Out There Outdoors // October-November 2020

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CONTENTS

Features

16 | Plan Beezley 20 | Local Holiday Gift Guide

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Special Sections 22 | Family Winter Sports Guide 30 | On The Mountain

Departments 11 | Gear Room 14 | Health & Fitness 18 | Provisions

Columns

10 | Hike of the Month 12 | Run Wild 13 | Everyday Cyclist 15 | The Human Adventure 19 | Nature

In Every Issue 7 | Intro 8 | Dispatches 38 | Last Page COVER ILLUSTRATION Stephanie Bogue is an artist, designer & DJ at Moonwild Studios and Unifest Co. Find her @moon.wild studio + @UNIFESTCO

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Business owner.

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020 WWW.OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM PUBLISHERS

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Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing and backcountry activities are inherently dangerous. T he 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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SOLAR POWERED

BY ECO DEPOT

INTRO WINTER IS COMING

OUR SMALL GROUP of long-time friends

arrived one by one at our remote, Idaho rendezvous spot. There was good food, cold beers, and socially-distanced catching up around the campfire late into the night.

That was the last time I felt well for weeks.

The next morning, I loaded my backpack slower than normal, fighting off crippling fatigue that even a second cup of coffee couldn’t cut through. Shortly after we

started hiking, the chills started. I trudged on. Ten miles later, I couldn’t set my tent up fast enough. Nausea made skipping dinner a no-brainer. Those long, miserable hours in my sleeping bag were filled with sweating then freezing and aching in my damp bag as a cold rainstorm unloaded on us.

The next morning we continued on our 30-something mile loop deep in the Bitterroots, climbing steeply through cold, wet brush on unmaintained trail into the sub-alpine. I dragged behind but kept going.

That night, camped beside a gorgeous offtrail lake, the chills and fever returned and I shivered off to bed without eating much.

After another long, fitful night, I woke surprisingly energized. The thought of being done pressed me down the trail. Back at home, I collapsed in bed.

I was pretty sure I knew what I had before dragging myself to urgent care in the morning. The tests were quick, and the COVID test wasn’t the deep nasal kind I’d heard about. The next two days, as I waited for results, were a blur. The COVID test came back first. Negative. I was relieved and then not surprised by my giardia diagnosis the following day. By then my wife Shallan had also developed symptoms. We had been drinking out of a lot of rustic campground water faucets over the summer and must have picked up the bug somewhere. I’ve had giardia three times in my life and can say it’s worth avoiding, but I’ll take a few weeks of

feeling like hell any day over the suffering some COVID patients and their families have gone through.

The past nine months have been an unprecedented economic and emotional ordeal, but at least huge numbers of us have enjoyed warm days outside as a refuge from the strangeness and strain of daily pandemic living. Winter is coming, though other than the positive La Nina forecast for winter sports fans, things don’t look good. Virus cases are spiking in most states, hospitals are beginning to fill up again in places, and the grand finale of an unusually tense and potentially explosive election will go down days from the time I’m writing this.

It’s all a bit much and anxiety and depression seem to be rampant. Fortunately, one of the most proven things to help and a safe pandemic-era activity as well is time spent outdoors. If you’re a regular Out There reader, you probably don’t give up on the outdoors when the cold weather sets in, but many people do. During these difficult next few months, when we will need community and connection with others and the outdoors like never before, do your part to encourage those who need it most to get outside and move, even if it is cold out. We will need those big sparkling winter skies, that crisp clean air, and each other more than ever. // DERRICK KNOWLES, PUBLISHER

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DISPATCHES SELKIRK POWDER GUIDES OFFERING PROFESSIONAL AVALANCHE EDUCATION SANDPOINT, IDAHO

In an effort to increase opportunities for backcountry skiers and riders to undertake stateof-the-art backcountry travel learning opportunities in the American Selkirks, Selkirk Powder Guides (SPG) has joined the national team of the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) providers for the 20/21 season. Established in 2003, and known primarily for cat skiing, SPG has been working for over four years with a seasoned group of internal guides on the certifications and accreditations necessary to attain the "Provider" status. Class registration is available immediately.

“Selkirk Powder Guides is excited to undertake their first season of avalanche courses as an AIARE provider,” said Ken Barrett, co-founder of Selkirk Powder Guides. “Kevin Stolbrock, our AIARE Programs Manager, and our guide team come with over a century of collective backcountry experience. They have been working extremely hard at achieving their credentials to teach the AIARE curriculum. It's going to be wonderful to watch them teach what they truly love to do!”

AIARE is a nonprofit educational organization with a mission of “saving lives through avalanche education.” Serving over 100 providers in the US, South America, Europe and Asia, AIARE develops research-based avalanche education curriculum and implements ongoing training and certification for course instructors and providers. AIARE curriculum offers courses to serve all levels, from recreational to professional and from novice to advanced, and they are built in accordance with national and international standards developed by the American Avalanche Association (AAA) and the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA).

Selkirk Powder Guides, based out of Schweitzer Mountain Resort, has been serving up snowy adventures in the Selkirk Mountains since 2003 by way of cat and heli-skiing adventures, self-propelled and snowmobile-assisted alpine ski tours, and snowmobile adventures as a certified Polaris Adventures Outfitter. Beginning in December 2020, SPG will offer AIARE Rescue and AIARE 1 and 2 courses. The SPG team will be available for custom courses as well. For course dates or more info, visit Selkirkpowder.com. (OTO)

FASTEST KNOWN TIMES ON THE WONDERLAND TRAIL MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK, WASH.

Due to COVID19, serious ultrarunners in the Pacific Northwest elected to use their fitness for something other than ultramarathons or qualifying for Western States. Fastest Known Time (FKT) is a speed record on any given route, and the Wonderland Trail that circumnavigates Mount Rainier is a popular objective. This rugged route includes 24,000 feet in elevation gain over 95 miles. This year, the FKT for the Wonderland Trail, for males and females, changed several times. Times are divided by Supported FKT and Unsupported FKT. Supported basically means "anything goes" as long as you cover the ground under your own power. You can have as many pacers as you want, and they can carry whatever you want them to carry, but they can't carry, push or drag you along. Unsupported means you have to carry all of your own resources, and handle everything solo for the duration of the route.

Just two days apart, Katlyn Gerbin and Tyler Green set supported FKTs on August 24 and 26 respectively. Gerbin finished in 18 hours 41 minutes, beating the previous record-holder, Jenn Shelton, by just over three hours. Meanwhile, Green set a supported FKT just five days after Dylan Bowman’s FKT, beating his time by just 18 minutes. Green’s official time was 16 hours and 40 minutes.On September 5, Mark Hammond set the unsupported FKT in a time of 19 hours and 47 minutes. The previous record was set by Kris Brown, on August 27 in a time of 20 hours and 39 minutes. In a nutshell, the FKT records changed five times this year thanks to some remarkable Northwest athletes that decided to change lemons into lemonade and follow their passion for ultrarunning. (Jon Jonckers)

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GET YOUR BODY READY FOR SKI SEASON SPOKANE, WASH.

Don’t let the pandemic keep you from tuning up your body before you hit the slopes.

Physical Therapy Associates is putting on a free virtual 6-week injury prevention series that includes weekly strength and conditioning videos and prizes to get alpine skiers ready for the powder days to come.

Anyone can watch the videos that will be posted each week at any time via Physical Therapy Associates Instagram or Facebook pages. The videos will focus on specific muscle groups and their role in skiing, as well as ways to strengthen them, improve form, and reduce the risk of injury, says Emilie West, Doctor of Physical Therapy at Physical Therapy Associates and one of the course instructors.

“After my husband's knee injury skiing four years ago, we started participating in annual ski conditioning classes at Physical Therapy Associates and created our own series focused on strength and dynamic control of key muscle groups. Our hope with this video series is to use our knowledge and experience to provide education and resources to the skiing community, inspiring individuals to take an active role in their own injury prevention,” says West. Advances in gear safety have made great strides in reducing injuries, she says; however, knee injuries still account for 43% of all ski injuries.

“The core and the hips are pivotal muscle groups that control a skier's center of mass and therefore their trajectory on the slopes,” explains West. Mobility, strength, and control in these areas, she says, allows a skier to adapt to dynamic situations on the mountain. “Our goal is to provide an exercise toolbox for our audience. Some participants may only ever use exercise one, while others may go through the whole series.” (Derrick Knowles)

NEW URBAN TRAILS GUIDEBOOK FOR SPOKANE AND COEUR D’ALENE SPOKANE, WASH.

Rich Landers earned his hiking legend status back in 1987 when he authored “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest.” Since then, he followed up that seminal title with paddling guides, day hiking guides, a second edition to 100 Hikes, and now Mountaineers Books has just released his latest guide, co-written with David Taylor, called “Urban Trails for Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.”

Landers spent four decades serving as the outdoors editor for The Spokesman Review.

To say he hiked a little bit is like saying the Pacific Northwest only has a few mountains.

David Taylor is an Idaho native, and he has hiked extensively throughout North Idaho and Eastern Washington. This book focuses on urban trails so people can find safe and easy options for dog walking, hiking or trail running that don’t require a 4-wheel drive to reach the trailhead. Each trail features distance, elevation gain, amenities and more.

Notable sidebars contain area history, a wildflower identification guide, and public transit details. Although the book lists 50 hikes total, it mentions other important hiking options for areas like Dishman Hills and Riverside State Park.

The Centennial Trail earned a special section in the book. It’s arguably the most popular trail in the area, and it’s regularly featured in national travel magazines. On page 217, the authors wrote, “With about thirty trailheads and even more access points, users can jump onto the Centennial Trail for short jaunts as well as long excursions, enjoying the [Spokane] river as a constant companion.” From veteran hiker to short distance novice, this book belongs on the bookshelf of every local outdoor enthusiast.

(Jon Jonckers)

NORTH SPOKANE HABITAT & RECREATION AREA PROTECTED SPOKANE, WASH.

The north Spokane recreation area commonly referred to as Waikiki Springs nearly doubles this fall as Inland Northwest Land Conservancy (INLC) announces the purchase of a 95-acre parcel of land adjacent to existing 114-acre Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife property along the Little Spokane River. The land, part of the Waikiki Dairy in the early 1900s and ancestral home of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, provides beautiful habitat for local plants and animals, and is home to ideal spawning grounds for native fish.

The newly acquired parcel was platted for development but has been conserved for public access, conservation, and habitat restoration, through a partnership among INLC, the Spokane Tribe, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Permanent protection of this vital piece of near-urban wildlife habitat has been a priority of neighbors and community groups for many years. The purchase was funded, thanks to the leadership of Representative Marcus Riccelli, support from Senator Andy Billig, and by the taxpayers of Washington State.

The name “Waikiki,” meaning “spouting fresh water,” references the natural springs throughout the area that pour cold, clear aquifer water into the Little Spokane River. This influx of water keeps the river cool in the summer and moderate in the winter, further enhancing its value as habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. The hiking trails can be accessed from the north end of Fairwood Drive off Mill Road near Mead High School. As land manager, INLC will work closely with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and the Department of Fish & Wildlife to improve habitat and enhance recreation opportunities. More info at Inlandnwland.org. (OTO)

FAT BIKE FANDOM SPURS GROWTH IN TRAIL GROOMING SPOKANE, WASH.

Each year we’re seeing more fat bikes plowing through the snow on trails here in the Inland Northwest, a trend that has also led to more trail grooming throughout the region. From Spokane to Sandpoint, there will be miles of packed trails to roll your over-sized, underinflated bike tires on this winter if Mother Nature cooperates as expected. Here’s the latest fat bike trail grooming forecast for the winter.

If you plan to ride any of the growing miles of groomed fat bike trails in the Spokane area this winter, thank Evergreen East volunteer Frank Benish, who owns his own groomer and spends countless hours advocating for and creating miles of groomed riding for fat bikers.

To get it all done, Evergreen leases a groomer from Wheel Sport and Benish also owns his own Snowdog grooming machine that’s super speedy and creates groomed singletrack trails.

Riverside State Park was one of the first trail systems in the region to see trails specifically groomed for fat bikers, says Benish. “It’s been a real good partnership at Riverside and we’re looking to carry that on again this year.” Two winters ago, the park’s partnership with Evergreen turned into 11 miles of groomed fat bike trails, with an expansion to 20 miles last season. Benish says this year could be even better if we get good snow and stable cold temps.

“We have permission to groom a larger area at Riverside, and if the forecast cooperates, we will expand beyond 20 miles of groomed trails this year.”

Benish also highlighted some new fat bike trails that are in the works for Mount Spokane State Park. “We got permission to clean up and groom some trails off of lower Kit Karson that make up the Hay Ridge Loop. It’s going to be kind of an advanced thing since it’s really steep going up and down.” Benish says the groomed loop will be around 6 miles roundtrip, with longer, more challenging rides possible by linking up to un-groomed trails. The route will be accessed from the parking area at the hairpin lot, also known as the lower Mount Kit Carson loop road trailhead.

The 49 Degrees North Nordic Area will also feature fat biking on some excellent groomed trails this winter. Under certain conditions when the snow is firm enough to avoid tires damaging the smooth, groomed trails, says Benish, they also allow fat bikes on the Nordic trails.

There are 4-5 miles of trails that make for a more intermediate-to-advanced loop.

In the greater Sandpoint area, there is an ever-expanding network of fat bike trails both groomed and user-packed to explore says Greasy Fingers Bike Shop owner Brian Anderson.

Close to town, the Pend Oreille Pedalers will use their groomer once again to pack down trails for fat bikes in the Pine Street Woods, a fantastic public playground and natural area on the edge of Sandpoint that’s been preserved thanks to the Kaniksu Land Trust. Groomed fat bike trails here, with free access, will expand this year, weather cooperating, to include a few loops totaling around five miles.

Close to Sandpoint, the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch grooms approximately four miles of trails for xc and skate skiing as well as for fat bikes. A pass procured from the lodge is required.

Farragut State Park south of Sandpoint grooms two loops with around 10 miles of fat bike riding. A state park pass is required. Schweitzer Mountain Resort grooms approximately 32K of trails for cross-country, skate skiing, and fat biking. A pass is required, as is brushing up on the resort’s rules and responsibilities to keep bikes from damaging the groomed trails (Schweitzer.com/to-do/snowbiking). To the north, the Boundary County Bike and Pedestrian Trail Committee, known as “9B Trails,” has been preserving and developing a non-motorized trail system around Bonners Ferry that includes several trails that make for great winter riding. The non-profit group has recently gotten its hands on a groomer and, according to Anderson, plan to groom around 6 miles of the Section 16 Trails near Bonners Ferry. The Priest Lake area will once again have miles of groomed trails open to fat bike riders thanks to Priest Lake Nordic. The non-profit group grooms several trail networks around the lake, including Hanna Flats, the Priest Lake Golf Course, Chipmunk Rapids, Rocky Point, Coolin Mountain, and Priest Lake State Park/Indian Creek. A park and ski permit is required and can be purchased at Hill’s Resort, The Tamrak, or the Priest Lake State Park. More info at Idpr.idaho.gov.

Coeur d’Alene fatty riders also have some quality groomed options according to Trail Maniacs founder and avid rider Dave Dutro. “The Trail Maniacs Foundation will groom seven-plus miles of trails on Canfield Mountain this year,” says Dutro. “These are what we call winter enduro trails,” he says, warning off those who may show up unprepared for the challenge. According to Dutro, that means these trails come with a difficult climb up (approximately four miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain) followed by flowy single track down. The prized route Dutro recommends starts at the road from Nettleton Gulch then on to the towers, down Trail D and eventually on to Trail 7 and Trail A, finishing down Cave Trail for a total of 8 miles. When you can get after these trails is a question for mother nature, says Dutro. “We start grooming once we have significant coverage at the bottom, in the 4-6” range.”

Down in the Palouse, MAMBA (Moscow Area Mountain Bike Association) has a groomer and should be doing some fat bike trail grooming on Moscow Mountain again this year. Keep tabs on their good deeds at Bikemoscow.org.

