance for items as an option.

Even though ULendMe is relatively new, Anderson says the idea has been well received. “We already have users renting out items throughout the USA, but we would prefer to keep things local. We love the Inland Northwest and want to service people here!” Learn more at www.ulend.me. (Derrick Knowles)

VENTURA, CALI.

When Yvon Chouinard established Patagonia in 1973, he had a set of values in mind by which he determined to operate his company: build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, use business to protect nature, and don’t become bound by convention. Over the decades, he and his company have held fast to these values in myriad of social, economical, and political ways. In 1985, they imposed a 1% For the Planet tax on themselves, putting that tax into environmental non-profits around the globe. In 2017, they responded to former President Donald Trump’s move to allow development on large portions of two national monuments in Utah by suing him. They’ve sent the call to other large companies and corporations to pressure Facebook to fix its platforms. Their film company produced “Public Trust,” a film that explores the fight in America to protect and value public lands.

In September, Chouinard released a letter proclaiming that “Earth is now our only

shareholder.” At the age of 83, he knew he had to consider the future and succession of his company. “I never wanted to be a businessman,” the letter states. “I started as a craftsman, making climbing gear for my friends and myself, then got into apparel.” His intention and concern over the detri mental effects of consumerism on the planet and his desire to stem that and give back to the source from which he sourced his prod ucts brought him, his family, and his board to an innovative decision. Rather than go public or sell the company, he gave up his wealth to his source of wealth: the planet.

After paying over $17 million in gift taxes, 98 percent of the shares (non-voting) of profits he and his family once earned will now go into the Holdfast Collective, “a nonprofit dedicated to fighting the envi ronmental crisis and defending nature.” The remaining 2 percent voting shares will transfer to the Patagonia Purpose Trust, “created to protect the company’s values.” Learn more at Patagonia.com/ownership.

(S. Michal Bennett)

55 ACRES ADDED TO CONSERVATION FUTURES LANDS

LIBERTY LAKE, WASH.

Spokane County, through the Conservation Futures Program, recently purchased a 55-acre addition to Saltese Uplands Conservation Area. The land, adjacent to the existing conservation area near Liberty Lake and Spokane Valley, was purchased in 2021 by Inland Northwest Land Conservancy (INLC) with the intent of holding onto the property until Spokane County was able to purchase it.

The Conservation Futures Program, a voter-supported property-tax-funded program that made this transfer into Spokane County ownership and management possible, has helped preserve almost 9,600 acres in Spokane County since 1994. “It is deeply gratifying to participate in community conservation projects like this where we can partner with Spokane County Parks and Environmental Services to add to the overall impact of the expanding Saltese Conservation Area,” says INLC executive director Dave Schaub.

In the Saltese area, there are more than 1,200 acres of protected land, including the uplands, the flats wetland restoration area, the Dorris Morrison Learning Center site, and private land protected through permanent conservation agreements. “With

more than 1,200 acres now under perma nent protection in the Saltese flats and uplands, this special area is better able to serve the growing number of recreational users while providing essential habitat for all kinds of hawks, ducks, geese, deer, elk, and so many other animals.”

Thanks to generous funding from pri vate donors, and the partnership of the previous landowner, INLC secured the 55 acres of land and conveyed ownership to Spokane at a 50 percent discount off fair market value. “Being able to acquire prop erties like the Saltese Uplands Addition that provide critical additions to existing Spokane County parks and conservation areas during a very competitive real estate market—no less at a 50 percent discount— is a huge win for the community, trails, and wildlife,” says Paul Knowles with Spokane County Parks, Recreation and Golf.

Proceeds from the sale to Spokane County will go back into a fund that will allow INLC to continue partnering with local commu nities in the Inland Northwest to protect natural spaces for the benefit of wildlife and people forever. Parking for Saltese Uplands Conservation Area can be found at 1503 S. Henry Road. (Carol Corbin)

PATAGONIA PROCLAIMS “EARTH IS OUR ONLY SHAREHOLDER”

PHOTO: CAROL CORBIN

Art by: Hanna Kuhns

TRIBUTE TO A LIFE OF CONSERVATION

The world is round and paths cross when they’re meant to, but the world could have used more time with Doug Pineo. I know I sure could have. Born in 1950 in North Carolina, Douglas Anderson Pineo was the life embodiment of conservation. From his time at Washington State Game Department and Department of Ecology, Doug fought for the preservation of biodiversity, land conservation, and public access to natural resources.

An avid angler and upland bird hunter, Doug also made his mark in the falconry world as a falconer and product designer and craftsman. Additionally, Doug served on numerous nonprofit boards including North American Grouse Partnership and the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy. He was also a founding member of the Peregrine Fund and a life member of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

But what I can really tell you about Doug was that he had an infectious energy. His

smile abounded every time I saw him, including times trolling for walleye, calling for turkeys, or sharing stories and a beer with him at the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Rendezvous. He reveled in stories from the pheasant fields or describing the way his falcons worked, and he lit up when he talked about his family, their successes, and his grandchildren. He lived the life that those who love the natural world should aspire to copy.

Truth be told, I only had a few years with this great man. He was a wealth of history and context, and had a passion for the outdoors proved by his determination to get outside and live life. He was the type to instantly make you feel like a friend and buoyed your desire to fight the good fight for the natural places we hold dear. People like Doug are exactly who we should strive to be. Full of life, full of smiles and laughs, and wholly committed to what he loved and believed in. (Josh

Mills)

TALES FROM OUR PUBLIC LANDS NOV. 17

SPOKANE, WASH.

Do you have an epic adventure story to tell or enjoy listening to adventure tales told by others? The Lands Council is hosting a public lands storytelling series called Campfire Stories: Tales from Our Public Lands on Thursday, November 17 at 6 p.m. in the Saranac Commons (19 W Main Ave.). This first storytelling event will focus around "Epics" on public lands, which in the climbing world usually means something didn’t go quite as planned. Stories for this series can range from an epic fishing trip, an epic wildland adventure, or even an epic journey to learn a new outdoor activity. The uniting element of the stories will be a connection to public lands. Visit Landscouncil.org/events for more info or to submit a story proposal. (OTO)

SPOKANE, WASH.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PINEO FAMILY

SPOKANE VALLEY, WASH.

Spokane County’s taxpayer-funded Conservation Futures program is one of the most powerful and consistent programs for protecting beautiful and important outdoor areas in the Spokane area, including places like Antoine Peak, Mica Peak, and the Saltese Uplands over the years. Because the program only accepts open nominations of potential conservation lands approximately once every five to six years, there is an unforeseen opportunity process that allows the Conservation Futures Program to act on opportunities that fall outside of that cycle. Several critical outdoor spaces that have been acquired thanks to this process include Sisters of the Holy Names Property along the Spokane River across from Pettet Drive, the Trautman Property in Riverside State Park, and the Pettibone Property Addition to McKenzie Conservation Area on Newman Lake.

One such opportunity recently garnered widespread support in the interest of expanding the existing Dishman Hills Conservation Area. The McPhee property is bordered on three sides by the Glenrose Unit of the Dishman Hills. That connectivity is important, not just for trails and recreation, but for the wildlife that move through Iller Creek, Glenrose, and the Dishman Hills Natural Area. Several natural springs on the property benefit wildlife as they move through the Dishman Hills. Existing trails

MAKING CONNECTIONS IN THE DISHMAN HILLS BIG YEAR FOR LOCAL RUNNER TAYLOR NOWLIN

SPOKANE, WASH.

Based on her humility and shyness, you wouldn’t guess that Spokane-based Taylor Nowlin is an ultrarunner crusher. She impressed the running community at the 2022 Western States 100 miler when she finished in 18:46 and the seventh-place female overall. Considering the race didn’t happen the previous two years due to the pandemic, there was a lot of energy in this 100 miler, and everyone was eager to see who had been training the hardest.

Then, exactly 65 days later, she traveled to France and raced the CCC around Mont Blanc. The CCC stands for Courmayeur (Italy), Champex Lac (Switzerland), and Chamonix (France), which is the 101k route the course follows. Nowlin stunned the crowd when she finished in 12:53, the ninth place overall female.

Although Nowlin did run in college, she says she found it difficult to balance studies and athletics and focused primarily on her academics. After college, she lived in Crested Butte for a while where she discov-

on the property have been possible thanks to trail easements with the landowner and Dishman Hills Conservancy. Although the McPhee property is surrounded by park land, the property has infrastructure and plats in place for 15 houses, making its protection at this time crucial.

“The inclusion of the McPhee property absolutely fits within the mission of Dishman Hills Conservancy. DHC has the mission to ‘connect and protect lands within the Dishman Hills,’” says DHC executive director Ruth Gifford. “We have been advocating for the protection of these lands since the inception of Dishman Hills Natural Area Association (our original name) in 1966. We have a 56-year history of working with many organizations and individuals to limit roads and development that are encroaching on these lands.”

Fortunately, the Conservation Futures Land Evaluation Committee recently voted unanimously to move forward with evaluating the McPhee property. And because of its adjacency, size, and availability, it will likely land in the number one spot, meaning that it would be up next for purchase by the county. Nothing is guaranteed at this point, as real estate deals are complex and can take a long time, but this is a step in the right direction for protecting this important piece of land and working to open more land for our community to enjoy long into the future. (Carol Corbin)

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ered that she really enjoyed difficult and technical terrain at altitude, which opened her mind to bigger goals and race ambitions. Then, in November 2018, Nowlin rocked the ultrarunning community when she set a Fastest Known Time running across the Grand Canyon from Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in 7 hours 25 minutes and 58 seconds. The route is roughly 44 miles and exceeds 10,000 vertical feet of elevation gain along the way. Looking ahead, Nowlin definitely has big plans for 2023; however, she is excited to ski with her boyfriend this winter and take a short break from high-mileage training. Ultimately, she really wants to improve on her Western States performance, although the race is in jeopardy after a large chunk of the course burned in a wildfire in late 2022. In the meantime, she hasn’t ruled out defending her title at the Spokane River Run 50k race at Riverside State Park, which she finished in 4:22 (fourth place overall). Out of 35 races on UltraSignUp.com, Nowlin is ranked in the top 96 percent. Clearly, Nowlin isn’t finished yet. (Jon Jonckers)

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FALL HIKES IN THE DISHMAN HILLS, SPOKANE VALLEY, WASH.

As the fall season progresses, more deciduous plants are showing off their autumn finery. One of the ways you can experience these fine colors is to take a hike in the Dishman Hills. These hiking trails are located close to many parts of the Spokane area, so you can get to nature quickly. With numerous hikes to choose from, you can experience a different one each time you go out. Here are some of our favorites for fall foliage.

HIKES FROM CAMP CARO

Located at the intersection of Sargent and Appleway, Camp Caro is the starting point for over eight different hiking routes. As

you take the time to enjoy the autumn colors, also notice the colored trail markers that have been hung in the trees to help you navigate the extensive trail system. These colored symbols correspond to the colors on the trail maps in the kiosks at the start of the trail south of Camp Caro Lodge or at the west side of the park. A map is also available at Dishmanhills.org/ maps that shows the color corresponding to each hike. Pay attention to those markers at intersections so you find your route out AND back. Hikes from Camp Caro can take you in numerous directions and depending on which color loop you choose can range in length from about 30 minutes to several hours.

• At this time of the year, the route up to

Nimbus Knob is a great vantage point to look at fall colors within Dishman Hills Natural Area and in the surrounding portions of Spokane Valley. You can make this hike into a 3-mile loop.

• You can enjoy the Pond Loop, marked with yellow, which has wide trails and gradual slope. This gentle hike is about 1.3 miles through open, large ponderosa pine forest with lots of native shrubs. The ponds are seasonal and are usually dry at this time of the year.

• Follow the red loop of the Pinecliff Loop Trail for a 20-to-30-minute hike through pine and fir forests or make it longer by incorporating the blue loop and continue up to Nimbus Knob for views of the Spokane area or to watch the sun rise or set.

• Eagle Peak is a longer 4.5-mile loop trail that offers excellent views.

HIKES IN THE ILLER CREEK UNIT

Another popular area for fall hiking is the Iller Creek Unit. This trailhead has more deciduous plants and is a great choice for fall colors. If you take the lower route along the creek, you’ll encounter numerous shrub maple and aspen in golden splendor. The upper trails can include up to 1,200 feet of elevation gain but take you to some vantage points that give a unique view of surrounding hillsides that take on various shades of red, orange, and gold.

A hike in the Iller Creek Unit is a wonderful vantage point for looking at the way nature has recovered from the Valley View

GIVE THE GIFT OF RELAXATION

From

BEA LACKAFF AND PETUNIA HIKING ILLER CREEK. // A FORK IN THE PATH // ROCKS OF SHARON. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DISHMAN HILLS CONSERVANCY

hammocks and straps to chairs and blankets, every piece of ENO gear is designed to help you relax wherever your adventures take you.

fire that occurred in 2008. There are patches of evergreen trees interspersed with deciduous shrubs and patches of grasses which shows how the area is regrowing. Each of these habitats support different smaller animal species as well different types of vegetation with vivid colors this time of year.

If you’re feeling like really getting out and covering some distance, you can keep walking from the Iller Creek Trailhead clear south to the fantastic view around Rocks of Sharon, which makes for a 4-5 mile out-and-back or loop hike with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Here you can see the contrasting colors of the harvested grain fields interspersed with the deep greens of our conifers farther into the Palouse. There are several ways to reach

Rocks of Sharon, including heading up the east ridge switchbacks or following the creek trail up to the same ridge. Find your preferred route on the map on the Dishman Hills Conservancy website.

HIKES IN THE GLENROSE UNIT

The Glenrose Trailhead at 3601 S. Thierman Rd. is a nice option close to the South Hill. This trailhead accesses a short loop trail (the Blue Bunch Loop) and a longer hike through large, open evergreen forests and open grass meadows that continues on to The Cliffs Trail. This hike is up to 5+ mile out-and-back and has over 1,500 feet of elevation gain along the way. Glenrose has some great views to the west for quick sunset hikes and city light views.

FLYING L & THE CLIFFS TRAILS

Located at 4102 S. Sunderland Drive, the Phillips Creek Trailhead includes these two trails that lead through pine forests and open grass meadows. The Flying L Trail leaves the parking lot and intersects 2.2 miles later with the Glenrose Trail and The Cliffs Trail. Continue farther to the east on The Cliffs Trail for great views of Spokane Valley and fall colors below.

Whichever trail and view you choose, remember to take water, snacks, layers for the weather, and other hiking safety essentials and know your limits. We want you to keep taking pictures, making memories, and leaving only footprints. (Courtesy of the Dishman Hills Conservancy) //

For Snow party

GET TO KNOW THE DISHMAN HILLS CONSERVANCY

Tucked into the residential neighborhoods in Spokane and Spokane Valley, the Dishman Hills provides natural areas for public recreation and habitat for wildlife. Working to protect these lands is the Dishman Hills Conservancy (DHC). Founded in 1966, DHC is Washington State’s oldest land trust. The non-profit organization works in coordination with Spokane County Parks, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and other organizations to protect and manage the lands and trails in the Dishman Hills area. Throughout the year, DHC offers numerous guided hikes and other outings. Learn more and consider becoming a member at Dishmanhills.org.

The Great Spokane Shop Ride

64 miles, 3,000 feet, 4 hours, 16 shops, 1 beer koozie

By Justin Short

AN INTREPID SPOKANE bikepacker by the name of Dan Webber, a bike tech at REI who has worked in the Spokane bike industry since the dawn of time, has been ruminating on the creation of The Great Spokane Shop Ride for a good long while. He had mentioned the idea to me on numerous occasions. Then one day he told me it was finally going down.

The date was in mid-September, a month that is stacked with late bike season events. There were at least three events I was eyeballing that same weekend, one of which was the grueling Winthrop Fondo. But I’ve already had a pretty solid year of huge rides and races out of town and was looking forward to staying local and reconnecting with the Spokane bike community.

The rules for the Great Spokane Shop Ride were simple: Show up at the clock tower in Riverfront Park to pick up your card, start riding at 10 a.m., and visit each shop by a route of your choosing to get your card stamped. The first rider who made it back to Brick West Brewing would “win” all bragging rights and every rider who completed the challenge would score a free beer koozie. “There’s no way Short can win this thing,” my good friend Justin M Skay reportedly stated at the afterparty while they waited for us riders to show up. “Have you ever seen what happens when this guy goes into a bike shop?!!” He was no doubt referring to my tendency to chat with everyone in there, make plans to ride, and try to track down some obscure part that has broken and/or fallen off my bike.

My race strategy was simple: wing it. I arrived at the start and a crowd had already assembled. A crowd of two, that is. Chief Event Instigator Dan was there with Event Enabler Extraordinaire, Sue Craigmile. The

two of them had visited each shop to post flyers and pass out the rubber stamps. “I‘d be happy to have 20 people show up for the first one,” said Dan rather hopefully, then adding that “given the Coeur d’Fondo is today, I’ll take five.” Moments later Matt Larson, custom wheel builder and Rambleraven bike tech, walked up without a bike. He’d had surgery the previous week, so he would have to wait at least one more week to get back on the bike and drop me like I’m going backward.

10 a.m. came and went. I was still the only rider, so started riding and followed Dan over to REI where he was scheduled to work magic on people’s bikes all day. I spent a few minutes shopping for a Canadian Gooser 2,000 clown horn for my bike, as I had absentmindedly left the house without one and now felt like Tarzan without his loin cloth. There were none in stock, probably because I had bought them all. I collected my first stamp and was soon on my way to stop #2, Simple Machine Bike Repair on Garland.

Traffic was light on Monroe, the main drag north to the Garland neighborhood, but a block to the east is Lincoln, a residential street that would make a great greenway urban thoroughfare like the city made on Cincinnati Street a couple miles east. There are some choke points here and there in Spokane, places where bike paths and lanes drop cyclists into nasty intersections, but for now I feel like a spoiled west coaster zooming around our fair city.

I popped into Simple Machine where owner Nigel Calcaterra was helping customers. He sprang into action, stamping my card and shouting, “GO GO GO!!” I zoomed out the door feeling the rush of competition wash over me as I stomped pedals east down Garland Ave. That’s when a whole different

rush washed over me, mainly that I could ride like I was gunning for the top spot on the podium AND slake my thirst for yukking it up with my bike shop friends at each shop, as well as incorporate a few absurd out-ofthe-way trails to add more fun to the route.

Stop #3 at Rambleraven Gear Trader was a quick one because I didn’t peruse the racks and shelves to see what new and used outdoor and bike gear I can’t live without. I almost never leave empty handed. Also, owner Mark Schneider was out on a ramble of his own. I can yak with that dude for hours.

A quick jaunt up Division took me to Shred Sports. You’re not supposed to ride bikes on Division. The city’s solution to the lack of bike access to businesses on North Division will someday include neighborhood greenways a block to the east or west, but as that project is probably a decade or two out and traffic was still light, I blazed up Division. The Shred bike crew was out working a Pivot demo at Beacon Hill. The remaining crew member and I tracked down the rubber stamp, and I was on my way.

Zooming west down the bike lane on Rowan, it occurred to me how frequently I ride that stretch after rambling over Mount Spokane. Heading north up Cedar, I arrived at Bicycle Butler, where my good friend Spencer Horton was holding court. I collected another stamp, and Spencer and I made future riding plans.

Next up was the Wheelsport North location, where I perused their large selection of bikepacking bags. I forget now what I was looking for, but I probably needed SOMETHING. Next up was North Division Bicycle where I would attempt to pet the shop cat, Moto, juuust long enough not to lose a hand, and chat with owners Scott and Brenda about upcoming shenanigans.

Taking the back way out of the lot, I dropped into a field and out onto a street, and that’s where the adventure part of the route began. Crossing the sometimes barely rideable sands of the power lines over to the “Children of the Corn” trail along highway 395, I climbed the gravel over Mount Saint Michael, traversing the ridge over to Beacon Hill. Descending the flow trail berms of Rabid Rabbit, I popped out into the lot at Camp Sekani where the aforementioned Shred Sports Pivot demo was underway. The dual suspension bike I’ve been eyeballing was out with another rider at the time, so I didn’t get to test ride it through the jump lines, but I hoped I’d still get credit for the extracurricular stop.

Within minutes, I rolled into Argonne Cycles and had a long encouraging conversation with the owner Paul about organizing gravel races in Spokane. Around the corner is the new Fitness Fanatics location that had

just opened, so I spent some time there yukking it up with everyone and drooling over the new Cervelo Aspero gravel bikes on the rack.

Mojo Cyclery was just a little farther down Argonne, but I took the long way around on Park, because traffic is never not heavy on that part of Argonne. Mojo is where I fell down the gravel cycling rabbit hole, so I spent plenty of time there conspiring how to spend several paychecks without setting off my wife’s “NO NEW BIKES” alarm. From there I rode east on the Broadway bike lane to the Bike Hub valley location where Thomas Yeates, John Abernathy, and I laughed pretty hard about all manner of absurdities.

There’s a bike path near there that I didn’t know the name of (it’s the Appleway Trail) that goes east into the valley toward the farthest point on the route—the Wheelsport valley location. Then I had a long way back to the Perry District to hit the Bike Hub there. Jon and Danny were present, as well as Jason, whom I know from my currently suspended but soon to be returning dirt jumping days. It’s all uphill from Perry to Wheelsport’s South Hill location, and about 30 seconds downhill from there to Spoke n’Sport downtown where Mark Wisdom was wielding his stamp.

At this point, I found out that Sue Cragmile had started the ride a half hour later than I did and was currently giving me a run for my money; She finished a half hour after me too, so we definitely could have had a photo finish. For the grand finale, I buzzed through the lot at Shacktown Bikes, the only shop that was closed that day, and popped into the downtown Bike Hub where Tim Dunn turned my bottle cages the right way (I always install them upside down for some reason.) Then off around the corner to the Brick West Brewery for the after party that consisted of Dan, Sue, and two of my friends. Next year Sue and I will be the defending champions, so you’d better be there to take us down a notch! //

Justin Short is a certifiable bike nut who has been writing the Everyday Cycling Column for Out There for some time now. You can read all about many of his past two-wheeled shenanigans at OutThereOutdoors.com.

CHAMPIONS OF THE INAUGURAL GSSR HOIST THE BANANAS OF BRAVERY. BELOW: THE CEREMONIAL CLOCK TOWER START. // PHOTOS: JUSTIN SHORT

The Trailhead Inland NW Trail & Outdoor News

By Holly Weiler

WINTER TRAILHEAD TIPS

Late fall marks the transition into winter recreation season! Snowy weather can begin at any time, so it's a great idea to add some additional winter safety equipment to your car before driving to your favorite trailhead, as well as to remember that many trailheads will no longer be accessible once the snow starts to pile up. Research conditions before you go, as access can change quickly depending upon stormy weather. Note that there are many trailheads that maintain winter access to favorite recreation sites through a snow removal fee program.

• In Oregon, SnoPark passes are required at over 100 different recreation sites beginning November 1. A $9 three-day pass or a $25 annual pass is required.

• In Idaho, Park N' Ski season begins November 15. A $7.50 three-day pass or a $25 annual pass is required at the 17 Park N' Ski locations across Idaho. (Note that Oregon and Idaho have a reciprocal program and honor each other's Winter Recreation passes.)

• In Washington, SnoPark season begins on December 1 with a system of 120 SnoPark locations. A daily pass is $25. An annual pass is $50 and certain areas additionally require a $70 special grooming permit.

A wide variety of winter recreation (including Nordic and backcountry ski, snowshoe, fat bike, skijor, and sledding) is allowed across these winter access sites, but always research the specific allowed uses before you go, as not all activities are allowed in all areas. Some sites are shared-use with motorized recreation too.

SUPPORT PINE STREET WOODS PLOWING

Kaniksu Land Trust is a little more grassroots in their snow removal efforts this year. Join them for Get (Pine Street Woods) Plowed on November 10 and 11, a fundraising effort to help pay for snow removal through the winter months.

