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Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
January-February 2015
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In This Issue p.5 / From the Editor
MONTHLY
Winter Adventure is All Around Us
p.6 / Out There News
Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
p.8 / Hike of the month Fir Mountain
www.outtheremonthly.com
p.9 / Running Marathons Don’t Just Happen
Publishers
Shallan & Derrick Knowles Editor
Derrick Knowles
p.10 / out there kids Snowshoeing with Children
p.11 / Everyday Cyclist Winter Bike Commuting in the INW
p.12 / Travel Seven Tips for Healthy Budget Travel Abroad
p.13 / Climbing New Route Construction
p.14 / WInter Riding in Tri-Cities
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p.16 / Cross-Country Skiing Two Tales from the Mt. Spokane Trails Don’t Knock it Until You Lopett
p.17 / Backcountry Skiing 12 Tips for Avalanche Awareness
p.19 / Winter Adventure Guide
Visual Editor
Shallan Knowles senior writers
Jon Jonckers Brad Naccarato Amy Silbernagel McCaffree Contributing Writers:
Larry Banks S. Michal Bennett Bradley Bleck Katie Botkin Chic Burge Hank Greer Derrick Knowles Katie LeBlanc Ammi Midstokke Brad Myers Brad Northrup Jamie Redman Diana Roberts Aaron Theisen Brad Thiessen Holly Weiler
Contributing photographers:
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Crystal Gartner
p.32-33 / INW OUTDOOR & 6-Month Training Calendar p.34-37 / on The Mountain Why I Ski: Sherry Lavigne January is Learn to Ski or Snowboard Month Mountain Karma Don’t be a “Packed-Powder” Hater The Making of a Ski Media Mogul
p.38 / Where to Roll a fatty p.39 / The Gear room What to Wear While Fat Biking
p.40-41 / Mountain Gallery p.42 / Last Page The Best Worst Day of the Season
On The Cover: Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the snowy forests around Fernie, B.C., from Fernie Alpine Resort and Island Lake Lodge to the vast, snow-covered mountain bike trail network on the edge of town. Courtesy Tourism Fernie Photo: Henry Georgi
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Mailing Address: PO Box #5 Spokane, WA 99210 www.outtheremonthly.com, 509 / 822 / 0123 FIND US ON FACEBOOK Out There Monthly is published once a month by Out There Monthly, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2015 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 do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they are experts or seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, and areknowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.
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From The Editor: Winter Adventure is All Around Us When I found a shriveled up piece of last year’s fruit in my backcountry ski pack that had petrified and attached itself to my climbing skins, I could have taken that sign as a bad omen for the ski season ahead. That early December night, the snow we had been counting on turned to rain in the mountains, and as it so happened, it would be weeks before my freshly cleaned pack would see a sweaty back and a dusting of fresh snow. Fast forward through the holidays and winter finally found itself. Better late than never. It’s amazing how a few powder days and beautiful, blue sky breaks between storm cycles can almost make you forget a rough start to winter. You may have noticed that this issue of Out
There Monthly breaks from the publication’s 10-plus year tradition of having only one month listed on the cover. This 2015 “Winter Adventure Guide” issue is a thicker, two-month older brother compared to last year’s thinner winter editions. Billed as a special double issue, inside you’ll find winter travel and adventure ideas from around the region, from snowshoeing and parade-going in Sandpoint, polar plunging in Whitefish, Nordic racing in Winthrop, hitting the hot springs in Nelson, sunny singletrack riding and taco truck hopping in Tri-Cities, and hiking frozen waterfalls in the Selkirks. With gas prices so low that it’s almost creepy, this winter is about as good as it gets for loading up the family wagon or dirt-bag
mobile for a wild, snowy road trip to remember. This first OTM Winter Adventure Guide is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s out there too. If you look in the right places, there are full-blown winter carnivals; eclectic mom and pop ski hill events; quirky competitive races over frozen landscapes; mountain-top ragers; inspiring expressions of artistic and creative passion of the frosted kind; and endless places to get lost in or lose track of responsibilities and stress while wandering snowcovered mountains. We hope this thicker, meatier two-month issue of Out There sustains you through the dark, cold months ahead. We’ll be back in March with warmer days in mind with our “spring fever” issue. In
the meantime, there are slopes to be skied, mountains to snowshoe, winter festivals to attend to, trails to fat bike and skinny ski, and quiet winter days and nights that can seem swallowed up in white blankets of sparkling snow to revel in. //
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Out ThereNews Spokane Mountaineers Celebrate 100 Years A little less than 100 years ago, the Spokane Mountaineers, then the Spokane Walking Club, was formed by five lady librarians from the Spokane Public Library. Their goal was to get exercise and to explore the vast natural areas surrounding Spokane. In 1916, only a year after forming, men were allowed into the Walking Club after a heated debate and controversial vote. Men spurred more difficult hikes that drew the members further afield to see new places. Today, many favorite hikes around Spokane County were the exploratory adventures of those days. Antoine Peak, Liberty Creek, and Deep Creek Canyon to name a few. While the Spokane Mountaineers has a rich history of events and outings, the group is planning a huge 100th Anniversary Celebration with many special events. Every year since 1939, Spokane Mountaineers
have offered members a comprehensive Mountain School that teaches rock climbing, glacier travel and alpine climbing. Today, many additional classes covering a wide range of outdoor recreation activities are also offered. The club has been described as a surrogate family, offering a social connection for its members and outdoor enthusiasts who are new to the area. In 1949-50, Spokane Mountaineers members voted to build a lodge on club property on Mount Spokane. This chalet still stands for members to enjoy. The club also has a rich history of engaging in conservation efforts, including being involved in such great efforts as the creation of the Salmo-Priest Wilderness and the North Cascades National Park to name a few. Learn more about the Spokane Mountaineers at spokanemountaineers.org and watch for future articles on the history of the club in upcoming issues of “Out There Monthly.” // (Chic Burge)
New National Park and Wilderness Protected The National Defense Bill that passed through Congress in early December included a remarkable expansion of wilderness lands in Washington, in addition to many new national parks, wilderness areas and heritage sites around the country. It’s the first lands-protection bill approved since 2009, and the most significant expansion of the national parks system in decades. The new bill preserves Hanford’s B Reactor as part of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, and it expands the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area by 22,000 acres. In a compromise that gained the support of many mountain bike advocacy groups, the new wilderness boundary was shifted to exclude the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail, which is popular with mountain bikers. The Middle Fork area, along with the Pratt River, received special wild and scenic designation. The
bill also protected the Illabot Creek area in Skagit County “For everyone in Washington State who cherishes our incredible wild spaces, this is a truly historic day,” said Senator Patty Murray. “This isn’t simply about protecting the natural treasures we love, it’s about passing them along to our children, our grandchildren, and generations of Washingtonians to come.” Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Suzan DelBene were also strong supporters and cosponsors of the bill. Altogether in the Northwest, the bill preserved five notable places in Washington along with several spots in Montana. While the 2015 Defense Bill isn’t void of controversy, many agree that this conservation victory is a very fitting way to compliment the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. // (OTM)
National Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Rendezvous Comes to Spokane In March Anyone interested in the challenge and allure of roaming big, wild country, whether you’re a hunter, angler, hiker or mountain biker, will be sure to find useful information at the North American Rendezvous of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers coming to Spokane in March. The national sportsmen-conservation group, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, will host its 4th annual North American Rendezvous and its 1st annual Backcountry Brewfest, March 6-7 at the Red Lion Inn in Spokane. This two-day event will feature a keynote address by Sportsman Channel’s Randy Newberg, exclusive hunting and fishing seminars and more than $40,000 in guns, gear and trips to be given away. The event begins Friday with the Backcountry Brewfest, featuring more than a dozen local breweries and great gear giveaways. Raffle prizes will include cutting-edge Mountain Ascent rifles from Kimber, light-
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Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
weight backpacking tipis from Seek Outside, new-age Merino wool clothing from First Lite, and much more. Starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, experts in the field will present a series of workshops and seminars on a range of backcountry topics. Following the seminars, there will be an exclusive showing of hunting ethicist David Pertersen’s new film “The Good Hunt.” The event will also feature panel discussions on diverse topics including “Keeping Our Public Lands Public” and “Women in Hunting.” The event concludes Saturday night with a dinner, live and silent auctions, raffles, a public premiere of new hunting videos and a keynote address from public land hunting do-it-yourself star Randy Newberg. Auction items range from knives to tents, stoves and guided hunting and fishing trips. To order tickets, visit www.backcountryhunters.org or call 406-370-4325. // (OTM)
2015 MULTISPORTS
your next best race day!
Jan 17 nordic & snowshoe race May 24 spring half, 10k, 5k June 6 woodrat 25er mtb race Aug 29 triathlon Sept 12 lookout trail race Sept 24 marathon, half - marathon, 50k, 25k,5k
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HikeOfTheMonth
Fir Mountain (Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest) // Hike of the Month and photo by Holly Weiler
While I love our local urban hikes, there comes a point every winter when I long for the view from the summit of some remote mountain top. However, most peaks are difficult, if not impossible, to access during the snowy winter months. That’s where the Okanogan Highlands come in, offering prepared winter visitors a chance to take in a spectacular summit view with relatively easy access along Highway 20. The hike up Fir Mountain is short and steep, so layer properly and expect to get a workout during the climb to the top. The first mile ascends through second-growth forest and heavy brush, where the only views are of the immediate terrain. A winter visit over snow makes this portion of the hike more interesting than the same trek during summer, as the tracks of all the native fauna are visible. Carry a wildlife track guide to see how many species you can identify along the route. Eventually, the trail breaks out of the dense forest and crosses through open hillsides and rocky outcroppings. The footing becomes more difficult, but the views keep getting better. Note how snowmelt during the day glazes the exposed rock faces with a layer of clear ice. On the windswept summit, look for the few remaining remnants of the 1925 fire lookout, destroyed in 1958. In the distance, pick out the prominent peaks of the Kettle Crest to the east and catch a glimpse of the Cascades to the west. Keep an eye on changing weather conditions and monitor avalanche forecasts before attempting this hike. On my January visit I didn’t need the snowshoes I carried, but conditions can change rapidly in the high country. Should snow accumulations prove too deep to drive to the trailhead for this hike, use the Sweat Creek trailhead parking on the north side of Highway 20 as an alternate access point. This will add approximately one mile to the trip distance. It’s approximately five miles roundtrip. Getting There: From Spokane, take Highway 395 north through Colville and Kettle Falls. Cross the Columbia River and turn west on Highway 20. Go over Sherman Pass to Republic. Continue west on Highway 20 approximately 8.5 miles past Republic. Note the Sweat Creek Picnic area on the north side of the road (alternate parking area), and turn south onto Forest Road 31. The trail is on the right in .5 mile; park well off the roadway. No permits are required. For maps, try the USGS Wauconda Summit and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest maps.
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Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
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Running
Marathons Don’t Just Happen
First Time Training Advice to Get You Closer to Your Goal // By Derrick Knowles
Thinking about signing up for your first marathon, half marathon, or other long race this year? Now, while the snow and ice still occupy city streets and forest trails, is the time to transition from thinking to beginning your training regimen. Starting early in the year, say experienced runners with many miles and races under their belts, is your best shot at achieving your long race goal and avoiding injury by building up a solid base of running fitness well in advance of race day. Doing your research and learning from veteran long-distance runners will also give you a leg up on your training. We asked Race Director Ken Eldore, who puts on the Priest Lake Marathon and other Priest Lake area trail runs and races including the Priest Lake Triathlon, to share some of his running wisdom with those of us who are scheming to pull off a long run this season. OTM: What training advice do you have for runners thinking about signing up for a longer race or marathon this year? KE: It’s good to start working on a longer distance race early in the season if you’re not running year round. Pick your first marathon distance race with plenty of timeline to train. Don’t rush it. Effective training timelines are a huge key to successful running with less injury. An extra month or two of base conditioning lets you build up more slowly with lower mileage so you can run stronger as you approach the longer distances required in any training plan. A longer timeline also allows you to afford some extra rest and recovery periods if you start to get running injuries. Whatever training plan you choose, adding some extra time to the plan will pay off.
