Reflections: February 2014

BELLEVUE CLUB

FEBRUARY 2014

EVOLUTION OF AN EMPIRE How one local skier changed the country's idea of what a ski shop can be

36

MEET THE HAMMONDS

Bellevue's downhill dynasty

42

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

THE

SKI &

SNOW ISSUE

A GUIDE TO WESTERN WASHINGTON Everything you need to know to ski the six best local mountains

24

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INSIDE

february 2014

24

36

42

A GUIDE TO SKIING WESTERN WASHINGTON

EVOLUTION OF AN EMPIRE

MEET THE HAMMONDS

Everything you need to know to ski the six best local mountains.

16 18 20 30 46 52

How one local skier changed the country’s idea of what a ski shop can be.

Bellevue’s downhill dynasty.

CHEF’S CORNER Executive Chef Paul Marks embraces the cold with his own twist on an iceberg salad.

CITY SCENE Take a night off from the cold, and grab tickets to some of the hottest shows around.

BOTTLE TALK Take a trip to Icicle Ridge Winery.

V IS FOR VODKA The visionary of Project V Distillery opens up about joys of creating craft spirits.

COLD WEATHER GEAR: PART 2 After putting all the major brands to the test, our experts weigh in on what gear impressed them this season.

DO THE SPLITS Backcountry pow just got a little more accessible.

Departments 08 Up-front 10 Calendar 12 Newsfeed

4 | february 2014 reflections

14 Employee Q&A 64 Classifieds 54 Body | Mind 66 Editor’s Picks 58 F-Stop

february 2014

EDITOR’S LETTER

some

like it cold

W

hile I was researching topics for this issue, I came across this statistic from the Pew Research Center: “By nearly two to one, the public says it prefers a hotter place to live over one with a colder climate.” I will admit that up until recently I was part of that majority. For the last 10 years, not only did I choose to live on the Southeastern coast surrounded by palm trees, but also I found myself visiting other beaches and islands when I had the chance to get away.

Truth be told, at the time I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to live in the North. To me, colder climates only meant scraping ice off cars, shoveling snow off driveways, and layering sweaters, gloves, socks, jackets and more. Even the few ski trips I took as a child with my family were never enough to convince me that life in the cold could be fun. Boy was I missing out.

Now, after experiencing the colder climate of the Pacific Northwest for almost an entire winter, my opinions have completely changed. Colder climates have a lot to offer, and if you caught me at the right moment, I might even say they have more. So, in honor and celebration of life filled with freezing temperatures, snow and ice, we created the first annual Snow Issue.

The ability to ski and snowboard on a regular basis are two of the most obvious benefits of living in a colder, mountainous climate. But in case you forgot just how lucky we are, we included a guide to hitting the slopes, “The Pooh-bah’s Guide to Skiing Western Washington” [p. 24], which is jam-packed with all of the latest perks and packages available. We also investigated the relatively new sport of splitboarding in “Do the Splits” [p. 52], and we gave you a whole list of snow and ice-based activities— outside of skiing and snowboarding— with my “Editor’s picks” [p. 66].

But I also realize that not all the joys of living in a cold climate involve outdoor sports, so we delved into some of the other things that make this lifestyle so great, including late-night, torch-lit hikes through snow-covered Washington wineries [p.

20], shopping for new gear [p. 46], and, of course, the opportunity to sneak in from the cold and get warm by the fire.

I hope you will use this magazine as a guide to getting the most out of the last winter months. And as you are out enjoying a nice day on the mountain, you might want to think twice about boasting to your friends down south. It might be better to let them think they’ve got it made; it only means more snow for us.

MANAGEMENT STAFF President S. W. Thurston Member Liaison Beth Curtis Executive Chef Paul Marks Catering Director Jill Parravano Hotel Sales Director Jerry Stotler Athletic Director Sally Reed Aquatics Director Melissa Stepp Fitness Director Sue Matyas Recreation Director Katie Barth Tennis Director Brian Nash Athletic Services & Spa Director Katie Wallis Financial Manager Jeff Ohlstrom Operations Controller Gina Abadia Communications Director Chelsea Nelson Membership Director Lisa Seibert Human Resources Director Donna Gray

CONTACT bellevue club

425.455.1616 | www.bellevueclub.com athletic services

425.688.3177 hotel bellevue

425.454.4424 | www.thehotelbellevue.com

HOURS OF OPERATION hotel bellevue

Club Concierge Desk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week athletic facility

5 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.* Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.* Saturday 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday *Subject to change, depending on scheduled events.

The pool closes at 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE VOLUME 3 0 ISSUE 9 www.BCreflections.com publisher

Chelsea Nelson | 425.688.3161 editor

Lauren Hunsberger | 425.688.3162 art director

Bonnie Tankovich | 425.688.3194 advertising

Sue and Eric Nienaber | 425.455.9881 display advertising

To receive a Rate Card & Media Kit, please call 425.455.9881 or visit www.bcreflections.com classified advertising

425.688.3162 BELLEVUE CLUB REFLECTIONS (ISSN 1096-8105) is published monthly by the Bellevue Club, 11200 S.E. 6th, Bellevue, WA 98004. Copyright 2014 by Bellevue Club. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is prohibited. Publication number 715390. Periodicals postage paid @ Bellevue, WA, and additional offices. Editorial, Advertising and Circulation Office: P.O. Box 90020, Bellevue, WA 98009 (mailing address); 11200 S.E. 6th, Bellevue, WA 98004 (street address); telephone 425.455.1616. Produced by Vernon Publications, LLC, 12437 N.E. 173rd Place, Second Floor, Woodinville, WA 98072. POSTMASTER send address changes to BELLEVUE CLUB REFLECTIONS, 11200 S.E. Sixth St., Bellevue, WA 98004.

Lauren Hunsberger, Editor

6 | february 2014 reflections

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UP-FRONT

february 2014

CONTRIBUTORS

YOUR VENUE. YOUR STYLE.

YOUR

perfect DAY.

F

ebruary in the Pacific Northwest is still blanketed in ice and snow, but this means if you are a brideto-be it is the perfect time of year to escape the cold outdoors, log in to Pinterest for some inspiration, and get a head start on planning your big day.

Celebrating a marriage often means planning a variety of events: an engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, morning-after brunch and, of course, the reception itself. Each event creates the opportunity for marvelous memories. Leave the details to your professional event-planning department at Bellevue Club.

Every bridal event at the Club is unique, customized for each couple. You supply your dreams—we create the vision. The Club has relationships with every type of bridal specialist in our region, from clergy, cakes, decorators and ice sculptors to musicians and florists. We’re here to help you create a wedding where you have no concerns, only beautiful memories. We can make suggestions, understand your requests, and follow through on the plans.

We ask the right questions from the beginning. What is your perfect day?

What is the most important part of the day—the gown, ceremony or reception? Once you have the picture, we can begin to establish the style of wedding.

We have held several styles of wedding ceremonies in the ballroom at the Club. Guests are then led to the atrium for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, while the ballroom is staged for the reception. It’s when we reopen the ballroom doors that the bride and groom respond in amazement that their personalities have been perfectly represented. Unlike other venues, where you rent only the facility, events at the Club have all the in-house accoutrements: fine china and table linens, sterling silverware, serving pieces and candelabras. Our creative culinary team and professional staff are trained to take care of every detail.

In addition, Hotel Bellevue provides the perfect solution for accommodating guests and bridal party members. Each room is unique. Premier rooms offer features such as a fireplace, oversized bath or large private balcony. Special rates are offered to families with 10 or more guest rooms. Early check-in is available to prepare for the ceremony or refresh before the reception.

Ultimately, it comes down to our simple but strong belief that every member and guest is unique, and their wedding should be as well. Contact the catering department 425.688.3382 or catering@bellevueclub.com.

MICHAEL M AT T I

Michael Matti is a Seattle-based photographer who shoots everything from architecture to weddings .

SEE M ICH A EL’S WOR K IN

“EVOLUTION OF A N EMPIR E” [PAGE 36] AND “V IS FOR VODK A” [PAGE 30] .

K AT I E VINCENT

Katie Vincent is a Seattle-based freelance writer specializing in outdoor living, wellness, travel and sustainable gardening. R E A D K ATIE’S WORK IN “THE POOH-BAH’S GUIDE TO SKIING WESTERN WASHINGTON” [PAGE 24] AND “DO THE SPLITS [PAGE 52].

DA N I E L L E ZORN

Danielle is a very curious Seattlebased freelance writer who loves that learning about anything and everything is part of her job description. READ DANIELLE’S WORK IN “THE IMPORTANCE OF ICING” [PAGE 56].

CONTRIBUTE TO REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE!