FEE-FREE ACCESS DAYS

Enjoy two fee-free days of access to Washington public lands in November (applies to State Parks, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Department of Natural Resources). November 11 honors Veterans Day and November 25 marks Native American Heritage Day. Veterans Day is also a fee-free day for National Parks.

GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL CONIFER TREES

On November 15, join the Northeast chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society for a presentation on conifers of eastern Washington and north Idaho. Advance registration is required at Wnps.org/ne-events/ calendar/1713.

PUBLIC LANDS STORYTELLING EVENT

NOV. 17

The Lands Council is hosting an evening of eight stories focused on "epics" in the outdoors as interpreted by a variety of outdoor enthusiast storytellers. The event, “Tales from Our Public Lands,” happens on Thursday, November 17. Register with The Lands Council to listen to these epic tales in the Saranac Commons in Spokane.

TRAIL & STEWARDSHIP PROJECTS

Trail work and public lands stewardship projects are winding down for the snowy months, but there are still a few opportunities to get involved with local projects!

• Palouse Divide Nordic Ski Club will be hosting a clean-up day of the Nordic trail system at Moscow Mountain (Idaho) on November 5. Email palousedividenordic@gmail.com to sign up.

• Washington Trails Association will continue to have day work parties in the Spokane area through mid-December, including work on a new trail addition for Etter Ranch and maintenance work at other Spokane County Parks properties.

• Sign up with Spokane Riverkeeper for a DIY-river cleanup whenever it is convenient for you. Fall is a great time to pick up litter that will otherwise be swept downstream when the water level begins to rise.

• Register with Inland Northwest Land Conservancy for conservation-themed hikes on November 4 (Liberty Lake Cedar Grove) and November 20 (Saltese Uplands), or learn how to become an INLC Volunteer Land Steward through a virtual training on either December 1 or December 29. //

Holly Weiler is a long-time contributor to Out There Outdoors and writes The Trailhead column for each issue. You can find all of her hike recommendations at outthereoutdoors.com.

HIKE OF THE MONTH CHIEF JOSEPH WILDLIFE AREA (SOUTHEAST WASHINGTON)

The Chief Joseph Wildlife Area consists of 9,000 acres located between the Grand Ronde and Snake Rivers in southeast Washington, with views encompassing three states. A winter visit here offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities, and the low elevation of the trailheads generally grants good access in all but the most fierce of early winter storms. (Do check road and weather conditions ahead of your trip.) A good introductory hike is Green Gulch, which starts below 1,000 feet in elevation but ascends a ridge via an old farm road for excellent views of surrounding hillsides. An easy version is to make a visit here an out-and-back hike along the farm road for up to six miles round trip. A challenging version includes route-finding and map and compass skills to connect to adjacent lands managed by Department of Natural Resources and Bureau of Land Management to ascend to the summit of Mount Wilson at 4,913' elevation.

Getting There: From Asotin travel out of town on 1st Street and Wilson Street to Snake River Road.Take Snake River Road 24.3 miles to Joseph Creek Road.Turn left to cross the Grand Ronde River and continue 3 miles to the parking area for Green Gulch on the right side of the road. Cross the road and hike uphill to Green Gulch. Discover Pass required.

People in the Wild

The Urbanite Mountain Machine

By Ammi Midstokke

LIZ’S CLOSET is full of satin blouses and slacks. A few weekend dresses hang in their designated place. Everything about her tiny, immaculately organized apartment betrays this essential phase of her life: the big-city, ambitious-career, swipe-right decade.

Outside, Pennsylvania Avenue hums with traffic. The Capitol towers above the lush green of the trees. On weekdays, she runs the Mall or through this or that park, burpees in the mowed lawns. On weekends she meanders the market square and survives on authentic chocolate croissants.

But not this weekend in May. She’s in running shorts and a t-shirt, hair tied back in a high ponytail. She’s 20 miles into a 40-mile day in the Appalachian Mountains. The idea was born a few weeks earlier, mostly from misinformation.

“I heard about a 30-mile loop some friends tried to hike in three days,” she had said.

“And how many do we want to do it in?” I’d asked.

“Saturday,” she’d said.

“You been running?”

“I think I ran in February. Meh, could have been December.”

In all fairness, usually I’m responsible for the bad ideas. It was definitely her turn. I packed my bags and flew to Washington, D.C. We packed more bags and drove to Virginia, leaving her urban oasis and pourover coffee behind us. We ate like queens (the Whole Foods salad bar way), pitched a tent, and set our alarms for 4 a.m.

Liz is a special kind of outdoorswoman.

She’s the kind that can show up on any given day, for any given adventure, in any given state (even hungover or maybe still a wee bit drunk) and crush it. This reality is juxtaposed to her un-scuffed white city Converse and carefully curated kitchenware: earth tones, matte finish. Also, while she owns a stereotypical outdoorsy Subaru Outback, it has zero dirt, food crumbs, or other wilderness adventure hubris lingering about.

Her first snowshoe: a 15-mile slog up a mountain in wet snow. Her first marathon: over the Enchantments (because we got lost, my bad). I vaguely recall her blurting out somewhere around 15 miles, “This is my longest run!” And I clearly remember chasing her down the last 5 miles of trail as though they were the first. Maybe city life just means more endorphins when you get into the mountains. Maybe she’s accidentally found the perfect ratio of activity-tooffice-recovery. Maybe she’s just a mountain machine.

The Appalachians in May offer a variety of weather and ticks. The mild morning turned into a breezy 90s, then a blistering afternoon got thick with humidity. A black wall approached from the east. Backpackers offered to share their shelter when the rain came. Liz didn’t even change layers, just kept moving through the downpour with a grin and a gummy between her teeth.

When it got dark, she turned on her headlamp and kept pace. When we ran out of food, she didn’t complain. When we siphoned bilge water for our filter, it might as well have been a cold-brew from an uppity

café in Georgetown.

This kind of outdoorsperson is in their natural habitat both in the National Gallery of Art, in the heat of an online shopping binge, or clambering over some exposed precipice of granite. All of them seem to bring her a kind of giddy, childlike joy. What I love most about it is the lack of ‘identifying with,’ the clear rejection of conviction. In Liz’s world, you don’t have to be any particular kind of person to have a damn good time doing any particular kind of thing. We could all learn something that approach.

Filthy, bruised, and bug-bitten, we rolled

back into the city the next day where Liz didn’t miss a beat shapeshifting back into sophisticated urbanite. A shower and an athleisure wardrobe update had her sauntering through Whole Foods again looking for wild boar and truffle salami. She produced the finest charcuterie board I’ve ever seen before falling asleep in her white linen sheets. //

Ammi Midstokke writes the People In the Wild column for each issue of Out There. She can be contacted at ammimarie@gmail.com or find all of her past Out There articles at Outthereoutdoors.com.

LIZ IN THE WILD. LEFT AND BOTTOM CENTER: MCAFEE'S KNOB IN THE APPALACHIANS. TOP: THE ENCHANTMENTS. BOTTOM RIGHT: WHITEHEAD ISLAND MAINE. BELOW: PREPARING FOR ANOTHER ADVENTURE. // PHOTOS: AMMI MIDSTOKKE

Live like there ' s

Snow’ tomorrow

Our epic ski mountain may be the major destination for winter visitors to Sandpoint, but there’s more to discover in addition to the skiing and snowboarding at Schweitzer. There is superb cross-country skiing on groomed trails at Schweitzer as well as the new Pine Street Woods and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. Or head into the wilderness for snowshoeing or backcountry skiing. And after a day outside, head for bustling downtown Sandpoint, where you’ll find a lively entertainment scene, more than 40 excellent restaurants and pubs, plus eclectic shops, galleries and sumptuous spas.

Make your visit the complete experience. We’ll see you in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho!

provisions

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

THE JOY OF BOTTLE JOY

Bottle Joy, a new beer and wine bottle shop and taphouse in Coeur d’Alene, opened in early September with local live music, attended by a crowd of enthusiastic full moon bike riders. Owners Curt and Joy Grady have had a vision for this shop for a while, and you can see the time, thought, and intention that has gone into even the smallest detail.

The shop offerings build on a foundation of local and regional craft beers, wines, and ciders, particularly from Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, but also some hard-to-get brews from California, Texas, and Alaska. In addition to the 16 beer taps and wine aerator taps (coming soon) behind the speakeasystyled bar, there are six double reach-in coolers along one wall full of bottles and cans. Hideaway TVs offer sports and other entertainment when desired, and sliding doors open up onto one of the best dining and drinking patios in town, complete with “game day grub and more” from the Slap Shot 16 food truck. The back section of the shop is cozy with wine club lockers, private seating, and comfy upholstered chairs that reflect the vibe of the grand 9-foot Masonic Temple chair that feels right at home in the space.

Sitting at the bar, I’ve had everything from a non-alcoholic Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher to rich, barrel-aged Alaskan Brewing Co. beer and one of the smoothest sours I’ve ever tasted. The food from Slap Shot 16 is also spot on, including pizza, charcuterie boards, fish and chips, and a family recipe cheesecake. This is definitely my new favorite spot in Coeur d’Alene (1208 Sherman Ave).

(S. Michal Bennett)

DOMA COFFEE LAB

For many of us, a primary provision for any adventure is coffee. But coffee making can be an adventure in itself. Whether you’re at the beginning of your craft coffee journey or already have a calculated brewing routine, you can continue your coffee soul-searching at the DOMA Coffee Lab in Post Falls, Idaho.

DOMA, a small-batch coffee roasting company, has a few basic standards for the equipment it carries: top of the line, stylish, and made by cool humans or sustainable businesses. The products on DOMA’s Coffee Lab shelves are carefully curated and applicable to beginner-level brewers and coffee nerds alike. The Kalita Wave Dripper (a pour-over method) has been a DOMA favorite for a long time and highlights single origin coffees. The Fellow ODE Grinder is small, quiet, and grinds beans with precision and consistency. A favorite of founder Terry Patano is the BruTrek BaseCamp French Press. (Great indoors, amazing around the campfire, and way better than a traditional press, as he puts it.)

If any of this sounds like gibberish, the best part of the DOMA Coffee Lab is the people; ask any of their skilled staff for guidance on brew method, grind type, water temperature, or the most obscure coffee question you can think of and you’ll get an informed answer. While you’re there, get a drink to go, a bag (or five) of DOMA Coffee, and find complementary treasures like single origin chocolates. Open M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at 6240 E. Seltice Way, Unit A, Post Falls, Idaho.

(Lisa Laughlin)

THE HEALTH MAGIC OF ROSEHIPS

Roses. Out of the thousands of varieties of roses, none speak to me the way that Rugosa Rosa, a hardy shrub native to Asia that produces five-petaled flowers, do. The flowers themselves, while beautiful, are nothing compared to the layered petals of their ornamental cousins. But my affinity for the Rugosa Rose has nothing to do with their delicate flowers and everything to do with the fruit they leave behind, the rosehip.

Rosehips are the round fruits that begin to grow beneath the petals after pollination in later summer. They continue to ripen throughout fall and are best picked after the first hard frost. While all roses produce seed bearing fruits, rosehips from the Rugosa Rose are the best-tasting and have the highest amount of nutrients. (One cup of rosehips contains 541mg of vitamin C.) During WWII, with limited access to citrus fruits, the British government enlisted the help of citizens to forage wild rosehips. These were turned into a syrup and given to soldiers and children to promote overall health and prevent scurvy.

Preserve your rosehips by drying for tea, infusing in gin or vodka, using as a syrup, or making a jelly. Regardless of your preservation method, take care with the tiny seeds inside the rosehip, which cause itching and abdominal discomfort. All recipes for rosehips recommended straining the liquid through cheesecloth or some other fine mesh material, several times. Happy foraging!

(Bri Loveall)

PALOUSE LENTIL AND NUT LOAF

A hearty, vegetarian, Inland NW ingredient take on classic meatloaf (serves 4-6).

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup dried lentils from Palouse Brand

2 Tbsp olive oil, split

1 large shallot (or 3 small shallots) from Channing Farm, diced

6 oz mushrooms from Happy Mountain Mushrooms, diced

2 cups carrots from Full Bushel Farm, diced Salt and pepper

1 tsp dried thyme

5 Tbsp tomato paste

5 Tbsp soy sauce

¾ cup rolled oats

¾ cup pumpkin seeds/pepitas

½ cup panko bread crumbs

Ketchup

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Add the lentils, three cups of water, and 1 Tbsp olive oil to a pot and simmer for 25 minutes, until soft. Strain out any remaining liquid.

Add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil, shallot, mushrooms, and carrots to a cast iron skillet and sauté on medium-low heat until the shallots are translucent and mushrooms have tenderized. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and stir in the dried thyme, tomato paste, and soy sauce, cooking for another minute.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the lentils, sauteed vegetable mixture, rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, and bread crumbs. Mash with a spoon as needed. Add the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press firmly. Spread ketchup in a thin (or thick!) layer as a glaze. Trim the parchment paper around the edges. Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown. Enjoy! (Courtesy of LINC Foods— The Local Inland Northwest Cooperative @ Lincfoods.com.)

PHOTO: S. MICHAL BENNETT

PHOTO: TESS FARNSWORTH

PHOTO: BRI LOVEALL

RUN WILD

Easy Ways to Minimize Risks For Runners

By Sarah Hauge

FIRST OF ALL , let me just say this: I HATE that many runners—particularly women, people of color, LGBTQ folks, and anyone differently abled—are more vulnerable while running. Anyone should be able to enjoy going for a run at any time of day without worrying that someone might harass or assault them, or worse. No one is to blame for the harm that comes to them via the careless or abusive behavior of another human being.

And yet. Runners can be harmed, and not just by people, but by wildlife and cars, and some are more vulnerable than others. I hate that we have to think about runner safety. But we have to think about runner safety. While there is no way to make running perfectly safe, there are ways to make our runs less risky and, ultimately, more stress-free.

THINK ABOUT YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Runners can mitigate risk by choosing routes in well-lit, well-traveled areas within earshot of other people. It is also wise to share your location via GPS tracking with people you trust. (Avoid sharing on a public-accessible platform.) Running when the sun is up and varying your route also lessen risk. If you choose to run alone in a more isolated area, plan ahead so you’ll be familiar with the terrain and route and can proceed confidently.

Whatever your route, be aware of your surroundings and avoid using the noise cancellation feature on your headphones; many runners choose to keep just one earbud in for increased awareness. When you’re running past parked cars, don’t get too close to their doors in case one opens unexpectedly. And if you’re running in a rural or isolated area, look into the wildlife you might encounter and how to respond if you do come across a cougar, coyote, bear, or snake. (Remember that different animals warrant different responses.)

STAY VISIBLE

When visibility is low, wear brightly col-

ored clothing (think white or neon), plenty of reflective gear, and a headlamp or other light.

GO WITH A COMPANION

Consider running with a friend, dog, or running group. There truly is safety in numbers. If you prefer to run alone, you can get ideas for runner-friendly routes by asking other runners for their favorite places to go.

CARRY PROTECTIVE GEAR

If you have learned how to use it, carrying pepper gel spray can be wise should you encounter a threatening human or animal. (Pepper gel has a strong delivery stream, reducing the risk of blow-back associated with pepper spray.) Other options include wearable personal alarms that emit highdecibel sound or carrying a whistle. Bear spray is appropriate in areas where bear encounters are more likely. And, of course, carry your phone or smartwatch with you in case of emergency.

TRUST YOURSELF

Listen to your gut. If you feel unsafe, get yourself to a different location as quickly as possible. If you’re threatened by another human, respond noisily and firmly, yelling for the other person to back off and calling for help. Should you need to physically defend yourself at close range, the most vulnerable spots on another person are the eyes, throat, and groin.

DON’T LET FEAR RULE YOUR LIFE

Most importantly, remember that while it’s good to be safe, life is full of inherent risks. If we avoid all of them, we miss all of the joy, too. Plan ahead, listen to your instincts, prepare yourself for some of the what-ifs— and then get out there and enjoy. //

Sarah Hauge writes the Run Wild column of each issue of Out There. You can read her past columns at Outthereoutdoors.com.

Be prepared and aware of your surroundings but don’t let fear keep you from running

The Importance of Pelvic Floor Health

By Lisa Laughlin

Biking

AFTER A TOUGH LABOR with my first baby, it took me a while to healthily reengage with long-distance trail running. What I wish I would have known more about was pelvic floor health and how physical therapy can help even long after having a baby. At its foundation, pelvic floor physical therapy is about properly re-engaging your “core canister” of muscles, as the pelvic floor works in conjunction with the diaphragm and deep core muscles. This group of muscles is responsible for managing pressure in the abdominal and pelvic cavities to make sure urine, feces, and internal organs stay where they’re supposed to. (A pretty important task when you’re out for a run.)

Pregnancy and birth take a particular toll on abdominal and pelvic floor muscles, as the muscles need to lengthen over nine months while adapting strength to support bowel and bladder health as the baby puts pressure on internal organs. Many new moms are understandably eager to reengage with the outdoor activities they love after delivering a small human from their body. But a strong foundation is crucial to avoid aggravation or injury.

“[Pelvic floor PT] requires some brain power at a time when all you want to do is take a break from the demands of motherhood and feel ‘normal’ for a minute,” says pelvic floor physical therapist Rebecca Thompson, PT, DPT of Physical Therapy Associates in Spokane. She encourages patients to progressively load the core and pelvic floor muscles after the first six weeks of baseline healing to help restore the strength-length balance needed for lifting, running, jumping, or getting back into highintensity activity.

As a mom of two young children herself,

SPONSORED BY

Thompson knows how intense the early postpartum season of life can be and why PT exercises might get pushed to the back burner. It can also take mental effort to get to PT; while there’s been a shift that’s starting to normalize conversation around pelvic floor health, having issues such as urine and feces leakage or painful intercourse can be lonely and isolating at a time when women are already tapped out from providing for a new baby. Thompson works with women to turn activities like lifting and lowering their baby into an exercise as they go about their day.

“We live in a ‘bounce back’ culture where there is so much pressure for people to get themselves back after having a baby. That can mean bouncing back to their previous appearance or participating in all their hobbies and recreation in the same way they did prior to having a baby,” says Thompson.

In reality, there’s a huge range in postpartum healing. When pelvic floor issues are left unaddressed, people can experience pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti, hernia, increased frequency of urination, and back and hip pain.

Pelvic floor PT can also be useful for men in managing hernias, constipation, erectile dysfunction, and prehab/rehab for prostatectomy surgery. Pelvic floor weakness, tightness, or coordination issues can cause major problems, whether you’ve just had a baby or not. When we consider all the pelvic floor connects to, we should think of pelvic floor health as just another issue related to muscles that could apply to any person. //

Lisa Laughlin is a freelance writer/editor and mother of two. She has worked with and contributed to Out There for the last five years.

Wildlife Disease

Deer, elk, moose and other wildlife face many health challenges out in the wild

By Adam Gebauer

also known as Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease. Blue tongue is a relatively common virus in deer that is spread by a biting Culicoides gnat that lives in muddy, wet areas. The 2021 Blue Tongue outbreak saw a 33 percent decline in regional white tail deer numbers. It also substantially affected the Blue Mountain mule deer herd.

CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE

JUST LIKE HUMANS, wildlife species are susceptible to health issues. These can be caused by transmission from livestock or other wildlife species, or due to environmental factors that make an existing issue more prevalent.

BLUE TONGUE

The Pacific Northwest heat dome event in 2021 didn’t just affect how many air conditioners were running in June, but caused a drought that lasted well into the summer. As water sources dried up, deer congregated at the few remaining watering holes and became more susceptible to blue tongue,

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been affecting deer, elk, and moose in the Midwest for decades, but has recently been documented in 2019 in northwestern Montana near Libby and outside the town of Riggins, Idaho, in 2021. CWD is a fatal disease caused by a misformed protein known as a prion. A similar prion disease, Mad Cow Disease, has made headlines when there have been outbreaks in the beef industry. CWD can be transmitted directly between individuals but can also be found in the environment in soil. Currently, there has been no documentation of CWD in Washington. It has also not been found to transfer to humans, but it is still a concern for hunters and wildlife managers. In 2021, the state Legislature funded the

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) to conduct a CWD pre-detection surveillance program. Hunters can have a deer or elk tested by stopping by any WFDW check station or by setting up an appointment with WDFW staff.

ELK HOOF DISEASE

Elk hoof disease is not found in Eastern Washington elk, but has been a concern in Southeast Washington particularly because up until recently little has been known of its cause. As the name suggests, this disease affects the growth of hooves in elk. It is believed to be caused by the treponeme bacteria, known to cause hoof malformation in cattle, sheep, and goats, and has been an issue in the dairy industry for decades. Tests have shown that this disease only affects hooves and is not present in meat. WDFW is asking hunters to remove and leave hooves in the woods to reduce transmission.

WINTER TICKS

Winter ticks are wreaking havoc on moose populations in parts of the eastern U.S., and has also been documented to

cause moose mortality in Washington. A study conducted by WDFW from 20142018 found that six of 67 collared moose died from winter ticks. A single moose can be infected with up to 100,000 ticks. Such large numbers of ticks can cause anemia due to blood loss. Moose infected with an infestation of winter tick are called ghost moose due to their hair loss from excessive grooming which can leave them susceptible to cold. Milder winters are attributed to the increase in tick numbers as well as moose mortality.

Luckily, many of these ungulate health issues do not transfer to humans. It is, however, important to practice good hygiene if you are handling wild game meat and to cook it to the recommended temperature. It is also helpful to report sightings of sick or dead animals to the appropriate state wildlife management agency. //

Adam Gebauer writes the Nature column for each issue of Out There. His last article highlighted grizzly bear recovery in the West. You can read more of his Nature columns online at Outthereoutdoors.com.

Dial In Your Sleeping System

SEA TO SUMMIT OFFERS A LAYERING APPROACH TO BETTER, WARMER SLEEPING.

By Shallan Knowles

I USUALLY GET COLD CAMPING, even in the summer. But I’ve learned that having the right gear and using it the right way makes a huge difference sleeping out when the temperature drops. Sea to Summit suggests thinking about the elements of your sleep system as layers, just like we layer clothing when it’s cold outside. Having the right sleep system elements may make the difference between a cold, restless night or a solid night’s sleep. Learn more about Sea to Summit sleep system gear or get your own at Seatosummit.com

Layer 1: Ether Light XT Extreme Sleeping Pad (insulation/comfort layer). A sleeping pad provides insulation and comfort from the ground to keep you warm and protected from the rocks, sticks, and pinecones you might end up sleeping on. A quality pad is like your base layer. The super thick Ether Light XT Extreme has a 6.2 R-value thanks to four inches of comfy insulation that’s made better by layers of THERMOLITE insulation that slows heat loss and keeps internal air movement to a minimum. MSRP: $199-$229

Layer 2: Altitude Down Sleeping Bag (heat retention layer). This beautiful women’s sleeping bag (the men’s version is called the Ascent) transitions through the seasons from spring to fall due to a versatile design. Let’s start with the down. This bag is filled with high loft, water-repellant-treated 750+ high-quality down, so it will keep you plenty warm down to 25 or 15 degrees Fahrenheit depending on which one you get. All that warm down is great when it’s cold outside, but on warmer nights, you’ll want to deploy zippers and vent. And the Altitude has three of them: a full-length on one side, a half-length zipper on the other side, and one at your feet. The Altitude was also designed to be wider than a traditional mummy bag and to maximize warmth and comfort specifically for women. That’s accomplished with “body-mapped” down-filled chambers and more room for the hips and knees and narrower shoulder to keep empty, cold-collecting space to a minimum. It’s also built with Thermolite insulation in the large-volume foot section to maximize foot warmth. MSRP: $379 -$449

Layer 3: Reactor Extreme Liner (the extra warmth and moisture management layer). This magic, warm, knit liner can add up to 25 degrees of heat to your sleep system, extending a summer bag into fall and early spring. This super soft and stretchy THERMOLITE material is comfy, warm, and moisture wicking and can be added or removed from your sleep system as needed based on the conditions outside. MSRP: $69.95-$74.95

Layer 4: Aeros Ultralight Deluxe Pillow (a layer for your head that provides comfort and insulation). The full-size Aeros Ultralight Deluxe inflatable pillow is modelled after the air cells of Sea to Summit's sleeping pads. This pillow is soft with a quiet stretch-knit polyester exterior, and, when fully inflated, provides excellent neck support and comfort that can be adjusted for added cushion as desired. The pillow can also be attached to the Sea to Summit sleeping pad to keep it from playing hide and seek with you all night. MSRP: $59.95

This designer Norwegian door mat for small living spaces is made from 100 percent recycled plastics with quality construction, which means it will stand up to years of use. It does the job of a quality door mat, keeping dirt, water, and mud out of your camper or home, and ours lives in our campervan where it really ties the room together. The Hex Mat comes in two colors, Soil (dark

brown) or Desert (light brown), and the design is based on the hexagon and the circle with a repetition and order intended to express a sense of calm. Best of all, the 18” x 29.5” or 21.5” x 35.5” Hex Mat is machine washable!

