Out There Outdoors // November-December 2024

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NEW BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES AT SCHWEITZER

If you’re a skier, snowboarder, hiker, or mountain biker, you know the name: Schweitzer has been a leader in the local ski scene since the 1960s that has grown into a year-round resort with amenities and events that cater to the Inland Northwest outdoor lifestyle. Being the largest mountain resort in Idaho with 2,900 acres of skiable terrain; 10 lifts; 2,400 feet of vertical; and a bustling mountain village with a wide range of lodging, entertainment, and après options, it’s not hard to see why Schweitzer has a cult-like local following while also attracting adventure-bound skiers from all over the globe.

“We’re laser-focused on the mountain experience,” says Taylor Prather of Schweitzer’s marketing team. “Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, we like to think that we offer something for everyone.”

Prather says the “variety, views and vibes” are what keep snow-loving recreationists coming back to Schweitzer season after season. The mountain has an incredible view of Lake Pend Oreille on a clear day and top-notch restaurants and amenities. New for the ‘24-’25 season, Schweitzer will add to its repertoire for guest experiences with the launch of Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures (SBA), offering guided cat skiing and snowmobile tours to help people dip their toes into the backcountry. Being connected to a lift-served ski resort allows this new operation to start guided tours from the top of the mountain.

"We knew there was a huge opportunity to connect the resort experience to the backcountry, especially for those who are curious about backcountry skiing but maybe don’t know where to start,” says Prather. “We have open powder fields to rip through, mature fir glades to cruise, steep sections to whiz down, and some low angle wiggle turns. For the air

curious, we have a few fun pops and drops available at your guide’s discretion.” SBA caps adventures to 24 guests per day to keep the backcountry experience uncrowded. With 300 inches of annual snowfall and fewer people in the backcountry, you’re sure to find some flowy powder to play in. All-day excursions include up to eight runs and 10,000 vertical feet of skiing or riding. This unique snowcat area has more than 75 west-facing fall line trails for intermediate to expert-level skiers and riders. In total, Schweitzer’s backcountry boasts 4,350 acres to explore, made even better when paired with knowledgeable guides from the SBA program.

“We’ve got some of the best people working here who genuinely love sharing their passion for the sport every single day,” says Prather. Bookings for Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures will start in November, with trips beginning in late December as conditions permit.

If you want mountain adventure but don’t ski, or are looking for something family-friendly, SBA will also include guided snowmobile adventures this season. Snowmobile tours are offered as full day or half-day excursions that illuminate the beautiful, rugged winter landscape of North Idaho that is Schweitzer’s back yard.

After a day of play, book yourself a new type of dining experience on the mountain: Schweitzer’s Sky House will offer snowcat dinners beginning in February 2025 for a limited number of guests to enjoy a multi-course meal paired with wine or cocktails at 6,400 feet.

As we wait for the first snowfall, Schweitzer is weeks away from launching the season’s new amenities and adventures, which will include an updated website with new livestream webcams —check out the powdery views and go explore with Schweitzer Backcountry Adventures! More at schweitzer.com.

SCHWEITZER BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES INVITES GUESTS TO EXPLORE AN ADDITIONAL 4,350 ACRES OF TERRAIN. // PHOTO COURTESY OF SCHWEITZER

Q: What are you doing to prepare for the winter outdoor season?

Shallan Knowles: checking my gear to make sure it's in good shape to keep me warm this winter.

Bri Loveall: HIT Classes to prep for ski season.

James P. Johnson: Thermostat set low for "indoor winter acclimatization."

Joel Sattgast: Ski Tune-up, coffee re-stock, snow blower oil change.

Amy McCaffree: Regular chiropractor visits for my aging body.

TO REQUEST COPIES CALL 509 / 822 / 0123

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

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OUT THERE OUTDOORS

Mailing Address: PO Box #5, Spokane, WA 99210 www.outthereoutdoors.com, 509 / 822 / 0123

Out There Outdoors is published 6 times a year by Out There Monthly, LLC.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher.

©Copyright 2024 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not necessarily Out There Monthly, LLC.

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

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Find Your Flow

and shut the door, my instincts told me not to follow him. But we were at MEOW WOLF in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a largerthan-life immersive art exhibit known as “The House of Eternal Return,” and I was just learning how to bypass my brain’s presets.

If you have never heard of MEOW WOLF, it’s worth a Google. In this riot of walk-through art that spans over 70 rooms, guests interact with a (mostly) normal-

place is a tunnel, secret passages await in the closet, and the washing machine is a swirling, galactic slide into a glowing forest that connects manifestations from a glitch in the multiverse.

I’ll admit that I felt lost at first. There was no set path at MEOW WOLF. I had to shift my mentality to freely explore, and it felt as physical as any other muscle movement; we so rarely have permission to move about undirected in life. Soon, though, I became

high on the thrill of discovering what was behind that door, and the next door, and the one after that. And inside the fridge.

It wasn’t until later I realized I had experienced that high of exploration somewhere else: the backcountry wilderness of the mountains. I can’t think of two more disparate places to compare, but something kept nagging at me that there was a similarity, and my experience in both places was dopamineproducing in a way I wanted to understand.

Two weeks before MEOW WOLF, I had been poking around the edge of an alpine lake in the Cascades (at 7,000-foot elevation, just like Santa Fe). When the trail had ended at the lake, I again had to make the mental switch from following to freely exploring.

Then I scrambled up large boulders around the lake, picking my path freely and in a reactionary way. Each step brought a new perspective into view. And it was invigorating. I imagined the thrill of staying there weeks, of discovering what was over the next ridge, and the next, and the one after that.

In both the mountains and MEOW WOLF, I reached a mental state of flow paired with movement. “Flow” is when your action and consciousness melt together, when you’re fully immersed, absorbed, and enjoying the heck out of yourself. Flow is when we lose track of our sense of time.

My experience at MEOW WOLF made

me realize that we have an incredible opportunity to find that headspace when we set foot in nature. Maybe it’s carving your own path down a ski run. Maybe it’s finding a Dark Sky preserve and losing sense of your body under all those stars. Maybe it’s ditching your Garmin or other wrist tech and focusing on each footfall, the terrain, your beating heart.

Flow is individualized. Give yourself permission to explore off the beaten path (safely and respectfully), and its likely you’ll feel your focus shift to the present movement. Part of the mission of this magazine is to break down access barriers by giving you the how-tos and where-to-gos, so you can get out there and create your own adventure.

The activities I mention (minus MEOW WOLF) appear in this issue, where we celebrate the late fall recreation opportunities in our region and look forward to the coming season of snow. Whether you’re picking your way through a basalt canyon, telemark skiing, or fat biking across Spokane’s South Hill through a snowy wonderland, I hope you’re able to switch your brain into true “exploration” mode. It’s a state of mind worth cultivating.

Lisa Laughlin, Managing Editor

DISPATCHES

SPOKANE ALPINE HAUS OPENS SECOND SHOP

SPOKANE, WASH.

Fans of the Spokane Alpine Haus, a fullservice ski and snowboard shop that has had a dedicated following on the South Hill for years, formed a long line outside the building as they waited for the grand opening of the business’ second location in northwest Spokane on Saturday, October 19.

“It was unreal,” says Rachel Harding, who owns the business with her husband Drew. “There were lots of customers that we knew and a ton of new faces. Everyone was just so cool. [They were] very excited for themselves and excited for us and the outdoor community in general.”

Harding says customers have long been requesting a north side location of Spokane Alpine Haus, and says she’s still on “cloud nine” that they were able to deliver and snag such a great spot in the Northwest Boulevard neighborhood, bringing the first ski shop to the area.

“It’s commercial, but it’s in a neighborhood. Audubon park is right there, and the river is right there. It feels very neighborhood-oriented, which is right up our alley,” says Harding.

The grand opening comes on the heels of several outdoor shops that have closed their doors for a variety of reasons in recent years, including Mountain Gear, Fitness Fanatics and Rambleraven Gear.

“This is a call to action to the community: shop local,” says Rachel of the recent closures. “The internet cannot service your gear. Shop in your community and keep the money in the local economy. Support the

people who are supporting you.”

The Hardings hand-pick their goods for the Spokane community, offering outdoor gear in the form of hard and soft goods, apparel, daily rentals, gear servicing, and the largest ski lease program in the region. (They did 2,500 leases last season.)

Upon opening the second shop, they’re adding bikes to this incredible list, with the north location already offering bike sales and service and the South Hill shop set to begin bike service this spring. Bikes are currently available at both locations. In terms of all other services and gear, the north shop will intentionally mirror the offerings of the original, down to the approximate square footage and shape of the building.

An exciting item in both shops this season are ski boots with new BOA technology, offering a more intricate fit than a buckle system. Spokane Alpine Haus staff are certified boot fitters who receive continual education, one of the reasons the shop has earned the title of a peer reviewed BLISTERrecommended ski shop, one of about 30 in the world.

“It’s a huge honor, and it’s because we continually invest in our employees to make sure they are the most educated so we can sell people the right gear,” says Harding.

Visit the new shop location at 2215 W. Northwest Boulevard, Spokane, or give the shop a call at (509) 561-1103. They will operate the same hours as the South Hill shop: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sundays.

Visit the original Spokane Alpine Haus location at 2925 S. Regal Street. (Lisa Laughlin)

2ND ANNUAL WALLACE FOOD BANK TURKEY TROT

WALLACE, IDAHO

Join a 3-mile run or walk in the Silver Valley on Thanksgiving Day to help provide food for individuals and families in the Wallace area. The 2nd Annual Wallace Food Bank Turkey Trot takes place Nov. 28 at 10 a.m. on a weather-protected route under the freeway across from the Wallace Jr/Sr High School. Pre-registration is $7 or five nonperishable food items and sameday registration is $10 or seven nonperishable food items. Email your registration to wallacefoodbank@gmail.com. Payment can be made via Venmo @wallacefoodbank, or find more info on Facebook. Last year’s inaugural event attracted 40 participants, and organizers are hoping for

up to 100 this year. Water, donuts, and coffee are provided. The fundraiser encourages participants to dress up in holiday-themed attire or creative costumes and to help decorate the course with chalk art along the way. Kids and leashed dogs are welcome. Awards will be given to first place in men’s, women’s, and kids’ (under 12) categories and for the best dressed costume. Registered participants will receive a Wallace Food Bankbranded cinch pack, bandanna, stickers, and coupons from local businesses. After the run/walk, participants are welcome to join the “All Community” free Thanksgiving meal hosted by the food bank at the local Wallace Elks #331. (OTO)

BUDGET DECREASE TO IMPACT AVALANCHE FORECASTS

PONDERAY, IDAHO

The U.S. Forest Service is facing a budgetlimited future in the upcoming year now that supplemental funding provided via the Inflation Reeducation Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is ending. The result is a hiring freeze in effect for all seasonal employees within the Forest Service for fiscal year 2025, which starts Oct. 1. This will have an outsized impact on winter recreation in western states. The agency operates 14 Avalanche Centers across the West, and many avalanche forecasters are seasonal employees. These centers are critical to public safety, and without full staff they will not be able to provide the same level of service. “We can’t get the same amount of work done with fewer employees,” said USFS Chief Randy Moore in a recent article on Winterwildlands.org.

Fewer staff to provide as many field observations, snowpack assessments, and daily forecasts means less information that is crucial for backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers to make safe decisions. In some areas, partner organizations like the Teton Backcountry Alliance are working to help fill the gap, but many positions in places like Bridger-Teton National Forest and Inyo National Forest will go unfilled.

Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center (IPAC) in Ponderay, Idaho, is operated by the USFS and offers avalanche safety courses in Idaho and eastern Washington. Director Christopher Bilbrey said IPAC staffing has been structured such that they rely more on full-time staff than seasonal employees. He feels lucky: IPAC operates as a partnership between the USFS and the non-profit Friends of the IPAC. “The Friends strong and continued operational support funds one part-time forecaster, and two part-time field technicians [who are] sheltered from the current USFS budget-staffing issues,” says Bilbrey.

“While IPAC may not be feeling the direct effects now,” continued Bilbrey, “this will likely impact the program’s ability to increase staffing to meet the growing needs of more forecast days across North Idaho and western Montana — where backcountry use has seen a big increase over the last five to 10 years, including consistent fatalities.”

Seasonal employees are vital to USFS operations in their roles as avalanche forecasters, trail crews, science researchers, backcountry rangers (for snow, rivers, climbing, etc.), and firefighters. Although firefighters are not included in the hiring freeze, the predicted cost of fire prevention and suppression has spiked dramatically in the last year. Add this to existing budget cuts and the overall effect on winter Forest Service operations becomes even more grim. The public can help by asking their representatives and the Forest Service to exempt avalanche foresters from the FY25 hiring restrictions, especially for positions in the areas of health and safety where partner funding is available. Winter recreationists can also make sure they are well educated on avalanche safety if they plan on heading into the backcountry.

The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) is the standard for avalanche training. In the Spokane area, AIARE courses are offered through IPAC. They offer Level 1 and Level 2 recreation level classes, both motorized and non-motorized options, and rescue and skills level courses. Visit www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org to register. For trainings in the Cascades, check out The Mountaineers course offerings at www.mountaineers.org. Schweitzer also offers Transceiver Sundays where you can get hands-on practice with your personal transceiver at the beacon park with a lift ticket (www.schweitzer.com).

(Crystal Atamian)

PRAY FOR SNOW PARTY AT PERRY STREET BREWING NOV. 22

SPOKANE, WASH.

This year’s La Niña snow forecast means the “Pray for Snow” party prayers will likely be answered with a great season of skiing and snowboarding. Kick it all off at the 9th annual Pray for Snow party this season at Spokane’s Perry Street Brewing (PSB). This annual tradition is a riot of festive attire, craft beer, plenty of stoke, and an awesome raffle with ski- and snowboard-themed prizes that you’ll want to get a shot at. All of the proceeds for the raffle benefit the South Perry Neighborhood’s T.E.A.M. Grant pro-

gram, one of its biggest fundraisers of the year. Get your raffle ticket at the party and wait to see if you win any of the righteous prizes from Spokane Alpine Haus and other ski industry partners. The partying faithful at this year’s bash can expect a similar vibe as in past years, although likely amped up a bit in anticipation of a prolific snowpack: ski movies on the big screen, beer specials, great tunes and good times with the local ski and snowboard community. More info at Perrystreetbrewing.com. (OTO)

DISPATCHES

IDAHO FOREST GROUP SPEARHEADS LANDMARK CONSERVATION AGREEMENT FOR COEUR D’ALENE RIVER TRIBUTARY

MURRAY, IDAHO

This past September, nearly 2,000 acres of North Idaho forest along Prichard Creek, a tributary of the Coeur d’Alene River between the town of Prichard and Thompson Pass, was protected from future development thanks to an Idaho Forest Group (IFG) donation of a conservation agreement to Kaniksu Land Trust. Portions of this section of Prichard Creek stand out to many who pass by due to the large piles of rock surrounding the waterway. These rock pile features were left behind from mining by the Yukon Gold Company that involved a frenzy of nearly non-stop, 24-hours-a-day dredging with a massive six-stories-high machine and crew of 12 men between 1917 and 1926.

The conservation agreement encompasses 1,023 acres of riparian habitat (10.5 miles of the 14-mile stream), 921 acres of forested uplands, and equates to an over $3million donation by Idaho Forest Group (IFG), one of the largest lumber producers in North America that owns and manages nearly 70,000 acres of land in Idaho and Washington, operates six sawmills, and employs nearly 1,300 workers. The Prichard

have greatly impacted Prichard Creek, its floodplain and fish habitat. The creek had been severely degraded by the past mining that removed thousands of tons of sediment, created five-mile-long rock piles, altered the creek’s shape, reduced vegetation, eroded banks, increased sediment in the water, and caused a three-mile stretch to flow subsurface during summer months.

The first phase of the restoration project began in the summer of 2023 and included the strategic installation of natural wooden structures along a four-mile stretch of Prichard Creek (to restore water flow) and planting vegetation (to enhance ecosystems and naturally support the wooden structures). This phase was funded by the Restoration Partnership—a group of federal, state, and tribal trustees—who aim to mitigate environmental damage from historical mining practices. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality served as the fiscal sponsor for the project and Trout Unlimited managed the project with significant involvement from IFG.

“We’ve seen a lot of positive outcomes a year later, including beaver activity, vegetation establishment, improved in-stream

Creek conservation agreement, a conservation easement between IFG and Kaniksu Land Trust where IFG donated the value of future development potential, permanently protects the area. The agreement also outlines continued restoration of the tributary and adjacent national forest public lands, in partnership with several non-profit conservation organizations and natural resource managers, including Trout Unlimited and Restoration Partnership.

“IFG’s commitment to forest stewardship and sustainability is at the heart of this work,” says IFG Owner, Marc Brinkmeyer. “We are proud to have partnered with many local, state, federal and conservation agencies to develop a multi-phase restoration plan to ensure the protection of this important area that offers a key habitat and holds such rich history.”

Years of hard-rock and placer mining

habitat diversity and increased use of the channel by cutthroat trout,” says North Idaho program manager for Trout Unlimited, Erin Plue. “We are very proud of the work this collaboration has done to date and look forward to continued restoration and protection.”

Despite the legacy of mining in and around the creek, long-term heavy metal contamination in the watershed is minimal compared to sections of the Coeur d’Alene River within the designated Superfund Site area of the Silver Valley and farther downstream, says Plue. “There don’t seem to be any lingering contamination hot spots, as most of the mill sites were cleaned up back in the early 2000s.” This is good news for fish, other wildlife, and anglers and means that despite the piles of mining debris that remain along much of this section of the creek, restoration efforts already underway can more

PRICHARD CREEK PROJECT AREA. // PHOTO COURTESY OF IDAHO FOREST GROUP

quickly turn things around.

Ideally, the next phase of restoration will be in that central part of the Prichard Creek conservation parcel with the rock piles, says Plue. “It’s still in the planning phase,” she says, “but it’s looking like a significant portion of the piles would be removed to restore the flood plain over time as funding becomes available.”

Creek and fishery restoration efforts involve restoring meanders to the stream, but previously dredged sections of the creek bed that were excavated as deep as 25 feet in some places now allow sections of Prichard Creek to flow underground during low-flow summer months, making future restoration efforts to restore above-ground flow more complex and expensive, explains Plue. “A lot of this project is built around trapping sediment in some areas and moving it to others to create pools and stability.” In places where past dredging disturbed millions of years of fine sediment pockets that previously allowed the water to flow over, new underground dams of rock, logs, and fine sediments will need to be re-constructed to

bring the above-ground stream flow back, she says.

Future phases will focus on improving access to fish habitats, securing water resources, providing public recreational access, ensuring forest health, preventing land conversion, halting further mining, and creating educational venues. The long-term project will involve securing grants for continued restoration efforts over many years. Plue emphasized that ongoing collaboration with Restoration Partnership has been and will continue to be crucial to the full restoration of Prichard Creek.

The finalization of the conservation agreement is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of IFG and its many partners that include Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Fish & Game, Idaho Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Fish & Wildlife Foundation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Trout Unlimited, the Restoration Partnership, and Kaniksu Land Trust. (OTO)

MORE ROOM TO ROAM ON THE LITTLE SPOKANE RIVER

SPOKANE, WASH.

Just outside Spokane lies Glen Tana, a 1,060acre gem along the Little Spokane River, now protected by the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy (INLC). This land connects Waikiki Springs and Riverside State Park, creating a 20-mile stretch of wilderness just minutes from the city.

Glen Tana features pine forests, rocky outcrops, and nearly two miles of river. Soon, thanks to INLC’s efforts, this once-private land will be open to the public. As Sally Pritchard, chair of the Conservancy’s “It’s In Our Nature” campaign, remarked, “Spokane is privileged to have so many spaces close to downtown where we can hike, run, bike, or just enjoy nature.”

But this project is about more than recreation—it’s also about cultural and environmental restoration. The Spokane Tribe of Indians, stewards of this region for generations, is using Glen Tana to revive salmon runs in the Little Spokane River. Over the past two summers, the Tribe’s Fisheries Department released more than 150 Chinook salmon into the river—an important step in restoring this keystone species after more than a century. The Tribe also purchased 80 acres from INLC in October 2023 to support ongoing efforts to reintroduce salmon to the Upper Columbia River Basin.

The land itself tells a rich story. For years, developers eyed Glen Tana for housing, but thanks to INLC, it is now permanently protected. “The land helps define who we are. This project will help heal our commu-

nity,” says Monica Tonasket, Spokane Tribal Councilwoman.

The Glen Tana project is about preserving not only land but also cultural and ecological heritage. However, conservation comes at a cost. INLC is in the midst of a capital campaign to raise $4 million for the purchase and maintenance of the property, with $3.25 million already raised. The community is rallying behind this effort, and INLC is encouraging everyone—from individuals to businesses—to help meet the final goal.

Glen Tana is a rare opportunity. With Spokane’s rapid urban growth, finding such a large, undeveloped area close to the city is becoming increasingly difficult. As one donor put it, “When we lose land like this, a part of us dies. And once these open spaces are gone, they’re gone.”

The plan for Glen Tana is to create a space where people can reconnect with nature, learn about local wildlife, and honor the area’s cultural history. Whether you’re a hiker, birdwatcher, or simply love the outdoors, Glen Tana will soon be a favorite destination.

Keep an eye on Glen Tana—it’s set to become one of Spokane’s natural treasures, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. You can sign up for a guided hike of the area at the events page of INLC (inlandnwland.org/events/). If you want to get involved, INLC welcomes donations, volunteers, and support. Learn more at InlandNWLand.org or call (509) 328-2939.

(Carol Corbin)

This

blend of natural process coffees is as mesmerizing as the season's first snowfall.

DISPATCHES

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL SPOKANE JAN. 10-12

SPOKANE, WASH.

Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world! Hot on the heels of the Festival that is held every fall in Banff, Alberta, the 2025 festival tour hits the road and lands in Spokane at the Fox Theater for three showings, Jan. 10, 11, and 12. From the over 400 entries submitted into the festival each year, awardwinners and audience favorites are among the films that are carefully selected to play in theatres around the world.

Traveling to remote vistas, analyzing topical environmental issues, and bringing audiences up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, the 2024/2025 world tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. Spokane has a long tradition of supporting the local festival stop over the past 30 years with near sold out shows, says tour promoter and Mountain Gear founder Paul Fish. “I’m really excited to be bringing it back in 2025. We’ve

made a successful move to the Fox Theater, which is a roomier and more comfortable location. The exciting part for me has been the addition of the Saturday evening nonprofit event.” Fish says this year eight recreation and environmental non-profit organizations will receive the proceeds of all the ticket sales from the Spokane showings.

“The thing I love most about the festival is it really brings the local outdoors community together,” adds Fish. “Not only will we watch great films, it’s a gathering of like-minded people sharing things they are passionate about.” Get your tickets for the Spokane leg of the tour while they last at Foxtheaterspokane. org/event or reach out with questions at spokane.banff@ mountaingear.com. (OTO)

SPOKEN RIVER EVENT (NOV 7)

SPOKANE, WASH.

Get ready for a night of river stories and socializing in this event benefitting our local nonprofit the Spokane Riverkeeper (SRK). At this annual fundraiser, river stories will be shared by local artists in addition to a cocktail and appetizer hour, silent auction, and year in review by the Spokane Riverkeeper. Guest speakers include Marc Fryt, Greg Gordon, Heidi Lasher, and Mery Smith.

MANAGING OUR FORESTS

“I think, deep inside each of us, there is a story about a river,” says Heidi Lasher, writer, SRK board member, and Out There

contributor. “By sharing these stories, we understand what connects us to place and each other.”

The evening will take place at the Spokane Convention Center from 5:30-8 p.m. The Spokane Riverkeeper organization monitors 111 miles of river, collects water data, engages in community education, removes trash, and uses law and policy to defend clean water. And they need our community support to continue. Tickets are on sale now for $85 at Spokaneriverkeeper.org. (Lisa Laughlin)

FLAILFEST BOULDERING COMPETITION NOV. 9

POST FALLS, IDAHO

Get ready for an exciting day of competition, camaraderie and community at Coeur Climbing Company in Post Falls on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. This second annual regional bouldering competition dubbed FlailFest is open to anyone with a passion for bouldering, including all skill levels and ages, from experienced climbers or those who are new to the sport. The comp is divided into several categories to ensure everyone has a fair chance to shine.

Coeur Climbing members will save $10 on registration, which is $50/person for members and $60 for non-members. Sign up by Nov. 6 to score your official FlailFest beanie with your registration! Participants can choose to compete in one of seven different age/skill level divisions or compete in the overall open division (no age requirement). Each of the divisions, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced, has a male and female category, except the 12 and under group. More info at Coeurclimbing.com. (OTO)

20TH ANNUAL BACKCOUNTRY FILM FESTIVAL DEC. 6

SPOKANE, WASH.

The Backcountry Film Festival is an annual celebration of human-powered, backcountry-inspired stories rooted in wild snowscapes, stewardship and stoke. This year’s showing in Spokane, hosted by the Spokane Mountaineers at the Garland Theater, marks the festival’s 20th anniversary. Mark your calendar for Friday, Dec. 6. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a lights-on happy hour film by The Blank Collective. Happy hour pricing, powder shots and big lines will set the tone for the evening. Lights will dim at 7 p.m. for the Backcountry Film Festival films, featuring a collage of 11 short documentaries and ski movies about pursuit in the mountains.

At last year’s festival showing, the Spokane Mountaineers raised roughly $3,000 from ticket sales for partner non-profits that support avalanche safety and land conservation efforts for human-powered backcountry enthusiasts and wildlife. The festival itself is also a fund/awareness raiser for Winter Wildlands Alliance, whose mission is to inspire and empower people to protect

America’s wild snowscapes. More than 80% of fresh water in the American West comes from snow, yet upper watersheds are facing increasing threats from climate change, biodiversity loss, unmanaged recreation and other resource pressures.

Winter Wildlands Alliance brings together grassroots organizations, conservationists, outdoor industry partners, backcountry skiers and snowboarders, Nordic skiers, snowshoers, winter mountaineers, snow scientists, educators and many others who are devoted to protecting one of America’s most important resources: our wild snowscapes. The alliance works to improve climate resilience on public lands, to advocate for sustainable and equitable recreation management, to protect wildlife and watersheds, and to make stewardship and conservation the primary ethic of all backcountry users. Learn more about the Winter Wildlands Alliance at Winterwildlands.org. Tickets to the Backcountry Film Festival showing are $12 and available at Tinyurl.com/ Backcountry-Film-Fest. (OTO)

HABITAT RESTORED AT SWANSON LAKES WILDLIFE AREA

CRESTON, WASH.

The 21,000-acres of public wildlife habitat that makes up the Swanson Lakes Wildlife area in the channeled scablands of the Columbia Plateau is a shrub-steppe ecosystem that is dominated by sagebrush and dotted with mesic grasslands, wetlands, potholes, and ponds. The area provides excellent habitat for upland game birds; various species of songbirds, raptors, reptiles, amphibians; and mule deer. Several Washington State at-risk species also call the area home. One of the most critical is the sharp-tailed grouse. It’s a special place and one of the last of its kind on the Columbia Plateau.

In less than 36 hours over Labor Day weekend in 2020, the Whitney Road fire, fueled by 40 to 50 mile per hour winds, burned huge portions of the Swanson Lakes area, transforming all of that wildlife habitat into a moonscape of dust and ash. In response, members from Pheasants Forever Spokane chapter 800 and Spokane Audubon Society came together with WDFW Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area manager Mike Finch to develop plans to restore part of the burned area near Z Lake. Soon, a native tree and

shrub planting project on a 22,500 square foot plot came together. The goal was to create a critically needed winter food source for the sharp-tailed grouse, as well as thermal and escape cover for pheasants, valley quail, and the other wildlife.