JILL PARRAVANO, Director of Catering

8 | february 2014 reflections

Are you an eager writer or photographer? We are currently looking for talented freelancers to join our creative team. If you are interested, please email reflections@bellevueclub.com.

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CALENDAR

bellevue club

FEATURED EVENT

FEBRUARY 2014 SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THU

FRI

SAT 01

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WINTERGRASS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

Feb. 27-Mar. 2, Hyatt Regency With over 28 toe-tapping, knee-slapping acts, this year’s Wintergrass festival is sure to get the whole family moving. Children under 12 years old are now admitted for free. ➸ acousticsound.org

SPECIAL EVENTS SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY 01 Vineyard Snowshoe Wine Dinner The Secret to Pain-free Knees

03

04

06

Dance Workshop: Foxtrot/ Swing

Travel Talks: Villas

Family Magic Night

14 Valentine’s Day Family Float-in Movie Night

17

21

School Break AllSports Camp

Kids’ Night Out: Mad Scientist Party

School Break Art Camp Swim Camp

24

25

26

28

Session 4 Classes for Recreation, Tennis, and Aquatics Begin

Trivia Night in Cosmos

Workshop: Technology and Your Family

Family Gym Night

W

WEEKLY EVENTS SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

Water Runner

Ladies’ Tennis Night

Half-Price Wine Night in Polaris

Men’s Tennis Night

Zumba

Mixed Doubles Night

Inflatable Obstacle Course

For more information about programs listed on the calendar, please visit members.bellevueclub.com.

RECREATION

AQUATICS

10 | february 2014 reflections

MEMBER EVENTS

FITNESS

TENNIS

FOOD & BEVERAGE

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NEWSFEED

Connect and find out what’s happening in your community and your club.

CLICK

B LOG R E E L Due to the success of the Meet the Trainers article in the January Issue, we want to introduce you to the rest of the team. Starting in February, look for many more profiles about BC trainers on our blog.

TOP tweets

of NOTE John Rogers, a Bellevue Club member of 35 years, celebrated his 94th birthday in the exact same place where you can find him many mornings—a 5:30 a.m. spin class. The retired dentist, who practiced into his 80s, is known around the club for his consistent early morning workouts, arriving most days around 5 a.m.

12 | february 2014 reflections

Rebecca Klein Do u have get fit as a #NewYears Resolution? @karrieduttonfit helps us kick into gear.

Haley Jacobson Shout out to all you New Years resolutioners at the Bellevue club.

There are a lot of you. Yep. Everywhere.

We think

COMMUNITY february 2014 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Ari Melton ➼ POSITION: Lead Barista ➼ WORKED AT THE BC: One year and some change ➼ BEST MEMORY MADE AT THE CLUB: My best day at the Club was when I got promoted to lead.

➼ FAVORITE PART ABOUT MY JOB: Being able to work around so many different people.

➼ THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME: Loud, energetic and winner ➼ HOBBIES: Drawing, shopping and Skyrim

➼ SIBLINGS: One older brother named Daniel ➼ FAVORITE FOOD: Sushi ➼ FAVORITE MOVIE: Step Brothers ➼ I WOULD NEVER: eat a jar of mayo. ➼ I JUST CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT: my music. ➼ AN ITEM ON MY BUCKET LIST: Write a book. ➼ FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD: Home is where the heart is.

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14 | february 2014 reflections

TASTE

february 2014

chef’s

CORNER

E X E CU T I V E C H E F PAU L M A R K S E M B R AC E S T H E CO L D W I T H H I S OW N T W I ST O N A N IC E B E RG S A L A D.

WINTER ICEBERG SALAD (Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

1 head iceberg lettuce

Cut the head of lettuce into four wedges. Wash and drain each wedge on paper towels. Drain the beans, and heat them in the microwave (time varies by machine) and set aside.

Fry the bacon strips until crisp. Reserve two tablespoons of fat, and pour off the rest. Add the egg, onion, sugar, salt, vinegar and chives to bacon. Bring to a boil and then turn off the heat. Arrange the iceberg wedges on plates, top with warmed beans, pour dressing over wedges and beans. Serve with a warm crusty bread to soak up excess dressing.

2 cups cooked garbanzo beans, drained 3 slices uncooked bacon, diced 1 egg, beaten 2 green onions, chopped 1 tablespoon sugar ½ teaspoon salt ¼ cup garlic-flavored vinegar 2 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons chopped chives

16 | february 2014 reflections

CITY SCENE february 2014 Seven Shows to Watch for in February Take a night off from the cold and grab tickets to some of the hottest shows around.

PAU L S I M O N A N D ST I N G

IMAGINE DRAGONS

Key Arena Wednesday, February 19, 8 p.m. keyarena.com

JO H N B U T L E R T R I O

Paramount Theatre Friday, February 7, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. stgpresents.org

Moore Theatre Friday, February 14, 8 p.m. stgpresents.org

I M AG I N E D R AG O N S

BA N D O F H O R S E S

Key Arena Tuesday, February 11, 7 p.m. keyarena.com

Moore Theatre Sunday, February 16, 8 p.m. stgpresents.org

PHOTO BY HARPER SMITH

J E R RY S E I N F E L D

PAUL SIMON

AMOS LEE Paramount Theatre Monday, February 17, 8 p.m.

PI X I E S Paramount Theatre Tuesday, February 18, 7:30 p.m.

STING 18 | february 2014 reflections

TAKE A TRIP TO ICICLE RIDGE WINERY 20 | february 2014 reflections

february 2014

BOTTLE TALK

written

by

l au r en h u nsberger

winemaker don wood

A

ccording to Don Wood, making great wine is not an exact science.

And Wood should know. Because before he was the winemaker for Icicle Ridge Winery, he was a high-tech research chemist.

“Winemaking is largely 90 percent art, 10 percent science,” says Wood. In fact, for him, his line of wines started with inspiration from a different fruit altogether.

In 2000, he got a phone call from his inlaws, Louie and Judy Wagoner, asking him if he would like to work on their small pear farm near Leavenworth. The appeal of a mountain lifestyle was strong, so he soon left his job at Lockheed Martin in Idaho and made the move to Washington to start farming the land, where there also happened to be a few grapevines.

“Soon into that first year, we started making wine for fun, a few gallons for something to do,” Wood says. That’s when the family was encouraged to create something—just a little—bigger.

“Within two years, we decided to open our little family winery for business. At that point, we only had two barrels of wine. In September 2002, when we opened, we started hosting our friends inside my father-in-law’s home, which is a 5,000-square-foot hand-carved

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ICICLE RIDGE

02_FEB14_Social.indd 21

Douglas fir log cabin,” Wood says.

At that time, all the wine came from the grapes on their own vineyard, which is perfectly positioned on the lush foothills of the Cascade Mountains. But like most artists, Wood began to experiment with different tools, and now, on top of using their own grapes, he sources some of what he says are the best grapes in the state.

“You have to get grapes from the right places,” Wood says. “Our high-end reds come from the Wahluke Slope AVA (American Viticultural Area) vineyards.”

With this willingness to try different vineyards, flavors and fruits, he’s created a full range of products that includes everything from their unusual Huckleberry Riesling to their most popular variety, The Blondes Gewurztraminer (named after the Wagoners’ three blonde daughters, one of whom is Wood’s wife), to a cabernet sauvignon that boasts notes of pie cherries, cranberries and anise.

And his array of flavors seems to have struck a chord with wine lovers from all corners of the country. “Eleven years in the business, we are doing 6,000 cases—that’s 72,000 bottles of wine, a year,” Wood says.

“It’s been a really great, wild family adventure, and we’ve made many good friends through the business.”

But according to the Washington Wine Commission, there are over 750 wineries in the state that distribute a combined 12 million cases of wine. So how does Wood make sure his artistic vision stands out above the rest?

“The biggest way that we provide a unique experience is that we don’t have a bar where people stand and drink wine. Every customer is invited to sit at hand-carved tables, and we serve them many different kinds of wine and tell them stories about how those wines came to be,” Wood says.

The winery also hosts special events, parties and concerts throughout the year. One of Wood’s favorites is the winter snowshoe walk. “We take our guests on a torch-lit walk through the vineyard. We give them a good pair of snowshoes, and go for a nighttime tour that lasts about an hour, and we end the evening around log tables and a fireplace.”

There’s also an annual white party on the last Saturday in June. Festivities include a concert and all-white decorations. “That’s one of our greatest events,” Wood says.