MSRP: $150$200. https://us.heymat.com/products/hex (Derrick Knowles)

This 750+ fill down one-person quilt bag doubles as a two-person, queen-sized comforter when opened up and spread out. It’s got the quality construction benefits of a quilt built for light-weight backcountry hiking but with the comfort and softness of the kind of comforter you’d want at home or in your camper. It comes in 35- and 50-degree Fahrenheit versions. Drawcords built into the outer edge allow you to snug it onto a mattress when used as a quilt. MSRP: $299-$349. Seatosummit.com (Derrick Knowles)

The X-Set 32 is the most compact cook set I’ve ever seen and collapses down into a small disc shape that’s easy to stuff in a backpack, bike paniers, or stow away with other gear for car camping. The collapsible, food-grade, and BPA-free silicon walls of the 1.3-liter kettle and 2.8-liter pot are the magic that make this cook set take up so little space. And the hard, anodized aluminum

bases allow them to be used on camp stoves. Both the kettle and pot come with lids and the one for the pot has a builtin strainer. The set also includes an aluminum frying pan that’s polished inside to help keep food from sticking. All three pieces include handles with silicon protection to keep you from burning your fingers. MSRP: $139.95 Seatosummit.com (Derrick Knowles)

This lightweight, collapsible, tripod-style stool is a great, portable minimalist solution to have a place to sit when you’re on the go. From tailgating to music festivals, hunting or hiking adventures, or to just have in your vehicle for unplanned rests after a hike or bike ride, the BTR (which stand for “better than a rock”) takes up little space and is highly packable. If you’ve ever wished you had a comfortable place to sit while eating lunch or taking a break on a hike, the BTR might be the solution for you. The aluminum alloy legs give it a load capacity of 240 lbs., and it comes in a 14” (12.2-oz.) or 17” (14.1-oz.) version. MSRP: $75-$79. Hillsound. com (Wil Wheaton)

SEA TO SUMMIT TANAMI TM1 DOWN QUILT

SEA TO SUMMIT X-SET 32 COOK SET

HILLSOUND BTR LIGHTWEIGHT CAMP STOOL

This incredible 6-oz. travel flask is loaded with smart features that make having a cocktail in camp or on-the-go much easier and enjoyable. No funnel is required with the Torch Flask’s wide, screw-off bottom that allows you to fill it full of your favorite spirit and ice. The double-walled stainless construction then keeps your

OR

This incredibly light (10-oz.) and packable synthetic puffy packs the warmth and loft of 700-800 fill down thanks to OR’s proprietary synthetic insulation that mimics the shape of down clusters. The unique quilting pattern gives you reliable warmth, and the ripstop nylon fabric is abrasion-resistant and provides protection from the wind and light precipitation. Wear it on cold ski days or keep it in your pack for the top of the skin track. MSRP: $219. Outdoorresearch. com (Wil Wheaton)

COSTA PAUNCH SUNGLASSES

This latest Costa beach frame was inspired by the white sands and legendary surfing at Bocas Del Toro in Panama. The frames are Bio-Resin, which means they are made from castor oil instead of petroleum products. Paunch sunglasses also come with colorenhancing, polarized glass and polycarbonate lenses that make whatever you’re gazing

BIOLITE 800 PRO HEADLAMP

This headlamp provides up to 800 lumens of brightness, is loaded with useful features, and yet doesn’t feel like a brick on your head. I love the ability to direct the light beam with the pivoting front panel. For night biking or running, the battery pack on the back of the headlamp features a dimmable red visibility light with solid and strobe modes and is a great safety feature. It has eight different lighting modes, including Constant Mode that keeps the same level of lighting without slowly dimming over time and

drink at the optimal temperature longer. Take a shot with the integrated, magnetically-attached 3-oz. shot glass cap or take a pull straight from the flask. It’s also small and discreet and easily slips into your pocket or pack. MSRP: $99. Highcampflasks.com/ products/torch-flask (Derrick Knowles)

This quilted jacket is a jack-of-all winter outdoor adventures, from backcountry splitboarding to alpine skiing, hiking, or fat biking, thanks to some thoughtful design features. It features synthetic insulation (PrimaLoft with the equivalent warmth of 550-fill down), water- and wind-resistant ripstop fabric, and is plenty light at 350 grams. I really like that they

didn’t skimp on the pockets (two hip and one chest), and it has an adjustable hem for when the wind or pow gets crazy and you need to batten down the hatches. It also has stretchy panels on the sides that provide a high level of flex and comfort while working your arms on those ski poles. MSRP: $169.95. Us.jackwolfskin.com (Derrick Knowles)

at, from snow to aquamarine waters or palm trees, clearer and more defined. More than just providing excellent vision on the water, these lenses filter reflective glare and provide 100 percent UV light protection. A scratch-resistant coating repels water and sweat, which also makes them easier to keep clean. MSRP: $167$247. Costadelmar.com (Derrick Knowles)

My feet (and my whole body) couldn’t be happier with the new Altra Lone Peak 6.0 trail running shoes. These 4x4 of shoes have proven themselves over and over and are my go-to shoe for everything from running, hiking, lifting and training, standing all day at work, to chasing my kids in the

yard. I especially like the large toe box that allows my toes plenty of room to spread out like they are meant to. The low heel allows my whole leg to be positioned as it needs to be for whatever movement or task I’m doing. As a physical therapist, Altra shoes are what I recommend over all others. (Trey Nichols)

This cool, plastic organizer container allows you to move around the dividers to fit and separate whatever different items you want to store. It makes a great addition to a car camping setup. I use the Poke-A-Dot

Organizer in my van to store forks, knives, spoons, and a few other smaller cooking utensils that always used to get lost in a larger bin. MSRP: $19.95 Pokeadotorganizer.com (Wil Wheaton)

the ability to charge the headlamp from an external battery while you’re using it. The 3,000 milli ampere-hour lithium battery is micro-USB chargeable and provides up to 150 hours of light at the low setting or seven hours on high, plus an additional eight hours of light in reserve mode. With wires integrated into the stretchy band of the headlamp, the 800 PRO is comfortable and won’t bounce around on your head.

MSRP: $99.95. Bioliteenergy.com (Derrick Knowles)

Built to keep hands and fingers warm in the coldest condi tions, these mitts are waterproof, windproof, and breathable thanks to a GORE-TEX insert. The extreme warming power comes from Thindown insulation, which is a down fabric that provides all the lightweight warmth of traditional down but without the shiftiness that can lead to cold spots. Other features include a durable ripstop shell, synthetic leather palms, super soft Lavawool fleece lining, Gauntlet drawcord-adjustable cuffs, and leashes to keep you from dropping your mitts off a chairlift.

MSRP: $159.99. Gordini.com (Wil Wheaton)

EDITOR’S NOTE: UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, PRODUCT FOR THESE REVIEWS WAS PROVIDED BY THE BRAND AT NO COST TO THE REVIEWER. OUT THERE STRIVES TO ONLY REVIEW QUALITY PRODUCTS AND PROVIDE HONEST, THOUGHTFUL, AND ENTERTAINING GEAR REVIEWS, BUT READERS SHOULD ALWAYS DO THEIR OWN RESEARCH BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE.

HIGH CAMP FLASK TORCH FLASK

JACK WOLFSKIN ROUTEBURN PRO INSULATED JACKET

ALTRA LONE PEAK 6. 0 RUNNING SHOES

GORDINI RADIATOR MITT

POKE-A-DOT ORGANIZER

SUPERSTRAND LT HOODIE

GEAR WE Love

Oftentimes, the gear we love the most isn't the latest, most techy things. It's the adventure artifacts that follow us on trip after trip for one or more good reasons. Some are utilitarian and appeal to thrifty sentiments, others provide a physical or emotional comfort that cements our adoration, giving them value beyond their plastic, metal, down, and fabric parts. Enjoy this year’s odes to the gear some of us can’t get enough of. (Derrick Knowles)

Helinox Chair Zero and the 500-ml. Box of Wine

By Olivia Dugenet

My husband shook his head as I packed. He said, “that’s unnecessary weight.” I said, “small comforts are concentrated moments of pure joy.” He is too pragmatic for small comforts. His goals include thrift and endurance, while I am generally preoccupied with insight and beauty. We make a good team.

The next evening, we were both brutally worked over after a long, steep hike. He sat in the dirt at a remote campsite at twilight, quickly consuming a tasteless energy bar and some musty lukewarm water before climbing into a sleeping bag in all of his clothes. I sat at the edge of the glassy mountain lake semi-reclined in my Helinox Chair Zero, which I carried for many ridiculous miles up vertical paths with no switchbacks. Suspended in its taut little nest of ripstop fabric, my ruined feet resting in the cool water, I felt sure it had been worth it.

The 500-ml. box of red wine is another important piece of gear that works as an accessory to the Helinox. Though much smaller, it weighs more than the chair itself. I poured a couple inches into a titanium mug and sipped slowly while the surrounding ridges blushed pink and gold with alpenglow.

An exhausted hiker stumbled into camp and stopped by to politely announce his arrival. I greeted him serenely without getting up and offered a glass of wine. He laughed at what he assumed was a joke, then furrowed his brow and said, “wait, seriously?”

Newest Looking Old Pack

By James P. Johnson

My mother bought a Wilderness Experience backpack in the late 1980s and used it only a few times. When she learned I planned to buy a pack, she passed it on to me, and it looked like it had never been used.

The flap that closes it up has to be laced and tied, which makes getting stuff out timeconsuming. It often squeaks with every step. It’s top-heavy, thus easy to get off-balance when even slightly acrobatic moves are required.

On my first trip with it, I was very backpack aware. Concerned such an ancient piece of equipment might spark laughter or smirks, I’d glance back after encountering fellow backpackers on trail to see if their backpacks were all that different than mine. Eventually I was satisfied that I was at least on the fringe of backpacking conformity, and I’ve used it every trip since.

Even though it’s old, heavy, and outdated, I resist buying a new one. It distributes weight well and I’ve yet to experience a sore back. I know its ins and outs. And tossing it to buy a new one goes against my creed of limiting wastefulness. I won’t win any awards for best or most advanced backpack, but I probably deserve one for newest-looking old backpack.

Anonymous Camp Mug

By Chris Maccini

Sometimes the best pieces of gear are the most simple. A good camp mug is essential. I found mine in a pile of “free stuff” at a music festival in suburban Oregon in the summer of 2013. There’s no brand name stamped into its silver sides. It has the generic feel of a corporate giveaway, one of those knick knacks you might find in a goodie bag at a trade show or conference. The mug was dented and whatever company’s logo had once been screen-printed on it was all but scratched off. I took it back to my campsite, washed it thoroughly, and it’s been with me ever since.

Over the years, I’ve bought lots of expensive outdoor gear from big-name brands, but few pieces are as well designed or durable as this anonymous mug. It’s vacuum insulated and has a watertight, screw-on lid. I fill it with hot coffee or iced tea at the beginning of a long day, throw it in the bottom of my backpack, and hours later, not a drop has been spilled. My drink is as hot (or cold) as ever. The mug is stout and wide-mouthed, hard to knock over when propped on an uneven rock beside a babbling mountain stream. It’s large enough to fit a hearty portion of soup or ramen or chili. For nearly a decade, I’ve taken this mug hiking, sailing, skiing, and biking all over the Northwest and beyond. It hasn’t failed me yet.

Silky Saws Big Boy Folding Saw

By Aaron Theisen

I’ve converted enough friends to Silky saws that I joke that I should receive a commission. (Silky Saws executives: if you’re reading this, let’s talk.) Every backcountry bike trip or bikepacking trip where I’ve used the Japan-based company’s Big Boy folding pruning saw, someone has raved “I’ve gotta get one of those!” At first glance, the long, floppy blade of the Big Boy looks like it’d have the cutting power of a pool noodle. But unlike Western-style saws, which cut on the push stroke, Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke. Pulling keeps the blade straight; because they don’t have to withstand your arm’s pushing forces, the blades can be much lighter and slimmer. And pulling requires less muscle power, so you can cut longer with less fatigue. On the trail, that translates to a cut so satisfying that your hiking and riding buddies will practically beg to have a turn. Remember the old Ginsu Knife infomercials, where the audience oohed and awwed over a thinly sliced tomato? It’s like that, only with good trail karma. They’re handy to keep in your vehicle, too, just in case; I’ve cleared forest roads of deadfall that would have otherwise trapped me out in the woods. Perhaps best of all, the name is always good for some laughs. And it’s worth asking for the Big Boy by name.

Ode to a Dirty Down Bag

By Adam Gebauer

I have an attachment to my sleeping bag a bit like Linus from Charlie Brown has for his blanket. Over the last 15 years, I have dragged my 15-degree down bag on many adventures and it has never let me down. It kept me warm while sleeping on the side of Cascade volcanoes and windswept, Patagonia moraine fields. It has accompanied me from dusty, desert backpacking in the Southwest to the soggy, foggy mornings on New England canoe trips.

After my first sleeping bag succumbed to zipper failure and a few holes from an impatient dog, I wanted one bag that would work well for a wide variety of excursions. This bag fit the bill when I went to purchase all those years ago. It has a draft collar and ample hood for those frost-filled mornings, but most times I have the bottom unzipped to vent my tired feet. I have many friends with old down bags that have lost a lot of feathers and loft; this old workhorse seems to keep endlessly trucking along and performing in all types of weather. Doing biology fieldwork over the last few summers, I slept under this old bag more often than in a bed. I even take it out on the back porch on really hot summer nights to sleep when my bedroom never quite cools down. Wherever I’m at, when I pull it over me, I know I’ll find comfort in that dirty old down burrito.

Dirtbag Adventure Purse

By Derrick Knowles

I purchased my Army surplus ammo can for whitewater river rafting trips when I first started running my own raft down the Salmon, Green, Clark Fork, and other rivers in the early 2000s. Ammo cans are a cheap, water-tight, and relatively indestructible place to store indispensable and often-used items like sunscreen, a multi-tool, bug spray, duct tape, and maybe some ibuprofen, a beer koozie, and a book.

Somewhere along the line, my brother and I began referring to these heavy, clanky storage bins as our river purses. “I’m not sure if we made up the river purse name or picked it up from the book What the River Says by Jeff Wallach,” recalls my brother Scott. Either way, it stuck. Over the years, those Army-green personal gear haulers began following us off-river on terrestrial trips too: epic backroad car camping rambles, mountain bike trips, and backcountry ski adventures.

Along with the dust, scratches, and greasy fingerprints they picked up from the road, our ammo cans acquired plenty of colorful stickers along the way to mark the places, gear, publications, and conservation causes that were a part of those trips: River of No Return Wilderness; K2 Telemark; Mountain Gear; Alvord Hot Springs; El Surf Spot; Out There Monthly; Revolution Cycles & Service; Off-Piste magazine; Save Wild Utah; and many others, including a favorite sticker on my brother’s dirtbag handbag that reads “Consume Less, Share More.”

Snow Peak Stainless Percolator

By Aaron Theisen

I finally tired of instant coffee for camping, and the hardest part of making the switch back to brewed coffee was deciding which team to ride for. From press to pour over, there are seemingly as many methods for making coffee as there are coffee drinkers, and, judging by my gear closet, I’ve dabbled in them all. I finally came home to the humble percolator. The tool of choice for generations of cowboy-coffee slingers finds a beautiful form in the Snow Peak stainless percolator. Contrary to the “boil ‘til it’s black” school of cowboy coffee-making, percolating requires a little more patience and finesse with heat control (hint: lower heat is better). Fortunately, with Snow Peak’s fabled Japanese craftsmanship, the brushed stainless steel and glass top somehow even manage to make watching water boil enjoyable. It’s a timeless piece of gear for a timeless process. Instant coffee has its time and place, but if you have the time, and you’re in a beautiful place, percolate.

LOCAL MOUNTAIN LITTLE RIPPERS

BY AMY MCCAFFREE

Local mountain slopes welcome younger generations of skiers and snowboarders embracing a love for the sports and progressing their skills in ways today’s adults may have never considered when that age. Here are four local kids shredding the NW Rockies and sharing the stoke.

BRYNLY CONROW: AGE 8 (SKIER)

Home mountain: Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area

Brynly learned to ski at age 4 with her Papou (Greek for “grandpa”) and cousin Phin, who are still her main ski buddies. In addition to skiing, she also likes to fish, hike, play basketball, and hang out with family and friends.

Favorite runs: Golden Eagle and Bonanza

Loves skiing because: “It’s good exercise and fun to go fast.”

Mountain routine includes: “Making sure that I have all my gear and then heading to the mountain. We usually hit Tamarack first. Papou and I usually eat lunch in the lodge—chicken strips & fries.”

Most memorable day on the mountain: “The time I fell off the ski lift on the bunny hill a few years ago. I haven’t forgotten that.”

Greatest ski accomplishment so far: “Going down a black diamond run.”

Future ambition: “Ability to do some tricks, like a 360.”

Ski advice for other kids: “Have fun and (try) not (to) get frustrated. Keep trying your best and try new things.”

Home Mountain: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park

Emma started skiing at the age of 1½. She learned from both her parents and instructor Katrin Ferraro, director of Mt. Spokane’s Ski School. When not skiing, she also likes hiking, ballet, running, and soccer.

Favorite runs: Northwest Passage, bunnyhill bumps under Beginner’s Luck chair, and the terrain-based learning area.

Loves skiing because: “I like going super fast and going on bumps.”

Ski buddies: “Katrin . . . and mom and dad.”

Most memorable day on skis: “With a small kid, every day on the mountain is memorable because they grow so fast,” says mom Nerissa. She recounted one extra special memory though: “Emma’s dad tried to get her to ski [on a groomed run on a day with fresh snow,] and Emma looked at him and said, ‘You can ski alone—mom and I are going to ski the pow.’”

Greatest ski accomplishment so far: Growing love for skiing.

Future ambition: “To be able to ski the very biggest and steepest runs . . . with ski poles,” says Emma.

Mom advice for other parents: “Keep it as simple and fun as possible so there are more positives than negatives.”

ZOEY LABAHN: AGE 11 (SNOWBOARDER)

Home Mountain: Silver Mountain Resort.

Zoey learned to snowboard at age 5 from her parents and grandpa. Her first time on a board was two days in a row at Lookout Pass. When the family moved to Kellogg, Idaho, in Dec. 2020, after Zoey turned 9, her skills progressed at Silver Mountain. When not shredding at Silver, she likes to go tubing, biking, and rollerblading.

Favorite run: Silver Belt. Loves snowboarding because: “It’s fun and I like doing it.”

Board buddy: Dad.

Mountain routine: Both of Zoey’s parents, Mandy and Robert, work at Silver Mountain, so Zoey’s mountain day includes getting up early to arrive with mom and dad—and then, she says, “wait for everyone to turn everything on.”

On being a “mountain family”: “We all love the mountain,” says mom. “Zoey has even mentioned that she wants ‘the mountain’ to be her first job. Now she goes to middle school right next door to the mountain base. She’s already made comments about just jumping on the gondola this winter after school.”

Most memorable day snowboarding: “When my cousin came from Texas last season and got to go with me. We are the same age and he had never seen snow before.”

Greatest accomplishment so far: “Getting off the bunny hill.”

Downtime during winter: At the mountain—“I hang out in my mom’s (work) office.”

Future ambition: “Moving up to harder slopes, like going on Chair 4.” Boarder advice: “Take your time” while learning.

SPONSORED BY

SULLIVAN (SULLY) GREER: AGE 10 (SKIER)

Home Mountain: 49 Degrees North

Sully learned to ski at age 3 from Lyle Stagg (his stepdad) and from taking ski lessons. When he’s not on the slopes, he likes football, lacrosse, BMX biking, and dirt motorbike riding at Priest Lake.

Favorite run: Big Bear.

What he loves most about skiing: Doing tricks like 540s and rails and tubes at the terrain park, and “lots of fast spinning,” he says.

Ski buddy: Older brother, Sawyer.

Mountain routine: “We go to the locker and get our skis, then go up Chair 1 to the terrain park.”

Most memorable day on the mountain: 49’s park party last season for freestyle skiers to register and demonstrate cool tricks and earn prizes—Sully got a hat and shirt.

Greatest ski accomplishment so far: “Learning how to do a 540.”

Downtime during winter: Sledding at Twin Lakes and Holmberg Park.

Future ambition: “I want to learn how to do a front flip off a jump.”

Skier advice: “Work hard by trying your best each day (on the mountain) and never give up.” //

EMMA KRESGE: AGE 4 (SKIER)

BEST SKI RUNS FOR KIDS

BY AMY MCCAFFREE

When visiting a new mountain for the very first time, or even a fifth time, it helps to get insider advice from a “home mountain” skier/rider (aka season-passholder). Here, fellow Inland NW parents and young skiers share the runs they think are best for kids, covering a range of ability levels. Best is a relative term, so use these ideas to help you decide where to go the next time you’re at one of these resorts.

Important to know about trail ratings:

Green circle = Beginner

Blue square = Intermediate level

Black diamond = Advanced

A ski run’s difficulty level is relative to all the runs on that particular mountain. Meaning, not all blue squares and black diamonds are equally challenging across mountains. A designated black at one mountain can seem more like an intermediate compared to another mountain. Additionally, an intermediate run can seem like a black diamond for a more advanced beginner skier/rider. And remember, any run can be more challenging on any day based on current weather and snow conditions.

49 DEGREES NORTH MOUNTAIN RESORT

Gold Chute: / Pay Day chair – “This is a unique and magical experience designed for beginner skiers. This easy, gentle run is hidden in the trees off our Pay Day lift and features animal signs to mark the way,” says 49 Ski School Director Alison Pasino.

Huckleberry Ridge: / Sunrise Basin, Peak 1 Quad chair – “This gentle, familyfriendly run has versatile green terrain for beginners to intermediates. Fun natural jumps along the side. Great for kids looking to ride both of 49’s quad lifts and explore the mountain,” Pasino says.

LOOKOUT PASS SKI & RECREATION AREA

Huckleberry Ridge: / Peak 1 Quad

“For families relatively new or brand new to skiing, my daughters recommend Huckleberry,” says Lookout season passholder AnnaMarie White. Daughter Olivia says this run “helps (kids) to build confidence because it’s not too steep—it seems like it goes on forever.” From the mountain’s North side, ride Timber Wolf (chair 3) back to the summit to access Huckleberry.

Tamarack: / Timber Wolf (chair 2), Montana Side - “Long run with a little slope to it for kids” who are still learning “and wide enough to work on turning,” says Alex Conrow, dad of one of this issue’s featured “Little Rippers.”

Rainbow Ridge: / Timber Wolf (chair 2)

- Similar to Tamarack, and fun for experienced skiers as well, says Conrow, because you can quickly get going fast.

SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT

Easy Street: / Magic Carpet: Silver’s bunny hill has a giant, covered conveyor called ‘Magic Carpet’ in the middle, with ski/boarding on one side and tubing on the other and is a family favorite says Mandy Labahn, who works and snowboards at Silver and is “Little Ripper” Zoey’s mom.

Claim Jumper & Dawdler: / chair 5 –

Below the Magic Carpet, Claim Jumper leads to the bottom of chair 5. “[This chairlift] runs slow just for the kids and beginners learning to use a lift,” says Labahn. Stay straight on Claim Jumper and the trail turns into Dawdler, the easiest of the easy, she says.

Sunrise: / chair 2 – Long run, from top to bottom, with great views. “If it’s a sunny day, I want to stay on chair 2,” says Courtney Yarber, who, along with her husband and daughters, ages 9 and 12, are season passholders.

Silver Bell ( ) to Alpenway ( ): chair 2

– While you could follow Silver Bell all the way to the base of 2, Yarber likes to turn onto Alpenway (skier’s right), go under the chair, then turn skier’s left at the junction with Sunrise—go left and enjoy an easy route to chair 2’s base.

SPONSORED BY

Rockslide: / Illuminator (chair#2) –This was the first black diamond that my kids went down at our home mountain—and it’s the mountain’s easiest black, according to my family. I’ve also led some of my friends’ young kids down Rockslide as their first black diamond experience, and everyone agrees that it’s more fun than scary and easier than they thought it would be.

Secret Squirrel: / Northwood (chair #6) – A “long run with a good slope angle and fall line,” says my 12-year-old son, Landon. However, on the rare occasion when this run isn’t groomed, it would be more challenging; yet on those days it’s a good teaching run to learn how to navigate ungroomed terrain. The run is accessible off Yellow Brick Road (green cat track) starting from the summit, via Vista Cruiser (chair 1), with a return to the summit via chair 6.

Jim’s Gem: / Northwood – A more challenging run for advanced-beginners, this backside green circle (two runs past the turn-off for Secret Squirrel) is best for those with endurance who want to experience a longer run. A good choice for someone who has mastered all the beginner runs on the mountain’s front side. (Remember, a skier/rider has to return to the front side via Northwest Passage—a long journey back to the lodge for tired legs.)

Ridge Run: / Hidden Treasure (chair #4) – “A longer run with variable pitches for those who want to go a little steeper but not for long,” says my husband, Judd, who has been ski patrolling at Mt. Spokane for nearly 25 years. //

MT. SPOKANE SKI & SNOWBOARD PARK

SKI MORE, Spend Less

BY DERRICK KNOWLES

Skiing and snowboarding can be expensive, especially for families, but it certainly doesn't have to be. It doesn’t matter how fancy your ski equipment is or how old those jackets and ski pants are. I started snowboarding as a teenager in the early ‘90s with a cheap hand-medown board, Sorel boots, wool hunting pants, and a retro thrift store jacket. Find a way and use the resources you have to get out there and have fun in the snow with your family this winter. With a little planning and a thrifty mindset, it’s easy to ski more and spend less. These tried-and-true tips put a winter of on-the-mountain fun within reach of most family budgets.

1. Season Passes: If you want to ski or snowboard more than a couple of times a winter, a season pass is the way to go and can save hundreds of dollars. For the best deal, get your pass in the spring or during the fall season pass sale windows (usually by the middle of November or earlier). Several of our local resorts also offer discounts for purchasing multiple passes.

2. Lift Ticket Deals: Many resorts often offer special lift ticket discount promotions throughout the season. Check the ski resort websites for details or call and ask about promotions.

3. Learn to Ski/Ride Programs for Kids & Adults: Our local resorts make it easy and affordable for kids and adults to learn to

ski or snowboard for the first time. The EZ Ski Ride 1-2-3 program for total beginners is an all-inclusive package that come with three days of skiing or snowboarding with everything included: lift tickets, lessons, and gear rentals.

4. 5th Graders Ski for Free: The Ski the NW Rockies 5th Grade Passport program allows 5th graders to ski for free three times at each participating resort, including Mt. Spokane, 49 Degrees North in Chewelah, Silver Mountain in Kellogg, and Lookout Pass on the Idaho/Montana border. Ski Idaho offers a similar program at all Idaho resorts for both 5th and 6th graders.

5. Toyota Free Ski Fridays: All of our local resorts host a free ski day sponsored

by Toyota on one Friday each season. On those days, the driver of any Toyota vehicle gets a free lift ticket when they arrive at the mountain. Find all the dates and details at Skinwrockies.com/toyota-free-ski-days.

6. Hit the Ski Swaps: You can save a ton of money outfitting your family with skis, snowboards, boots, poles, and all the winter gear at annual ski swaps. Most of them happen at the end of October or early November, but the SARS Sandpoint Ski Swap is typically the last swap in midNovember (Nov. 12 at Bonner County Fairgrounds this year). You can sell your old gear at the swap too.

7. Buy Quality Used Gear at Rambleraven Gear Trader: Rambleraven started out as an outdoor gear consignment store where you can now find a wide range of quality used ski and snowboard equipment and winter gear like jackets, ski pants, gloves and more. The shop on the Division Street hill in Spokane also carries new ski and snowboard equipment in case you don’t find the right used gear. Additionally, you can bring adult and kids’ gear into the shop for consignment to turn your old ski stuff into cash. Save gas and check the shop’s website where all of its new and used gear are listed and available for online purchase with shop pick up or convenient shipping.

8. Borrow What You Need: If you know other skiing or snowboarding families, check with them to see if they have any gear their kids have outgrown that might be collecting dust in their garage. When our son first started out skiing, we had friends loan and even give us quality old gear.

9. Rent Kids’ & Adult Equipment: Several ski shops in the Inland Northwest lease or rent ski and snowboard equipment, which is a great option if you only plan to go a few times. You can also rent equipment up at the resort.

10. Lease Kids’ Ski Packages from Spokane Alpine Haus: If you or your kids plan to spend more time on the mountain, Spokane Alpine Haus on the South Hill has a popular Jr. Ski/Snowboard Season Lease program that’s awesome because each season your child will get fitted for a new set of boots and skis that is the right size for their growing bodies. This saves a lot of time and money shopping around to buy new or used gear each year. At the end of the season, simply bring the clean leased gear back to the shop. Spokane Alpine Haus also carries a wide range of new ski equipment and ski and snowboard gear for kids and adults. Reserve your child’s leased ski gear early for best selection. //

GUIDE TO LOCAL SKI & SNOWBOARD LESSONS FOR KIDS & TEENS

BY AMY MCCAFFREE

LEFT: NEW LITTLE SHREDDER LEARNING HOW TO RIDE AT 49.

PHOTO COURTESY OF 49 DEGREES NORTH // MT. SPOKANE SKI SCHOOL

STUDENT. PHOTO: KATRIN FERRARO COURTESY OF MT.

WHETHER YOUR CHILD IS A TEENAGER OR ONLY FOUR YEARS OLD, novice or experienced, there is a program for all abilities and ages (starting with toddlers) available at Inland Northwest ski resorts. There are even programs for parents!

Choosing the best fit for your child foremost depends on your family’s schedule availability and transportation means as well as your child’s age and skill or experience level. Next, decide if your child would do best in a group setting or would learn better with more one-on-one instruction (which would mean private/semi-private lessons should be considered).

This guide to lesson and learn-to-ski options for Winter 2022-23 at the four Ski the NW Rockies resorts—49 Degrees North, Mt. Spokane, Lookout Pass, and Silver Mountain—serves as a quick overview to what’s available that will best meet your family’s needs. Even if you already have a “home mountain” because you’re a season pass guest or know that you’ll just visit the same mountain as your friends or family do, this guide will be useful.

If you want to enroll children in a multiweek group lesson, register online ASAP, as these fill quickly. If a session is full, get on the program wait-list—there are always cancellations by the time January comes.

For single-lesson programs, advanced registration online is recommended; however, some ski schools allow walk-ins for day-of registration, no later than 30 minutes prior to lesson start time.

AGE LEVEL

Each mountain structures their instructional program a bit differently, with minimum age requirements and age-range groupings. Families with children in different age groups will want to choose a mountain destination accordingly so every

child who needs lessons can be included.

Another important detail for parents to keep in mind is the required time commitment. For example, is the lesson only a morning or afternoon session, or is it all day and includes a supervised lunch break? What are the specific drop-off and pick-up times? Will instructors help young children put on their gear?

If you’re not sure about lessons, because of cost or time, consider this: enrolling kids in lessons is a great way for parents to have “free ski time” on the mountain. You can find

SEASON PASS BONUS

Ski the NW Rockies mountains offer reduced cost for a season pass, good for the remainder of the current season, after completion of an EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3 program (available to all ages). Mt. Spokane offers a free season pass after completing two camps/multi-week programs.

At Silver Mountain, Flexible 5 program participants earn a “graduation gift” of a season pass good for the remaining ski season, and then 50 percent off a season pass for the following winter season (must reserve package by January 9, 2023). Flexible 5 lessons are offered only Sunday-Wednesday (one lesson per day max), holiday weekends excluded.

Keep this season-pass perk in mind when choosing a mountain for your children’s lessons—it’s an affordable gateway to becoming annual season passholders.

powder stashes in the trees and shred black diamonds all you want, knowing your children are being taken care of and progressing their skills. And then when you’re all together on the slopes, your kids can show off what they learned.

• Age 2+: 49 Degrees North’s Li’l Club Lesson & Day Care (ages 2-6). Most all ski schools can provide private and semi-private lessons for children age 2+.

• Ages 4-7: Mt. Spokane’s popular multiweek group ski lessons during weekends are the Mini Mites (ages 4-6, morning and full-day options) and Mighty Mites (ages 5-7, full-day). The little rippers can also join Mt. Spokane’s Club Shred (ages 4-10) and winter break camps. Lookout Pass has its Mini Moose program for this age group (Sundays only). For the EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3 programs, minimum age is 7; however, 49 Degrees North allows kids ages 6 and older to participate.

• Ages 6-13: There are a lot of multi-week group programs and single-lesson packages for this age group. At Silver Mountain, the Silver Kids program (ages 7-12) only offers lessons for level I-II skiers. Lookout Pass has weekly ski and snowboard group sessions for all abilities and levels. At Mt. Spokane, skiers/snowboarders can enroll in Kids Club (ages 7-15). 49 Degrees North

SPOKANE SKI AND SNOWBOARD PARK

has an Adventurers program (ages 6-13) for multi-week sessions, while the single-lesson options are Trailblazers (ages 6-12) and Above & Beyond (ages 12+, beginners only).

• Ages 9-17: Mt. Spokane has two instructional programs for advanced skiers/ snowboarders, Park Club (Saturdays) and Mountain Adventure Club (Sundays)—only during February 2023. 49 Degrees North hosts a one-day Intro to Freestyle and Park Skills “day camp” for skiers and snowboarders (ages 10-15) in December.

PARENT & CHILD LESSONS AT 49 DEGREES NORTH

Mommy/Daddy & Me is a 1-hour lesson for one parent and one child (ages 2-13, beginner). Program goal is for parents to learn teaching tools to help their child further develop ski or snowboard skills.

FIRST TIME ON SKIS OR SNOWBOARD

• EZ Ski 1-2-3 (ski/ride): This is a popular program offered at all four resorts that includes three days with 2-hour group lessons, rental gear, and lift ticket and allows for progressive skill building. (Does not have to be booked for consecutive days.) Minimum age restrictions vary. At Silver Mountain, only for ages 13+ and not available on Saturdays or holiday periods.

• Never-Ever/First-Timer: One-day lesson packages, ages 6/7+, typically include a 2-hour group lesson, rental equipment, and bunny-hill lift ticket—ideal for those wanting to try skiing or snowboarding with minimal financial and time commitment. (49 Degrees North calls its program “Learn 2 Package.”) Reservations recommended, but walk-ins are welcome on a space-available basis the day-of (registration cut-off is typically 30 minutes prior to lesson start time).

SNOWBOARD GROUP LESSONS

Each mountain offers EZ Ride 1-2-3 and first-time/never-ever lessons for children, teens, and adults, plus some unique programs tailored to snowboarders (reservations required).

• Mt. Spokane: Holiday camps; Kids Club, ages 7-15 (Saturdays only, January-March); Club Shred, ages 4-10 (Friday nights, Jan.March); Park Club, ages 9-17, for advanced/ Level 4+ skiers and snowboarders who want to improve Terrain Park skills (Saturdays in February); Mountain Adventure Club, ages 9-17, for advanced snowboarders/skiers who want to explore and improve skills on

treed and side-country terrain (Sundays in February).

• Lookout Pass: Free Ski School for snowboarders ages 7-17; Lookout Pass full or halfday group lessons for ages 7-12.

• 49 Degrees North: Multi-week group lessons, ages 6-13 (private lessons available for younger kids), include Discovery Club; Above & Beyond half-day group lesson for beginners (ages 12-adult)—advanced registration recommended but walk-ins can register day-of at least 30 minutes prior to lesson start time; and a one-day Intro to Freestyle and Park Skills “day camp” (ages 10-15, Dec. 23) for snowboarders and skiers.

• Silver Mountain: Flexible 5, semi-private group lessons (ages 7 and up).

FREE SKI SCHOOL AT LOOKOUT PASS

A popular program that fills quickly is the longtime “Free Ski School,” staffed by volunteer instructors and organized separately from Lookout Pass’ Snowsports School. Registration opens in late Oct./early Nov. and lessons begin in January 2023. Beginner and intermediate/advanced skill level sessions are offered for skiers (ages 6-17) and snowboarders (ages 7-17). Participants must attend a session during the first three weeks of the program, which is free. Doesn’t include equipment or a lift ticket, although a lift ticket isn’t necessary during the lessons.

MONTH BY MONTH SCHEDULE

Registration already opened for some local ski schools back in October, and multi-week sessions fill quickly. For some families, a certain month can be the best time for lessons because of commitments to other activities and non-alpine sports.

• December: EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3 and firsttimer group lessons, as well as private/semiprivate lessons, start now and run throughout the season. Youth specific programs include Mt. Spokane Holiday Camps (3 days) during winter break, ages 4-15, and 49 Degrees North’s Intro to Freestyle and Park Skills (ages 10-15) afternoon “day camp” on Dec. 23.

•January: Learn to Ski/Snowboard

Month! Busy weekends at ski mountains, with newbies of all ages snowplowing down the bunny hills. Multi-week sessions kick off for the 4-15 age group at all the mountains (same lesson start/end time schedule, for four consecutive Saturdays or Sundays). Silver Mountain’s Flexible 5 program begins

ADAPTIVE PROGRAMS

For any children with unique physical or developmental needs, adaptive private lessons are available at 49 Degrees North. At Mt. Spokane, Spokane Parks and Rec’s Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) hosts a ski and snowboard lesson program.

Jan. 9, 2023 (must register before this date), and continues through the season.

•February: Multi-week session #2 at all mountains. At Mt. Spokane, two programs commence for older advanced/experienced rippers, ages 9-17—Park Club and Mountain

Adventure Club.

•March: Mt. Spokane offers a session #3 for Kids Club & Mini/Mighty Mites (only 3-weeks this month). Still available at all mountains will be EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3, firsttimer, and private/semi-private lessons. //

5TH GRADERS SKI OR RIDE FOR FREE!

The 5th Grade Ski or Ride Passport allows any 5th grader from any state to ski or snowboard three free days at each of the participating resorts: 49 Degrees North near Chewelah, Wash.; Lookout Pass on the Idaho/Montana stateline, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho; and Loup Loup near Twisp, Wash. Ski Idaho runs a similar program that allows 5th and 6th graders to ski or snowboard three days for free at each of the 17 participating Idaho resorts.

To participate in the 5th grade passport program, parents need to submit an application with a one-time $20 processing fee at 5thgradeskipassport.com and then wait for the passport to be emailed to them. A parent or guardian must be present with a participating 5th grader at the resort ticket office with either a printed copy of the passport or the electronic version on their phone to receive a lift ticket. There are some blackout dates and dos and don’ts, so be sure to read the rules and regulations online in advance. Some of the participating ski resorts also offer discount rental gear and lessons as part of the 5th grade passport program. More info: Skinwrockies.com (OTO)

LOOKOUT PASS SKI SCHOOL SESSION. PHOTO COURTESY OF LOOKOUT PASS //

BELOW: SILVER MOUNTAIN SNOW SCHOOL CLASS FOR BEGINNERS RIDING THROUGH THE MAGIC CARPET TUNNEL. PHOTO COURTESY OF SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT

If you’re in the 5th grade, no matter where you live, you can ski or ride for FREE at participating ski areas with the 5th Grade Ski or Ride Free Passport Program. The Ski or Ride Free Passport Program is the best way for you to experience winter recreation with your family and friends.

HOW THE PASSPORT WORKS:

The passport allows you to ski or ride for FREE* three days at each participating ski area. Some ski areas include special deals on equipment rentals, lessons and other activities in the passport! Just present your passport at the ticket window, it’s that easy! *$20 processing fee.

OUT THERE SNOW

WHAT’S NEW AT LOCAL RESORTS

BY AMY MCCAFFREE

FIRE UP THE STOKE! Here’s what you need to know about deals, upgrades, expansions, and events for all four Ski the NW Rockies resorts this season.

SEASON PASS DEADLINES

Last days to purchase a discounted season pass are coming soon. Upcoming deadlines (before prices increase): Nov. 9 for both Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park and Silver Mountain Resort (including a Silver/49 Degrees North Combo Pass); Nov. 15 for 49 Degrees North; and Nov. 18 for Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area.

OPENING DAYS

If the snow gods bless the Inland NW early enough, both Lookout Pass and 49 Degrees North are planning for a preThanksgiving Opening Day. Lookout is gearing up for opening day on Friday, Nov. 18. As for 49, given the right conditions, they could open as early as Friday, Nov. 11, according to Ursula Bakken, interim marketing director. “Due to our intense trail maintenance this [summer] and extensive snowmaking system, we have the potential to open sooner (than Thanksgiving),” she says.

Slated opening days for the other two Ski NW Rockies resorts are Silver Mountain on Nov. 25 (daily operations begin Dec. 15) and Mt. Spokane on Dec. 3. All these dates, however, depend on weather conditions and snow accumulation.

MID-WEEK DEALS

Every Thursday at Lookout Pass, bring a friend and buy 2 lift tickets for only $75. And if you’re a season pass holder from a different mountain, you can buy a highly-discounted daily lift ticket MondayThursday (holiday periods excluded). Just show your season pass at the ticket window. Every Monday-Thursday at 49 Degrees

North (except holiday periods), an allmountain lift ticket is only $49 for adults, $44 for youth. At Mt. Spokane on Mondays and Tuesdays, bring a buddy and buy 2 lift-tickets for only $72, from January 2 to February 21 (not available on holidays). Get midweek stay-ski-waterpark package deals at Silver Mountain for any reservations Sundays-Thursdays.

FLEX 5 LESSON PACKAGE AT SILVER MOUNTAIN

Learn to ski or ride mid-week with Silver’s Flex 5 deal. Package includes five lift tickets, five rentals, and five ski or snowboard lessons. Best perk: program “graduates” receive a season pass for the rest of the 2022-23 season, PLUS they get a 50 percent discount on a season pass for the 2023-24 season.

LOOKOUT PASS OFFERS FULLY TRANSFERABLE SEASON PASS

Ideal for a company to share with employees or an individual to share with friends. Purchase online for $999 by November 18. Pass provides the daily user with one lift ticket.

5-PACK BUNDLE DEAL RETURNS

Due to popular demand, Mt. Spokane is once again offering 5-pack lift ticket bundles for sale online starting Nov. 15. $229 for restricted-use bundle (not valid on holidays and peak weekends) or $299 for an unrestricted bundle with no blackout dates. Limited quantities—available through December while supplies last.

SNOWMAKING AT 49 DEGREES NORTH

During summer, staff fine-tuned and prepared 49’s snowmaking system (new two years ago and expanded last winter), making it ready to use as soon as conditions allow this season.

NIGHT SKIING

Starting December 16, the front-side chairlifts keep running after dark, for most Wednesdays-Saturdays. Night tickets (3-9 p.m.) cost only $36 each, all ages. (Any day-ticket holders can stay and keep skiing/ riding until closing.)

IMPROVED WEBCAMS

Lookout Pass and 49 Degrees North both upgraded their webcams. Check snow and trail conditions from the comfort of your home, office, or mobile device. (AirFlare app recommended for Lookout Pass trail cam live-stream.)

MIDWAY SNACK SHACK

Jackass Snack Shack, a newly renovated food and beverage outlet at Silver Mountain’s Midway Chair 4, will open this season . . . and includes a restroom! Old-timers may recall this location as the original ski lodge when the mountain was still named Jackass Ski Bowl.

LODGE UPGRADES

At Mt. Spokane, Lodge 1 has improved indoor space and an expanded outdoor patio area. At Lodge 2, the remodeled kitchen and food service area will improve the guest experience. Look for more offerings, greater variety, and meal specials throughout the season. At Silver Mountain Resort, the Mountain House was spiffed up with new carpet and paint. Lookout Pass lodge upgrades include a new entryway and new deck with wider stairs, located between the food service and rental/ski school area, that improves access to the lodge and slopes.

MORE PARKING

A new 2.5-acre parking lot was added at the base of 49 Degrees North. Shuttle service to and from the lodge will be available during weekends and holidays. At Lookout

LEFT: LESS WAITING, MORE SKIING. PHOTO COURTESY OF 49 DEGREES NORTH. // LOOKOUT PASS POWDER DAY. PHOTO: DUANE BONANZA

Pass, parking space was added to the lower lot (below chair 1, along I-90) and to the Montana side of the maintenance building.

NEW EAGLE PEAK QUAD CHAIR & TERRAIN

AT LOOKOUT PASS

The newest quad chair—nearly a mile-long ride—has 152 chairs to transport up to 1,500 skiers and snowboarders every hour to Eagle Peak Summit, where there is also a new Ski Patrol Shack. Enjoy 14 new named runs and 500 acres of new skiable terrain.

NEW AND LONGER RUNS

At Silver Mountain, inbound terrain was expanded off chair 2, with a new run that’s naturally gladed and known to hold powder, according to Marketing Director Gus Colburn. 49 Degrees North extended three of its newest runs from last season. “Alpine Steel, Gunslinger, and Tin Star now extend all the way up to Silver Ridge,” says Ursula Bakken, 49’s interim marketing director. “In addition, the lower portions of all of those runs—along with Lower Hole in the Wall and Lower Carpet Bagger—have seen heavy clean-up and debris removal, allowing us to open them earlier and with fewer obstacles.”

NEW GROOMERS

Silver Mountain added a new cat-groomer to its fleet. They also used a D6 Cat for summer brush-cutting to allow more terrain to open earlier in the season. Mt. Spokane welcomed a brand-new Pistenbully100 Snowcat, dedicated to improving the freestyle terrain park. A new maintenance shop at 49 Degrees North will help staff work on snowcats, heavy equipment, vehicles, and lift components—improving mountain ops overall.

MORE RENTAL GEAR AT 49 DEGREES NORTH

49 Degrees North rental shop has improved and increased its inventory. Look for new Rossignol skis and snowboards; new Burton snowboards, especially for the littlest rippers; and a new fleet of Rossignol highperformance demo skis and snowboards as well as locally-made Sneva MFG skis.

BETTER BUNNY HILL

Lookout Pass improved its Beginner Slope and Learning Hill. After adding tons of dirt, staff regraded and contoured the slope to provide “a longer, more consistent learning pitch and overall better learning experience for first-time skiers, snowboarders and those beginners working to improve their turns,” says Lookout marketing director Matt Sawyer.

NEW LESSON PROGRAMS AT 49 DEGREES NORTH

New this season are Intro to Freestyle and Park Skills and the Junior Instructor programs. The popular Women’s Clinics are now on Sunday afternoons to make them more accessible.

MSSRT SKI & BOARDER CROSS COMPETITION AT MT. SPOKANE

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park and Mt. Spokane Ski Race Team (MSSRT) have partnered to host a variety of ski races this season, including the first-ever MSSRT Ski & Boarder Cross Competition on February 4-5, 2023.