OTM: What other advice to you have for runners looking to get started on the path to completing their first long race or marathon? KE: After you pick a training plan that fits you, set some intermediate goals to achieve along the way. A first time marathon plan might be 18-20 weeks long, and if you add a little extra time to build up some slow base conditioning, you’ll be training for over five months, which is a while without race day endorphins. Pick a few halfmarathons, trail runs, or other races along the way to keep some race day excitement and motivation. Good runners race as often as they can, and race day adds motivation and excitement to your marathon training journey. It also puts you around other runners you can train and hang out with, which is great for morale. The race is both a mental and physical challenge, so being around other running pals to lift you up goes a long way. Part of being a distance runner is getting used to hearing that we are all crazy for running so much. When you tell friends and family you are now going to up the distance to 26.2 miles, they will look at you like you just told them you saw Bigfoot run across Riverfront Park. They won’t get it, so go hang out with other runners who do! Go to a good quality running shoe store and get connected with group runs and clubs. Your new running buddies will help keep you motivated on the path to your marathon. Editor’s Note: This is part one in a twopart interview with Ken Eldore on marathon training. Look for the second segment in the March issue of OTM. //
Kahtoola Winter Running Spikes FlagstafF-based winter footwear traction company Kahtoola produces running and hiking spikes and crampons as well as snowshoes to make it easier and safer for people to get outside doing the things they love in the winter. They also give you one less excuse to use for bailing on a winter run. The Kahtoola NANOspikes are a simple, lightweight running solution to provide traction on slick surfaces (they weigh in at around eig ht ounces). T he re are no buckles or straps, so slipping these stretch on spikes over your running or hiking shoes is quick and painless. The tungsten carbide mini spikes bite into hard, icy surfaces, and the plastic traction bumps on the inside of the NANOspikes
keep your shoes from slipping around. Looking for something a little more burly to help ward off a bad case of the slippies on your next ic y run? T h e Kahto ol a MICROspikes, with 3/8 inch stainless steel spikes, are pretty much a crampon that you can run in. They weigh in at about 15 ounces (per pair), keeping the weight down with a simple, easy to put on rubber ring, with spikes connected with a web of chain, that fits over your shoes. Best for mostly ice covered pavement or snow and ice encrusted trails, MICROspikes are a super grippy, light weight option for running in more extreme winter conditions. Kahtoola.com. // (OTM)
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January-February 2015
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Kids
Snowshoeing with Children: Tips for Keeping Warm and Having Fun // By Aaron Theisen It’s common in Nordic countries for parents to put their toddlers, swaddled in a pram, outside for their noontime nap, even in the chill of winter. The thinking goes that exposure to cold outside air can stave off wintertime colds, in addition to getting little ones accustomed to wintertime temps. Even if parents here aren’t yet willing to embrace the Nordic nap system, there’s no doubt that a little wintertime fresh air is good for everyone. But what to do when a parent doesn’t ski or a child is too young to learn? Look to another northern clime invention: the snowshoe. Easy to operate and designed for carrying loads over winter snow and ice, snowshoes seem tailor-made for toddler transport. The key, of course, is keeping warm. Small children do not regulate their body temperatures as well as adults, so they can go from comfortable to chilled more quickly; little noses and cheeks are especially susceptible. The solution: lots of layers – examine your own layering system and add one for children. Baby carriers that place the child close to the carrier’s body are ideal for wintertime trekking. In fact, parents may find themselves snowshoeing in shirtsleeves with a tiny infant furnace strapped on the
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front. Kid carrier backpacks (for example, the Deuter Kid Comfort series) accommodate larger children, up to 40 or so pounds, allowing them to take in the snowy scenery without tiring. Keep in mind that while you’re working up a sweat, your child is
suspended stationary in the air; layer accordingly. Finally, when selecting snowshoes for kid carrying, be sure to factor in the added weight of your child cargo. Larger snowshoes or ones with clip-on tails will help keep you from sinking too deep.
For a good introduction to snowshoeing with little ones, explore the Burping Brook Basin trail system at Mount Spokane State Park. A thick forest of western redcedar and hemlock shields snowshoers from biting winter winds, and a mellow grade eases the work of towing a toddler. From the Lower Loop Road Sno-Park, mid-way up the road to Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, schuss on Mount Kit Carson Loop Road 1.3 miles to Smith Gap, where there is a new snowshoe warming hut that makes for an excellent place to take a break and warm up. From the loop road, several singletrack snowshoe trails also branch off and allow for a variety of snowshoe loops. Trails with no fixed destination can also lend themselves well to snowshoe treks with kids: freed of the obligation to get a certain distance, families can focus on enjoying the scenery around them. Download a free printable map and snowshoe brochure for Mount Spokane State Park at www.mountspokane.org. A Snowpark permit is required, as well as a Discover Pass if you only purchase a day-use Snowpark permit. // Kristi and Owen Taking a snuggle break. // Photo: Aaron Theisen
Everyday Cyclist Winter Bike Commuting inthe Inland NW
FRESH POWDER
FRESH
5 Steps to Make it Fun // By Hank Greer
SNACKS
WE’LL HELP
YOU PACK!
Dressed for the weather. // Photo: Hank Greer
It takes some preparation, a little planning, and a touch of patience, but winter commuting is very doable in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint and many other towns around the colder, snowier regions of the Pacific Northwest. Yes, it gets cold, but most of the time the roads are clear. And when road conditions are bad, you can always take a different mode of transportation. 1. Choose the Right Ride Let’s start with your bike. Do you want to subject your nice commuter or road bike to ice and slush and traction grit? If so, remember you’ll need to replace the chain more often. Grit is great for shortening chain life. And you’ll be subjecting the rest of your bike to the harsh elements. My aluminum frame Trek is still plugging away after 10 years. I don’t mind that it looks well used. If you’d rather protect your “good” bike, then get yourself a low-end mountain bike. Basically you want something you don’t mind beating up. It will probably not get a good cleaning until your garden hose thaws out in the spring. 2. Get the Right Gear to Stay Safe and Dry Fenders are useful for blocking the stuff your tires fling up. Fatter tires get better traction than narrow ones. Big knobby tires and studded tires can help, but they’re not a 100% guarantee that your bike won’t slide out from under you. Switch to platform pedals so you can put your foot down quickly. There are a wide variety of snow and ice conditions in which you need to learn the limits of your bike and your winter riding abilities. Sometimes you learn the hard way. I have on more than one occasion just riding around the neighborhood. Going slower than normal is a wise start. Winter means shorter daylight hours and a greater likelihood of gray, cloudy weather, so you need to see and be seen. Wear a reflective jacket or vest. I use two taillights, one on the seat post and one on the rack. I have them blinking at different patterns to make them more noticeable. I use two headlights, one mounted on the handlebar and one on my helmet. The helmet light is useful for getting the attention of drivers coming from my left or right. When I look their direction, I light them up with 1,200 lumens. But I still ride defensively, which given the lack
of protected space for cyclists in Spokane, we should be doing regardless. 3. Dress to Keep Warm and Comfortable I keep my winter riding wardrobe pretty simple because I tolerate the cold fairly well. I wear a mountain bike shorts liner under a pair of jeans. If it’s below 20 degrees, then I add a long underwear top and bottoms. But go with more technical stuff if you want. Over that is a fleece top and reflective bike jacket. Rain pants are on standby in case it’s really wet out. Wool socks and waterproof winter boots keep my feet warm and dry. I wear a pair of heavier-than-normal running gloves with ski gloves over them. I have enough mobility to shift and brake, but my fingertips still get chilled at times. A pullover cap is my top cover unless it’s below 20. Then I wear a balaclava. I’ve seen people wear ski goggles, but I can’t because I wear glasses. So far it hasn’t been a problem. Besides, iced up eyebrows are kind of badass. 4. Choose the Best Route If the roads are clear, then your normal commuting route should be fine. You’ll be heavier and slower, so give yourself more time to reach your destination. When roads are snow covered, I prefer quiet residential streets and try to avoid the arterials. They’re often narrowed by the snow pushed aside by the plows, making less room for bikes. The most dangerous time, I think, is when the roadway is newly covered by freshly fallen snow. With the lane markings now rendered invisible, drivers make their own lanes. Sometimes they’re one foot away from the curb or on the shoulder of the highway where I would be riding. Also, I notice a lot of drivers don’t adjust to the conditions and start sliding around a lot. On those few occasions, I take the bus instead. 5. Have Fun When I started bike commuting, I did not consider riding in the winter. But with time and experience, I learned that winter commuting was possible – as long as I promised my wife I would commute only when the roads are clear. My commute takes a little longer, but riding a bike is fun. And who doesn’t want more fun in life? //
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Travel Seven Tips for Healthy Budget Travel Abroad // By Katie Botkin I have traveled often and the places blur together, but I must forget this and see each thing as if I were 19 again, on my first trip abroad, the mundane ache of daily need shot through with the exotic. It is a good way to get through long hours of exhaustion and potentially-dangerous unfamiliarity. And of course, it is easy to see the exotic in something that is tropical and unfamiliar. On vacation in a place like Thailand, it’s easier to be OK with the fact that the bed is a bit too hard, or the beer is a bit too warm, or the music is a bit too loud. It’s less easy to be OK with the stories of rampant food poisoning, malaria or Dengue Fever that travelers swap over warm beer. I’ve been to Thailand twice this year – I had to go back because the first time, I got violently ill for five days and thus I could not rock climb the way I’d planned. So I researched how to stay healthy this time around in my tropical location of choice: 1. Consider getting vaccines or antimalarials before you go. Research where you’re going, keeping in mind the activities you’re planning on being involved in and the state of your immune system. The CDC website has customizable lists of its vaccine recommendations based on these criteria. 2. Acquire electrolytes before you’re so sick you can’t move. Nothing too sugary that can worsen your condition in the event that you’re ill. My favorite electrolyte drink is coconut water from a clean source (such as the local 7-Eleven). If you’re worried, you can buy rehydration salts before your travels and bring them with you. 3. Don’t consume tap water, not even a little bit. In Thailand, I stumbled across a source of local tap water – an open-air aquifer doubling as a swimming hole, with a pump shuttling water away. Given the amount of trash littering the water’s edge, the presence of ducks, monkeys and wading fishermen, I immediately thought better of brushing my teeth with local tap water. 4. Order scalding hot food only. I ate a lot of street food because I could see it actually being cooked in front of me. 5. Ask for packaged utensils. Dishes can be a source of bacteria, even if they’ve been rinsed out or washed. In Asia, you can typically ask for packaged chopsticks. In a pinch, I’d dip my spoon in my scalding-hot food before I let it cool down. 6. Don’t touch your face or nose unless you’ve just washed your hands with soap. This means that you should bring your own soap (or wet wipes) and your own tissue paper with you. Trust me, these items will come in handy in a variety of situations. Many cheaper places – public bathrooms, even hotels – offer neither soap nor tissue. 7. Support your immune system. Get enough sleep, eat well, stay hydrated, laugh. And be flexible – don’t stress out if something goes a little wrong, because it probably will. That’s just part of traveling. //
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Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
Street food in Thailand - Make Good choices and stay healthy. // Photos: Shallan Knowles
Climbing Every Winter, Climbers Flock to Indoor Gyms - But Who Puts Up All Those New Routes? // Just as a grizzly bear finds a dry den to wait out winter, the same can be said for our local climbing community. With the onset of foul weather, many Spokane area climbers seek refuge at Wild Walls. And so I wondered, with an influx in demand, who sets all those flashy new routes week after week? On a brisk Sunday morning, I entered Wild Walls looking for Javier Sparks, or Javi as he’s known. Having set routes for the past six years, Javi manages a crew of setters responsible for feeding hungry climbers a healthy diet of fun, challenging routes. Appearing suddenly from behind one of the walls with a big smile and a drill, Javi was clearly ready to strip holds and start anew. He quickly pointed out that route setting is very subjective. “I just try and make sure everything blends together and flows really nice,” he says. Like most artists describing their craft, Javi labored over how to define success. “If you’re able to make a route and all the movement is fluid, the feet are in the perfect spot, that’s what I consider a really great climb,” he says. “If it doesn’t feel natural, it just feels awkward and botched.” What’s the biggest challenge he faces with setting a route? He let out a loud chuckle before answering: “Creativity.” Because creativity can be a scarce commodity at times, Javi says he knows not every route at Wild Walls is spot-on, noting that the feedback he often gets from climbers critiquing the routes is too nice. Individual route setters each bring a different
George Hughbanks looking over his options before setting a route. // Photo: Brad Myers
climbing style to the gym, which adds variety, Javi says. Because of their specialized skills, he dispatches certain members of the team to particular angles of the wall. For example, he explains how important it is to have women setters on staff for setting routes that reflect the different ways many women climb compared to men who often muscle their way up the wall. I follow Javi around the gym while sidestepping the organized chaos. Reggae beats bump overhead, the sound of drills bounce off the walls,
setters swing from ropes, holds fall from the sky, bolts and colored tape litter the floor and buckets full of grimy holds wait patiently for their vinegar bath. The entire process of stripping a single wall and placing new routes requires a few hours, often involving a mix of volunteer and paid setters. I begin to hear a recurring theme voiced by the setters as they describe the monumental task of trying to mimic Mother Nature. With varying degrees of success, they take as much inspiration as they can from outside and bring it indoors.