But don’t take it from Wood alone. He says former governor of Washington Christine Gregoire is a big fan and served the wine at the governor’s mansion three years in a row for her birthday. ➸ For more information about the winery, visit icicleridgewinery.com or call 509.548.7019. bellevue club february 2014 | 21

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We caught up with Larry Sc hic k, former KING 5 TV m et eo ro lo g i st a n d r e i g n i ng “ Po o h - ba h o f Pow d e r” f o r S k i Wa s h i n g t o n , t o g e t h i s i n s i d e r s c o o p o n o u r a r e a’s s k i r es o r ts.

bellevue club february 2014 | 25

SUMMIT AT SNOQUALMIE

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN

“Snoqualmie’s great,” Schick says. “You can get some really challenging skiing at Alpental, but you can take the family too.” The Summit’s four mountains appeal to snow lovers of all backgrounds, and all are connected by a shuttle service for those who can’t decide. Its proximity to Seattle is also a plus; in a little over an hour, you’re ready to hit the slopes. And then there’s the night skiing at Summit Central and Alpental, perfect for ripping up the slopes after a hard day at work.

“I think it’s one of the top 10 ski areas in the country,” says Schick, who adores the resort’s “sidecountry,” or backcountry areas with avalanche control. “You get hundreds of acres of untracked snow after a storm because people don’t want to hike out there.” Inbounds, Crystal offers a diverse mix of runs for all skill levels, plus plenty of high-speed lifts, views of Mount Rainier, and a gondola ride directly to the Summit House mountaintop restaurant. This year the resort will also host two food trucks at the base area.

Stick around for après at Snorting Elk Cellar, voted by Skiing magazine the “Top Ski Bar in the West.”

46 miles from Bellevue Club

Services: Downhill, Nordic, rentals, lessons, terrain park, tubing, backcountry (Alpental), snowshoeing, racing, night skiing, four day lodges with food service and restrooms Daily Lift Ticket: $12-$62 Season Pass: $89-$599

26 | february 2014 reflections

74 miles

Services: Downhill, rentals, lessons, terrain park, “sidecountry,” snowshoeing, racing, overnight ski service center, ski demo center, three day lodges with food service and restrooms Daily Lift Ticket: $41-$74 Season Pass: $549-$999

crystal mountain Schick Tip! Thanks to an epic and precise avalanche, experienced skiers can enjoy a very rare, continuous 1,600-foot vertical run, with continuous fall line skiing on the new run called “Employee Housing.”

bellevue club february 2014 | 27

STEVENS PASS

MISSION RIDGE

Confronted with the age-old rivalry between Stevens and Snoqualmie, Schick is as diplomatic as possible. “Stevens is often blessed with the meteorological magic of the Convergence Zone, which usually dumps tons of extra snow on the slopes.”

Also, Stevens’ newest Jupiter express quad chair, which opened last December, may break the tie, providing quick access to the powder-heavy back side. Families can look to the front side for all-levels runs, a reputable terrain park, and some steeps up on Seventh Heaven.

“It’s really a star,” says Schick. “The snow is colder there—it doesn’t have the mild influence of the ocean—so it tends to be more silky.” Being located east of the Cascades, however, does mean fewer powder storms, but as Schick points out, “it’s a good tradeoff for few people and very good-quality snow.” Plus, it’s sunny 300 days out of the year. The small but well-loved ski area boasts a high-speed lift, plenty of runs from green to double black, and unparalleled views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.

75.1 miles

146 miles

Services: Downhill, Nordic, rentals, lessons, terrain park, backcountry, snowshoeing, racing, night skiing, three day lodges with food service and restrooms Daily Lift Ticket: $15-$67 Season Pass: $99-$799

Services: Downhill, rentals, lessons, terrain park, backcountry, racing, night skiing Daily Lift Ticket: $12-$55 Season Pass: $89-$499

METHOW VALLEY 248 miles

MOUNT BAKER 136 miles

“Baker is the king of snow,” says Schick. “They consistently get over 600 inches of snow a year, and they are the snowiest ski area in the country—probably the world. Being so close to the border, the snow often comes in earlier in the season than resorts in the central Cascades.” Backcountry skiers should be extra cautious, however, as the huge pileup means avalanche danger “as high as a continental environment like Colorado where that light snow just sloughs off really easily.” But in-bounds, the runs are perfectly safe and plenty fun for all levels, with intimate views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan on a sunny day.

Though Schick is a powder junkie, he recognizes the sunny valley’s exceptional conditions for cross-country skiing. “You’re on the east side, so it’s drier and you have these beautiful bluesky days, but the snow quality can just stay cold and dry for a long time.” Ideal for a weekend vacation, Methow offers an extensive Nordic trail system from Mazama to Winthrop, as well as longer loops near Sun Mountain Lodge and Rendezvous Mountain.

Accommodations abound, from cabin rentals to the quaint Nordic huts along the Rendezvous trail. And for families with little ones who would rather play in the snow all day, there’s that too.

Services: Downhill, rentals, lessons, backcountry, racing, two day lodges with food service and restrooms

Services: Nordic, hut-to-hut skiing, snowshoeing, rentals, lessons, overnight accommodations, dogs permitted on selected trails, various lodges throughout the valley

Daily Lift Ticket: $35-$55 Season Pass: $160-$790

Daily Nordic Pass: $22 Season Pass: $325

Mission Ridge Schick Tip!

Make your own weekend ski trip: Night ski at Stevens, sleep in Leavenworth, ski Mission Ridge Saturday and Sunday, then hit up Snoqualmie for a night ski on the way back home.

28 | february 2014 reflections

➛ To receive Larry Schick’s Powder Alerts via email, please sign up at skiwashington.com/ larry.

methow valley Schick Tip! Need a pow fix? Try helicopter skiing with North Cascade Heli. heli-ski.com

bellevue club february 2014 | 29

written

by

l au r en h u nsberger

photogr a ph y

by

m ich a e l m at ti

30 | february 2014 reflections

IS FOR VODKA WHEN DESCRIBING HER PROCESS, MO HECK OFTEN LIKENS HERSELF TO MACGYVER. TAKE ONE LOOK AT HER CRAFT SPIRITS OPERATION, AND YOU’LL SEE WHY.

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nside her small Woodinville warehouse there are no big shiny industrial-sized stills or assembly lines. Instead, she fashioned her stills out of large cooking appliances that “all had previous lives” in places like Seattle public schools and a Florida prison. The piping around the stills has numerous twists and turns, the result of her tinkering to fit everything perfectly in the space. And because she modified all the machinery herself, if something goes wrong with the electrical system, she is the only one who dares to touch the electrical panels.

The comparison to MacGyver is apt.

But she’s also got a hint of mad scientist in that, when creating her signature spirits, she often resembles a slightly obsessive chemist. “I work really hard at making it taste beautiful, so there’s a certain amount of scientific work throughout the process,” says Heck.

For example, she painstakingly experimented with 48 recipes of gin, handpicking the spices for each batch, before getting to the final Douglas County Gin that has notes of almond, orange peel, rose, honey and, of course, juniper. “I’m really proud of it,” says Heck. “At number 34 my husband said, ‘This is good enough.

We’ve got to start selling product.’ But I couldn’t do it. It wasn’t something I could stand behind.”

Heck released her first batch of gin in early November, and as of press time, she has plans to release her very first batch of whiskey in January. But her distillery and her unique approach to creating spirits all started with very small batches of vodka she started making in her garage about seven years ago, while working as a bartender and server.

Actually, according to Heck, the real story of how her distillery came to be started hundreds of years earlier.

“I get all the wheat from my grandparents’ farm. They homesteaded in central Washington in the 1870s.

They started clearing the land and were farming by 1889. They have been farming continuously since then, which is a big deal for it to be in the same family all those years,” says Heck. She often makes trips to the farm for wheat with her children and husband and helps with the harvest every August. And in this way, she is part farmer, too.

She says the distinct, white winter wheat grown on the farm and her diligence in preserving its flavor are what set her

product apart.

“It’s soft and sweet. It’s not harsh because I don’t filter it to the point of neutrality, where all that’s left is ethanol and water. I leave it with a lot of character … I can’t take all the credit for my vodka flavor, though; there’s something left in the soil where the glacier passed through that’s giving the wheat that flavor, and then I’m just being really careful to preserve it.”

The other great thing about the wheat and Heck’s process is that after she cooks all the starch out of the grains, the plant protein remnants make perfect feed for animals.

Taking advantage of this, she partners with friends Jeremy and Susannah Gross, who run Bucking Boar Farm, to provide the animals with high-quality feed. Going completely full circle, she then gets the pigs back from the farm and uses them to make her signature sausage, which she also sells at the tasting room in her distillery.

“I buy the pigs and wheat at market value because I want all of us to be able to sustain our businesses,” Heck says of her belief in collaboration.