DAYCARE AT 49 DEGREES NORTH

Offered again for the 2022-23 season, 49’s daycare is open during weekends and holidays for children ages 2-6 (reservations recommended).

MORE LADIES’ DAYS AT MT. SPOKANE

The popular women-only lesson program at Mt. Spokane has two dates this winter, February 10 and March 10, 2023.

NORDIC AREA IMPROVEMENTS

49 Degrees North’s Nordic Center Yurt has a new deck to welcome guests for Nordic skiing as well as fat biking and snowshoeing. The yurt will be open and staffed Fridays through Sundays and the majority of holiday periods.

MT.

SPOKANE APRÉS-SKI & SWAG

Foggy Bottom Bar will offer more selections from Spokane-area breweries and host live music on Friday nights and select weekends. Mt. Spokane also expanded its selection of hats, beanies, hoodies, and other swag for fans of the ‘Kan.

NEW MT. SPOKANE CORPORATE PASS

Businesses and organizations can now take advantage of a new transferable and flexible season pass, issued in the name of a business or group. A Corporate Pass is good for one person each day of the winter 2022-23 season, which can be shared among employees and/or clients (who don’t already have a Mt. Spokane season pass). Pass costs $1,299 and includes 10 additional (free) daily lift tickets to be used in conjunction with the passholder, plus 50 percent off any additional lift tickets, up to six discounted tickets per day (no blackout dates).

tains (with no blackout dates), plus seven additional partner mountains with varying ski benefits. Expansive group discounts are available for high school and college recreation groups, church and homeschool programs, and other organizations.

FREE SKI SCHOOL—LONGER SESSIONS

Free Ski School at Lookout Pass, which begins in January 2023, has expanded its program options. Complete details at skilookout.com/famous-free-ski-school.

EVENTS IN NOV & DEC

• Season Pass and Chill at 49 Degrees

North: Nov. 5, Calispel Creek Lodge, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Pick up your season pass, enjoy beverages from local breweries, and share the stoke.

• Mt. Spokane Job Fair: Nov. 5, 8 a.m.noon, Lodge 2.

• SnowJam Pray4Snow Party at Millwood Brewery: Nov. 5th fundraiser event, 5-9:45 p.m, in partnership with Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park. Help underprivileged youth (4th-7th grades) in the West Valley School District learn how to ski/ride. Dress in ‘80s attire and enjoy a gourmet buffet, ski movies, and buy raffle tickets to win prize boxes.

• Holiday events at Lookout Pass: Dress like Santa on Dec. 22 to ski/ride for only $20/ticket. Revenue goes toward buying Christmas gifts for local children in need. Enjoy the New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade on Dec. 31. //

FREEDOM PASS

&

GROUP DISCOUNTS AT MT. SPOKANE

A new benefit for season passholders is the Freedom Pass, which includes three free visits to any of the 19 partner moun-

sponsored by

SOAKING UP SOME RAYS ON THE SLOPES.

LEFT: PHOTO COURTESY OF SILVER MOUNTAIN.

RIGHT: PHOTO COURTESY OF MT. SPOKANE.

A TRIPLE DIP LA NINA?

BY BRAD NORTHRUP

WITH THE SKIING and snowboarding season fast approaching, it’s that time to look at what the expectations are for our winter weather. Now, not to be a Debbie Downer, but for the last two seasons, the weather gurus predicted a weak to moderate La Niña pattern, which typically results in above-average precipitation combined with below average temperatures in our area; this should have resulted in a ton of snow. While we did experience decent back-toback seasons here in the PNW, neither was what I would classify as epic, or even above average. I don’t know about you, but is sure seemed like I spent a ton of time on the groomers, and my powder boards rarely

left the garage. According to the experts, this season looks to be a little different—in a good way.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center, a strong La Niña pattern is currently present and is favored to continue through the Northern Hemisphere’s 2022/2023 winter, with a 91 percent chance from September to December. Chances decrease to 54 percent from January to March 2023, but the fact remains that this will be the third consecutive year that we have experienced a La Niña weather pattern. If this proves to be true, it will be the first “triple dip” La Niña of this century.

Lookout Pass has always had the best powder—and this year there are 500 new acres of it. Our new Eagle Peak expansion means fresh terrain, 14 new runs, and a second quad chairlift. It’s an affordable family and friends ski day that’s easy to reach via I-90.

“It is exceptional to have three consecutive years with a La Niña event, and its cooling influence is temporarily slowing the rise of global temperatures,” says the World Meteorological Organization’s SecretaryGeneral Petteri Taalas.

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) in Seattle agree that this is an extremely rare occurrence and has only happened twice since meteorological records began to be collected in the late 1940s, those being the periods from 1973-1976, and 1998-2001.

So, what does this mean for us? “The northeast portion of Washington is forecast to see above average precipitation,” says NWS meteorologist Mathew Cullen. Sounds good Matt, please ensure this happens.

The good folks from the Farmers’ Almanac are projecting a PNW winter with “brisk temperatures, and normal precipita-

tion,” but this region butts right up against what they describe as a “hibernation zone that is glacial and snow-filled” to the east. Hopefully some of that spills over into our area and brings some cold, white goodness. Not to be outdone, the ever-optimistic crew over at Powderchasers.com released their forecast, which notes that, given the extremely high chances for a robust La Niña event, the PNW appears to be more favorable to experience strong storms and moisture. “All things considered, things are shaping up to be quite favorable for the Western US . . . and the most snow-sure areas will be found in the Pacific Northwest.” Works for me. Make it so.

If this “triple dip” La Niña pans out as forecasted, we could be in for a ripper of a winter. So get your powder boards waxed, do your snow dances, and cross your fingers. Hopefully third time’s a charm. //

NEW GEAR FOR A NEW YEAR

BY BRAD NACCARATO

RAMBLERAVEN GEAR TRADER

When Mountain Gear closed its doors for good back in 2019, it left our region without a shop that carried a wide range of backcountry ski and splitboard equipment.

Rambleraven Gear Trader on the Division Street hill in Spokane has picked up the slack and then some with a shop packed full of both new and used backcountry, alpine, and Nordic equipment and gear, so there’s something there any day no matter how you get after it in the winter. Rambleraven’s complete new and used inventory is also available to browse or buy online, and they will ship to you or you can pick your new goods up in the shop.

“I would say the coolest new offering on our wall is the Ripstick Tour from Elan,” says Rambleraven manager Connor McClean. “This backcountry-specific ski is the first ever signature ski from Glenn Plake, and it’s getting rave reviews,” he adds. With waist dimension offerings at 104, 94, and 88, this ski looks to be a versatile fresh snow floater that’s light and playful in mixed terrain, but eager and willing when you’re ready to go airborne—just like Mr. Plake would want it.

This year the shop is also offering the Mammut Barryvox. “This is a very intuitive, fast, and powerful transceiver for those who want to level up their safety in the backcountry,” says McClean. Mammut has made it easy for first timers too by offering the Barryvox either by itself or as a backcountry kit that includes a probe and shovel, giving newbies all the essential items needed for safer backcountry skiing and riding.

Rambleraven is also the region’s only Roxa dealer, an innovative boot brand that has a wide range of offerings for both men

and women. “Roxa’s R3 (120 flex) is a boot that offers a ton of tech for the price,” says McClean. “You’ve got an Intuition liner, Gripwalk soles, and a fully heat moldable shell.” The R3 is a versatile boot that’s at home at the resort and in a touring environment. One of the lightest high-performance boots ever offered (1520g), the 120 is geared for big mountain chargers who may use tech or alpine bindings and often hike or skin to find lines.

SPOKANE

ALPINE HAUS

A few minutes up the South Hill off I-90, Spokane Alpine Haus is a tried-and-true shop with a long history of serving the region’s ski and snowboard community. Alpine Haus offers the Inland Northwest’s largest brand selection when it comes to skis and boots, with expert advice to match.

“We’re really excited about this year’s Atomic Bent Chetler series,” says sales associate Hayden Atwood. “Artist Chris Benchetler always has stand out graphics and the skis are used and loved by so many different types of skiers.” One of the most award-winning skis to ever grace the mountain, the Atomic Bent Chetler is described by testers as a pillow-bashing, powder-slashing ski that’s earned its place as a top seller. It also comes with a range of waist offerings including 85, 95, 110, and 120 for a wide range of terrain preferences.

On the binding side of things, Atwood calls out the Armada Strive, “a slick new binding that’s borrowing a lot of toe elasticity tech from its sister company Salomon. It’s solid, steady, and has that clean Armada look that people really like.” Armada has always been a popular brand with the new

schooler crowd, but it’s gaining a reputation as a top binding manufacturer in the industry. Offering two versions, with a max DIN that tops out at either 14 or 16, the Strive will keep you safe and stylish at the same time.

SHRED SPORTS

Shred Sports has seen the reputation of its North Division store grow by leaps and bounds over the past decade. Whatever fun you’re pursuing on snow, water, or dirt, they’ve got the gear and the brands that will make you happy.

“We’ve got some kid’s snowboard packages this year that offer a lot of value,” says Josh Anderson, Shred’s hard goods buyer. “I really like our Rossignol package that includes the Alias board, Rookie binding, and Crumb boot,” he adds. “It’s a good hybrid shape with extra rocker in the tip and tail to help build confidence in young riders who are looking to graduate from a season lease board without breaking the bank.” The Rossi Alias board package is offered in sizes 130-145, covering a large range of ages. What really stands out in this package though is the Crumb boot that features a full Velcro closure system that will be easy for little hands to operate.

“Volcom’s Ziptech technology is part of a new innovative and exclusive line that we’re excited to carry this year too,” says Anderson. “The women’s Mirror jacket and Frochickie pant can be zipped together to form a one-piece weather barrier for those deep days when you’re getting snow up your coat.” With a 10K waterproof rating and a stretchy comfortable fit, this versatile combo can be worn separately or together when you’re ready to ride.

FITNESS FANATICS

For Nordic ski fanatics, long-time Spokane Valley-based Fitness Fanatics, which recently moved to a new Valley location on Euclid in Millwood, has always had the region’s most extensive selection of Nordic gear for all levels of skiers.

As interest in backcountry, resort sidecountry, and out-the-door exploring of hilly, snowy terrain grows, traditional Nordic gear continues to evolve and Fitness Fanatics is on top of it. “A lot of current buzz in the Nordic world is around skin skis,” says owner Robin DeRuwe. “Skis like the Atomic Savor are using Skintec technology that uses a built-in mohair skin, mid-ski, that offers better grip compared to traditional kick wax,” she adds. The Savor is part of a package offered at Fitness Fanatics that also includes Atomic’s Shift binding series. These binding offer fore and aft adjustment to give users greater adjustability for grip vs glide performance.

On the boot front, the women’s Vitane Plus and men’s Escape Plus boots from Solomon offer some new technology this year that really makes them the warmest boots out there, says DeRuwe. “They’re at a great price-point but still offer that solid ankle support found in more expensive boots,” she explains.

Both of these boots combined with the Atomic Savor package offer a ton of versatility and all the latest tech for people looking to enter into the sport but not wanting to outgrow their gear after the first few seasons. //

Brad Naccarato is a skier and outdoor industry professional who has been contributing to Out There for over a decade.

Get ready for your

FRIENDS IN SNOW PLACES

BY BRAD NORTHRUP

I’VE BEEN WRITING Out There’s Ski Bum Advice column for several years now, and every so often I get asked, “Where in the heck do you come up with this stuff”? Well, it’s all based on actual experiences, mixed with a touch of exaggeration. This month’s tale is no different. I was at the EWU vs Oregon football game in Eugene this fall and the Garth Brooks original was played at halftime. The entire crowd was singing along, which I thought was a little weird. (Ok, it was a lot weird, since it was, you know . . . Eugene.) Rather than joining them, I came up with my own version, with a winter twist.

**Feel free to sing along in a twangy country voice**

Blame it all on my gang, I showed up in Lange’s And ruined your epic pow day. The last one to burn, the last one to turn I was the last one on the mountain to stay.

And I saw a look of disgrace and shock on his face

When I poached his line in the trees. And I smirked at you, said, "Honey, we may be through But you'll never get my skis."

'Cause I've got friends in snow places,

Where the powder’s deep and the sun chases my blues away. And I'll be OK.

Yeah, I don’t dig on slower paces, Think I'll rip on down to the GS races, Oh, I've got friends in snow places.

Well, I guess I was right, that tree run was tight, But then, I ain’t no rookie. Point ‘em straight down the hill, and try to stay chill With the help of a magic cookie.

Hey, I didn't see that your new man can’t ski.

Think he should stick to groomed snow. Dude, get outta the back seat and turn pies into fries, Then you wouldn’t blow.

'Cause I've got friends in snow places, Where the powder’s deep and the sun chases my blues away.

And I'll be OK.

Yeah, I don’t dig on slower paces, Think I'll rip on down to the GS races, Oh, I've got friends in snow places … //

Brad Northrup is a former ski racer, coach, and ski industry professional. We don’t expect him to be invited to the Country Music Awards anytime soon.

WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT

What makes a good day a great day? Experiencing an inversion on Inspiration. Chatting with a friendly local on the chairlift. Breathtaking views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley. Staying slopeside for easy access to the lifts. Meeting up with friends for après at Ed & Mully’s. Celebrating 75 years on Big Mountain with locals and visitors alike.

We’ve got the skiing and all the ingredients to make your good day on the hill a great one. Plan your trip at SKIWHITEFISH.COM and save on lodging and lift tickets. We’ll see you on the mountain.

NEW CHAIR, FIRST CHAIR

BY CHRIS MACCINI

OPENING DAY of the 2021-2022 ski season

at 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort was a cold, clear December morning. Eager skiers and snowboarders waited in line to board the brand-new, high-speed, detachable quad chairlift, dubbed the Northern Spirit Express. But even the earliest birds that morning had to wait their turn. The first chair on the new lift was reserved for four men who had helped shape 49 Degrees North.

The Northern Spirit Express was built to replace one of the mountain’s three original chairlifts, the old two-seat Chair One, nicknamed “Bonanza.” Built in 1972, Bonanza was the Inland Northwest’s longest chairlift. At over a mile and a quarter, riding Bonanza from top to bottom took nearly 15 minutes. “It was the best available technology in 1972,” says 49 Degrees North general manager Eric Bakken. “But, there's just a better way to do it now.”

Because the chairs on the Northern Spirit Express are detachable, they slow down at the top and bottom for easy loading and unloading. Once passengers are safely seated, the chairs latch onto the high-speed cable and whisk skiers up the mountain at nearly twice the rate of the old chairlift. The trip from the base of 49 Degrees North to the top of Chewelah Peak now takes just seven and a half minutes. “The experience is so much better for people,” says Bakken, “It’s just crazy how much better the experience is.”

FIRST CHAIR HONORS AT 49

The opening of the Northern Spirit Express signaled the beginning of a new era for 49 Degrees North. When it came time to decide who would be given the honor

of that first chair on the new lift, Bakken says it was a no-brainer. The four ceremonial first passengers were Al Voltz, Denny Burmeister, Dan Holman, and John Eminger. “It’s a good thing it’s a quad,” Bakken says. “When you think of 49 Degrees North, these are the four guys.”

Al Voltz first came to Chewelah Peak in 1970. At the time, he was employed as a ski instructor across the Idaho border at Schweitzer. Over on the Washington side, a group of investors and developers known as the Chewelah Basin Ski Corporation were looking to revive skiing on Chewelah Peak after an old single-lift ski hill had closed in 1968. The new investors had flagged areas for new ski runs and three new chairlifts on the densely wooded northern basin of the mountain. But when Voltz arrived, he could tell it was all wrong. “The runs were cut at odd angles, not to the fall line,” Voltz says. “If you had water or a ball and it was running down the mountain, it would follow the path of least resistance. That's how you lay out ski areas or ski runs.”

Voltz found he had a knack for seeing through the dense woods and visualizing where a ski run should be, and he persuaded the owners to completely redesign the layout of the mountain. Voltz was hired as mountain manager, and he personally oversaw the logging and construction that took place over the ensuing two years. When the new resort opened to the public in 1972, Voltz named the majority of the original ski runs. He gave the mountain a theme that honored the history of mining in the Inland Northwest, including the nickname for Chair One, “Bonanza.”

Forty-nine years later, on the other side

of that opening day first chair sat John Eminger. If Voltz was the man behind the original design of the resort, Eminger could claim responsibility for the way the mountain looked now. In 1996, after making some money in real estate in Elko, Nevada, Eminger was looking for a change of pace. His old climbing buddy, Denny Burmeister, had taken over as general manager at 49 Degrees North and suggested that Eminger buy the ski resort. “Yeah, right. Like I can afford a ski area,” Eminger remembers responding. “But my accountant talked to their accountant. My attorney talked to their attorney. Next thing you know, I owned a ski area. And I was like, wow, this is cosmic!”

Over the next six years, Eminger transformed the mountain, adding two new chairs and doubling the amount of skiable terrain. The “Sunrise Quad” debuted in 2005, opening Chewelah Peak’s east basin. And in 2012, a new double chair stretched west all the way up neighboring Angel Peak. Eminger sold the resort to its current owners in 2019, but he still skis there. So what does he think of the new high-speed quad? “It's improved the mountain a hundred percent,” Eminger says. “Because the ride used to be so long, you would tend to just ski the top part of the mountain or some of the shorter lifts. Now with the detachable, I ski top to bottom! Wow, what a big mountain!”

Between the two bookends on the first chair that cold morning in December 2021 were Dan Holman and Denny Burmeister. Holman was one of the original investors and owners of the resort and has remained involved throughout the years. Burmeister, Eminger’s old climbing pal, was hired by

Voltz to run the parking lot and haul garbage during that first ski season in 1972. He then worked his way up to head of the ski patrol and eventually general manager of the entire resort.

That morning, as the first chair reached the summit and crested Chewelah Peak, extending beyond where the old Bonanza chair unloaded, Voltz and fellow Northern Express Quad passengers experienced a top-of-the-mountain welcome like never before. “You can look into the valley to the south,” Voltz says. “It was a beautiful bluebird day, not a cloud in the sky. And I said, holy smokes, look at the view! It was just spectacular to see that. It was unbelievable.”

WHO WILL GRAB FIRST CHAIR HONORS AT LOOKOUT’S NEW QUAD?

49 Degrees North is not the only ski resort in the region building new chairs. This year, Lookout Pass will open a new fixedgrip quad up neighboring Eagle Peak. The expansion will nearly double the amount of skiable terrain at the resort. Matt Sawyer, director of marketing and sales at Lookout Pass, says there will likely be no ceremonial first chair. “It’s gonna be guests,” Sawyer says. “They're the ones who have gotten excited enough about it to be here on that day and to make that a priority in their life.” Which means that first ride honor could go to just about anyone willing to get in line super early. //

Chris Maccini is a writer, editor, audio producer, and skier living in Spokane. He wrote about a classic Northwest sailboat in the July/August 2022 issue of Out There. Read it online at Outthereoutdoors.com.

THE NEW NORTHERN SPIRIT EXPRESS HIGH-SPEED QUAD HAULED ITS FIRST PASSENGERS TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN IN DECEMBER 2021. //

PHOTO: COURTESY OF 49 DEGREES NORTH

GET READY FOR SKI SEASON

BY WIL WHEATON

WE MAY NOT BE RIDING LIFTS or breaking trail up backcountry peaks for several weeks or more, but there’s plenty to do to get ready for the season.

SNOWJAM

PRAY4SNOW PARTY AT MILLWOOD BREWING NOV. 5

There’s nothing like a ski party or two to kick off the season. This fundraiser event helps underprivileged youth (4th-7th grades) in the West Valley School District learn how to ski and snowboard. Dress in ‘80s attire and enjoy a gourmet buffet, ski movies, and buy raffle tickets to win prize boxes. The event runs 5:00-9:45 p.m. and is in partnership with Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park and Millwood Brewing.

INLANDER WINTER PARTY & SNOWLANDER NOV. 11-12

This annual party returns at the Spokane Convention Center with the PowderKeg Brew Festival, regional resorts and ski shops, live music, games and giveaways, and a lively party atmosphere to help usher in another ski and snowboard season. Tickets are $12 and the first 1,500 attendees each day score a free Lookout Pass lift ticket Snowlanderexpo.com.

PRAY FOR SNOW PARTY AT PERRY STREET BREWING NOV. 18

Party down at the 7th annual Pray for Snow bash at Spokane’s Perry Street Brewing (PSB). Prizes for the rad raffle including a grand prize donated by PSB and Spokane Alpine Haus with all funds raised benefitting the South Perry Neighborhood’s T.E.A.M. Grant. In addition to the PSB release of the brewery’s Haute Laps Hazy Pale for the season, you can expect the usual antics: a dance off (start perfecting your best snow dance to win), prizes for the best dressed vintage or creative ski attire, an Electric Photoland photo booth, and more.

GET YOUR BODY READY FOR SKI & SNOWBOARD SEASON

Anything you do over the coming weeks to build strength and prepare your body for the dynamic movements required for skiing and snowboarding will make a huge difference. Sign up for a yoga class, start running, take walks including with hills

with weight in a backpack, or search online for specific exercises that are best for ski or snowboard fitness. If you don’t want to do it alone, NW Mobile PT in Spokane is offering a strength training program to get you ready for shredding up the powder this winter. Dubbed Powder Ready, sessions will run for three weeks at the beginning of December. Each session will focus on instruction in proper technique of the best ski/snowboard exercises and then a circuit training workout to follow. Choose from one or more sessions and take home a sweatshirt for being a part of the program. Learn more at Nwmobilept.com/events/p/ powder-ready.

TUNE YOUR BOARDS

The snow has already been flying in the mountains this season, so it’s time to get reacquainted with the condition of your board(s). For some skiers and snowboarders, maintaining their own gear is an annual ritual that kicks off the season. If you’re new to DIY tuning, find a friend to show you the ropes or check out an online resource like our ski tuning tutorial from a few years back at Outthereoutdoors.com/aski-tuning-tutorial. If you don’t have the time or interest in doing it yourself, get your gear into your local shop tomorrow.

HIKE THE TERRAIN WHERE YOU SKI

It’s not the same thing as laying fresh tracks down your favorite runs, but hiking those resort or backcountry runs pre-season by boot, snowshoe, or with backcountry touring gear like a pair of Altai Hoks if there’s enough snow is a cool way to experience the places where you ski before the season officially starts. It’s also a good way to check your fitness level.

THROW A SKI FILM PARTY

Dust off old DVDs or VHS tapes of ski films long forgotten or stream some new or old favorites for a group of friends in your living room or backyard around a bonfire. Nothing helps build stoke for winter like gathering with your people to share a few brews and watch high energy and creative flicks featuring people way better than you shredding way harder than you in places you’ve never skied or snowboarded. //

PRAY FOR SNOW, DAMMIT.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PERRY STREET BREWING

SCHWEITZER'S GAME CHANGER

OVER THE SUMMER, work began on a new base area at Schweitzer that will change the way day-skiing visitors experience the mountain. The first phase of the project, dubbed the Base Camp project, includes a new chairlift, a 1,400-space parking lot, and a new road that will connect to Schweitzer Mountain Road from the existing roundabout. Construction on phase one is currently underway and expected to be completed for the 2023/2024 season. Future developments in the area will include additional skier services like rentals, SnowSports School, and a day lodge; expanded beginner terrain that will increase Schweitzer’s overall skiable acres from 2,900 acres to approximately 3,050 acres; and three new chairlifts.

SCHWEITZER’S MASTER PLAN & THE BASE CAMP

The Base Camp improvements at Schweitzer are part of the resort’s multiyear master plan that was launched in 2017, and one of the most obvious challenges in recent years is the need for more and better parking. “To keep up with demand and continue providing an exceptional guest arrival experience, we prioritized looking for solutions that directly affected parking and mountain access,” explains mountain operations director Rob Batchelder.