Fat Biking Resources: Looking to connect with other fat bike aficionados in the Spokane area? Reach out to SOFA, Spokane’s Original Fatbike Association on Facebook; It’s a private group that you need to request to be a part of before gaining access to trail and grooming reports, group ride announcements, and other regional fat biking news. (Derrick Knowles)

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Hike of the Month

Mount Spokane's Trail 110/140 Loop: The Christmas Tree

By Holly Weiler

THOSE WHO FREQUENT Washington State

Parks are familiar with the way their trails follow a number system and any trail names are colloquial. However, follow this route with a GPS tracker, and you'll clearly see the reason why I have begun to refer to this hike as the Christmas Tree Loop. Just like any Christmas tree I've ever had, it's slightly lopsided yet lovely. It's the perfect hike for the transition from late fall into winter, as access is maintained year-round and the trail works well for both hiking and snowshoeing.

To explore this route, start at the Lower Mount Kit Carson Loop Road trailhead.

Note that this parking lot requires a Discover Pass from April 1-Nov. 30. It transitions to a SnoPark lot from Dec. 1-March 31, when a SnoPark permit is required instead of a Discover Pass. SnoPark permits go on sale beginning Nov. 1, and anyone intending to use Mount Spokane State Parks trails through the winter months must purchase this pass that helps defray the cost of snow removal in parking lots. Those who don't snowshoe should try this hike during November before the SnoPark permit is required for parking here.

Hikers must immediately cross Mount Spokane State Park Drive from the parking area, so it is recommended to carry snowshoes across the road if the snow is deep enough to require their use. In early November the route is generally snow-free for its entirety, but by late November into December either microspikes or snowshoes are generally recommended for this trail. Start by descending a short distance past the gate on the Lower Mount Kit Carson Loop Road. In approximately 200 feet, trail 110 makes a slight right uphill; turn here to begin the Christmas Tree Loop. After approximately 500 feet, the trail splits again. Turn left to continue on 10

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

trail 110, immediately crossing Burping Brook on a footbridge.

There are additional trail intersections at the .1-mile and 0.4-mile mark, but continue on trail 110 by staying right at each of these as the trail begins to climb and makes a series of switchbacks up the mountain. The lower reaches of the trail pass beneath cedar and Douglas fir trees.

By the upper portion of the trail the forest opens up and includes more subalpine fir along with western larch, some of which may still be showing a little fall color in early November. At the 1.1 mile mark the trail crosses another bridge over Burping Brook, completed in 2019 to help hikers navigate the tricky winter water crossing, and at 2.1 miles hikers reach the top of the "tree" at Saddle Junction.

Hikers need to take a hard left at this junction to begin the descent on trail 140.

The upper portion of the forest on trail 140 is very similar to the climb, but as hikers continue down the trail it transitions onto a drier forest type that includes many lodgepole pine trees. At the 4.1 mile mark the trail exits at Smith Gap. The snowshoe warming hut is located just across from the point where trail 140 exits. State Parks intends to re-open the warming huts for winter, which have been closed for the majority of 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. Park visitors are asked to wear facemasks if making use of the warming huts and limit the amount of time spent inside. When the weather is nice, there is also an alfresco picnic table located at Smith Gap, with several others along the trail back to the start.

To complete the Christmas Tree Loop, turn left at Smith Gap and hike downhill on the Mount Kit Carson Loop Road an additional 1.4 miles to return to the parking lot. // ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: 5.5 miles RATING: Moderate ELEVATION GAIN: 1150 feet MAP: Free printable maps available at

mountspokane.org

GETTING THERE: Take State Route 206 to

Mount Spokane State Park. From the park entrance, continue approximately 2 miles to the hairpin turn parking lot at the Lower Mount Kit Carson Loop Road trailhead.

Parking is on the right, and the trail begins to the left and across the road.

Holly Weiler is a hiker and trail runner who even tries to slog through the Christmas Tree on running snowshoes. Through her work with Washington Trails Association, she led some of the crews that built the bridges hikers will see on this route.

GEAR ROOM CALIFORNIA COWBOY HIGH SIERRA SHIRT

“Meet the first and only shirt ever designed specially to enhance your ability to destroy Après.”

California Cowboy’s promotional verbiage is witty and spot-on representative of their style and function. The High Sierra Shirt is a luxury flannel made of super soft cotton with a thermal lining, plus a ton of other features I had never thought I needed but totally appreciate and use—features such as a bottle

opener pocket, a dry pocket that’s lined to keep phones from getting wet (from spilled beer, rainstorms, and falling in snow banks, I guess), a bottle or can beverage holder pocket, a loop on the inside of the jacket for hanging gloves, a pen pocket, and a loop for hanging sunglasses on the front of the jacket.

This deluxe, handsome flannel will be a favorite for years to come.

MSRP: $148. Shop.californiacowboy.com (Derrick Knowles)

GORDINI CACHE GAUNTLET MITT

Based in Vermont and independently owned, Gordini has been an innovator in glove design for over 60 years. New this season is the company’s Clutch™ Synthetic Leather, a waterproof/breathable, animal-free alternative that outperforms traditional leather and suede. Clutch is also a highly durable material shown to be four-to-six times more abrasion resistant than leather and highly breathable to

boot. Gordini sells gloves and mitts made of Clutch, but I chose the Gauntlet Mitt with Primaloft insulation that comes with fingermitt construction to maximize warmth on colder days in the backcountry when my fingers tend to go numb too easily. I got to give them a whirl on a very-early season fall ski tour in unseasonably frigid temps and was stoked to still feel my fingers at the summit. MSRP: $80.99.

Gordini.com. (Derrick Knowles)

THIRD EYE HEADLAMP

Designed in California by a contemporary artist and adventure junkie who wanted to make “rad looking headlamps that never quit,” Third Eye Headlamps have truly created something unique. They are made with non-toxic plastic and are the only headlamp company that’s a member of 1% for the Planet, but the thing that really sets them apart are the awesome headlamp headband

styles. I chose Galaxy, which looks like you might expect a psychedelic glimpse out into deep space might look. It’s 168 lumens with six brightness settings, red and white lights, and it’s waterproof and comes with a lifetime warranty. You can also buy just the headbands to fit a headlamp you already own from another brand for $12. MSRP: $49.99.

Thirdeyeheadlamps.com (Derrick Knowles)

GOSUN FLATWARE TRAVEL CUTLERY SET

As many as 322 plastic utensils are used by the average American every year. Flatware is an innovative, eco-friendly, re-usable utensil set that is so compact it fits in a compact purse or wallet. The slide-out stainless steel fork and spoon KINIS NOMAD MINIMALIST WORKOUT SHOE

KINIS is a minimalist footwear company focused on helping people move in more natural ways. And KINIS Nomad is a sock/shoe hybrid that promotes natural foot biomechanics that’s great for indoor workouts, especially come winter when floors are likely to be cold or going barefoot

are a great size for eating on the go, fit into a thin plastic case (3mm thick), and are dishwasher safe. Keep a couple in your car or camper and do your part to limit single-use plastics. MSRP: $39. Gosun. com (Wil Wheaton)

TOADFISH COASTAL KITCHEN COLLECTION

This set of award-winning seafood tools is packaged together for easy gifting, but if you’re a seafood lover, you’ll have a hard time giving it away.

The set includes three tools for preparing fresh seafood: a Put 'Em Back™ Oyster Knife—an ergonomicallydesigned knife with a bent tip and handles made from recycled plastic bottles for shucking oysters; a Frogmore™ Shrimp

Cleaner—an original tool that peels, deveins, and butterflies shrimp in one smooth motion; and a Toadfish™ Crab Cutter that slices through crab shells instead of smashing them.

Toadfish notes that the company also invests in marine ecosystems, by planting 10 square ft. of new oyster habitat for every product sold. MSRP: $88.

Toadfishoutfitters.com (Wil Wheaton)

isn’t an option. The company notes that many modern athletic shoes change foot movement that over time can contribute to weakening the structure of the arches, toes, and ankles.

Minimalist footwear like KINIS can make feet more durable and injury resistant. MSRP: $65. Kinis. com (Wil Wheaton)

NOMADIX TOWELS

This multi-purpose towel is soft, light (16 oz), and stylish— perfect for travelling or summer beach days and backpacking.

Made with post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, it’s quick drying, water absorbing, and somehow resists becoming a hot, sandy mess. MSRP: $39.95. Nomadix.co (Wil Wheaton) RAB EQUIPMENT CIRRUS ALPINE JACKET

A new synthetic jacket made from 100% recycled materials by Rab Equipment, the Cirrus Alpine Jacket solves many of the problems modern mountain men and women grapple with. Synthetic insulation is seeing constant progress right now as manufacturers try to match the warmth-to-weight ratio of down, which led to Rab creating its synthetic Cirrus insulation

for this jacket. It was noticeably lighter than it looked when I first put it on and fits more comfortably than many similar jackets I’ve tried in recent years, especially the hood. It’s warm, light, versatile in wet mountain conditions, and better for the planet.

MSRP $180. Rab.equipment/us (Derrick Knowles) NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Continue your streak

RUN WILD

Running with My Girls

By Sarah Hauge

as the Perfect Gift Giver I KEEP TRYING to get my kids to love run-

masks! biggest selection in spokane

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ning like I do. It’s not going well. I see my primary job as a parent as knowing and loving my kids exactly as they are. I delight in them. They amaze me, entertain me, challenge me. They are flawed and perfect.

Despite this, the thought persists. Surely somewhere within them must be a glimmer of the part of me that loves running, that finds it sustaining and essential. Shouldn’t I keep introducing running to them until they realize (with joy and gratitude, obviously) that they love it, too?

They’ve tried cross-country and running clubs. They get started, attend a few times— and then they quit. It’s not fun, they’re too hungry, too hot, too bored; they want to read, they want to go home.

This summer, I heard about something new: a kids half marathon challenge. They’d commit to running 13.1 miles over the month of September. Given past experience I knew I was imagining something that was unrealistic, and yet I saw it this way: Us going for every-other-daily one-mile runs in the crisp morning air, starting with run/walk combos, chatting happily. With practice we’d go a little faster, returning home elated and breathless. They’d learn in elementary school what I didn’t discover until college: Running is the best! With their okay, I signed up my two daughters, ages 7 and 9.

We started strong, jogging with occasional walk breaks for two separate 1-mile outings.

Then, we hit a snag: My 7-year-old was OVER IT. It turns out she’d only agreed to this whole thing because I’d misspoken and said every finisher would receive a trophy.

(Note: evidently, a medal is an infinitely lesser object.) She slowed to a statement-making walk that said, “You have betrayed me, and this whole thing is dumb.”

And then, the wildfire smoke arrived. For 10 days, running outside was off the table.

Our next “3 miles” were 1) running, walk-

ing, and jump roping in the house, 2) a mile’s worth of dancing, as best as my Garmin could guestimate, and 3) lots of jumping on the trampoline.

At that point, the smoke cleared, but the truth was obvious: Running wasn’t happening. We casually walked the rest of our miles.

Running has made me stronger, eased my anxiety, shown me beautiful things. But running also reminds me what every parent needs to hear sometimes: My kids are not me. And thank goodness for that. My kids love to dance. They love to jump. They’re obsessed with swimming. They circle around and around our living room, leaping from dilapidated couch cushion to wobbly Ikea coffee table. They dash to the neighbor’s tree swing during breaks from virtual learning.

They sprint across my bedroom and launch into diving somersaults across the bed. They already know, by instinct, what their bodies love.

During our less-than-perfect halfmarathon, we discovered that a tree we’ve been passing by for years is ideal for climbing. Even now that September has ended, we’ve walked there together. My girls have learned to navigate its angled trunk and sturdy branches. I’ve listened to their triumphant whoops and cheerful shrieks as they plot how to climb the highest they’ve ever been and bicker over who gets to sit where.

Sometimes I wander near the trunk bored, wishing I’d brought a book. Tree-climbing isn’t something I especially enjoy. But it reminds me of another important thing: Our incredible good fortune. My kids are happy, healthy, and wholly themselves. What else, really, is there? // Sarah Hauge is a writer and editor who lives in Spokane with her husband and two daughters. She wrote about yoga for runners in the previous issue.

EVERYDAY CYCLIST

Kmart BSO

By Justin Short

MY WIFE IS one hell of a gift giver. Lynn is a massage therapist (with an ad in this issue of Out There!) and for years she had a trade going with a bike shop owner. Sometime in the dog days of summer she picked my brain, and as far as I knew we were “talking bike,” a favored activity of those stricken down by Obsessive Compulsive Cycling Disorder. (Incidentally, there’s a hilarious book of the same name written by Dave Barter available at Auntie’s Bookstore.)

I’ve watched Lynn’s eyes glaze over many a time enduring my extended metaphor soliloquies on gear ratios, head tube angles, and tubeless tires. Then six months later an obscure 172.5 mm cyclocompact crank set or a Long Haul Trucker touring frame shows up under the tree. And I thought we were just talking bike; she blows my mind every time.

Experiences like that take me back to my childhood when I had ridden my Kmart bike into oblivion. The frame had been broken and welded twice, it wasn’t quite straight anymore, and the drive train skipped more than not, causing me to whack my knee on the “goose neck.” (That part of the bike that holds the handlebars on and was designed specifically to destroy your knee when the gears skip.) That thing’s called a stem now.

The pedal platforms had long since broken off, exposing the bare metal spindles that slipped off my feet and whacked me in the shins at least a dozen times on every ride. I was in my 30s before hair started growing on my shins again.

As demoralizing as it was to ride that bike, I still rode it every day because there were adventures to be had and sketchy board ramps to hit. I had been begging and pleading with my parents for a new bike for several

BSO IS A BIKE INDUSTRY TERM FOR A “BICYCLESHAPED OBJECT” THAT ONE BUYS IN A DEPARTMENT STORE AND WORKS JUST FINE AS LONG AS YOU DON’T RIDE IT. months, but when Christmas morning came, there was no bike under the tree. I tried to put on a happy face, my mom, seeing right through it, told me we could save up and get

me a bike by summer. I sniffled out a few tears at the thought. I didn’t even need a nice bike. Sure, I’d been drooling over a few of the “bike shop” bikes, but I’d be just as happy with a Kmart BSO. (BSO is a bike industry term for a “bicycle shaped object” that one buys in a department store and works just fine as long as you don’t ride it).

We were living well below the poverty line in rust belt Pennsyltucky, so I didn’t expect more than that. Mom kissed me on the head and sent me down to check the fire while she got breakfast on. I moped back up the basement stairs a few minutes later, “Did you check the fire?” Mom asked. “It’s cold, GO CHECK THE FIRE!!”

Back down the basement stairs I went, lower lip protruding, I turned on the furnace room light and there it was. I have no idea how I missed it, because it was leaning up against the coal bin I’d just grabbed a scoop of coal from: the $243 and 67-cents Hutch Pro Raider, the sweetest of all the bike shop bikes ever I’d seen.

I ran screaming jubilant screams, cheeks now streaked with tears of joy, into my Mom’s arms, then dragged the new bike outside for a wheelie session that has continued for 40+ years. // Justin M. Short will be out there bike commuting in rain, hail, sleet, snow and muck all winter long, all the while smiling ear to ear.

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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

13

HEALTH & FITNESS

CBD for Athletes and Outdoor Enthusiasts

By Sarah Hauge

CBD PRODUCTS are cropping up everywhere these days, with many companies producing balms, ointments, and oils. Despite the prevalence, many of us still have questions: What is CBD, exactly? And what are the potential benefits for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts?

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant.

CBD is not psychoactive—meaning, it won’t get you high. When purchased outside of a legal weed store, CBD products must be derived from the hemp plant and contain less than 0.3 percent THC (the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis).

CBD’s presence in the zeitgeist is partly due to its long list of purported benefits, which include serving as a sleep aid, reducing acne, reducing anxiety, providing pain relief, and reducing inflammation.