But back to the vodka in the garage. “We weren’t selling it at first; we were making small quantities, and I was really just figuring out what distillation meant. And bellevue club february 2014 | 33

THE GOODS “We call it Single Silo because my uncle Joe does really keep the wheat in the silo that’s on the label.” Now that you know the story behind the name, here’s how Heck recommends you drink it: “I would recommend you taste it by itself first because it has such a different flavor, and then try whatever you think would be fun,” she says. “I love Single Silo with honey and lemonade, or I make something called the Dutch Henry (after the Dutch Henry Draw, on the family farm), which is pink grapefruit juice and cucumber simple syrup.”

SINGLE SILO VODKA 80 proof $29.19

Aside from tasty vodka and sausage, patrons can enjoy project v’s quirky art.

SINGLE SILO’S DISTILLER’S CUT (UNFILTERED) VODKA 100 proof $39.98 SINGLE SILO ULTRA FILTERED VODKA 80 proof $29.19 SINGLE SILO CHAI INFUSED VODKA 80 proof $39.98 DOUBLE SILO 160 proof $51.59 DOUGLAS COUNTY GIN 88 proof $29.19

34 | february 2014 reflections

trying to figure out how to ferment,” Heck says. A little over three years ago, Heck decided she knew enough to get legal and start producing vodka for real.

But although she had access to great wheat, building a new business is hard, and this is where Heck says she had to get a little “scrappy.” When she first began, before liquor stores became privatized in 2011, the state was making up about 40 percent of Heck’s income; the rest came from the distillery’s tasting room sales.

When that income abruptly stopped and private stores could not yet sell, Project V almost came to a close before it even had a chance to take off.

“By February of the next year, we were sunk; we couldn’t pay our rent,” Heck says. But it was the salesperson side of her that wouldn’t give up. She knew she had to find new places for her product—and fast. With a bit of luck she was able to get a meeting with the spirits buyer for Haggen/

Top Food and Drug stores. But the night before her 8 a.m. meeting, it snowed two feet and the highways were a mess. She had to deliver pigs up to Lyden anyway, and so she was determined to get her product out there, no matter the risk.

“We made it to the meeting 15 minutes early, wet, smelling of pig.

And when he showed up, he looked at us and said, ‘What are you doing here? Everyone else cancelled.’”

Heck says the only thing she could say back was, “Will you still try it?”

And it only took the one taste for him to buy in. Heck says that’s usually how it happens; all people need is one taste and then they get it.

Since then, not only is Heck’s Single Silo Vodka in the Haggen/Top Food and Drug stores, but Heck also just received their largest order to date, from Fred Meyer. The spirits are also available in a handful of local restaurants. And it seems things are getting sweeter for the company with every batch.

THE TASTING ROOM “A craft distillery license allows for a tasting room if you make your product out of 51 percent or more Washington-grown ingredients, so people can come in and see you and taste your product and see the crazy stills that you built. They can see it’s not just another bottle on the shelf and know where it came from and what it is.”

Project V Distillery’s tasting room is open Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

For more information, visit projectvdistillery.com.

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photogr a ph y

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m ich a e l m at ti

the evolu tion of an emp i re THE STORY OF HOW ONE LOCAL SKIER CHANGED THE ENTIRE COUNTRY’S IDEA OF WHAT A SKI SHOP CAN BE.

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“All those things are just core to who we are,” Phillips says of all the many facets—adventure sports, art, music, food, architectural design and philanthropy— that work together to create the Evo brand. “We gravitated toward things we’re passionate about, and those things intersect with this lifestyle that we represent; they made natural sense. Art, music, the clothing and street wear mixed with the sports elements, they all kind of fit together.”

Collectively, the space is known as the Fremont Collective, and he says the idea is to have all the parts function together to provide a lifestyle, not just a shopping experience. Game changer.

But this isn’t the first time Phillips has charted new territory. Until the fall of 2013, Phillips also worked as a bigmountain professional skier, sponsored by companies like K2 Sports and Patagonia, which explains where he gets his expertise and passion for snow sports, along with the guts it takes to try something new. He spent well over a decade dropping into dangerous, previously untouched runs, some accessible only by helicopter—often for the sake of creating art in the form of photography and film.

It was during his professional skiing career that he started buying and selling ski and snowboard gear to his friends out of his garage, and thus Evo was born.

And the idea behind the Fremont Collective certainly isn’t the last time he is going to make waves.

“I’m excited about where we are, but it’s my personality to always be thinking about where we’re going next, and I feel like I’m just seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of the opportunity that’s out there,” Phillips says.

In fact, Phillips just recently broke ground on a project that will transform the skiing culture in this region in a major way. The project is called The Pass

Br yc e P h i lli ps i s a g am e ch an ge r.

S

pend five minutes inside of his Seattle store, and it’s obvious Evo, the company he founded in 2001, has revolutionized the idea of what a ski shop can be.

Upon entering, there are the expected two levels of adventure sports and street wear apparel and a mezzanine brimming with brightly colored skis, snowboards, boots and more gear. But peek around one corner, and there’s 38 | february 2014 reflections

an art gallery. Go down a few sets of stairs, and there’s a sizable indoor skateboarder’s park—Seattle’s only.

Look out the windows of the mezzanine, and you’ll find yourself peering into the dining rooms of two nationally recognized restaurants, Joule and The Whale Wins. To top it all off, when needed, the space morphs into a music venue to host concerts and events, many of which benefit charities.

Life, and it’s a multifaceted development located at Snoqualmie Pass that includes environmentally responsible lofts, a brew house, a restaurant, and plans for a general store.

And it’s these campus-esque, culturemeets-sports developments that really thrill Phillips as he moves forward. Like The Pass Life, not all the projects will have Evo stores, but his hopes for replicating campuses like the Fremont Collective that

caption goes here caption goes here

“ We g ravit ated toward t hin gs we’re pas s io na te about, and those thi ng s in ters ect with th i s l ifestyl e t hat we represen t; they made natural sense.

A rt , mu sic , the cl othi ng an d street wear m ixed with t he sports elem ents, they all k ind of fit tog ether. ” bellevue club february 2014 | 39

includes the original Evo store described above, are grand.

“The space is what really differentiates us as a brand. So that, by default, makes us really excited about the possibility of opening new stores in flagship locations in the nation, and one day internationally,” Phillips says. “If we’re going to do that in 20 major cities, and then go to 20 cities overseas, that’s a lifetime of work. Even if we go fast, that’s a lifetime of work.”

Phillips says his dreams include having stores in places such as Denver, New York, Zurich, Buenos Aires and Vancouver. But plans for a Portland location are first; and Phillips confirms they are already underway.

But perhaps the most remarkable and innovative thing about Phillips and his business plans is that whatever success 40 | february 2014 reflections

comes from it, he pays it back to the community.

“A big move in coming months, years, and beyond is to be very balanced and focused to leverage what we have accomplished to give back,” Phillips says. “Our stated cause is working with underprivileged youth, and we do not just want to get behind it ourselves with time and resources, but really carry the torch for it.”

Phillips says his passion for this particular cause was fostered as a small kid growing up in the small town of Roseburg, Oregon.

“I think one of the things I was most fortunate to have is close relationships with people who had nothing,” he says. “I saw how incredibly fortunate I was by just having some basic things that very close friends of mine didn’t have. They were

just in very bad situations. So having seen it firsthand and lived it firsthand with people I cared about impacted me from about first grade on.”

Now, when Phillips isn’t shredding on the mountain or dreaming up new ways to develop community-centered spaces, he is trying to “move the meter” on what it means to give back by getting his employees, clients and friends to join in the effort.

“If you’re successful, I think it’s important the default part of your response has to be to give part of it back. Some people are doing that in a big way, but it’s not the default yet,” Phillips says. And that’s what it really means to create change. ➛ For more information about Phillips and his projects, visit evo.com, thepasslife.com and evolutionprojects.com

Inve Man

Cert it aw

© 20

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CRC708199 7677957 09/13

© 2013 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

JOB INFORMATION 7677957

PROJ. NO.:

TRIM SIZE:

SPECIFICATIONS 8.25” × 10.75”

NOTES

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HILL

DYNASTY 42 | february 2014 reflections

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february 2014 written

PROFILE by

l au r en h u nsberger

There are some people who seem destined to play a specific sport, their bodies and minds perfectly designed for shooting three-pointers, throwing a football or swimming across the pool in a record-breaking time. Then there are even rarer cases in which an entire family has this gift. While they may not be a household name like Manning or Williams, there’s one such sports dynasty that hails from right here on the Eastside.

“Courtney was ski racing before she was even born,” says Maureen Hammond, a Mercer Island resident and Bellevue Club member.

“I was pregnant with her when I raced in the NASTAR Finals in Colorado, and I ended up winning for my age group.”

Maureen recalls this anecdote about her daughter, Courtney Hammond Wagner, 26, who eventually went on to have an illustrious ski racing career, because it’s symbolic of how much skiing is a part of the family. But there are many other telltale signs.