Two days before the restoration project, WDFW rototilled the site, and Pheasants Forever volunteers with the help of WDFW employees laid out 2,000 feet of landscape fabric where the shrubs would be placed to help reduce weed intrusion and retain soil moisture in the harsh, dry growing conditions. On May 11, 2024, multiple groups with diverse passions were able to find common ground around restoring some of the habitat that burned four years back. Eight different species were planted by volunteers, including 700 water birch, aspen, serviceberry, and other native shrubs. The volunteers also installed 70 ten-foot t-posts to secure 750 feet of barrier fencing to keep deer and porcupine from browsing and raise the rate of plant survival. The project may have been only a 22,500 square foot area, but the impact that it will have on the habitat biodiversity over time is immense. For more info about the project, visit pf800.org. (JD Ennis)

“tune room” is ready to wax, edge, custom grind and sharpen your Alpine and Nordic Skis

The Trailhead

Inland NW Trail & Outdoor News

By Holly Weiler

WINTER TRAILHEAD PASSES

It’s transition season for trails! Many popular trailheads in outlying areas are not maintained for winter access, so be sure to check weather reports before planning a late-fall outing. In Idaho, Park N’ Ski passes are required at many wintermaintained trailheads beginning Nov. 15 (e.g. Chipmunk Rapids and 4th of July Pass); in Washington, SnoPark permits are required starting Dec. 1 (e.g. Mount Spokane State Park and the Kettle Crest). Check requirements for your favorite trailhead. Be aware that the best winter access locations will likely require a special parking pass to help defray the costs associated with routine snow removal in parking lots.

FREE OUTDOOR-THEMED ENTERTAINMENT

• Washington Native Plant Society will be hosting a thought-provoking Zoom meeting on “Fire Ecology in the Shrub Steppe” on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. Advance registration is required for this free event.

• To mark Veterans’ Day on Nov. 11, both National Parks and Washington State Parks are waiving entrance/parking fees. Washington State Parks will additionally celebrate Autumn Day on Nov. 29 as a fee-free day.

• The Lands Council will be hosting a Campfire Stories event at Wildland Cooperative in Green Bluff on Nov. 14 starting at 6:30 p.m. Come enjoy the cozy indoor setting while listening to excellent stories on the theme of “Lost and Found” as it relates to our region’s public lands.

• Wenatchee Outdoors and Chelan Douglas Land Trust are teaming up for a free Ugly Sweater Stroll at Jacobson Preserve on Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. Ugly or holiday sweaters are encouraged!

• Methow Trails will be hosting a free Methow Trails Film Festival on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m in Winthrop. Advance registration is required to ensure seating availability. All of the films will be locally made and related to the Methow Valley and the local trails community. A panel of judges will work with the audience to determine awards for best films!

• While the event is actually on New Year’s Day, advance registration is required, so be sure to watch for First Day Hike offerings with Washington State Parks! The full event list will be available in midDecember. Mount Spokane State Park in partnership with its friends group will

host both a beginner-friendly snowshoe hike to the Snowshoe Warming Hut and a moderately-difficult hike to the summit and Vista House. A SnoPark permit will be required for these events. Riverside State Park will host a beginner-friendly event that may be a hike or a snowshoe outing, depending on snow conditions. Jan. 1 is a fee-free day for the Discover Pass, so no parking permit is necessary. For those who don’t already own a pair of snowshoes, don’t forget to plan ahead by using your Spokane library card to check out a pair to try this winter! Snowshoes are available via the Library of Things in both Spokane and Spokane County.

FUNDRAISERS & CONTESTS!

• Methow Valley Nordic is hosting a fundraiser Nordic ski swap on Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Winthrop Barn. A nominal entry fee raises funds for Nordic programming. Stick around town after the ski swap for the Winter Kick-off Party at the same venue that evening.

• American Trails sponsors an annual photography contest specific to National Recreation Trails (NRT) across the U.S., with a deadline of Dec. 15. Photos must be taken on a designated NRT (full list available via the American Trails website), and entrants can submit up to 10 photographs per trail in a wide variety of categories. A few examples of NRTs in our region include Spokane’s Centennial Trail, the Kettle Crest, Sullivan Lakeshore, Priest Lake’s Lakeshore Trail, and English Point at Hayden Lake, and there’s plenty of time to explore these or others before the contest deadline!

CONSERVATION, STEWARDSHIP & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The season is beginning to wind down, but a few of our local nonprofits will continue to host events into the colder months!

Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, Friends of Palisades Park, and Washington Trails Association will be teaming up in November to host a fall project day at the new Palisades North trail segment. WTA will also offer a handful of events on lower elevation trails within Spokane County Parks and at Indian Creek Community Forest before transitioning to snowshoe work parties in December. Please see each organization’s website for full registration information.

HIKE OF THE MONTH INDIAN CREEK COMMUNITY FOREST

(PEND OREILLE COUNTY, WASH.)

INDIAN CREEK COMMUNITY FOREST boasts a relatively new trail system that is perfect for the shoulder season in northeast Washington. The 410-acre property is owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe and is adjacent to the USFS Geophysical trail system, so visitors have their choice of trail access depending on seasonal conditions. So long as the weather is cooperating and the snow is not too deep, hikers can park in the main Indian Creek Community Forest parking lot to access the trail system, which is adjacent to the Arboretum Loop Trail but provides connection to the rest of the trails within the property. As the snow begins to pile up later into the winter season, the property can also be accessed from the Geophysical Trail System next door (SnoPark permit required Dec. 1-March 30).

A good introduction to the Community Forest is the Arboretum Trail, which consists of a relatively flat half-mile loop that includes interpretive signage about native trees and shrubs that can be found on the property. Especially if starting at the west parking lot, consider this the best warm-up hike! Afterward, continue past the main Community Forest office building toward Indian Creek. The trail will reach a junction where the east section serves as the connection point toward the Geophysical Trail System, the alternate starting point in the event of snowy conditions. The west section leads to the crossing of Indian Creek and then continues an approximately mile-long loop on the upper west portion of the property where the Kalispel Tribe operates a demonstration forest highlighting different forest treatments for wildfire severity reduction and forest health. It’s a lovely self-guided tour in the off-season, but those who would like to know more can also watch for events hosted at the Community Forest in the summer. Indian Creek is open to hikers, snowshoers, and skiers only (no bikes and no horses, regardless of season).

GETTING THERE: INDIAN CREEK COMMUNITY FOREST IS LOCATED ON INDIAN CREEK ROAD APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE EAST OF THE INTERSECTION WITH LECLERC ROAD. THERE IS A DEDICATED PARKING LOT AT THE COMMUNITY FOREST ENTRANCE, BUT, ONCE SNOW ARRIVES, THE TRAIL SYSTEM ALSO CONNECTS TO THE GEOPHYSICAL SNOPARK LOT AT THE OTHER END OF INDIAN CREEK ROAD, APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE WEST OF THE INTERSECTION WITH BEAD LAKE ROAD.

PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES

Long Bridge Half Marathon May 10

Spring Fun Run May 25 Priest Lake Triathlon August 23 Priest Lake Marathon September 13

Race the Wolf June 21-22

Riding the Urban Winter Wilds

By Justin Short

I LIVED ON THE WEST SIDE FOR 13 YEARS and by “west side,” I mean the green and rainy side of the Cascades—and was well accustomed to a long, dreary, rainy season that could almost outlast my rosy disposition. When I moved to the Inland Northwest 12 years ago, I was assured that winter here would be socked in with clouds and fog blotting out the sun at least as long as the most depressing Portland winter. “But,” I would always retort, “if there’s snow on the ground and falling from the sky, it’s a winter wonderland.” I know I’m preaching to the choir here with the OTO readership, but seasonal affective disorder has a hard time doing its thing when there’s snow to play in.

The first snow is always the best for any kind of fat biking, but especially urban fat biking. Snow hasn’t been plowed into the bike lanes yet (because that’s where they plow the snow here. I mean, who would ride bikes in the winter here, anyway? Fill that bike lane with snow!) Given the inconsistency of our climatic weather patterns these days, we might get several first snows during the course of the winter. It’s snow that doesn’t have ice underneath it waiting to take you out. If you don’t own a fat bike, this is the time to hit the streets on your mountain bike, or pretty much any bike if the snow

is only two or three inches deep. Beyond that, you kind of need a fat bike. The colder the snow, the better the traction you’ll find underneath.

When the snow is right, where should you go? It might take a day or two for Frank Benish to groom the miles and miles of trails in Riverside State Park, and that really is some of the finest urban winter fat biking to be found, but there’s something infective and charming about seeing cross country skiers hit the snowy streets that always makes me want to follow suit. For me, it’s the allure of the high alpine region of that which we call the South Hill.

One of my first urban fat bike excursions that I fondly recall involved stopping for coffee at one of our fine local roasters on Monroe with former EDC columnist Justin Skay. Afterward, we climbed up from the lowlands of downtown Spokane to . . . I don’t know exactly where we were, because everything looked different in the snow. We turned left and right at random, eventually finding ourselves on a corner where every porch, sidewalk, and yard had a multitude of snow bunnies. They ranged in size from a couple of feet tall to darn near the size of a full-grown snowman. The snow was deeper up there (it always is) and the porches were very charming—the turkeys definitely

thought so, because every porch had a turkey or three, none of them made of snow.

Last winter, a snow storm was coming in one evening, with rain in forecast the next morning. I think its the bane of every snow sports enthusiast here that a good snowfall is so frequently followed by rain the next morning that ruins everything. In such circumstances, there is no time to drive anywhere, all you can do is hop on the bike and go for a good urban slog. Good fortune is smiling upon you if you happen to have a partner in crime close by who is typically ready to roll at the drop of a wool cycling cap. I texted Anthony, or maybe he texted me, and a last-minute plan was hatched to go see some Christmas lights.

We met at Uprise Brewing for a quick pre-ride snack. By the time we left, our beloved snow was tapering into rain. I don’t have fenders on my fat bike, so my tactic was to ride slowly so as to avoid the “wet diaper effect.” When riding in the rain, the average fat bike tire is instantly transformed into a Mississippi Queen riverboat paddle wheel, propelling unfathomable amounts of water from the street onto your back, which then seeps down into your nether regions. I don’t care how much Gore-Tex you’re wearing, that is your fate when riding in the rain without

fenders. It wasn’t hard to stay dry, because we were soon climbing the South Hill to our first destination, the light display at Cowley Park below Providence Sacred Heart hospital. It’s quite magical to ride around through their holiday light show. The hill gets rather steep from there, and the secondary tactic to stay dry is to unzip jackets and pedal gently so as not to arrive at the top of a climb wearing 80 pounds of sweat-soaked clothes. The rain turned back into snow before we reached the top of the climb, and we meandered our way towards our second destination, the light show at Manito Park. I think every city has that drive-or-walk-through holiday light show that draws carloads of families by the thousands. This year there is no Manito light show car option due to traffic issues in the past, just a walking route. BUT, you can ride your bike around much of the park and right through another stunning light show. Such is the life of an urban fat biker.

Justin Short will be out there turning pedals in the rain, hail, sleet, and snow all winter long, hopeful that he will once again dodge the invite to go winter bikepacking with the Idaho Bikepacking crew. This, however, may be the year his luck runs out.

ANTHONY HERDS THE SHINY DEER: // PHOTO: JUSTIN SHORT.

GET OUT THERE

Exploring Leavenworth’s Cross-country Ski Trails

By Claire Thompson

NORDIC SKIING HAS ALWAYS FELT to me like the best winter version of hiking or trail running—human-powered ways of moving through nature that combine physical challenge with space for meditative stillness. If you’re visiting Leavenworth on a winter weekend, stillness is something you might need. For all the cozy charm of this bustling faux-Bavarian village, the traffic jams and bustling downtown send some visitors running for the hills in search of a different kind of winter wonderland. The Stevens Pass Nordic area, while excellent, can get just as crowded on weekends as town itself, and requires a 45-minute trek up the highway. Luckily, upwards of 80 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails within half an hour of Leavenworth offer Nordic skiers of all levels places to glide in peace and quiet.

If you’re short on time and money, or have a frolicky pup, the most low-key local option is the Peshastin Mill Trail, five miles east of Leavenworth off Highway 2 and across the Wenatchee River in tiny Peshastin (home

to the Old Mill Tavern, a tourist-free spot for pool, pull tabs, and basic pub grub). The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club (LWSC) grooms this three-quarter-mile trail approximately once a week, as conditions allow, for classic skiing. There’s no fee or pass required and dogs are welcome. Unless you want to do endless loops, it won’t satisfy a craving for mileage, and conditions are less dependable due to the site’s lower elevation. But they say La Niña is back, baby.

LWSC operates more robust offerings—26 kilometers total of trail groomed for skate and classic—at the Leavenworth Golf Course, Icicle River Trails (near the fish hatchery) and Leavenworth Ski Hill—all within 10 minutes of downtown Leavenworth. The Ski Hill has something for everyone in your group: a rope tow for tubing, alpine skiing, and snowboarding; a historic lodge serving snacks and bevs; and lighted trails for night skiing. An adult full-day Nordic trail ticket, good at any of these three locations, is $31. Sign up online for lessons from LWSC. 14 miles north of Leavenworth via the

Chumstick Highway, Plain Valley Ski Trails maintains 25 kilometers of trails groomed for skate and classic, everything from beginner-friendly loops in an open meadow to skijump-steep expert descents. The gently rolling Beaver Creek Trail forms the backbone of this trail system, meandering 9.4 km along the valley floor, past cabins and barns and over creeks and through the woods. Tickets are available online or at Plain Hardware (which, in addition to being an actual hardware store, is also a gift shop, gear and rental shop, and coffee shop with espresso and locally-made baked goods). Kids under 18 ski for free in Plain; all proceeds from adult day passes ($28) and season passes support the Plain Valley Nordic Team, a ski program for local youth. PVST also offers lessons; sign up on their website.

If you have a Washington State Sno-Park pass (with a special groomed-trail permit), then you already have access to some of the best cross-country skiing in the area.

Lake Wenatchee State Park, 10 minutes north of Plain, has about 20 km of begin-

ner to intermediate groomed trail looping through wooded campgrounds and along Lake Wenatchee and Nason Creek. These trails connect to the Nason Ridge trail system (accessed directly from the Kahler Glen Sno-Park), the longest and most challenging groomed route in the area. After skiing 7 km of rolling hills, reach the junction for a 13-km loop trail that ascends the top of the ridge for big climbs, big views, and access to a warming hut at the west saddle of the ridge. Thanks to its elevation, Nason Ridge has the most reliable snow of any of the area’s groomed Nordic trails. Both Nason and Lake Wenatchee State Park are groomed for skate and classic.

Rent gear at Plain Hardware, Der Sportsman, Eastside Cycleworks, or Arlberg Sports Haus in Leavenworth.

Claire Thompson lives in Peshastin, teaches English at Wenatchee Valley College, maintains trails for the Forest Service, and is an MFA candidate in Nature Writing at Western Colorado University.

STRETCH THERAPY

• Release sore tight muscles

• Increase Performance

• Improve Mobility • Prevent Injury • Destress

LEAVENWORTH AREA XC TRAILS. // PHOTOS: CLAIRE THOMPSON

OUT THERE READS

“Crossings:

HOW ROAD ECOLOGY IS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF OUR PLANET ”

By Ben Goldfarb (Nonfiction, 2023)

Ben Goldfarb writes the kind of books that will fundamentally change the way you see the world. He did it first with 2018’s “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter,” which not only challenged my thoughts on beavers (which previously weren’t many), but altered the way I see every creek I cross while hiking or river I follow on my way to a trailhead.

Goldfarb’s newest book, “Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet,” does for roads what “Eager” did for watersheds. Each chapter considers the ecological impact of roads from a different perspective, ranging from those you might expect (e.g. disrupting the migrations of deer) to those you’ve likely never considered (e.g. how road shoulders actually create narrow, interconnected strips of prairie habitat in America’s heartland). Along the way, Goldfarb traces how roads became such a dominant force in the natural world, from incursions into National Parks in the first half of the 20th century to the myriad efforts in recent decades to mitigate their ecological impacts.

Consistent across both books is Goldfarb’s engaging prose and entertaining style. While “Crossings” is deeply researched, it’s no snoozy survey of scientific literature. Goldfarb is as likely to quote from a Mary Oliver poem as a recent study in “Science.” And he gets his hands dirty: scraping snakes off highways in Costa Rica, carrying buckets of frogs across roads in suburban Oregon, hiking the mountains of Southern California on the trail of a cougar, and so much more. Come along for the ride, but know that you may never see a road the same way again. (Chris Maccini)

“Rewilding the Urban Frontier: RIVER CONSERVATION IN THE ANTHROPOCENE”

Edited

by Greg Gordon (Nonfiction, 2024)

“Rewilding the Urban Frontier,” an anthology edited by Gonzaga University’s professor of environmental studies, Greg Gordon, focuses on urban rivers across the United States. Taken as a whole, the essays convey the common history these rivers share: river as human gathering place and community center since time immemorial, rivers as the industrial era’s means of commerce and convenient toxic dumping ground, and the very recent realization that rivers have inherent value. Rivers are being restored to the extent that is possible, but the work presents new challenges: from difficult-to-address toxic waste, to reimagining and redefining a thriving- if-not-quite-natural ecosystem, to facing unintended consequences like gentrification of nearby neighborhoods.

The book is arranged in four sections and covers a total of 13 rivers, including the Spokane River, Boise River, and Deschutes River. I most closely identified with the stories of these rivers since I’m most familiar with their nearby towns, but the history and themes of each of the rivers from across the country was fascinating. I was surprised by the unknownto-me history of the Spokane River near Gonzaga University. I can long remember passing by the pond on Gonzaga’s campus, but only through this book learned that it was originally a mill pond, now named Lake Arthur, and is considered the only wetland on the Spokane River that’s located within Spokane’s city limits.

While I enjoyed learning something new about my backyard river, I also appreciated the essays about each of the widespread rivers, and in particular the personal essays highlighting how individuals can have a close connection to wild spaces. For anyone who worries about human impacts to and relationship with the natural world, especially within our nation’s cities, this is an excellent thought-provoking book. (Holly Weiler)

“The Darkest White: A MOUNTAIN LEGEND AND THE AVALANCHE THAT TOOK HIM”

By Eric Blehm (Nonfiction,

2024)

“The Darkest White” is written by New York Times bestselling author Eric Blehm. The book is an in-depth, wellresearched, and unbiased story of the legendary Pacific Northwest snowboarder Craig Kelly’s extraordinary life and his premature death. Devastating and controversial, on January 20, 2003, the Durran Glacier avalanche in the northern Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, claimed the life of Craig and six other people.

Many snowboarders and skiers in this region know or are familiar with Craig’s story and the outcome of the avalanche, so I think it’s important to point out why Blehm’s book stands out and is so essential to snowboard history and culture. Blehm spent over five years researching and chronicling the storied career of Craig. While writing about Craig’s untimely death, Blehm stayed objective as he pushed for the truth of what really happened that horrific day. Blehm is no stranger to the snowboard world and was the editor of “TransWorld SNOWboarding Magazine” from 1992 to 1997.

Blehm masterfully takes us through Craig’s journey as latchkey kid in Mount Vernon, Washington, to his time as a world champion, to becoming one of snowboarding’s first superstars. Seemingly at the height of his career, Craig walks away from the fame and fortune to focus on the snow-covered mountains and his aspiration of becoming a certified backcountry mountain guide, which ultimately took his life.

“The Darkest White” is by far the best snowboard biography/memoir I have ever read and I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to spend time in the powdery backcountry or learn more about snowboard history. (T. Ghezzi)

Survival Sisterhood

By Karie Lee Knoke

DURING A RECENT COURSE

Cedars Wilderness School, called Survival Sisterhood, I dove in deep about the con cept of creating an ongoing community of women centered around the subject of sur vival. In the circle of women who attended the course, we discussed what ‘survival’ really means. With the popularity of real ity survival TV shows, most folks instantly think of survival as something we do in the wilderness or preparing for when SHTF. However, the real meaning of survival is much more serious.

live, especially after being in a difficult or life-threatening situation.” The key words are loved ones who are faced with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses who are often left to fight their battle, alone. How can we, as women, support each other? It can be as simple as going for a walk with someone who just wants companionship while they are going through Chemo. A simple, yet price less act of compassion can go a long way!

A NEW SEASON OF RIDING HAS BEGUN

survival, we set the intention of our circle as this: Survival Sisterhood is a circle of women teaching women survival skills in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental, non-competitive, heart-centered, fun and community-oriented environment. To empower women with tools that build self-confidence, self-reliance, courage and strength to endure whatever challenges life brings forth.

Throughout the Survival Sisterhood course, we covered several skills starting with the basics of knife safety and cutting techniques. The knife is an essential tool in survival, and knowing the proper way to use it and care for it is critical.

We found fresh tracks of coyote, bobcat, skunk, black bear, moose, snowshoe hare and a feral house cat. Tracking what animals are in your area can not only provide an opportunity for food, but also alert you to what predators are around.

Foraging for wild edibles is always a hit!

You don’t need any experience to belong to this community. Survival Sisterhood is a supportive and safe environment for women to learn and grow. It allows women to connect with each other, creating life-time friendships and a support network to help those in need. Survival Sisterhood is more than survival; it’s about thriving in all areas of life.

Survival Sisterhood will launch as a new program in Sacred Cedars Wilderness School this November. Come on ladies! Let’s do this!

Karie Lee Knoke is a wilderness/primitive skills instructor and founder of Sacred Cedars Wilderness School. She was a contestant on the reality survival TV show, Alone Season 9, on the History Channel. Go to www.karieleeknoke.com for more information, or follow her on Facebook @SacredCedarsWildernessSchool or Instagram @karie_lee_knoke

STONE SOUP

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in a survival sisterhood weekend retreat with Karie Lee Knoke, founder of Sacred Cedars Wilderness School in Sandpoint and contestant on the reality survival TV show, Alone Season 9. On the menu: stone soup. Stone soup is the perfect fall meal because it utilizes a campfire, can be made with simple, community-style ingredients, requires no pots or pans, is incredibly fun to make and delicious to eat. (Note: When making stone soup, never harvest stones from riverbeds or near water sources, as these rocks explode when heated.)

INGREDIENTS: One very large edible gourd // Autumnal vegetables (think onions, zucchini, mushroom, potatoes etc.) // Herbs // Water // 10 clean stones, about 3-4” in diameter

DIRECTIONS: Begin heating clean stones in a roaring fire. Cut and save the top off a very large, round gourd and remove the seeds. Dice any variety of autumnal vegetables and herbs and place into the gourd. Move the gourd closer to the fire and fill with water. When the stones are hot, carefully remove 6 or 8 from fire with tongs, remove ash, (we set up a cleaning station for our stones using a grate, pine bough, and water) and place inside the gourd. Cover gourd with the top and allow to cook for a few minutes before replacing stones from gourd with stones from the fire. Continue rotating hot stones for about 20 to 30 minutes. Once soup is actively boiling and vegetables are fork-tender, gently scrape the inside meat of the gourd to loosen and serve. (Bri Loveall)

STUFFING MEATLOAF

Thanksgiving leftovers! We all have them and you can only eat them for so long. Enjoy one of my favorite repurposed leftover stuffing recipes that comes together super quick and is perfectly hearty after a beautiful fall adventure.

INGREDIENTS: 2lbs. ground beef (or ground meat of your choice) // 1 ½ cups of leftover stuffing // 1-2 eggs

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix meat, stuffing and 1-2 eggs. (If your stuffing is on the drier side, you will need two eggs, but start with one.) There is generally no need to add seasoning due to the stuffing having already been seasoned. The more flavorful the stuffing, the more flavorful your meatloaf. Place mixture onto the parchment and shape into a loaf. Bake 45-60 minutes until meat thermometer reads 160F/80C.

If you want to add a glaze or topping, add it to the top in the last few minutes of cook time. An easy glaze is equal parts ketchup and brown sugar. Or, try a favorite condiment or jelly. Spicy fruit preserves are delicious, or your favorite BBQ sauce (as featured in picture, wrapped in bacon, because why not?).

This recipe works well with any leftover stuffing, but I strongly recommend the Artichoke Parmesan Sourdough recipe from Sunset Magazine for the best stuffing, therefore best leftover stuffing meatloaf, you’ll ever have. You’re welcome! (Alana Livingston)

OH BABY! TEX-MEX BBQ

Heather and Mark Nehlich have been familiar faces in the Coeur d’Alene area for a while, and when they opened the Oh Baby! Food Truck on October 3, 2022 with partner and Seattle restauranteur Stan Moshier, they had a lot of support. The big teal truck graced the Silver Lake Mall parking lot serving scrumptious Tex-Mex BBQ until August of this year when it tucked its big self into the back of Chalice Brewing in downtown CDA.

While I’ve been a long-time fan of their quesadillas, birria tacos, and O.G. Taco with their melt-in-your-mouth pork belly (best breakfast taco, anyone?!), I have been excited to explore more of their new menu. The most notable addition has to be Crunchwraps, stuffed with their smoked meats, madefrom-scratch sauces and so much crunchy flavor. I have also grown quite fond of their BBQ Pork Taco—also known off-menu as the “Pickle Taco.” The crispy cheese layer adds a nice crunch to the smoky pork, coleslaw, pickles and sauce.

Can’t decide on a taco? Get a “Fistfull” of three tacos for $12, Chef’s choice. Their burritos provide enough food for two meals—or to share! And, when they have it, you have to try the birria ramen. Oh, baby, seriously! Located through the back door of Chalice, right on Sherman Avenue, or off the alley behind, this is the perfect place to grab a bite (and a pint!) post Tubbs Hill hike, beach swim, or Higgens Point bike ride. Find more at Ohbabyfoodtruck.com | @ohbabyfoodtruck. (S. Michal Bennett)

COCONUT-GINGER CARROT SOUP

The sweet carrot is available in the Inland Northwest through almost the entire year, but some would argue that fall is the best time to enjoy this staple root. If carrots are harvested after a light autumn frost, they will have begun to convert their starches into sugars. Crunch into a fall carrot or feature their classic, sweet flavor in this cozy and nourishing soup.

INGREDIENTS:

1 small onion from Swiss Farms, diced // 1 Tbsp olive oil // 2 cloves garlic from Channing Farm, crushed //1-lb. carrots from Elithorp Farm, chopped // 5 shakes chili flakes from Hayshaker Farm // 1 tsp ground ginger // 2 Tbsp red curry paste (optional) // ½ cup water // 15-oz. (1 can) coconut milk // salt and pepper to taste // pepitas

DIRECTIONS:

Sauté the onions in a medium saucepan on medium heat with olive oil. Once translucent, add the garlic, carrots, and chili flakes, sautéing for another five minutes. Add the ginger and red curry paste, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the water and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer. Let cook for 10-20 minutes until the carrots are tender. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve with rice or farro and sprinkle with pepitas. Enjoy!

(Courtesy of LINC Foods — The Local Inland Northwest Cooperative @ lincfoods. com.)

The Douglas Fir

By Adam Gebauer

PERHAPS NO OTHER TREE represents the Pacific Northwest more than the Douglas Fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, not to throw any shade to our beloved Ponderosa pine (more on that later). Doug fir, also known as red fir, is the dominant tree in many low- to mid-elevation forests. It is the most economically important tree across the Pacific Northwest and yields more timber than any other tree. It is used for dimensional lumber, plywood, and veneers, as well as in Christmas tree plantations. It is also the most replanted tree in industrial timber lands across the region. It can grow in the moist, coastal mountains to dry, east-side forests and can tolerate shade to full sun.