By Brad Myers
George Hughbanks, veteran setter and Javi’s mentor, points out that there are certain things outside that they can never really bring indoors. “Outside can have some tweaky, not very ergonomic movements, but in the gym, those moves might not be as fun to climb, and then the route is just a wasted piece of real estate,” he says. In the back room, with a pungent smell lingering from the giant tub of vinegar, setters rummage through freshly cleaned holds. Like painters picking colors, they crowd around a pile of holds, matching routes they are forming in their minds with corresponding holds. Javi rinses off the vinegar and tosses the holds on the table while asking another setter, Mike, what he wants to set. Mike suggests a 5.11d on the wall he just stripped. “Go for it,” Javi says excitedly. The more I listen to Javi and his crew, the easier it is to see why the formula for setting a route is equal parts passion and creativity. Dane, an easygoing, willing apprentice, started out volunteering this past summer and has since graduated to a paid position. Filling his bucket with holds, he describes his passion for climbing and his desire to put up fun routes. “Seeing someone try a route I put up four or five times, and then finally nail it, brings a smile to my face.” Route setting takes on even greater importance in the winter months because of the spike in popularity of indoor climbing. Climbers count on new routes to retain their summer strength, improve technique and build endurance. So if you think hibernation is hindering your climbing skills, go see what Javi and his crew just put up. //
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January-February 2015
Outlet / Out There Monthly
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Winter Riding In The Tri-Cities Sun, Sagebrush and Singletrack By Aaron Theisen
From its proximity to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and its residents’ top-secret involvement in the Manhattan Project to its otherwise quiet reputation as Washington’s agricultural heartland, the Tri-Cities are used to being off the radar. But Kennewick, Richland and Pasco have quietly begun to develop a reputation as an outdoor recreation destination amidst one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation, thanks to an impressive, loosely connected network of urban trail systems. When cyclists would rather click into bike pedals than bindings, the sun and sagebrush of Tri-Cities singletrack beckon. State Patrol Trail System Singletrack-savvy riders should make the “State Patrol” trail system near Kennewick their first cycling stop. Located on private land behind the Washington State Patrol building off Highway 395 on the edge of Kennewick, the State Patrol system boasts some of the best sagebrush singletrack in the state, its deep lateral ravines concealing nearly 20 miles of trail. Tight, twisty turns and sandy soil will keep bikers’ attention on the trail, but keen-eyed riders may spot badgers, rabbits and hawks among the sagebrush. There’s no “official” trail system, and thus no map, but it’s hard to get lost; all trunk trails eventually connect back to the informal trailhead. Close enough to town for riders to pop in for a post-work ride, but with enough mileage to accommodate an all-day haul, the State Patrol system has a dedicated core of users. Coupled with nearly year-round rideability, this is truly one of the best urban mountain biking systems in Washington. Although the private landowner has graciously allowed trail construction – bolstered by users’ selfpolicing – developers have been eyeing this parcel of prime real estate for years, so there’s no guarantee this trail system will remain accessible in the future. Our tip: ride it now and persuade public officials to add the State Patrol property to the Tri-Cities’ enviable open space network. Badger Mountain Trails The multi-user trail system on Badger Mountain in Richland anchors the area’s Ridges to Rivers Open Space Network, an ambitious plan to link undeveloped lands in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas. Riders will find plenty of wide-open vistas on the Skyline Trail, the best of the trails open to bikes on Badger. The 3-mile route features impressive ridgeline riding for minimal climbing effort, and, because the trail traverses a west-facing slope, riders can reliably access Skyline even on the rare occasions that its neighbors are snowed in. This is one of the Tri-Cities’ most popular trail systems, so prepare to share the trail – nearly 200,000 hikers, bikers, dog-walkers and equestrians use the Skyline Trail each year. But the spectacular ridgeline route is worth the company, and so are the views of the arid Columbia and Yakima River basins, the pristine Hanford Reach and, on a clear day – of which there are many here – distant Mts. Adams and Rainier. The Sagebrush Trail is also open to bikes, adding several more miles of riding potential in the Badger area.
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Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
Chamna Natural Preserve Beginner mountain bikers and foul-weather riders can get easy laps in the saddle at Chamna Natural Preserve on the edge of Richland. Protecting nearly 300 acres of riparian habitat along the Yakima River near its confluence with the Columbia, Chamna features 11 miles of mostly doubletrack trails. The riding isn’t technical, but the scenery is sublime, with paths swooping among sagebrush flats and through tunnels of twisting tree trunks and wild rose brambles. Although the freeway skirts the edge of Chamna, the rushing Yakima River – and the rush of rustling leaves as riders navigate the vegetation tunnels – keeps road noise to a minimum. More Trail Descriptions and Trailhead Directions Find more detailed route information and trailhead directions for these and other Tri-Cities area trails at this awesome local biking website: www.biketricities.com. // Escape the snow for some Sunny singletrack. // Photo: Aaron Theisen
Se Habla Taco Truck? A Guide to Some of Tri-Cities’ Best Mexican Food. The next time you visit us down here in beautiful Southcentral Washington for a hike or ride on Badger Mountain, one of our many road races, or a paddle on the Hanford Reach, be aware you are among culinary greatness. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the very best trucks, taquerias, and Mexican groceries in Tri-Cities. • Pasco’s Fiesta Foods, 115 S. 10th Ave., is a large Mexican supermarket chain with amazing baked goods, unique produce buys, a full service carneceria, and a deli pumping out a wide variety of spot-on Mexican dishes. Whether to shop or eat at the deli, or both, Fiesta Foods is a cool place to visit. • Pasco’s Tacos Palomino, 1515 N. 4th Ave, features an excellent salsa bar with free hot, sautéed onions and boiled beans, as well as arguably the best burritos and tortas in Pasco, a bold claim. Everything here is excellent, and you won’t see many Caucasian customers, a sure sign you’re in the right place for the most authentic Tri-Cities Mexican food. La Fama, 1501 W. Sylvester, is a sister restaurant with similarly excellent food and even less seating. Open 7 days a week including late. • Kennewick’s Tony’s Tacos, 3809 W. Clearwater, is a truck with above-average food and exceptional green sauce. Tony has been in business for 15 years making burritos, hurraches, sopes, tortas, and tacos and is a well-liked figure in Kennewick. • Richland’s Tacos Super Uno, 33 Goethals Dr., is an excellent truck located in the Tri-Cities’ only taco truck wasteland: Richland. They do all the standard fare very well and offer great daily specials during the week, including two-forone tacos on Mondays, making really good tacos a scant 75 cents. // (OTM)
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CrossCountrySkiing two Tales from the mount spokane nordic trails Humility on Sam’s Swoop
Flying with My Best Friend
By Jamie Redman
By Diana Roberts
In high school, I raced with the Spokane Nordic Ski Team. One afternoon, about 12 years ago, I was particularly confident in my skiing prowess and challenged my teammate to a friendly 5 kilometer race from the top of the Shadow Mountain Trail back to Selkirk Lodge. The mountain air was clear and cold; perfect for two 16-year-olds to duke it out on a winter afternoon. We bobbed and weaved down the hairpin turns of Wild Moose. Neck and neck, we double-poled over the easy grade of Lodgepole. Together, we raced down Sam’s Swoop, a rollercoaster trail of moderate downhill pitches and sweeping turns. The pink tassel on my hat flew out behind me as I raced toward the lodge. As we neared Junction 1, I could see that it was bustling with skiers. In my 16-year-old mind, I could imagine the awe and admiration of the onlookers as I blazed past them in a flash of bright Lycra. I looked good, I felt good, and in the classic tradition of teenage girls, I decided to let everyone know. So I put on my most intense racing face, assumed my fastest-looking skiing position and that’s when disaster struck. In my efforts to impress my audience, I failed to obey the cardinal rule of winter sports: watch where you’re going. I caught a ski tip on the edge of the trail, skidded out of the tracks and proceeded to execute a flying face plant directly in front of the 5-yearolds in a Nordic Kids lesson group. There was a collective groan from the surrounding witnesses, a burst of laughter, and even some sporadic clapping. The entire situation was worsened when my backstabbing teammate collapsed into hysterical laughter at my unintentional Nordic acrobatics. Shamefaced, I extracted myself from the snowbank, brushed the powder from my eyes (and mouth, nose and ears), and tried to sneak discretely away. As I scurried back to Selkirk Lodge, I could hear the ski instructor counseling the kindergartners: “You see, kids, any idiot can go fast. The best skiers know how to stop.” //
It’s a cold, windy Sunday afternoon at the Selkirk Lodge. But my dog, Murungu (Big Chief), is excited to skijor. We head over to Linder Road. Dog harness, tug line, skijor belt, skis, poles. Yes, that’s all our gear. Our friends are waiting, but Murungu, my 90 pound Shelter Treasure, fidgets as I hurry to put on his harness. “Help me, please,” I plead. The temperature is 16 degrees Fahrenheit. Yep, that’s cold! I pull out booties and Murungu relaxes as I fasten them on his paws. Finally, I step into my skis and we’re off. Fifty yards down the trail Murungu stops abruptly. “What’re you doing?” I ask. Silly question. Time to pick up dog poop, of course. That done, we fly along the strait, Murungu kicking up snow clods into my face. Brrr, the wind on my cheeks is freeeeezing. Skiers ahead! “Murungu, stay right!” We flash by, catching a glimpse of envious grins. We chase our skijoring friends down the broad trail, Murungu pulling hard with a happy, lolloping gait. “Relax over the bumps, bend your knees,” I remind myself as we swing round a corner, only the tug line attached at my waist preventing me from sailing over the edge of the bank. Murungu’s drive is all social, and he slams to a halt where the others are waiting. We glide on gently as the trail levels and take another break at the Brickel Creek Bridge. Murungu cocks his head, anticipating a treat, and chews snow beside the trail. We begin the climb up the Mica Road Trail. “Murungu, mush,” I say. “Skijoring’s a team sport. You lead on the uphill,” he counters, sniffing something fascinating in the snow. Eventually, the trail crests and clouds part to reveal the valley below. I breathe deeply, energized to be out with my adventure buddy. Our friends go on to the turnaround at the end of Mica Road, but Murungu and I rest briefly before heading homewards. We’ve been skijoring together more than 10 years, and I don’t want him exhausted. Dusk falls fast, and soon we’re in darkness with cedar trees looming over the trail. The mist swirls around us, lights from the alpine runs flickering eerily in the gloom. Murungu moves at a slow trot, barely keeping the tug line taut, but it’s enough. We work in silent unison along the last stretch until we see the warm lights of the lodge ahead. “That was grand! I love you, Murungu!” He tucks his head under my chin. For information on skijoring and skijor clinics, email Diana at skijorspokane@yahoo.com. //
The nordic trail system at Mount Spokane is one of the best in the Northwest. // Photos Courtesy of Spokane Nordic Ski Association
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Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
Don’t knock it until you loppet
Take the Mount Spokane Nordic Challenge // By Jamie Redman
As an avid Nordic skier, I’m always on the lookout for fun events to scratch my competitive itch. So when I saw an advertisement for the “Spokane Nordic Challenge Loppet,” I was naturally intrigued. Now, what exactly is a “loppet”? I polled my coworkers, and their guesses ranged from logical to absurd: A large rabbit, a Scandinavian folk dance, beef stew from France, a Muppet that cuts things, a retro hair style, an exercise machine and “the sound a marmot makes when it’s surprised.” My friend, an amateur snowboarder, hazarded the closest guess: “Isn’t it a cross-country ski race with sweet obstacles and sweet tricks that you have to ‘loppet’ over?” Well, as it turns out, my snowboarding friend wasn’t too far off. A “loppet” is a cross-country ski race, but the only “sweet tricks” would involve extracting my mid-race chocolate bar from my pocket without removing my gloves. “Loppet” roughly translates to “ski marathon,” or any cross-country skiing event that’s over 20 miles long. The Spokane Nordic Challenge Loppet, held on Mount Spokane on the first Sunday in March, offers a variety of distances from 20 to 50K (12-31 miles) to entice every level of Nordic athlete. I woke up on race morning with some measure of trepidation. I hadn’t really trained for a ski marathon. Did I just bite off more than I could chew? As I looked around the starting line, I saw quite the spectrum of fitness levels and skiing ability. There were elite racers, amateur fitness buffs, and novice skiers who had just completed a season of adult lessons. There were grandpas, soccer moms and even a few intrepid grade-schoolers ready to challenge their parents in a 20K smackdown. The race director reminded us that while we DID have racing bibs, that this was NOT a competitive race. Stop for a snack, he told us, or come back to the lodge for lunch. He advised the participants to enjoy the scenery, take pictures and relish the snowy trails before the spring thaw turned everything into mush. The Spokane Loppet was created to be, in the truest sense of the word, a challenge. It’s a personal test of a skier’s endurance, an end-of-season celebration of their fitness gains. There are no age-group prizes, no overall awards and no time limit. In fact, the grand prize is earned for the best “Selkirk selfie” taken on the race course. “The beauty of an event like this is that it can be whatever you want it to be,” explains Race Director Brad Thiessen. “Elites can race it if they want, but for most people it’s either a personal challenge or a chance to take a long ski with friends.” At age seven, Josie McLaughlin was one of the youngest finishers of the 2014 Loppet. With frequent rest breaks, plenty of snacks, and a Thermos of hot chocolate, McLaughlin and her mother finished the course in just a hair over four hours. I asked McLaughlin if she had any advice for a Loppet rookie: “I would tell them to not ski too fast at the start, just go medium,” she advises. “And when you finish, finish strong!” The Loppet course was designed to showcase Mount Spokane’s expansive trail system, which offers everything from long gentle grades to exhilarating downhills and meandering paths through alpine forest. The aptly-named “Outer Limits” trail takes skiers over the Washington/Idaho border on an epic, swooping traverse down a mountain meadow, with breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding Selkirks. Skiers can warm up around a fire or replenish their water bottles at several aid stations, where ski patrol volunteers and the local junior racing team offer words of encouragement. “As they say, faith can move mountains,” advises race founder John Hatcher. “Or in this case, it can move you across the mountain.” While the idea of a ski marathon might sound intimidating, race organizers maintain that any recreational skier can complete the shortest distance with proper pacing, comfortable equipment and enough snack breaks. “Twenty kilometers may seem like a daunting challenge, but last year we had 29 kids under the age of 18 ski 20, 30 and even 50K, so it’s definitely doable,” explains Thiessen. “It’s as much a mental reframing as a matter of fitness. You have to settle yourself in for a long ski and just soak in the views.” That being said, practice never hurts. This season, the Spokane Nordic Ski Association is offering a “Perimeter Challenge,” a self-directed program to ski the perimeter of every major trail expansion over the life of the ski park. As for my own Loppet challenge, I left the race course with tired legs, a big smile and a new tasseled hat from the raffle prize drawing. And I definitely had supreme bragging rights at the water cooler back at work on Monday; after all, my colleagues still think a “loppet” is an elite lumberjack competition. I haven’t corrected them yet. The 2015 Spokane Nordic Challenge Loppet is scheduled for March 1. Find more information at www.spokanenordic.org/challenge. //
