EDITOR’S NOTE
THINGS ARE HEATING UP!
W
ho would have guessed that winter would kick off with a vengeance? The first couple of weekends offered just enough vertical to get those ski legs woken up. Then out of nowhere, Ullr blessed us with a Dec. 1 powder day! Unexpected, well-deserved and very much appreciated, face shots were welcomed run after run, followed up by big smiles and sore legs — the good news is, our first powder day is in the books! Mother Nature also shocked our bodies with a cold snap that seemed to last for weeks, building our tolerance for cold winter days and mountain temperatures for the rest of the ski season. Skiing and snowboarding is in full swing, and area mountains are ready for you
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GIFT GUIDE
CANADIAN R OA D T R I P
6
8
WINTER BEERS 10 SKI LESSONS
11
LOCAL EVENTS 12 THE LAST RUN 13
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SNOWLANDER.COM NEWS & NOTES 4
skis
Through 1/6/14
to get up on the hill this winter. As the Christmas holiday nears, event calendars get busier, so check out our listings (p. 12) to see what is going on at a mountain near you. Nationwide, January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, and the region’s ski resorts have a plethora of programs designed for those who never have skied before. We’ve had the chance to talk to our five local resorts about programs, training and resources available for those who want to try out or return to the sport of skiing or snowboarding this season (p. 11). Wishing all you skiers and snowboarders a great holiday season — may Santa bring you many powder days, filled with sunshine, while surrounded by friends. Cheers to a great season ahead!
509.534.4554 | South 2925 Regal | www.SpokaneAlpineHaus.com
— JEN FORSYTH Snowlander Editor P.S.: Santa, if you’re wondering what to get to me this season, powder days are always nice, but there’s also a comprehensive list in the Gift Guide (p. 6).
E X P E R T A DV I C E 14
DECEMBER 2013 SNOWLANDER 3