When I first started wandering around the towering trees of the PNW forests, I remember learning a few key things about these trees. One, its name is confusing; it is not a true fir; and its scientific name, Pseudotsuga, means false hemlock. Its common name, Douglas fir, comes from the naturalist David Douglas, who brought the tree from Europe fostering Doug fir plantations. It also has distinguishing cones that appear like a mouse has crawled between the scales with only its tail and feet sticking out. There are tribal stories of a mouse fleeing a fire and finding refuge in the cones.

There are two varieties of Doug fir. The coastal Douglas fir ranges from coastal British Columbia as far south as Yosemite and grows faster and bigger than the Rocky Mountain variety. The latter variety spans all the way to the Mexico border, becoming less frequent with lower latitudes. Because of its timber value, it has spread to many corners of the world, including New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Europe.

In parts of its range Doug firs are suffering from the effects of climate change, as increased drought has led to outbreaks of beetle die off. In parts of southwestern Oregon, for example, there has been a mas-

sive increase in Doug fir die off with an estimated 260,000 trees killed on nearly 150,000 acres from 2016 to 2019. This was more trees in a four-year period than in the previous four decades.

Although larger, older Doug fir are relatively tolerant to low and moderate fires due to their developed deep-furrowed bark, it can take up to 100 years to develop these characteristics. Doug fir is fairly shade tolerant, meaning it can grow under shade, and in general shade tolerant species are less fire tolerant. Ponderosa pine and western larch are shade intolerant and many land managers in eastern Washington are shifting tree stands to these more drought- and fire-tolerant species.

Ponderosa pine and larch have several other adaptations that make them particularly tolerant to fire. Where deep soils allow —unlike on Spokane’s South Hill—they grow deep tap roots. They have thick buds that can withstand heat. These trees are self-pruning, dropping branches that don’t receive a lot of sunlight, which helps them reduce ladder fuels—protecting the crowns from catching fire. Both species also have airy canopies that can disperse heat rather than trapping it like the dense canopy of Doug fir.

Douglas firs will still be a large part of the forests of the Pacific Northwest, but climate change will alter where some of our tree species will thrive and where others will suffer from drought, insects, and disease outbreaks. On the coast, these mighty trees still can grow to over 300 feet and throughout their range grow deep, furrowed red bark that will impress those traversing amongst their trunks.

Recently Adam Gebauer has been working with some regional folks on prescribed fire training. He is thinking hard about doing squats before ski season.

PHOTO: SHALLAN KNOWLES

521 E. Holland, Suite 20 Spokane, WA - Colesbakeryandcafe.com

RUN WILD

Running in Your 40s (and Beyond)

By Sarah Hauge

AS A RUNNER IN MY 40S, I certainly feel different than I did as a runner in my 20s, from being more wiped out the evening following a long run to random pains and the gradual slowing of my pace. Getting older is a good thing—it means you’re living!—but some of the side effects are…less than fun. Recognizing them and learning both what to accept and how to stay happy and healthy moving forward can make a huge difference when running in middle age and beyond.

CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT

Starting in middle age, our bodies experience a reduced range of motion and lower cardiovascular capacity. Aging also brings on lower bone density, increasing the risk of stress fractures and osteoporosis. Additionally, muscle mass decreases by about 3-5% per decade starting at age 40. All of this contributes to slower race times, slower recovery after an injury, more aches and pains, increased fatigue, and a sense of general frustration. (What is happening to me?!) Given that, what can we do?

STAYING STRONG AND INJURY-FREE

• Rest: Adequate sleep is important for recovery at any age. Aim for 7-9 hours each night and consider a catnap after an early morning run. If you feel frequent aches, your performance drops, or you dread running, take a day off.

• Strength training: Strength training is key

to staying healthy, boosting metabolism, reducing injury risk, and maintaining independence as we age. It builds muscle that absorbs running’s impact, reducing joint stress and injury risk. It also improves endurance, form, bone density, and metabolism. While runners typically devote most of their time to running, strength training should be in your routine. Aim for two full-body sessions per week, covering upper, lower, and core muscles.

• Nutrition: As muscle mass decreases, it is important to assess protein intake. A standard recommendation for someone wanting to maintain or increase muscle mass is to consume .8 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight per day (meaning about 120-150 grams of protein for a 150-pound person). It’s also important to get plenty of fiber and omega-3s, which reduce inflammation and contribute to healthier joints.

WALKING THE FINE LINE BETWEEN ACCEPTANCE AND GIVING UP

Knowing all this is helpful, but I still feel conflicted. Even as my body changes, I can’t

help but notice amazing runners older than me cranking out PRs, age group victories, and times I’ve never hit at any age. (I’m looking at you, Spokane Swifts.) I feel like I’ve still got some room to become a faster, fitter, and more efficient runner, especially if I do it wisely—with more rest, better nutrition, and plenty of strength training and yoga to help me.

At the same time, there are limits. So even as I try for some new achievements—I love a good goal—I want to focus most of my mental energy on gratitude for what I can do now. Yes, I used to race faster on less training, but I now nourish myself better and experience the benefits of a regular strength training practice. I now have the wisdom to recognize how running regularly improves my physical and mental health. And, at 44, I have something that was totally unattainable for younger me: memories of thousands of hours spent doing something I love.

Sarah Hauge is a writer, editor, and grant writer and lives in Spokane with her husband and children. Having completed many half marathons, she’s contemplating running her first 5k.

We Run WILD

Grand Cut

GEAR ROOM

Between freelance photography and enjoying the outdoors, I travel a lot, and the Peak Design 45L fits my lifestyle and needs perfectly. Whether traveling through airports or the woods, I’ve found that this pack is able to keep up with my demands. It comfortably stores a camera, lenses, and clothing for a few days, and my favorite feature is all of the different compartments. I am able to store lots of random things like sunglasses, keys, lens caps, and

more in all of the small zipper pockets. It also has expandable side pockets that can fit everything from bottles to tripods. Having a pack with a water-resistant exterior is a must for me too, which the 100% recycled 400D shell ensures. Knowing I can set down my pack on pavement, dirt, or any other surface is a game-changer. I can tell this backpack is going to last for years.

MSRP: $229.95299.95. Peakdesign. com (Andrew Botterbusch)

SOLO STOVE RANGER 2.0 WITH CAST IRON GRIDDLE TOP AND HUB

I have always taken pride in my fire making abilities, but never thought of myself as a “Solo Stove” guy. It seemed a little too confined for my penchant for fierce, sprawling blazes. However, we often camp places where a “Leave No Trace” ethic means no fire pits, and the Ranger Solo stove was the answer. The awesome feature of the Solo Stove is that you can just let the fire burn down to ashes at the end of the night and pack it away into the carry case the next morning. The Ranger is a smaller version that takes up less room in our camper, measuring at

15” diameter and 12.5” tall. The smokeless design keeps a hotter, cleaner fire with less smoke and sparks to burn holes in your favorite backcountry ski jacket. You can add the cast iron cooktop option to make your Solo Stove even more versatile. The 14” diameter griddle sits on a stable hub above the fire pit and distributes heat evenly across the surface, allowing for around-thefire griddle cooking of everything from burgers and veggies to pancakes and eggs. MSRP: Ranger 2.0, $199 / Cast Iron Griddle and Hub, $149. Solostove.com/ en-us (Kyle Merritt)

XTRATUF TAILGATE COLLECTION ANKLE DECK BOOTS

A cool expansion of Xtratuf’s popular Ankle Deck Boots, this collegiate and professional sports team themed collection is ideal for anyone wanting to show off their team spirit. There’s a reason it seems like just about everyone in Alaska owns a few pairs of Xtratuf boots; they’re waterproof and perfect for the Inland NW shoulder season, from mucking around in your yard to tailgating, and

This combo of a shirt and a jacket, or “shirtjac,” makes total sense when you put one on come a cold fall or winter day. Both stylish and toasty warm, this soft, fleece-lined flannel shirt is the ultimate, functional cold-weather layer with a relaxed fit and casual look. It’s plenty

stylish for days at work that may take you from office to outdoor sites and functional enough for longer outings in the elements. Surprisingly insulating given its relative light-weight feel, the roomy fit makes space for layering. Chest and hand pockets lend added functionality. MSRP: $140. Mountainkhakis.com (Wil Wheaton)

now you can get rowdy in a pair at your favorite team’s watch party. They also make a great gift for college students and alums. I’ve been wearing a pair of the Colorado/Boulder boots around a ton this fall, not because I’m necessarily a UC Boulder fan, but because I loved the design. Choose from a wide range of favorite professional and collegiate team colors. MSRP: $105-135. Xtratuf.com/tailgate (Derrick Knowles)

These organic cotton pants with a bit of stretch provide the perfect balance between comfort and timeless good looks. The durable construction means they’ll stand up to years of outdoor adventures and everyday use. I love the deep hand pockets and addition of a zippered security pocket. I can wear them and feel equally at home out walking a trail or sitting down for dinner at a nice restaurant. MSRP: $90. Mountainkhakis.com (Derrick Knowles)

These rad-looking mittens come with heat-embossed, mountain-and-snowthemed designs from environmental artists Jordan Kendall Parks and Zoe Malee. Both artists are heavily influenced by the natural world and their designs will make you smile every time you look down at them out on the snow this winter. The mitts are made with synthetic leather;

a waterproof, windproof, breathable insert; 600-fill Downtek insulation with a fleece lining; and neoprene short cuff with a wrist leash, so they’re not just pretty to look at, they’ll keep your hands incredibly warm! Available in two prints, men’s Mountain Stream and women’s Snowflake Crystals. MSRP $89.99. Gordini.com (Wil Wheaton)

After a 25-kilometer xc ski on West Yellowstone's Rendezvous Ski Trails in southwest Montana, we chill in the parking area under sunny skies, breezy 10-degree, bluewax days. The sweat dries a bit, and most gals switch to other shirts and dry bras, standing between the Subarus and Tacomas. I don't.

I've discovered BRANWYN's wool Essential Racerback sports bra and underwear and they are already dry after a long ski, not cold and clammy. While other sports fabrics work during the ski, they fail

après ski.

BRANWYN's non-toxic Merino wool, sourced from New Zealand, doesn’t retain odors yet does go in the regular laundry cold cycle—no dryer. The straps and seams hold up even after many ski tours and washings. It’s my new favorite ski underwear for multiple reasons. But, sorry guys—as the Bend, Ore. company's founder says, "BRANWYN’s underlying ethos are rooted in the radical idea that women could create better underwear for themselves," and only sells products for the gals. Branwyn.com (Jean Arthur)

BRANWYN PERFORMANCE INNERWEAR

GORDINI MTN CREW ARTIST SERIES MITTENS

MOUNTAIN KHAKIS MOUNTAIN PANT

MOUNTAIN KHAKIS BOONE SHIRTJAC PEAK DESIGNS 45L CAMERA TRAVEL PACK

You can’t overthink ski socks. A cheap pair can ruin a day on the slopes, especially if your feet are sensitive to cold, damp conditions or prone to blistering. Gordini wool socks are made with Italian knitting technology to maintain optimal comfort with moisture-wicking properties and durabil-

ity to make them last. Each sock features a single-seam construction that closes at the toe, preventing hot spots, friction and bunching, something your feet will thank you for a the end of any day spent getting after it on the mountain.

MSRP: $17.99 and up. Gordini.com (Wil Wheaton)

RUMPL BACKCOUNTRY PUFFY BLANKET

Rumpl makes some of the coolest, backcountry-worthy technical blankets, and the new Backcountry Puffy Blanket is next level. It’s super compressible for stashing easily in a backpack, panier or gear box, and only weighs 1.76 lbs., while packing a hell of a lot of warmth-giving insulation with its synthetic-down fill. The tough, waterproof-treated DWR Ripstop

shell fends off the elements from wind, damp conditions, and harsh treatment out in the woods. A cool feature for chilly nights or mornings, the redesigned Cape Clip allows you to wear the blanket hands-free over your shoulders and connect the sides together like a cape. Plus, there’s a zippered corner pocket for stashing personal items. MSRP: $149. Rumpl.com (Derrick Knowles)

NATHAN SPORTS LIMITLESS 2L SLING

If you’re not up for sporting a pack on runs but still find yourself wishing you had a nobounce place to secure your phone and other essentials, this sling might be for you. Ideal for neighborhood dog walks or daily runs, the Limitless Sling fits over either shoulder and has a removable strap that fits around

MERRELL MOAB 3 MULTISPORT SHOE

If you are prone to heading out the door on varied outdoor adventures, from hiking to biking, the Moab 3 will make your footwear an afterthought on whatever you’re up to. For starters, this shoe has a waterproof membrane that breathes yet keeps all of the splashy puddles out. It’s also engineered to

your waist to help limit that Zen-killing bounce when you pick up the pace. There is also plenty of pocket storage space with dividers for snacks, hydration, a light layer, keys and anything else you might need out there. It also comes with a bonus 14oz soft flask! MSRP: $70. Nathansports.com (Derrick Knowles)

do all of things you would want a versatile, random adventuring shoe to do, like cushion the trail bumps, provide traction on pedals or pavement, and hold your feet nice and snug to limit strain and discomfort. I really

dig the earthy look of them too! MSRP: $150 (Wil Wheaton)

Editor’s Note: Unless otherwise stated, product for these reviews was provided by the brand at no cost to the reviewer. Out There strives to only review quality gear and provide honest, thoughtful, and entertaining gear reviews, but readers should always do their own research.

MOTO Choosing the Right RV

By Bradley Bleck

BEFORE MY WIFE Rachel and I bought a travel trailer, we had everything necessary for camping, but rarely used it. With our travel trailer, we regularly explore the Inland Northwest and beyond, visiting new and favorite places to ride bikes, hike, swim, and stargaze. We’re now on our third trailer, each one bigger and more attuned to our needs than its predecessor.

Before buying each trailer, we read countless reviews and RV websites, talked to friends with trailers, and visited RV shows. The first two set the stage for the third. One thing we learned visiting RV shows is the “show price” is available months later if you’re willing to shop beyond Spokane. Also, while prices are not always hugely flexible, bargaining for additional features can get you more value.

Having decided to buy a travel trailer, consider where you want to go and what comforts you want. To camp in Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, the trailer must have a hard shell. Our required comforts

included a bed, indoor toilet and shower, a dining table, the ability to cook indoors, heat and AC.

Our first trailer, a 17-foot Jayco Hummingbird, had all of this. But as much as we liked it, we soon found it cramped, especially on rainy days. Another drawback was the wet shower, where the toilet was inside the shower and one sits on the toilet to shower. Additionally, the bed spanned the width of the trailer, too short for me at 6’2”. Traveling the Inland Northwest, plus Banff and Tofino, we learned it was too small. For our second trailer, we wanted a bed that runs lengthwise in the trailer and a separate toilet and shower. We got this in a Winnebago Micro Minnie. We no longer had to climb over one another to get in and out of bed, nor did I have to sleep on the diagonal. The separate toilet and shower meant both could be used simultaneously. The Minnie was about seven feet longer, providing more space. Two things, though, didn’t work for us. One was the loveseat beneath the murphy

bed. We rarely used it due to having to raise the bed. Additionally, the door opened to the foot of the bed, which, despite a privacy curtain, was not private. A few years of this had us searching for more usable space and privacy.

That search resulted in a Flagstaff Super Lite. It's only slightly longer but significantly heavier than the Winnebago. We now have a private bedroom, two recliners and a dinette, plus plenty of counter space (another point to consider). It also has 400 watts of solar power to charge batteries off-grid and a hot water recirculation system to conserve fresh water.

We initially towed the Jayco behind a Toyota Highlander. After a year, we upgraded to a Ford F-150. Focus on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating when determining what you can tow. GVWR is a combination of the weight the trailer exerts on the hitch and the weight of the loaded tow vehicle. Between a fully loaded trailer and truck— meaning people, dogs, food, bedding, bikes,

and more—we tip the scales at 6,600 pounds. The GVWR for our F-150 is 7,000 pounds, putting us at 96 percent of capacity.

Some sources suggest limiting overall weight to 90 percent of GVWR. Towing capacity cannot be enhanced. What the sticker on the door frame says about GVWR is inalterable. With most trailers, a weight distribution hitch, sway bars and electric brake assist are essential.

Quite literally, your mileage will vary both in what you need and how much gas you burn. Having gone the travel trailer route, we’ve forfeited complaining about the price of gas. Just know you’ll be spending more and loving it.

Bradley understands that some might not see the RV experience as camping. In the Sept/ Oct 2024 issue he shared some observations drawn from being a longtime contributor to OTM. Bradley teaches English at Spokane Falls CC and continues to love nearly everything Spokane.

HEALTH & FITNESS

Less Data, More Joy The Hidden Stress of Wearable Tech

with my client didn’t go well. Instead of discussing race-day strategies and tapering in preparation for their event in three weeks, the conversation shifted to self-doubt, anxiety, and more questions than easy answers. The catalyst? Week after week of the same message from Garmin Connect – “Training Status: Unproductive.”

Over the last decade, wearable technology, with the ability to collect and analyze all kinds of data, has followed an exponential growth curve. GPS enabled smart watches (think: Garmin Forerunner and Fenix, Coros Pace, Suunto Vertical, Apple Watch) are now commonplace, actively tracking heart rate, sleep, oxygen saturation, steps and mileage, pace, power… all to inform recovery status, sleep score, heart rate reserve (HRR), body battery, heart rate variability (HRV), cadence, fitness age, and training status, among other variables.

But, here’s the question: Just because we can measure all this data, does it mean we should?

Recently, I’ve noticed a trend among clients, friends, and even myself. Despite consistent and productive training, anxiety and perceived stress surrounding activity and performance are on the rise. Wasn’t the promise of more data supposed to bring renewed excitement and deeper insights into our training? Unfortunately, the exact opposite has occurred, and what once was an outlet for stress has now become a source of it.

To be fair, analyzing training and healthrelated data from wearable technology can be incredibly useful. Triangulating data across multiple metrics helps with trend analysis, informing decision making, encouraging course-correction, and optimizing training and recovery.

With this model in mind, data collection doesn’t sound so bad. So, what’s the issue? The problem isn’t the data itself, but the

power we give it to capture and control our attention. A workout that felt beneficial in the moment shifts towards feeling less so after viewing a string of less-than-ideal metrics, followed by an impersonal algorithmbased status update. Completing a ride, climb, paddle, run, hike, or swim used to bring satisfaction and calm. Now, many of us are left wondering, “Was I fast enough?” or “What was my heart rate?” or worse – “How do I compare to others?”

At day’s end, putting too much faith in imperfect—and often inaccurate—data robs us of the joy and vitality that comes with being active. Perhaps the answer is not found in collecting more data but in focusing on being more present and reflective without it. Dan John, a strength and performance coach at the Olympic Training Center, offers some simple but powerful advice: “Do less, better!” (Go ahead, read those last three words again.)

The next time you’ve wrapped up an activity and you’re poring over the data, consider these questions: 1) Is this data helping or distracting me? 2) Does this data calm my nerves or elevate my anxiety, and 3) How accurate is this data—is it really measuring what I think it’s measuring? This engaged reflection turns down distracting data and turns up your innate sensory system.

Reducing the noise around data may be the missing training aide you didn’t know you needed—an addition by subtraction solution. Ready to get started? Try going on your next walk, hike, run, ride, paddle, or outdoor activity without your wearable (gasp!). You may just find that your training status, and mindset, shift from “unproductive” to “joyful”!

Joel Sattgast is an outdoor enthusiast who loves sharing in adventures with his family. When not exploring, he’s a physical therapist, running/triathlon coach, and EWU DPT faculty.

SET DOWN THE TECH FOR A MINUTE. // PHOTO: JOEL SATTGAST

Douglas Creek Canyon Hiking through history on a basalt canyon trail in Central Washington

By James P. Johnson

CLOCKWISE: 1948 FLOOD DAMAGE TO BRIDGE 11. PHOTO COURTESY OF SKYKOMISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY // ABANDONED HOMESTEAD AT DOUGLAS CREEK CANYON RECREATION AREA. // COLORFUL COLUMNAR BASALT AT DOUGLAS CREEK CANYON. // WRITER AT DOUGLAS CREEK CANYON. // DAMAGE TO BRIDGE 28 IN 1948 FLOOD. PHOTO COURTESY OF SKYKOMISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY // COLUMNAR BASALT AT DOUGLAS CREEK CANYON RECREATION AREA. // PHOTOS: JAMES P. JOHNSON

DOUGLAS CREEK CANYON is 23 square miles of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in an isolated area between Coulee City and Wenatchee. I’d heard of it, but never visited until this year. There are few amenities, but no fees or passes are required. One amenity is an access road; however, you have to drive through water.

I’ve yet to see another hiker, but there are people around. On my first visit, at the south trailhead, I watched an SUV do the creek crossing. Assessing my low clearance sedan could also make it, I slipped around a lot, but got through. I arrived at the trailhead, which isn’t an accurate description—there are no trails; rather, a series of falls amid a picturesque setting attracts visitors. Past here the road becomes rough and has more and deeper water crossings, requiring a high clearance vehicle. There is dispersed camping along the creek, and it appears locals know this area well and use it often. I walked a few miles of the road, then hiked up a steep slope and did a very pleasant off-trail trek back to the “trailhead” to set up camp.

The beauty and expansiveness held such an appeal that I went back repeatedly, doing eight long hikes, covering about 120 miles. Wandering widely, coming across interest-

ing and sometimes peculiar things, along with the simple concept of exploring a place really pleases me. Being the outdoorsy type who enjoys a little exertion, this is both an adventure and delight. It’s not unusual that I happen upon an extremely beautiful spot and experience an outbreak of happiness. If I didn’t care about my equipment, an exuberant flinging of my water bottles and trekking poles into the air would be fitting.

On my next visit to the north trailhead, accurately labeled because there’s a trail, I found a nice amenity—no road water crossings. On the same road as the south trailhead I visited earlier, it climbs out of the canyon at this spot and connects to Highway 2. The trail takes over the canyon bottom here, slowly gaining elevation for several miles while approaching the Waterville Plateau.

The canyon sides are mostly unclimbable, impressive walls of ancient basalt flows. I stopped often to admire this miniGrand Canyon. Birds, which I normally never see or hear, make it a lively place. In some sections, the walls become steep slopes that are hike-able for the ambitious. This gave me access to exploring benches and high points, including Mt. Badger, the highest at 3,606 feet. There are a handful

of trees on north-facing slopes, but grasses and sage dominate. A bonus for spending lots of time in a place—it’s inevitable you come across wildlife.

In the canyon bottom, the trail resembled an old rail bed in places. I dismissed this observation. A twisty, curvy canyon with a creek would require lots of bridges, and any train would have to travel very slowly. Hiking on, it became obvious my presumption was wrong. Back home, I did a little sleuthing.

The Great Northern Railway built a branch line in 1909 that went through Douglas Creek Canyon. Wheat-growing on the Waterville Plateau justified a 61-mile route from the main line along the Columbia River that terminated in Mansfield. It was the most direct route and had the gentlest grade compared to alternatives.

But 49 bridges were needed, most in the 9-mile stretch of Douglas Creek Canyon. It was the greatest number of bridges per mile of any branch line in the U.S. However, high flows took out bridges and sections of rail bed several times. The floods of 1938 and 1948 were especially bad. In the 1948 event, 22 bridges were lost and several more damaged. It wasn’t economically feasible to

repair; however, knowing how dependent the few, small towns on the Waterville Plateau were on the line, The Great Northern rebuilt it anyway. According to the Oct. 28, 1948 “Wenatchee World,” 30 new bridges were constructed.

When the Mansfield Branch Line began service, there were two daily trains, a passenger and a freight. Passenger service was discontinued in 1949, and by the 1970s, a once-a-week freight run was all that remained. The last train ran on March 2, 1985. The rails and bridges were dismantled.

Hiking dry Central Washington is best done in April and May, in my opinion, but I’ve done plenty of outings in fall and winter—usually there’s light to no snow cover. When the occasional mild winter day arrives, weather in the Columbia Basin can border on springlike. Be aware though, the area is open for hunting in the fall. For trail information, Google Douglas Creek Canyon North. For rail history buffs, a blog about the Mansfield Branch Line is at Ndarrin97.blogspot.com.

James P. Johnson is the author of a local historic places book, “Spokane and Coeur d'Alene Freshwater Shark Attacks.”

In Search of Darkness

By Ammi Midstokke

I DON’T KNOW WHEN I stopped paying attention to the night sky. Maybe smoke season and crisp autumn blues have me swinging between anxiety and bliss during daylight, and forgetting the night altogether. Maybe it’s because I’m in bed with my lenses out by nightfall in the summer. Maybe it is because the night sky is fading into the ominous sherbert glow of progress, urban sprawl, and those billboards advertising adult stores and flu shots. Or I’ve lost my ability to see at night. Certainly, we as a species have lost our connection to darkness and the stars, one streetlamp at a time.

What I didn’t realize is… how much we’re missing.

I have a memory of climbing in the Tatoosh Range on the south side of Rainier some years ago. My journey began with an evening schlepp to a lake’s edge where I pitched my tent in the dark. The night was so still, the water did not even make a sound. All around me, only a thick black ribbon of jagged mountains could be seen separating the cosmos above from its reflection on the lake. It felt like I could drink the stars.

A friend told me once about sailing on the open sea in the Mediterranean on a starry night, the boat moving in no direction, just settled as the only object between sea and sky. Stars above, stars below, he spent the night in a magical disorientation, floating within the Milky Way and sensing for the only time in his life his presence within it.

Just north of Ketchum, Idaho, deep in the Sawtooth Mountains, is the nation’s first Dark Sky Preserve. It is the result of a collection of communities, organizations, and landowners. It is also the result of a need to reduce light pollution and preserve the night sky. That is to say, we cannot see a thing we are surrounded by, having lost touch with this ethereal and primal part of our natural existence, and must now go to a place far, far away to really see the night.

I’ve been reading Paul Bogard’s book,

“The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light.” I had the honor of meeting Paul in the Sawtooth Mountains, of standing under those very stars and staring through a telescope at spiral galaxies and distant nebula. Of all the ways to be humbled by our insignificance, this is by far the most wonderful.

It’s not often that we pick up a book that gives us both a sense of awe and hope. We’re reading books about how roads are ruining animal migration, sound is changing birdsong, logging is ruining the livelihood and lives of indigenous peoples, the Paleo Diet is increasing greenhouse gasses. With the exception of Jane Goodall, we’re feeling disparate and hopeless about problems we don’t have solutions to. Or solutions that feel too complex to implement. Mostly I feel guilty about being born a parasite and owning a series of iPhones.

In Bogard’s book he says there was a time when the Milky Way left us casting our shadows on the ground, and that time was not so long ago. The night, and darkness, is when so many things are their most animated, most alive. It is an essential, critical, part of the health of our little globe. And restoring this natural sky-scape is also achievable, a thing that does not have to go extinct, a memory that we can still make and offer generations to come.

I am grateful for the reminder to reconnect to nature and my own biological integrity in ways I’ve neglected—like moving around in the dark, pausing between my car and the front door at night to look up, and finding pockets of wilderness that are less ravaged by humanity.

These are the things that can fill us with hope again, empower us to be part of a positive change. Sometimes all it takes is turning off our lights.

Ammi Midstokke has always been afraid of the dark, but only because she spends too much of it inside.