The vision for Base Camp is to become a dedicated area for day guests, perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers and riders, with ample parking and services. “When fully realized, the development of Base Camp will create approximately eight new runs, three new lifts and an additional carpet catering to beginner and intermediate skiers and riders,” adds Batchelder. One of the proposed lifts from Base Camp will connect to the saddle area between Down the Hatch and the top terminal of the Stella lift, making it possible to access the back side of the

mountain without needing to pass through the main village or ride the Great Escape quad. One of the key differentiators for this arrival zone is that the lift and the parking will be on similar elevations, meaning when guests arrive to Base Camp, they will not have to walk up a hill to access the lift—a huge benefit for parents with kids.

NEW HIGH-SPEED QUAD TO REPLACE MUSICAL CHAIRS LIFT

In addition to the new 1,400 parking spots (nearly four times the capacity of the current Fall Line Lot), the coolest piece of the plan especially for families and beginners is the replacement of the Musical Chairs double chairlift.

In the spring of 2022, a down payment was made with Leitner-Poma for the purchase of a new high-speed detachable quad lift, similar to the Cedar Park Express. Alignment for the new Musical Chairs lift will shift to connect Base Camp to the main village, spanning over Schweitzer Creek and ending near the SnowSports School meeting area in the village.

“The installation of a high-speed detachable quad will be a major enhancement for all of our guests,” says Batchelder. “Not only will it be easier for beginner skiers and riders to load and unload, the new lift will increase capacity to 2,400 guests per hour (2-3 times the existing capacity), allowing guests to upload and download safer and more efficiently. It will also provide the opportunity to transport ‘foot passengers’ without skis or snowboards to and from the village, even in summer.” The goal is to have the new Musical Chairs lift operational for the 2023/2024 winter season with access via the Fall Line parking lot, the Village and Happy Trails run, and the new yet-to-benamed run. Learn more about Schweitzer’s master plan at Schweitzer.com/schweitzerlife/master-plan. (OTO) //

HOLIDAY LOCAL

You don’t want to drive all over town trying to shop as local as possible for everyone on your gift list. Hopefully this year’s Local Holiday Gift Guide, which features ideas from many Out There advertisers and other small businesses, will make shopping local a little easier.

BIKING

Support your local bike shop and find gifts to get the ones you love out biking more. Here are a few ideas from some Spokane and North Idaho shops, but you can likely find these or other similar bike gift ideas at bike shops around the Inland Northwest.

SPECIALIZED AIR TOOL SPORT FLOOR PUMP

This economical, all-metal bike tire pump comes with all of the essentials for easy inflation and an accurate reading. The “SwitchHitter” head automatically switches between Schrader and Presta valves, and replacement parts are available to keep it pumping strong for years. ($50 at Wheel Sport.)

SPECIALIZED DEEP WINTER MERINO TALL SOCK

Made for the coldest deep winter riding with a warm blend of polyester and merino wool, this sock offers exceptional warmth and odor protection. Special stitching creates exceptional heat retention and moisture wicking with a calf-height length. ($25 at Wheel Sport.)

CATEYE PADRONE BIKE COMPUTER

From the fast-cruising mountain biker to cyclists with vision challenges, the Padrone has a large display screen that’s easy to read on the fly and set up, which means more time biking and less time fiddling with technology. It covers the most-desired feature bases too: current, average and max speed; trip distance; total distance; elapsed time; a clock; stopwatch; and more. ($55 at Mountain View Cyclery.)

SPECIALIZED FLUX 1250 HEADLIGHT

The newest, top-of-the-line Flux headlight still comes with an optimal beam pattern, many mounting options, and rugged construction, but builds on the 1200 by increasing lumens and runtime and adding helmet and camera-style mounts. ($140 at Wheel Sport in Spokane or Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer in Hayden.)

DIMENSION SUSPENSION SEATPOST

This inexpensive upgrade for a hardtail or ebike will give welcome under-seat suspension to any rider. ($40 at Mountain View Cyclery.)

STOCKING STUFFERS FOR CYCLISTS

These stocking stuffers in the $12-$21 price range are recommended by Mountain

View Cyclery in Hayden, Idaho, as a wel come addition to any cyclist’s sock come Christmas morning: Muc-off tubeless seal ant, Dumonde tech chain lube, Chamois Butt'r, Planet Bike CO2 inflators, misc. energy foods (instead of candy).

SPECIALIZED DEMO PRO PANTS

These downhill-rated mountain bike pants are stretchy, water-repellent, highly breathable, and tough enough to take repeated wipeouts. They are also plenty baggy for layering body armor and pads or a warmer layer for all-year riding. ($130 at Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer.)

ENDURA SINGLETRACK FLEECE JERSEY

A great fall and spring riding jersey option or to be used as a mid-layer on winter rides. The grid-backed fleece balances insulation and breathability, keeping riders warm and sweat-free for the duration of a ride. ($89.99 at North Division Bicycle.)

NITERIDER LUMINA 1200 HEADLIGHT

All the light a rider needs (1,200 lumens) at a price you can afford. This popular headlight is USB rechargeable and lightweight (172 grams), making helmet mounting an option as well as bar mounting. ($100 on sale at North Division Bicycle.)

45NRTH NOKKEN GLOVE

These riding gloves cut the chill out of the cooler weather of shoulder-season rides while still allowing plenty of hand and finger movement without bulky insulation. Soft, grippy suede on the palm improves control and durability while wind-andwater-resistant soft shell fabric on the forehand adds warmth and comfort. ($65 at North Division Bicycle.)

SMITH OUTLIER 2 SUNGLASSES

Based on Smith's bestselling Outlier frame, this version uses bio-based material as well as no-slip nose pads and temple touches for lightweight, 100 percent UV protection sunglasses that stay in place. Available in two lens options, crystal-clear Carbonic and color-boosting ChromaPop. The latter lens offers a smudge-and-moistureresistant coating and ananti-reflective coating that improves clarity and reduces eye strain. ($179 at Shred Sports.)

SOCKGUY WOOL SASQUATCH SOCKS

Shrink-resistant and itch-free, these cool Northwest cryptid icon socks keep feet dry

and warm in all weather conditions with excellent wicking and durability thanks to a wool blend that’s five times stronger than Merino wool alone. ($15.95 at The Bike Hub.)

DEFEET DURAGLOVE ET WOOL GLOVES

These gloves have multi-season, multi-use application for road or MTB riding, running, hiking, and other outdoor sports. Use smartphones and other touch-enabled devices. Durable Cordura Nylon for extra abrasion resistance. ($29.99 at The Bike Hub.)

FOOD AND DRINK

BARATZA ENCORE COFFEE GRINDER

The perfect gift for anyone who would appreciate stepping up their coffee brewing game with a quality grinder. The Baratza Encore features conical burrs and 40 grind adjustments that provide the perfect grind size for any brewing method. ($170 at DOMA Coffee Roasters in Post Falls.)

FELLOW EKG ELECTRIC KETTLE

This beautiful, electric pour-over kettle for coffee lovers has features to match its looks, including a single-degree temperature choice and a precision pour spout with a counter-balanced handle. This kettle will heat water to an exact temperature and hold it there for up to one hour. ($165 at DOMA Coffee Roasters in Post Falls.)

CHRISTMAS MORNING BLEND 2022

This Christmas coffee highlights flavors of rich cocoa and cozy spices with its blend of beans from Colombia, Guatemala, and Sumatra. Inspired by the feeling of waking up on Christmas morning knowing that you get to spend the day celebrating. ($17 at ROAM coffee shops in Medical Lake or North Spokane.)

PAPERLESS PAPER TOWELS

These absorbent, washable, 100 percent flannel paper towels are handmade in Spokane. Beautiful pattern choices will complement any kitchen. Gift for a more sustainable option than disposable paper towels, which often come from logging

wild forests. Prices vary. Order online at Spokane-Made.com.

CHRISTMAS TIN CAMPING STYLE MUG

A 17-oz. metal mug with enamel coating and rolled rim for easy coffee sipping. Each one features an exclusive 2022 Roam Christmas design. ($15 at ROAM coffee shops in Medical Lake or North Spokane.)

WATER SPORTS

CAREFREE BOAT CLUB

The Carefree Boat Club of North Idaho offers members unlimited access to a variety of quality boats. With 95+ locations, members can visit and enjoy boats nationwide. A great gift for the whole family. Details at Northidaho.carefreeboats.com or call 208-929-8617.

NRS GREEN KNIFE

The compact, convenient NRS Green Knife folds up to fit in your life jacket, shirt, paddling top or pants pocket, and stays put with a spring clip. A tough, all-purpose boating and camping knife that opens with one hand and holds a clean edge. The 2 1/8" blunt-tip, stainless steel locking blade is big enough for nearly any task. ($39.95 at NRS headquarters in Moscow, Idaho, or online.)

AQUAPAC WATERPROOF PHONE CASE

Phone protection from water, dirt, dust, and sand that still lets a person talk, listen, and operate controls right through the case. Made from 100 percent recyclable polyurethane, it’s thinner and stays flexible when it's cold, making it easier to operate equipment inside the case. The patented lever closure system makes the case waterproof down to 30 feet, and the case should float with a phone inside. ($34.95 at NRS headquarters in Moscow, Idaho, or online.)

NRS WOMEN'S SILKWEIGHT HOODIE DRESS

Ultralight and breezy, like a sarong, but better. This stylish river dress combines breathable comfort and advanced sun protection. Made from 100 percent recycled material, the technical fabric enhances the body's natural cooling process by wicking

GIFTGUIDE

excess moisture and drying quickly while also providing UPF 50+ sun protection. ($74.95 at NRS headquarters in Moscow, Idaho, or online.)

KAVU

WOMEN'S GIRL PARTY SHIRT

This shirt is the ultimate women’s river shirt: paddle in it, party in it, live in it on the beach. This classic button-up is 100 percent organic cotton with a men’s shirt cut for roomy comfort. ($50 at NRS headquarters in Moscow, Idaho, or online.)

BOOKS, ART, AND UNIQUE GIFTS

CRYSTALS, PENDANTS, GEMSTONES, AND JEWELRY AT MY CRYSTAL STOP

My Crystal Stop has hundreds of pendants from local artists and around the world plus amethyst displays, crystals, jewelry, and more. For a unique gift, try a Crystal Mystery Box with a mix of rocks, crystals, minerals, and other cool stuff (between five and 25 items per box, starting at $29). Shop at the store at 12120 N Market Street on the northside of Spokane or at mycrystalstop.com.

BOOKS FROM AUNTIE’S BOOKSTORE

Auntie’s Bookstore downtown Spokane next to Uncle’s Games, Puzzles, & More has a huge selection of new and used books for all reading interests, including a large children’s book selection. A few recommended books for outdoor lovers:

• “The Bears Ears: A Human History of America's Most Endangered Wilderness,” by acclaimed adventure writer David Roberts. This book, a mix of personal memoir and archival research, is a personal and historical exploration of the Bears Ears country of southeast Utah and the fight to save a national monument ($18.95).

• “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. In this New York Times Bestseller, Kimmerer, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, brings her two lenses of knowledge together to show how other living beings we share this planet with offer us gifts and lessons, even if we've forgotten how to hear their voices ($20).

KIZURI FAIR-TRADE GIFTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Located on Main Street on downtown Spokane’s east end, Kizuri is a treasuretrove of fair-trade gifts from over 40 countries around the world, including unique items for just about any person and any occasion. Here are a few favorites for the holidays.

• Recycled Silk Placemats: These beautiful placemats are hand-woven from recycled silk sari material on a strong cotton backing. Bright, beautiful, and sturdy, these will last for years and work well on a table or to brighten up a dresser ($11.50).

• Botanical Triangle Earrings: These beautiful "eco-resin" earrings are made by artisans from the central mountainous Andean region in Colombia. The resins are made from waste products created in other industries, like discarded pine bark stripped at lumber mills, and then dotted with beautiful, real florals and leaves. Ear wires are 24k gold-plated ($42).

• Tibetan Flower Journal: A beautiful, 100-page journal with handmade Lokta paper, an environmentally-friendly, treefree paper made from the bark of the regenerating Daphne bush. The cover features a traditional Tibetan floral design. This Tibetan-made journal is great for gardeners, frequent writers, or for a guest book or personalized photo album ($22).

• Bike Bookends: Give the cyclist in your life these unique bookends made of hand-painted, recycled iron. Handmade in Moradabad, India, these bookends will turn a stack of books into an organized expression of love for the outdoors ($36).

• Animal Print Beaded Earrings: A love of animals finds expression with these fun, beaded earrings. Made with glass seed beads and gold-plated French ear wires, these beauties are handmade in Guatemala ($32).

MERLYN’S COMICS, GAMES, & BOOKS

Merlyn’s is an iconic downtown Spokane shop full of unique gift ideas, including board games, graphic novels, comics, Magic The Gathering cards, and more. One of the many recommended board

games Merlyn’s carries is CATAN, a modern classic that is available worldwide in over 40 languages, where players take on the roles of settlers and attempt to build and develop holdings while trading and acquiring resources and gaining points as their settlements grow.

WILDLAND COOPERATIVE NATIVE PLANT SHIRTS AND SWEATSHIRTS

The perfect gift for anyone who loves Inland Northwest native plants and the places where they grow, Northwest Native Plant apparel includes quality shirts and sweatshirts with designs that are handdrawn and screen-printed locally. A popular option that will be back in stock for the holidays is the “Plants of Mount Spokane” design, featuring bear grass, fragile fern, ocean spray, and other native plants on a crewneck sweatshirt. ($54 at the Wildland Cooperative market at Green Bluff or online at wildlandcoop.com.)

FUN GIFTS, BOOKS, AND TOYS AT BOO RADLEY’S

Since 1993, Boo Radley’s in downtown Spokane has been the place to find cool, thoughtful, and fun gifts. A few recommendations this holiday season include 11-oz. mugs with Spokane-themed artwork featuring designs by local artists Ken Spiering, Harold Balazs, and Chris Bovey. Choose from the garbage goat, red wagon, or “transcend the B.S.” ($15.95 each). Also check out Groovy Things socks, which are, well, groovy. More than a pair of socks, you’ll be giving laughs with these attention-grabbing foot coverings that feature humorous slogans such as “It’s not a dad bod. It’s a father figure” ($11.95-$13.95). The Illuminidol Celebrity Prayer Candles feature a wide range of modern-day celebrities including actors, characters, sports figures, musicians, and public figures portrayed on a candle that’s reminiscent of traditional 8” glass prayer candles ($13.95).

ATTICUS COFFEE & GIFTS (downtown Spokane): A great coffee shop with a ton of gifts such as tea, stickers, books, wine, vintage Spokane posters, mugs, and more.

WONDERS OF THE WORLD (Flour Mill downtown Spokane): With a feel like a museum when you step inside (there’s a 50,000-yearold cave bear skeleton and life-sized replica of a T-Rex skull on display), this must-experience Spokane shop has imported gifts from around the world, jewelry, beads, toys, art, gemstones, and unique gifts like beautifully-designed, leather-bound journals; wind chimes; rock salt lamps; and so much more.

KIDS AND PARENTS

HAVOC MINI SCOOTER

Built for children or smaller riders, this scooter is the smaller but just as quality version of the Havoc Storm with a 15" long deck and 15" tall bars. ($151.99 at Shred Sports.)

TUBBS SNOWBALL JUNIOR SNOWSHOES

Instill a love of winter at a young age with the Tubbs Snowball, the perfect snowshoe for kids ages 4-8. The QuickLock binding is secure and comfortable while providing easy on and off functionality for kids and parents alike. ($49.95 at Fitness Fanatics.)

RC SUBMARINE

This realistic, 1:40 scale submarine will provide hours of fun for kids and adults. Set it sailing in a hot tub, bath tub, lake, or mellow saltwater. You can make it submerge, surface, and go forward, backward, left, and right with the remote-control handset. The sub has a lithium battery and charges by plugging into the remote, which is powered by four AA batteries. ($59.99 at The General Store on Division in Spokane or online.)

CAT KID COMIC CLUB SERIES

A graphic novel from the Creator of Dog Man, the excitement and imagination run wild in this series. Award-winning author and illustrator Dav Pilkey employs a variety of techniques including origami, acrylic paints, colored pencils, photography, collage, gouache, watercolors, and more to capture the creative and joyful spirit of collaboration. The variety of art styles, paired with Pilkey's trademark storytelling and humor, inspires imagination and innovation for readers of all ages. ($12.99 at Auntie’s Bookstore in Spokane.)

L.L.A.M.A. CARD GAME

In L.L.A.M.A., ages 8-adult, you want to dump cards from your hand as quickly as you can, but you might not be able to play what you want. Do you quit and freeze your hand or draw and hope to keep playing? The game ends on the round that at least one player has 40 or more total points, and whoever has the fewest points wins. ($9.99 at Uncles Games, Puzzles, & More in Spokane.)

NATURE BOUND ROCK TUMBLER KIT

This tumbler is designed for kids to have a faster gemstone polishing experience (half the normal time). The kit is easy to use for all ages and comes with everything a budding young rock hound needs, including the tumbler, three types of unpolished gemstones, and polishing powder. A great gift for kids, families, or teachers. ($52.99 at the General Store on Division in Spokane.)

CRAZY AARON’S SUPER LAVA THINKING PUTTY

Thinking Putty helps build hand and finger strength through a fabulous tactile play experience with unique, unexpected properties and provides relaxing, yet stimulating, interaction for anyone with sensory integration issues. The color of lava depends on its temperature and will change shades as it cools, and this Super Lava putty shifts from bright orange to crimson copper, then dark brown to reddish black. It’s a non-toxic, silicone blend and won't dry out or leave a sticky or slippery residue behind. ($13.99 at Uncles Games, Puzzles, & More in Spokane.)

KIDZLABS CATAPULT MAKING KIT

Kids ages eight and up can build a catapult modelled after the medieval weapon of war with this fun and educational kit. The completed catapult is capable of launching a ball as far as 15 feet. The kit includes everything you need to build a catapult as well as two projectile balls and is safe for indoor and outdoor use with no batteries required. ($14.99 at Uncles Games, Puzzles, & More in Spokane.)

SPIROGRAPH SCRATCH & SHIMMER

Create amazing Spirograph art with this scratch design set. Use the stylus tool with glitter wheel and gears to scratch designs on the special sparkle or rainbow scratch

paper. You can also use your own pens to draw spirograph designs on regular paper. ($18.99 at The General Store on Division in Spokane and online.)

WHIZ KIDS TOYS

This local shop in Riverpark Square downtown Spokane sells quality, smart toys that are fun and engaging. Find puzzles, games, stuffies, science kits, and other fun learning toys, plus a selection of books.

WINTER SPORTS

Find these and other ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and Nordic ski gift ideas at local ski and outdoor gear shops around the Inland Northwest. Also check out page 43 for more of this season’s best ski and snowboard gear.

SKIING/SNOWBOARDING GIFT CARD

Winter isn’t the time to hibernate. Give someone you love a gift card for lift tickets or a season pass at one of the Inland Northwest’s five local ski and snowboard resorts. Check your favorite resort for holiday lift ticket specials.

DAKINE HELI PRO 20L BACKPACK

This compact, backcountry-capable pack has enough room for big and small winter backcountry adventures if you pack right. This do-it-all pack is loaded with features demanded by backcountry or slackcountry exploration, including snow tool sleeves, a large fleece-lined goggle pocket, and hydration sleeve that doubles as laptop storage off the mountain. ($100 at Shred Sports in Spokane.)

SMITH VANTAGE HELMET

A techie ski and snowboard helmet that’s both protective and comfortable. It’s got MIPS energy-absorbing impact protection and it includes 21 vents with dual adjustability that lets you fine-tune airflow to meet the conditions. It also has the ability to micro-adjust the size around the whole head with the turn of dial as well as Smith’s AirEvac system for a fog-free goggle interface. ($270 at Spokane Alpine Haus on Spokane’s South Hill.)

CRAFT CORE DRY BASELAYER SET

This affordable, versatile base layer set includes a long-sleeved top and long johns

channel-knitted fabric set provides excellent moisture transport and body-temperature management during winter workouts at temperatures in the 20-40 F range. ($69.99 at Fitness Fanatics in Spokane Valley.)

VOILÉ 2022 WOMEN’S REVELATOR SPLITBOARD

This board’s relative width, robust flex, long camber area, early-rise nose, and tapered tail all help it take on whatever backcountry lines the lady shredder on your list wants to hit. Plus, the topsheet artwork by Kylee Firlit is really something to gaze upon. ($749.99 at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane.)

HOK SKIS FROM ALTAI SKIS

The Hok, from Northeast Washingtonbased Altai Skis, is designed as an easyto-use ski for the backcountry. Its short, wide dimensions makes the ski incredibly maneuverable, and the integrated climbing skin gives the Hok great traction for climbing. The right balance of running base and skin material makes the ski’s downhill speed manageable and easy to control, and it has metal edges for durability. Bridging cross-country skis and snowshoes, the Hok combines the maneuverability and ease-of-use found in snowshoes with the ski’s efficiency of sliding forward rather than lifting and stepping with each stride. Several binding options are available and sold separately. ($249.95 available online at Us-store.altaiskis.com.)

FLYLOW BAKER BIBS

What powder chaser wouldn’t want a pair of these beauties? These three-layer bibs are at home in deep, lift-served or backcountry powder, but are also loose-fitting and comfortable enough to dance the night away in them in the resort bar. Made from waterproof Surface three-layer fabric, there are plenty of pockets, reinforced cuffs, and big inner and outer thigh vents for heart-pumping climbs. A DWR coating will keep them drier longer in the elements. ($430 at Spokane Alpine Haus on Spokane’s South Hill.)

TUBBS WAYFINDER SNOWSHOES

These popular snowshoes feature a bind-

ing that integrates the heel strap with the lace, encompassing your foot with a simple turn of the dial to provide optimal fit and comfort. The decking provides plenty of flotation on soft snow, and in icy or sloped conditions the toe and heel crampons minimize slipping. The perfect snowshoe for flat and rolling terrain. ($199.95 at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane.)

CAMPING/RUNNING/ HIKING/CLIMBING

THERM-A-REST TRAIL PRO PAD

This sleeping pad provides exceptional comfort and warmth (4.4 R-value) on backcountry adventures all year long. The self-inflating foam is three inches thick and features a design that provides the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any self-inflating foam pad. ($169.95 at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane.)

LA SPORTIVA WOMEN’S MYTHOS ECO CLIMBING SHOES

A re-edition of a classic climbing shoe made with eco-friendly materials. This shoe delivers amazing versatility and performance with the soft, unlined leather upper adapting to whatever shape your foot is. Great for all-day climbing and crack climbing with its low-profile toes, flat fit, and the overall neutral round shape of the shoe. ($149.99 at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane.)

BIG AGNES BLACKTAIL HOTEL 3 TENT

This beauty of a tent sleeps three in comfort out on the trail and features a massive, sideentry vestibule attached to the fly for bikes, climbing gear, packs, or a hound. Double doors and the additional dry storage make backcountry trips with a well-seasoned partner or two more manageable. ($349.99 at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane.)

ENO DOUBLENEST PRINT HAMMOCK

Who doesn’t need a hammock, or a second one, for that matter? The soft fabric of this classic hammock is breathable and dries fast. The extended hammock body give one person more elbow room and there’s enough room for two. The DoubleNest is light and packs to the size of a grapefruit with the built-in stuff sack. The internal stash pocket holds a phone or provisions.

ENO hammock straps, stands, bug nets, rain tarps, and insulation systems are sold separately to glamp out this hammock. ($84.95 at REI Spokane.)

NOXGEAR TRACER 2 LED LIGHT VEST

This light-up vest will help keep runners safe during the early dark hours of winter. Thislightweight vest has multi-colored LED fiber optics, ultra-reflective 3M patterns, and fluorescence to give you 360 degrees of visibility from up to a quarter of a mile away. It fits over normal running clothes including winter clothing and small accessories like hydration packs with a weightless and natural feel with no bouncing. USB-C rechargeable. ($60 at Fleet Feet Spokane stores.)