“We got both the kids started on skis at age 2. Matt [Hammond] was 7 and Courtney was 5 when they started racing,” she says.

Father Curt Hammond chimes in with another indication. “When they were young we probably put somewhere around 30,000 miles a year on the car driving to races,” he says. “But the time spent together on those car trips alone is invaluable.”

But all these small facts and figures only scratch the surface when it comes to how the sport has really impacted the family.

At the height of her own elite ski racing

career, long before the children were born, Maureen traveled the country as an Olympic hopeful representing the Pacific Northwest and later racing for the U.S. Development Ski Team, where she competed in the U.S. Nationals several times and even a World Cup. During her time with the team she also met Curt, one of the Pacific Northwest coaches at the time and her future husband.

Curt’s history with the sport is also extensive. He started ski racing in high school at Stevens Pass, where his family had a cabin.

In college, he raced for both the University of Puget Sound and University of Washington, but admits much of his success and satisfaction ultimately came from being on the coaching, organizing and officiating side of the sport.

After coaching in Aspen following college, he worked as the Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Ski Association. His next move was to Park City, Utah, where he worked as a coach and Alpine Technical Director of the U.S. Ski Team. Although he gave up the work a few years later to pursue a career as a stockbroker, he remained an official for 31 years.

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MAUREEN HAMMOND AT AGE 20

COURTNEY HAMMOND WAGNER MAUREEN AND CURT HAMMOND

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MATT HAMMOND

“I went to ski races around the U.S. and Japan, and I had the opportunity to be the top official at World Cup ski races, mostly the downhill. That was a lot of fun,” Curt says. “For a week to 10 days, I would go somewhere, set it all up, make sure the safety is in place, and snow conditions were good.”

And it’s with all this experience that they introduced their children to skiing.

“It was also weird because both of us seeing the sport at such a high level know what it takes. Both of the kids had natural talent, but at a certain point it’s more head than anything,” Curt says.

“They had to really want it for themselves,” Maureen says, agreeing. “And if they didn’t want it, we were not going to force them to race.” The only thing that was important to the parents was to expose the children to what they call the skiing lifestyle.

more time on the mountain, so at 16 years old, she moved to Utah and trained at Rowmark Ski Academy. As high school graduation approached, and she was accepted to Dartmouth, she made a tough decision to defer her enrollment and give her ski racing dreams a real shot by taking two years to race for the U.S Development Ski Team.

“I decided I needed to see how skiing would be without school,” Courtney says. “But I actually think that those two years were the most difficult years and not my best ski racing years. I started to realize that as a person I really need more of a balance with academics. I always thought academics was holding me back, but they were actually helping me excel.”

After two years of frustration (she also battled a minor injury and illness), she decided to listen to her gut and return to school, where she would ski for Dartmouth.

“Giving up on a dream was hard, and the transition was hard but liberating,” Courtney says. “All the sudden I really found this joy in ski racing I hadn’t before. When I was a freshman and sophomore, those were my best years.”

During that time Courtney became a five time All-American athlete and was nominated by Dartmouth to become an NCAA Woman of the Year.

For Matt, there was no moment where he decided definitively that he wanted to race; instead he says he remembers thinking, “I just really like going fast.” Which is why he preferred events like the Downhill and Super G, where athletes top out at speeds of 80 to 90 miles per hour.

Matt, now 28, also competed in elite races such as the Junior Olympics throughout high school and says, “skiing was just what we did.” But these highspeed events are not often offered in college, so Matt took a break from skiing while attending the University of Kansas.

But it didn’t take him long to realize that something in his life was missing. Like his father, he finds great satisfaction in coaching and traveling the world with elite and up-andcoming ski racers from his home slopes at Crystal Mountain.

“I am now coaching the FIS (International Ski Federation) team, with 16-, 17- and 18-year-old kids,” Matt says. “And athletes these days are training weekdays, weekends, going to summer camps. It’s a full-time thing for everyone. We were in Colorado last week, Canada next week, we’re going to Maine the week before Christmas.”

These days every single member of the Hammond family remains heavily active in the sport on various levels because although dreams of ski racing glory have faded for now, that’s never been the most important thing.

“Ski racing is important, but it’s the skiing together, the mountain, and family time that’s really important,” Maureen says. And that will never fade.

“Ski racing is important, but it’s the skiing together, the mountain, and family time that’s really important” “It was just nice to get them out of the house and enjoy sports, athletics,” Curt says. “We spent every weekend at the mountain, and that’s when skiing starts to feel like a small town because you know everybody, you travel together and become a small community.”

That’s where the Hammond DNA kicked in, because both of the children did in fact want to race.

“One moment I can remember where a switch sort of flipped was when I won my first race,” Courtney says. “I think it was the Cherry Tree Charge at Crystal Mountain.

I won as an 11-year-old, and there were some people older than me. All the sudden I realized I could do it, and I really wanted to do it and work for it.”

From that moment on Courtney, who currently lives in Portland with her husband, Andrew Wagner, (who was also an All-American NCAA ski racer for Middlebury), says she worked toward the goal of going to the highest levels of ski racing, which includes racing at the collegiate level as well as numerous international events like the Europa Cup, World Cup and the Olympics.

By the time she was a sophomore in high school, she knew training three to four days on her beloved Cascades wasn’t going to be enough. She needed more coaching and

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cold W E AT H E R GEAR part 2 Hard Gear for Hard Riders SKI SEASON IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST IS STILL IN FULL SWING. Now that our experts have a few months of skiing and snowboarding under their powder skirts, they are ready to talk about the gear that’s got them stoked. For part two of our annual Cold-Weather Gear Guide, they reported back to us about the best in skis, snowboards and much more.

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SKI BOOTS Tracy Gibbons, co-owner of Sturtevant’s, says the days of painful ski boots are long gone. “For so long people thought ski boots should hurt,” she says. “But they shouldn’t. They might not feel like bedroom slippers. They might be snug and tight. But they shouldn’t hurt anymore.” Much of the advancement in comfort comes from the industry’s ability to customize nearly every component of the boot. Using a variety of heating methods, many companies now offer moldable shells and liners. “So if you’ve got a hammer toe, a protruding ankle bone or whatever, it forms 100 percent to your foot,” Gibbon says. However, some of the leading brands just depend on good materials and design and say their products are perfect right out of the box.

MEN’S LANGE RX PRO 130 LV SKI BOOTS, $750 Perfect for big mountain freeskiing, Lange boasts the best fitting boots in the business—even without heat treatments.

According to the Lange website, designers scanned around 20,000 different skiers’ feet to help find the perfect design.

Maybe this is why Gibbons says it is the number-one boot seller at her store. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, lange-boots.com

WOMEN’S LANGE EXCLUSIVE DELIGHT 80 SKI BOOTS 2012, $500 Designed specifically with the female athlete’s foot in mind, this boot is made to contour to most feet straight out of the box, but it is also able to be molded using heat technologies for extra comfort. Among the many features, these boots have one-piece tongues for minimal seams and overlap. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, lange-boots.com

MEN’S FISCHER RANGER 12 VACUUM SKI BOOTS, $799.99 Created for adventurous of freeriding skiers who need plenty of shock absorption, Fisher’s vacuum ski boots allow for maximum comfort while flying high. In addition, the company partnered with Vibram to include a sole with strong grip for those who will be hiking and navigating rocks. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, fischersports.com

WOMEN’S FISCHER HYBRID W 10 VACUUM SKI BOOTS, $674.99 With an insulating fur lining, a flexible and adaptable toebox, and a boot liner created specifically with the Vacuum Fit process in mind, this boot is perfect for the versatile female athlete who enjoys both freeriding and racing environments. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, fischersports.com bellevue club february 2014 | 47

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POLES “The two biggest trends in terms of poles are either in glove-pole systems or adjustable poles,” says Gibbons. “In the terrain parks, people like them shorter. Then they go out and ski and extend them out,” she says.

She also cites their convenience when traveling as to why they are trending right now.

SWIX SONIC R4 Gibbons points toward Swix as a good adjustable pole choice. Their R4 series is constructed of aluminum to make the poles extremely lightweight, while not compromising on the durability. They also feature thermoplastic rubber-coated handles for easy gripping and straps with adjustable padding.

SKIS “Skis just keep getting better,” Gibbons says. “There are not a lot of huge changes but a lot of tweaking and fine-tuning. If people haven’t bought skis in the last five years, they will notice a big difference.” Gibbons adds that because skis have advanced in terms of design, more and more snow boarders are returning to skis.