Nature Connect Redefining Who Belongs in the Outdoors

In the heart of Spokane, a quiet revolution is unfolding, one that challenges the notion of who “belongs” in nature. For many black and brown kids, the outdoors can feel like an unwelcoming place, especially for immigrant and refugee children who already struggle with stigma and a sense of isolation. To combat this, The Lands Council, along with Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane (RICS), two local nonprofits, have launched Nature Connect: a program creating inclusive outdoor experiences while addressing barriers to access faced by marginalized communities. It’s an unfortunate reality that for people of color, particularly those from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, outdoor spaces can feel inaccessible. Financial constraints like parking permits, transportation challenges, and feelings of exclusion often make visiting parks and green spaces difficult. Spokane might be “near nature, near perfect,” but when the people enjoying those natural spaces don’t look like you, it can feel like they’re not meant for you. This is a reality for many immigrant families in the region, who, on top of adjusting to a new culture and

environment, may feel disconnected from the natural beauty around them.

Through the Nature Connect program, The Lands Council hopes to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among refugee and immigrant youth by offering meaningful outdoor experiences. Partnering with RICS, the program introduces families to local parks like Dishman Hills and Riverside State Park. Kids engage in activities like hiking, wildlife observation, and learning about local ecosystems, with translation services when needed. These outings build knowledge of nature and foster teamwork, communication, and leadership, helping children feel more connected to the community and nature.

Jasmine Vilar, The Lands Council’s development director and creator of Nature Connect, knows firsthand how alienating outdoor spaces can feel. As the first-generation daughter of a Persian immigrant, she grew up without seeing anyone who looked like her in nature. "I never felt like I belonged in those spaces," Vilar recalls. "It was hard to shake the feeling that the outdoors was for some, but not for me or my family."

Nature Connect aims to change that narrative for today’s immigrant children. "We’re not just introducing kids to the outdoors," Vilar says. "We’re breaking down barriers and showing

them that these parks, forests, and rivers are for them too. A connection to nature doesn’t just enrich your life; it helps you feel at home."

Programs like Nature Connect address a broader issue: the need for more inclusivity and accessibility to outdoor spaces. Nationally, there’s growing recognition of the lack of diversity in parks and trails. Overcoming these disparities is essential for environmental justice and ensuring that all communities, particularly those most vul-

they have a stake in this land. Nature belongs to all of us."

As Spokane continues to grow and welcome new families, initiatives like Nature Connect play a vital role in creating a more inclusive community. By breaking down the barriers that prevent marginalized children from engaging with nature, programs like this empower the next generation and foster a sense of belonging and stewardship.

The Lands Council is eager to grow Nature Connect in coordination with RICS’ wellness

WE WANT EVERY CHILD, NO MATTER WHERE THEY COME FROM, TO FEEL THAT THEY HAVE A STAKE IN THIS LAND.

nerable to climate change, are included in conservation efforts.

For immigrant and refugee families, the benefits of connecting to nature go far beyond recreation. It fosters mental wellbeing, strengthens community ties, and helps children build a sense of identity and belonging. By offering culturally sensitive programming and removing logistical barriers, Nature Connect ensures that nature becomes a space for healing and inclusion.

"This work is about rewriting the narrative," Vilar explains. "We want every child, no matter where they come from, to feel that

program to include outings for adults. For generations, we’ve fought to preserve and revitalize the public lands of our nation. For today’s environmental leaders, it’s time we preserve and revitalize access to these public lands too.

Amanda Parrish is the Executive Director of The Lands Council, a local environmental non-profit that works on public lands and climate justice issues along with restoration and education. She enjoys open water swimming in the summer and seeking hot springs in the winter.

Gift giving tips and local gift How to Give the

WHAT MAKES THE PERFECT GIFT? Let me tell you, it doesn’t have to be big or expensive, but it will take a little work to make the magic happen. A meaningful gift will hopefully do one of a few things: upgrade them from something they like to something they love, show them how well you know them, or introduce them to something they didn’t even know they needed.

Another fun gift giving strategy is to go with abundance! One of my favorite gifts this year was a Costco box of handwarmers. It will be a warm winter for me. Find something small that your person loves and stock them up. Some people love gifting, some people dread it.

Our annual guide to gifts emphasizes supporting local businesses, including many Out There advertisers. Shop local and keep money in our local community! I hope this guide helps spark some imagination and inspiration that will make your gift giving easier and more fun this holiday season.

THE COFFEE LOVER

Either for the jolt or the variety of flavors offered in a simple cup of brew, the coffee lover in your life will appreciate a gift from their local roaster. Grab a can of DOMA’s DEEP coffee that’s not only delicious, but supports POW (Protect Our Winters). Not only do most roasters offer delicious beans, they have fun merch too! Check out the Whistling Fox on a bike shirt from Roast House, or the Summer Lovin’ Hat from DOMA crafted by local artist Cori Ward with a tribute to Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness.

For a downtown Spokane experience, grab a “Transcend the Bullsh*t” mug at Atticus and drop in a gift card for a latte. It’s a fun place to sip and people watch. For the adventurous coffee drinker, pick up a gift card to your person’s local coffee shop and print a map for them to walk or bike to get there! Or go with abundance and gift a variety basket of instant brew for outdoor adventures.

THE BIKE RIDER

Maybe the person you love is a summer singletrack shredder or a dedicated yearround rider. Honor their love for two pedals with a gift they’ll use and enjoy. Bike lights can keep them rolling their favorite singletrack trails long after the sun goes down or keep them safe if they ride on the road. Check out the mega selection of bike lights from North Division Bicycle for front or back lights. Branded apparel, from hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, are a great gift for any rider who has a favorite shop like North Division that has great shop apparel.

Wheel Sport has a couple cool gift ideas for riders this season. The Muc-Off Big Bore

Tubeless Valves, they say, will “revolutionize the lowly and long-serving presta valve with a unique core-free design, which allows up to 230% higher air flow than traditional presta valves.” The result is dramatically easier tubeless tire installation and inflation, with no valve core to clog up with sealant. And with the integrated lever, rides can quickly and easily micro-adjust tire pressure midride.

Wheel Sport also recommends the Specialized Air Tool Comp V2 Floor Pump, which boasts big air chambers that move a lot of air, quickly, with pressure gauges to dial it in precisely. This pump goes even further with a unique high- and low-pressure gauge system. The low-pressure portion of the gauge allows mountain bikers to fine-tune their fat tires; the high-pressure section gives road bikers optimal control over their slicks.

Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer in Hayden has the added bonus of making one-stop shopping for cyclists and skiers. The Matrix Saddle Tagger from Lezyne creates a hidden, protected holder for an Apple AirTag under a saddle for trackability in case the bike goes missing. Any bikepacker or adventure rider will love a Mag-Tank top tube bag from Revelate Designs for stashing calories and other personal items they will need on long rides. For safety-minded riders who pedal in traffic, a Mirrycle Mountain Handlebar Mirror is a great gift choice that pretty much says “I love you and don’t want you to die.”

THE HOME NESTER

There are people who love to be home, or those who love to come back to the nest after an outdoor adventure. Fill their space with the scent of their favorite outdoor place with a Bungalow Candle Company candle, with scents from “Post Falls Cottonwood Reserve” to “Autumn in Hells Canyon” and “Waikiki Spring Trailhead.” Bring your giftee’s favorite outdoor adventure happy place into their home while supporting a local business. Last year a loved one asked for some new dish towels, which is a highly useful gift, and can find some beautiful options and plenty of other unique fair-trade gifts when you shop at Kizuri downtown Spokane!

The home nester will love curling up to a copy of “Lost Apples: The Search for Rare and Heritage Apples in the Pacific Northwest,” by David Benscoter. This new book out from Keokee Books in Sandpoint will captivate anyone with an interest in our local food heritage. The book is the account of apple historians and enthusiasts who are canvassing old orchards and forgotten homesteads of the Inland Northwest in search of the rare and heritage apples that still survive.

the Perfect Gift

gift ideas to make the holidays more magical.

THE SKIER OR SNOWBOARDER

Do you have a friend who is “unavailable” after the snow flies? You can see them, but only if you join them on the slopes. Support their love of flying down the mountain with a gift card to their favorite resort, or a resort they don’t normally frequent. Pair it with a set of ski straps from Spokane Alpine Haus to help them keep their skis held together in style. If they have their hands full with a hot coffee while huffing it to the first lift, these will be a welcome addition to keep their skis from turning into a yard sale. If your person runs cold, consider a helmet cover or heated mittens, also found at Alpine Haus at their two Spokane locations or at your favorite local ski shop. As seasons change, so do fashions, and you can leave it to Alpine Haus to stay updated with a new pair of goggles or the very necessary helmet for all levels of snow riders.

Spokane’s Solnix ski and board shop, which also sells wake, skate, and bike gear as well as other outdoor gear and apparel, had some sweet gift ideas for snow sliders. Solnix recommends coming into their huge shop to look around and find a wide range of gift ideas for just about anyone. A few ideas include ski and board tune kits and tools, gloves and mitts from a new company called Death Grip Glove Co., goggles from Smith and Oakley, or Gravity Grabbers ski and board hanging kits to better organize that quiver in their garage or gear room.

Know someone who loves nothing more than to trek around the snowy woods? Hok Skis, from Northeast Washington-based Altai Skis, is designated as an easy-touse backcountry travel tool. Hoks’ short, wide dimensions makes the ski incredibly maneuverable, and the integrated climbing skin gives the Hok great traction for climbing while allowing them to glide back down hills. The Hok combines the maneuverability and ease-of-use found in snowshoes with the ski’s efficiency of sliding forward rather than lifting and stepping with each stride. Several binding options are available along with the skis and other gear at their online shop.

THE GO-GETTER

These people love activities and doing new things. Their house could already be full, but they are ready to roll at any time. They probably don’t need or want more “things” but will appreciate the new experience that will expand their universe and get them moving and experiencing our world in new ways! How about a gift card to Coil Spokane that will get them doing Aerial Yoga? Or a tandem sky diving gift at Skydive West Plains just west of Spokane?

They are offering a holiday special of $100 off a tandem skydive for two as a special for

Out There readers (see their ad in this issue for details).

If your person is in Spokane, or comes to Spokane, check out the Wander Spokane tours to get an insider’s view of the urban trails, historic sites, and best eating and imbibing stops in the city. Gift a simple city tour, or find a themed tour that includes wine, beer or some local eats for a unique experience that will educate, entertain and help them get their steps in.

For the more energetic, a gift card for a session at Krete Academy will allow them to literally jump off the walls in constructive ways. Gift cards to a local climbing gym like Wild Walls in Spokane or Coeur Climbing in Post Falls make for an awesome stocking stuffer or main course gift.

Dining out can be nice, but one-up it with an experiential cooking class. Wanderlust Delicato in Spokane or The Culinary Stone in Coeur d’Alene offer cooking classes for a variety of food interests.

THE YOGI

Any dedicated (or semi dedicated) yogi would appreciate an upgrade to the most basic of yoga equipment, the yoga mat. Check out local stores such as Spokane Exercise Equipment. Go abundant and pair it with a membership, punch card or a series of classes to a yoga studio, like Harmony Yoga’s one-month unlimited membership that is only $49.

THE WATER LOVER

The dark, cold months can be hard for the lake lover. Get them dreaming about the warmer months with their own private inflatable dock from Solnix in Spokane. If you have a risk-taker in your life, a good lifejacket is a gift for everyone as they learn to fly on their foil or wake surf board. For the human-powered watercraft people, a soft-sided boat cooler is a thoughtful gift to keep them hydrated next summer. The Mission Tempest at Solnix is extra cool because it floats! If your dog or kid joins you on your paddleboard, this is a nice feature to have. Call ahead to make sure staff can retrieve summer items from the warehouse!

THE TEENAGER

Though cash is always a welcome gift for any teenager, get creative! Hide some cash in a sweet pair of gloves that will encourage them to protect their hands and get outside this winter. If they are a mountain slayer, a gift card to their favorite mountain that they can use to keep fueled up at a ski area eatery will get used for sure. Or treat them and a group of friends to an experience such as one of the various themed escape

rooms around the region.

THE KIDS

The holiday season is even more magical for kids. For as much as they love the trips to see Santa, decorating the tree or sipping warm cocoa, most kids are super focused on the gifts. Make it a memorable year with a registration to a climbing team at Coeur Climbing (teams for ages 7-12 or 12-18), or a Wild Walls Beginner’s Club (ages 7-10) or Climbing Club (ages 7-14 after passing beginner’s club) that includes a one-month membership and instructors that teach knot tying and safety. Gifts that are fun to un-wrap are Lego sets from Brick-by-Brick in Spokane’s Garland Neighborhood, or anything from Whiz Kids downtown Spokane or any other local shop with creative and educational kids’ gifts and games. This year we will be gifting our kiddo an upgraded chess set from Uncle’s Games in downtown Spokane, but any board game from this store will bring hours of unplugged family fun. Hopefully Santa will take care of the big stuff like the Firecracker Waterski Trainer! If not, you can get one at Solnix.

THE HIKER

Some love water, some love land, and for those who love those overland mountain and canyon trails, honor their passion! Every hiker appreciates a pair of socks, and the “Socks that Save” at Kizuri do good for causes (mental health, building homes, giving water, planting trees and many other causes). My mother did not appreciate the hiking poles I gifted her for her 60th birthday (she calls them canes) but they can be essential for the avid hiker to keep them upright and encourage upper body strength. Find them at your local outdoor retailer! No matter if your person lives in Washington (Discover Pass) or Idaho (State Parks Passport) gift them easy access to the outdoors with a state parks pass, available on-line, giving them a year of no excuses to hike local trails. Hiking can be challenging in the winter months, so surprise them with a pair of Altai Hok skis that allow hikers to stroll across the snow, climbing up hills and gliding back down.

THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING

If the person you are getting a gift for literally has everything, or just has too much, consider these acts of service and find a fun way to wrap them up! For the person who spends a lot of time adventuring, they might appreciate the gift of house cleaning. A Google search will result in a long list of local cleaners that can come in for a one-time scrub, or a monthly member-

By Shallan Knowles

ship, depending on how much you love them. If your person is making trips up and down mountains, or just lives in the Inland Northwest and drives our slushy streets, a membership to a car wash can keep their mountain transportation in good condition inside and out.

Memberships are another way to gift your person without gifting stuff. A membership to their favorite podcast so they can listen subscription free, or a membership to the Museum of Arts and Culture to give the gift of exhibitions, programs and events. Or give someone who loves picking up Out There Outdoors magazine an Out There membership that will provide them with a bunch of year-long discounts and swag from local bike and ski shops, ski resorts, climbing gyms, and outdoor adventure companies offering rafting and fishing trips, zipline tours, and more (available at Outthereoutdoors.com/ membership).

Food and drink lovers might appreciate a wine club membership from Wanderlust Delicato, which is available in a myriad of prices ranges. And not a membership, but a gift certificate, for a home cooked meal from The Supper Club or Lucid Roots can nourish your person for their next adventure. Roast House Coffee offers a Stay Wild subscription, which provides a rotating coffee experience delivered to their door. How about a local, farm-fresh food box subscription from LINC Foods, where they will enjoy the culinary surprise of new local food items being delivered to their door all season long? Know somebody on a keto or gluten-free diet? Give them a gift card at Spokane’s Cole’s Café and Bakery, which is 100% gluten free with lots of keto and vegan options. Any Out There reader will love tickets to the Banff Mountain Film Festival, coming to Spokane for three nights Jan. 10-12. These showings typically sell out, so hook them up before tickets are gone!

THE STOCKING FANATIC

Some people love tearing into a jam-packed Christmas stocking more than opening gifts. Fill their cup by paying a visit to the ultimate one-stop stocking stuffer spot, your local Grocery Outlet store. There you’ll find incredible deals on quality candy, gourmet chocolate, snacks, nuts, dried fruit, organic and vegan options, and other home goods and health and beauty products that make great small stocking gifts.

Whatever you give, make it extra special by purchasing it from a local small business. Or, even better, from an Out There Outdoors magazine advertiser!

EXPLORE THESE WINTER DESTINATIONS IN SOUTHEAST BC

ONE OF THE GREATEST THINGS about living in the Inland Northwest for many winter enthusiasts is the close proximity to the border with Canada and British Columbia mountain towns, ski resorts, backcountry terrain, hot springs, and friendly people. The currency exchange rate continues to save Americans around 25% percent on everything from hotel beds and lift tickets to meals and everything else. Crossing the border is easier than ever, as getting a passport or enhanced ID being affordable and more convenient. Don’t miss out on another season of BC winter adventures!

SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORTS

APEX MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Penticton, B.C.

Summit: 7,175 ft.

Lifts: 2 chairs, T-bar, & magic carpet

Runs: 79 marked; 40+ unmarked

Vertical: 2,000 + ft.

Annual Snowfall: Nearly 20 ft.

From Spokane: 5 hours

Why Go: Dry, light powder; over 12,000 acres of backcountry/slackcountry terrain; close to amazing Okanagan Valley wineries.

BALDY MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT

Location: Oliver, B.C.

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

Lifts: 2 + T-bar and magic carpet

Terrain: 35 alpine runs, 360 acres of trails, and 240 acres of glades

Annual Snowfall: 25 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

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

BIG WHITE SKI RESORT

Location: Kelowna, B.C.

Summit: 7,606 ft.

Lifts: 16

Patrolled area: 2,834 acres

Vertical: 2,550 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: The second-largest ski resort lift system in Canada with real Champagne powder (and minimal lift lines); 100% skiin ski-out accommodations; huge, vibrant village with over 20 restaurants and bars and plenty of off-the-slopes fun; super family friendly with new Kids’ Centre, a magic carpet and plenty to do for all ages and abilities (even for non-skiers).

FERNIE ALPINE RESORT

Location: Fernie, B.C.

Summit: 7,000 ft.

Lifts: 10

Skiable acres: 2,500

Vertical: 3,945 ft.

Snowfall: 29 ft.

From Spokane: 5 hours

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

KICKING HORSE

Location: Golden, B.C.

Summit: 8,218 ft.

Lifts: 5

Skiable acres: 3,486

Vertical: 4,314 ft.

Snowfall: 24 ft.

Inbounds chutes: 85+

From Spokane: 6.5 hours

Why Go: 60% advanced & expert terrain including 85+ inbounds chutes; and the fifth-biggest vertical in North America!

KIMBERLEY ALPINE RESORT

Location: Kimberley, B.C.

Summit: 6,500 ft.

Lifts: 5

Resort acres: 1,800+

Vertical: 2,465 ft.

Snowfall: 13 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: Some of the sunniest skiing and riding in the Kootenays; over 40% of the terrain is intermediate; night skiing, largest gladed terrain in North America.

PANORAMA MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Invermere, B.C.

Summit: 8,038 ft.

Lifts: 10

Resort terrain: 2,975 acres

Vertical: 4,265 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 16+ ft.

From Spokane: 5.5 hours

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

PHOENIX SKI AREA

Location: Grand Forks, B.C.

Lifts: 2 (T-bar and rope tow)

Terrain: 15 runs

Vertical: 800 ft.

From Spokane: 3.25 hours

Why Go: Great place for families to ski together and beginners of any age to learn; super unique community ski hill vibe.

RED MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Rossland, B.C.

Summit: 6,807 ft.

Longest Run: 4.3 miles

Lifts: 8

Skiable Acres: 3,850

Vertical: 2,919 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 300 inches

From Spokane: 2.5 hours

Why Go: Huge, excellent terrain; in-bounds cat-skiing; epic tree-skiing and in-bounds steeps; nearly 82% of the terrain is intermediate to advanced; unique on-mountain lodging options.

REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Revelstoke, B.C.

Lift-top Elevation: 7,300 ft.

Lifts: 4

Skiable Acres: 3,121

Longest Run: 9.5 miles

Vertical: 5,620 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 30-45 ft.

From Spokane: 6 hours

Why Go: Biggest vertical in North America; incredible in-bounds expert terrain; 45% intermediate terrain.

SALMO SKI HILL

Location: Salmo, B.C.

Annual Snowfall: Plenty

From Spokane: 3 hours

Why Go: Fully-lit night skiing; great familyfriendly terrain with a rowdy t-bar; oldschool community ski hill on the way to Nelson.

SILVERSTAR MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Vernon, B.C.

Summit: 6,280 ft.

Lifts: 12

Runs: 132

Skiable Acres: 3,282

Vertical: 2,500 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 275 inches

From Spokane: 6 hours

Why Go: Colorful, ski-in, ski-out midmountain village; access to alpine slopes, Nordic trails, tubing, ice skating, and fat bike and snowshoe trails; B.C.’s third-largest resort and Canada's largest daily-groomed cross-country trail network.

SUMMIT LAKE SKI AND SNOWBOARD AREA

Location: Nakusp, B.C.

T-bar: 1

Acres: 30

Vertical: 500 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: Laid-back, old-school Kootenay ski experience with night skiing on Fridays. On the way to Revelstoke and Rogers Pass.

SUN PEAKS RESORT

Location: Kamloops, B.C.

Summit: 7,060 ft.

Lifts: 13

Patrolled area: 4,270 acres

Vertical: 2,893 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 19+ ft.

From Spokane: 8 hours

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

WHITEWATER SKI RESORT

Location: Nelson, B.C.

Summit: 6,700 ft.

Lifts: 5

Skiable Acres: 3,247

Vertical: 2,014 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 40 ft.

From Spokane: 3 hours

Why Go: 40 feet of Kootenay pow annually (on average); 55% advanced in-bounds terrain and incredible lift-accessed backcountry; new on-mountain lodging and RV camping; Nordic trail system; and friendly vibe, no cell service, legendary food, and proximity to Nelson, B.C.’s mountain town amenities.

HOT SPRINGS

AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS RESORT

A short drive north from Nelson, the natural hot springs were first visited by the Ktunaxa First Nations peoples for healing and rejuvenation. Today the resort is fittingly owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of the Ktunaxa Nation of Creston, B.C. Ainsworth Hot Springs includes warm, mineral-rich waters in a pool and a natural cave without the sulfur odor associated with some hot springs. There’s also a cold plunge pool, stunning views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains, and onsite hotel and excellent Ktunaxa Grill restaurant. 4 hours from Spokane.

FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT

Canada’s largest natural mineral hot spring with views of the Canadian Rockies. Resort includes a hot pool; large, warm swimming pool; and dive pool. There are a variety of lodging and dining options at the resort and an on-site, family-friendly ski hill. 5 hours from Spokane.

HALCYON HOT SPRINGS

This remote and beautiful resort along Upper Arrow Lake 20 miles north of Nakusp, B.C., is on the way to Revelstoke and an incredible destination all its own. Enjoy mineral-rich natural hot spring pools, a kid's spray park, and majestic lakeside views of the Monashee Mountains. Multiple on-site lodging options and the Chanterelle Restaurant and Bar. 5.5 hours from Spokane.

NAKUSP HOT SPRINGS

This community-owned hot springs in

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

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS

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

FAT BIKING

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

ROSSLAND, B.C.

Ride over 20k of machine-groomed trails around Rossland, including loops that start in or near town and RED Mountain Resort. Stop by Revolution Cycles for fat biking trail maps and local advice or for bike rental or gear needs.

FERNIE, B.C.

Beginner, intermediate and expert riders will find a variety of groomed and userpacked trails for fat biking right out of downtown Fernie and another 12k or so of groomed multi-use trails at Fernie Alpine Resort. Stop by one of the local bike shops for recommendations.

CRANBROOK, B.C.

Cranbrook has valley terrain, with plenty of flats and rolling hills that make for a great groomed fat bike trails system. Grooming typically happens in the South Star Cross Country Ski Area and the Cranbrook Community Forest, with up to 60-70k of trails groomed each winter that include options for all levels of riders.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

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

SILVERSTAR RESORT/SOVEREIGN LAKE

NORDIC CENTRE

Canada's largest network of daily-groomed cross-country ski trails begins at the SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon, B.C. Connected to SilverStar’s 55k of worldclass trails is another 50k of groomed Nordic trails at Sovereign Lake Nordic

Centre (dual mountain passes available).

NELSON NORDIC TRAILS

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

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

KIMBERLEY NORDIC CLUB TRAILS

The Kimberley Nordic Club hosts a 33k, first-class groomed trail network including double track, single track, and a center skating lane. The trail system on the edge of Kimberley includes a 3.3k lit loop for night skiing, a lodge with bathrooms, and a warming hut.

FERNIE NORDIC TRAILS

There are over 50k of groomed crosscountry trails around Fernie, from beginner circuits to advanced trails. You can explore one of these different trail systems in the spectacular wilds of the Canadian Rockies each day of your trip: Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Golf Club, Island

Lake Lodge, Montane, and the Elk Valley Nordic Centre.

PAULSON CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS

There is an excellent Nordic trail system close to the town of Castlegar. The Castlegar Nordic Ski Club grooms 52-kilometres worth of trails at the Paulson Cross Country Ski Trail system 20 miles from downtown.

BACKCOUNTRY

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

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

WHITEWATER SKI RESORT: Whitewater’s spectacular in-bounds riding is just the beginning of what this gateway to backcountry terrain has to offer those equipped

to access the powder fields and steeps you can’t see from the lodge.

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

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

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

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

WINTER SWEEPS

The art of curling, why it’s so cool, and how you can give it a try here in

curling in the pan? Take away its tiny brooms. To be honest, when I first heard about curling, I thought it was a joke. Throwing a stone across the ice while people sweep the ice to make it go where they want? It sounded like hobbyhorse riding. Or pickleball.

Okay, now that I have your attention (I know pickleball is a real sport!), let’s talk about this seemingly simple winter activity. Born in Scotland and loved almost as much as hockey by our friends north of the border, curling provides an opportunity for athleticism, strategy, team building and community at a time of year when those things can be difficult to come by.

Curling is a game played on ice in which players work to slide a large, flat stone across the surface toward a specific mark, or “house,” marked by concentric circles on the ice. One player slides or “throws” the stone and the other players use brooms (modern brooms that look more like sponge-mops) to “sweep” the ice. This sweeping action controls the speed and direction of the stone,

awarded for the team whose stone or “rock” is closest to the “button,” or the center circle of the house. The name “curling” comes from the movement of the stone on the ice.

Curling was introduced to the Olympics in 1924 as a “demonstration event,” but much later (in 1998) the event was added as an Olympic event. In 2002, Curling was granted medal status, with the gold medal going to Great Britain for women’s and Norway for men’s. Canadian teams—men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles—routinely dominate the sport, and curling is televised, as far as I can tell from my frequent visits to the province of British Columbia, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on at least one TV in every pub, diner, brewery and living room in Canada.

Earliest evidence of curling occurred in Scotland with a stone engraved with 1511. Since then, a list of jargon including things like “pebbling the sheet,” the “house, tag line, and button,” and “hacks,” are just a few curling terms of many mystifying references in this sport. As an Inland Northwester, here’s

game.” (Interestingly, this term refers to the sound of the brooms on the ice, and not the roar of the crowds cheering on their favorite “skip,” aka team captain.)

While Scotland will always and forever be its birthplace, Canadians have a ratio of one curling rink to every three citizens. Approximately. However, here in the Inland Northwest, despite the active and dedicated Inland Northwest Curling Club, curlers are forced to wait out hockey players for use of their rink, and, while ice is ice, hockey rinks are not the same. With more interest in curling, more players, and more money, this community could have its very own sheets and host everything from weeknight league play to annual “bonspiels,” a gathering of curlers and their families for tournaments, food, libations and community.

Matt Moore, former president of the INW Curling Club, says he first got interested in curling when he lived in Minnesota. He and his wife began curling for fun but got hooked and immediately joined a league when they moved to Spokane. And as of

on Thursday nights, they could be found at Frontier Ice Arena in Coeur d’Alene, brooms in hand (Google “broomgate” for some exciting controversy from the world of curling), throwing, sweeping and listening to calls of the skip to carefully guide the stone to the button.