TRAILS OF THE WILD SELKIRKS GUIDE (new 3rd edition)

An extensive update to this classic guide to the more than 170 trails in the southern Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington and North Idaho, this book is a must-have addition to any avid Inland Northwest hiker’s guidebook library. Pick up a copy online from Sandpoint-based Keokee Books at Keokeebooks.com ($22).

LIFE FLIGHT NETWORK

This practical gift is the investment in the health and safety of any skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, hunters, or adventuring families. As a member of Life Flight, the member and their family may be transport-

ed at no cost when medically necessary due to an emergency by Life Flight Network. ($79 annually per household.)

BEDROCK SANDALS

In an evolution of the adventure sandal, this Missoula, Mont., company builds light, comfortable, and tough sandals that will live up to whatever trails and rivers you throw at them. Available at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane and Hyperspud Sports in Moscow (prices vary).

YETI RAMBLER COLSTER 12-OZ. CAN INSULATOR

A sleeker upgrade to the original design, the size is perfect for soft drinks and, of course, beer. A great gift for anyone who puts value on enjoying their favorite beverages at camp or out on the boat and wants to keep them colder for longer. ($25.49 at The General Store on Division in Spokane.)

BUCK KNIVES 040 ONSET KNIFE

Modern, sleek, and tough, the 040 Onset is the ultimate everyday knife. With a black G10 front handle scale and stainless-steel frame, this frame lock provides security and strength when in use. Ball bearings and a blade flipper ensure a smooth, one-hand opening, while a removable clip allows for easy carry. ($179.99 at The General Store on Division St. in Spokane.)

Gifts, JewelryTreasures, & More!

HOME IN THE NW FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays are just around the corner, and plenty of magic is in the works at events around the Inland Northwest. Here are a few festive activities to help you and your family get into the holiday spirit.

SPOKANE AREA

• Northwest Winterfest (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, December 2 through January 1) is the brightest, shining holiday lantern display and cultural celebration in the Inland Northwest. This year, the displays, entertainment, and activities are moving indoors at the Spokane Valley Spokane Fair and Expo Center where your self-guided walking tour takes you through crafted lighted lanterns celebrating winter, whimsy, holidays, and traditions from here and throughout the world. Tickets: $9.90-$12.90. Northwestwinterfest.com

• The Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival (December 10-11) returns to the Bing Crosby Theater for two days of favorites, including “White Christmas” and live entertainment from Bing’s nephew, Howard Crosby, the Zonky Jazz Band, and the Irish trio Affiniti. Bingcrosbytheater.com

• The 8th annual Winter Glow Spectacular (November 19-January 1) is a self-guided tour through a stunning community light display that aims to bring back the spirit of the holidays. The tours through Orchard Park in Liberty Lake are free for everyone, but donations are accepted. Winterglowspectacular.com

NORTH IDAHO

• Holiday Lighting Ceremony Parade & Holiday Light Show (November 25-January 2) in Coeur d’Alene is a favorite tradition in North Idaho. The 30th annual parade and fireworks show on November 25 launches the lighting of over one million lights throughout downtown and on the lake. View them throughout the month. Cdaresort.com/holidaylight-show

• Hometown Holidays Festival (December 2-3 and 9-11) in Wallace is the perfect getaway to experience the holidays in Silver Valley’s most scenic and historic mountain town. Get your picture taken with Santa and then join him for breakfast. Enjoy pet and lighted parades, craft shopping, live theater, hay rides, and more all in the storybook setting of this 1890s mining town. Wallaceid.fun

• The Post Fallidays Tiny Tree Festival (December 3 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.) is a fun and festive brunch (with a mimosa bar!) hosted by local community organizations at the Red Lion Templins. Bid on a lineup of creative tiny trees to benefit the community and non-profits. Postfallschamber.com/events

• This premier Festival of Trees & Holiday Gala (December 10) kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Priest River Event Center with Santa photos and crafts for kids. Newporthospitalandhealth. org/event/festival-of-trees

• The Festival at Sandpoint is putting on the Orchestra Winter Concert featuring an afternoon of classical music, pop tunes, and holiday caroling favorites (Monday, Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m.) at the East Bonner County Library Festivalatsandpoint.com

• The Kootenai County Farmers’ Markets Winter Market (December 17 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.) will be held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds with the best locally crafted, grown, and produced products for all your gifting and holiday needs. Kootenaifarmersmarkets.org

• Ski with Santa at Schweitzer (December 23-24). Glide down the slopes with Santa, then meet up with him in the village before he launches his trip around the world! Schweitzer. com/event/ski-with-santa

OREGON

• Enterprise Winterfest Celebration (December 10) in the Wallowa Mountains of northeast Oregon will include kids’ activities, Santaland, a light parade, and other activities in celebration of winter and the holiday season. Enterpriseoregon.org

MONTANA

• The Christmas Stroll in historic downtown Whitefish (December 9) is a long-standing community tradition filled with holiday music, photos with Santa, caroling, tree lighting, street artisans, and food vendors. Whitefishchamber.org/christmas-stroll. //

Amethyst Displays

Gemstones & Jewelry

Mystery Boxes

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WALLACE CHAMBER

KEEPING IT REAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

15 WAYS TO BRING MORE JOY TO YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON

BY OLIVIA DUGENET

THE HOLIDAY SEASON is rich with old tradition. For ages, people have been collectively fascinated with this particular time of year. Yet the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that today, 64 percent of American adults experience the “holiday blues,” or feelings of anxiety and sadness associated with extra stress and unrealistic expectations.

It is possible to re-enchant the holidays by grounding celebrations in the physical world. Evidence shows that time spent outdoors matters to our health. “Biophilia means we are wired to be connected to nature—that there's something healthy about having nature either in our presence or us being present in nature,” says Dr. Brent Bauer, of the Mayo Clinic. “If biophilia delivers benefits to humans,” says Psychology Today, “then our increased distance and detachment from the natural world, due to urbanization, technological advances, and other factors, could have negative effects on our well-being—not to mention on nature itself.”

The way we spend time indoors also matters. Just the act of coming in from the cold offers a surge of endorphin-laced coziness. To work more of that feeling into your holidays, stock up on candles, hot tea, and wood for the fireplace. Bake a pie or make a pot of soup, and invite friends or family to share it. A sweet spot exists at this balancing point where cold, active pursuits meet a kind of restful, glowing warmth.

This concept of harmony between cold and cozy is not new. Cold, nature-embracing regions in Europe make an art of coziness, like the Danish hygge (hoo-gah), Norwegian koselig (koosh-lee), and Swedish mys (mees). According to the World Happiness Index, these countries continually rank as the happiest places in the world though they endure immense darkness and brutal cold. Journalist David G. Allen claims that “darkness and isolation can be celebrated because they provide the need for their relief. The act of creating our own light and warmth produces peace and contentment.” What could embody a down-to-earth spirit of holiday joy better than that?

ENJOY COZY THINGS

• In The Book of Difficult Fruit, Spokane author Kate Lebo writes, “Recipes are rituals that promise transformation. They blend the precision of an instruction manual with the faith of a spell . . ..” Such a notion transforms holiday cooking into an act of actual magic. This is perhaps especially true when it comes to traditional holiday pie baking. Another of Lebo’s books, A Commonplace Book of Pie, will bring the fruits of the outdoors into your kitchen, and into the bodies and souls of all

SEEK OUT COZY VIBES

those lucky enough to enjoy a few forkfuls of the final product. Lebo’s books are available at Auntie’s Bookstore in Spokane.

• Find locally-sourced foods for your holiday meals at Lincfoods.com. Cook slowly. Remember, it’s magic.

• Spokane-based Revival Tea Company creates flavorful blends. The strawberry green tea will keep springtime alive in your heart and nourish and revive your body at the same time.

• Visit these cozy-vibe hot spots in Spokane: Atticus Coffee, Revival Tea Tasting Room, Wooden City, the Europa Restaurant lounge, Rockwood Bakery, The Gilded Unicorn and many more in Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, and around the region. Seek them out and share with friends.

• Add a solstice celebration to the holiday mix. On December 21, string up dried orange slices to represent the sun. (Hang them high, or your dog might eat them.) Decorate a yule log with juniper, orange slices and string, and then light it on fire

to usher sunlight back into the world.

• Knit or crochet something cozy. Stroll through Paradise Fibers on Indiana Street for inspiration and good quality wool.

• Visit a hot spring. Endure the cold plunge before sinking into the steamy waters. Ainsworth and Radium Hot Springs, both in British Columbia, are two of my favorites.

• Buying local is good for the community and the planet. Shop Terrain’s BrrZAAR (Dec. 17 at River Park Square) for local art, and Greenbluff for pumpkins, Christmas trees and other goodies.

•Embrace and Find Fun in the Cold. We’ve got so many mountains! Downhill or Nordic skiing? Snowboarding? Sledding? It’s all right there.

•The Annual BRRC Turkey Trot celebrates outdoor holiday fun and community generosity. There’s no entry fee, though cash or food donations for Second Harvest Food Bank will be accepted at the event on Thanksgiving morning.

•Take the classic Thanksgiving to Christmas fitness challenge: run (or do another activity) for at least 1 mile per day every day from Thanksgiving Day to Christmas Day, no matter what the weather throws at you.

•Make Christmas tree hunting an outdoor event by traveling to a nearby public forest and cutting the perfect evergreen. An inexpensive permit is required for cutting a Christmas tree on federal and state lands.

• Bundle up. Take walks. Invite friends. Bring dogs.

• Give outdoor-oriented gifts such as season passes for a local mountain, a Mt. Spokane SnoPass and a pair of snow shoes, or make donations to the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy or The Lands Council in honor of someone you love.

• The CDA Polar Bear Plunge happens every year on New Year’s Day. Science claims winter swimming has potential health benefits, including positive effects on the cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems as well as on the psyche. However, it also comes with risk of hypothermia and death, so if you give it a try, don’t go alone. An occasional wild dip can be invigorating. Experts recommend gradual acclimatization for folks who want to make a habit of it. //

Olivia Dugenet is a writer and nonprofit professional living in Spokane. She wrote “Camping With Bears” in the July/Aug 2022 issue of Out There.

Winter Wonderland

Ski Resorts

Mountain Towns

HEADING NORTH JUST GOT EASIER

by Carol Corbin

Vaccine, testing, and mask requirements lifted for B.C. adventures this winter

IN LATE AUGUST of 2021, I slid my enhanced driver’s license out the window of the car to the masked border guard at the Paterson crossing. The border had just opened back up and I was headed north from Washington into British Columbia. After chatting long-distance with a charming Canadian for eight or nine months, a halfway open border meant we finally got to meet in person. But with the pandemic still raging, crossing the border was complicated with a proof of vaccination and a negative PCR test requirement plus filling out an ArriveCan app form. Nevertheless, I made the trip often.

Over the course of the year, despite the ever-changing covid-related requirements, I found amazing rail trails, beautiful hikes, pristine kayaking destinations, cozy hot springs, good food, hockey (real Canadian hockey), prolific bear scat, and adventures galore. And that charming Canadian, eh? Still worth the effort.

As of October 1, 2022, however, the Canadian government lifted all COVID-related restrictions, meaning border crossings this winter for snowy adventures, and in my case visiting a specific Canadian, will be pretty much back to normal. The ArriveCan app still exists, but is now designed to act as a declaration form. The Border Patrol officers require only an enhanced driver’s license or passport and ask all the standard questions. With easier border crossings and an exchange rate that means you’ll get 25-30 percent off on everything you buy up there, the time to head north is now.

SOUTHEAST BRITISH COLUMBIA WINTER DESTINATIONS

IT’S BEEN HARD THESE PAST FEW PANDEMIC YEARS for those of us who can’t get enough of B.C. singletrack, powder, backcountry, and hot springs, not to mention the kind people, captivating communities, and killer food and craft beverages. Now with border restrictions eased and the exchange rate favoring the American dollar by 25-30 percent, it’s time to plan your BC winter adventures for the coming season. Grab your boards, snowshoes, or XC gear, dust off your passport or enhanced driver’s license, and head north!

SKI & SNOWBOARD

APEX MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Penticton, B.C.

Summit: 7,175 ft.

RESORTS

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; over 12,000 acres of backcountry/slackcountry 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 + T-bar and 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: 16

Patrolled area: 2,765 acres

Vertical: 2,550 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: The second-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 and bars and plenty of off-the-slopes fun; super family friendly with new magic carpet and 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.

Snowfall: 30 ft.

From Spokane: 5 hours

Why Go: Fernie is an action-packed, realdeal ski town with seemingly endless resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding; the views of jagged Rocky Mountain peaks above town will blow your mind.

KICKING HORSE

Location: Golden, B.C.

Summit: 8,218 ft.

Lifts: 4

Skiable acres: 3,486

Vertical: 4,314 ft.

Snowfall: 24 ft.

Inbounds chutes: 85+

From Spokane: 6.5 hours

Why Go: New terrain was added in 2018; 60% advanced & expert terrain including 85+ inbounds chutes; and the fifth-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.

Snowfall: 13 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: Some of the sunniest skiing and riding in the Kootenays; over 40% of the terrain is intermediate; 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; super unique community ski hill vibe.

RED MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Rossland, B.C.

Summit: 6,807 ft.

Longest Run: 4.3 miles

Lifts: 8

Skiable Acres: 3,850

Vertical: 2,919 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 300 inches

From Spokane: 3 hours

Why Go: New Topping Chairlift and terrain have eased occasional Motherlode Chair traffic jams; $10/run in-bounds cat-skiing; epic tree-skiing and in-bounds steeps; nearly 82% of the terrain is intermediate to advanced; new on-mountain lodging options including the Nowhere Special Hostel and new and unique onmountain Constella Cabins on the backside of Granite 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 lift and beginner terrain added in 2019/20.

SALMO SKI HILL

Location: Salmo, B.C.

Annual Snowfall: Plenty

From Spokane: 3 hours

Why Go: Fully-lit night skiing; great family-friendly terrain with a rowdy t-bar; old-school community ski hill 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 midmountain village; all-inclusive lift ticket includes access to alpine slopes, Nordic trails, tubing, ice skating, and fat bike and snowshoe trails; B.C.’s third-largest resort and 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 second-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: 4

Skiable Acres: 2,367

Vertical: 2,044 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 40 ft.

From Spokane: 3 hours

Why Go: 40 feet of Kootenay pow fall here annually (on average); 55% advanced inbounds terrain and incredible lift-accessed backcountry; friendly vibe, no cell service, legendary food, and proximity to Nelson, B.C.’s one-of-a-kind mountain town amenities.

HOT SPRINGS

AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS RESORT

A short drive north from Nelson, the natural hot springs 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 the Ktunaxa Nation of Creston, B.C. Ainsworth Hot Springs includes warm, mineral-rich waters in a pool and a natural cave without the sulfur odor associated with some hot springs. There’s also a cold plunge pool, stunning views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains, and onsite hotel and excellent Ktunaxa Grill restaurant. 4 hours from Spokane.

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT

Canada’s largest natural mineral hot spring with views of the Canadian Rockies. Resort includes a hot pool, large warm swimming pool, and dive pool. There are 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., is on the way to Revelstoke and an incredible destination all its own.

STEEP & DEEP AT FERNIE ALPINE RESORT. // PHOTO COURTESY OF TOURISM FERNIE

SOUTHEAST BRITISH COLUMBIA WINTER DESTINATIONS, CONT.

Enjoy mineral-rich natural hot spring pools, kid's spray park, and majestic lakeside views of the Monashee Mountains. Multiple on-site lodging options and the highly praised Alcédo restaurant. 5.5 hours from Spokane.

NAKUSP HOT SPRINGS

This community-owned hot springs in the Selkirk Mountains near the village of Nakusp and Upper Arrow Lake consists of two pools (one warm, one hot) fed by nearby natural springs. Rental chalets, camping, and snowshoeing trails are nearby. 5.25 hours from Spokane.

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. 5.5 hours from Spokane.

FAT BIKING

You can find fat biking trails, shared Nordic trails, and rentals at many of the ski resorts listed in this guide, but some of the best singletrack winter bike trails are being groomed in and around Rossland, Cranbrook, and Fernie, B.C.

ROSSLAND, B.C.

Ride over 12k of machine-groomed trails around Rossland including loops pieced together from the Centennial Trailhead, Red Mountain Resort, or in town from Revolution Cycles. Stop by Revolution Cycles for fat biking trail maps and local advice or for bike rental or gear needs. The Redstone Golf Course in Rossland also has another 7k of groomed fat biking trails. There are typically ridable sections of trail (depending on conditions) on both sides of the highway at the Seven Summits Trail trailhead too.

FERNIE, B.C

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 12k of groomed multi-use trails at Fernie Alpine Resort. Book a “learn to fatbike” session at Fernie Alpine Resort and spend a few hours with an experienced guide. Visit Tourismfernie.com for updated trail and grooming info and a winter recreation map or stop by one of the local bike shops for recommendations.

CRANBROOK, B.C.

Cranbrook has valley terrain that is similar to Spokane and North Idaho, with plenty of flats and rolling hills that make for a great groomed fat bike trails system. Grooming typically happens in the South Star Cross Country Ski Area and the Cranbrook Community Forest, with up to 60-70k of trails groomed each winter that include options for all levels of riders. Check out Trailforks, the Wildhorse Cycling Club, or Cranbrook Community Forest Society Facebook pages, or Gerick Sports for trail beta and updates.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

British Columbia has over 50 Nordic skiing areas across the province, with many of them located within an hour or two from the U.S. border. Most alpine ski and snowboard resorts have groomed cross-country trails, and many communities have additional cross-country trail systems that are regularly groomed with excellent facilities and nearby amenities.

SILVERSTAR RESORT/SOVEREIGN LAKE NORDIC CENTRE

Canada's largest network of daily-groomed cross-country ski trails begins at the SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon, B.C. Connected to SilverStar’s 55k of worldclass 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 1.5k of lit trails for night skiing.

Black Jack Ski Club Trails

Five minutes north 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 crosscountry trails around Fernie, from beginner circuits to advanced trails. 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.

BACKCOUNTRY

Scoring untracked backcountry powder on skis or a splitboard in the KootenayRockies region of B.C. can take on many forms, from earning your turns on day tours, fully-catered hut trips, and verticalmaximizing cat ski or heli ski adventures (avalanche/backcountry gear, training, and awareness are essential). These popular skitouring meccas offer endless opportunities to start exploring on your own.

KOOTENAY PASS: Just north of the border near Salmo and Creston, this popular backcountry area can get crowded on weekends. Excellent terrain, reliable snow, and avalanche risks abound on both sides of the highway.

WHITEWATER SKI RESORT: Whitewater’s spectacular in-bounds riding is just the beginning of what this gateway to backcountry terrain has to offer those equipped to access the powder fields and steeps you can’t see from the lodge.

ROSSLAND/RED MOUNTAIN RESORT: There are plenty of backcountry ski tours in the Rossland Range as well as lift-accessed touring possibilities from the resort. Check RED’s backcountry page for any updates to their touring policy and visit Backcountry Skiing Canada’s Rossland page for more info.

FERNIE: The long season and jagged Rocky Mountain peaks around Fernie make for dramatic ski touring and splitboarding out of the resort and other nearby alpine areas. Two local cat skiing operations make for a great guided option to explore the backcountry.

ROGERS PASS: This legendary backcountry destination between Revelstoke and Golden demands respect and a keen awareness of avalanche dangers. The big mountain terrain has gained a reputation that attracts skiers from around the world.

BACKCOUNTRYSKIINGCANADA.COM: This treasure trove of backcountry ski and splitboarding route recommendations, forums, and other valuable information and resources will help you explore B.C.’s wide range of backcountry options wisely. //

BASECAMP CRANBROOK

by Derrick Knowles

TWO HOURS NORTH of Sandpoint, Cranbrook, B.C., is an ideal basecamp for a wide range of winter adventures with dramatic views of the Canadian Rockies. There’s alpine skiing and snowboarding at two nearby world-class resorts as well as fat biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling trails on the edge of town. The city of approximately 20,000 with a historic downtown also offers plenty of lodging, unique eateries, and late-night options.

TWO POWDER HIGHWAY RESORTS

Known as the sunshine capitol of B.C. and situated along the famed Powder Highway, Cranbrook is within easy driving distance of two resorts: Kimberley Alpine Resort (25 minutes away) and Fernie Alpine Resort (one hour away), which gives you options for exploring both resorts and making destination decisions based on the best conditions on a given day. Kimberley is a family-friendly ski area that also boasts excellent tree skiing with the largest gladed terrain in North America. Fernie is well known for its 3,500 feet of vertical with plenty of steep terrain and challenging runs and bowls, while still pulling off plenty of family appeal.

FAT BIKING, SNOWSHOEING, AND CROSSCOUNTRY SKIING

Cranbrook, with an abundance of rolling forested terrain in town or just outside city limits, has one of the best groomed fat bike trail networks in western Canada. Some of these trails are also shared with cross-country skiers, like the 16 miles of groomed trails in the South Star Recreation Area. Also with-

in and around Cranbrook, the Cranbrook Community Forest is a popular fat biking and snowshoeing area that you can easily spend a couple days exploring a wide range of trails from mellow to more challenging.

FROZEN LAKES FOR ICE SKATING & ICE FISHING

Unlike many lakes these days around Spokane, the lakes around Cranbrook typically freeze up thick enough for on-ice adventures most winters. For skating, in addition to lakes, there are also several outdoor skating rinks that open when conditions are right, including the rink at Baker Park which is only four blocks from downtown or Idlewild Park which also has sledding and a playground nearby. Find more ice-skating info at Cranbrooktourism.com. Ice fishing for several fish species is also a popular winter activity and a unique way to experience nature in the winter, including close-to-town option Jimsmith Lake. Find more Cranbrook ice fishing info at Cranbrooktourism.com/blog/mountain-ice.

DOWNTOWN CRANBROOK

Cranbrook is a big enough city, while still maintaining a sense of small-town character and friendliness, and has a plethora of shopping and eating options. You can find about any take on food you can think of; from Indian food to pub fare to craft beer, you can find it in Cranbrook. There are also plenty of pubs and bars for authentic evening entertainment with the locals.

Check out Cranbrooktourism.com for more resources to start planning your winter trip. //

NORDIC, FAT BIKE, ALPINE. CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE IN CRANBROOK. PHOTOS: CHELSEA BOYDGIBSON. // COURTESY OF CRANBROOK TOURISM

A choose-your-own adventure winter getaway just north of the border

tame crowds & wild shredding are just the beginning

PHOTO: ASHLEY VOYKIN

Dear Friend in the South,

RED Mountain here. You know, that place just across the border in Rossland? The Great White North? It’s been a while...

I’m not sure about all of you, but I’ve missed you. And I wanted to reach out now that the border’s open-open. Like, really open. Coming up to see me’s just as easy as it was in the pre-Covidian era. Can I get an amen? Plus, the exchange rate on your US dollars is, as they say, “very favourable” — and yes we still have our “superfluous U’s” that “U” like to make fun of.

One thing that hasn’t changed up here is the feeling folks get the moment they step out of the car. Majestic mountains all around. Perfect powder piling up. Friendly faces clicking into their skis, whooping and hollering to their friends to hurry the !%$# up. These pleasures are simple, uncomplicated--but aren’t all joys?

I know that some of the Seattle area resorts have turned into real nightmares with hours-long lift lines and monster truck-style parking debacles (what’s happening down there?!), but RED’s still RED. Parking’s NBD, as the kids say. Shredding here is a break from the hassles of real life, not just some colder, outdoor version of the rat race. They say I’m now in the Top 10 for most terrain in North America, so skiers and boarders here can spread out to 5 different peaks and nearly 4,000 acres. We’re Canadian…we like elbow room. (But don’t worry: We LOVE our American cousins with open arms)

The town of Rossland has retained its special charm, of course. Why? It’s a real town not a realtor town! This place was built as a result of the Gold Rush, and that gritty, independent spirit can be sensed in the stone buildings and local yokels alike. You might remember the stylish statue of Olaus Jeldness smack in the middle of downtown. Or maybe you’ve yet to see his glory. He’s the patron saint of snow-sliders around here and locals love to watch the snow stack up on his head and shoulders because they know there’s twice as much up high.