It’s worth noting that there’s not conclusive research on CBD and pain relief in the U.S. “To my knowledge, there is hardly any research on this topic in human athletic populations,” says Elizabeth Abbey, associate professor in the health sciences department at Whitworth University. “Most research has been done in animal models or nonathletic populations; therefore, it is difficult to extrapolate that to athletic populations directly.”

“CBD may have some benefit when it comes to sleep, but there isn’t anything that I have seen yet to definitively say that it is an ergogenic aid,” says Abbey.

Bearing in mind that important caveat, there’s significant anecdotal evidence regarding CBD’s benefits. Rebecca Moffitt, licensed massage therapist with Massage Spokane Body and Mind, offers CBD oil massage as an option for her clients. Those who receive the treatment tell her it’s making a difference beyond what they experience in a typical 14

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massage.

“They will report that it helps to alleviate the pain and it also will last up to a week, where without the CBD oil the massage will usually benefit them for a day or two,” she says. (Moffitt is careful to note that “due to federal regulations I cannot make claims about whether or not CBD can help with specific ailments and I also am not a doctor so it’s not something I’m prescribing.”)

Moffitt’s clients include hospital workers who are on their feet all day, runners, hikers, and climbers, those suffering from fibromyalgia and arthritis, and desk jockeys with sore necks and backs. “[CBD oil massage] helps with sleep for them, and it helps reduce pain,” she says. Among athletes, she’s hearing that “it’s helping them recover quickly and alleviates sharp pains.”

With CBD oil (Moffitt prefers the brand NuLeaf), the product can be targeted to where it’s needed. “The great thing about using an oil is that it goes to that specific area…if someone’s been out running and their quads are sore, I can just put the oil on that area. Typically they feel a warming sensation and the tension of the muscle relaxing.”

Moffitt says clients report feeling the effects quickly. “As they’re here, they feel [the CBD oil] just penetrates the muscles,” she says. “There’s a number of ointments like Icy Hot, all these things that you can feel instantly. In that same way, you can feel [CBD oil] instantly.”

Moffitt will apply the oil just to the bottoms of the feet of clients who are teachers or medical workers, and she uses it on her own hands—which, given her career, get an intense daily workout. “Since I’ve been using the oil, my joints don’t feel painful anymore, where they used to really hurt me at the end of the day.”//

The Human Adventure

Planning Season

By Ammi Midstokke

“OOOH!” I sighed from my office chair,

“They have it in elite black!”

“Do I dare ask what you are buying on the internet today?” asked my husband.

We’ve been together for a while now, so he ought to know that the most exciting time of my shopping year is when companies start releasing their 2021 planners.

I resist buying an annual planner until it is absolutely unavoidable. If I buy it too early, my eager optimism about the next year has me scheduling so many backpacking trips and races and adventures that by January I’m already telling people I’m too busy until August.

If something doesn’t make it into the planner, then it doesn’t happen.

And if it is in my planner, it always looks like a delightful engagement, even if it’s a root canal.

Dentistry is always listed four shades of elegant turquoises, a variety of floral designs, and fancy calligraphy writing. It might as well be a wedding invitation. In fact, I’ve taken to making my chore lists look like works of art. Which is why I rarely actually get to doing the chores.

Planning is about setting intention and avoiding the insidious sprawl of life to take over. I would hate to be associated with such a word, but it’s rather “efficient.” Of all the things I hate to waste (coffee, paper), time is the most important.

Early winter is incubatory period for my plans of the upcoming year. I’ve just begun to forget the pain and injuries from last year’s training load or misadventure in the mountains, and I can reflect on all the mistakes from a distance just far enough to not be overwhelmed with guilt and shame.

There actually are a number of studies that link the writing-down-of-goals with improved likelihood of achieving those goals. I like to lay out the entire new human I am going to become, preferably on Jan. 1, in a color-coded timeline of sanguine expectations.

I usually throw a lofty goal or two in there (lose weight, get out of debt) and then some freebies (go to a new place, take more naps) so when I look back, I can have a sense of achievement. By the end of the year, I’m invariably chuffed at how much I actually accomplished. I almost always meet my nap goal.

Now, my planners are historical references for the whole family. We look back in my notes and see when we started the first fire of the season, what we did on our vacation, and how many times I actually did make it to the gym. They’ve become an encyclopedia of where I have been and where I am going—mostly outside.

I suppose that is my real attraction to them: having a sense of direction, however naive. In a world of unknowns and influences that are out of my control, opening my planner gives me a sense of calm stability—as if I still determine my own fate or something. It’s like a roadmap of selfcare, coffee dates, long runs, and adventures that keep me grounded. Occasionally, I even make time for work in there. //

"IN A WORLD OF UNKNOWNS AND INFLUENCES THAT ARE OUT OF MY CONTROL, OPENING MY PLANNER GIVES ME A SENSE OF CALM STABILITY"

Ammi Midstokke is a nutritionist and author living in North Idaho. She owns several hundred colored pencils but can never find a sharpener. Sadly, this is her last “The Human Adventure” column but, we hope, not her last appearance in the pages of Out There.

See What You Can Discover Next Summer at the

STONE ROSE

interpretive center & eocene fossil site

WE MISSED YOU THIS YEAR! Make Plans to See Us Next Year April 28 - Oct 31, 2021

Hunt through ancient shale layers to discover 50 million year old leaves, cones, insects, and maybe a rare fish or bird feather.

Keep 3 fossils per day per person.

(Significant finds may be retained for research)

IN THE ♥ OF REPUBLIC, WA 509-775-2295 StoneRoseFossil.org

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

15

Plan Beezley for MTBers

By Aaron Theisen

Plan Beez IT’S COLD and the low point

in a long, high-pressure system, the kind of doldrums that make winter months stretch on forever. The air in Spokane is stagnant, and the temperature is at that not-so-sweet spot where both the snow and singletrack are sticky. Meanwhile, I’m sweating onto sagebrush and sandy singletrack under full sun and 55-degree temperatures. At Beezley Hill, on the edge of Ephrata in central Washington, it’s T-shirt weather—as long as the wind isn’t blowing.

Mention Beezley Hill to local mountain bikers and it often draws blank stares, bemused looks, or mutterings of backpocket plans to get there “one of these days.”

Although only two hours west of Spokane, Beezley is probably better known to westside bikers as an easy destination for dry riding during their lengthy rainy season.

Last season, it became one of my "in case of emergency, break glass" riding spots when I just couldn't handle the weather. But as much as Beezley makes an attractive choice when there are few available, it’s got legit riding in its own right.

Wiping the sweat from my eyes as I pedal up the 3-mile Tower Road, which accesses the top of the trail system, I take a look at my surroundings. Beezley Hill stakes out the easternmost edge of the greater Beezley Hills, a 25-mile wide subrange of small, sagebrush-clad foothills in the Columbia Plateau. Look at a topographical map of the area, and the Beezley Hills look like the scalloped back of a prehistoric crustacean. That’s fitting for an area formed by cataclysmic flooding.

The Beezley Hills formed the northern barrier to the ice age Missoula Floods that scoured central Washington. To the west of City of Ephrata-owned Beezley Hills Recreation Area, Beezley Hills Preserve protects another swath of sagebrush steppe from development, part of a 30,000-acre remnant of native sagebrush and grassland that used to cover two-thrids of the state.

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A little over 20 miles of singletrack wind through Beezley Hill Recreation Area, most of it built with bikes in mind. With smooth, swoopy turns and low-angle pedaling, the trails favor XC flavor; the long-running annual Beezley Burn cross-country race in April is the unofficial kick-off to the Northwest racing season, but beyond that event the trail system is an ideal spot to stack up late-season miles or shake off early-season cobwebs (and calories).

Leaving the Tower Road, I pedal up the long curves of Buckrabbit and Snake Charmer, onto the rocky, pedal-biting tech of Bipolar. From the top, I get a look out over the interior of the Beezley Hills, where a sea of sagebrush stretches west as far as the eye can see. Before wheatfields and wind turbines, the entire skyline would have looked this way.

But Rainier beckons. The original line is a two-directional XC line in keeping with the flowy flavor of its neighbors, but I take the alternate line, an expert-level DH trail.

A 6-foot, cribbed-rock drop gets things off to a sporty start before the track settles into a series of long, fast straightaways that make quick work of the steep-walled draw. At the bottom, sidehills and side hits shunt me out

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into the flats near the trailhead. I head back for more.

The sun sets, and the temperatures quickly drop. It’s no longer T-shirt weather. But as quickly as the central Washington warmth disappears, the light lingers, the dusk light taking its time leaking out of the wide-open central Washington sky.

This time I descend Lazy Boy, Beezley’s best-known trail, relatively speaking. Fast rocky turns drop into a series of waterslidelike catch berms near the bottom. Jumps constructed from old pallets and sheets of plywood test my low-light vision, and songbirds flushed from the understory test my jump-scare reflexes.

With sagebrush reflecting the last light of dusk like roadside signs, I navigate without headlights back to the trailhead, already planning my next trip. Beezley has become plan A. // Aaron Theisen is an outdoors writer and photographer whose work has appeared in Freehub, Backpacker, Powder, DirtRag, Delta SKY magazine, and elsewhere. He wrote about public lands scenic drives in the September/October issue.

THE GOOD THING

about hiking somewhere flat is that it doesn’t take long to get a view. While there are various places to walk in Ephrata—the gravel service road next to the town’s canal, the paved activity trail near the airport, or one of many gravel roads just outside town—Beezley Hill is where it’s at for hikers and walkers alike.

Beezley offers a variety of trails and destinations, so it’s great for hikers who want to go long on winding single-track through the sagebrush or for hikers who want a gentle route. Beezley Hill is also dog friendly, but pups should stay on leash throughout the hike, as the hill is shared with mountain bikers.

For a beginner-level hike, follow the gravel service road that starts at the Beezley trailhead and gently curves to the top of the hill, where you’ll find a seasonal light display.

For a short hike with the family, walk this same gravel road but stop about a third of the way up the hill at the Autism Ribbon.

You’ll be able to look out over the City of Ephrata from this landmark, a monument dedicated to Autism awareness that lights up at night. If you’re hiking with a dog, this spot will include a dog water faucet (with taller ones for people, too). Bring a picnic or just relax on one of the benches at this ribbon area and soak up the scene of a town where the highest structure is a grain silo.

Whether you choose a wide, gravel path or narrower route, you’ll catch a great view in just a short distance. Deciduous trees in the community flare bright in fall hues, and you’ll be able to spot town features like the high school track and baseball fields. The canal, low this time of year, stretches from the coulee of Soap Lake, through the town, and to the south. To the southeast, on a clear day, you can see the first few buildings of Moses Lake, a town that’s 20 miles away. Since most of the natural flora of the Columbia Basin reaches no higher than

6 FALL & EARLY WINTER SPOKANE & CDA HIKES

By Seth Marlin

zley for Hikers

By Lisa Laughlin

your waist, you’ll be able to look over a huge expanse of land, beautiful in desert shades of gold, taupe, and sage.

After you’ve enjoyed the view, you can continue on singletrack along the ridge of Beezley to two tower locations. As Beezley is an exposed and treeless location, hike prepared for fall elements such as strong wind and rainstorms. As you walk, you may see desert wildlife like rabbits, coyotes, quail, rattlesnakes, or mule deer. There will be several branching singletrack routes that you can take to hike on the middle of the hill or lower on the hill near the canal. Check out the options at the trailhead kiosk before you

start to pick the route best for you.

While there’s enough trail on Beezley to stretch your legs for a day, there are other hiking options just outside of town. Hike a loop around Soap Lake, explore the Lake Lenore Caves, or head south to the Ancient Lakes area. Each of these hikes will be located near natural water and showcase the unique mix of basalt, grassland, and scrub brush that make up the plateaus and valleys of the Columbia Basin. // Lisa Laughlin grew up in Ephrata and now works as a freelance writer in Spokane.

EVEN WITH SHORTER DAYS and falling temperatures, the Spokane region is rich in natural

beauty, and whether you’re looking for vibrant colors, or more of a winter-wonderland atmosphere, there’s something for every hiking aficionado. Here are a few of my favorite local late-season hikes.

JAMES P. SLAVIN CONSERVATION AREA – Nature Park Loop – 2.4 miles

Located just south of Spokane, this trail covers a range of landscapes, from forests to wetlands to prairie. Birdwatchers can glimpse a range migrating wildfowl, including Canada geese and sandhill cranes, and the wide-open horizon captures the sweeping grandeur of the neighboring Palouse. A great trail for older hikers and families with kids.

ANTOINE PEAK CONSERVATION AREA – Antoine Peak Loop – 4.8 miles This trail takes hikers up through dense woodlands, culminating in views of the Dishman Hills, Mount Spokane, Mica Peak, and even northern Idaho. Deer sightings are common this time of year, and the summit of this trail offers a visual feast of snowcapped hills and autumn hues. A must for any hiker craving a bit of solitude.

MOUNT SPOKANE STATE PARK – Trail 120 Loop – 2.5 miles

Hidden in the shadow of Mount Spokane, this hike is more approachable than some others in the area, though trekking poles and good footwear are still recommended. This trail boasts old growth stands of western larch, whose needles turn gold in the fall, bathing the understory in a dreamy light. Coupled with amazing views of Mt. Kit Carson, this hike is bright, brilliant, and perfect for sunny days. This hike may turn into a snowshoe depending on the fall weather. Trail 120 starts across the road from Bear Creek Lodge. A fee is charged by the lodge owner for parking.

TURNBULL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE – Pine Lake / Headquarters Loop – 1.7 miles

Situated just east of Cheney, a 20-minute drive from Spokane, Turnbull boasts an extensive network of trails that are well maintained and relatively level, with a broad array of natural wonders to behold. Of particular note is Winslow Pool—a major visual feature of the park, a survey site for Eastern Washington’s Biology department, and a haven for amateur birdwatchers.

COLUMBIA PLATEAU TRAIL – Cheney to Fish Lake – 7.6 miles (out and back)

Though easily the longest of the trails on this list, it is also one of the most approachable. This hike is part of the Columbia Plateau Trail, which spans 130 miles from Pasco to Cheney, covering much of the south-central part of the state. Its key features include well-paved and bike-friendly paths, numerous scientific displays detailing the regions geological history, and a serene view of Fish Lake.

COEUR D’ALENE – Tubbs Hill Main Trail – 2.5 miles

While a common misconception holds that the best hikes lie far off the path, many lie tantalizingly close to town. Tubbs Hill, for just one example, presents an appealing option for hikers in Spokane or North Idaho alike. Situated on 130 acres of public land, Tubbs Hill is a popular woodland oasis in the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene. It boasts well marked trails, accessible terrain, and stone’s-throw proximity to Coeur d’Alene’s numerous dining and shopping opportunities. Best of all, wintertime hikers will find no more stunning view of Lake Coeur d’Alene and its surrounding forests than on a crisp winter morning or in the midst of a gentle snowfall. //

Photos: Aaron Theisen

Seth Marlin holds a Creative Writing MFA from Eastern Washington University. He is the author of “Five-Star Trails: Spokane,” out now through Menasha Ridge Press.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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provisions

DOMA’S INSTANT CRAFT COFFEE

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

PHOTO: AMANDA V MEAD

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS ON THE GO

A hallmark of the holiday season is gathering with folks you love to share hearty food and drink. COVID-19 makes that more difficult this year, but local businesses are stepping up to provide the next best thing: holiday cocktails on the go.

Lil Sumthin’ Saloon, barely open three months when bars and taverns shut down, recently rebranded as Lil Sumthin’ Cocktail Market. They deliver Texas-inspired hot dogs and cocktails to your front door.

Specialty cocktails arrive neatly packaged with reusable glassware, drink garnishes, and assembly instructions. Drinks like the Maple Old Fashioned, a sweeter well-balanced take on the classic, and the Laredo Pumpkin Pie Martini can be poured into sugar pumpkins, surprisingly functional vessels that can be baked and eaten afterward. Also offered for the holidays is a rum hot toddy that explodes with flavor and bite.