BackcountrySkiing 12 Tips for Avalanche Awareness in the Backcountry // By Larry Banks As technology improves for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling, avalanche accidents related to these users has seen a proportionate increase. Colorado Avalanche Information Center ranked Washington #3, Montana #4 and Idaho #6 in the number of avalanche deaths across the country over the last decade. CAIC notes that many avalanches still don’t get reported unless they are severe or someone dies. So how do we reduce the number of these accidents? Simple. Seek some basic knowledge if you spend time in the backcountry. Know Before You Go Use local resources such as Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center to check on conditions and review information from user groups such as PanhandleBackcountry.com. Always have required backcountry tools, make the right decisions and be prepared. Below is a guide to get you started. 1. Get the basic equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. These items are not just for personal safety but to help rescue anyone in your group or another party that may need help. 2. Know the current avalanche danger before you head out into the backcountry. For our area, Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center is a key resource for this information (www.idahopanhandleavalanche.org). Unfortunately, due to funding limitations, IPAC can only provide one advisory per week at this time. As backcountry
users, our donations are crucial to help fund this important service. 3. Know what other backcountry users are saying about the conditions before you go. Check out the “Know Before You Go” and “Tour Reports” sections at Panhandlebackcountry.com to read recent trip reports and commentary on the latest conditions and avalanche activity. 4. Take an avalanche course and educate yourself. A Level 1 avalanche certification is always preferable, but if funds are tight, attend one of the free avalanche awareness clinics provided by IPAC. Check out Panhandlebackcountry.com/safety for a complete list of avalanche awareness clinics, certification classes and other resources. 5. Make a plan before you go. Where are you going? What are the dangers of that area? Will you be touring on a suspect slope in avalanche terrain? Google Earth is an excellent resource combined with Hillmap.com to determine slope angles/steepness. 6. Check the weather to make sure you bring the right clothing and supplies. 7. Let people know where you are going, including what routes you plan to take. 8. Have local emergency numbers with you, including those for the local search and rescue and sheriff ’s department. 9. Pay attention to conditions while you’re out there. Always look around at surrounding slopes for signs of instability, including slides, rollerballs, point releases, etc. 10. Don’t wear headphones! Listen for signs of unsafe terrain, including whoomping sounds in the snowpack while you are skinning, melting snow dripping from the trees or running under the snowpack, and the sounds of avalanches in the distance. 11. As you tour, know what terrain is avalanche prone. Anything steeper than 30 degrees can be avalanche prone. Picture your local ski resort black diamond run. If the terrain looks that steep, it has potential to slide. Also slopes with “terrain trap” features, which are dangerous areas where a slide could carry you over a cliff or a gully at the base of a slope where snow from a slide would build up, burying you even further. 12. When touring with a group, everyone has a say. If one person has “a feeling” that conditions aren’t favorable, the group should heed that and make the necessary change in terrain. A mentality psyched group and an atmosphere of one-upmanship can be the demise of a good day out or worse yet, cause someone their life. Think safe and be safe when traveling in the winter backcountry. End the day with a smile and great memories.
Know before you go. Be prepared when traveling in avalanche country. // photo: Kyle Lucas
Larry Banks is a long-time splitboarder with considerable experience in the Inland Northwest backcountry and beyond. He is co-founder of the North Idaho backcountry ski/splitboard online resource PanhandleBackcountry.com. //
Backcountry Events for Skiers and Splitboarders Third Annual Mountain Gear Nachtspektakel (Saturday, January 31) Ski Tour, eat and ski Mt. Spokane by headlamp with the crew from Mountain Gear. Starting out at the base of the mountain, participants skin by headlamp to the summit, where they enjoy snacks and beverages in the historic Vista House. The nightcap is a ski down the mountain under the lights. This unique and popular event is $20 per person. You must have your own ski touring equipment and clothing or rentals arranged in advance. Buy your tickets early to secure your spot at Facebook.com/ events/910513448961120/?ref=5. Call Mountain Gear retail with questions about gear rentals for the event at 509-325-9000. Introduction to Backcountry Skiing Class (January 23-24) Spokane Mountaineers is putting on an Introduction to Backcountry Skiing course intended for those wanting to explore beyond the boundaries of the local ski resorts and learn what it means to “earn your turns.” The class includes an evening indoor session on January 23 and a field day on January 24. The class costs $30, with non-members also needing to pay an additional membership fee. The class is open to experienced telemark or alpine skiers and splitboarders who can ski unpacked blue and black ski runs at the local resorts and have their own climbing skins and avalanche gear (some extra beacons will be available). The class will emphasize safe travel in the backcountry, equipment and clothing selection, trip planning and some additional resources but only provides a brief overview of avalanche safety. It is highly recommended that all participants complete a Level 1 avalanche safety class before attempting to ski in the backcountry on their own. Contact class instructor Eric Ryan at 509-838-4974 or ski_lead@spokanemountaineers.org for more info or to register. Spokanemountaineers.org. Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival (January 29) The Winter Wildlands Alliance’s Backcountry Film Festival celebrates its 10th Anniversary with nine unique films to inspire winter adventurers to seek the snow less traveled. Set for Thursday, January 29 at the Bing Crosby Theater in Spokane, doors open at 6 p.m. and films get started at 7. Tickets are available in advance at Mountain Gear and TicketsWest for $12. The Backcountry Film Festival highlights the beauty, diversity and fun of the winter backcountry experience. Submissions come from world-renowned filmmakers who travel every corner of the globe as well as from grassroots and emerging filmmakers. Whether you ski AT or tele, snowboard, splitboard or snowshoe, there is something for everyone. A few highlights from this year include “Out on a Limb,” which tells the story of Vasu, whose love for skiing and the backcountry overcomes all obstacles; “Powder Pilgrimage,” a film that chronicles the adventures of two friends ski-bumming it to Valdez, Alaska; “Backcountry Baker,” which follows a Labrador retriever and his owner as they pursue their love of mountains through backcountry skiing; and the visually stunning “Afterglow” from Sweetgrass Productions, a spectacular film that offers a revolutionary way of looking at night skiing. Proceeds from the Spokane showing support the Inland Northwest Backcountry Alliance’s efforts to preserve and promote opportunities for quiet human-powered winter recreation in the Inland Northwest. Ibackcountry.org. // (OTM)
January-February 2015
/ Out There Monthly
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A VIBRANT
MOUNTAIN TOWN NESTLED AT THE EDGE OF GLACIER NATIONAL PARK E XPLORE WHITEF IS H.C O M
Whether skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort, snowshoeing or XC skiing in Glacier National Park or strolling the covered sidewalks of downtown, you have plenty of reasons to explore Whitefish. Photo © GlacierWorld.com
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Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
Winter Adventure GUide
Festivals, Snowshoeing, Catskiing, Nordic Skiing, Winter Waterfalls, Backcountry Skiing.
Fat Bike fun in Winthrop. // Photo courtesy Methow Valley Photography
Winter in the Inland Northwest is no time for hibernation – not when there are so many wild adventures and good times in the mountains to be had. The word adventure can mean so many different things to different people, so we cover the bases here, from challenging backcountry adventures and races to winter carnivals, family events, and snowy hikes and snowshoe treks that just about anyone can take on. From the Cascades to the Canadian Rockies and amazing places in between, there’s a lot of beautiful, snow-covered terrain and exciting mountain towns to discover this winter. Grab your gear, load up the car, and hit the road. (DK) January-February 2015
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The Wildest
Winter
Whitefish Winter Carnival Photos: Aaron Theisen
Festival in the
West: Whitefish
Winter
Carnival I’m dressed as a Flying Elvis. I’ve joined a troupe of Vegas-era Elvis impersonators – Whitefish Mountain Resort employees any other day – swiveling their jump suit-clad hips and windmill-strumming air guitars through a cloud of red capes as they hand out candy during Whitefish’s Grand Parade, the centerpiece of the annual Whitefish Winter Carnival. It’s the festival’s 50th anniversary, and some 150 floats, from flatbed affairs to fire trucks and flotillas of bikes, have lined up to cruise Whitefish. To celebrate this year’s Las Vegas theme, none other than Vegas patriarch Wayne Newton has arrived as Grand Marshal; for an hour or so, the climate in downtown Whitefish feels downright desert-like. Walking down the street after our parade run is done, my pompadour held high, a Yeti on a fat bike gives me a thumb’s-up. Earlier in the day, I watch nearly 200 revelers – with costumes ranging from Popeye to Mardi Gras masquerade ball attendees – brave arctic temperatures to jump into a 4-foot-deep pool cut in Whitefish Lake during the Polar Plunge. Scuba divers assist the participants out of the plunge pool and into waiting towels, but only adrenaline – and perhaps a little liquid courage – keeps these hardy souls warm. I marvel as a young man in full Superman costume executes a capable, cape-flowing dive into the frigid water. Seconds later he pops out looking, for the moment, more like a soggy Clark Kent than Superman, but the look on his face says he’s conquered the cold. Held the first weekend of February (Feb. 6-8 this year), the Whitefish Winter Carnival, now beginning its second halfcentury, rates as one of the premier winter celebrations in the West, with events stretching between the artsy lakeside downtown of Whitefish and the worldclass Whitefish Mountain Resort at Big Mountain. Begin downtown with the Polar Plunge, followed by pre-parade bar-hopping and people-watching among Whitefish’s many cafes and pubs. In the evening, after the parade, head up to the resort for the Big Air competition, where lanky teenagers launch off ramps and rails, seemingly suspended in the air above Whitefish Lake some 4,000 feet below. The Torch Light Parade caps the festivities with youth skiers carving big, swooping turns down the Big Ravine behind the main lodge, lights aloft, followed by a fireworks display. The free-flowing beer in the bar keeps the celebration going long past the last firework has faded from the sky. (By Aaron Theisen)
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Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
Travel Tip: Visit Whitefish without a car Financed by the Big Mountain Commercial Association, the free SNOWBus shuttles skiers and snowboarders between downtown Whitefish and Whitefish Mountain Resort – including stops at many of the main resorts, hotels and lodges – all winter, with extra service during the Winter Carnival. The historic Whitefish train depot – the fifth-most popular stop on the 2,200-mile Amtrak Empire Builder line – is an easy sixhour train ride from Spokane. Coupled with the train depot’s location on the edge of a compact, walker-friendly downtown, the SNOWBus facilitates easy car-free travel, a boon in western Montana’s wild winters. // (AT)
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21
Looking for Winter Fun in the Canadian Rockies?
Fernie Has You
Covered Need proof that Canadians not only love dressing up in wacky costumes more than most Americans but also come up with wickedly fun and creative contests and festival events? Put Fernie’s Griz Days Winter Festival or the Helly Hansen Big Mountain Battle on your winter trip calendar. Griz Days Winter Festival (February 27-March 1)
Plan a Fernie Alpine Resort ski vacation or weekend of snowshoeing around the Griz Days festival to ensure you get your fill of mountain town hijinks in between powder sessions. Here’s a bit of what you can expect on the streets of Fernie: a street hockey tournament; Griz Days parade and a family dance; street party with live music and beer garden; bacon eating challenge; fireworks display; and competitions such as pancake eating, snow shoe races, a GT snowracer race, log sawing, axe throwing, log tossing, and Jeep pulling. More info: Tourismfernie.com/events.