Coming to understand the finesse and strategy involved in curling, and the inherent community that comes with bonspiels in the dark of winter, it’s easy to see how this sport takes hold in northern climates such as ours. So, if you’re looking for ways to stay active, connected and warm inside and out this winter, maybe you can give curling a try by joining the local league. Or take up hobbyhorses. Up to you.

Carol Corbin is trying really hard to understand this unique winter sport under the tutelage of a patient Canadian boyfriend whose participation in not one but two leagues in British Columbia means she gets to watch a lot of curling.

THE FAT BIKE CAPITAL OF CANADA

Ride or rent a fat bike and explore the 20k of groomed trails in Rossland,

JUST 2.5 HOURS NORTH of Spokane, Rossland, B.C., known as the mountain biking capital of Canada, has been growing the network of groomed fat bike trails year after year. This

winter, the local Rossland Mountain Biking Society plans to groom around 20k of trails for fat biking, says society board member and trail groomer Rory Belter.

The collective fat bike trail system includes around nine trails that you can link together to create some epic rides of varying difficulty and length. The groomed routes

B.C.

follow many popular warm-weather singletrack trails that weave around the mountains surrounding town. While you can jump on a groomed trail at multiple locations, the Centennial Trail trailhead is a great starting point. Belter, who is also the go-to fat biking expert at Rossland’s Revolution Cycles, says he and other local winter riders are in the planning stages that could lead to another 5k or so of groomed trails south of town being added to the trail system this season.

Whether you’re heading to Rossland for a ski trip and want to check out the winter riding in between powder dumps or are making the trip just to fat bike, stop by Revolution Cycles (on Columbia Ave. downtown) for the latest trail and conditions beta and a free copy of a local winter trails map. Belter and other shop staff can recommend the right ride based on the current grooming, trail and weather conditions. If you don’t own a fatty and want to give it a try, Revolution rents fat bikes and carries any gear or parts you may need.

Visit Revolution Cycles at Revolutioncycles. ca or when you roll into town. Visit Tourismrossland.com for more winter adventure ideas and to plan your trip.

WHERE WINTER WELCOMES YOU HOME

WHAT DO YOU GET when you add over 40 feet of annual snowfall, delicious pow chow, and an unbeatably friendly community? You get the pure, simple, and real deep experience that defines Whitewater Ski Resort.

Located less than an hour north of the border and tucked in the stunning Selkirk Mountains, this hidden gem offers the ultimate ski and snowboard vacation experience. The snow is bottomless, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the American dollar goes even further up in the Kootenays.

WHERE TO STAY

backcountry, cat, and heli skiing all around.

A BIGGER BACKYARD

With the stunning Hummingbird Lodge boutique suite as Whitewater’s only slopeside accommodation, every moment feels uniquely yours. Nestled quietly near the Nordic trails, the suite offers a tranquil retreat where the energy of the hill fades into the peaceful hush of nature. Here, you are free to rise with the sun, surrounded by nothing but mountains. The suite is your private invitation to explore the slopes, making it feel as though the mountain belongs solely to you. Whether you're winding down by the fire after an exhilarating day on the slopes or basking in the incredible view of Ymir Peak, the solitude of the suite brings a sense of peaceful retreat that is hard to find anywhere else. If you’re looking to soak up the artsy and eclectic city of Nelson, BC, located just 13 miles from Whitewater, there’s no shortage of stellar restaurants, unique bars, excellent hotels, and vibrant street life to enjoy year-round. Plus you’ll find hot springs, Nordic trails, and access to world-class

For winter 2024/2025, Whitewater is expanding its iconic playground with an additional 60 acres of inbounds terrain. This new area includes new runs and thrilling glades that add a fresh dimension to the resort's offerings. Skiers and snowboarders can now explore Whitewater’s first south-facing open alpine terrain in the iconic Ymir Bowl, delivering a perfect blend of challenging steeps and breathtaking views of Ymir Peak. Accessible via the Raven Chair that was installed last season, this terrain expansion reinforces Whitewater’s commitment to providing an unparalleled mountain experience.

TRAVEL MADE EASY

Book your shuttle at kootenaycharters.com to enjoy a direct connection from Spokane International Airport to Nelson. Operating six days a week throughout the winter season, this convenient service allows you to focus on the adventure ahead. From Nelson, just catch the Whitewater shuttle up to the hill to enjoy a stress-free journey each day. Let us take care of the drive, while you relax and prepare for your winter escape. The continued improvements to enhance the on-mountain experience at Whitewater are to ensure it remains uncrowded, independent, and true to its roots, with an unmatched vibe you simply won’t find anywhere else. If you're looking for an authentic, unforgettable ski getaway, you'll find it at Whitewater this winter. Learn more at skiwhitewater.com.

(SPONSORED)

WHITEWATER SKI RESORT, NELSON, B.C.. // PHOTO: DYLAN ROBINSON

KTUNAXA GRILL AT AINSWORTH HOT SPRINGS

RESORT

Destination dining in the Kootenays north of Nelson, BC

YOU MIGHT NOT normally drive 200 miles for a great meal, but the Ktunaxa Grill, located on the top floor at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort with sprawling windows that overlook Kootenay Lake, may make you think twice.

Named after the Ktunaxa First Nations whose traditional lands expand far beyond the breathtaking lake and mountain views at the resort north of Nelson, B.C., the menu features an indigenous-inspired menu with local ingredients prepared with classic and

best enjoyed after a relaxing soak in the onsite hot spring pools and a waiting pillow at the resort, is a healthy, non-hormone, allergy-friendly and antibiotic-free dining delight.

The hot springs at what is today Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort were first visited by the Ktunaxa First Nations peoples, who experienced the warm waters as a welcome respite after a long day of hunting, fishing, and gathering roots and berries in what is now known as the Kootenay region.

have utilized this site as a place for healing. After battle, warriors would soak in the spirit waters (nupika wu’u) to ease the wounds sustained in the fight to defend their beautiful territory. Today, Ainsworth Hot Springs is owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of Creston, B.C., returning the Ktunaxa peoples to this significant land so that they may share their appreciation with others.

The scenic drive from Spokane to the hot springs at Ainsworth are an easy and rewarding trek that many regularly make throughout the seasons. Come winter, the towering snowy peaks and cold, glistening waters of Kootenay Lake are an especially stunning backdrop to it all. Not to be overshadowed by the hot springs and postcard views, the Ktunaxa Grill is a must-experience destination in its own right.

Cory Chapman, a Red Seal chef with 30 years of experience in casual and fine dining, has been the executive chef at Ktunaxa Grill for the past eight years. Creating and evolving the culinary program at Ktunaxa Grill has been an adventure, says Chapman, explaining that indigenous fare is sadly a

Canada. “My process is attempting to be as local as possible, using ingredients found in nature as well as farmed or cultivated in our part of the province, [including] B.C.’s coast and farther south to the U.S. and east to Alberta.” Chapman says game meats, fresh seafood and local vegetables are the primary focus of the menu.

Open daily Wednesdays through Sundays and Monday morning, the restaurant features dishes that will leave you dreaming about them between visits. From grilled elk satay and bison French onion soup appetizers to the kale quinoa salad with a maple vinaigrette, with mains like cast iron pork chops, herbcrusted walleye, and wild game bolognaise, the Ktunaxa Grill consistently delivers memorable meals. Plan your winter escape to Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort and the Ktunaxa Grill at Ainsworthhotsprings.com.

RED MOUNTAIN RESORT IS RE-THINKING RADICAL WELLNESS

Find your ski-meets-wellness retreat 2.5 hours north of Spokane this winter.

TIRED OF THE USUAL spa retreats, internet wellness hacks, and crappy ski experiences? Apparently, so is RED Mountain. They just dropped their quirky campaign, coined Radical Wellness, and while the mood is fun, “out there” and a little bit wild (retro vibes anyone?), this place isn’t joking around. They’re shaking things up with a ski-meets-wellness pitch that’s as rad as their legendary slopes.

A little background on RED: Independent RED Mountain (and a partner of the Ikon Pass, which means up to seven days of free skiing for Ikon Pass holders), tucked away in Rossland, B.C., isn’t just another ski resort. It was just named Top 5 Ski Resorts in Canada by “Condé Nast Traveler,” crowned #1 Ski Town for two years straight by “USAToday” 10Best, and even boasts the #1 Après Ski Bar (also by “USAToday” 10Best) in the whole country. But that’s just scratching the surface. With its volcano-shaped peaks, offering wild 360-degree descents, and 3,850 acres of skiable terrain, RED ranks in the Top 10 largest ski resorts in North America. And with more acres per skier than any of those top 10 resorts, you’ll feel like you’ve got the whole mountain to yourself. Say goodbye to crowded slopes and hello to

endless powder. Plus, the strong exchange rate offers substantial savings of around 25% for Americans.

Now, let’s talk Radical Wellness. This isn’t your typical “namaste” kind of wellness retreat. RED, only 2.5 hours north of Spokane (just 8 miles across the U.S. border), is calling a trip here a “radical reset”—like a high-five between mind and body—shredding slopes to feel alive and then maybe chilling out (with a beer at Rafters) to feel “centered.” They claim a ski trip should be a 360-degree experience from the moment you step into town to the moment you leave. And they claim they have it. From the accommodation options, the mind-blowing terrain and second-to-none tree skiing, the old school ski culture, and the town vibe, it’s the ultimate “radical reset.” RED even dropped their own toll-free number, 1-833-RADTIME, that can take you down quite the rabbit hole.

So why not swap the same-old wellness for something more… radical? Whether you’re carving up RED’s insane terrain or kicking back après-ski style, this trip will have you rethinking what a “wellness” getaway can be. Scan the code to watch the Radical Wellness video, or visit www.redresort.com/radicalwellness to explore the unreal world of RED. This could be your winter to embrace the wildest and most refreshing side of skiing.

TOP: PHOTO: RYAN FLETT / RED MOUNTAIN RESORT

MIDDLE RIGHT: RAFTERS FOR APRES. PHOTO: ASHLEY VOYKIN. / RED MOUNTAIN RESORT

MIDDLE LEFT: CONSTELLA CABINS. PHOTO BY ASHLEY VOYKIN. / RED MOUNTAIN RESORT

LEFT: BRADLEY CLARK. / RED MOUNTAIN RESORT

BC Ski & TravelWinter Guide

BIG WHITE SKI RESORT A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR POWDER CHASERS

IF YOU'RE AN AVID SKIER or snowboarder seeking an unforgettable winter adventure, look no further than Big White Ski Resort in British Columbia, Canada. Just a 4.5hour drive northwest from Spokane or a 55-minute shuttle ride from Kelowna International Airport, Big White offers not only easy access but a unique, familyfriendly experience that's hard to find anywhere else. From its ski-in, ski-out village to its world-class ski school services for kids, Big White promises a stress-free vacation where your American dollars stretch further, ensuring you get maximum value. Here's everything you need to know about planning your next great winter escape.

EASY ACCESS FROM THE U.S.

Book a flight to Kelowna International Airport (YLW), and from there, you're only a short 55-minute shuttle ride away from the resort. Opting for the Big White Airport Shuttle makes your arrival seamless. No need to rent a car—once you’re at the resort, everything you need is just a short ski, snowboard, or walk away. Prebooking your shuttle is highly recommended, especially during peak ski season, to ensure a hassle-free transfer directly to your accommodation.

To sweeten the deal, Big White offers a "Fly and Ski Free" promotion. If you book a five-night stay through Big White Central Reservations, you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding on the day you arrive, free of charge. With direct flights available from cities like LA and Seattle to YLW, getting to Big White is both fast and convenient.

SKI-IN, SKI-OUT CONVENIENCE

One of Big White’s most appealing features is its ski-in, ski-out village. This is Canada's

largest totally ski-in, ski-out resort village, meaning you can ski, snowboard, or simply walk from your accommodation to nearly every restaurant, café, or activity. Whether you're grabbing a bite to eat or picking up your kids from a ski lesson, everything is within easy reach. This level of convenience transforms your holiday into a relaxing escape where the logistics of getting around won’t eat into your time on the slopes.

MAXIMIZING YOUR U.S. DOLLARS

Traveling to Canada is not only an adventure, but easier on your wallet, thanks to the favorable exchange rate. With the U.S. dollar often stronger than the Canadian dollar, your money stretches further at Big White Ski Resort, allowing you to enjoy more while spending less.

One of the best deals is the "Buy 3, Get 4 Free" promotion at Sundance Resort, where every fourth night is on the house. This fantastic offer gives you access to Sundance's luxurious accommodations, including executive suites, townhouses, or cabins, at an unbeatable value. Enjoy prime ski-in, ski-out access, free underground parking, and ski/ snowboard storage, ensuring convenience throughout your stay. Sundance also boasts heated outdoor pools, hot tubs, a fitness center, and a steam room for post-ski relaxation. Plus, you can secure discounted lift tickets, rentals, and lessons, and even arrange grocery delivery to your door. To top it off, book through Big White Central Reservations for exclusive airfare deals with Air Canada and WestJet.

WORLD-CLASS SKI SCHOOL SERVICES

Big White Ski Resort is the epitome of a family-friendly, family-owned destination, with an unwavering commitment to mak-

ing winter vacations enjoyable for everyone, from the youngest toddlers to seasoned young skiers. The resort’s renowned Ski and Snowboard School stands out as a prime feature, offering top-tier instruction that caters to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels. One of the most convenient features for parents is Big White’s Kids Centre Ski/Ride Valet Service, designed to take the stress out of lesson coordination. This service allows parents to enjoy their own time on the mountain, free from the logistical headaches of dropoffs and pickups. The service is available for families staying at properties that are accessible from any ski run, making it an easy option for those seeking a relaxed and well-organized experience.

For the youngest members of the family, Big White offers the award-winning Tot Town Daycare. Ideal for pre-ski children or those who may not want to spend the entire day on the slopes, Tot Town provides a safe, fun-filled environment.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Big White Ski Resort offers so much more than just skiing and snowboarding—it’s a winter wonderland packed with non-skiing adventures for all ages. Whether you're gliding on Canada’s highest skating rink, relaxing at the spa, exploring the trails on cross-country skis, or snowshoeing through pristine snow-covered landscapes, there's something for everyone. Families and thrill-seekers alike will love the adrenaline rush of tubing and the unique excitement of dog sledding. For a truly magical experience, enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride or take in the breathtaking views of the resort on a snowmobile tour. If you're looking for fun after dark, Big White has you

covered with night skiing from Tuesday to Saturday.

As the largest night skiing area in Western Canada, it ensures that even late arrivals can make the most of their time on the mountain. For family fun, Big White offers a host of activities, from the weekly Kids’ Carnival at the Village Centre Mall to Saturday Fireworks and mountain-wide scavenger hunts. Don’t forget tubing with Big White’s beloved mascot, Loose Moose. With so much to do, Big White Ski Resort truly is a paradise for kids and families. Stay tuned at Bigwhite.com for up-to-date events and activities during your visit.

DIVERSE DINING OPTIONS

No ski resort experience is complete without great food, and Big White delivers with nearly 20 on-mountain dining options. From sushi to pub fare, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Families with kids will especially enjoy fun treats like the pink donuts at The Bullwheel or the delicious pizza at the Globe Cafe. Plus, with the onmountain Market at Big White, stocking up your condo’s fridge for home-cooked meals is a breeze.

PLAN YOUR BIG WHITE GETAWAY

With easy access, family-friendly amenities, and endless activities, Big White Ski Resort offers an unparalleled winter vacation experience. Book your stay through Big White Central Reservations, arrange for the airport shuttle, and prepare for a stress-free, adventure-filled holiday. Whether you're skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoying the breathtaking mountain views, Big White promises memories that will last a lifetime.

FIREWORKS IN THE VILLAGE.

RIGHT: SKI SCHOOL. //

BOTTOM RIGHT: SKI IN SKI OUT ACCOMMODATIONS. //

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIG WHITE

Ski & TravelWinter Guide

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

Your guide to exploring Nelson and Kootenay Lake skiing

IF YOU’VE NEVER made the trek to ski in Nelson, B.C., you wouldn’t be the first. Tucked deep in the Selkirk Mountains, only 45 miles from the U.S. border, it’s more of a hideaway than a destination. But for those in the know, that’s the way they like it. Strewn with old-growth forests, diamond peaks, and deep, consistent powder, what makes Nelson stand out is how little it stands out. It’s never been a place to boast, quietly carrying on as the most dependable and holistic ski experience in Interior British Columbia for generations. Dubbed the Queen City of the Kootenays, Nelson was founded in 1886 during the late-19th century mining boom—when the hillsides above Kootenay Lake blossomed with Victorian architecture, and Chicagoinspired industrial brick façades lined the waterfront and downtown’s Baker Street. By the early 1900s, it was a little slice of midcentury America plunked in the depths of the Canadian frontier. And today it’s not

much different.

Nelson remains a quizzical outpost of metropolitan sensibilities in the middle of enduring wilderness, wrapped in dense, evergreen forest. Full of galleries, artisan shops, and theaters, the town, the culture, and the skiing have remained relatively free from the tides of over-development. Today, it’s the gateway to the most enduringly authentic ski culture there is.

OFF THE BEATEN PISTE

Whitewater Ski Resort is just 25 minutes up the road from Nelson, and the biggest little ski hill in Canada. With 2,367 skiable acres and 40 feet of annual snowfall, it has the stats to stand on the world stage, but a small, grassroots vibe that keeps it grounded and track free. Here you’ll find kind locals, soft landings and pow days that last a week at a time. Visit during the annual Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest (Feb. 20-23) for an iconic taste of local ski

culture. Or earn your turns in the abundance of easily accessed ski-touring terrain, where the uptracks have their own rhythm and you can claim a little piece of the mountain all your own.

Nelson and Kootenay Lake are also the cat-skiing capital of the world. Which makes perfect sense when you consider the deep, climate-resilient snowpack, and the enduring local tradition of backcountry. If you want to take your ambitions a step higher, you can also step into a helicopter, with multiple companies poised to bring you where alpine vistas consume the horizon and cedars the size of small buildings stretch out across endless empty glades.

ALL-DAY APRÈS

With a history of hard work as the backbone of the region, locals know that good food is part of a good life, whether at the resort or in town. Whitewater’s kitchen has produced six award-winning cook-

books, and Nelson has more restaurants per capita than both San Francisco and Manhattan—almost all of them with their own Kootenay-infused take on global cuisine. But you can just as easily settle into the familiar comfort of a pub, or the allnight energy of the renowned music scene that draws performers and artists from around the world. Keep your legs in fine form for the mountain with a soak at Ainsworth Hot Springs, the best recovery nature offers.

As the most eclectic stop on the Powder Highway, you have to work a little harder to get here, but that’s what makes skiing Nelson and Kootenay Lake so special. Less than a three-hour drive from the Spokane International Airport in Washington, you can make your final approach by shuttle or car. A journey here will always need to be a little slower, and a bit more intentional—but that’s what makes it special.

THE POWDER HIGHWAY STARTS HERE. WHITEWATER RESORT, BC PHOTO: STEPHAN MALETTE

WHERE

First

IS

LEARN TO SKI OR RIDE PROGRAMS

SNOW TUBING AT LOCAL RESORTS

5TH GRADERS SKI OR SNOWBOARD FOR FREE!

TIPS FOR SAVING ON GEAR

INCREDIBLE SKI & SNOWBOARD PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES

Kids and parents can learn to ski or ride in three days with lift tickets, rentals, and lessons.

SAVING MONEY ON SKI AND SNOWBOARD EQUIPMENT

There are plenty of ways to get your family outfitted with skis, boards, boots, bindings and poles on a budget without having to buy brand-new, full-priced gear.

• Lease Kids’ Ski Gear: Leasing allows your child to use the same gear all winter long without having to rent each day, and it saves parents from having to buy new gear and sell it again each year as kids grow. You can lease kids’ ski equipment for the whole season from Spokane Alpine Haus at one of their two locations (South Hill and North Spokane). Get your child sized and set up before the season starts and use the gear all winter and then return it come spring.

• Shop a Ski Swap or Find Used Gear: There are several Inland NW ski swaps that happen each fall, including the biggest one, the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap held every year on the last weekend of October. The SARS Sandpoint Ski Swap is still coming up Nov. 9. If you missed the swaps, check out the Gear Garage in Coeur d'Alene, a new shop specializing in used ski and snowboard equipment and other outdoor gear. Other deals can be found online on Facebook Marketplace and elsewhere.

• Local Shop Sales: Many of our local ski and snowboard shops offer great deals on gear for kids and adults, especially on the previous season’s inventory. Shop around for the best deals.

• Rent Equipment: Many ski and snowboard shops have demo equipment and rental gear available for a daily fee, or you can rent equipment up at the ski area you’re visiting on a given day.

EZ SKI OR RIDE 1-2-3 PROGRAMS

The EZ Ski or Ride 1-2-3 programs makes learning to ski or snowboard for the very first time affordable and easy for kids and parents. All four Ski the NW Rockies association resorts offer a three-visit package to first-timers at an incredible price ($199 and up) that includes three lift tickets, three rentals (boots, poles, skis or snowboard), and three lessons (ages, prices and details vary by resort).

How It Works: Pick one of the participating ski areas (Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain, or 49 Degrees) where you want to sign up. Purchase the EZ SKI 1-2-3 package by calling the ski area and purchasing your EZ Ski package and scheduling the lessons. Then show up the day of the first lesson with plenty of time to get fitted for your rental gear. Your child (and maybe you) will be on your way to learning to ski or snowboard! More info at Skinwrockies.com.

5TH

GRADE SKI OR RIDE FREE PASSPORT

Fifth graders can ski or ride for free all season at four Ski the NW Rockies resorts.

This popular program helps get 5th graders out on the slopes for free for three full days at each participating resort (some blackout dates may apply). To participate, parents need to submit an application with a $23 one-time processing fee at 5thgradeskipassport.com. A parent/guardian must be present at the mountains’ ticket offices to receive your child’s lift ticket.

How It Works: Submit your application and pay the processing fee online, and you’ll receive an e-mail with your passport that can be used to receive up to three lift tickets at Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain, and 49 Degrees North. You can either print the passport and bring it with you or pull it up on your phone to present it at the ticket office. Check with the specific ski area for full details. Visit Skinwrockies. com for details.

RENTAL GEAR. // PHOTO: BRI LOVEALL

PHOTO: COURTESY OF 49 DEGREES NORTH

THE DARK, COLD MONTHS OF WINTER can be a hard time for kids and teens, especially those with a lot of energy and not a lot of healthy outlets or resources to safely get out in cold weather. Without active, positive options, those long, indoor winter days can lead to a variety of behavioral and mental health challenges for some kids and parents. Getting your child engaged in skiing or snowboarding, even if it’s something you or your family have never done before, may be just the ticket to a newfound love for winter in our region.

When I was a teen growing up in Spokane Valley, winter meant more time spent with friends inside, often engaging in sometimes questionable activities to entertain ourselves. That is, until I talked my parents into letting me start skiing and then snowboarding with my friends (shuttled by skiing parents until older friends had drivers’ licenses). All of those days (and nights under the lights while night skiing) kept me out of untold trouble, and for that I’m tremendously grateful to my parents, who took us xc skiing often but themselves didn’t alpine ski.

Muir Harrison, a longtime snowboarder and owner of DOMA Coffee Roasting Company in Coeur d’Alene, had a similar

GETTING TEENS ON SNOW

How skiing or snowboarding can change the way kids feel about winter

BY DERRICK KNOWLES

experience growing up locally, where being introduced to snowboarding changed his life and transformed how he felt about the cold, snowy Inland Northwest winters. Here’s his story, which he recently shared as his inspiration behind helping to get new kids on the mountain with lift ticket and gear donations.

“A defining ‘this is winter’ memory for me is from 1993 or 1994. I was the type of kid who woke with just enough time to get cleaned up and dressed, grab an apple, and get out the door. I never gave myself enough time to dry my hair before heading out to wait for the bus. We’d be standing there for maybe 10 minutes, and my hair would freeze, then we’d get on the bus and it would thaw and drip all over my shoulders, neck and back. I hated it. I hated waking up in the dark, I hated frozen hair, and I hated constantly being cold and wet.

For a few years, that was winter to me. Dark. Cold. Wet. Then my folks took my sisters and me to the mountain to try snowboarding and everything changed. Winter became a joy, the time when we could ride. It was still a cold, wet, dark time, but carving down the mountain, flowing through the trees, opening it up and seeing how fast we could go transformed the worst time of year into one of my favorites. It’s a powerful thing and an

GEAR UP ON A BUDGET

TIPS TO SOURCE GEAR AND STAY WARM ON THE SLOPES

You don’t have to take out a second mortgage to get kids prepared with the right skiing or snowboarding gear. Here are some tips on what you need to stay warm and dry and how you can find many apparel items on a budget.

WHY LAYERS ARE SO IMPORTANT AND COTTON GENERALLY SUCKS

Multiple layers while skiing or snowboarding allow kids to put on, take off, zip, or unzip to match the cold, warm, windy, or wet weather conditions. Start with a waterproof or at least water-resistant jacket and pants (outer layer). Then add these recommended warming layers to keep on hand in a backpack, bag or ski locker if conditions change or wear underneath depending on the weather at the start of the day:

• Base layers: tops and bottoms made of polyester, wool, or a blend.

• Wool or synthetic socks to match the temperature outside.

• Mid-layer fleece or wool jacket or sweater.

• Fleece pants or sweatpants.

• A thin, warm hat that will fit under a helmet.

• Goggles (for snow and sun)

• Insulated, weatherproof gloves or mittens.

• A ski mask/head sock to protect faces.

To get the best deals on all of this gear and save money, try some of these triedand-true options:

• Buy used gear at a local ski swap. The SARS Sandpoint Ski Swap is still coming up Nov. 9.

• Hunt for used ski/snowboard apparel from friends, at thrift stores, used gear shops like the Gear Garage in Coeur d’Alene or online (Facebook Marketplace, etc.).

• Shop the sales at your local ski and snowboard shops.

experience I try to encourage and share. Whether you’re new to the northern states or not, winter is a riddle that needs to be solved in order to thrive. At least for me, snowboarding was the solution to that riddle and it has been for the 30-ish years since I was introduced to the sport.”

Harrison and his wife Julia have continued the tradition with their own three kids, introducing them each to skiing and snowboarding and teaching them how to be comfortable and capable in the mountains and in the snow. But the unfortunate reality, explains Harrison, is that getting kids and families into skiing or snowboarding often faces barriers. It can be expensive or take time to hunt down deals on equipment and the proper winter clothing. (See our sidebar for gear tips and how to make gearing up more affordable.) For many families, he says, it’s prohibitively expensive and an option that hasn’t been on the table.

To help break down that financial barrier for some local kids, the Harrisons have been partnering with Venture Academy, Coeur d’Alene’s alternative high school, since last winter to raise money to pay for lift tickets, gear and some transportation for kids who might otherwise not be able to ski or snowboard.

SPONSORED BY

“Next thing you know, a hand-

ful of kids were able to get up to the mountains and try skiing and snowboarding for the first time,” writes Harrison. “Some kids liked it, some kids were kinda ‘meh’ about it and some kids loved it. And those kids got that fire lit. Just like I did so many years ago, they might pursue the sport and enjoy a time of year that in the past was just a tough, long, slog.”

At DOMA’s grand opening block party for its new café in Coeur d’Alene this October, they held a latte art swan-pouring contest fundraiser that helped provide 45 lift tickets for Venture Academy kids donated by Mt. Spokane.