1. MEN’S ROSSIGNOL S7 FREERIDE SKIS, $480 “The S7 series of skis uses a whole new technology. The skis are lighter and offer greater performance,” says Gibbons. “They are wider than average, but it doesn’t feel like it. They are good for skiing in sloppy weather as well as groomed runs. They’ve got great versatility.” These skis boast a balanced rock–camber combination for great control, all while maintaining a playful spirit. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, rossignol.com

3. MEN’S K2 ANNEX 118 (SETH) SKIS, $799.95 “Rocker technology is in skis as well. Again, that’s what K2 has been finetuning over the years,” says Gibbons. “We’ve gone to skis with some rocker in the tip and a more traditional, more universal shape in the back.” These skis are the perfect example of how the company has taken the sport to the next level. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, k2skis.com

2. WOMEN’S ROSSIGNOL SASSY 7 SKI 2013, $399.95 Rossignol also created a highly successful and versatile ski for women that features a 50-percent rocker and 50-percent camber combination, perfect for the freestyle athlete who wants to get the most out of her time on the mountain. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, rossignol.com

4. WOMEN’S K2 SUPERGLIDE 80 SKIS, $799.95 Designed specifically to be able to maneuver and perform in a variety of conditions, K2 claims to have made the ultimate progressive ski for women athletes on the mountain. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, k2skis.com

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03_FEB14_Feature.indd 48

1/17/14 10:18 AM

Name: Alex Brown

Biological Age: 76

Bellettini Resident Since: 2010 Still a kid when: tasting vicory

Whether you are leading an independent lifestyle or need assisted living services, our residents enjoy an active community that helps to preserve their inner youth and spirit.

T: 425.450.0800

1115 108th Avenue NE Bellevue, WA 98004

bellevue club february 2014 | 49

T H E B E L L E T T I N I .CO M

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SNOWBOARDS

“Talking about snowboard technology is a little tricky because they are packed with all kinds of new technology, but visibly, it’s harder to see,” Gibbons says. Noting everything from the materials used to make the board, to the design and shape, here are a few of this year’s standouts.

1. MEN’S BURTON CUSTOM FLYING V SNOWBOARD, $549.95 “Burton has now put almost their entire line on a channel mounting system, with a channel down the middle of board, versus the traditional three or four binding pattern,” says Gibbons. “The channel gives you umpteen ways to adjust your boots— just a ton of ways to adjust—letting the board flex more consistently.” The all-terrain Flying V is a great example of this technology that also has a number of other features. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, burton.com 2. WOMEN’S BURTON LYRIC SNOWBOARD, $399.95 “There are a lot of technological changes to snowboards especially in terms of rocker and camber,” says Gibbons. “Rocker is when they actually raise the nose and tail of the board a little, to help with turn initiation. It makes turns more forgiving.” Burton’s Lyric snowboard is their product geared toward perfecting the rocker for complete control on the mountain. This snowboard also comes with the channel binding technology. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, burton.com

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HELMET GIRO EDIT HELMET After an awesome day on the mountain, you can tell your friends and family about what you did—or you can show them. The Giro Edit Hemet, one of lightest options weighing in at 375 grams, now has a GoPro camera mount that is ready to capture every jump, turn and hill.

The mount, however, doesn’t compromise its ability to keep you safe while attempting filmworthy stunts.

Th co fin th tic ca th

3. MEN’S K2 HAPPY HOUR SNOWBOARD, $479.95 With one of the most unique shapes on the market, the K2 Happy Hour board is crafted to provide the best spring for riders who want to get the most out of their ride in all conditions, types of terrain and times of year. With their Lifted Technology, K2 has designed a board that allows for the fun of a cambered board with the control of a board that has stable contact points. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, k2snowboarding.com

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4. WOMEN’S K2 LIME LITE SNOWBOARD, $399.95 Using a technology called Tweekend, this snowboard was created for women who specifically love freestyle riding. The concept behind the design is to extend the rocker to the very farthest point possible, allowing for maximum stability when lifting off and landing. “K2 has definitely been leader in rocker,” says Gibbons. Where to Buy: Sturtevant’s, k2snowboarding.com

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RPM

Bellevue Club Member File #2244

“Tenacious Tennis Addict”

This member can often be found peering through the glass wall overlooking the tennis courts mumbling quietly about “kick serves” and “over head smashes”. While most of us find it acceptable to play our sport two or three times a week, this member plays tennis that much … everyday! Using a detailed spreadsheet to keep track of their team practices, team matches, and personal lessons, this member gives their all on the court, and can often be found personally restringing their racquets at home … most likely a home that was financed by Troy Chambers at RPM Mortgage.

Whether you are working on fine tuning your “second serve” or simply looking for consistent reliable mortgage financing…

Talk to Troy

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601 108th Avenue NE, 19th Floor, Bellevue, WA 98004 RPM Mortgage, Inc. – Washington Consumer Loan Company License# CL-9472 NMLS# 9472 – Regulated by the Dept. of Financial Institutions. Equal Housing Lender.

Do the S written

by

k atie v incen t

ORIGINS

Splitboarding was born of backcountry snowboarders who envied skiers’ ability to strap on sticky fabric called “skins” and glide out into the wilderness without the help of a snowmobile or snowshoes. The resulting invention is a hybrid of the two disciplines: A snowboard that unfastens in the middle to become two skis, enabling riders to traverse seamlessly with speed and ease.

Brandon Marr, currently a salesman at Evo sports, began splitboarding after years of carrying his snowboard around.

“I didn’t get into [splitboarding] until it was kind of a mandatory thing to get out in the backcountry out in Wyoming,” says Marr. “Before then, I did some hiking up with crampons and an ice ax, and I did a lot of bootpacking. … With a splitboard you can kind of coast and get more strides in, with a snowshoe you’re having to lift it out of the snow and plod along.”

THE PREREQS

Because splitboarding by default is a backcountry sport, knowing about snowpack analysis and avalanche safety is vital before even stepping onto the slope.

“Having a beacon, shovel and probe, knowing how to read conditions and how to get out there, and being with people who also do and are experienced is primary,” Marr says. “Safety first.”

To learn these skills, Marr recommends reading the wilderness guides by National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), as well as gleaning firsthand knowledge through an avalanche safety or backcountry survival class.

“People that have done a lot of hiking are just used to some of the gear they’re going to need to bring,” he says. “[They] know to stay hydrated and to make sure they have food and stuff for the travel up.”

After establishing a basic level of outdoor savvy, he advises newbies to try out bootpacking (hiking in on snowshoes) with a regular snowboard, before investing in splitboard gear, to develop endurance and practice their know-how.

“A lot of times, easy-access bootpacking can be a little safer; you can be around more people and people who know what they’re doing.”

Because splitboards enable riders to trek deeper into the wilderness to find powder, these survival skills are incredibly important.

Just take it from Marr: “Be safe out there, that’s number one … That comes before any sort of protective gear you can buy.”

52 | february 2014 reflections

BACKCOUNTRY POW JUST GOT A LITTLE MORE ACCESSIBLE THANKS TO THE LATEST IN SNOWSPORT TECHNOLOGY— SPLITBOARDING.

THE GEAR

Next, it’s time to look for the splitboard that suits you best. Usually splitboards are styled for all-mountain and freeride, but many variations exist—like the swallowtail for deep powder.

For beginners, Marr recommends the Panoramic board by Seattle-based K2 Sports, which comes with skins and hardware.

“The K2 Panoramic is a super-budget deal to get into splitboarding.

Still a quality board, but the most affordable.”

Otherwise, he says, Evo offers a wide selection of splitboards.

“Anything from punching through the trees to cruising fast, big, open bowls.”

Once the board is decided upon, footwear follows. Three different setups exist: Soft boots and strap bindings, hard boots and plate bindings, and mountaineering boots with strap or plate bindings. Bindings on most new boards are easy to convert from ski to ride mode, but older models may require a split kit or miscellaneous tools.

Other key ingredients for a day of splitboarding include trekking poles, skins, crampons, and the Ten Essentials (map, compass, etc.).

And the finishing touch?

“Helmets are always, always a good idea,” says Marr. “Trees are hard even if the snow is soft.”

SPLIT HAPPY

North Cascades National Park has some unparalleled backcountry, especially up near Mt. Baker Ski Area.

A little closer is Mount Rainier National Park and the surrounding area, always packed with stunning vertical and very often loaded with pow.

Try networking with splitters at your local snowboard shop or at online message boards such as those on splitboard.com.

Splits

âž› For More Information: Evo: 206.973.4470, evo.com/seattle SickSplits: 206.317.4632, sicksplits.com Snowboard Connection: 425.454.1148, snowboardconnection.com.

bellevue club february 2014 | 53

BODY | MIND february 2014 The Cold Hard Facts Whether you like the cold or hate it, for a few months out of the year, there’s no getting around it. So we think you should embrace it, get to know more about it and maybe even use it to your benefit.