Helly Hansen Big Mountain Battle (February 19-22)
Join the ultimate winter scavenger hunt at Fernie Alpine Resort. The Big Mountain Battle will take you to all corners of the mountain, hiking up slopes and skiing or snowboarding all around the resort with your partner as you hunt for hidden checkpoints. Your movements will be tracked in real-time GPS, and the teams that find all of the checkpoints the fastest will win Helly Hansen gear and other prizes. There will be an intermediate and advanced course, and participants can log on at www.flaik. com after the race to view their route, time, and other stats. More info: Tourismfernie.com/events. // (OTM)
Legendary Fernie Catskiing
22
For over 25 years, Island Lake Catskiing has consistently provided guests with the best wilderness adventure experience around. The magnificent peaks of the Lizard Range in the BC Rocky Mountains tower over alpine bowls, valleys and perfectly gladed tree runs. The deep powder of Island Lake Catskiing has become a thing of legend – producing some amazing images and film throughout the years. Industry leaders like Scot Schmidt and Craig Kelly were past shareholders and helped form a philosophy of ultimate backcountry ski and snowboard experiences. The Island Lake experience goes beyond the skiing and boarding. The luxurious wilderness lodges, fine dining, full service spa and level of service take it to the next level. Island Lake offers 2, 3 and 4-day, all-inclusive packages throughout the winter season. Islandlakecatskiing.com. // Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
Top: Aaron Whitfield
(Courtesy Island Lake CatSkiing)
Middle: Jeff Topham (Courtesy Tourism Fernie)
Bottom: Mike McPhee
(Courtesy Island Lake CatSkiing)
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January-February 2015
/ Out There Monthly
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Coldsmoke and
Hot Springs Nelson, B.C. and the Coldsmoke Powder Festival I rolled over into a cloud of pillows so cozy and warm, I thought there was no other place I’d rather
be. Then I remembered it was the Coldsmoke Powder Festival, and I had a pass to the entire weekend at Whitewater Ski Resort. We had planned a little weekend getaway to Nelson, B.C., to play in the snow and sample their fine dining selection. For a country famous for beaver pelts, maple syrup, and Bryan Adams, I was rather expecting a population of flannel-clad ballad singers on a diet of Canadian bacon and hard whiskey. Obviously, I haven’t spent a lot of time in British Columbia. Nelson itself is a magical little town nestled into the Selkirk Mountains and on the shores of Kootenay Lake. It’s filled with beautifully restored buildings, great dining, and perhaps most important to those who share a love of coffee: Nelson is the home of Oso Negro Coffee Roasters. And I hear the skiing is alright too. If you ski or board, you probably need to put Whitewater Ski Resort on your bucket list. Then put it back on there every season at least twice. The resort is not like a typical resort. It is a like a utopia for people on skis. There are no fancy condos, no drunken people in hot tubs on the side of your slope laughing every time you bail on the bunny hill (okay, so that was just ONCE on a different mountain, but I think it gave me PTSD and a permanent dislike of hottubbers). Whitewater is by skiers for skiers. There is a single lodge. It has REAL food in it. Like stews and salads and good beer and the things you need to fuel yourself for your next four hours of pristine powder. There’s no fluff, unless the snow is fresh. Everyone here is equal. Everyone belongs to the same family – a community of people who love snow. Whitewater is also the home of the Coldsmoke Powder Festival, an event to behold with eyes of won24
Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
der and well-tuned skis. Or if you don’t know how to tune your skis, just borrow one of the hundreds of demo pairs they have available. In fact, try out a few different pairs as you go from clinic to clinic learning how to ski moguls, navigate the backcountry, or turn like a champ on the groomers. The festival was created to provide a grassroots gathering where mountain enthusiasts of all levels can learn new skills, ski epic snow, and celebrate the cool, local mountain culture. All weekend long there is a selection of amazing ski and snowboard clinics, from backcountry basics to advanced telemark skiing. The mountain is filled with legendary athletes who come to give us hope that we too may one day be more awesome. The powder festival isn’t just on the mountain either. Friday night they open it downtown Nelson with a film festival and prizes (like new skis). Saturday night is a grand buffet with more prizes and a cocktail reception (which is a perfect transition from skiing to dinner, of course). Nelson itself has much to offer as well, from fantastic restaurants to interesting little shops, cool bars to cozy cafes. After a day of hitting the runs until our quads burned, we would enjoy the city life, then walk with tired legs back to our digs at the Cloudside Inn. If you are going to Nelson, this little family-run bed and breakfast is like a home away from home. They packed us little lunch bags of food to take to the hill, gave us all the insider tips on the town, and welcomed us like old friends. And their beds are so comfortable, it’s almost hard to get out of them in the morning if it wasn’t for the temptation of the slopes calling us in our sleep. The weekend was a smorgasbord of incredible skiing, learning new skills, trying new skis, and discovering a perfect weekend getaway close to home. I didn’t see a single pelt or meet Bryan Adams, but I sure made a lot of new friends. // (Ammi Midstokke)
Warm Up and Relax at
Ainsworth Hot Springs
If easing into the hot, mineral-rich waters at Ainsworth to zone out on the breathtaking Kootenay Lake and Purcell Mountain winter scenery doesn’t sound like heaven, then something might be wrong with you. Seriously. Ainsworth, which is a little over a half hour drive north of Nelson, has several pools kept at different temps and a cool horseshoe-shape cave to float through. The natural hot springs water, with high mineral content, is just what you need after a day or weekend of Coldsmoke Powder Festival skiing and debauchery on the slopes and streets of Whitewater and Nelson. // (OTM)
Left: Courtesy Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism.Middle and Right: Courtesy Whitewater Ski Resort, photo credit Doug LePage
5 Reasons to Hit the Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest This Year (February 6-8)
1. Super fun and inspiring film festival (Friday night). 2.ROAM Randonnee Rally ski mountaineering race (Saturday a.m.). 3. Awesome backcountry and tele clinics for all levels of skiers and riders (all weekend). 4.Killer food and drink and hilarious entertainment at the Backcountry Buff-EH (Saturday night). 5. Getting to ski all weekend in sight of Ymir Mountain in Whitewater’s legendary terrain and snow! // (OTM)
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Lay-away and Financing programs
/ Out There Monthly
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backcountry ski outings in the Silver Valley The Stevens Peak area near Lookout Pass is one of the region’s most frequented backcountry skiing areas, with routes suitable for most skiers and riders with some experience and the right equipment and avalanche safety gear and training. If you’re looking to explore new backcountry skiing spots, the Spokane Mountaineers are leading several all-day ski tours in the Stevens Peak area along the Idaho/ Montana border this winter. To join these ski tours, you need to be a strong skier or snowboarder in good enough shape for skinning up (and then skiing or riding down) as much as 6,000 feet of vertical. You also need to have appropriate experience with your own backcountry ski set-up or splitboard and avalanche safety gear. Group size will be limited for each of these ski tours: January 31 and February 6, 20, and 27. For more information or to sign up, visit the Spokane Mountaineers online at www. spokanemountaineers.org. To learn more about backcountry skiing and splitboarding in the Silver Valley and around North Idaho on your own, check out the online resource Panhandle Backcountry: Panhandlebackcountry.com. // (OTM)
Backcountry Ski Touring Near Wallace, ID. Photo: Kyle Merritt
Snowshoeing at Lookout Pass
There are several popular places to go snowshoeing near Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area. The hill on the north side of I-90 across from the ski area makes for a nice climb up through open forest with excellent views of the surrounding Bitterroot Mountains from the top on a clear day. Parking is limited at the trailhead, but you can also park at the ski area and walk across the overpass. From the ski area parking lot, you can also snowshoe along the shared snowmobile/Nordic ski trail that wraps around to the Montana side of the ski area, with access to the St. Regis Basin. Without avalanche safety training and gear, continuing on past the avalanche warning sign along the shared snowmobile/ski/snowshoe trail into St. Regis basin isn’t recommended, although there is plenty of safe forest to explore along the creek before reaching potential avalanche terrain. Snowshoers looking for a longer trek can also continue down the groomed snowmobile/ski trail (railroad grade) that parallels the interstate. Another good snowshoeing workout without exposing yourself to potential avalanche terrain is to hike up to the top of the ski area along the edge of Rainbow Ridge Run near Chair 2 on the backside, staying in the trees outside the ski area boundary for safety. Lookout Pass also rents snowshoes and poles if you don’t have your own, and they can also help point you in the right direction. Be sure to bring a map, compass, GPS, water and appropriate safety gear for your group. // (OTM)
Why I ski
Uphill backcountry bliss in the silver valley The Sublime is characterized by an impressive nobility and grandeur. It concentrates the mind to produce a momentary suspension of thought, uncertainty and self-consciousness. Such is the bliss of backcountry skiing and why we pulled off I-90 at Mullan in Idaho’s Silver Valley. We parked alongside snowbanks covered in fresh snow and pulled our gear from the cars. Everyone had an avalanche beacon strapped to their chest, a probe and shovel, plus food and drink for the day. Before embarking, we checked our beacons to confirm they were transmitting. Despite the avalanche report indicating little likelihood of natural avalanches, the rule was to hike out if conditions were unsafe. The snow underfoot was untouched before we began skinning in. Towering, snowladen conifers lined the road, stoking hope for fresh turns. When the road narrowed, we climbed a steep bank, traversed, kick turned and traversed some more. We skinned around trees and skirted tree wells until we regained the fire road. We trudged on, over and around fallen trees, across ha-has. Finally the fire road disappeared where two hillsides folded together. Above us was the hill we came to ski. Below us, the slope dropped into a narrow, tree filled valley. Angling up, we skinned near to where the hillsides merged, kick turned and continued climbing. After 45 heart-pounding minutes of kick turns and climbing, we reached the ridgeline. Snow blew over the ridge, defining the leeward. Below us, the Lucky Friday Mine and
the drab concrete interstate were visible. Shielded from the wind, we de-skinned our skis. The more experienced tucked their skins away in bags and placed those bags in their packs. The rest of us folded them quickly and stuffed them inside our jackets. One at a time, we claimed our desired lines and pointed our skis downhill. Hoarfrost glistened. When it was my turn, I schussed the fall line. Gaining speed, I planted my left pole and rolled my knees left. My tips slipped below the surface and snow broke over the front of my boots. Flicking my right wrist, planting my pole and rolling my knees right sent me floating back across the hill. Uncertainty and self-consciousness receded. Ski tips floated up, breaking through the hoar, sending snow up and away. With another wrist flick and turn I was gathering speed, sinking and rising with each weighting and unweighting. I floated back and forth down and across the hill, watching the yet unbroken surface of snow break and blow before me. Each wrist flick and turn sent snow flying in my face, frosting my chin and cheeks. Nearing the fire road, I considered dropping deeper into the valley of untracked snow, but reconsidered when taking the climb out into account. Sighting a gap in the trees, I slalomed through it and down to the fire road. Muffled exclamations of joy drew near. The arrival of each of the group heightened the excitement. We regrouped, reveling as we described each turn. Within minutes, the skins were back on, and we were headed up for another run. Our late start left us with enough light for just two runs. The way out was quicker than the way in. We skied down the trail to the fire road, poling and sliding, traversing and side-slipping down the windblown hard pack we had struggled up earlier. Finally, we were at the cars for the blissful ride home. // (Bradley Bleck)
Leavenworth
Bavarian
Icefest January 17-18
Leavenworth is your basecamp for skiing Mission Ridge, Stevens Pass, and the old-school Leavenworth Ski and Tubing Hill right on the edge of town all winter long. But on MLK weekend, the Bavarian themed mountain town of Leavenworth dresses up in over half a million twinkling lights for the Bavarian Icefest, meaning in-town entertainment is also guarantee. A weekend of unique outdoor events, including snow and ice sculptures, a rail jam, fireworks and Leavenworth’s famous “Smooshing Contest,” which is an original and apparently hilarious race where teams of four with their toes strapped to 8 foot long boards try to make their way down the street in tandem. Here are a few more Icefest highlights. 26
Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
Photo by Brian Munoz, Courtesy Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
Compete with a team of five in the snow sculptures contest or enjoy the snowy creations that other seasoned sculptors come up with (competition Saturday; sculptures up Sunday). Chainsaws and ice can only mean one thing: live ice carvings. Watch what works of frozen art emerge from blocks of ice on Saturday or check them out on display on Sunday. Watch skiers and riders dish out their best rail moves and tricks from the beer garden at the Stevens Pass Rail Jam downtown on Saturday. And to finish off the weekend, enjoy the fireworks show over the twinkling lights of Leavenworth and maybe another round of delicious beverages at Icicle Brewing. Check out the full festival schedule at www. leavenworth.org. // (OTM)
PHOTO: Joe Korus
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January-February 2015
/ Out There Monthly
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Go Chasing Waterfalls Not all winter adventures have to be into the deep mountains. These winter waterfall trips are found mostly in or near the Purcell Trench, northwest of Bonners Ferry.
Upper & Lower Snow Creek Falls
Myrtle Falls & the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
West of Bonners Ferry, along the east slopes of the American Selkirk Mountains, is the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Across the street from the park office and their kiosk, is a parking area for a short walk to the overlook of Myrtle Falls. These falls have a pond about 2/3’s the way down, which creates another shorter fall deeper into the canyon below. The view of the entire falls is a don’t miss. Also, a winter hike from the falls back to the road along the creek can be very photogenic. The wildlife refuge also has trails, viewing decks, and even a wildlife viewing road through the body of the refuge. I’ve never driven this road without seeing an elk or two, off in the deep grass and swamps. Being a wildlife refuge, there is always an abundance of waterfowl that migrate continually through the area. It’s also common to see deer and an occasional coyote. If you don’t see everything on the first circuit, do it again. It’s a pleasant cruise through nature.