Lil Sumthin’, 301 W. 2nd Ave, Spokane, offers free delivery to the downtown core and a flat $5 fee beyond. In addition to individual cocktails, they offer full-size bottles and ingredients. Visit Spokanecocktails.com for both intimate and family gatherings this season.

Cochinito Taqueria, another downtown favorite, also offers custom holiday cocktails for in-house dining, takeout, or delivery via Spokane-based Treehouse Deliveries. The North Utsire features gin, ginger simple syrup, fresh lime, and rhubarb bitters, while the Blood Orange Margarita blends tequila, fresh blood orange juice, sour, and triple sec. All drinks are built, shaken, then packaged with instructions for pouring. Go to Facebook or Cochinitotaqueria.com for more.

As you make holiday plans, support one of our local small businesses, especially in this time of giving and thanks.

Amanda V. Mead

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APPLE CIDER FALL MIX UP

A warm cup of apple cider is one of the most quintessential flavors of fall. And while it is wondrously pleasing on its own, there are some delicious and creative ways you can add flavor and spice to your cider this season.

Of course, there are the traditional “warming” spices, like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. Orange juice is also a common addition. Try swapping orange for cranberry or even a pinot grigio or pinot noir, and cider spices for a mulled wine spice mix.

Black, ginger, and rooibos teas can add depth and elegance to a simple apple cider. I grew up on teas from Celestial Seasonings, with blends like Caramel Apple Dream, Cranberry Vanilla Wonderland, Bengal Spice and Sleepytime, which pair nicely with apple flavors. And then there’s chai. Already infused with many of those spices we love to add to apples, chai is a natural pairing for cider. Top your steaming cup with a dollop of whipped cream, add a scoop of caramel, pumpkin, or vanilla ice cream, or simply enjoy with a splash of half and half.

Speaking of dairy, stir some butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and a pinch of salt into your hot cider and top it with a shot of rum for a decadent Hot Buttered Apple Cider. Cider also combines well with cinnamon liqueurs, mead, prosecco, brandy, and bourbon. For an easy Apple Bourbon Cocktail, combine the following in a rocks glass over ice: 3 ounces apple cider, 2-3 ounces bourbon, squeeze of lemon, and 2 ounces ginger beer. Top with a sprig of thyme and a slice of lemon-sprinkled apple, and enjoy the flavors of the season.

S. Michal Bennett

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

PHOTO: JON JONCKERS

THE PURIST FROM NEW BELGIUM

If you care about the ingredients in your beer, then you’re going to love The Purist from New Belgium Brewery. Made with organic, traceable ingredients for a clean, refreshing taste, The Purist clean lager is a whole new idea about what a beer can be. While organic beers have been around since the 1990s, this beer features superior ingredients at every stage of the brewing process, creating a new class of its own.

Beginning with clean Colorado Rocky Mountain water (sounds familiar, I know), they brew with organic malts and organic hops from Oregon. Although low-calorie beers are not known for their taste, this beer is only 95 calories and a mere 3.8 percent ABV, yet it tastes fantastic. The straightforward, mild sweetness features a great aroma, negligible bitterness, and a dry finish. It has one less calorie than a Miller Lite, but it tastes a ton better, is USDA Organic, and the brewery is carbon neutral.

Admittedly, New Belgium’s most famous beer is the Fat Tire Amber Ale, but the company is also recognized as one of Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work, one of the Wall Street Journal’s Best Small Businesses, and tops the list of Bicycling Magazine’s Best Companies for Cyclists. With the addition of The Purist clean lager to the list of awardwinning beers, it’s safe to say New Belgium is taking brewing innovations to the next level.

Jon Jonckers

The ambition to brew a quickly soluble coffee drink is as old as the trenches of the American Civil War. Then, in 1881, a Frenchman named Alphonse Allais invented and patented the first instant coffee, followed by a long line of inventors who developed new processes for producing instant coffee. In 1965, Nestlé launched their freeze-dried version, NESCAFÉ, and the instant coffee industry grew dramatically. Today, Folger’s Instant, released in 1953, is the top-selling instant coffee in the US, but the style has gained a negatively “cheap” reputation. In 2015, a few people within the “third wave” coffee industry began asking, “Does instant coffee really have to be bad?” Thus, three major specialty instant coffee companies were born: Swift Cup Coffee, Sudden Coffee and Voilà.

These three have made it possible for roasters around the country, like DOMA Coffee Roasting Company based in Post Falls, Idaho, to offer their core blends and rotating single origin roasts in instant form that you can take anywhere and enjoy immediately.

I recently had the opportunity to drink two of DOMA’s current offerings of instant coffee—their Carmela’s blend and small batch Rwanda—produced in collaboration with Swift Cup Coffee, a specialty instant coffee company based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While instant coffee will always have a slight freeze-dried-esque flavor edge to it, both of these coffees brewed true to their whole bean origins. The Rwanda was complex with some sweetness and distinctive citrus notes. Carmela’s is all caramel and chocolate and is well-complimented by a little cream. DOMA also currently offers Jackie Oh decaf and DEEP Guatemala as “instant craft coffee” at the roastery, but they have other coffees in their hopper from the past and for the future.

A box of 6 packs is $16, and single packs, when available, are $2.75. I found that one pack brewed a fairly viscous 8-ounce cup, but 12 ounces drew out more of the flavors and complexity of both brews. Visit the roastery in Post Falls or its website (domacoffee.com) to purchase and try it out for yourself on the trail, the slopes, the road, or a snowy morning at home. // S. Michal Bennett

Saving Wolverines

NATURE

The Elusive Gulo Gulo

GULO GULO, the gluttonous one. Wolverines

are one the feistiest and most elusive carnivores in the north. Even among fierce predators of the Mustelidae or weasel family, wolverines are above and beyond. They have been known to fend off a grizzly bear from a kill and, when opportunity arises, hunt animals many times their size—like deer.

They are the largest member of the Mustelidae family, which include other tenacious hunters including badgers, martens, and ermines. They weight 18-44 pounds with round ears and distinctive face markings. Like many mustelids they are long bodied with bushy tails and large clawed feet that are useful for taking down prey and traveling through deep snow.

There are fewer than 300 wolverines in the contiguous U.S. and around 50 in Washington, so it is a truly unique experience to view one in the wild. They once roamed the high peaks as far south as the Rockies in New Mexico and the Sierras in California. Their population and range have

By Adam Gebauer

been reduced significantly after more than a century of trapping and habitat loss. They now only exist in small isolated pockets of Idaho, Montana, Washington, Wyoming and northeastern Oregon, which greatly limits their ability to find mates and increase their genetic diversity.

Wolverines are particularly linked to snowy places. Pregnant females den in deep snow that must persist until late spring in order to rear their kits. They also store their meat in the snowy refrigerator of the summer snowpack to retrieve when there is less game.

Due to the rugged landscape and this species’ elusive, solitary nature, it is difficult to catch sight of a wolverine, but the increasing use of game cameras has greatly helped. The non-profit conservation advocacy organization Conservation Northwest and its team of citizen scientists deploy cameras to get a glimpse of these creatures int the wild.

And just this August researchers from the Cascade Carnivore Project working with the

National Park Service documented a female named “Jori” and her two kits roaming the slopes of Mount Rainer, the first-time wolverines have been in the area in 100 years.

Wolverines can range far looking for prey and mates and have huge home ranges. In the Yellowstone area females have traveled over 150 miles and males over 500. Some can roam over 18 miles in one night. Their ability to travel have helped them to make recent appearances in California, as well as a sighting this May on the southernmost coast of Washington. Over Memorial Day weekend there where two confirmed sightings of a wolverine near Surfside and Naselle. Even these mountain dwelling creatures might need to take a trip to the beach to find a mate. // Adam Gebauer has yet to see a wolverine, but he is keeping his eyes out on his backcountry ski adventures and won’t try to steal its meal. He last wrote about efforts to protect both cougars and livestock.

In October the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service denied protection for this species under the Endangered Species Act. Many conservation organizations including Earthjustice and Conservation Northwest have been working for over 20 years to get this species listed.

With the continued reduction in snowpack, these organizations are concerned that without additional protections the U.S. Forest Service will open up more prime wolverine habitat to snowmobiles, which can negatively impact the solitude-loving animals.

The Endangered Species Act enacted by President Nixon has been touted as the most effective conservation effort in this country. Under the act the USFWS is required to protect critical habitat so species have the ability to recover to sustainable populations. The current administration is challenging some key aspects of the ESA, proposing to exclude many critical habitat designations, and create a limited definition of habitat. In October 2020, 17 state attorneys, including Washington’s, filed a letter challenging these changes.

VISIT THE

MARKETPLACE SHOP FROM 60+ SMALL FARMS IN THE INLAND NORTHWEST lincfoods.com

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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local holiday gift guide 2020 has been a year we won’t ever forget, and local businesses need our support more than ever.

Shopping at locally-owned stores helps keep jobs and money in our local communities, and local businesses will work harder to make sure you’re happy with your purchases. Wear a mask, use hand sanitizer, and use this guide to plan out your holiday shopping list in advance to make shopping faster. Many of the businesses featured in our Local Holiday Gift Guide have advertised with Out There Outdoors sometime during the year and help make this publication possible. Show them that it matters to you by supporting them back. If you don’t find all the gifts you’re looking for here, try the new website LiveLocalINW.com where you’ll find over 457 local businesses listed, many of which feature great holiday gift ideas. Stay safe out there and happy holidays!

WINTER SPORTS SPOKANE ALPINE HAUS

You can hardly turn around in this packed shop without finding the perfect gift for skiers and riders on your lists (or for yourself). A few recommendations for the season: Smith wireless audio chips for helmets—$130 for Bluetooth and $40 for the wired version. Otis sunglasses featuring scratch-resistant mineral glass lenses—$150-25. Thermic heated ski or snowboard boot kits—$250. Dakine ski or board boot bags—$65-85. Dakine ski or Board bags—$140. Yaktrax—$20. And Kari Traa base layers for women—$90 top or bottom.

SHRED SPORTS OUTLET

A huge space full of ski and snowboard equipment, gear, bikes, and more. A few gift highlights include Faststik glide on wax.

“The best thing people don't know they want. It's all I use on my own equipment and we are applying it to every tune at Shred.” $40 for all temp and $30 for warm temp. Prizm lens technology from Oakley with dye added to the lens that enhances the vibrancy of color and creates contrast resulting in better visibility of terrain will be a holiday pleaser too—$150-270.

RAMBLERAVEN GEAR TRADER

(Formally NW Outdoors) Specializing in quality consignment outdoor gear, Rambleraven now sells a selection of new gear that should make it on your holiday shopping list, like the Hok Skis backcountry ski/snowshoe hybrid with climbing skin built into them—$227.95 (skis only). Quality, durable, and stylish socks for winter outdoor adventures are always a hit. Rambleraven carries both Point6 and Smartwool ski and hiking socks (prices vary).

HIKING/RUNNING

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE (Sandpoint) Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho. The perfect gift for the person who is always cold. The Honcho Poncho is one size fits all, unsnaps to lay flat like a blanket, and pack into its pocket which can double as a pillow—$99.95. KAVU Herschel Beanie, a cuffed beanie with jacquard design and 20

pom on top. Narwhale, Sasquatch, Unicorn oh my!—$30. Pair with matching KAVU Moonwalk Socks—$25. MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes. Classic, affordable pair to get you started—$139.95. Or add a pack and poles along with the snowshoes with the Evo Trail Snowshoe Kit—$199.95.

NRS FLAGSHIP STORE (Moscow)

Today’s snowpack is next season’s whitewater. If you have a paddler on your list, consider upgrading their PFD. The NRS Oso PFD is a basic, medium profile life jacket for rafters and kayakers with a ventilated, thin-back design for comfort with any type of seat—$109.95

FLEET FEET SPORTS

outdoor adventures even better. The ROCK SOK ultralight food hanging system makes hanging food away from bears and other critters fast and easy—$32.95. The On The Fly rod holder is a compact, convenient fly rod and reel holder that fits on any vehicle while driving from one fishing spot to the next—$19.95.

FOOD & DRINK

LYTE BALANCE is an all-natural, sugar-andadditive free, vegan and gluten free electrolyte concentrate that can be added to any beverage, from water to cocktails and coffee to fend off dehydration and replenish minerals lost during exercise—16oz bottle, $25.

After hours of skiing or climbing or running, your feet need a break. The Hoka One One Ora Recovery Shoes are breathable, super-cushioned slip-ons that will change your day. Available in a shoe, slide or flip—$80

Award-winning DRY FLY WHISKEY is a nobrainer gift. Founded in Spokane in 2007, Dry Fly’s spirits are made locally with local ingredients. In a backcountry flask, or family holiday gathering, it’s the best in the Northwest.

BUCK KNIVES CUSTOM KNIFE SHOP

You like bikes. You like beer. Bring a sixpack of classic, Colorado-brewed NEW BELGIUM Fat Tire Amber to your holiday bonfire gatherings or winter ride apres.

Available at Yokes Fresh Market stores.

(Post Falls) Give your outdoor enthusiast a one-of-akind knife that’s made in America. With Buck Knives online Custom Knife Shop, you can customize a knife with many blade and handle options, as well as specialty engraving. Custom orders take 4-6 weeks and prices vary.

REI

Here’s a sample of gift ideas from REI’s Spokane store. Whether you're on an impromptu picnic or covering yourself on a chilly evening, the Pendleton Cotton Throw gift pack is a versatile source of comfort and warmth you can take anywhere—$99.50.

Part slipper, part sneaker, part sleeping bag for your feet, Teva Ember Mocs also feature collapsible heels—$74.95. Perfectly sized for your cold food and drinks during a solo foray in the great outdoors, the YETI Hopper Flip 8 soft cooler lets you travel light with legendary insulation and durability—$199.98.

SELKIRK DESIGN

Spokane-based outdoor gear company Selkirk Design has created several products that would make great gifts that make

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

Any wine lover will also love Townshend Cellars Wowler, the refillable way to enjoy wine. TOWNSHEND CELLARS sources all of their grapes from Washington’s worldrenowned Columbia Valley and the wine is produced in its newly expanded winery facility in the heart of Spokane. Wowlers are available at the Green Bluff Tasting Room Fridays-Sundays.

Spokane’s The KITCHEN ENGINE is always a great place to find unique gifts including these: Carbonate any liquid at home, from juice to wine and cocktails, with a Drinkmate countertop soda maker—$99159. “DOMA Instant Coffee is the best instant coffee out there. I have used it on many backpacking trips this year. There are about 6 to choose from right now and we carry them all.”—$16. Lodge Cast Iron cookware are made in the USA and are one of the best performers for the money (prices vary).

ADVENTURES

We all have someone that’s impossible to find the right gift for. Instead of an object, why not gift a local Northwest adventure. Here’s a few of our favorites: A zipline tour pass from MICA MOON in Liberty Lake, TIMBERLINE ADVENTURES in CDA, or SILVER STREAK in Wallace; ROW ADVENTURES whitewater trips; FLOW ADVENTURES whitewater trips; WILD WALLS climbing gym passes; or a lift ticket or season pass to any of our local ski and snowboard resorts.

BIKES

MOJO CYCLERY

Carry all the essential on-trail bike tools in a compact design with the Topeak Mini 9 Multi Tool—$16.99. Preset at 5nM, the Ritchey Torque Key Tool is perfect for checking bolts on the bike—$22.99.

The Stans No Tube Dart is a tubeless tire repair kit that fills larger holes on tubeless tires where the dart chemically reacts with sealant for a better repair—$24.99.

The Kryptonite Alley F800 bike light is an 800 lumen USB rechargable handlebarmounted bike light—$74.99. The Topeak Tourguide Handlbar Bag DX is a frontmounted bag that’s great for bikepacking adventures—$89.99.