VERY FEW LIKE IT COLD According to a 2009 study conducted by the Pew Research Center, not everyone is cut out to brave the cold. Here’s what the study said about life in the cold: “When it comes to places to live, Americans like it hot. By nearly TWO TO ONE, the public says it prefers a hotter place to live over one with a colder climate. No surprise, then, that San Diego, Tampa and Orlando rank at the top of places to live for those who favor a balmy climate. But for hearty folks who like their weather on the chilly side, Denver, SEATTLE and Portland top the list of favorite metropolitan areas to call home.”

HOT COLD-WEATHER TOPICS On February 6, 2013, the Pew Research Center reported that while people might not like living in the cold, they sure do like news stories about it.

“In the previous week’s survey (conducted Jan. 24-27), COLD WINTER WEATHER topped the public’s news agenda: 37% followed news about winter weather very closely, compared with far fewer who followed Obama’s inauguration (24%) or discussions over the federal budget deficit and national debt (23%).”

BITTER COLD BEAUTY TIPS

According to the Reader’s Digest article “7 Cold Water Remedies,” cold water can do a lot more for your body and health than quench your thirst. Here are just a few ways in which they found embracing the cold to be beneficial to your beauty routine: • Rinsing your hair with cold water can increase shine.

• Drinking cold water burns more calories than drinking room temperature water.

• Splashing cold water on your face can aid with stress relief.

• A cold shower or ice bath can help with muscle recovery after a tough workout.

To read the complete article, visit rd.com/slideshows/7-cold-water-remedies

54 | february 2014 reflections

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B E H E A R T S M A R T! W H AT WO M E N S H OU L D K N OW Learn how to improve your odds against heart attack. Overlake cardiologist Gretchen Crittenden, MD, and cardiothoracic surgeon David Nelson, MD, will explain to you the risk factors and symptoms for coronary artery disease and review innovative diagnostic tools and treatment options. Reserve your time in advance. Space is limited for blood pressure checks, nonfasting cholesterol screenings and carotid artery screenings.

Wednesday, February 12 Pre-reserved screenings are from 5:30-7 p.m. and the presentation is from 7-8 p.m. Reservations required. Men welcome. The event is complimentary. overlakehospital.org/classes

2 0 1 4 AC T I V E S E N I O R FA I R This fun, free daylong event features a fashion show and a variety of entertainers. Sit in on mini health seminars about keeping your heart healthy, stroke prevention and more. Take advantage of a variety of free health screenings.

Stroll through vendor exhibits highlighting a wide range of Eastside businesses and organizations. The entire day is geared to the active senior. Don’t miss this fun-filled event!

Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Westminster Chapel, Bellevue Call 425.688.6191 or visit overlakehospital.org/activeseniorfair

HOURLY CHILDCARE: PROfEssIOnAL bAbYsIttIng bACk UP CARE | WEEkEnDs AWAY Call to see how great our service can be for your family! + screened and trained nannies + Local staff to receive and fill your care requests + Let us do the work to find your favorite care coverage free Enrollment now through March 28 with code: CLUb

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bellevue club february 2014 | 55

FITNESS written

by

february 2014

ICING

da n iel l e zor n

THE IMPORTANCE OF

S

ometimes simple remedies really are the best. So don’t roll your eyes next time someone mentions an icing regimen to help your minor injury.

Because what might seem like an oversimplified, antiquated procedure can still do wonders—especially during ski season when the risk of injury is running high.

Neil Chasan, clinical director at Sports Reaction Center, says the acronym to remember after an acute injury is R.I.C.E—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Each step is important, but why icing? And what exactly is happening internally?

56 | february 2014 reflections

As soon as you get injured—say, sprain your ankle—your body sends phagocytes, a type of white blood cell, to “fix” the problem. However, the phagocytes cause swelling, which ultimately interferes with the mechanics of the healing process. That’s where R.I.C.E. comes in: ice slows down blood flow, slowing the movement of the phagocytes, while compression squeezes the area to keep the white blood cells out of there. Ice also reduces the pain associated with an acute injury, and therefore should be the first treatment after the incident.

Logistically, Chasan says, the length of time you should keep the ice on the injury is dependent on what part of the body is in pain. “It takes about 10 minutes to penetrate one centimeter of skin,” Chasan says. This means if you have a sore back, it will take about 30 to 40 minutes for the ice to penetrate the deep tissue. Alternatively, if you need to ice your elbow, because it is so close to the surface, about 10 to 20 minutes should suffice.

Instead of using an ice pack, Chasan recommends using a bag with ice and water inside, and placing it right on the skin. “Ice is too cold to place right on the skin, and if it’s there for too long, it can cause frostbite,” Chasan says.

But the concept of icing can go even further.

Icing is almost a “belief system” at the Sports Reaction Center. “We don’t just recommend icing for injuries, but for prevention purposes as well.” The clinic has a program called Core Control that

focuses on lowering body temperature before exercising, which prevents overheating, and actually can improve and enhance physical performance.

Chasan works with Seahawks, Sounders and Mariners’ players, and also professional athletes all around the world. As one of the recent sports trainers at the track and field world championships, Chasan says he had runners wear cooling packs around their core to lower their body temperature two to three degrees, but at the same time has them warm up their limbs with prerace agilities or stretches. This allows them to start at a lower body temperature before exerting the energy that would lead to overheating.

But what about heat? Neil says that he recommends ice over heat every time.

“When heat touches the skin, the cells that are guarding the injured area are dispersed, and the inflammation is then free to spread,” Chasan says. Heating one part of your body with a heating pad has a different effect than actually warming up your body temperature does, which is the point of warming up.

Avoid unnecessary soreness, inflammation and injury by taking advice from someone who knows, and ice already. You might be cold in the process, but you definitely won’t regret expediting the healing process or preventing injury all together.

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F-STOP february 2014 Children of all ages posed with Santa Claus at the Bellevue Club’s annual holiday party in December.

58 | february 2014 reflections

Northwest Real Estate TeamBellevue@BHHSNWrealestate.com Š2013 An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. cluboffebruary 2014 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marksbellevue of HomeServices America, Inc.Ž Equal Housing Opportunity.

| 59

F-STOP february 2014 Musician and entertainer Caspar Babypants was also in attendance and joined in the fun.

60 | february 2014 reflections

A Fresh Perspective in Mortgage Lending The Lysa Catlin Team

Jennifer Jacobsen MLO-1104038 Mortgage Loan Originator

Lysa Catlin

MLO-754386 Partner / Mortgage Loan Originator

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MLO-1070820 Mortgage Loan Originator Assistant

We understand the complexity of mortgage financing and market dynamics. With intense focus on communication and unparalleled expertise, we put our clients’ needs first.

Specializing in all aspects of residential lending: Purchase | Refinance | Construction Loan amounts up to $6M | 1-4 units Creative solutions to leverage your buying power Flexible programs | Aggressive rates

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Community Lender. National Strength.

bellevue club february 2014 | 61

Š 2013 Cobalt Mortgage, Inc., 11255 Kirkland Way, Suite 100, Kirkland, WA 98033. Toll Free: (877) 220-4663; Fax: (425) 605-3199. NMLS Unique Identifier: 35653; Arizona Mortgage Banker License #0909801; Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act.; Regulated by the Colorado Division of Real Estate; Nevada Mortgage Banker #3723; Nevada Mortgage Broker #3725; Oregon Mortgage Lender License #ML2991; Washington Consumer Loan License #520-CL-48866. Lysa M. Catlin, NMLS-754386, MLO-754386. Jennifer D. Jacobsen, NMLS-1104038, MLO-1104038. Jennifer L. Rachuy, NMLS-1070820, MLO-1070820. Ticket #2013101510002319

THE SERVICE

ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS

FINE ART DEALER

Empowering families to make informed and confident decisions regarding senior care and housing options.

e bellevue@aplaceformom.com

t (425) 502-6214 Kathleen Beers | Bellevue Club Member

ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS & OTHER ADULTS

Your Fine Art Dealer on the Eastside

On the Courtyard of the Hyatt Hotel www.ArtInBellevue.com

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HOME LENDING

Zuzana Brogdon

Loan Officer NMLS# 108898 206-790-6198 zuzana.brogdon@fsbwa.com zuzanabrogdon.com

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BELLEVUE

HOME LOANS

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CRUISE CONSULTANT – LUXURY TRAVEL

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

Top Producers for All Major Cruise Lines

BRIDGETT QUINN (206) 285-5600 | (800) 544-2469 BQuinn@CruiseSpecialists.com www.CruiseSpecialists.com 221 1st Ave. W., Suite 210 | Seattle, WA 98119