The Harrisons say it’s all about sharing good things with others—in this case, the ability for some kids to get to the mountain who otherwise might not be able to.

If you know a kid whose life might by changed by being introduced to a winter sport and the community that comes with it, scan the QR code or visit Skinwrockies. com to find a local Spokane/North Idaho area resort program to help get them started. Gift certificates are available, and trust me, they make an awesome Christmas gift!

YOUTH BELONG OUTSIDE IN THE WINTER! VENTURE ACADEMY CREW OUT ON THE SNOW. // PHOTO: COURTESY OF DOMA

WINTER FISHING AT THE MOLSON ICE FISHING DERBY

A family-friendly adventure in Washington’s Okanogan Highlands

IF YOU'VE NEVER experienced ice fishing, the picturesque setting of Sidley Lake in Molson, Wash., might be a great spot to try your luck at the Molson Ice Fishing Derby. Located 15 miles east of Oroville in the Okanogan Highlands, this fishing derby delivers a day of fish and fun that draws anglers from near and far and keeps families coming back year after year.

Founded by Robin Stice, owner of the Eden Valley Guest Ranch, the derby started as a small community fundraiser and now attracts well over 100 participants each year. The 2025 derby, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, promises to be a day of fun, prizes, and community spirit.

“Derby Day” begins with registration at the Molson Grange at 7 a.m. Anglers then start fishing, with “poles in holes” at 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The derby features multiple categories to keep things exciting. Grand prize is $500 cash plus a $500 gift certificate at the Country Store in Oroville. Other cash and prizes are awarded for

adults and kids in categories such as length, weight, smallest fish, and even fun awards like the best-decorated fishing shanty, oldest fisherman and farthest distance traveled.

Not just for fishing enthusiasts, the Molson Ice Fishing Derby provides a day for the whole family to enjoy. For those who prefer to stay out of the cold, the local Molson Grange Hall serves a pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. and then becomes a cozy haven where crafters and vendors display their handmade goods. It’s a great chance to browse unique wares while sipping on hot cocoa. There’s also plenty planned for children, with crafts, raffles of gift baskets and gift cards, bingo games and a lunch benefitting the Sitzmark Ski Hill available in the Grange Hall or at the warming tent on Sidley Lake.

What makes this event even more special is its impact on the local area. Proceeds from the derby support community initiatives, helping to strengthen and sustain the Okanogan Highlands. So, whether you’re fishing, shopping, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, your participation contributes to a great cause.

Pack your gear, gather the family, and get ready for an unforgettable day of ice fishing, prizes, and winter fun at the Molson Ice Fishing Derby sponsored by the Oroville Washington Chamber of Commerce. For more event and accommodation information, please visit www.DiscoverOrovilleWA. com. (Sponsored)

SNOW TUBING WINTER FUN FOR ALL AGES

Mt. Spokane brings back popular ski area tubing hill

SLIDING DOWN a snow-covered hill on a tube is a winter sport that adults and kids of all ages will find fun, connecting and thrilling. Unlike sledding, where you and the kids have to trudge back up the hill after each run, dodging other kids and random obstacles on the way down, snow tubing at a local resort is a safer and easier snowsliding experience!

Tubing at one of our local ski areas comes with the benefit of a free tow-assist back to the top. Snow tubing makes a great activity for those who may not ski or snowboard but want to experience the joy of flying down the snow. It’s a great family experience too, with opportunities to connect and delight in each other as you all act like kids for a while. Try racing each other down the hill or tie-up (where permitted) for a family-style, spinning ride to the bottom.

Several regional ski resorts offer groomed (packed down) tubing that includes use of large tubes and sliding hills with designated tubing lanes with a ride back to the top. This winter, with the announcement by Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park that tub-

ing will return to the mountain once again, there are even more options than ever for snow tubing in the Inland Northwest!

THE RETURN OF SNOW TUBING AT MT.

SPOKANE SKI & SNOWBOARD PARK

For years, snow tubing at Mt. Spokane, situated at a couple of locations at the ski area in different iterations, was one of the closest and most popular tubing options for Spokane-area families. When the tubing hill on the mountain closed a few seasons back, followed by the purchase of the Bear Creek Lodge by Washington State Parks and subsequent closure of that lower-elevation tubing hill after the 2022 season, there were far fewer tow-assisted tubing options to choose from. That makes the news that Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park will once again be offering snow tubing all the more exciting.

“Back by popular demand, Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park is thrilled to announce the return of snow tubing,” says Mt. Spokane’s Jodi Kayler. This exhilarating win-

THE KNOWLES-SMITHWILSON FAMILY HAS A LONG HISTORY OF SNOW TUBING AS A BONDING EXPERIENCE. IT WORKS. // PHOTOS: SHALLAN KNOWLES

ter activity is perfect for families looking for accessible fun in the snow for all ages. The tubing hill, conveniently located at Lodge 1, will officially reopen in December, just in time for the holiday season. “Expect an adrenalinepacked experience as you glide down the hill with friends and family,” says Kayler.

Snow tubing sessions at Mt. Spokane will run for 90 minutes, allowing plenty of time for everyone to enjoy the thrills cruising down the hill with a lift-tow back to the top. Tubing sessions will be available throughout the holiday season as well as on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays all winter long. Sessions can be booked online and must be booked in advance. Please note that tubing will not be available on ski race competition days due to parking limitations.

The new tubing hill is a great way to introduce little ones to the ski area in a fun way that may inspire them to get on skis or a board next season. It’s also a fun option for non-skiing parents and/or kids to do while other family members get some runs in up on the slopes. Tubing hill tickets for

SPONSORED BY

adults and kids 43” and taller are $35 during holiday windows and $32 the rest of the season. Kids 42” and under are only $15 for all tubing sessions all season long. Find more info at Mtspokane.com.

MORE LOCAL SNOW TUBING OPPORTUNITIES

There’s no hiking back to the top thanks to Silver Mountain Resort’s moving carpet that effortlessly whisks riders and their tubes back up on a weather-protected conveyor for another run. Enjoy the ride reliving your latest tube run with family and friends! The tubing hill at Silver Mountain is conveniently located near the lodge and the top of the gondola, making it an easy trek for families with nearby restrooms and hot chocolate and snack options. Tubing is available Fridays through Sundays. Find more info and make reservations at Silvermt.com.

At Schweitzer Mountain Resort’s Hermits Hollow, tubers will enjoy two lanes of sliding that stretch over 100 yards down to a rope tow for the lift back to the top. Book your tubing session in advance at Schweitzer.com.

COME PLAY IN THE SNOW

Mt. Spokane is the ultimate place to play for the entire family. Visit us online for operating hours, lift tickets, season passes, lessons, and special events happening all winter long.

SNOW TUBING IS BACK AT MT. SPOKANE!

WHY KID LESSONS ARE THE WAY TO GO

Kids can learn faster from instructors, and moms and dads get some free time!

BY BRI LOVEALL

I’VE GOT TO BE HONEST: I’ve been dreading teaching my kids to ski. I never seem to make it to a ski swap in time to secure good deals on gear, and, with three kids at home, the cost of rentals, tickets, and lessons has always been just a little outside of our budget. Plus, the idea of schlepping my kids up to the mountain, hauling bags of snacks and water bottles and spare clothes, was a mental barrier.

I’m sure there are plenty of parents out there who have successfully coached their

kids into becoming stellar skiers and boarders, and to those parents who have done it, snow hats off to you. But for my own kids, ages four and seven last winter, I knew I was going to need to recruit outside help.

Enter Club Shred, Mt. Spokane’s own Friday night ski club for younger novice skiers. Club Shred takes kids ages 4 to 10 and provides them with a full evening of skiing, crafts, movies, and dinner. It was the perfect opportunity for my kids to try out skiing with the bonus of a date night thrown in for my husband and me.

On a cold Friday afternoon in February, I packed snow gear, picked the kids up from school, and drove the quick 45 minutes to the mountain. We checked in at guest services, got them fitted for rental gear, and then my husband and I dropped our kids off at the kid’s club. All the while I worried that my kids would lose their gloves or struggle with their boots, or fall and refuse to get up (a likely scenario for at least one of my children).

Dear reader, I can assure you that I had nothing to fear. While my husband and I spent some quality time night skiing, stopping for a half hour to watch the sunset at Vista House, and enjoying live music and a

beer, my kids did lap after lap on the bunny hill before stopping for dinner (chicken tenders and fries), then returning outside. By the time 8 p.m. rolled around, our seven-year-old daughter was able to ski the bunny hill without falling over. She beamed with pride. Our four-year-old son was playing tag in the snow with an instructor, his skis discarded to the side. Both were ruddycheeked, their hair wet and plastered to their sweaty foreheads. When we returned the rental gear, the staff had hot chocolate with marshmallows waiting for our kids, who both slurped it down while eagerly telling us all about their evening.

Over the next month and a half, we attended a few more times. One Friday, after picking up the kids and their customary hot cocoa, a ski instructor pulled me to the side to tell me my son hadn’t been interested in skiing that day. I asked if he’d played outside anyway, and the instructor said he had. Perfect, I exclaimed. He was doing exactly what he was supposed to: having fun while building his cold tolerance; learning how to play in the snow even when he was wet and tired.

Ironically, the things I’d been dreading (schlepping my kids around, packing an insane

amount of extra clothing) became a nonissue when the pressure of teaching my kids to ski was removed. Instead, I sat on the sidelines, watching my daughter learn to navigate her skis and the joy in my son’s face when he finally managed to turn as he slid off the magic carpet. And when they inevitably fell, an instructor was quick to right them, no tears or shouts for mom and dad.

Thanks to Club Shred, Bri Loveall plans to spend a significant amount of time on the slopes with her fledgling ski babies this winter.

CLUB SHRED AND FIST BUMPS. //PHOTO: BRIANA LOVEALL.

RIDING THE MAGIC CARPET. //PHOTO: BRIANA LOVEALL.

Miles of groomed snowmobiling trails.

Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in the Kettle Range

Fat biking and xc skiing on the Ferry County Rail Trail

OUT THERE SNOW

Ditch the drive and maximize your winter. Located just outside the city limits, and offering 12-hour ski days, Mt. Spokane gives you more time to play on the slopes.

SKI LOCAL: 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort EASTERN WASHINGTON’S LARGEST SKI AREA WITH 7 LIFTS AND 2,325 ACRES OF TERRAIN NEAR CHEWELAH, WASH.

LIFTS: 7

VERTICAL: 1,851

ACRES: 2,325

SUMMITS: 2

NUMBER OF RUNS: 90

NORDIC CENTER: Included with day ticket or pass

OPERATING SCHEDULE: 7 days a week by Dec. 13 through mid-April (as conditions allow).

SAVE BIG ON THE FALL SEASON PASS SALE THROUGH NOV. 15

Score big savings on 49° North’s fall season pass sale through Nov. 15! On top of unlimited skiing and snowboarding, you get access to heavily discounted lift tickets at several other ski areas across the Northwest and even across the border in Canada, plus free access to 49’s groomed Nordic trails!

49° NORTH/SILVER MOUNTAIN COMBO PASS

A Combo Pass gives you unlimited access to both ski areas. That's a combined 3,925 acres, 14 lifts, 170 trails, 4 summits, and 4,051' of vertical to ski or ride all season long.

LIFT TICKET DEALS

One of the easiest ways to save at 49° North is buying lift tickets in advance! Just go online and choose the date you want to visit to see all the deals and options. It’s best to line up your tickets at home as not all cell phones have service on the mountain. Take a screen shot or print your receipt and then pick up your lift tickets at the main lodge or at the yurt at the bottom of the Sunrise

Basin. Lift tickets ordered online can be redeemed at the new ticket kiosk at the farleft ticket window using the barcode from your lift ticket purchase.

WHAT’S NEW FOR THE 2024/25 SEASON

On the heels of adding the Northern Spirit Express high-speed quad in 2021, Eastern Washington's largest ski area has been busy maintaining and grooming the slopes this summer. They’ve been busy brush cutting and are hopeful for an early season opening. 49° North is also stoked to announce a brand new PistenBully winch cat to increase grooming capacity this season, especially on the steeper slopes, which is a nice addition to their extensive snowmaking system.

The new sprung structure building that opened last season has also been in full construction mode as it is transformed into the new Experience Center. This center will house all rental and performance demo gear, the Snowsports School, and tuning and repair operations, hopefully by opening day. The new Experience Center will offer a smoother and more efficient process to get out on the snow, so you can learn to ski or snowboard quicker and with less hassle. 49° North has also upgraded its rental and demo fleet, offering the latest, greatest skis and boards for demo, including local, handmade skis from Sneva MFG.

SKI & STAY SAVINGS AT 49° NORTH

This season, lift ticket discounts will be offered for those who choose less driving and more time on the mountain by stay-

ing with a local lodging provider! Check out the new Mistequa Hotel, located in Chewelah next to the Chewelah Casino and featuring spacious modern rooms, ski lockers, an indoor pool, and a new on-site restaurant with walking access to the casino. Lift ticket deals are also offered for guests at other area lodging options this season. More info at ski49n.com.

SNOWSPORTS SCHOOL: PROGRAMS FOR EVERYONE

First-time skiers or snowboarders of all ages, as well as experienced shredders looking to improve on their abilities, will find a lesson or multi-day program that fits their needs and schedule at 49° North.

“We’ve got some of the most talented, caring, and dedicated instructors in the Northwest and incredible terrain for people to learn and have that first on-snow experience,” says 49’s Rick Brown. The ski area offers huge terrain variety, with plenty of beginner slopes along with more challenging runs for building skills at an affordable price, he says. 49° North also offers a great partnership with regional schools who want to integrate skiing and snowboarding into their school or home school programs. Educators can reach out to the resort for more info.

HONORING NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE

Together with members of the Kalispell

Sponsored by:

and Spokane Tribes and other partners, 49° North will be unveiling an upgrade to the popular animal character signs stashed out in the woods off to the right at the top of the Payday beginner lift, which happens to be some of the best ski trails for new skiers and snowboarders, says Brown. The animal signs, which have long provided notable meet-up locations for parents and kids, have been replaced with new versions of familiar animal characters that have their names marked in the native Salish dialect of both Tribes as well as in English, with handy pronunciation assistance to help skiers say the Salish words correctly.

PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR FAVORITE EVENTS

• Warren Miller Film Tour: Nov. 23

• Wintersportsfest at the Nordic Center: Jan. 15

• Women of Winter Ski & Snowboard Clinic Series: Jan. 24, Feb. 28, & March 14

• Nordic Family Weekend: Feb. 1-2

• Skijoring Race Event: Feb. 1-2

• Chewelah Winter Fest & 49 Rail Jam: Feb. 8

• Skijoring with Dogs at the Nordic Center: March 1

• Telebration Telemark Skiing Event: March 16

• Jaeger’s Park Party: Late March (date TBA)

• Hawaiian Days and Slush Cup pond skim: Late March (date TBA)

SKI LOCAL: Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area

SKI OR SNOWBOARD IN TWO STATES AT THE REGION’S POWDER PLACE JUST OFF I-90 ON THE IDAHO/MONTANA STATELINE.

LIFTS: 5

VERTICAL: 1,650

SKIABLE ACRES: 1,023

NUMBER OF RUNS: 52

TERRAIN PARKS: 3

ANNUAL SNOWFALL: 450 inches

OPERATING SCHEDULE: Aiming for a preThanksgiving opening with 7-day-a-week operations through April 20 (conditions allowing)

INFO: SkiLookout.com / 208.744.1301

SEASON PASS SALE EXTENDS UNTIL NOV. 22

Lookout consistently gives passholders more days on snow with early openings and seasons that typically stretch into spring. It’s also the easiest ski area to drive to on well-maintained I-90 all the way to Exit 0 on the ID/MT Stateline. Don’t let your last chance for season pass savings this season slip away. “We go a lot later with our pre-season pricing, up until Nov. 22,” says Lookout’s Matt Sawyer. Get your discount pass online or at one of the resort’s inperson pass events.

GIFT CARDS AND OTHER DEALS

Lookout has some great deals this season, including two-for-one lift tickets for just $75 on Thursdays (excluding holiday periods). If you have a pass from another mountain (anywhere in the world!), Lookout also offers a half-priced “Golden Ticket” valid Mondays-Thursdays (excluding holiday periods). Anyone can also save $5 on a lift ticket when making a reservation 48 hours or more in advance or $10 on weekends and holidays with a two consecutive day reservation. If you have a ski season birthday, show up with your ID to

score a free lift ticket for the day!

Lookout also offers the option of gift cards, so you can help someone get on the mountain and have fun. Beginning Nov. 18 until Christmas Eve, look for gift card options $50 and up, where the mountain actually adds extra cash onto each card as a bonus. This is a great way for families to buy a card for kids to use on purchases across the mountain.

NEW GLADES AND TERRAIN AND GLADE UPGRADES

Lookout Pass has been getting dialed for the likely quality season with a host of improvements. “We’ve mowed the whole front and back side of the mountain with the exception of a few of the steeper areas so that we can open with less snow,” says Sawyer. The mower takes brush down to about six inches, he says, which makes for smooth skiing right away when the resort opens. Glade trimming has also been happening this fall, with the removal of hanging trees and stumps that were in the way to open things up for flowier glade runs.

“We’ve also added three new glades on the hill, and that’s fun for people to experience some new terrain,” Sawyer says. Silver and Gold glade will be on the front of the mountain and Bigfoot and Thunderbird glades are up off of Eagle Peak. Sawyer notes that the Silver and Gold glade is great for families, offering a safe place for parents to let their kids experience glade skiing or riding in a more forgiving setting where parents can see their kids and monitor progress from the adjacent ski trails.

MORE PARKING ADDED

With the number of powder days Lookout typically gets, the parking lot has been growing increasingly crowded in recent years on peak days, something Lookout plans to mitigate this season with the addition of another 150 parking spots. The whole lot also received a re-surfacing makeover for a smoother parking experience.

FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN

Lookout Pass is celebrating 90 years this season with the added notoriety of being the oldest ski area in Idaho. (Sun Valley had the first lift, but Lookout was the first ski area to open.) With that kind of legacy, many small upgrades are made every year that make a big difference on the quality of the experience. Some of the improvements made for this season include a new trail map, two new permanent bathrooms adjacent to the bottom of the Eagle Peak Chairlift (Chair 5), a deck that has been added onto the new Day Lodge that was built last season, and an upgrade to the ski and snowboard demo fleet so it will have the latest equipment available.

SNOWSPORTS SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS

Lookout Pass takes pride in providing an affordable gateway for people to learn to

Sponsored by:

ski and snowboard, and one of the most budget-friendly options is the mountain’s learn to ski or snowboard in three days program. The Learn to Ski/Ride in 3 Days program is an all-inclusive package for kids, teens, or adults that comes with three half-day group lessons, rental ski or snowboard gear, and lift tickets for three days on the slopes. All who complete the program are then eligible for a discount season pass deal to keep progressing and having fun for the rest of the 24/25 season!

Sawyer says the mountain’s many adult lesson options are also a great way for skiers and snowboarders with some experience to build on their skills to be better able to keep up and enjoy the same terrain with friends and family. A great way to save on rental gear is Lookout’s season-long rental equipment, with rates that were actually lowered this season.

FEATURED EVENTS THIS SEASON

Lookout Pass puts on some of the most creative events around, from the Cardboard Box Derby in the spring to the Kids Snow Bowling & MTN Brewfest (Jan. 26), where parents compete with their kids used as bowling balls! Support the Lookout Ski Patrol by showing up for the Greg Stump ski movie at the Hayden Cinema (Dec. 4). Check Skilookout.com/events for the full calendar as event details firm up this fall.

SKI LOCAL: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park THE CLOSEST SKI AND SNOWBOARD RESORT TO SPOKANE AND THE REGION’S ONLY NON-PROFIT SKI AREA.

LIFTS: 6 chairlifts, plus a surface lift and new terrain park handle tow

VERTICAL: 2,000 feet

ACRES: 1,704

NUMBER OF RUNS: 52

NIGHT SKIING: 16 night skiing runs starting Dec. 18 (Wednesdays-Saturdays)

OPERATING SCHEDULE: Open Dec. 7 through the first week of April (depending on snow level). 7 days a week operations Dec. 16-March 16.

SAVE UP TO $150 ON A SEASON PASS UNTIL NOV. 12

Mt. Spokane’s fall season pass sale is your last chance to lock in unlimited skiing or snowboarding at a discount. You can also save through November on 5-packs of tickets. Gift cards can be used for most Mt. Spokane purchases, including lift tickets, lessons, rentals, food and drinks. Give the gift of skiing or snowboarding this Christmas!

NEW HANDLE TOW TERRAIN PARK LIFT

This winter, the introduction of a new handle tow lift with a 692-ft. rope length and a top speed of almost 400 feet per minute will make the Mt. Spokane Terrain Park genuinely exceptional, says Mt. Spokane’s Jodi Kayler.

“The new tow lift will allow riders to conveniently lap the park while also alleviating congestion at other lifts [and] bolstering our capacity to host outstanding events and competitions,” says Kayler. The terrain park at Mt. Spokane has always held a special significance, she adds. “It’s not just about the boxes and jumps; it's a community hub that welcomes individuals of all ages to enjoy

skiing and snowboarding. Each season its popularity continues to soar, prompting our investment in enhanced features, expert grooming, and skilled terrain park management and staffing.” For years, enthusiasts have trekked through the park, making it clear that a dedicated lift solely for the terrain park was a huge priority.

TERRAIN

IMPROVEMENTS

Leading up to this likely big season, Mt. Spokane maintenance staff have been hard at work enhancing glades, mowing, and performing run maintenance that will allow the ski area to continue to improve grooming and create smooth ski surfaces.

PRIME TIMERS DEALS AND COMMUNITY

“One of our most vibrant social groups is the Mt. Spokane Prime Timers, for those aged 55 and older,” says Kayler. Prime Timers membership is currently available for $45, which includes a range of benefits. “The program continues to expand, now boasting nearly 250 members,” she says. The Prime Timers gather every Wednesday to enjoy parties, discounts, and special events throughout the season. “It's a unique community that shares a passion for skiing and cherishes each other's company.”

MT. SPOKANE SKI RACE TEAM INTRODUCES NEW COACHING PROGRAM

The Mt. Spokane Ski Race Team, an independent organization from the ski area, is introducing a brand-new coaching team this season, bringing in exceptional talent from all over the U.S. If you have a young skier who thrives on speed, now is the ideal moment to register them for the upcoming

season. Mt. Spokane has some big race events lined up for this year. Learn more and get your kids in on the action at Mssrt.org.

LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD AT MT. SPOKANE

Mt. Spokane’s Ski & Ride School continues to expand its offerings this season. “Alongside our highly regarded multiweek programs, including group lessons and private sessions, we've introduced even more opportunities to learn,” says Kayler. “This year, we're excited to launch afternoon group lessons specifically for our youngest skiers, ages 4-6. Additionally, we’re introducing a Twilight Squad on Friday nights, where riders aged 8-15 can come together for a minimal fee to ride with friends under the guidance of our most engaging and experienced instructors.”

Additionally, Kayler notes the Thursday Homeschool program is the largest in the region, providing discounted opportunities to hundreds of homeschool families. On Wednesdays, public schools from around the area head to the mountain too, giving entire classrooms a chance to learn skiing. The mountain provides this at a low cost to schools and Mt. Spokane actively raises funds to support the initiative. “Our goal is to inspire students with a passion for the mountains and outdoor recreation,” Kayler explains. Teachers can contact the mountain for more information.

FEATURED EVENTS

• Winter Prefunk Party: Nov. 10

Celebrate the kickoff of the Mt. Spokane season in style from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on the mountain at Lodge 2. Toast winter’s arrival with live music, great company, sweet prize drawings, and food specials. You can also pick up your season pass at this time.

• New Ladies’ Day Program: Feb. 7 & March 7 Shifted to two distinct dates this season, Ladies’ Day events feature four hours of personalized instruction, delicious meals, and après-ski activities with great prize drawings. This experience caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced.

SNOW TUBING RETURNS TO MT. SPOKANE

Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park will once again be offering snow tubing this coming season at Lodge 1. Snow tubing is perfect for families looking for accessible fun in the snow for all ages and abilities and will open this December in time for the holiday season. Snow tubing sessions run for 90 minutes, with each run supported by a tow back to the top. Tubing sessions will be available throughout the holiday season as well as on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays all winter long. Sessions can be booked online and must be booked in advance (no tubing on ski race event days). More info at Mtspokane.com.

Sponsored by:

SKI LOCAL: Silver Mountain Resort

GONDOLA-ACCESSED SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING IN KELLOGG, IDAHO, WITH SKI AND STAY OPTIONS AND THE REGION’S LARGEST INDOOR WATER PARK.

LIFTS: 7

VERTICAL: 2,200

SKIABLE ACRES: 1,600

NUMBER OF RUNS: 80

NIGHT SKIING: 8 runs for skiing under the lights

FAMILY AMENITIES: Indoor water park and new village arcade

LODGING: Base village with on-mountain lodging

OPERATING SCHEDULE: Opening day Nov. 29. Open 7 days a week.

INFO: www.silvermt.com / 208.783.1111

MID-WEEK SKI, STAY, AND SPLASH SAVINGS THROUGH NOV. 14

Save big this winter on lift tickets, lodging, and access to the Silver Rapids Waterpark when you stay midweek this season between Jan. 6 and March 21. Packages start as low as $79 per person and include lodging, two days of waterpark access, and lift tickets for four! Book online by Nov. 14, 2024 and use the code "savebig" in the box labeled "corporate" to take advantage of this excellent offer. Access to the Silver Rapids Waterpark comes free with all lodging booked through the resort and is the only way to guarantee water park entry on peak days.

NEW FAMILY-FRIENDLY ARCADE COMING TO THE GONDOLA VILLAGE

A new 5,000-square-foot family-friendly arcade is under construction in the

Gondola Village, with an anticipated opening in late December. The arcade will feature duckpin bowling, video arcade games, and several unique physically interactive games, explains Silver’s Gus Colburn. “This will be a very unique après ski experience,” says Colburn. The arcade will have food service and bar drinks will be available with lots of things aimed for adults too, including miniature bowling, VR types of games and classic arcade games, adds Colburn.

“With the arcade paired with the waterpark there will be no shortage of things to do on and off the slopes.”

SLOPE AND GLADE IMPROVEMENTS

Silver Mountain has been focusing on significant slope maintenance and glade upgrades leading up to this season. Several runs have been regraded using a gridroller pulled by Silver’s D6 cat to break up rocks and smooth trails to allow for better and earlier conditions with less snow, says Colburn. Glade improvements include a new gate to the North Face Glades being added, increasing the available terrain in one of the area’s favorite glade skiing runs. The cluster of trees between Saddleback and Paymaster has also been thinned out, says Colburn, adding an exciting new powder stash.

SAVE BIG ON A SEASON PASS UNTIL NOV. 16

There’s still time to snag your Silver season pass and save up to $180 as long as you

get yours by Nov. 16, 2024. Don’t regret not having a pass when the storms roll in this winter and your friends are racking up powder days!

SILVER MOUNTAIN/49° NORTH COMBO PASS

A combo pass gives you unlimited access to both ski areas. That's a combined 3,925 acres, 14 lifts, 170 trails, 4 summits, and 4,051' of vertical to ski or ride all season long for only a couple hundred dollars more!

SIGNATURE EVENTS AT SILVER MOUNTAIN

Mark your calendar and don’t miss your favorite Silver Mountain events. Be a part of the passionate community of skiers and snowboarders who approach these events with a lot of spirit and revelry.

• Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with Warren Miller film to follow (Nov. 30)

This annual celebration of the start of the ski season has something for all ages, featuring local vendors, Santa firing up the tree lights, a fireworks show (6 p.m.) and showing of the new Warren Miller film “75” at Noah’s Loft (movie tickets available online).

Sponsored by:

• Jackass Day (Jan. 9). This annual birthday celebration for Silver includes $20 vintage-priced lift tickets and free birthday cake up at Moguls.

• Après Ski Outdoor Bar (Jan. 18-20 & Feb. 15-17). Enjoy craft beverages from local breweries at the ski in/ski out outdoor bar with drink specials and games.

• Doug E Fresh Banked Slalom and Ski Bum Prom Night Skiing (March 1). Banked Slalom race held annually in honor of the life of Doug Johnson, followed by night skiing and dancing with vintage ski attire at the Ski Bum Prom.

• Toyota Ski Free Friday at Silver (March 14) Drive any Toyota vehicle up to Silver and receive a lift ticket voucher for free (driver only).

• Marchi Gras (March 15). Silver’s take on Mardi Gras in the mountains is always a crowd pleaser.

• Leadman Triathlon (April 19). Ski, mountain bike, and run the mountain at this popular annual charity fundraiser.

SEASON PREDICTIONS THIS BETTER BE GOOD

BY BRAD NORTHRUP

I WAS REFLECTING on last season the other day, and the one word that came to mind was meh. As in mediocre. It was so meh

that my powder boards only made it on the hill once, and that barely knocked the dust off the top sheets. But hey, that was what

was predicted by most forecasters. This year, however, things look to be much more favorable, at least according to most of the winter weather prognosticators. And they better be right, cuz if not, I’m going to start my days on the hill by slamming two shots of Fireball and mainlining a twenty-ounce Pumpkin Spice Latte. No, my friends, the amount of quality pow-pow we receive this year better be akin to the copious volume of baby oil found at a P-Diddy party. Just sayin….

I’m a big fan of science and tend to have a ton of confidence in folks that have a PhD after their last names. These guys are the real geniuses—and not the “stable” kind. My brilliant homies over at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have really given me a reason to flash a toothy grin as I look forward to the upcoming season. Using detailed scientific data and backed by months of weather pattern analysis, the dream team at NOAA is predicting below average temperatures and above average snowfall for our region: “La Niña is favored to develop in September-November (71% chance), and is expected to persist through March 2025.” Although projected as a weak La Niña, this type of weather occurrence usually results in plenty of snow for the mountains of the Northwest. If they could arrange this to occur on a consistent basis right before the weekends this year, I would appreciate it.

Now I don’t normally give much thought to what the weird pseudo-scientists have to say when it comes to predicting the weather for winter, mainly because their predictions are not rooted in science and tend to be split year in and year out. While this season appears to be no different, I will give the chaps who are employed by the Farmers’ Almanac some props for being somewhat aligned with the professional meteorologists when it comes to their prognostication. Evidently, they decided to lay off on the bong hits and magic mushrooms long enough to consult their crystal ball, which told them that the Northwest will experience a “chilly and wet” winter this year. I dig the chilly part. The wet part? Not so much. Keep that crap over on the west side, unless that means white goodness in our mountains.

Conversely, the Debbie Downers from the Old Farmers’ Almanac really did their best to temper expectations this year, forecasting a “mild, snowy” winter for the mountains of Northeast Washington. Call me crazy, but mild and snowy don’t exactly go together, now do they? Just pick one, preferably the latter. I’ve had my fill of mild winters, and really can’t afford to go Total Wine and Starbucks on a weekly basis this winter.

Brad Northrup is a former ski racer, coach, and ski industry professional. He doesn’t even like Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

SKI HILL ART LOCAL ARTIST AND LIFTY BRINGS SKI AREA WALLS TO LIFE AT SILVER

BY T. GHEZZI

A SELF-PROCLAIMED mountain girl, Olivia Walker is much more than a Silver Mountain Ski Resort lift operator, or “lifty.” Her talent as an artist has recently brightened and brought life to the Mountain House lodge at the top of the gondola in the form of six murals.

Olivia has lived in the Silver Valley for almost 10 years, and mountain life truly is in Olivia’s blood. She grew up in Aspen Valley, Colo., and started skiing at the age of three. Her dad was also a lifty at Snow Mass Ski Resort. She expressed how it is “healing to be up in the mountains and in nature,” and, as a lifty, she enjoys helping others spend time in the snowy mountains skiing and snowboarding.

From a young age, she had passion for art, which led her to Seattle to study art and interior design. She got an art degree there and,

years later, worked as an interior designer in Coeur d’Alene.

Last summer, while touching up the ski racks at Silver with a new coat of paint, her supervisor (not knowing Olivia’s art background) casually suggested to her that it would be cool to have a mural painted on an outside door of the mountain lodge. Olivia quickly jumped in and said she would do it.

Her murals are all vibrant with color, which she says is opposite of her more reserved, introverted personality. The mountain life art resembles stained glass, has layers of color, and has an abundance of abstract and geometric shapes with bold outlines. Talking to Olivia, you can really feel the passion she has for her designs and how honored she is to create artwork for other mountain lovers to enjoy.

All of Olivia’s six murals can be found at

the top of the gondola around the Mountain House lodge at Silver. Here is a brief description of her murals in order of creation and location. The first piece is a vibrant, sunlit sky with cool, snow-covered mountains (located outside between the ski rental and the main gondola doors). The second showcases multiple layers of mountain colors with the sun just peeking out (in the brown bag room). The third painting has three massive snowflakes, with the central flake being the Silver Mountain logo (in the brown bag room). The fourth mural (my personal favorite) is rich in color and displays a vivid complexity of the sun, trees, and snow (on the lift operations door). The fifth exhibits two ski patrollers standing on Wardner Peak, with Kellogg Peak and the setting sun in the background (in the ski patrol entryway). The last and most recent

mural is a magical, life-like tree with storybook lanterns hanging from the branches, accompanied by a warm sun and the shadows it creates as the backdrop (in the daycare).

Next time you visit Silver Mountain, take the time to explore the Mountain Lodge, find your favorite piece, and soak in Olivia’s beautiful murals.

Follow Olivia’s mural journey on Instagram @liv_landman or Facebook at Liv Landman Design. For art inquires, you can contact her at mail2livlandman@gmail.com.

Having spent three weeks this summer snowboarding and chasing powder in Chile and Argentina, T. Ghezzi is stoked to chase local pow and record more episodes of the “Wild Cannons” podcast. “Wild Cannons” is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. Instagram @WildCannons.

THE GODS OF SKIING THE DEITIES OF SNOW AND WINTER AROUND THE WORLD GO DEEPER THAN

BY BRAD NORTHRUP

THROUGHOUT THE COURSE of human history, civilizations from around the globe have worshipped the change of seasons, and, as such, created gods and goddesses to direct their prayer towards. For those of us who look forward to the colder months, winter equates to skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other snow-related outdoor activities. However, to those who existed in antiquity, winter was a time that represented death and rebirth, and the snow that came with it a symbol of purity and innocence. While a few of the gods and goddesses associated with winter are well known in skiing lore, many are far more obscure.

Ullr is perhaps the most well-known winter deity. According to Norse mythology, Ullr was the son of Sif and the stepson of Thor, and was regarded as the god of winter, archery, and skiing. Granted, skiing a thousand years ago was a survival skill rather than a leisure activity. Ullr also ruled over

YOU MIGHT THINK

Asgard during the winter months, and relinquished his position to Odin during the summer, according to a 12th century work that detailed the history of the Danes. Historians also theorize that Ullr was likely based on an earlier Germanic pagan god, as his name was inscribed on an excavated bronze scabbard dating from the early 3rd century. In the modern period, Ullr is regarded as the patron saint of skiing, and many resorts have statues of him standing guard over their guests and throw celebrations in his honor. Most notably, Breckenridge Colorado has hosted an Ullr festival every January since 1963 as a way to bring luck and fresh snow to the resort.

Westerners probably don’t envision epic power days when they think of Japan, but the island nation has over 500 resorts and experiences storms that are the envy of many North American mountains. More importantly, Japan’s culture reveres nature, so it is not surprising that they have their own snow

deity. Yuki-Onna, or the “snow princess,” is regarded as a very important, albeit creepy, mythical creature who is often depicted as a beautiful, paled-skin woman with white hair and piercing blue/violet eyes who is said to have the ability to freeze anything with her icy stare. Stories from as early as the 14th century also depict her as an evil spirit who kills unsuspecting victims with her icy breath.

With their cultures deeply rooted in the natural world, the various North American indigenous cultures also maintained several gods of winter. Existing in almost yearround winter conditions, the Inuit people of the Arctic deeply revered the snow god Negafook. As the embodiment of the North Wind, Negafook is often depicted as a tall, gaunt man with white hair, icy skin, and eyes that resemble frozen lakes. According to oral tradition, Negafook holds the power to create blizzards, change the air temperature, and even freeze the entire landscape

with his frosty breath. To this day, the Inuit continue to worship Negafook, with his likeness appearing on carved masks used in ceremonial dances. Farther south, the Iroquois tribe deeply feared the snow god Gohone, who was represented as an old man who held the power to bring brutally cold weather and monstrous snowstorms. The Iroquois also believed that Gohone was the creator of the Aurora Borealis, or northern lights. Despite being surrounded by a tropical paradise, the early inhabitants of the island of Hawaii had their own snow goddess. With an elevation of 13,803 feet above sea level, the summit of Mauna Kea is regarded as one of the most sacred locations in Hawaii, and the goddess Poli’ahu is one of the most important deities associated with the towering volcanic peak. The daughter of two other Hawaiian deities, Poli’ahu’s name translates to “White Cloak,” and she is often portrayed as a young woman donning a white cape. Per Hawaiian tradition, it is Poli’ahu who cre-

FULL SEND

HOW A LOCAL SKI SHOP HELPED SAVE A SKIER’S LIFE AND LOVE OF SKIING.

BY CHRIS MACCINI

TJ SULZLE’S CONNECTION to the mountains of the Inland Northwest began before he was born. In 1963, when Schweitzer Mountain opened, his dad was head of the ski patrol. Sulzle grew up an avid skier, and each time he needed new gear, his family turned to Sports Creel, the locally owned, Spokane Valley ski shop.

“Every Christmas present was a set of skis from Sports Creel engraved with my name on them,” Sulzle says. “While I was in high school, I was kind of the young guy that hung out at the shop. Me and Micah, the owner, became friends.” The Spokane area’s oldest specialty ski shop, Sports Creel was opened in 1954 by Micah Genteman’s grandfather, Harry Larned. Today, Micah and his wife TJ Genteman own and operate the store.

After high school, Sulzle moved to Park City, Utah, with dreams of making the Olympic ski team. He ended up working for more than a decade as a ski instructor and ski guide, leading trips in mountains all over the world. During the summer months, he returned to the Northwest to work landscaping jobs around Spokane and North Idaho.

Ski guiding may sound like a dream job, but the lifestyle wasn’t without its drawbacks.

During those years, Sulzle developed an addiction to alcohol and opioids. Eventually, he married, had a son, moved back to the Spokane area, and gave up the guiding life. By the winter of 2020, Sulzle’s addictions had contributed to his marriage deteriorating. He was working to get sober and going through a divorce when he ran into a former high school classmate, a woman he hadn’t seen in more than 20 years. “Deerdra and I saw each other at Target, and long story short, I haven't been away from her since,” Sulzle says. “We got married a year later.”

A few months after that meeting, Sulzle began to feel ill. He spiked a fever and “felt like his organs were shutting down.” Deerdra, who works as a secretary in Sacred Heart Hospital’s operating room, encouraged TJ to go to the emergency room. After a round of tests, they discovered that Sulzle’s body was in sepsis, his liver showed signs of cirrhosis, and his spleen was enlarged. He spent ten days in the hospital.

Sacred Heart’s staff stabilized Sulzle’s condition, and he began to feel better. He went back to work that summer, building rock walls and other features at homes around the Inland Northwest. But despite his best efforts

TJ SULZLE AND FAMILY ON THE SKI HILL DOING WHAT THEY LOVE. //PHOTO COURTESY OF TJ SULZLE

to work through the discomfort, Sulzle was still sick. He ended up back in the hospital several times, and had multiple surgeries over the course of the next two years, with no answer about the underlying cause of his illness.

In May of 2022, Sulzle was back in the emergency room yet again, and this time was referred to a blood specialist. They drew some blood and kept him in the hospital overnight. The next morning, Deerdra had just arrived to check on him, when a nurse came into the room.

“The nurse looked at both of us and said, ‘I don't know if they've talked to you about what I'm giving you, but this is an oral chemo pill. And we're moving you to the oncology floor.’” Sulzle says. “And we're like, what?”

At the age of 43, Sulzle had been diagnosed with polycythemia vera, a rare form of blood cancer in which the body produces too many red blood cells. Doctors put him on an aggressive chemotherapy treatment, which required daily visits to Cancer Care Northwest for blood draws and other tests. But they struggled to get his overactive blood production under control.

Meanwhile, Sulzle’s spleen—the organ responsible for filtering and removing old red blood cells—continued to enlarge under the strain. By the fall of 2022, his spleen was so large that it had dislocated his ribs, and he couldn’t bend without excruciating pain. Sulzle saw several specialists, both in Spokane and at Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, but none had a conclusive answer for why his condition wasn’t responding to treatment.

Fed up with the pain and unable to ski or do any of the other activities he enjoyed, Sulzle asked his doctors whether removing his spleen was an option. An oncologist at Fred Hutch suggested that it might be, but every surgeon Sulzle talked to refused to do the operation. The risks of complications— or even death—were too high. Once again, he appealed to Deerdra.

“I came home from Seattle—this was like November 2022, right before Thanksgiving—and I told my wife, ‘Find me the best surgeon at Sacred Heart for doing stuff like this.’ I told her I didn’t want to live anymore if I couldn't do what I loved.”

Deerdra did her research and ultimately connected Sulzle with Dr. Timothy Bax, a local surgeon who agreed to remove the enlarged spleen. But while Sulzle had health insurance, the surgery would be expensive. And even if the risky procedure was successful, Sulzle wouldn’t be able to work during his recovery.

Throughout this years-long ordeal, Sulzle had continued to work as much as he could, doing everything possible to pay his mounting medical bills and keep his family afloat financially. But at a certain point, his illness rendered him unable to do the physically demanding work of landscaping. That’s when Micah Genteman of the Sports Creel stepped in, giving Sulzle a job tuning skis. The ski shop was busy, heading into the

Christmas season. Between boot fittings and ski tunings Sulzle talked with his old friend Micah about his treatment options. “I said, the surgeon said he can take it out, but I'm going to be down for about two months. I can't afford to do that right now. I'm like, I'll just live like this for a little while, maybe wait until spring.” What happened next is what happens with the outdoor community comes together to support one of their own. Micah Genteman explains what they decided to do.

“We had a quick team meeting here in the store. Once we learned the severity of it and I heard him say that he wasn’t going to go forward with some of that care, we quickly decided that we needed to step in and do something to take care of our friend,” Genteman says. “We knew that we'd have the help of our community and we'd be able to pitch in what we could.”

Micah and the team at Sports Creel devised the idea of a raffle. Anyone who chipped in to help raise money for Sulzle’s surgery would be entered into a drawing for a full ski setup: any pair of skis, boots, bindings, and poles in the store. Word went out to their community via Facebook, and the support poured in.

On Christmas Eve, just two days after Sulzle and Genteman had that conversation in the ski shop, Micah and TJ Genteman came to Sulzle with a surprise. “They pulled me in the back and said, ‘We kind of did a thing two days ago,’” Sulzle says. “‘We started a raffle. It's gonna end on the day after Christmas, but we’re already up to $5,000.’ They were doing it to get us to where we could support ourselves for a couple months so I could get this surgery.”

The raffle raised over $7,000. Thanks to those funds, Sulzle was able to get the surgery in January 2023 and take the time off he needed to heal from the procedure. Sulzle’s spleen weighed nine pounds when it was removed, over 20 times the size of a healthy organ. His doctors told him they’d never seen anything like it.

The spleen surgery didn’t solve all of Sulzle’s health issues. Soon, he was back in the hospital with severe chest pains and abnormally high platelet counts. But this time, they found a drug combination that helped. He started to feel better. On Schweitzer’s closing weekend in the spring of 2023, he got back on skis for the first time in years.

These days, Sulzle is back at work as a landscaping foreman for Clearwater Summit Group. He’s still on medications to treat the cancer, but he’s hoping for test results this fall that will indicate the illness is in full remission. And, of course, he’s looking forward to the upcoming ski season. Most importantly though, he’s thankful to the community that rallied to support him.

“My wife has been the biggest rock you could imagine. She made me feel like myself again after addiction and alcoholism. She took care of me when I was sick, and we’re thriving today,” Sulzle says. “And what Micah, TJ, and the Sports Creel did for me—somebody that just started out as one of their customers. They made it possible for me to get a surgery that saved my life.”

Chris Maccini is a writer and audio producer from Spokane. This winter, he's looking forward to shredding some fresh powder on Schweitzer's slopes and some fresh groomed corduroy on Mt. Spokane's Nordic trails.

TJ SULZLE GREW UP IN THE SKIING COMMUNITY. // PHOTO COURTESY OF TJ SULZLE

TJ SULZLE WITH THE OWNERS OF SPORTS CREEL, MICAH AND TJ GENTEMAN. // PHOTO COURTESY OF TJ SULZLE

folks are already chomping at the bit to gear up for what could be an epic winter in the mountains. With so many great shops in our region, offering the latest and greatest gear and accessories, it can be overwhelming as to where to begin if you need to upgrade your kit. Well, we’ve gone ahead and done some of the leg work for you. Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of some of our region’s best shops and their own personal picks for the “must have” gear of the new season.

SOLNIX (North Spokane) Spokane’s Solnix (previously Shred Sports), recently came under new ownership and with a fresh new look and name. As a full-service ski and snowboard shop, they have a huge selection to choose from and expert technicians who can guide your purchase.

Fred Nowland, Solnix’s head shop tech (and longtime ski shop legend of Spokane), is very excited about Salomon’s S/Pro Supra Boa 120 ski boot. “They’re now utilizing Boa technology on the outer shell in combination with traditional buckles up top,” says Nowland. “It’s a full custom heat moldable boot, so the fit is fantastic, and you can also get them in three different widths.” The Supra Boa comes in both men’s and women’s styles and ranges in price from $499 up to $749 depending on your desired boot flex.

The other item that Fred couldn’t stop gleaming over was the new heated boot bag from Head Skis. The bag is made from durable, water-resistant material to keep your boots dry and protected. It retails for $349. “You can plug into a 110 outlet or a car cigarette lighter,” he says. “It’s not just great for keeping your boots dry, but also your helmet, socks, gloves, and anything else.”

Fred was also quick to point out that their Lib Tech Cold Brew is always a big seller on the snowboard side of things. “It’s a full allmountain utility board with a floatier nose for those occasional off-piste pow days.” With its patented Magne-Traction serrated edges, the Cold Brew has incredible grip on

capabilities. It retails for $549.

ALPINE HAUS

North Spokane)

Spokane’s Alpine Haus, a longstanding South Hill place of snow worship, has recently expanded to include a second location on Northwest Blvd. a few miles north of downtown. Traditionally known for some of the best boot fitters in Spokane, Alpine Haus is now ready to serve a broader range of winter sports enthusiasts on the north/central side of town.

Shane Ruby, the South Hill store manager, is very enthusiastic about the new Kastle MX88 alpine ski. “It’s a ski that’s only 88mm under foot but has a larger tip and tail that give it tons of float and versatility,” says Ruby. This is an all-rounder ski that delivers performance and stability everywhere on the mountain, whether it's on firm-snow groomers or in choppy backcountry conditions. With a 17m turn radius at 174, the MX88 comes in both men’s and women’s versions and retails for $1,099.

When it comes to snowboards, with the La Niña year predicted, Ruby is big fan of the Jones Mind Expander. “It uses Skatetech, which gives it a surfier, fun feel. With the directional shape and lots of surface area, it floats nice and high on those big snow days,” he says. The board retails for $569, and pairs really nicely with the Jones Meteorite binding for $279.

Oakley has come out this year with their first two-lens goggle system. Their Line Miner Pro goggles are one accessory that Ruby had to mention. “It comes with two Prism-Tech lenses, one for night skiing or stormy days and a sapphire mirror lens for sunny days,” he says. They retail for $299.

2-WHEELER/ SKI DEALER (Hayden)

If you’re looking to get into backcountry skiing, 2-Wheeler/ Ski Dealer over in Hayden has you covered. They’ve been a player in the backcountry ski game now for several seasons, and with a full-service shop they can handle any of your back-

lineup plays well with Salomon’s S/Lab Shift series AT bindings that retail from $550$650. And don’t forget the skins. 2-Wheeler also sells ski-specific mohair skins for the whole Freebird series, so you can start tracking uphill at all your favorite backcountry stashes.

SPORTSMAN’S

SKI HAUS (Coeur d’Alene)

Formerly known as Tri-State Outfitters, Sportsman’s not only re-branded in 2022, but also moved to a new location right off the freeway in Coeur d’ Alene. They still carry all of the same high-end winter sport brands in both their soft and hardgoods departments. They also offer a full-service ski and snowboard shop.

Grant Bordner, an action sports associate, is a huge fan of the ever-popular Nordica Enforcer series. “They’ve done a bunch of small upgrades to this tried-and-true legend, making it even more versatile along with updated graphics,” he says. “They come in waist widths of 89/99/104mm, and new for 2025, all the Enforcers now have a full rocker profile instead of just the 104 version, like in previous years,” he adds.

The Enforcer line-up comes in both men’s and women’s versions and retails for $699849. Sportsman’s will be offering demos in each of waist widths so you can try before you buy.

GEAR GARAGE (Coeur d’Alene)

Gear Garage, located in downtown Coeur d’ Alene, has been quietly selling tons of gently used ski and snowboard gear since 2022. But new for this season, the Gear Garage has now become an exclusive North Idaho dealer for Icelandic skis and Never Summer Snowboards to go along with their

ALPINE SHOP (Sandpoint) Serving Sandpoint since 1966, the Alpine Shop operates both a downtown store and a mountain-top store in the Schweitzer village. Owner Zach Vollmer is super stoked about Rossignol’s long-awaited re-issue of the cult classic Soul 7 ski for 2025, named the Sender Soul. “They basically blended their Black Ops and Sender technology together, making for an even more super versatile, all-mountain ski that’s still effortless, surfy, and predictable,” he says. The new Sender Soul comes in lengths 156-188 with an average of about 102mm under foot, give or take a few mms based on length. It retails for $699.

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE (Sandpoint)

Downtown Sandpoint’s Outdoor Experience has become a go-to shop for many Nordic ski enthusiasts in the Inland Northwest. Sales associate Hank Graves says the Rossignol BC 80 has been the favorite package for folks who want maximum versatility in their Nordic skiing experience. “With 80mm at the shovel, it’s a ski that doesn’t mind going off groomed trails,” he says. “Its width makes it extremely versatile, and it also has a full-length metal edge for stability.”

The BC 80 is sold as a package with the Rottefella NNN Backcountry bindings for a total price of $449. If you need the whole kit though, the Rossignol BC X 6 boot works well with this set for $225.

Brad Naccarato is a North Idaho native who's been contributing to OTO since 2012. Chasing trout, snow, waves, peaks, and microbrews keeps him sane.

for your next winter getaway!

TELE AIN’T DEAD THE STATE OF TELEMARK SKIING IN THE INLAND

NORTHWEST

BY DERRICK KNOWLES

OVER THE YEARS skiing on telemark gear, I’ve encountered a few slogans from tele skiing’s zenith, some of them on faded stickers plastered to Subarus and others repeated by lifties with a Jeff Spicoli-esque cackle in the lift line as I approached: “Free your heel, ski for real.” Or, my favorite, “Free your heel, free your mind.” Are such sayings tired mantras of a dying sect of snow-sliding’s more archaic brethren? Or is there something significant about telemark that just won’t let it die?

Telemark skiing on free-heel gear and the signature turn that involves the dropping of knees, scissoring of skis, and sometimes wild, dance-like movements down a mountain, was pioneered by Norwegian skier Sondre Norheim in the middle of the 19th century. No doubt, the telemark style of skiing— which takes its name from Norheim’s home turf in the Telemark region of Norway— played a profound and foundational role in the evolution of skiing. But, time marched on, gear evolved, and modern fixed-heel alpine ski bindings, burly plastic boots, and fatter shaped skis have largely replaced their telemark forebearers on modern-day ski area and backcountry slopes.

You don’t see too many skiers donning minimalist leather boots and 3-pin tele bindings on the lifts these days, although some still roam the hills in the backcountry. Yet, tele skiing and its devotees continue to persist at ski areas, most of them on modern tele gear that to most skiers look indistinguishable from all the other alpine skiers out on

the snow. That is, until those heels lift up off of the skis in the shuffle to the lift line or the knees start dropping with each turn down the mountain.

THE ORIGINS OF TELE SKI GEAR AND THE PERSISTENCE OF THE FREE HEEL

For years, those looking to get into telemark only required an inexpensive 3-pin (think XC ski bindings) or cable binding setup and leather or plastic Nordic-style boots. While that style of tele gear is still widely available, affordable, and great for learning to tele ski or tour around in the backcountry on a budget, there were drawbacks with that gear for skiers wanting to keep up in the alpine world, including less power, control and stability, especially for beginners.

Likely coinciding with the last major tele boom around 2010, when new NTN tele bindings (New Telemark Norm) hit the scene, the number of new tele converts at alpine ski areas grew, even as the trend in backcountry skiing continued to see former tele skiers converting to fixed-heel AT gear. With the rise of NTN, beginner and veteran free heelers finally had access to gear that was comparable in many ways to that of their modern alpine skier cousins, while still providing the flexible, free-heel movement that defines telemark skiing.

A long-time Inland Northwest backcountry and telemark skier and the owner of Altai Skis in Curlew, Wash., 70-year-old Nils Larsen’s life has been so inspired by and

intertwined with free-heel and backcountry skiing that he named his daughter after the aforementioned telemark founder Sondre Norheim. After being a part of several other boom and bust times in the world of telemark, Larsen observes that the telemark scene, at least regionally, has been at a low ebb in general but certainly not dead.

“The whole ‘tele is dead’ thing is a little overblown,” says Larsen. “There are still plenty of people in my age group doing it and a growing cohort of younger skiers getting into it.”

Though as Larsen and other veteran tele skiers readily admit, telemark skiing is definitely past its high point in the ‘90s. The sport has changed a lot too, says Larsen. “I feel like tele has veered off from its origins, constantly trying to catch up with alpine skiing with stiffness and power. It’s a little bit of false narrative,” he says. “Tele is never going to be the same as alpine. It should be its own thing.”

To that point, Larsen’s company Altai Skis makes free-heeled skis with built-in traction to allow them to both climb and descend without the need for climbing skins, additional traction or to learn the tele turn. Inspired by the origins of skiing in the Altai Mountains of China, where they’ve been used as a tool for backcountry travel and hunting for millennia, Larsen’s skis, including the Hok that’s popular with snowshoers and skiers looking to tour around any size hills or mountains, have seen increased interest and sales in recent years.

Larsen says that many skiers first gravitated to telemark back in the earlier days as a way to ski in the backcountry. “AT didn’t really exist in the U.S. back then and you could go out with this super light and inexpensive tele system and ski in the backcountry.” As alpine touring (AT) gear became a more popular and affordable setup for backcountry skiing, however, tele gear began collecting dust in many skiers’ garages. Still, some long-time tele skiers resisted locking down their heels and new telemark skiers of all ages continue to bolster the ranks of free-heelers every year, making the discipline surprisingly resilient at both resorts and on backcountry terrain.