WHEEL SPORT BIKES

The Muc-Off bike care essentials kit contains all the basic elements you need to be able to look after your bicycle. Clean, polish, and protect your bike with it all packed in a tidy tote—$50. Trail riding is more aggressive than ever, so you need a helmet that gives you the confidence to take on downhill runs on a five-inch travel trail bike. Say hello to the Tactic III MIPS helmet—$100. Finding the perfect gift can be tough, making Wheel Sport gift cards great for hardcore riders and those who just got back into biking during the pandemic—$10-$1,000.

NORTH DIVISION BICYCLE

The SKS Digital Airchecker is an air pressure gauge that features precise digital pressure measurement. It works on both Presta

and Schrader valves—$36.99. WaveCel is a collapsible cellular structure that lines the inside of the helmet. It works like a crumple zone that absorbs the force of an impact before it reaches your head. You’re up to 48 times less likely to get a concussion with a Bontrager WaveCel helmet compared to a standard foam helmet—$100-300.

GREASY FINGERS BIKES N REPAIR

(Sandpoint) The MSR Pocket Rocket ultralight stove is ultra-compact and perfect for throwing in your bag to heat up some trailside coffee or soup—$54. Pedal your 64oz growler back home from the brewery or out to watch the sunset with a Growler Grabber stainless steel bottle cage. Protective silicon grips help keep growlers secure while you ride—$40 TWO WHEELER & SKI DEALER (Hayden)

With a 300 lumen headlight and 20 lumen taillight like the Specialized Flash Pack head light/tail light combo, riders will be visible during the day and have lights that can get them around safely in the dark—$55.

Nothing kills a good bike ride faster than cold, wet feet. Neoprene Endura Overshoe shoe covers for both mountain and road shoes will keep feet warm and dry—$50.

With all the advances in the materials used to make bicycles lighter, it is now more important than ever to ensure all fastening points are tightened to the correct torque.

The Topeak Nano Torqbar X torque wrench gets the job done—$55.

THE BIKE HUB

Great for cold weather rides, Bontrager JFW winter cycling gloves are an insulated, protective glove that won’t constrict or hinder mobility—$74.99. The Bontrager Ion Pro RT Front Bike Light is “one of our favorite lights for night rides and aroundtown commuting.” It’s USB-rechargeable with five modes for day and night and enough power to light up the full width of any trail—$124.99. The Bontrager Charger

floor pump is a reliable floor pump featuring a durable steel barrel, an auto-select head, and a stable base—$29.99.

PETS

If you love flannel shirts, especially from a local company like FLYSHACKER, your pooch will also love a matching Flyshacker Flandanna pub bandanna. Some of Flyschaker’s shirts and PJs offer matching bandannas for your best friend. Just feed your own collar through the top of the Flandanna and it stays put—$9.95.

Spokane-based NOBO PETS created the NOBO Leash with a built-in bag dispenser in the handle that fits rolls of biodegradable bags. The leash also features a quick-release handle loop for easily securing your pooch to fixed objects and is made from climbing rope with a locking carabiner for easy collar clipping—$59.99.

The MOJO Inflatable Dog Bed with blanket from Spokane gear makers SELKIRK DESIGN is the perfect backcountry dog bed solution. The inflatable bed is lined with faux wool with an attachable waterproof micro fleece-lined blanket for warmth, comfort, and easy cleaning—$39.95 PRAIRIE DOG PET MERCANTILE stores are packed with great pet-related gift ideas, like the Earth Animal No Hide Holiday Feast Chews for dogs and cats which are all natural and easily digestible. Multiple sizes and prices. Or the Hot Cats 4 Link catnip toy made here in the Pacific Northwest—$14.99.

APPAREL

Don’t wear any cheap, uncomfortable, hard-to-breathe-in mask when you can wear one of the most comfortable masks on the market that come in dozens of stylish fabrics from Spokane Masks. And they are actually handmade in Spokane—$8-14. A Masked Goat t-shirt from SPOKANE MASKS is a great way to remember 2020 with

a humorous, artistic twist on Spokane’s iconic garbage-eating goat in a mask—$24.

Give the gift of a super-comfortable flannel shirt from Spokane-based Flyshacker Clothing Co. They come in multiple awesome styles and colors, fit awesome, and are incredibly soft. Message them on Instagram that you heard about them from Out There’s gift guide and get a code for 25% off full priced items.

Ninja hoodies from Spokane’s LOCAL KNITS feature a fleece-lined, fully removable face mask and matching pouch pocket. They come in a wide variety of fabric choices from repurposed upholstery fabrics that bring unique style and comfort to any winter rambles—$80. Just like grandma used to make, except better, a handmade beanie from Local Knits are created using yarns spun in the USA from 100% wool or recycled synthetic fiber (acrylic)—$30-40.

Shop Local Knits online or at their shop/ studio in downtown Spokane’s Steamplant Building.

BOOKS/GAMES/ART

Just in time for the holidays, there’s a new must-have trail guide featuring over 50 urban hikes in Spokane and Kootenai County: Urban Trails by Rich Landers and David Taylor, available at Auntie’s Bookstore—$16.95.

AUNTIES BOOKSTORE downtown Spokane

also recommends these three books that are sure to make a great gift. “A Promised Land” by Barack Obama, is the first of a planned two volumes that Obama has written following his tenure as President of the United States from 2009 to 2017— $44.99. “The Cold Millions,” by Jess Walter, #1 New York Times bestselling author and Spokane local, is another “literary miracle” set in Spokane's past—$28.99. “World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments,” is a collection of essays about the natural world

and the way its inhabitants can teach, support, and inspire us—$24.99.

MERLYN'S, downtown Spokane featues

games, comics, and collectibles. The Magic The Gathering Zendikar Riding Bundle is a collectable box with 10 Zendikar Rising booster packs and an assortment of extra goodies for Magic the Gathering—$39.99.

Dungeons and Dragons—Tasha's Cauldron of Everything (due out Nov 17.) The wizard Tasha has gathered bits and bobs of precious lore during her illustrious career as an adventurer and has collected these tidbits for all—$49.99. A game of conquest, diplomacy, and betrayal, the Dune Boardgame is a modern version of the classic Avalon Hill boardgame—$49.99.

Two great Inland Northwest-inspired gift options for nature and art lovers by Chris Bovey can be found at ATTICUS COFFEE & GIFTS. The 2021 Spokane Parks Calendar and Poster Prints of the 12 Spokane parks featured in the calendar are a beautiful reminder of one of the things that makes living in Spokane so awesome. And, a portion of the proceeds go to local park improvements. Next door at BOO RADLEYS GIFT SHOP, find gifts for those with a distinctive sense of style and humor. Let them tell it how it is with a pair of MOD socks that dish out the sass.

KIZURI, downtown Spokane’s fair-trade gift

shop, never disappoints when it comes to gift finding. “There is beauty in all of us, no matter how knotted or twisted we might feel,” a sentiment that inspired the Beautiful Mess Necklace, a fair trade, sterling silver necklace handmade in Peru—$42. The Bocce Sack Game is just half the weight of one official Bocce ball, so you can take it anywhere—$36.50. We certainly could use more peace in the world these days. Spread the word with a Peace Wreath. This natural wreath of takip-asin wood is wrapped in sustainably harvested galtang vine from the Phillipines—$29.50

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sponsored by

CHEERS! // PHOTO: AMY MCCAFFREE 22

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

Be Safe & Have Fun Out There This Winter

By Derrick Knowles & Amy McCaffree

THIS WINTER may present more challenges

than normal for getting your little ones out on the slopes, but at the same time, it may be the most important winter season ever for you and your family to spend time outdoors together. Out There Outdoors’ annual Family Winter Sports Guide is the resource for parents looking to get their kids involved in winter sports. Our guide includes inspiration and information to get more kids out developing a lifetime love of skiing, snowboarding, and playing in the snow.

Special thanks to the Ski the Northwest Rockies association and affiliated resorts—49 Degrees North, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain, and Lookout Pass. Their partnership with Out There Outdoors on our shared mission to engage the next generation of skiers and riders here in the Inland Northwest makes this guide possible! If you are not a parent or grandparent, please share a copy of this issue with someone who is. (DK) ADVICE FOR TEACHING YOUR KIDS TO SKI

Demand this year for kids’ ski and snowboard lessons will likely be high, and many programs for younger kids who need more supervision might not be available. That doesn’t mean you should abandon your plans for skiing with your child this season,

but you may consider spending more time teaching them yourself.

Nate Peck, a 49 Degrees North local and former assistant director of 49’s ski school, offers up some great advice for parents looking to teach their kids to ski this winter.

“Focus on the experience and not the progress—the progress comes but not in the first few sessions. Be patient. If you can have fun, you can keep going. Kids will relax and learn so much faster,” says Peck. “It’s so tempting to pull your child one lift further, or one more run. We’ve done it—gone too high on the mountain, (or skied when) too windy. To a kid, success is fun.”

Logistical planning is also important. He recommends preparing a big bag with everything you might need on the mountain to maximize your child’s energy, such as meals, snacks, and “how you’re going to stay warm,” he says. Handwarmers and Hershey’s kisses have been especially helpful for teaching his own young kids to ski. Figure out what works best to encourage and motivate your kids, then do that every time you’re on the mountain. (AM) COVID SAFETY TIPS: 7 PS FOR THE SKI MOUNTAIN

Help slow the spread of COVID-19 while

skiing and snowboarding this winter by following science-based recommendations from public health officials. Based on advice and information from the Centers for Disease Control, Washington State Public Health, and regional mountains’ COVID policies, here is a summary of the main ways to be safe and responsible on the mountain this season.

1. Plan ahead: Know visitor policies for your mountain destination. This winter, seasonpassholders have priority access, which means no day-of ticket sales at the window.

Make reservations and purchase lift-tickets online prior to arrival.

2. Pack everything you might need: Your vehicle is your refuge this winter for booting-up and warming up. Save time by packing your own lunch and snacks and eating them at your car. Some lodges may have outdoor seating available. Bring blankets, hand-warmers, and spare clothing for when a dry set is needed. Carry hand-sanitizer.

3. Prepare to have limited indoor access: Most lodges will operate at 50% capacity, and give priority to guests buying hot meals or graband-go food options. Restrooms will also have limited access; some ski areas may have outdoor porta-potties.

4. Physical distancing: Whether it’s the chairlift loading area or the lodge, stick close to your family group or those you traveled to the mountain with, and give others a wide berth—even on runs (like always, for safety’s sake). Chairlift-sharing will be restricted to family/friend groups (for most mountains).

5. Protective face coverings: Have a mask for everyone in your family or traveling group and wear it indoors. Check the COVID policies for your destination about whether a ski buff or gaiter can substitute, and the mask guidelines for outdoors.

6. Practice good hygiene: Pre-COVID, when life was carefree, wiping noses with gloved-fingers or a buff and farmer-blows were no big deal—not anymore. Bring facial tissues.

7. Pause your season as needed: Stay home if you or anyone in your household has any COVID-like symptoms or has had close contact with anyone who recently tested for COVID and is awaiting results or if a close contact has recently been confirmed COVID-positive. Be prudent and quarantine at home; don’t be a potential COVIDspreader. Keep mountain staff and fellow skiers/riders safe and help ski areas to remain open. (AM) //

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Ski Programs for Kids & Families this Winter

By Amy McCaffree

LOCAL SKI MOUNTAIN staff are stoked for

winter and to welcome guests including young skiers and riders and their parents back to the slopes. Sadly, what caused our season to abruptly end last spring has created new challenges this winter. Particularly in the Inland Northwest, where interstate travel is frequent and public health guidelines vary by state, county, and even city or public-health district, it’s important that each of us takes a prudent mindset wher-

ever we live or travel so that our mountain sports season can begin on-time and keep going.

Though each mountain may have slightly different operating procedures and protocols for group lessons, masking and social distancing will be universal, and every mountain will have reservation and onlinepurchase requirements for lift tickets and lesson packages.

With the fluid nature of the COVID-19

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING FOR KIDS

“Nordic skiing is a great option anytime but especially now when people are looking for opportunities to get outdoors during the pandemic. Nordic skiing is a good option because it tends to be something you can do as a family or independently and has social distancing already a part of it,” says Matt Halloran, Spokane Nordic Ski Association (SNSA) board member and Nordic Kids program liaison. Halloran cross-country skis with his two children ages 5 and 8.

This winter, SNSA’s traditional Nordic Kids program isn’t available because Selkirk Lodge is unavailable as a warm refuge for groups. There are two alternative options, however, and Halloran encourages Nordic families to sign-up for both at SpokaneNordic.org.

• Option 1: SNSA-generated weekly emails on how to get your child out on snow, includes videos and tips and recommendations for you as a parent ($15).

• Option 2: Scheduled 2-hour lessons, with one instructor, for groups of 5 or fewer; available every Saturday in January and February ($10 per person).

Though lessons begin outside of Selkirk Lodge, Halloran says, “Plan to have zero access to the lodge.” Be prepared to warm-up in your vehicle, bring your own hot cocoa in a thermos, and use the state park’s vault toilets. The lodge will be mainly available for the Nordic ski patrol.

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

public health crisis, families need to check mountain websites and social media channels to stay updated on the latest operating policies. The four Ski the Northwest Rockies association resorts that help make this family winter sports guide possible (Mt. Spokane, 49, Lookout Pass, and Silver Mountain) have all invested considerable time and money to make getting your kids out to ski or ride this winter in a safe environment.

49 DEGREES NORTH MOUNTAIN RESORT— CHEWELAH, WASH.

Group sessions this season will only be available for ages 7+. Because children ages 4-6 need a “more hands-on approach, especially in the early stages of learning to ski or snowboard.” According to Snowsports School Director Alison Pasino, 49 Degrees North is offering a new Mommy/Daddy & Me Group Lesson. These 1.5-hour sessions, offered Saturday and Sunday mornings,

MORE KIDS PROGRAMS AT IDAHO RESORTS

The Ski Idaho association also offers a 5th/6th Grade Passport program that includes free skiing and riding at Schweitzer, Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass, and other Idaho ski areas. The program is available to kids from Washington and Idaho. Apply at skiidaho.us with an $18 processing fee and note blackout dates and other COVID related updates.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint also has some great ski and snowboard lesson programs lined up this year. Families can register for lessons with the Ski & Ride Center, whether it’s a private one-hour lesson for a child up to age 6 or a semi-private 2-hour group lesson for ages 4-6. For ages 3 and under, private lessons are available and parent participation is strongly encouraged. Schweitzer’s Ski & Ride Center will have 2-hour group lessons for ages 4-6. The Children’s Center, onmountain day care, will have limited availability this winter—call or email before arrival. A limited number of day tickets will be available, sold in advance online, in order for local season-passholders to have priority access.

will teach kids how to slide on snow and give a parent teaching tools to help their child “continue practicing those skills after the lesson is over,” she says.

“Group sizes will be reduced for all age categories to allow for social distancing. We will also be offering more options for lesson times to help reduce crowding and spread demand out over the course of the day,” says Pasino. “We expect demand to be high, and availability may be limited, particularly on busy weekends and holiday periods. For anyone concerned about crowds, weekdays are a great option to consider.”

Private lessons for 1-5 people (all ages) are being offered this season for a set rate, providing a great value. This allows “guests the ability to stay in the comfort of their own family/friends bubble, get great coaching, and enjoy a day on the slopes with those they are most comfortable with,” says Pasino.

Private one or two-hour lessons for Mommy/ Daddy & Me sessions are available daily (one parent and one child).

Parents can book lessons, buy lift tickets, and reserve rentals in advance at Ski49n.com.

LOOKOUT PASS SKI & RECREATION AREA— MULLAN, IDAHO

Private lessons for individuals, families, and self-organized small groups of family and friends are available with advance reservations—call (208) 744-1234 and ask for the Ski School Desk.

“If a family or friends group is comfort-

able taking lessons together or having their children take lessons together, we will happily accommodate them,” says Lookout Marketing Director Matt Sawyer.