DENTISTRY – GENERAL & COSMETIC

425.868.2200

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LOCAL SHOPPING

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FEBRUARY 2014 Recreation KIDS’ CAMP M-Sa, 9:30 a.m.-Noon ➼ $15/day DANCE WORKSHOP: FOXTROT/SWING Feb. 3, 7:15-9:15 p.m. ➼ $30/member FAMILY GYM NIGHT Feb. 7, 28, 5:30-8 p.m. ➼ FREE FAMILY FLOAT-IN MOVIE NIGHT Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. ➼ FREE SCHOOL BREAK ALL-SPORTS CAMP Feb. 17-21, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. ➼ $40/child/day SCHOOL BREAK ART CAMP Feb. 17-21, 2-4 p.m. ➼ $40/child/day

Upcoming Events KIDS’ NIGHT OUT: MAD SCIENTIST PARTY Feb. 21, 6-9 p.m. ➼ $33/member SESSION 4 CLASSES BEGIN Feb. 24, 2-4 p.m. ➼ Prices vary

Mingle VINEYARD SNOWSHOE AND WINE DINNER IN LEAVENWORTH Feb. 1, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. ➼ $130 TRAVEL TALK: VILLAS Feb. 4, 7-8 p.m. ➼ $5 FAMILY MAGIC NIGHT Feb. 6, 6-7:30 p.m. ➼ $12 TRIVIA NIGHT IN COSMOS Feb. 24, 7-8:30 p.m. ➼ FREE

WORKSHOP: TECHNOLOGY AND YOUR FAMILY Feb. 26, 6:30-8 p.m. ➼ $5

Fitness THE SECRET TO PAIN-FREE KNEES Feb. 1, 2-4:30 p.m. $35/member

Aquatics BLUE WHALES SESSION 4 BEGINS Feb. 24 ➼ Times/Prices vary GROUP SWIM LESSONS SESSION 4 Feb. 24 ➼ Times/Prices vary SWIM CAMP Feb. 17, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. ➼ $40/member

C L A S S I F I E D S VACATION RENTALS

FOUR SEASONS VILLA, KONA, HAWAII. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa at Huala-

SERVICES

CANNON BEACH (ARCH CAPE). Exquisite oceanfront. Elegant and romantic 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, all new interiors with sweeping 180-degree views, stone fireplace, cherry, stainless, ceramic and quartz, with hardwoods, vaulted ceilings, DSL and hot tub.

N o s m o k i n g / p e t s . We e k l y m i n i m u m .

503.803.0370 or tunquelen@comcast.net.

lai Four Seasons. Ocean view, exquisitely furnished. All resort amenities included. Sandy, 206.851.4810. www.hualalaifour seasons.com.

DAVE’S PAINTING, INC. 25 years Eastside custom painting. Pressure washing driveways and patios. Free estimates. Owner present at all jobs. 425.747.2543.

SUN VALLEY. Prospector condos in Warm Springs for rent. 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms; or 3 bedroom/3 bathrooms. Pool and tennis courts available. Call 1.800.303.5630

RIGHT HAND WOMAN Personal assistant for busy professionals and seniors.

Home management, shopping, meal preparation, errands, chauffer, party planning. Make your life a little easier; call today 425.315.2706. righthandwoman@comcast.net.

KAUAI, POIPU BEACH, KIAHUNA PLANTATION. 1 bedroom deluxe condo.

Ocean/ lagoon/garden view. $210/night.

425.643.1805, ext. 14. www.kiahunapoipucondo.com.

KIHEI, MAUI. Beach front 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condominium. Ground level. Steps out to 4 mile sandy beach. Maalaea Surf Resort.

425.463.5437.

PARIS. Chic 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment in 7th Arrondissement. Walk to Seine and Eiffel Tower. 206.328.0897.

64 | february 2014 reflections

MAUNA KEA/HAPUNA, BIG ISLAND, HAWAII. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo.

Ocean view. All resort amenities included. Susan 253.222.4651, www.vrbo.com/496808

To place a classified ad call 688.3162, email reflections@bellevueclub.com or visit www.bcreflections.com *Classifieds deadline is the first of the month prior.

Aquatics

Ongoing Events For full lists of adult classes and events, pick up the latest copy of the Bellevue Club Connector or visit www.bellevue club.com/fitness /BCconnector.pdf.

FREE! INFLATABLE OBSTACLE COURSE, Saturdays, 6:30-8 p.m., and Water Runner, Sundays, 5-6:30 p.m.

HALF-PRICE WINE NIGHT IN POLARIS Tuesdays

WINTER SESSION BLUE WHALES AND GROUP SWIM LESSONS For full information, visit www.bellevueclub.com/youth.

WINE FLIGHT NIGHT IN POLARIS Fridays, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Discover new wines in Polaris. Choose from any three reds ➼ 2-ounce pours for $15 or any three whites ➼ 2-ounce pours for $10

PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS MASTERS/ADULT FITNESS SWIMMING M-F noon-1 p.m.; T/Th 5:45-7 a.m. or 9-10 a.m.; F 5:45-7 a.m.; Sa 7-8:30 a.m.

For information and reservations for any Aquatics program, call 425.688.3223.

Recreation FREE! ROUND-ROBIN SQUASH Thursdays, 6 p.m.

PRIVATE DANCE LESSONS (all ages) PRIVATE BASKETBALL LESSONS (6+) KARATE CLUB (7+) MUSIC LESSONS (9+) KIDS’ NIGHT OUT (3-10) RACQUETBALL & SQUASH LADDERS To receive your invite, email recreation@ bellevueclub.com.

WINTER SESSION CLASSES, CAMPS & PROGRAMS For full information, visit www.bellevueclub.com/youth.

Taste

Tennis ADULT GROUP LESSONS JUNIOR GROUP LESSONS MIXED DOUBLES NIGHT LADIES’ FLIGHTS MEN’S NIGHT LADIES’ NIGHT JUNIOR TENNIS TEAM JUNIOR USTA PROGRAM

COSMOS HAPPY HOUR Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.-close. Saturday, open-close HAT TRICK SPECIAL IN SPLASH Daily, 11 a.m.-close Three small plates ➼ $20 SUNDAY FAMILY FUN NIGHT Sundays, 4-9 p.m.

Half-price wine and beer by the glass, half-price kids’ meal when eating with a parent.

OPTIMUS PRIME IN SPLASH Thursdays, 5 p.m. until gone Slow-roasted prime rib (9 ounces) ➼ $24 There’s even a smaller petite cut for the kiddos, ➼ $10

Fitness See a Group Personal Training or GPX schedule (available at the Athletic Services Desk) for a full list of classes.

bellevue club february 2014 | 65

e

february 2014

pr ic

EDITOR’S PICKS

7 1

Ways (Other than Skiing and Snowboarding) to Enjoy the Snow

SNOWSHOEING is perfect for hikers who don’t want to wait until spring to hit the trails and don’t mind adding an extra challenge to their outings. For a list of places to snowshoe in Washington, visit wta.org.

2

Few residents take advantage of the abundance of ICE FISHING opportunities available in Washington, but it can be both fun and deliciously rewarding. Safety is a huge factor when ice fishing though, so visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ ice_fishing for safety tips and other recommendations.

3

Tubes are more often associated with floating down rivers during the summer, but Pacific Northwesterners know that SNOW TUBING is just as fun, if not more. There are a variety of local places that allow snow tubing during good conditions, including Mount Rainier National Park and the Summit at Snoqualmie.

4

According to the Washington State Parks website, there are over 3,000 miles of groomed trails perfect for SNOWMOBILING. So if skiing down the mountain doesn’t satisfy your need for speed, get your kicks by powering your way through local trails. For more information, visit parks. wa.gov/winter/snowmobiling

5

SNOW CAMPING provides adventurers with stunning views of snow-covered mountains, virtually no crowds and a great way to wake up and get started with winter activities without a drive. However, a successful and comfortable camping trip in the winter does take a bit more preparation, so be sure to visit wta.org/hiking-info/basics/snow-camping for tips.

6

SLED DOG RIDES allow outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to travel in an especially unique way. Head to Leavenworth and take a tour led by an experienced dog sled team. For more information about a variety of different tours, head to Leavenworthdogsledding.com

7

SNOW BIKING, also called fatbiking, is a relatively new sport that allows cyclists of all levels the chance to test their skills on the snow. There are a few Washington places that have groomed fatbiking trails, but one of the most popular is Methow Valley. To find out more, visit winthropwashington.com/things-do/winter-recreation/fat

66 | february 2014 reflections

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BELLEVUE CLUB

FEBRUARY 2014

EVOLUTION OF AN EMPIRE How one local skier changed the country's idea of what a ski shop can be

36

MEET THE HAMMONDS

Bellevue's downhill dynasty

42

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

THE

SKI &

SNOW ISSUE

A GUIDE TO WESTERN WASHINGTON Everything you need to know to ski the six best local mountains

24