Larsen attributes this phenomenon to the aesthetic appeal of the telemark turn and freedom of movement in the gear. “It’s never going to be as functional or powerful as alpine, but it doesn’t have to be. We don’t ski because it’s functional, we ski because it’s pleasurable.”

TODAY’S TELE FANATICS AND THE MODERN GEAR MANY RIDE ON

Shelley Kovacs and Marc Schanfarber, both tele instructors at 49 Degrees North, have an appreciation for the minimalist free-heel legacy, but are also proponents of modern NTN tele gear at ski areas, emphasizing how it has made tele so much more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.

“Things have evolved so that you can do many of the same things on tele gear as alpine gear now that wasn’t formerly pos-

TELE IN THE PARK. // PHOTO COURTESY OF TELE COLO

sible, or harder to accomplish with older 75mm equipment,” says Schanfarber, referring to early Nordic-sized tele boots and bindings.

Compared to alpine ski gear, any type of tele equipment allows a skier to lift their heel and walk and move and climb. You can do parallel alpine turns or tele turns, all with added boot comfort and the freedom of expanded movement created by the unattached heel, Schanfarber explains.

What sets newer NTN boots and bindings apart from the more traditional tele gear, however, is greater power and control— things that are especially handy for those skiing at resorts, in the park, or on aggressive backcountry terrain. Mark Beatie, longtime Mountain Gear boot fitter and telemark gear specialist who’s also a tele instructor, agrees that the gear has gotten so much better. “It offers better fit, more safety and significant improvement in control and energy transmission.” On the downside, he adds, “It is coming at a dramatic increase in price.”

Beatie also points out that the technique has evolved right along with the gear. “We have brought the stance from knee on the ski to a taller, stronger base for movement. The lead change is a shorter motion and everything is intended to work with the skier’s natural range of motion while maintaining strength, stability and that graceful flow down the mountain.”

The modern gear and style is also likely the driving force keeping the sport alive, and it’s the new generation of passionate

and innovative tele skier evangelists themselves who are driving this latest resurgence in telemark skiing.

NEW

WAVE OF TELE

Avid 54-year-old western Washingtonbased skier Serge Baranovsky may be a recent tele convert, but when the bug bit, it bit hard. In 2021, he started Rise of Telemark, a resource that has created more access to the sport with gear rentals (out of the Seattle area), a local online shop, and tele events like the Wenatchee Telemark Festival at Mission Ridge, which debuted last season, all with a goal of growing participation in the sport.

While greatly improved gear is a major driver, Serge says the main reason tele is still thriving is the younger generation coming in. “It’s far from dead and is coming back to life. There are a ton of telemark skiers on Instagram in their 20s and 30s hucking cliffs and pulling off tricks in the park that helps create the awareness of the sport with a new generation.”

Thirty-year-old Seattle tele skier Brian Hitchens, who runs the Cascade Telemark YouTube channel, echoes this sentiment, noting that there are plenty of tele skiers at the resorts he frequents, including Stevens Pass, Mission Ridge, and Whistler, who are remaking the old-school image of tele in and out of the park. He calls out Tele Colo, founded in 2018 by skateboarder and surferturned-tele-skier CJ Coccia, as a major influence behind the evolution and image of the

sport. Tele Colo, says Hitchens, is playing a big role in boosting the new generation of telemark culture through digital media and pushing the boundaries of telemark with their ski films and hype more than anyone. People really like how they can represent their own style on modern-equipped telemark skis, says Hitchens. “It’s sounds a little woo-woo, but the way you can move on telemark skis just opens the door up to really however you want to express yourself on skis.” He says many of the younger generation of telemark skiers have a different philosophy from traditional tele skiers. “I have [tele-skiing] friends who are insane how they ski. Like I don’t physically think it’s possible, until you go down the hill with them. I think people latch onto that freedom of expression and that matched with this newer technology have been propelling new people to get into it.”

All of that new generation passion and creativity translates into curiosity too, he says. “Last season especially there was an insane amount of tele skiers out there, to the point where every time up the chair lift somebody’s skiing tele down the hill.”

THREE HALLMARKS BEHIND THE TELE RESURGENCE

Contrary to rumors circulating around the ski community that tele is dead, there are some very real signs that it’s experiencing a renaissance of sorts.

After talking with a half dozen modern tele acolytes from around the Northwest and

beyond, three reasons for this resurgence— in addition to the big one, improvements in the modern gear—were repeated by nearly all of them: freedom, not just of the heel but in movement and the creative expression it affords a skier in their turns; the challenge of learning a new way to ski; and the community.

THE CLOSE-KNIT TELE COMMUNITY: Nearly a quarter century into the 2000s, one might conclude that tele skiers at Inland Northwest resorts are but a few torn ACLs away from an endangered species listing. Ironically, the infrequency with which tele skiers encounter one another also plays into tele skiing’s resilience: the community that arises when tele skiers come together for events and festivals.

Several telemark and free-heel backcountry events are happening this season at ski areas and mountain passes throughout the Inland PNW (see sidebar for details), including the Telebration event, which has been organized in various forms by 49 Degrees North just about every year since 2019.

Last March, I finally made it to the twoday iteration of Telebration. While I’ve been skiing on telemark gear for over 20 years, it’s been nearly as long since I took a lesson and worked to improve my technique. Telebration included group telemark ski clinics and private lessons for all experience levels, demo gear from 22 Designs, and a post-slope showing of Tele Colo’s 2023 film release “This is Telemark” with giveaways

and festive vibes.

I admittedly signed up for the clinics for the chance to learn and make my skiing more fun and fluid, something my instructors Kovacs and Schanfarber didn’t let me down on. But, being a shameless introvert,

says. “It’s a way to spice things up and learn something new.”

Kovacs points out that many people take up tele skiing when skiing with a friend, spouse, or child who is a beginner or slower skier. “If you are skiing with someone who

community wasn’t necessarily why I signed up. Before my first Telebration experience, I didn’t totally get the contagious power of the tele community that comes with skiing and revelry with other free-heeled kin until then.

As Schanfarber would later tell me, gatherings of telemark skiers at events like 49 Degrees North’s Telebration play an essential role in growing the sport and community. “Whenever groups of tele skiers come together, it catches peoples’ attention and they’re like, I want to try that,” he says, a sentiment that helps spark the next wave of tele skiers. Such gatherings also tighten the bonds of the tele community, adds Kovacs. “Anywhere you go and see someone else tele skiing, you can end up instant friends. Because we’re such a minority, there’s real and lasting camaraderie.”

LEARNING SOMETHING NEW: The tele gateway for many skiers is a realization that it’s time to expand their skiing horizons. Hitchens was working as an alpine ski instructor at Stevens Pass when that moment hit. “At some point, it became clear that I was kinda skiing unsafe on alpine skis.” Since on many days he was teaching others to ski, it was the perfect time to slow down and learn to tele. The flow and pace of tele skiing resonated and he hasn’t looked back.

“You can just show up on any type of tele gear and you don’t feel like you have to compete with everybody on the mountain. It removes you from the rat race and at the end of the day you are trying something different,” Hitchens says.

Schanfarber concurs that learning to telemark is a great new challenge for a long-time alpine skier or snowboarder who may find themselves less inspired from skiing or riding the same terrain and making the same turns ski day after ski day. “Taking up tele can help make a small mountain big,” he

Chewelah, Wash., Kovacs and Schanfarber are playing a major role in keeping telemark skiing alive and well at 49 and around the region. For starters, 49 Degrees North is the only ski area in the Inland Northwest where you can rent a modern NTN tele ski setup and give it a try without having to buy all of the gear yourself right off the bat.

When Mountain Gear went out of business, 49 bought up their tele rental gear and started offering rentals to give people a place to try it out, says Schanfarber. 49 also has some of the region’s best tele instructors, with Kovacs, Schanfarber and other instructors available to get you started with plenty of pro tips to make sure your first day on telemark skis is productive and fun.

If you already have tele gear and some turns under your belt, lessons at 49 and the clinics at Telebration (scheduled for March 16 for the 2025 season) can help you identify plenty of bad habitats and new techniques to improve your tele turn game.

will make you ski more efficiently.”

There’s another tele-themed bumper sticker maybe you’ve seen: “Nobody Cares That You Tele!” Snark aside, that’s precisely the way that it should be. You probably won’t reach Nirvana like the Buddha on a pair of tele skis, and the telemark turn certainly won’t make you better than anyone else on the mountain, but you may find your own state of enlightenment in that distinct tele flow.

Some tele skiers may enjoy the spotlight of standing out against the masses of parallel-turning skiers shredding down the slopes and talking up their turns afterwards, but when it comes right down to it, it’s just another way to enjoy sliding down snowy mountains. A damn fun way, I might add, that you will likely find soul-filling and exhilarating if you give it a try.

is learning, it’s a great way to slow you down while learning something new in the process.”

THE FREEDOM AND MAGIC OF THE TURN:

There’s a tele joke I read online recently that I think illuminates the heart of why tele seemingly refuses to die: How many tele skiers does it take to change a light bulb? One to screw it in and two to stand back and say, ‘Nice turns!’

Funny for sure, but there’s something to it. I got my first telemark setup as an inexpensive tool to build leg strength after multiple snowboarding injuries and as a way to get into the backcountry, but the reason I’ve stuck with it is all about the feel of the turn.

The allure of tele is really about the mechanics and what you can do, seconds Hitchens. “It’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t gotten over the hump of staying in control. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, you are basically moving in a completely different plane of motion and you can apply forces to the skis that you never could on alpine skis. It’s like skiing with added dimensionality and your reward is a whole new way to get down the mountain.”

Founder and publisher of “Couloir Magazine” Craig Dostie summed up the magic potential and allure of the telemark turn in the 2010 Josh Madsen film “Freeheel Life 2: Hippies, Punx, & Misfits” more aptly than I’ve read or heard anywhere: “There’s this sweet spot in any turn on snow or in water, . . . there’s a sweet moment, a sweet moment, a magic moment . . . and in tele it’s whatever you want. It can be really huge and it can be really tight. You can make it whatever you want. But the sweet spot is more dynamic and it’s deeper and it’s wider.”

49 DEGREES NORTH: THE LOCAL PLACE TO LEARN TO TELE SKI

Coming up on their 12th season as telemark ski instructors at 49 Degrees North near

“Lessons aren’t just for beginners,” explains Schanfarber. "I've probably gone through a few hundred hours of advanced lessons because I want to get better. Lessons

Derrick Knowles is the Publisher of Out There Outdoors. He’s been skiing on tele gear since 2001, although mostly incognito blending in with his alpine and AT skiing partners with frequent parallel turns.

PNW EVENTS FOR TELE & FREE-HEEL SKIERS

RISE OF TELEMARK EVENTS (Various resorts in the Cascades): All season long. A few hours west of the greater Spokane area, tele skiers can participate in a variety of telemark events, including clinics, demos, and social gatherings sponsored by Rise of Telemark. Details at Riseoftele.com/pages/events

WENATCHEE TELEMARK FESTIVAL (aka WTF) (Mission Ridge, Wenatchee, WA): Jan 11-12, 2025. Wenatchee Telemark Festival is a two-day gathering of the tele tribe from the greater Pacific Northwest, where free heelers and the tele-curious come together to celebrate the art of tele turn with clinics, demos, raffles, night skiing and community. Info at Wtfest.info.

KOOTENAY COLDSMOKE POWDER FEST (Whitewater Ski Area / Nelson, B.C.): Feb 21-23. A celebration of ski culture in the Kootenays, this annual event features several tele meet-ups, backcountry safety and other alpine ski and AT clinics, competitions, demos, and plenty of social gatherings.

ALTAI SKIS BACKCOUNTRY SKI AND HOK FESTIVAL (Boulder Pass near Curlew, Wash.): Date TBD. An annual gathering in the Kettle Range Mountains north of Sherman Pass near the Canadian border, attendees are treated to Altai Ski gear demos, group ski outings, and good company. Details to come at Altaiskis.com

TELEBRATION AT 49 DEGREES NORTH MOUNTAIN RESORT (Chewelah, Wash.): March 16, 2025. This annual tele event features NTN tele gear rentals, group and private lessons for a range of abilities from beginner to expert, and a chance to meet other local tele skiers. After-party details to come may include a showing of the new Tele Colo film “This Ol’ Mill” and good times in the Boomtown Bar. (OTO)

WENATCHEE

HOW DO YOU APRЀS?

AFTER A HARD DAY’S PLAY in the snow— whether you pedal, ski, ride, or snowshoe—there’s a magical time when you come out of the elements and seek a place to warm up and unwind. That après winter

sports window is filled in many ways, but typically shares a few things in common—finding warmth, food, a tasty beverage or two, good people, and the right après aesthetic to fuel your stoke.

What’s your favorite post-winter adventure place to relax or celebrate after a day out in the snow? We asked a few of our writers what they look for and got some answers you might expect — hot drinks, cold beer, a crackling fire — as well as a few more unique ones, like cheese dip!

Editor’s Note: While we like to unwind with a drink too, please don’t overindulge in your après alcohol and drive. Plan ahead with a designated driver.

GOOD TUNES AND A FIRE

As a jaded, old-school skier, I like to think my après skiing requirements are simple. I don’t need weird recovery drinks made from alfalfa and beet juice or a deep mas-

sage by some dude named Lars while New Age meditation music drones in the background. What I do prefer is a cozy atmosphere, quality beer, and good tunes.

After rolling into the lodge bar after the final run of the day, nothing puts a smile on my face like seeing a crackling fire warming the bodies of my fellow skiers and riders. Once I’m able to pry my frozen boots off, tears of joy nearly stream down my face as my frosted feet begin to thaw in front of the roaring fire. To help ease the pain, a pint of the darkest beer on tap goes a long way. If I can see through it, it’s too light. Add in some ‘80s hairband metal, like Poison or Motley Crue, and I’m in heaven. (Brad Northrup)

SKIER/SNOWBOARDER COMMUNITY

My all-time favorite places to warm up and have a beer after a day riding the lifts or earning turns in the backcountry have always had one thing in common: other skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, fat bikers, and snowmobilers reveling together. That community and energy that comes from being surrounded by other people who spent the day outside in the snow helps keep the buzz from the mountains going a little bit longer. Bonus for having a ski, snowboard or mountain bike movie playing instead of Fox News or CNN. Live or streaming music isn’t critical, but is ideally classic rock, classic country, or

pretty much anything in the alternative/ grunge genre from the ‘90s. Fried food and burgers are standard pub fare for ravenous shredders, but I find myself always hankering for healthier yet hearty whole food options like a medium rare steak, baked potato, and steamed or sautéed veggies! (Derrick Knowles)

DRY CLOTHES AND CHEESE

Hyperhydrosis (really enthusiastic sweat glands) and Reynaud's syndrome (really enthusiastic constriction of blood vessels in my hands and feet when it's cold) make après-winter-sports a bit different for me than most. While most are happy to kick back with a beer and recap the day, my focus is, of necessity, getting dry and warming up my deathly white digits.

An ideal après environment for me involves a private place to change (out of a sweaty sports bra, primarily), a warm fire or heating vent directly overhead, cozy blankets, fresh toe warmers, and hot beverages for my cold hands. But the most important thing after a cold day outside . . . is cheese. Cheese dip, cheese soup, cheese platters, grilled cheese, spray cheese, beer cheese, string cheese. All those other things warm my body, but cheese . . . it warms my soul. Lookin’ at YOU and your perfect queso dip, Perry Street Brewing! (Carol Corbin)

Blackboard Café named “Idaho’s Most Charming Smalltown Restaurant” is located in the heart of Historic Downtown Wallace and is open daily serving Lunch 11-3 and Dinner 5-8. The lunch menu offers classic sandwiches with a unique twist, while the dinner menu focuses more on hearty Italian fare. We also offer house made grab-n-go breakfast sandwiches and burritos and specialty coffee drinks in the Blackboard Market open every morning at 8 AM. Also newly opened is our Wine Cellar for wine tastings and Chef’s Table dinners. We hope you visit and enjoy our smalltown hospitality. 600 Cedar Street, Wallace. www.blackboardmarketplace.com 208-556-5648

Quartzite Brewing Co.

Named after the iconic mountain that looms over Chewelah, Quartzite is the perfect place to stop for a pint of craft beer after a day out playing in the snow up at 49 Degrees North. A comfortable community gathering place that’s popular with skiers, mountain bikers, and hikers, the vibe is fun and friendly with occasional game nights, and the beer gets rave reviews from patrons. As one Yelp reviewer put it, “This is the “Cheers” of Chewelah.” Open Thursday 11:30-8 & Fridays & Saturdays 11:30-9.

105 W Main Ave, Chewelah, WA / 509-936-3686

SKI PATROL HOPEFULS

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A SKI PATROLLER?

BY BRI LOVEALL

LAUGHTER ECHOED in the conference room as ski patrol candidates trickled in, scribbling names on tags and finding seats while swapping stories. At half past five, Brian Perry, a member of the Lookout Pass ski patrol, stood at the front of the quieted room.

What followed was a 40 minute rapid fire lecture reminiscent of high school, with Brian asking questions based off the weekly reading while ski patrol candidates shouted answers over each other, their thick white Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) manuals propped open in front of them.

When I joined the gathering in September, it was week three for this new batch of ski patrol hopefuls and they were already covering chapters 10 through 15 of the OEC. That night’s lesson included skills like listening for lung auscultation, using oxygen tanks, administering epi-pens, and treating patients who were choking or otherwise unable to breathe (all rare injuries, ailments, and treatments encountered on ski slopes although important care for ski patrollers to be schooled in).

The hopefuls ranged in age and career: a firefighter, attorney, hospital IT manager, nurse practitioner, and legal assistant were just a few of the two dozen hoping to join the Lookout Pass Ski Patrol. In just a few short weeks, these candidates would take their final written test, perform a series of skills

in front of an advisory board, and begin the ski season shadowing veteran ski patrol members.

THE SKI PATROL PROGRAM

Ben King, a patroller with 49 Degrees North, says that joining the ski patrol is more than just a part-time volunteer opportunity—it’s a community. Certified patrollers in good standing (usually after one year of service), can easily join other mountain patrol teams as seconds.

Surprisingly, skiing isn’t a requirement for patrolling. King says some patrollers stick to areas like the aid room and main lodges without ever donning a pair of skis. Established patrollers also have the option of joining bike patrols at Lookout, Mt. Spokane, and Silver Mountain.

Don’t have bike or ski skills? No problem. The mountains will get you the lessons and training you need. Here’s how it works: call ahead and spend a day shadowing the ski patrol. If you decide to join the program, you’ll spend a few hundred dollars on a book—the Outdoor Emergency Care manual—pay your national dues, and in the late summer begin attending in-person classes to work on skills, assess knowledge, and prepare for the test.

The class itself is a hybrid format, with both a didactic and hands-on portion. King emails his students at the beginning of the

summer with a recommended timeline for reading through material and participating in the online course (which takes about 30 hours). He prefers students to read the textbook beforehand so the focus of in class participation is hands-on training.

At the end of in-person learning, students take a 100-question multiple choice test, pass the hands-on exam, and become officially certified with The National Ski Patrol. The rest of training then takes place on the mountain, shadowing veteran patrollers, taking ski lessons if needed, and learning to pull a toboggan. In total, a ski patrol candidate spends around 160 hours in the classroom and on the mountain.

Once a certified patroller, each year they will attend a one-day intensive refresher course as part of continuing education, with the option to add on certificates to increase knowledge base. “We encourage people to become instructors,” says King. “You’re not required to do anything more than the refresher, but we want people to become instructors because it helps with community building.”

THE PATROLLERS

Back in the classroom this September, I watched as the participants moved to hands-on skills. Stations were set up with pulse oximeters, stethoscopes, oxygen tanks, and a dummy who had seen better days. At

each station, an instructor walked students through a skill, making small corrections to hand placement or technique. There was a spirit of comradery and encouragement as they moved through stations, often working together to demonstrate stethoscope use or proper handling of oxygen tanks.

Which other qualities make for a great ski patrol candidate? While it helps to have medical knowledge, it isn’t a requirement, says King. “Volunteering is a commitment to service—you must accept that you’re putting in a lot of time. You must be willing to work with others, whether you’re being told what to do or you’re the one telling people what to do.”

One ski patrol hopeful mentioned her work as a firefighter and said she had wanted to join the patrol for a few years. Most of the information was similar to what she learned as a firefighter. She was confident that her adaptability to change would make her an asset to the ski patrol team.

When asked what the most difficult part of the course was, students gave an almost unanimous answer: the material is rigorous and fast-paced. Excluding the students with prior medical knowledge, they found the course work intense.

Erik Pedersen, an IT worker for MultiCare, said, “We also need to balance book learning with hands-on learning. We need to know how to do things such

as inserting NPAs and OPAs correctly. It’s equivalent to the workload of a 3-5 credit college course.”

WHY JOIN A SKI PATROL

So, why join the ski patrol, I finally asked in between stations. One student, Safa, remarked that he didn’t want to be completely useless in a time of crisis. “You’re up on the mountain anyway and you might as well be helping out,” he said. “What I love about patrol,” says King, “is that it’s a community and no matter where you go there are opportunities to patrol with other mountains.” He adds that it’s about giving back to the skiing public.

Cheyenne, another ski patrol hopeful,

said, “I’ve wanted to be a member of ski patrol ever since I was a little girl. And then I wanted to be an EMT. This seems like a good way to do that and give back to the community.”

“The program is intense,” she says while watching another student insert an oropharyngeal airway into a dummy, “but it’s all these people doing their best to teach us what we need to know so we can keep people on the mountain safe and everybody can keep having a good time.”

Bri Loveall is the digital editor for Out There Outdoors Magazine. During her time spent interviewing this class, she was asked to join the patrol and is seriously considering it.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SKI PATROL?

While the process varies slightly between mountains, anyone interested in the patrol should reach out to their preferred mountain of choice to spend a day shadowing veteran patrollers. Candidates do not need to have a medical background (although a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology is helpful) nor do they need ski experience. Candidates will complete the Outdoor Emergency Care training course to become certified ski instructors. Think you might be a good fit for the ski patrol? Reach out to your favorite local mountain to get started.

Lessons on a Ledge at Mount Olympus

By Ammi Midstokke

NOT EVERYONE FEELS the same about risk. It’s a subjective assessment, nuanced by things like how many kids you still have to feed and who will see you shit yourself if things go wrong.

Our party of three was not in agreement about how we got here. And by here, I mean clinging to the rocky edges of Mount Olympus, staring down a Chasm-ofImminent-Death on one side and a CrashPlummet-of-Maiming on the other side. We were wearing helmets, but helmets don’t keep you attached to the mountain.

My most reliable adventure buddy, Liz, and I had invited ourselves to visit an old friend in Greece and created an itinerary of sailing, seafood and tsipouro, and this one hill we wanted to climb. Judging by the loss of color in Alex’s face that afternoon, we did not have the same definition of what constitutes risk.

Olympus is a moderate climb from the east-facing side of Greece. We began at the Prionia trailhead, planning to overnight at a refuge perched in the last of the trees just below 7,000 feet. We wound our way into the folds of the Olympus Range, through a forest of beech and oak, and ever upward into the thick, swaying black pines. These trees have their own distinct sound, and, as the evening winds picked up, we listened to their symphony while sitting at picnic tables, chatting

with other climbers.

Looking at the other hikers, I assumed the climb was benign. There were a lot of retired Germans drinking a lot of wine and bragging about days in the Dolomites and their La Sportiva expedition grade boots.

I may have both a fluent grasp of Deutsch and a fair bit of judgement. Also, I read the reviews online: hike with a brief scramble to the summit, average of one death per year from all causes, including cardiac events, falls, exposure, etc.

Alex had spent a lifetime playing in the area mountains, backcountry snowboarding, visiting the other refuges, but never summited the 9,572-foot peak of Mytikas. In our 25 years of our friendship, we’d never climbed mountains together. Which is kind of funny, because it’s generally a friendship prerequisite for me. I made some subconscious assumptions that were not fair or fairly assessed—such as that we’d have the same comfort level on exposed rock and he knew what he was getting into.

The following morning, the higher we climbed out of the trees and the wind-rattled alpine fields of flowers, the more I was filled with joy and purpose. I can’t say whether it’s the powerful wind gusts or the wide and endless expanses of possibilities in the form of ridges and sky that fill my soul. Mountains always offer me a sense of deep satisfaction

and simplification of my purpose: to get to the top. But safely.

We reached the ridge and paused to question the jagged, exposed, and much-morevertical traverse to the summit. The route looked challenging until we saw some teenagers returning in jeans and Nikes. I forgot teenagers have an exceptionally dulled sense of risk. Something got lost in the wind or my pursuit of joy, and we agreed to try the route. Or maybe just look at it. In any case, I picked my way across the face of mountain, Alex and Liz bringing up the rear.

Somewhere along the eastern face, I noticed Alex’s scowl connecting his two eyebrows into one strip of pissed-off. Liz had a head cold and had grimaced her way up the mountain while producing inhuman amounts of snot. She didn’t look happy either. I assumed they just didn’t have a good bowel movement that morning. I was still in my uncontained happy place, grinning wildly.

I looked around at the dramatic, exposed rock and casually referred to it as a no-fall zone—a place where you don’t fall for a number of reasons related to homeostasis.

“It would be a bad idea to fall here,” I said, helpfully. Alex wasn’t particularly calmed by this piece of guidance. Liz might’ve flipped me off if she could’ve peeled a hand off the rock for long enough. I know what she is

capable of, and I know she’d tell me before she was no longer capable (or wanting). But I didn’t know Alex’s ability or comfort level. That is perhaps the most risky thing of all. At the summit, he described our route in terms varying widely from how I would describe it, as if ‘deadly’ and ‘dangerous’ were interchangeable. Where he saw imminent risk of death, I saw a handholds and stable footing. Where he saw a “vertical face,” I saw a Class 3 scramble (confirmed by research).

Right or wrong about descriptors, he did not have as much fun as I, and that is a loss. The scramble to the summit became an important reminder about safety in the outdoors. It’s not just about what we’re carrying in our packs, but how we communicate with our companions along the way. Our responsibility lies in sharing our needs, fears, and abilities and also in proactively checking in with others so they might share theirs along the way.

At least by the time we descended back to the safety of beech trees and cold creeks, we were talking about other routes to try. I wanted to explore the whole magnificent ridge. Liz wanted a nap. Alex wanted a rope.

Ammi Midstokke is a columnist for Out There and loves mountainous nature and friends. She aims to preserve both.

Winter is wonderful in Sandpoint, Idaho... and not just for the whoppin’ 300 inches of deep powder our epic mountain, Schweitzer, collects each year. With 2,900 acres of varied terrain and 92 named runs, Schweitzer is the biggest ski mountain in Idaho. But with so much more to do around our town, winter goes even deeper in Sandpoint. We hope to see you here!

The snow doesn’t slow us down! Enjoy the abundant fat bike, nordic, & snowshoe trails at Pine Street Woods, Schweitzer, & more.

Music & More

The arts and entertainment scene here is simply amazing. Any given week find live music bustin’ out all ‘round town, plus major events all winter.

Visit Sandpoint, Idaho this winter ... less than 90 minutes east of Spokane Get visitor information at 208.263.2161 • www.VisitSandpoint.com

Wine & dine

The excellent restaurants, breweries, cafes, and taverns in Sandpoint offer something for everyone. Come hungry, leave happy!