Because the Free Ski School is not part of Lookout’s professional instruction program, and taught by volunteers, the planning process is still being figured out for 2021. But according to Sawyer there will be a free lesson program this winter. Check for updates and make reservations at Skilookout.com.

students per group,” Pardue says. In addition, meeting points for class groups will be spread out around the base area in order to prevent crowding. Three-day Holiday Camps and multi-week packages for Saturdays and Sundays are also available.

Make online reservations for lift tickets and lessons and check program updates at Mtspokane.com.

MT. SPOKANE SKI & SNOWBOARD PARK— SPOKANE, WASH.

Families can schedule private or semiprivate lessons for all ability levels with 24-hour advance reservations required.

Lessons for weekends and holiday periods must also be booked online, at least 24 hours in advance.

The Silver Kids lesson program, for ages 7-12, is only offering group sessions for “Never-Ever” (Level 1) and Beginners (Level 2) this season. Because the on-mountain daycare is closed, the Prospectors programs for kids age 6 and younger is cancelled. Plans

The new management team at Mt. Spokane—General Manager Jim van Löben Sels; Director of Marketing Jodi Kayler; and Outdoor Recreation Manager (ski school director) Katrin Pardue—has been working on program offerings and modifying plans according to Washington’s Safe Start and Spokane County public health requirements.

“Our top priority is to provide the opportunity to shred the stoke, while keeping customers and staff safe and healthy,” says Pardue. The on-mountain Snoplay Daycare is closed this season, so the Mini Mites group lesson program will only be a two-hour session. Many of Mt. Spokane’s other lesson programs, however, will be provided this winter.

“We are limiting numbers of students per group to two pods of 12 people for each age group. Our Minis will only have 6 total

SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT— KELLOGG, IDAHO

have not yet been announced for Silver’s ALL Mountain Kids Club.

Find complete program details and updates at Silvermt.com.

Amy McCaffree first learned to ski in 9th grade with Friday night lessons at Ski Acres, at Snoqualmie Pass, through her school’s Ski Club. Her first set of used skis had leashes that looped around her boots (no brakes). Now she alpine skis with her ski-patroller husband and their two children at Mt. Spokane.

AMY ON OGOPOGO AT BIG WHITE. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES

SKI THE NW ROCKIES ASSOCIATION 5TH GRADE SKI FREE PASSPORT This popular program helps get 5th graders out on the slopes for free. There will be a few COVID-related changes this year, including blackout dates on Saturdays, holidays, and possibly ski race days. Even with those changes it’s still an extraordinary deal for 5th graders. To participate, parents need to submit an application with a $20 processing fee at 5thgradeskipassport.com. The passport provides three free days at all participating ski areas with a parent/guardian present. Visit 5thgradeskipassport.com for more information on blackout dates, other COVID related updates, and additional offers for lessons and rentals for families of 5th graders.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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Little Rippers of the Inland NW

By Amy McCaffree

EVERY TIME I’m on the mountain, witness-

ing the next generation of skiers and snowboarders tearing it up, I feel hopeful and excited for the future. These kids—thanks to their parents, instructors, and coaches— are daring, brave, and strong, from the bunny hill toddler snowplowing S-turns to the pre-teen blazing down a black diamond. Here are four local rippers, ages 12 and younger, to look for this season at their local Ski the NW Rockies association affiliated ski resorts. (Personal disclosure: One is my son.)

LANDON MCCAFFREE, SKIER, AGE 10 • HOME MOUNTAIN: Mt. Spokane; dual

KENDAL BRUMET, SKIER, AGE 11 • HOME MOUNTAIN: Lookout Pass; dual-

LIBBY COLLINS, SKIER, AGE 12 • HOME MOUNTAIN: Silver Mountain;

also trains at Mt. Spokane and Mt. Hood (Oregon).

• FAVORITE RUNS AT SILVER: Tall Paul, SOB, the race course.

• LEARNED TO SKI AT AGE 2: “I was taught by my mom and dad, which helped me to become the skier I am today. By the time I was around six I started ski racing.”

• LOVES SKIING BECAUSE: “It’s a very motivational sport, and it tests your limits. You have the choice to push yourself as hard as you want. There are endless things to work on while you are skiing because you will always have room to improve.”

• SKI RACING: Silver Mountain Alpine Race Team (SMART) since 2014. Coaches include Andru Miller, Halli Densley, and Kosuke Imamura from Silver Mountain, and Dan Henry from Mt. Spokane.

• SKI BUDDIES: Mom because “she is an amazing skier and always makes it fun,” and SMART teammates.

• GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: “Coming back strong after being out for over a year with several injuries.”

• MOST MEMORABLE SKI DAYS: “Going to Mt. Hood for the first time; shredding powder all day during a massive powder dump; and night skiing with friends…Although those were all really fun, one of my favorites has to be sleeping in the lodge on Silver Mountain with the ski team and staying up late hanging out.”

• OTHER RECREATION: Hiking, biking, camping, swimming, softball, volleyball, ski racing camps during summer and fall, and doing CrossFit “to get stronger.”

• FUTURE AMBITION: Become a member of the U.S. Ski Team and compete in the Olympics.

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pass holder this season at Lookout and Silver Mountain.

• FAVORITE RUNS AT LOOKOUT: Montana Face, Lucky Friday.

• LEARNED TO SKI AT AGE 2: Parents and one year of ski school.

• LOVES SKIING BECAUSE: “I’m adventurous and I love going fast down hills.”

• SKI BUDDIES: Mom and Dad because “they always give me great tips.”

• SKI RACING: Lookout Pass Ski Team member since age 6; coached by Tom Carter and her mom, Libby (Dad, Jamie, oversees course maintenance). “Slalom is my favorite because I get to hit the gates. I like going through tight turns. Going through a slalom course is like going through trees, and my coach Tom always says if you can dodge a gate you can dodge a tree.”

• FREE SKI VS. RACING: “I love to do both.

When I’m racing, I have my heart set on racing. When free skiing, I love the powder and skiing through the trees, and like to free ski with my friends.

• GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS SO FAR:

(1) Being chosen as a “forerunner” for a college race event, which means skiing the slalom course so officials can check gate placement; (2) Making it across the pond skim.

• OTHER RECREATION: Volleyball, camping, and swimming.

• FUTURE AMBITION: “I’d like to race as long as I can. I’d love to race in the World Cup—if not, the local Northwest Cup. And maybe if I stopped liking it, I would go into coaching because I love kids and seeing them succeed in what they love to do.”

• SKI ADVICE: “Everybody crashes. You don’t have to be perfect at skiing, you only need to be the best you can be.”

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

season passholder at Schweitzer and Mt. Spokane, 2018-2020.

• FAVORITE RUNS AT MT. SPOKANE: Jump Hill, Big 200, Gates Park, Smuggler’s Notch.

• LEARNED TO SKI AT AGE 2: Parent-taught, no ski school.

• LOVES SKIING BECAUSE: “It’s fun to get out onto the mountain. I like the thrill and adrenaline of going fast. I like skiing in the trees because there’s often lots of powder there. People typically go on the same paths, but Daddy and I go where people haven’t skied and we sometimes find a foot of powder.”

• SKI BUDDY: “My favorite person to ski with is my dad because he taught me how to ski and he’s a really good skier. I was 5 years old when he first took me down Whiplash, a double-black diamond run at Schweitzer. I’ve gone down almost all the double-blacks now at Schweitzer.”

• ON BEING THE SON OF A SKI PATROLLER:

“It’s fun to help out by ‘doing sweep’ with my dad at closing time (at Mt. Spokane), and my family gets to hang out in the patrol lodge.”

• GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: “Jumping off a big rock, 8 feet, into powder on Siberian at Schweitzer. The second time I went much further, about 12 feet, and did a somersault into the snow and lost both my skis.”

• WHY HE FREE SKIES AND DOESN’T RACE:

“I enjoy free skiing because I can go on all the runs I like, can go wherever I want on the mountain, and ski with Dad on the weekends. When I ski, I like to relax and not worry about anything.”

• OTHER RECREATION: Fly-fishing, soccer, biking, and camping.

• DOWNTIME DURING WINTER: Building motorized chairlifts with LEGOS. • FUTURE AMBITION: “Get better at jumping off big rocks and go skiing at other big mountains.”

OLIVER (OLLIE) PECK, SKIER, 5 YEARS OLD • HOME MOUNTAIN: 49˚ North.

• FAVORITE RUNS: Hobbit Forest • LEARNED TO SKI AT AGE 1.5: Parent-

taught. First day on skis at 1½ years old; first ski full season at age 2, going 1-2 times a week throughout the season. “We don’t have our kids in lessons [yet], because we both have a deep history in ski education,” says Oliver’s dad, Nate, who formerly worked as assistant director of 49’s ski school and director of training for Stevens Pass. (Ollie’s 2-year-old sister started skiing last season.) Ollie’s mom, Carrie, was a ski instructor at 49. “I think going forward we’ll get Ollie involved with instruction from other people.”

• ENJOYS SKIING BECAUSE: “It’s on snow and I like it. I like going through the forest.”

• SKI BUDDIES: Uncle Reuben and friends Takoda, Maddi and Fiona, Mason, Caleb, and his sister, Maple.

• GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: “Going down from the top of the mountain,” says Oliver. Dad says, “I’m really proud of how he’s very methodical. He takes risks but he’s very calculated…as he makes his way down the mountain. [Last spring] he just started skiing by himself (without support), top to bottom, on all green runs. And he can handle some blue runs.”

• MOST MEMORABLE SKI DAY FOR DAD LAST SPRING: “Ollie had taken a big fall

and was pretty rattled. But he [got up and] skied the run, which was a little out of his comfort zone, and then he kept going after it again, after another lift ride. He had determination even though it was hard— and probably above his skill level—rising to the challenge and learning on the slope, applying what he knew to skiing on more difficult terrain.”

• OTHER RECREATION: Swimming, climbing, bike-riding, hiking, exploring nature.

• FUTURE AMBITION: “I want to go off very, very big jumps!”

HEY 5TH GRADERS!!

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.

Visit 5thGradeSkiPassport.com to apply online!

THE 5TH GRADE PASSPORT IS ACCEPTED AT ANY OF THESE LOCATIONS:

� 49 Degrees North Chewelah, WA

� Silver Mountain Kellogg, ID

� Lookout Pass ID/MT Border 1-90

� Loup Loup Okanogan, WA

� Mt Spokane Spokane, WA

� Due to COVID

there are blackout dates, listed on the website.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

SPONSORED BY

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6 tips for budgetfriendly skiing

By Derrick Knowles

LIVING IN THE INLAND NORTHWEST we are fortunate that skiing and snowboarding are still

affordable family activities. Our local resorts offer plenty of deals, and your family doesn’t need to look like you just stepped out of a Patagonia catalog to keep dry and have a day of fun sliding in the snow together. While skiing as a family may be a little more challenging this winter due to the ongoing pandemic, the benefits of getting outside for fun and exercise will be more important than ever this winter. These tips will help you and your kids get out there this season and save money in the process.

1. LIFT TICKET & SEASON PASS DEALS: One of the easiest ways to save money if you plan

to ski and snowboard several times this winter is to take advantage of discounted season passes. Fall season pass sales typically end by the middle of November or earlier, although you should be able to buy a full-priced pass after sales end. This year many local resorts may restrict lift ticket sales on busy days due to concerns about overcrowding, which means having a season pass that gives you and your family nearly guaranteed access, especially on weekends, will be more worth it than ever. Some resorts offer family season passes too with more savings. If you only plan to head to the mountains a couple times, check your local resort’s website for any promotional deals.

2. BUY USED GEAR: Buying used ski and snowboard equipment and apparel is a no-brainer for cash-strapped families. In more normal times, ski swaps have been the place to go for great deals on everything from boards and boots to jackets, ski pants, and gloves. This year Northwest ski swaps have been canceled, so it may take more effort to find quality used gear. Try shops like Spokane’s Rambleraven Gear Trader or Play It Again Sports that sell quality used gear, thrift stores where you can occasionally score incredible deals, and sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. For more details, check out the article on used gear by Amy McCaffree on page 37.

3. BORROW WHAT YOU NEED: If you have friends or family who ski or snowboard with their

kids, ask around to see if any of them have old gear they’ve grown out of that you or your kids could borrow. Most people are happy to have a friend use old ski or snowboard equipment that would otherwise be gathering dust in the garage.

4. LEASE OR RENT: Several ski shops in the Inland Northwest lease or rent ski and snow-

board equipment. Spokane Alpine Haus has a popular Jr. Ski/Snowboard Season Lease program that facilitates huge savings on needing to replace equipment that many kids grow out of after a season or two. Local resorts also rent equipment, although having your gear rental or lease lined up as early as possible will be more important than ever this season as more pandemic-weary people flock to the mountains.

5. SKI OR RIDE WITH WHAT YOU’VE GOT: Many budgets are tighter this year than they have

been in years and buying new or even used gear may be out of the question for some of you.

If that sounds familiar, this may be the year of making the old gear you have work. Spruce up old and beat-down boots with a new pair of insoles. Fix old jackets and pants with stickon gear patches. Let the kids ride on boards that might be a bit too small for them and wear jackets and pants that might need some creative adjustments to fit right. Anything is better than forfeiting all that quality outdoor time a season on the ski hill provides.

6. BROWN BAG IT: With a fall surge in COVID cases and the potential for mask mandates

and limits on the number of physically distanced individuals that will be allowed in lodges at one time, packing your own lunches, snacks, and beverages will help you save money and stay healthy. Get creative and think beyond brown bag staples. Bring an ice chest to keep tasty goodies from freezing, hot beverages and soup in insulated bottles, your own utensils and plates, several quarts of drinking water per person, garbage and recycling bags, a gas grill for some quick tailgate BBQ or heating up treats like frozen burritos in foil, and lawn chairs if the parking lot isn’t full and the weather cooperates. //

You’ve known me as bootfitter, ski-tuner and shop rat.

Now I’m the owner. ~Mark Beattie

Coming Soon To Spokane Valley Climbing ° Backcountry Skiing ° Mountaineering ° Outdoor Accessories 28

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

playing in the snow TIPS FOR KEEPING KIDS WARM OUTSIDE

WHEN IS THE RIGHT AGE to introduce a child

to skiing or snowboarding? That question is best answered with more questions. Will your child be walking by this winter? Does your child like the snow, tolerate the cold, and enjoy new challenges? Are one or both parents motivated to drive the child up to the mountain to spend rewarding yet occasionally frustrating hours on the bunny hill teaching them basic skills? Is another family member or trusted mentor willing to take that task on? Is your child old enough for lessons?

If you answered yes to the first two questions and one or more of the following ones, then this winter, when we may be cooped up more than normal, might be the perfect time to get them started on the slopes. If it doesn’t feel like the right time or the financial stars aren’t aligning this winter, getting your child outside to play in the cold and snow as much as possible is a great backup plan. Playing outdoors in the winter will get

kids accustomed to having fun in cold, wet conditions and prepared for learning to ski or snowboard next season. Here are a few ideas for having outdoor winter fun.

1. Play in the Snow: The best way to help distract kids from cold and wet weather is to play with them in it. Have a snowball fight, build a fort or igloo, make a snowman or snow angels, make your own sledding hill out of piled up snow, visit a local sledding hill, or hunt for wildlife tracks in a local park or natural area.

2. Go Snowshoeing: Hiking in the snow on plastic snowshoes (available in kids and adult sizes at REI and adult sizes for rent at Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane) doesn’t require a lift ticket and is easy for just about anyone to learn. Snowshoeing can get the whole family enjoying winter outside together at a minimal cost and is a great start for a family looking to eventually

SKI RACING PROGRAMS TAKE YOUNG SKIERS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Is ski racing a good fit for your child? If they already have basic ski skills and can get their skis off and on, ride the lift, and go to the bathroom by themselves and show an interest in taking their skiing to the next level by learning new skills, it just might be.