Snow Creek Road #402 is located just south of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. The parking area to the falls of Snow Creek is located 1.1 miles up from the frontage road on Snow Creek Road. The short trail in “Ys” at about 1/8 of a mile. The left or east trail takes you to the lower falls. These falls are actually gigantic cascades that roar past the observation deck. The right or west trail takes you to the spectacular upper falls. This one is set back in the forest and offers great views of the falls and the creek below the falls. In the spring, the runoff is really heavy, and the trail and observation decks can be very slippery.
Copper Falls
Copper Falls is located just south of the US/Canadian border. To get there, continue north on the frontage road past the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge to the Kerr Lake and Copeland turnoff about 10 miles north of the refuge. This road will take you back to I-95. Turn right (south) and continue to the “Y” and turn north towards Good Grief and the Eastport boarder station. About one mile from the border, look for the turnoff to Copper Falls on Road #2517. At 2.3 miles, you will find the parking area, outhouse, and trailhead. This trail is about a mile to the bottom of the falls. Be sure to take the spur trail to the left up to another observation deck that overlooks the entire falls. Copper Falls is 165 feet in height and is spectacular during spring runoff.
Water and Ice Photo: Chic Burge
Getting There Drive north on Highway 95 to Bonners Ferry. Just before the bridge across the Kootenai River, turn left (west) onto Riverside Street. Head west for five miles and bear right at the “Y.” Continue for two miles to the park office. // (Chic Burge)
6 Reasons NOT TO MISS The Sandpoint Winter Carnival February 13-23
1. Ski Joring Not the gentler kind with dogs. No, these daredevil skiers with serious cojones get pulled around at break-neck speeds over jumps by a horse and rider. Watch the excitement with hundreds of other amped up spectators or sign up to compete yourself for the chance to bring home a piece of over $3,500 in cash and prizes. February 14-15 at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. Sandpointskijoring.com.
2. Snowshoe or Hike on the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail This 3-mile, guided hike with the Friends of the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail will get you out on one of Sandpoint’s most scenic pieces of public real estate along Lake Pend Oreille. Meet at the City Beach parking lot, Saturday, February 22 at 9 a.m. More info: 208-290-1973.
Ride the trails out at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, some 16 miles northeast of Sandpoint. The ride is on Sunday, February 16, with registration at 11 a.m. and the ride getting rolling at high noon. Post-ride drinks and awards to follow at the ranch. Sponsored by Greasy Fingers Bikes N’ Repair and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, entry is $10. More info: 208-255-4496.
Snowshoe Racing in Sandpoint Competitive and non-competitive snowshoe racers and Nordic skiers should add the Western Winter Roundup to their winter bucket list. Sponsored by the Sandpoint Nordic Club and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch, where the event is held on Saturday, January 24, participants can expect Nordic ski and snowshoe races in the 5K and 10K distances. The Western Winter Roundup is a regional qualifying race for the National Snowshoe Championships. More information and details can be found at: Westernpleasureranch.com and Sandpointnordic.com. // 28
Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
Lighting up the Schweitzer sky. Photo: Schweitzer Mountain Resort
3. Fat Bike Poker Ride 4. Parade of Lights – Cirque de Sandpoint Although the Winter Carnival parade has been around for decades, it’s been in hibernation these past couple of years, making this year’s spectacle of eccentric floats, parade marchers and other oddities potentially more wild and crazy and unpredictable than in years past. No need to settle for cheering the show on from the peanut gallery – anyone can don a costume, maybe some lights or glow sticks, and decorate a bike or beater ski mobile and join the fun (it’s not total anarchy, however; you need to register by February 18). The procession culminates with the Cirque de Sandpoint aerial performance and fire dancers at Jeff Jones Square. Mark your calendar for Friday, February 21. More info: 208-263-2161.
5. Let it Glow Fireworks Show and Carnival Finale at Schweitzer Saturday night, February 22 starting at 6, get ready for the glow parade up at Schweitzer. Wear your gnarliest neon ski outfit from the ‘90s, grab some battery powered holiday lights and watch the village dance in light. The resort will hand out glow torches to the first 100 kids to help light up the sky. Fireworks follow with a “blacklight party” at Taps to finish off the night. Schweitzer.com.
6. K-9 Keg Pull and Family Fun Day It all starts on Sunday, February 23 at the “Granary” in downtown Sandpoint. Watch dogs of all sizes and breeds “race” while pulling everything from kegs to a can of beer down a snowy course. Come cheer on the canine cacophony or enter your own hound in the action. The $5 entry fee goes to the Panhandle Animal Shelter. At the same venue, Evans Brothers Coffee has family activities planned including the Dave Nickodemus Puppet & Magic Show (1 p.m.) and art projects for kids. And, to round it all off, there’s a dodgeball tournament at noon. Sandpointwintercarnival.com/ events. // (OTM)
What are you waiting for
?
SURPRISE YOURSELF.
Visit NelsonKootenayLake.com SkiWhitewater.com
Nelson • Balfour • Ainsworth Hot Springs • Kaslo • Lardeau • Meadow Creek | British Columbia, Canada January-February 2015 / Out There Monthly Photo: Doug LePage
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winthrop
Winter
Wonderland
SKI * bike snowshoe The Methow Valley’s skiing, scenery, and extensive trail system have been getting attention in recent years well beyond the Pacific Northwest for being the nation’s largest cross-country ski area. For good reason too. 120 miles of well-groomed, peaceful Nordic trails with a growing network of fat bike and snowshoe trails nestled in the majestic North Cascades makes it an unmatched winter recreation destination for those looking for an alternative to alpine ski resorts. The number of quality lodges, resorts, cabins, restaurants, breweries, and other recreational amenities lend to the Methow Valley’s authentic charm and character, ensuring an active winter getaway with all the comforts you could hope for. The Nordic ski trail system is divided into four areas, all connected by the Methow Community Trail, which includes a suspension bridge crossing the Methow River, with trailheads and lodges along the way. The non-profit organization Methow Trails manages and maintains this world-class, year-round trail system. A Nordic or fat bike day pass is $22 and a three day pass is $57. A snowshoe day pass is $5. Kids 17 and under ski free in the Methow every day, and the trail system is dog friendly with a $5 daily dog pass. Find more info, including local shops that rent and sell ski, fat bike, and snowshoe equipment at methowtrails.org. Methow Trails Nordic Festival (January 23-25) It’s no exaggeration to say that there’s pretty much something for everyone here on day two of the Methow Trails Nordic Festival. You want to race classic or test your winter lungs on a 15K trail run? Join a ski or snowshoe tour? Build your skills with a clinic? Or get happy hour started early with chili and beer at the Mazama Store? You’re covered with this inclusive event schedule:
guided snowshoe tours
Friday: Ski Free and Fat Bike Demo. The Backyard Ski Day means you can ski the Nordic trails around Winthrop for free all day and take advantage of free ski rentals and lessons. It’s the perfect opportunity for a group of friends or your whole family to give Nordic skiing a try. Also on Friday, you can demo the latest fat bikes with Methow Cycle & Sport from 9 a.m. to noon at the Town Trailhead. Saturday: Races, Clinics, and Socials • 8 a.m. 15 K winter trail run on the Sun Mountain Trails hosted by Rainshadow Running. • 9:30 a.m. 30K classic race or tour from Winthrop to Mazama on the Methow Community Trail. • 11 a.m. guided snowshoe and natural history tour. • Noon to 3 p.m. chili and beer “Happy Hour” at the Mazama Store. • 2-4 p.m. skate ski clinic for runners hosted by Methow Endurance. • 4-6 p.m. Sunday skate race/relay/tour registration and packet pick-up at the Red Barn. • 6 p.m. Nordic Festival Dinner, hosted by the Methow Valley Nordic Ski Team at the Red Barn.
The Methow Valley has endless terrain for snowshoeing, including “groomed” and signed snowshoe trails, guided snowshoe outings and options for longer backcountry excursions. The Methow Trails signed snowshoe trails have something for all abilities (a $5 a day trail pass is required). Methow Trails hosts family-friendly snowshoe tours at 11 a.m. on Saturdays between January 3 and February 21. Local volunteers lead tours that focus on winter ecology, wildlife and tracks, snow science and more. Tour size is limited to 10 people, and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. More info: Methowtrails.org/wintertrails/snowshoe. //
Sunday: More Racing and Post-race Party • 9:30 a.m. interval start for Pursuit Ski Race racers, based on classic day result. • 10:15 a.m. self-seeded “mass start” for Team Relay and 30K or 10K skate tour. • 12-2 p.m. post-race party, music and awards ceremony at the Red Barn. For more info on event pricing, visit methowtrails.org. // (OTM)
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Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
Skate Skiing, Classic Nordic and Family Fun in the Methow. Photos Courtesy Methow Valley Photography
This WINTER, pick up the Pace
Make tracks to Sandpoint ... for a winter vacation to remember! No matter what your pace, you’ll love this beautiful place. Set amid three mighty frontal ranges of the Rocky Mountains, Sandpoint offers nirvana for cross-country skiers and snowshoers - not to mention amazing downhill skiing and snowboarding at Schweitzer
Mountain. Magnificent Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake, provides the stunning backdrop. And the town itself is chock-full of fine dining, luxurious lodging, eclectic shopping, and an overflowing calendar of arts For an extra kick, catch Sandpoint Winter
Carnival, Feb. 13-22, 2015. See complete calendars and visitor information at VisitSandpoint.com … and make plans now for a winter visit at a truly beautiful pace. This winter ... get on pace with Sandpoint!
Winter Carnival February 11 to February 22 Wednesday, February 11 KPND Ski Party at Trinity at City Beach
Beer Hall Bingo at MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Thursday, February 12
‘Chocolate Extravaganza’ on Cedar
Street Bridge
Friday, February 13
Ski Racing at Schweitzer Mountain Parade of Lights and bonfire Cirque de Sandpoint at the Pend d’Oreille Winery Ski Joring Registration Meet and Greet
Saturday, February 14 Valentine’s Day
‘Heart Ball’ Dance Snow School Experience Cornhole Tournament at MickDuff’s Beer Hall
‘Pardi Gras’ at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Joring at Fairgrounds
Sunday, February 15
Light Show Schweitzer Mountain Ski Joring at Fairgrounds
Monday, February 16
Dine Around Sandpoint Passport Event Schweitzer Mountain
Tuesday, February 17
Dine Around Sandpoint Trivia Tuesday at MickDuff’s Pub
Wednesday, February 18
Dine Around Sandpoint Schweitzer Mountain Fun Day Beer Hall Bingo at MickDuff’s Beer Hall
WHA
Thursday, February 19
Dine Around Sandpoint Winter Bites (Taste of Sandpoint) 2:19 at the 219 Lounge
Friday, February 20
Dine Around Sandpoint Ski Racing at Schweitzer Mountain Live Music with Bruce Bishop at
Trinity at City Beach Third Friday, Live Music with Devon Wade at MickDuff’s Beer Hall
Saturday, February 21
Dine Around Sandpoint Snow School Fireworks at Schweitzer Mountain ‘Neon Ski-On’ at Schweitzer Mountain Live Music at Trinity at City Beach Concert at the Hive
FUN Sunday, February 22
Dine Around Sandpoint Explore Cross Country Skiing &
Scavenger Hunt at Schweitzer Mountain
Evan’s Brothers Family Day Eichardt’s K9 Keg Pull Eureka Center Annex
T A B E A U T I F U L PA C E
Get lodging, dining & more www.VisitSandpoint.com 1.800.800.2106 January-February 2015
/ Out There Monthly
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OutdoorCalendar
SIX MONTH TRAININGCALENDAR RUNNING (March 21) Rapid Rabbit Run. Where: East Valley
High School, Spokane Valley. When: 10 a.m. 5 mile (qualifying race for Bloomsday 2nd seed) and 3-mile run. Cost: $20 with a shirt or $12 without. Info: eastvalleyhs.wix.com/rapidrabbitrun.
(March 29) George Waterfall 50K/100K. Where:
Benson State Park, Cascade Locks, Ore. When: 4 a.m. The course is mostly single track, and winds its way along the base of the Cascades. Info: RainshadowRunning.com
(April 11) Hope Run. Where: Children of the Sun
trail in north Spokane. When: 9 a.m. All proceeds help local children with cancer. Participants recieve a t-shirt. Info: hoperunspokane.com
(April 19) Spokane River Run. Where: Riverside
State Park. Annual trail run held through thick pine forests near the Spokane River. Courses ranging from 50K to 5K. New This year is the 50K relay. Info: SpokaneRiverRun.com
(April 12) Negative Split Spokane-Half Marathon & 5K. Where: Kendall Yards, Spokane. Info: nsplit.com (April 25) Snake River Island Hop. Where: Pasco, Wash. 100km and 50 km options on a flat course following the Columbia Plateau Trail. The course is mostly gravel and is a good entry into ultra running. Info: PlateauTrailAdventures.com (May 3) Lilac Bloomsday Run. Where: Spokane.