There’s a reason USAToday’s 10Best voted Rossland “Canada’s Best Ski Town” two years running. How lucky are you that you can drive here—and with no mountain passes to boot? Gas up that family truckster—stat! Time for a reunion!

I know that my Friends in the South like kicking up their feet after a big day on the mountain. And I know you like to cook up a big feast for you and your crew and bask in the glow of their compliments on your “ghost pepper goulash” and/or “heart attack half-pound burgers”. We know you’ll be happiest in a luxury, ski-in/ski-out condo. Watching the snow stack up from the comfort of your private outdoor hot tub, cold one in-hand, is our main form of meditation here on the mountain. But there’s also a brand-new modern hostel that’s a 2-minute walk to the chair, a 4-star ski-in ski-out boutique hotel, and even overnight midmountain cabins to get away from it all. I want to make sure you have options, not that Motel 6.

I know, I know… I’ve pulled your ear long enough, Friend in the South. This wasn’t meant to be some kind of hard sell. I just miss you, is all! (Plus, this ^%$# sells itself!) Moving pictures are worth 1,000 words—and I’m already at 600!—so I’ll just say this: We made a fun video and essentially created a mantra…that I truly believe in…and truly believe it’s me you’ve been looking for all this time.

It’ll give you a perfect, two-minute taste of what you’ve been missing up here. www.redresort.com/thegoodlife

I remain yours in powdery purity, - RED Mountain Resort

Ski & Winter Travel Guide

WOW & POW, RIGHT NOW BC

by Danica Heaton

Winter Adventures in the Nelson Kootenay Lake Region

There’s also a Women’s Week in March for ladies looking for a getaway.

KASLO HAS BECOME EVEN MORE STELLAR

IN THE NELSON and Kootenay Lake region of southeast British Columbia, snowflakes blanket the landscape and transform the place into a winter wonderland. With sun-soaked skies, powder-filled valleys and snow-capped peaks, it becomes every mountain adventurer’s dream. If exploring the quirky culture is more your thing, there will be plenty of ways you can enjoy this magical destination. Lace up your winter boots, pull on a toque (winter hat in Canadian), and get ready for a fun-filled winter getaway.

DOWNHILL FUN FOR EVERYONE

Whitewater Ski Resort is a world-class ski destination that prides itself on its laidback reputation. Located on the Powder Highway, Whitewater offers consistent and reliable snow averaging 40 feet annually,

with 80+ runs catering to all levels and its world-renowned Fresh Tracks Cafe. A new chair lift is on the horizon for the 2023-24 season too, as well as a camping area. If you don’t want to drive up alone, there’s a very convenient Kootenay Gateway Shuttle, which runs Thursday to Monday from the Spokane Airport to Nelson.

CAT-SKIING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

The Nelson area and surrounding mountains have more cat ski operators than anywhere else in the world. Full-service lodges include Retallack, Selkirk Snowcat Skiing, Baldface, and White Grizzly. Baldface has expanded its operations into Baldface Valhalla, offering day trips that increase the terrain and allow access earlier in the season. New upgraded cat boxes allow guests more space and more windows too.

&POW WOW

Stellar Heliskiing purchased the Kaslo Hotel recently, infusing new energy into one of the most popular accommodations in the charming town of Kaslo, a soughtafter destination for heliskiing that’s also home to Snowwater Heliskiing. These two companies offer access to majestic scenery and untouched powder close to the border.

GUIDED THROUGH THE BACKCOUNTRY

White Grizzly is renowned for its epic cat-skiing, and this year the company is launching a pilot guided ski touring program. Guests can get a cat ride up, tour around the backcountry exploring the new terrain on 11,000 acres, and get a cat ride down at the end of the day—a safe and sensational way to explore the backcountry.

NORDIC SKIING ENTHUSIASTS

On groomed or ungroomed trails, wilderness or backcountry loops, vista views or river trails, the Nelson Nordic Ski Club

and Kaslo Nordic Ski Club offer classic and skate-ski trails. Both clubs have activities throughout the winter that can be easily found on the Kootenay Calendar at Nelsonkootenaylake.com/calendar.

FIND THE WOW-FACTOR

The wow-factor in Nelson and Kaslo extends into brilliant restaurants, bars, and cafes that transition to feature delicious, winter-inspired beverages. Enjoy indoor dining by a fireside table at the Library Lounge or Kaslo Hotel Pub, or outdoor patios at places such as Red Light Ramen Bar, Pitchfork Eatery, and Black Cauldron. You will also find boutique shopping, arts, and entertainment.

WHERE TO REST YOUR HEAD

No trip is complete without an inviting place to stay, which the Nelson, B.C., region has in the forests, by the lake, and in the quaint communities of Kaslo, Nelson, Balfour, Ainsworth Hot Springs, North Kootenay Lake, and around Crawford Bay on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake. Visit Nelsonkootenaylake.com to find your own version of awesome. //

Ainsworth Hot Springs | Balfour | East Shore | Kaslo | Nelson | North Kootenay Lake

KOOTENAY WINTER MAGIC. PHOTO: STEVE OGLE

PACK YOUR (MANY) BAGS FOR ADVENTURE BC Ski&Winter Travel Guide

by Vince Hempsall

IT’S NOT UNHEARD of for residents of the Pacific Northwest to bring two pairs of skis on their winter sojourns—one pair of fatties for those deep pow days and one pair of skinnier sticks with sharpened edges for shredding groomers. When it comes to visiting the Arrow Slocan region in southeastern British Columbia, visitors could easily enjoy an entire quiver: Nordic skis, skate skis, a resort set-up with locked heels and sharp edges, and wide backcountry skis or a splitboard to shred the world-famous “coldsmoke” snow, so named because it’s so light and dry that skiing through it is like floating on white vapor. It’s also a good idea to pack a swimsuit.

Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, an easy four-hour drive north of Spokane, the Arrow Slocan region is the perfect destination for winter enthusiasts who like to play in the snow in more than one way. Within the 62-mile-long Slocan Valley, there are 50 miles of groomed Nordic and skate skiing tracks spread out between five different areas. There’s a community-owned ski hill, multiple snowshoeing trails, two hot spring resorts, as well as four backcountry lodges and a heli-ski operation that access tens of thousands of acres of pristine off-piste skiing. And, there are dozens of restaurants and accommodations in the quaint communities throughout the valley that appeal to every type of traveler.

The southern end of the Arrow Slocan region is 50 miles from the Canadian/ American border. There you’ll find a groomed Nordic trail that skirts the Slocan

River, as well as the community of Crescent Valley with its iconic Frog Peak Café. The northern tip of the region encompasses the village of Nakusp, the Summit Lake Ski Hill, the community-owned Nakusp Hot Springs and the luxurious Halcyon Hot Springs resort.

Below are some suggested winter activities to enjoy in the Arrow Slocan region of British Columbia and where to stay to rest up from your outdoor adventures.

SNOW MOTION

Whatever your preferred mode of transportation through the white stuff, the Arrow Slocan region delivers. You’ll find six miles of groomed skate and classic ski trails at the Valhalla Hills Nordic area between the communities of Nakusp and New Denver, plus a groomed section on the Hills Rail Trail. The Wensley Creek Ski Trails, located just east of Nakusp, include five miles of set ski tracks and there’s a nordic skiing and snowshoeing loop at the Summit Lake Ski area. Plus, you’ll find a number of groomed sections on the 32-mile-long, flat and scenic Slocan Valley Rail Trail, the N&S Rail Trail, and the K&S Historical Trail Network.

For downhill enthusiasts, Summit Lake offers a truly unique experience. The hill has been around for 61 years, and it’s so much a part of the community that volunteers run it and local taxes help subsidize it. One of the seven runs has floodlights on it, and every Friday the hill offers night skiing. But the locals aren’t satisfied doing the same line

over and over: instead, they don headlamps and tackle the other pitches.

For the really big descents, you’ll want to check out the heli-skiing offerings of Canadian Mountain Holidays, which uses its Kootenay Lodge in Nakusp as a base to access the world-class terrain in the surrounding mountains. It’s not unheard of for their guests to bag multiple 1,000-foot runs off an assortment of peaks in a single day.

Alternatively, visitors can stay at elevation at various backcountry lodges. The Valhalla Mountain Touring lodge is accessed via snowcat from the community of Hills. Sol Mountain Lodge and Ice Creek Lodge are both accessed via helicopter from staging areas near Upper Arrow Lake. Valkyr Adventures is accessed via helicopter from the hamlet of Burton and has three different backcountry offerings including Hilda Hut, Lequereux Outpost, and Valkyr Lodge.

Aside from skiing, there’s snowmobile terrain in three designated snowmobile areas around the region. Snowshoeing opportunities include the Jackrabbit Interpretive Trail located a five-minute drive from Nakusp, plus a variety of other options with viewpoints and snowy forested walks.

SNOWJOURN

One of the best parts about playing in the Arrow Slocan region is staying in the region. There’s nothing better than spending the day skiing, sledding, or snowshoeing in and around the local mountains and then enjoying a soak at the Nakusp Hot Springs or Halcyon Hot Springs before

falling into bed in your room adjacent to the pools. There are even private Airbnb accommodations just north of Nakusp that offer personal hot spring pools.

In fact, you’ll find a number of cozy, boutique Airbnb offerings throughout the region, including one near the village of Slocan that’s owned by Conor Hurley, a backcountry ski guide who regularly takes skiers and splitboarders into the alpine. Other popular Airbnbs include Kootenay Lakehouse, located on Upper Arrow Lake, that offers 180-degree views of the surrounding mountains, and Forest Cabin, nestled in an old growth forest five minutes from Nakusp with beautiful views of Saddleback Mountain and Arrow Lakes. Additional unique accommodations include the William Hunter Cabins on Slocan Lake in the tiny village of Silverton. The Adventure Domes in New Denver are located near popular cross-country ski trails. These dome-shaped cottages are cute on the outside and stylishly modern on the inside.

There are also inns, hotels, and a variety of B&Bs throughout the Arrow Slocan region that put you on the doorstep to winter adventure while offering a cozy respite when the day is done.

Whatever type of accommodation you choose, make sure it has a lot of storage room for your multiple skis, boots, snowshoes, poles, outerwear, snowboards, and more because when you visit the Arrow Slocan region of British Columbia, you'll want to pack a lot of adventure gear. //

The Arrow Slocan Region of British Columbia offers so many incredible activities in the wintertime, you’ll need a truckload of gear to enjoy them all.

SKIING BACK TO VALKYR LODGE.

TOP RIGHT: HITTING THE SHOPS IN NAKUSP FAR RIGHT: RELAX AT NAKUSP HOT SPRINGS

MIDDLE: SNOWSHOEING THE JACKRABBIT TRAIL NEAR NAKUSP PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARROW SLOCAN TOURISM

LEGENDARY POWDER IN THE HEART OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

by Brona Kekenakova

WORLD-CLASS SKIING in deep champagne powder is waiting for you just north of the U.S./ Canada border, about a 4.5-hour drive from Spokane, in Fernie, B.C. A trip north this winter is well worth it for several reasons. The great exchange rate saves you 20-30 percent on everything, and there are no vaccination or testing requirements in place. All travel to Canada is welcome.

A CLASSIC SKI TOWN

Fernie is a charming little town of 6,300 residents, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It also happens to have the best powder in Canada. Lots of it, in fact, which has made Fernie a mecca for winter sports. From skiing, snowboarding, and award-winning cat skiing to snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, or fat biking, Fernie is a playground for all. Powder hunters from near and far come to experience what has become known as the Fernie Factor. Fernie’s annual average snowfall of over 30 feet can be attributed to its unique location in the Lizard Range, which creates a microclimate that traps precipitation overhead and sends down an abundance of feather-light snow. Fernie is a classic ski town with passionate locals who live to ride. On powder days, expect to see a “Gone Skiing” sign on local businesses in the early morning. Fernie Alpine Resort is located just five miles from town and is easily accessible with the #FernieStoke Ski Shuttle. Featuring 142 runs for all levels and abilities, 10 lifts, five alpine bowls with lift-accessed terrain of more than 2,500 acres spanning 3,550 vertical feet, and extensive gladed areas with stashes of fluffy powder, you won’t be short of acreage to explore. The resort offers everything you need for a perfect winter vacation basecamp. Enjoy ski-in ski-out lodging, dining options, rentals, snow school lessons, guided mountain tours and more.

EPIC CAT SKIING, SNOWMOBILING, AND CROSSCOUNTRY, SNOWSHOE, & FAT BIKE TRAILS

There are literally thousands of acres of pristine terrain for cat-skiing. Island Lake Catskiing offers luxurious, all-inclusive multi-day packages, while Fernie Wilderness Adventures offers cat skiing day trips packed with adventure and fun, with a rustic backcountry lodge available for groups. Speaking of pristine terrain and adventure, Fernie is a great snowmobiling destination with 100 miles of maintained trails that provide easy access to big mountain riding for all abilities.

Cross-country ski enthusiasts will appreciate 31+ miles of track-set trails in several stunning locations around town and at Fernie Alpine Resort. Fat biking has become an increasingly popular winter activity and there are lots of easily accessed groomed trails to get your pedal in during the winter months. If you are more of a gentle explorer, discover Fernie’s winter wonderland on snowshoe.

GRIZ DAYS FESTIVAL

The ski season usually runs until midApril, but if you happen to visit at the beginning of March, you’re in for a whole lot of fun. The annual Griz Days Festival happens in the first weekend of March each year – 2023 will be the 46th year! Who is the Griz? A legendary character of epic proportions who lived in the mountains. Griz is half man and half bear. Legend has it that one day he fired his musket way up into the Lizard Range, causing the abundant snowfall. So happy were the local people back in those days, that now they hold the Griz Days Festival in his honor every March, featuring a weekend of fun and engaging activities and attractions for all ages. Every year, the Griz comes down from the mountains to oversee the festivities, say hello, and pose for a selfie or two.

HISTORY, CULTURE, AND MOUNTAIN TOWN AMENITIES AWAIT IN DOWNTOWN FERNIE

There’s no doubt Fernie is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise; however, there are plenty of other options if you ever need a break from mountain adventures. Historic Downtown Fernie, lined with century-old heritage buildings, is home to unique independent boutique shops, galleries, and spas. Explore the town’s rich history by taking a self-guided Heritage Walk or visiting the Fernie Museum, and get to know local artists and artisans by taking the Art Walk or browsing downtown galleries and public art.

Fernie boasts a diverse dining scene with plenty of locally-owned restaurants offering North American and world cuisines. Discover Fernie’s unique locally made creations, from artisan spirits at Fernie Distillers, craft beer at Fernie Brewing Company, and invigorating kombucha at Fernie Alpine Springs to locally-roasted coffee by Rooftop Coffee Roasters or artisan chocolate at the Beanpod Chocolate, Coffee and Gelato—one of few traditional chocolate makers in Canada.

Add to all this the cool local vibe with a welcoming and friendly community, endless nightlife, local music, film festivals and workshops, and you will find it hard to ever leave this classic little ski town. Plan your next Fernie adventure at VisitFernieBC.com. //

TOP: DOWNTOWN FERNIE. PHOTO: VINCE MO

THIS PHOTO: FERNIE POW. PHOTO: VINCE MO BOTTOM: MILES OF CROSS-COUNTRY TRAILS. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOURISM FERNIE

Photo: Matt

BIG WHITE BIG FUN

by Nikki Wiart

Knee-Deep Powder, Canadian Hospitality & Family Fun at Big White Ski Resort

Ski & TravelWinter

WITH AN ANNUAL DUMP of over 24 feet of dry, fluffy powder, 119 diverse runs, 16 lifts, and a balmy average daytime temperature of 23F, Big White Ski Resort in British Columbia, Canada, can offer you not only epic skiing and riding conditions, but a holiday your family will never forget.

Nestled in the heart of the Okanagan Valley—a region of British Columbia known for its vibrant food, wine scene, and breathtaking scenery—Big White Ski Resort is only 45 minutes from the Kelowna International Airport and only a 4.5-hour drive from Spokane. Visit Big White this ski season and enjoy true Canadian hospitality and winter fun all while saving with the Canadian dollar. If the epic snow and savings aren’t enough, here are five more reasons why we think Big

White should be your next ski holiday destination.

1. TERRAIN FOR EVERY ABILITY

From bunny hills to beginner greens, cruisy blues, steep blacks, moguled double blacks, powder gulches and glades, Big White Ski Resort has something for every level of skier and snowboarder. Plus, with a green run from every lift, families with different skill levels can explore various areas of the mountain together.

2. SKI-IN, SKI-OUT

As Canada’s largest totally ski-in, ski-out resort village, you can walk, ski or snowboard to every accommodation, restaurant, and activity in the resort. No matter where

you stay on the mountain, you can strap on your planks and be on our terrain in a matter of minutes.

3. WORLD-CLASS SKI & SNOWBOARD SCHOOL

Whether you have young kids, are a first timer, or are looking to give those ski legs a refresh, the Big White Ski & Board School has you covered. With world-class instructors, trained staff at the Kids Centre, and FLAIK Real Time Tracking devices, you’ll feel more than comfortable dropping the kids off for a day exploring the mountain on your own.

4. NO LINES!

With 16 lifts, Big White hosts Canada’s

second largest lifting system, meaning you rarely have to wait in line to get on a chairlift and back on the slopes, regardless of the time of year!

5. A PRICE YOU CAN’T BEAT

It can get expensive packing up the family for a ski holiday, and there are a ton of ways to save when you visit Big White Ski Resort—including the US-CAD conversion! Book your lift tickets online and two days in advance and you’ll automatically save 25 percent, all season long, no blackout dates. Plus, Big White Central Reservations always has great deals on accommodations, like their Buy 3, Get 4 deal. Be sure to check out BigWhite.com for the latest in savings for your winter getaway. //

HIKES AND HOT SPRINGS AT AINSWORTH

Soak at Ainsworth Hot Springs then hit these nearby scenic rambles

rest of whatever Kootenay adventures I was off on feel that much more alive.

Ainsworth is an easy 45-minute drive along the lake north from Nelson, B.C., and only four hours north from Spokane. The hot springs include three pools, with a huge kid-friendly pool and a super cool 160-foot, horseshoe-shaped, waist-deep steamy cave that you can wade through with stalactites above you. Open year round, it’s the perfect winter escape from the cold.

First visited by the Ktunaxa First Nations people, the hot springs have seen many improvements over the years. Today the hot springs, hotel, and much lauded restaurant are fittingly owned by the Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of the Ktunaxa Nationa.

HIKES NEAR THE HOT SPRINGS

There are several relatively mellow yet highly scenic hikes to explore in the fall and early days of winter near Ainsworth and the village of Kaslo 20 minutes to the north.

by Derrick Knowles

the cemetery above Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort or continue on in a 2.9-mile loop down Cedar Creek Trail to the highway where there are stairs leading back up to a trail toward the hot springs after crossing the creek.

FLETCHER FALLS: This short 0.5k hike from near the highway, just a 10 minute drive north from Ainsworth, follows the creek down along a well-established yet somewhat steep trail to a dramatic 50-foot waterfall with access to a beach on Kootenay Lake. On our last trip there in December, we lingered on the stone-littered beach to stack and skip rocks, graze on snacks, and listen to the loons swimming just off shore. Look for the sign along the highway and park in a safe place there as parking along the side road for local residents isn’t allowed.

AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS RESORT has been a grounding force on so many trips to the Nelson area over the years. No matter what stresses I brought with me across

the border, those hot, mineral-rich waters and magic views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Range have always had a way of putting life into perspective and making the

CEDAR CREEK TRAIL TO THE CEMETERY: This moderately challenging hike can either be done as an out-and-back on the road up to

KASLO RIVER TRAILS: There are several meandering trails through the forest and along the river right on the edge of this incredibly quaint town. The main loop crosses two brightly-painted, red, covered bridges. The Kaslo River Trail includes a 3.2k art installation section called Hide & Seek. //

HIKING DOWN TO KOOTENAY LAKE. // TOP: FLETCHER FALLS. PHOTOS: SHALLAN KNOWLES BOTTOM RIGHT: AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS CAVE.

PHOTO: KARI MEDIG. COURTESY OF NELSON & KOOTENAY LAKE TOURISM

When the Sun Stands Still

By Bri Loveall

MY GARDEN IS APPROACHING its annual death. With the help of some ambitious wildlife, the only plants left standing are corn, a giant pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and a row full of double-bloom zinnias.

In the past, the end of the gardening season filled with me a bleak despair; I like the busyness of summer, the trips to the lake, hikes up Mount Spokane for huckleberry picking, hours and hours spent outside tending vegetables or splashing in the sprinkler. And I even love the transition from the end of summer to the beginning of fall, because then we have trips to pumpkin patches and corn mazes, and the places we hiked just a few months earlier look completely different swathed in the red and orange hues of October.

And while I don’t mind the cold, or the

snow, that winter brings, I hate the dark months. You know the ones I’m talking about. The grey days where everything is muted and the idyllic snowfall from three weeks ago is black from oil and exhaust and dirt and the cloud cover is so thick the air is almost oppressive. While my family and I try to do all the snow-related activities we can (skiing, sledding, and other general frolicking of the snow), it feels impossible to feel connected to a landscape that is dark and dull. Even the holiday traditions, the bright spots in the bleak winter, seem set in a permanent nighttime.

I’ve lived in the greater Spokane area for the last 20 years, and it saddens me to say I’ve carried this pessimistic approach around until three years ago. I’m not sure how it started. Maybe it was a notification

from Boots Bakery where I realized you could order their pumpkin waffle batter to-go, and I thought, I want pumpkin waffles on Thanksgiving. Suddenly, we weren’t having turkey and potatoes and green bean casserole. We made eggs with bacon and huge fruit spreads, with pies, and latkes. We invited our family and spent the midmorning hours eating while the sun shone in through the windows. By noon we were ready for a hike (or a waddle) down the road, bellies pleasantly full, the crisp air seeming to reawaken our sluggish bodies. That evening, kitchen cleaned, we watched a movie, snacking on popcorn and leftovers before retiring to bed.

Then, a year later, I came across the idea of having a winter solstice party. The winter solstice marks the moment one side of the earth is farthest away from the sun. It seemed counterintuitive to celebrate a day with the least amount of sunlight—after all, I hated the dark months—but I was intrigued by the rich history of winter solstice festivals, and felt I had nothing to lose in throwing myself a party.

The first year, the weather, although cold, was unseasonably bright. I baked savory pies and citrus sweets, and my family and I picnicked outside around a bonfire. We

slathered pinecones in peanut butter and birdseed and hung them around the trees near our home as gifts for the wildlife. The solstice marks the turning of a season and that first solstice party changed how I perceived the darkest months of the year. I no longer focus on how little light is left but find myself delighted by the sound of an owl screeching, or a set of animal tracks in new snow. Like the change in how we celebrated Thanksgiving, it was the beginning of a new tradition for me. An opportunity to embrace an aspect of nature that I’d previously found mentally unaccessible.

The origin of the word solstice literally comes from the phrase “the sun stands still.:” Perhaps this has been my struggle all along—that I do not like the slow nature of winter, the way she lumbers along at her own pace. But I’ve found that the solstice is a time for reflection and intention setting. An opportunity to observe wildlife differently, to stargaze, and plan my summer garden, all with the knowledge that every day moving forward gets a little bit brighter. //

Bri Loveall wrote about canning and drying fresh fall foods for the Sept/Oct Out There and Outthereoutdoors.com.

THE LONG SHADOWS OF WINTER. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES

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