Kids do not need to already be super strong skiers to get involved in a ski team. Dan Henry, executive director and head coach of the Mt. Spokane Ski Racing Team notes that it’s a great way for kids to learn new skills and become great all-mountain skiers.

Inland Northwest ski race teams will likely be making some changes to their programs to limit pandemic related health risks and keep kids and parents safe. Registration for these ski racing teams should begin as normal this fall but check in early to keep up to date on any COVID-related changes to each mountain’s ski race program.

• Mt. Spokane Ski Race Team: Mssrt.org • 49 Degrees North FAST Program: Ski49n.com/mountain-services/race-program • Lookout Pass Race Team: Skilookout.com/race-teams • Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS): Sars.snowproportal.com (OTO)

get into alpine skiing and snowboarding.

3. Go Tubing: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, Silver Mountain Resort, and Schweitzer Mountain Resort all have tubing hills where tubes and a pull back to the top are included with a ticket. The great thing about tubing at a resort is that kids also get to experience the mountain environment and watch people skiing, snowboarding, and riding chairlifts. Bear Creek Lodge on the way up to Mt. Spokane also offers tubing.

Make sure your children stay warm while playing in the snow, whether they’re skiing or snowboarding or tubing. “Layer-up in synthetic clothing— children can always take layers off if they get too hot,” says Mt. Spokane Ski School Director Katrin Pardue. A phrase to remember is “Cotton Kills, and Jeans are Mean.” A base-layer made of merino wool or a synthetic material like polypropelene will insulate as well as wick away sweat. Fleece makes a great mid-layer, like a vest or jacket.

Outerwear coat and snow pants should be both waterproof and windproof—what’s typically referred to as being “weatherproof.” In addition, provide your kids with handwarmers; choose mittens rather than gloves, especially for younger kids; and secure the cuff or mittens or gloves either under or over jacket sleeves-cuffs.

“Make sure children drink plenty of water…and use the bathroom right before lessons,” says Pardue. “Eat a good breakfast and have something warm during lunch…to heat up their little bodies.” (Amy McCaffree)

4. Try Cross-country Skiing: With simple cross-country ski gear that you can pick up new or used from many shops around the Inland Northwest, including Rambleraven Gear Trader and Fitness Fanatics in Spokane, or rent from shops like REI, a family can get great exercise and have quality time outdoors. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to sliding on boards strapped to their feet.

5. Backcountry Skiing for Kids: If you are concerned about taking your child up to the resorts on busy weekends during the pandemic, consider buying a pair of Balla Hok skis from Curlew, Wash.-based Altai Skis (Altaiskis.com). These ski/snowshoe hybrids for kids have a climbing skin embedded into the bottom of the skis. You can get them with universal, free-heel bindings that work with normal winter boots.

Throw in some ski poles and assuming you have your own backcountry gear or a pair of adult Hoks, you and your child can explore safe, mellow slopes well away from any avalanche danger in a local park, resort sidecountry, or snowy forest road or rolling hills. (Derrick Knowles)

TOP LEFT: MT. SPOKANE TUBING, PHOTO COURTESY OF MT. SPOKANE // TOP RIGHT: BACKYARD COOKING WITH SNOW // GAVIN MAKES A SNOWSTORM. PHOTOS: SHALLAN KNOWLES

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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ON THE MOUNTAIN LOCAL RESORTS

MAKE TURNS @ MT. SPOKANE 7 DAYS A WEEK

Mt. Spokane is making its family-friendly mountain more readily available this season. In January and February, the ski area will be operating all week long, including Mondays and Tuesdays. The move should help spread skiers and riders out over more days and lead to shorter lift lines and a safer, less crowded experience throughout the resort.

SILVER ADDS NEW AFFORDABLE LODGING OPTION Silver Mountain Resort purchased and remodeled the Silverhorn Motor Inn and rebranded it the Silver Inn, located about a half mile from the gondola base. This 40-room hotel-style accommodation has a rich history in Kellogg and will be an affordable quality lodging option for skiers and riders looking to spend more time on the snow and less time driving back and forth to the mountain.

49 DEGREES NORTH. // BOB LEGASA

WHAT'S NEW FOR THE SEASON

SPONSORED BY SKI THE NW ROCKIES ASSOCIATION RESORTS

WITH COVID-19 THROWN into the mix of

what could be one of the snowiest and coldest winters in years, local resorts are stepping up to create a safe, fun, and convenient ski and snowboard experience like never before. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect for this upcoming season from our local Ski the NW Rockies Resorts.

BUY YOUR LIFT TICKETS IN ADVANCE THIS YEAR

Some regional resorts are planning to limit the number of skiers and snowboarders on their mountains on peak days, which means no more early-birding it to the ticket window on a powder day expecting to score a lift ticket. Most resorts this year will require advanced online ticket purchasing, and tickets may be limited and potentially not available during weekends and holidays. Priority, on the other hand, will be given to season pass holders, so the point here is to buy your lift tickets in advance online if you don’t plan to purchase a season pass.

Rick Brown, the director of skier & rider services at 49 Degrees North, illustrates how ticket purchasing will work at 49 and potentially at other resorts this season. 49 is totally upgrading its point-of-sale system to make it easier and safer for guests to get up to the mountain, he says. “We will have online ticketing so that people will be able to purchase tickets anywhere then walk up to the ticket window to get their lift ticket.”

A BETTER RIDE FOR BEGINNERS AT SILVER

Silver Mountain Resort is installing a new, double-wide, covered magic carpet lift to service their beginner run as well as their tubing hill. “Upgrading from our old single-wide to this double-wide will minimize the amount of time in the lift line and allow for more time spent on the snow,” says Silver Mountain Resort General Manager Jeff Colburn. “This new covered ride will provide protection from the elements and make for a more comfortable experience for tubers and beginners just learning how to slide on the snow.”

sponsored by

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OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

NEW SNOWMAKING TO EXTEND THE SEASON AT 49

The big news at 49 Degrees North this season is the extensive addition to the resort’s snowmaking. “The snowmaking expansions will essentially give us the ability to make snow from the base area all the way up to Midway at Silver King and on up to Silver Ridge,” says 49’s director of skier and rider services Rick Brown. “It’s a pretty large swath that will allow us to open earlier most years and have better conditions later in the season.” The work involved putting in two pump houses and a reservoir on silver ridge, which positions 49 to move snow making even further up the mountain in the future. 49’s egalitarian snow-making capacity will also spread the cold, white love to the lower reaches of the mountain near Chair 3 that accesses beginner terrain as well as the resort’s magic carpet conveyor lift, greatly improving conditions for those just learning to ski and snowboard.

BREATHE EASIER WITH EXTENDED LODGE HOURS

New this year, Mt. Spokane’s Lodge 1 and Lodge 2 will be operating seven days per week. The mountain is extending indoor operations to allow for more physical distancing for a safer experience during the ongoing pandemic.

BETTER, FASTER FOOD

Our local resorts will have some welcome culinary innovations this season that will make dining on the mountain faster and more enjoyable. We are excited to hear that Mt. Spokane has brought on celebrity regional chef, Chad White, to make big kitchen changes at Spokane’s closest resort this year. “He’s bringing to life a new food and beverage menu focused on mountain flavors and local brews,” reports Mt. Spokane’s new assistant general manager and marketing director Jodi Kayler. “We can’t wait to roll out new flavors, more efficient service, and short wait times.”

Lookout Pass is also working to refine its food menu with the primary goal of offering a faster meal purchasing experience. “Guests will find more grab-and-go options in our food court/deli and more food and drink options at our Summit Shack at the top of the mountain near the unloading point for our Peak One Quad,” says Lookout’s Matt Sawyer.

MORE OUTDOOR HANGOUT SPACES

Look for more options for purchasing food and drinks and hanging out in a protected outdoor area at all area ski resorts this season.

“This year, we are focused on the outdoors and are adding two outdoor bars, outdoor eating areas, outdoor tents and group spaces, as well as outdoor lockers,” says Mt. Spokane’s Jodi Kayler. 49 Degrees North also has two massive shelters in the works out front of the lodge to give people some outdoor hangout spaces that will have picnic tables, heat, lighting, and ventilation thanks to an open corridor between the tents.

BETTER GLADES

SILVER MOUNTAIN // FREERIDE MEDIA

Powder hounds always rejoice at the mention of pre-season work in the woods, and this year Lookout locals have a lot to look forward to in that regard. “We had crews enhancing the glade skiing experience, thinning out dead wood, etc., in the Lucky Friday Glades and also on the sides of the Niagra Trail,” says Lookout’s Matt Sawyer.

SEASON PASS PERKS

This year, when some resorts may limit ticket sales on peak days (think Saturdays and holidays) to keep the number of people on the mountain down to a reasonably safe number, securing your season pass is smarter than ever. Even if you miss the fall season pass sale deadline for your preferred resort, consider shelling out the extra cash for a full-priced pass while they’re still available. That may be your only insurance plan for being able to ski or ride whichever day you want.

In addition to the priceless benefit of being able to get on a lift whenever you want, there are more perks than ever for season pass holders. Silver Mountain announced that they have joined the Powder Alliance for the 2020/21 season, which gives Silver Mountain passholders access to three free lift tickets at 17 resorts in four countries.

“We’re excited to add this benefit for our season passholders,” says Silver’s Jeff Colburn, who also noted that each season passholder also gets four day passes to the Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark.

49 Degrees North passholders can now take advantage of the Indy Pass, which for $199 gives powder-chasing passholders access to free lift tickets at 57 independent resorts across North America. 49 and Silver are also still promoting their 2nd year of offering a combo pass good at both resorts while they last.

While the fall season pass sale deadline likely won’t be your last chance to secure a pass, don’t wait and end up paying more if you can help it. Here are the looming deadlines for fall season pass savings: Lookout Pass, November 15 ($99-$319); Mt. Spokane, November 10 ($329-$499) Silver Mountain, November 10 ($239-$469); 49 Degrees North, November 9 ($299-$519).

LOOKOUT POW. // COURTESY OF SKI THE NW ROCKIES

MOUNTAIN EVENTS MAY LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT THIS YEAR

Several of our local resorts are still hoping to hold many of their most popular events, but they may look a little different given public health precautions. Check resort calendar listings for your personal favorite events and check back for updates as the season progresses. One of the first events of the season on the calendar is 49’s 4th annual Thanksjibbing, scheduled this year for November 21. The community-oriented rail jam event happens every year even if the resort isn’t open yet, says 49’s Rick Brown. “We have a few events and some races on the calendar and are working to find a way to hold many of our same events in a safe way.”

NEW TERRAIN IN THE WORKS Progress continues on the ongoing ski area expansion at Lookout Pass. All trails for the 458-acre Eagle Peak expansion have been marked down the centerline and edge to edge helping to define the perimeter for the 14 planned new trails, says Lookout’s Matt Sawyer. “All the new runs have been cruised and approved by the Forest Service and will be cut top-to-bottom next summer,

WINTER IS BETTER OUTSIDE // FREERIDE MEDIA

including the two new lift lines.” The lifts are scheduled for installation the summer after next, he says. “We should be enjoying lift served skiing and snowboarding access to the Eagle Peak expansion terrain starting in the winter of 2022/23.”

SNOWLEDGE: NEW APP TO KEEP CONNECTED ON THE MOUNTAIN

The four Ski the NW Rockies association resorts—49, Mt. Spokane, Lookout, and Silver—have partnered with Snowledge, the only complete, resort-connected GPS tracking app for skiers and snowboarders.

Snowledge works across every resort and in the backcountry and it’s free. Designed by and for skiers and riders, the app uses GPS to get real-time info from resorts, track your day on the slopes, and easily find and locate your friends and family. Some of the coolest features of the app include access to current snow conditions, offers, and contests. Users can also track individual ski days and view detailed activity summaries of the entire season’s ski days. Download the app at Snowledge.co and start tracking and connecting when the snow flies.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

31

ON THE MOUNTAIN COVID-19

SOCIAL DISTANCING UNDER THE LIGHTS. // PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCHWEITZER MOUNTAIN RESORT

SKIING IN THE COVID ERA

BY AMY MCCAFFREE & DERRICK KNOWLES THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC is picking up steam this fall like a deep-winter storm cycle, yet our regional ski and snowboard resorts are feeling positive about being able to provide a safe experience this season.

From adding online, limited contact ticket sales to expanded outdoor hangout areas, mask requirements and social distancing for indoor spaces, and group size limits for lessons, this season that could see a return of La Nina is shaping up to be one we will never forget.

SCHWEITZER

“At this point, we are looking forward to opening for the winter season on Friday, Nov 27,” says Schweitzer marketing manager Dig Chrismer. “The long-term forecast is calling for a “La Nina” weather event this winter which could mean significant snowfall in our part of the world. The last time we had a strong La Nina was in 2010/11 when we ended the season with 171” of snow still on the summit!”

In response to COVID, Schweitzer will require all guests to use masks while indoors and to practice social distancing like all of our regional resorts. “We really hope that all of our visitors will take the pandemic seriously and make the right decisions about travelling [to Schweitzer from outside the Inland Northwest] if there is a larger spread this winter,” says Chrismer. “We hope that everyone will work together to mitigate the spread of COVID…all do our part to keep each other, our staff, and our guests healthy.”

Ticket sales will also look different this year, says Chrismer. Schweitzer will not be offering day-of lift ticket purchases at the ticket window and will be calculating an approximate number of visitors for any given day of the season (based on histori32

cal data and season pass sale numbers) to then offer limited, date-specific lift tickets for sale. “Those tickets will be on sale starting November 9 and once a day is sold out, it’s sold out. Our goal with this approach is to accommodate all of our season passholders and Schweitzer lodging guests as a priority.”

Check for program and COVID updates at Schweitzer.com.

MT. SPOKANE

Spokane’s closest ski area has been working throughout the year to create protocols to ensure the health and safety of the community. “We’ve had to rethink every process on the mountain—from concessions to lift lines. Following state regulations, face coverings will be required, as well as distancing protocols. There may be a few changes mountain-wide that we all will need to adhere to—but the experience will make it all worth it,” says assistant general manager and marketing director Jodi Kayler. Mt. Spokane’s mission is more important than ever, adds Kayler. “With less options for entertainment for families and individuals, we are dedicated to providing a safe place for people to recreate. This is the year to hit the slopes and create a lifetime of memories.”

SILVER MOUNTAIN

Since Silver shut down on March 16 due to COVID-19, the mountain has done extensive planning to reopen safely for the coming season. Like other resorts, face coverings will be required in all indoor spaces (except when seated to eat or drink), as well as when guests are outdoors when 6 feet of physical distance isn’t possible. Masks will also be required while riding and waiting in line for the gondola, and guests will self group with

OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2020

their own travelling party (singles will be placed with other singles in numbers that allow for distancing). Gondola cabins will also receive extra cleaning after every ride. Physical distancing will also be encouraged in the lift line, and lift attendants will not require guests to ride with people who are not in their group.

Lift tickets will be limited on weekends and holidays at Silver as well and must be purchased online for these busier periods.

However, the resort reports, midweek nonholiday tickets sales “will be business as usual” with ticket window and online purchase options. Plenty of precautions are also planned to make the lodging experience as safe as possible, and temperature testing of all guests will occur at Silver Rapids Indoor Water Park, where capacity will also be limited and ticket sales will all be online. Season passholders can expect unlimited access on the mountain. Check out the entire COVID plan at Silvermt.com.

49 DEGREES NORTH

“We are pretty lucky that we have so much terrain that even on busy days we never seem to be crowded,” notes Rick Brown, the director of skier and rider services at 49. He says the ski area isn’t planning on limited ticket sales, but that limited availability because of COVID could happen on some holiday weekends. A new online sales system will also launch this season that will improve the guest experience by streamlining ticket and lesson purchase transactions.

Tickets purchased online will be available for pick up at the ticket window.

49 will also be following the Washington State Safe Start guidelines, with social distancing encouraged, face coverings required in indoor spaces except while dining and in more crowded outdoors spaces. Check

online for updates throughout the season at Ski49n.com.