The 39th running of this all-day event in Spokane is open to all runners, walkers, wheelchairs and assisted wheelchairs and strollers. Cost: $18. Info: BloomsdayRun.org
(May 24) Coeur d’Alene Marathon. When: 7 a.m. Marathon, Half-Marathon and timed 5K Run/ Walk. The Marathon and Half Marathon start at McEuen Park. The 5K runs through the Sanders Beach neighborhood. Info: CDAmarathon.com (May 24) Priest Lake Spring Run . Where: Priest
Lake, ID. When: 8:30 a.m. 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon, and free kids dash on a new, scenic course up at Priest Lake. Info: PriestLakeRace.com
(May 30) Liberty Lake Trail Run. Where: Liberty Creek Loop Trail. When: 9 a.m. 8-mile loop gaining almost 1,000 feet of elevation on singletrack and double track trail. Pancake feed at finish. The run is rated as difficult. Info: UltraSignup.com (May 30) 35th Annual Troika Triathlon. Where: Medical Lake. Half Ironman and sprint distances. Info: TroikaTriathlon.com (May 30-31) Riverside 24 Hour Relay Race. Where: Riverside State Park. When: 11 a.m. Join a
team, or run solo for the 2nd Annual all night race. Camping available, live music, swag, food vendors and awards. Info: R24relay.com
(June 7) Windermere Marathon and Half Marathon. Where: Liberty Lake. When: 7 a.m.
Fully supported and a Boston Marathon Qualifier. Info: WindermereMarathon.com
(June 27) Kaniksu 50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race. Where: Frater Lake, Wash. When: 6:12
a.m. A 50-mile point to point Endurance Run and Memorial Relay Ruck Race held in the Lower Selkirk Mountain Range in the Colville National Forest. Info: kaniksu50.com
(June 27) Padden Triathlon. Where: Lake Padden Park, Bellingham, Wash. Sprint and super sprint distances. Info: cob.org/races
(July 11) Let’s Climb a Mountain. Where:
Spokane. A challenging 34.5 mile solo and team realay from the Clock Tower in Riverfront Park to the top of Mt. Spokane. Info: LetsClimbAMountain. com
(May 16) American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure. Where: Northern Quest Resort and Casino. Various route distances from 4 miles to 100 miles. Fully supported with breakfast, lunch, post ride massage and live enteretainment. Info: diabetes.org/ SpokaneTourDeCure
(May 18-22) Bike to Work Week. Events include Kick off Breakfast, Commute Challenge, Commute of the Century, energizer stations, Ride of Silence, Wrap up Party and More. T-shirts and swag for participants. Info: SpokaneBikes.net (May 23-24) 24 Hours Round the Clock. Where: Riverside State Park, 7 Mile Airstrip. Course can be completed as a team or solos. Info: RoundAndRound.com
(May 31) Gran Fondo Leavenworth. Where:
Cascade High School, Leavenworth. When: 8 a.m. The course is the perfect mix of pavement, Forest
Service roads and mega mountain passes. Info: RideViciousCycle.com
(July 15-19) RedSpoke. Where: Starts in
Redmond, Wash, ends in Spokane. 300 mile-bicycle tour across Washington State. Fully supported. Info: RedSpoke.org
(June 6) Woodrat 25er. Where: Priest Lake, ID.
When: 10 a.m. A mix of double track and singletrack riding on the pnhandle National Forest near Priest Lake. 25-mile endurance race or 12-mile division of intermediate to advanced riding. Info: PriestLakeRace.com
Wintersports (March 1) Spokane Nordic Challenge Loppet. Where: Mt. Spokane Cross-country Ski Park. 20/30/50 km non-competetive timed Nordic ski challenge. Info: SpokaneNordic.org
Triathlons (May 30) 35th Annual Troika Triathlon. Where: Medical Lake Waterfront Park. When: 7 p.m. Half distance and sprint distance available. Info: TroikaTriathlon.com (July 11) Valley Girl Triathlon. Where: Liberty
Lake, Wash. When: 7:45 a.m. Women’s only sprint distance triathlon. Info: ValleyGirlTri.com
(July 18) Race the River. Where: Coeur d’Alene, ID. When: 7 a.m. The race starts with a .5 mile swim with the current of the Spokane River, transition at the Riverstone complex for a 11.25 mile bike ride and run 3.1 miles through the city park. Info: RaceTheRiver.com
BIKING (April 11-12) Spokane Bike Swap and Expo. Where: Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Used bikes and accessories are consigned, donated and sold. Consignment available on April 10. Exhibitors sell bikes and accessories as well. Info: SpokaneBikeSwap.com
(April 26) Lilac Century Bike Ride. Where: West Spokane River along the Centenial Trail. When: Various start times. New this year is a 66-mile route that follows the Centennial Trail to Nine Mile then around Long Lake back to Nine Mile and then back to the college. The 15- and 25-mile family rides follow the Aubrey L. White Parkway on the west side of the Spokane River to the Seven Mile or Nine Mile area and back. Each ride includes food stops. Info:NorthDivision.com
Have an Event You Would Like to List? Please visit www.outtheremonthly.com and click “Add Event” under the “Outdoor Calendar” tab to get your events listed online and considered for the monthly print magazine calendar. To be considered for the print calendar, events MUST be entered by the 20th of the month to be listed in the following month’s issue. Please follow the instructions for submitting an event using the web form. 32
Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
OutdoorCalendar Full events calendar at www.outtheremonthly.com CLIMBING
Climbing Gym. When: 5 - 7 p.m. Kids ages 4 - 10 welcome. Please call ahead. Climb and meet new people. info: wildwalls.com
BIKING (Fourth Fridays) Fourth Friday Pub Peddlers. Where: Swamp Tavern, Spokane. When: Meet at 7 p.m., ride at 8 p.m. Group cycling ride, making a few stops along the way to a final destination.
RUNNING (January 24) Frostbite Footrace 5K. Where: Deer Park, Wash. When: 10 a.m. A new flatter and faster 5K course that begins and ends at Deer Park High School. Info: 509-468-8381 (February 14) BBRC Partners in Pain 5K. Where: West Central Community Center, Spokane. When: 10 a.m. A fun run for couples, with awards awards to teams with the fastest combined times. Info: brrc.net (February 28) Richland Run Fest. Where:: Howard Amon Park, Richland, Wash. When: 9 a.m. Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Run. This race course is certified and is a Boston Marathon qualifying race. Cost: $80/$50/$25. Info: 3rrr.org
(January 17-18) Race of the Methow. Where: McCabe Trails at Liberty Bell High School, Winthrop. 2-day race weekend for skiers of all ages. Info:methowvalleynordic.com (January 18) Lookout Pass Winter Carnival. Where: Lookout Pass Ski Resort. When: All Day. Family fund day- Pacific Northwest National Wife Carrying Contest and more. Info: SkiLookout.com
(January 23-24) Intro to Backcountry Skiing. Course is intended for strong alpine skiers, telemark skiers, and snowboarders. different types of “Backcountry” skiing and where to go to search for untracked snow. Avalanche safety will not be taught in this course. Location and times disclosed upon registration. Info: SpokaneMountaineers.org
(January 23-25) Methow Valley Nordic Festival. Where: Winthrop, Wash. A three-day weekend dedicated to celebrating Nordic skiing in the Methow Valley. For the avid skier, join the 2-day challenge of our signature American Marathon Series race, the Methow Valley Pursuit. Info: www.mvsta.com/ events/calendar-events/methow-valley-pursuit.
(January 3) Panhandle Nordic Club Best Hand Fun Crosscountry Ski/Snowshoe Day. Where: 4th
(January 24) Western Winter Roundup. Where: Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. When: 9 a.m. Classic, Skate or Snowshoe 5K or 10K. This is the national snowshoe qualifier race. Cost: $20. Kids 12 and under free. Info: SandpointNordic.com, active. com or WesternPleasureRanch.com
(January 11) Mt Spokane Winterfest. Where: Mt.
(January 24) Bundle up 5K Run. Where: Stanley Civic Center, Wenatchee. When: 11:30 am - 2 p.m. This run is on the Apple Capital Loop Trail along the banks of the Columbia River. It’s held in conjuction with the Bundle-Up Festival in downtown Wenatchee. Info: LakeChelanMarathon.com
(January 17) Priest Lake Snow Fest. Where:
(January 25) Nissebakken Tele Race. Where: Leavenworth Ski Hill. If you can drop a knee, you can participate in this giant slalom race of two runs. Info: Skileavenworth.com
WINTERSPORTS
of July Recreation Area. When: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Participants Ski or snowshoe to several sites to win prizes donated by members and local merchants. Funds benefit the maintenance of Idaho 4th of July Recreation Area. Info: PanhandleNordicClub.com
Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park. Family fun with a $5 ski lesson, lunch at Nova Hut and a Donut Dash sprint relay race. Info: SpokaneNordic.org
(January 17) Snowshoe Tour 49 Degrees North. Where: 49 Degrees North Ski Area. When: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. This all women’s guided tour will give you tips leading to better control and more fun in a non-competitive atmosphere. Includes trail pass, guide, poles, snowshoes and lunch. Cost: $39. Info: spokane parks.org
(January 17) Cross Country Ski Lessons. Where: Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park. When 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Ages 13+ Sponsored by Mountain Gear. Learn the basics of cross-country skiing skills at Mt. Spokane Selkirk Nordic Area. Includes: Skis, boots, poles, ski area fees, instruction and transportation. Cost: $31. Info: SpokaneParks.org (January 17) Skirennen Nordic Citizens Race. Where: Leavenworth Golf Course. When: 9:30 -
(January 31) Cross Country Moonlight Ski & Dinner. Where: Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park. When: 6 - 9 p.m. Peacefully make your way on cross country skis through the woods. Dinner by Trezzi Farm Catering to follow. Includes ski equipment, dinner and guides. Snow-Park & Discover Pass Permits Required. Cost: $42. Info: 509-6256200 spokaneparks.org
(February 6, 7 & 8) Kan Jam Freestyle Festival - Rail Jam. Where: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard
Park. Events include Rail Jam, Slopestyle, and Big Air competitions.. All ability levels are welcome to compete for prizes. Info: MtSpokane.com
(February 6) Nordic Ski Clinic. Where: Schweitzer
Mountain Resort, Sandpoint Idaho. Private coaching, Beginning Skate Skiing, Advanced Beginner, and Intermediate classes available. Info: 208-2553070 or lessons@schweitzer.com
(February 7) Winthrop Ski Derby. Where: Sun
Mountain Trails, Winthrop, Wash. 15K and 30Km
(February 13-23) Sandpoint Winter Carnival. Where: Schweitzer Mountain Resort and Sandpoint, Idaho. Several days of events include Ski Joring (a Scandinavian-inspired, centuries-old contest with horses and riders pulling skiers around a course at breakneck speeds), laser light show, sleigh rides and dinner show, a cross country race, fat bike poker ride, KPND ski party, Taste of Sandpoint, Cirque de Sandpoint, snowshoe on the Pend D’Oreille Bay Trail, Snow School, K9 Keg Pull, and many other events. Info: http://sandpointwintercarnival.com/
(February 14) Try Biathlon. Where: Mazama biathlon range, Mazama Wash. When: 10 a.m. Open to anyone age 9 and older, first come first shoot. Info: methowvalleynordic.com (February 20-22) Annual Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Fest. Where: Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson B.C. The festival is for all ability levels, and there are plenty of in-bounds workshops for both skiers and snowboarders. Events include several days of clinics, competitions, events and celebrations of all ski/snowboard pursuits. This event is at the powder mecca of the Kootenays and just a hop to the Kootenay hub of Nelson B.C. Info: ColdSmokePowderfest.com
(February 21) Mardi Gras. Where: Silver Mountain Resort. Biggest party of the year with beads, drink specials top and bottom and a 3 p.m. balloon drop in Moguls with cash, prizes and much more. Info: SilverMt.com
OTHER (January 7, 14, 21 & 28) Bike Movie Nights. Where: Greasy Fingers Bikes N Repair, Sandpoint. When: 6 - 8 p.m. View a bicycle movie with fellow cyclists. Wine Tasting by Small House Winery. Bring your own food and beverages. Info: GreasyFingersBikes.com
(January 15) Ski & Snowboard Tune-Up Class. Where: Mountain Gear. When: 6 - 7:30 p.m. Learn to tune and wax downhill skis and snowboards, and cross country skis. Introduction to tuning equipment and techniques will be covered. Cost: $19. Info: 509-625-6200 or sspokane parks.org
(January 28) Refresh Your Run. Where: REI When: 7 - 8:30 p.m. Whether you are just starting or are getting ‘back on track,’ this class will help you get in the groove and provide training and technique insights to get you back in shape and/ or prepare for your upcoming 5-10K or more. Info: REI.com/Spokane (January 29) Backcountry Film Festival. Where:
The Bing Theater, Spokane. Now in its 10th year the Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival celebrates the human powered winter experience through film. The festival aims to entertain while helping to raise funds and awareness for Winter Wildlands and our like-minded partners. Info: winterwildlands.org
January-February 2015
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CALENDAR
Priest Lake Golf Course, When 10 a.m. Nordic Ski 5k and 10k races. Snowshoe Run 5k, 10k races. Winter duathlon- 5k ski and a 5k snowshoe. Prizes, BBQ Lunch to participants, 1st-3rd awards. Info: PriestLakeRace.com
classic technique race at the Chickadee Trailhead. Classic ski terrain, with small hills, smooth transitions for the 15K, with big climbs on the 30K. Info: methowvalleynordic.com/events
JAN/FEB 2015
(Ongoing Mondays & Wednesdays) Spider Monkeys Climbing Club. Where: Wild Walls
11:30 a.m. 5K & 10K open to all ages. Most people set their personal best 10k time on this course. Info: SkiLeavenworth.com
On the Mountain: Alpine Skiing and Riding
Why I ski: Sherry LaVigne and 49 Degrees North
by Katie LeBlanc
Clockwise from top right: Lavigne at 2.5 Years old. // Lavigne Making turns. // Chewelah Ski Club instructors. // Mtn. Hostess with the mostess. Photos Courtesy of Sherry Lavigne.