LOOKOUT PASS

“We are certainly encouraging guests who can, to visit midweek to avoid any congestion on the weekends and over typically busy holiday periods,” says Lookout’s director of marketing & sales Matt Sawyer.

Social distancing and mask wearing indoors and in crowded outdoor locations will be required. “No brown bagging will be available inside,” adds Sawyer. “Please use your vehicle to eat lunches you brought from home.” Lookout will sell day passes at the area on a first-come, first-serve basis. “We hope that we don’t have to limit the number of people using the area, but…there may be a few days when we either reach an imposed capacity limit or we feel we’ll reach a limit that we are uncomfortable exceeding and could stop selling lift tickets.” Lookout is also exploring the options of remote ticket booths in the parking lot and the addition of Porta Potties in strategic locations. More info at SkiLookout.com/Covid-19.

WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN RESORT

Given that the U.S./Canadian border doesn’t look likely to open anytime soon, nearby Whitefish Mountain Resort in Montana will probably see even more powder-chasing Spokane and North Idaho skiers and snowboarders paying them a visit this season. If you’re thinking about a trip to Whitefish, rest assured that the resort will be following CDC guidelines during the pandemic. Increased sanitation will be in the works and masks will be required indoors and in lift lines. The resort doesn’t, however, plan to limit ticket sales or require a reservation to ski. More info at Skiwhitefish.com/covid-faq.

Commitment to powder days.

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

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THOSE WERE THE DAYS

BY BRADLEY BLECK

THE FIRST TIME I SAW my first pair of down-

hill skis, I was at my aunt and uncle's house in Tacoma, probably on Thanksgiving of 1967 or 1968. There were several pairs of skis laying upside down on a wooden sawhorse, each of which was intended for me and my siblings. One of my older cousins was painting the bases with pine tar or something similar, sealing the wood and providing a base for the wax.

I was destined for the Gresvig Jets. They were the sort of skis that us experienced skiers remember fondly, at least when our memory is dulled by nostalgia or creeping senility. I would never want to ski on them again, except to show the “kids these days,” kids like my son who didn’t have the fortune to share our trail blazing experiences, just how tough we were.

Manufactured in Yugoslavia, the tops were black with gold lettering, not quite so reminiscent of their Norwegian heritage as are the accompanying pictures. Absent the red and white trim and badging, there was just the brand and model name, Gresvig Jet, plus scratches and splintering gouges along the upper edges. Each tip and tail had a steel end piece to prevent delamination.

Back then, longer skis were better skis, even when they weren’t. During my elementary years I was always the second tallest in class, which destined me for the longest pair, the Gresvigs. My cousin held them on end as I reached my wrist to the tip, confirming my destiny. I likely came up short, but like almost everything, it was expected I would grow into them. They measured 185 centimeters, one centimeter longer than the boards I ski on today.

The spring-loaded cable bindings worked

something like a ski boot buckle. The cable, once set, pushed the boot into a toe piece designed to release as a so-called “safety binding.” They were anything but. I don’t know if DIN standards for bindings existed then. If they did, when it came to body parts, lower legs in particular, it likely stood for Destroy It Now. Rather than brakes, a leather strap wrapped around each cable and ankle.

Along with painted-on bases, the edges were thin strips of steel screwed into the base, often rusty after a day on the slopes.

They provided something of an edging capability. Not that I, not being Stein Ericson, could carve a turn with such a ski. I was happy enough to skid a stem christie. (For younger readers, the “stem christie” is what you learned as going from pizza slice to French fry.)

I’d thought of these skis over the years and then, while rummaging through a consignment shop in Sandpoint, I came across a pair.

Finding them rekindled a nostalgic sense of my childhood skiing. I remembered not so much the rope tow flinging me earthward as I tried to get a grip, but instead, a perfect turn I made, euphorically sweeping both tails downhill together toward my aunt Dorothy, a perfect parallel christie, coming to a snow spraying stop just feet from her. I knew that’s how skiing was supposed to be and feel, and while those skis were so often a struggle, that one turn on those Jets hooked me for life. // Bradley Bleck shared his memories of Priest Lake for the July/August Out There. When not teaching English classes at Spokane Falls, he’s enjoying life in Spokane with his family, riding his bike indoors and out, and hoping to be ski fit by the time the snow flies.

WINTER PREDICTIONS ON THE MOUNTAIN

COURTESY OF FARMERS ALMANAC

POWDER PROGNOSTICATIONS

BY BRAD NORTHRUP

I AWOKE TO WHAT many skiers and rid-

ers would classify as the perfect Saturday: nearly half a foot of fresh snow, clear skies, and single digit temps. The snow was so cold it made that distinctive squeaky sound as I took the dog for a short walk in early dawn light, reveling in the sight of tall pine trees drenched in white magic. These are the days we live for in winter. Except it was late October.

Yep, Old Man Winter decided to give us a swift kick in the backside this fall and provided what is hopefully a sneak peek to the upcoming ski season in terms of weather. I pray to Ullr this is just the beginning. Here is what the weather gurus have to say about what we can expect this year.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) summary for winter says all we need to know: La Niña conditions are present. “With La Niña well established and expected to persist through the upcoming 2020 winter season, we anticipate the typical, cooler, wetter weather in the North,” said Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

Forecast models for the months of December through February point to below average temperatures with above average

precipitation here in the PNW. We all know what this means. And the good news continues for January through March, with more of the same cold temps and heavy snowfall to close out the season. If you don’t own powder skis, methinks you should start looking for some.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac spins a similar narrative for our area as well. Their forecast graphic for the PNW states “Snow pelting, then melting.” Not sure about the melting part, but snow pelting sure sounds like a good time to me.

Conversely, the Farmer’s Almanac’s prediction is less than ideal. “The Pacific Northwest could see some of the most pleasant weather of the winter in the US, with mild and dry conditions expected there.” Not sure what tea leaves these folks were looking at or smoking, but any discussion of winter weather should be void of the term “pleasant.” Just saying….

Brad Northrup spent over a decade as a ski industry professional. He has been a contributing writer for Out There Outdoors since 2011.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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I’M NOT GONNA LIE—the walls really started closing in this fall, with all the social distancing and stuff. With summer over and nothing fun to do, my mind easily wandered to winter, impatient for its arrival.

I know, I probably need a hobby to occupy myself in these weird times. One member of my household learned to play the piano (which sounds amazing), and a friend of mine makes hatchets (cool, but kinda creepy). Good for them, I say. I’m not crafty, nor do I have an ear for music, so creating something or learning to play an instrument are out. Guess I’ll just wax skis and burn stuff. In any event, there sure looks to be a ski season, and I really don’t care what it looks like so long as there is snow on the ground and the chairs are spinning. Heck, I think there might even be some advantages to a socially-distanced ski season.

First off, I’m sure we will be encouraged to ride the lift with whoever we rode up to the hill with, or wear a mask if pairing up with another single. This will force me to spend more quality time with my better half discussing the finer points of hardwood floors and other domestic treats, so everyone’s a winner. That, and I don’t like to wear a face covering when I ski, so methinks I will be riding single if skiing alone. Oh, and I detest idle chitchat with strangers, so again, everyone wins here.

Chances are good we will be required to wear a mask when entering the lodge to use the facilities or warm up, and I am totally down with that. As noted above, I don’t like

to cover my face while skiing, and prefer to feel and smell the fresh mountain air. This usually results in massive icicles forming on my oft-hated mountain man facial hair, which then drip down my face the second I enter the lodge. Now I can just hide the mess behind a mask and wring it out. It should also cover up my breath on those days when I forget to brush my teeth prior to heading to the mountain, which happens more often than you’d think.

If the mountain operators can keep folks spaced out in the lift line as well, man will I be happy as a pig in excrement. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t like people.

It’s that I don’t like people crowding me in line when I’m just trying to enjoy the day. I mean, come on bro, do you think trampling on my top sheets is really gonna get you to the summit faster? In case you’re wondering, the answer is no.

My favorite is hearing someone say, “Hurry up”, and then scoot themselves closer to my backside like that will somehow speed the chair up. They usually back off after catching a whiff of the biscuits and gravy I had for breakfast, if you know what I mean.

Keeping everyone spaced out in the lift line will definitely help keep the peace this year. If it doesn’t, I guess I will have to double down on the biscuits and gravy. // Brad Northrup is a former ski racer, coach, and ski industry professional. We are all hoping we are distanced as far as possible from him this season.

GEAR ON THE MOUNTAIN

RAMBLE RAVEN GEAR TRADER. // PHOTO COURTESY OF RAMBLE RAVEN

GEARING UP ON A BUDGET

BY AMY MCCAFFREE

IF YOU’RE LIKE MY FAMILY, once you

learned that regional ski swaps were canceled because of COVID-19, you felt a twinge of panic. How to find a set of bigger used skis and boots for a growing kid?

What to do with old gear that you were hoping to sell at the swap?

Thankfully, three local small businesses that specialize in used gear have a mountain of snow sports gear available. These shops are like mini de facto ski-swaps—but that

depends, of course, on people bringing in their used gear.

RAMBLERAVEN GEAR TRADER

Located on Spokane’s Division Street hill, Rambleraven Gear Trader (formerly known as NW Outdoors) has options for consigning, selling, and trading in used gear, as long as items are clean and functional.

Consignment value is assessed right away.

For trade-in gear, Rambleraven owner

Mark Schneider determines an item’s value based on quality, condition, age, and product demand. All used footwear is disinfected before being placed on display.

Now available is a “full line of new and used alpine and cross-country skis, snowboards, and snowshoes,” says Schneider, as well as new winter accessories like hats, gloves, socks, and buffs. There are also used accessories, except socks. “Youth winter clothing and gear is always in high demand,” he says. (Bring in your gear, families!) The shop’s website, Rambleraven.com, has a full catalog of current inventory that’s updated in real time.

SPORTS CREEL

With a large following of loyal customers, Sports Creel, located next to The Bike Hub in Spokane Valley, is known as the place to go for downhill ski gear—the shop’s sole winter focus.

Busy since August, store manager Micah Genteman says, “What’s happening right with the snow skis sales industry is a carry over from what happened with spring and summer gear. We have a busier shop right now than we’ve had in past seasons during November. The lack of ski swaps has people coming in earlier with a purpose in mind.”

Don’t wait until ski season starts to dial-in your gear needs, he advises. Sports Creel’s all-ages trade-in/trade-up program is popular, especially for youth gear. Anyone can

bring in their clean, functional old skis, for example, and the trade-in value is applied to the purchase of brand-new or used skis.

That trade-in credit can only be applied to the same gear type—boots for boots or skis for skis.

Sports Creel’s COVID-19 safety protocols include “disinfection systems for used boots and helmets, for trade-in, and after being tried on,” says Genteman. “We have invested in an automated, robot ski tuning-system— no technicians have to touch it.” And the shop’s 3D scanner ski boot-fitting system is mostly a “non-touch system,” he says.

In anticipation for busy days when Sports Creel is at indoor capacity, staff is devising a system so people don’t have to wait outside in the cold. “Since it’s a fluid situation, we’re doing our best to keep ourselves and customers safe,” Genteman says.

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS

Located in the Five Mile Shopping Center off West Francis Avenue in north Spokane, Play It Again Sports sells new and used ski and snowboard gear and buys used gear from customers. “We pay cash on the spot, or trade in for store credit,” says store owner Jared Fields. Ski and snowboard gear rentals for all ages are available on a daily or seasonal basis, while supplies last. “In anticipation of La Niña we have ordered double our normal inventory in skis and snowboards,” says Fields. //

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LAST PAGE The Butterfly Effect A CLASSICALLY PERFECT Inland Northwest fall day, a day where all the trees seemed lit from within and the light loved everything it touched, my kids and I logged off our various devices, rubbed our bloodshot eyes, and respectively pedaled/ran the few miles to Spokane’s Lincoln Park. We love how this park—with its scabs of basalt erupting from grassy wildflower meadows; its turtles, ducks, red-winged blackbirds, and resident blue heron; its car-less paved loop on which a smattering of runners, walkers and emerging bike riders can usually be found—feels like such a refuge for animals of all species, including our own.

And it was a refuge. After a long day of online learning for my 2nd and 5th graders, after jumping between technology assists and my own online work, after many days of smoke-filled skies and an AQI reading stubbornly hovering in the “hazardous” zone, among the many difficult days of a difficult year in a difficult season, my spirit felt puny and weak, as it has often felt and will feel again.

On the other side of the park, where views of the city stretch out into greener valleys and hills, I saw this young ponderosa pine growing sideways out of a sheer rock cliff.

It was a young tree, but not that young, and ON

By Ellen Welcker

that we had in common. Other things, too: We were holding on, the tree and me, and it seemed tenuous—improbable, even, but we knew how strong our foothold was. We knew our root, wedged, was also held in turn by something strong.

So much will have happened between the time I am writing this and the time this essay runs. And yet, with any luck, the world will be here. The earth, strained as it is, will still try to self-regulate into the winter months.

Nights will be long; the sun will feel far away when it shows itself. I’ll hope for snow, just as I’ve done every year since I was a kid. I’ll keep trying to write into the unknown, trying to think about how we keep holding on, keep turning our faces toward the sun—even as so much of what feels unknowable, or doomed, or terrifying, demands and consumes our energies.

Part of what connects us to one another is the undeniable fact that everything we love, we will lose. Life, the seasons, this beautiful, perfect planet—even now they are slipping, ever so slightly from our hold. If you are reading this, breathe in. Can you feel how the air nourishes and invigorates you? Can you feel it caress your skin? Is the

sun still in the sky? Is your heart in your body? Go on. Go on. No matter how toxic the air, the trees are working to make it clean. We must reserve some love for them.

We must love the trees as much as we fear, as much as we rage, as much as we fight or feel numb. Do not grow numb to the trees.

I see that I am writing this to my future self. I am trying to send myself a message from the past. Sometimes writing is like that. Hello, you. It’s me. I’m stuck in this moment—it is sometimes happy and often

IN MY MIND'S EYE, THE EARTH AS A SMALL, LOVELY MARBLE SWIRLING AMONG STARS. WHAT HAPPENS HERE IS EVERYTHING.

LIV ANYWHERE

overwhelming—and I go for walks looking for portals. Have I found one in “Last Page”

today? Time will tell. In time, I will pass from where I am now to where I am now. Epochs will come and go. Balances will be disturbed, reset, evolve. Sometimes, when I feel so panicked about all that we have wrought, I close my eyes and telescope out—see, in my mind’s eye, the earth as a small, lovely marble swirling among stars. What happens here is everything. What happens here is a butterfly’s wingbeat in the whole wide universe.

Imperceptible but not inconsequential. As we know.

Watching that spindly sideways young pine tree sway slightly in the afternoon breeze, its stars of needles extended like jazz hands, like possibility, like ‘help’ and ‘yes’ and everything an open hand comes to symbolize, it’s tender shoot reaching for sun and its commitment to hold on, to grow, to grow, to grow—I felt a kinship. I felt like, I think I can try a little harder. Let’s keep trying. Let’s keep trying. // Ellen Welcker is the author of the poetry collections “Ram Hands” and “The Botanical Garden,” and coordinates The Bagley Wright Lecture Series on Poetry. She is an allseasons fan of the outdoors, whose interests include running, Nordic skiing, and backpacking.

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WOto theW! POW

This winter, Schweitzer Mountain Resort in beautiful Sandpoint, Idaho is geared up for safe, socially distanced operations. And when you’re here for the deep powder and terrific skiing at Schweitzer – don’t miss the wow! of Sandpoint. Our town is host to a bustling entertainment scene, more than 40 excellent restaurants and taverns, plus eclectic shops, galleries and sumptuous spas for any non-skiers in your crowd. Crosscountry and snowshoe trails at nearby Pine Street Woods, the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail or Western Pleasure Guest Ranch are superb, too.

Get epic pow! at Schweitzer. Add in the wow! of Sandpoint. We’ll see you here!

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

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2020 / OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM

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