Satisfying a crazy-nut skier woman requires excitement and thousands of acres of wild terrain. Sherry LaVigne, skier and belle femme, has maintained her long-term relationship with the Chewelah Peak area in northeast Washington over the decades. Die-hard skiers first traversed Chewelah Washington’s Flowery Trail to build a legacy of skiing fun in the 1930s. LaVigne’s family, along with other Chewelah area families, embraced the snowy, wild terrain of what is now 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort. LaVigne was born to ski. “There was no hope for me being anything else,” she says. “I had no choice; my whole family skied at Chewelah Peak, and there was never a question of what we were doing every winter weekend.” Cyrille (Cy) LaVigne, Sherry’s grandfather and founding inspiration of skiing in the days before 49 Degrees North, began riding Chewelah Peak on 10-foot, wooden-board skis in the 1930s. At that time, Flowery Trail was often traveled by horse, foot, or by cross-country skis between the towns of Chewelah and Usk. LaVigne recalls that her grandfather’s friends made fun of him for humping those giant skis over the hill, at least until they got to the downhill side. Thus the local
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Out There There Monthly Monthly // January-February Out January-February2015 2015
skiing addiction was born. Skiing is a thread in the fabric of Sherry LaVigne’s soul; a genetic code rooted before birth. Her grandfather Cy’s skiing sagas became familiar to Sherry in her early childhood. The earliest ski days where not graced with lift access (until the rope tow was established in 1939). Hiking was necessary, and turning was not an option. Crazy ski bombing down the mountain was how skiers negotiated terrain. Falling to stop was necessary,
four-wheel drive vehicles did not exist. Families helped each other back on the road to assume the ultimate goal – a dedication inspired by the great winter adventure of skiing. LaVigne wistfully describes the old rope tow as teaching a lesson of determination. Needless to say, the community of Northeast Washington was stoked for the next advance – a chair lift in 1951. The initial ski resort became 49 Degrees North Ski Area in 1972, a bittersweet change for many of
Hiking was necessary, and turning was not an option. Crazy ski bombing down the mountain was how skiers negotiated terrain. as those long boards weren’t capable of turning. Skiing Chewelah Peak was a community goal; most area families spent their weekends hiking, skiing, and crashing together. Community spirit shaped the ski resort. “If it’s snowing, I’m going,” is an attitude initiated by Chewelah’s first skiers. Driving Flowery Trail after a storm was an adventure, as cars were found mired in the snow left and right. Snow plows and
the founding local skiers, as access to some of the best tree skiing in the Pacific Northwest opened up a new game for all. Northeast Washington’s wild terrain makes her skiers a minority among the trees. 49 Degrees North has grown to cover 2,325 acres of the million-plus acre Colville National Forest. LaVigne loves the north facing slope, ranking Chewelah Peak unique among other regional ski mountains,
as snowfall is typically abundant and dry. For LaVigne, Chewelah Peak reminds her of why she fell in love with skiing in the first place. She describes skiing as a relationship, a dance with the mountain. Once LaVigne learned how to negotiate the slopes, skiing granted her an excitement surpassing any other activity. In the summer, she spends her time wake boarding, bidding to temper the flame for her winter sport. To no avail, there is no replacing her true love of snowy adventure. Growing up as a ski racer, LaVigne developed an affinity with several ski resorts nationwide, yet she moved back to Northeast Washington for 49 Degrees North. She cites the diversity in terrain, epic tree skiing and the nostalgia with each turn for keeping her rooted in these mountains. LaVigne refers to herself as a crazy nut-skier who is addicted to skiing and the unique conditions and history that make 49 Degrees North what it is. “I ski because I have to,” she says. “As my late father Norman LaVigne would say to me, ‘now shut up and ski!’” “75 Years at 49 Degrees North,” a documentary that tells the mountains unique story, can be viewed online at www.ski49n.com. //
Pandora Radio January is Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month Snow Tunes The tunes we listen to as we ski and ride are as unique to us as the “music” we make on the slopes. As you get out there, mix it up with my list of what Pandora stations your fellow snow lovers might be pumping through their earbuds. • Old School Skier: What’s Pandora? KKZX 98.9 Classic Rock, baby! • Nu Skool Skier: Black Keys “Do The Rump.” • The Cool Guy: Alt-J “Left Hand Free.” • The Slopes Boarder: Beastie Boys “Make Some Noise” • The Park Boarder: Katy Perry “Last Friday Night,” add Kanye West. • Sporty Hipster: Soul Coughing, add Budos Band. • The Backcountry Skier: No Pandora – just the sound of skis on snow. // (S. Michal Bennett)
by Jan. 24). This program is for beginners and intermediates. Call 208-744-1301 for details. Skilookout.com.
Every January, resorts around North America celebrate Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month by offering excellent deals on lessons, rentals and lift tickets for adults and kids who want to break out of the winter boredom and learn to ski or snowboard at a local ski hill. If you’re a veteran skier or rider or a parent, this is the month to introduce someone you love to the joys of winter adventure in the mountains at a super discounted rate. Many of the region’s resorts have special Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month discounts, including these deals from four local resorts. 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort In honor of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, 49 Degrees North is offering special discounts on lesson, rental, and lift ticket packages for firsttime skiers and riders. The EZ 1, 2, 3 packages are discounted from their regular price of $129 down to $109 and the “Learn to” packages are reduced from $89 to $74. “There’s no age limit on getting started,” says Rick Brown, Director of Skiing and Snowboarding at 49 Degrees North. “Whether you start as a small child or later in life, skiing or snowboarding is something that can bring new, exciting experiences to your world,” he adds. Call the ski and snowboard school for details at 509-935-6649 for more info. Ski49n.com. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area New skiers and riders looking to learn the life
Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park For January only, Mt. Spokane’s EZ Ski 1-2-3 learn to ski or snowboard package will be discounted even more to just $99. Everything you need to learn to ski or ride is included: three days of lift tickets, rental gear and lessons for ages 13 and up. New skiers or riders ages 7-12 can try out the EZ-Ski First Tracks package that includes three days of lift tickets, rentals and lessons, the first of which is an all-day lesson to optimize learning, for only $129. As an added bonus, Mt. Spokane is also offering those who purchase a learn-to-ski package in January the chance to buy a season pass for the remainder of the season for just $99. Mtspokane.com. Amy Silbernagel Mccaffree sharing the snow love.
skill of skiing or riding during January can score a lesson, rental and lift ticket package for $39. That’s $11 off the normal price. Sticking to the beginner chairlift, Lookout’s instructors will teach the basics. Parents can also sign up kids age 6-17 for the Lookout Pass Famous Free Ski School, happening every Saturday morning from January 10 through March 14 (sign up
Silver Mountain Resort Plenty of people who don’t ski or snowboard travel to Silver Mountain every year just to ride the gondola and experience the views of riding high above the scenic Silver Valley in an enclosed gondola car. With Silver’s learn-to-ski package, the gondola ride is just the first taste of taking on a new fun and thrilling sport that can lead to a lifetime of winter adventure. Silver’s package includes a lift ticket, lesson and ski or snowboard gear rental for $39. Call 866-344-2675 for details and restrictions. Silvermt. com. // (OTM)
Ski Bum Advice: Mountain Karma
puddle of what you thought was water. It’s not. You never do get that smell out of your pants and jacket or your nose.
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly // by Brad Northrup
The Good: After witnessing a wicked tumble by a hot twenty-something female skier, you stop and help her collect her gear. You later meet up for some apres-ski beverages, and she gives you her number.
If you have spent any amount of time in the mountains during winter, chances are good you have experienced mountain karma. You know, that unseen force that measures your actions and can easily put a smile on your face and make your whole day on the hill simply awesome or give you a swift kick in the nuts and make you wish you joined that men’s over-40 indoor badminton league rather than going skiing. Yeah, that karma. I have to admit I have been on the receiving end of some bad mountain karma over the years, probably due to my poking fun at some poor soul as he/she hacked their way down a run they had no business being on, or for any number of comments made in poor taste. While reflecting on my past transgressions, I have realized that there are actually three levels of mountain karma: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. If you can identify with more of the Bad or Ugly than the Good, it might be a good time to follow the advice of the lyrical sage Ice Cube and “check yourself before you wreck yourself.” Karma can be a real bitch. The Good: While entering the men’s restroom, you hold the door for the chap who obviously has never worn or walked in ski boots across a urine-slicked floor. He later buys you a pitcher of Black Butte Porter. The Bad: You shove past the gent discussed above, cut the line to the urinal, and proceed to pee down the front of your brand-new, bright blue Spyder ski pants you received for Christmas. Snickering follows you as you exit. The Ugly: Same as above, but as you turn to leave in a hurry, you slip and fall face down in a
The Bad: You spray snow on the aforementioned skier as you fly by, then proceed to catch an edge. The ensuing yard sale is classified as “epic,” with a debris field that is nearly 200 yards long and can be seen from space. The Ugly: You do eventually come to a stop, but one of your skis doesn’t. It was last seen going airborne into a stand of trees and is not located by Ski Patrol until the following July. You swear you heard laughter on the voice mail they left. The Good: As a single in a long lift line, you step aside and let a nice older couple load in front of you. They comment that maybe this younger generation isn’t as bad as Fox News says it is. The Bad: You duck under the ropes, cut the line, and jump on the chair, giving the finger to the lift operator. While unloading, your pole strap gets caught, and you end up going around the bullwheel, stopping the chair for 20 minutes. Your pass gets pulled immediately. The Ugly: Your little escapade causes the chair to derail. After sitting for over an hour, you suddenly become very aware that eating the Mucho Grande Fiery Diablo Nachos for lunch was a poor decision on your part. Your pass still gets pulled, and you never do wear those pants again. // Brad Northrup is a former ski racer, alpine coach, and dirt-bag ski bum (reformed). He is currently serving a 20 year sentence in corporate America. January-February 2015 2015 // Out Out There There Monthly Monthly
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On the Mountain: Alpine Skiing and Riding
Don’t be a “packed-powder” hater Good ole January in the Pacific Northwest. The snow coverage is usually great in the mountains, and the resorts are almost always in fullswing operations. Some might say it’s the perfect time of year to hit the slopes. But is mid-winter really all it’s cracked up to be? Others counter that it has a reputation for being a time of year seasoned skiers and riders have come to dislike. It’s not always a lock, but the mid-winter months can occasionally bring with them a brief seasonal front brought on by an atmospheric high-pressure system that has drifted in from the Pacific. The resulting weather is usually a combination of warmer than average temps combined with little or no snow accumulation that can linger for weeks, creating what some consider to be less than desirable ski conditions – “same sh!#, different day,” as groaned by the local snow-snobs. Jumping online for the conditions du jour, you’re bound to read the industry standard phrase ‘packed-powder’ somewhere in the snow report. For me personally, this has always been a confusing term as the phrase packed-powder is somewhat of an oxymoron given that the light, fluffy snow that I know to be powder resembles nothing that I would call packed. It’s akin to describing water as being dry. I can’t say I blame them though, as calling it packed powder easily sounds more alluring than what I might call it – firm, skier/groomer-packed snow. But I digress. Does this firm, skier/groomer-packed snow really deserve the bad rap that some have given it? Are people too quick to dismiss the idea of driving to the mountains if they don’t see new snow accumulation? I believe that these occasional dry spells can provide some of the best opportunities of the season. Here’s why. When Mother Nature has gone on strike, the groomers really are your best option, unless, of course, you enjoy hacking your way through the funky, re-consolidated snow that lives in the trees. But the groomer days don’t bother me at all because they offer something that’s unique: the wide open space and freedom to completely shake loose, open up the throttle, and feel the thrill of carving high-speed turns. The secret to happiness is perspective, and that’s particularly true when skiing. Firm snow skiing and riding can be crazy, rad fun; it’s just a different type of skiing and riding than what many of the core folks tend to lust after. Groomed, or firm snow carving doesn’t always get the love it
by brad naccarato
Josh Foster tearing up the corduroy. Photos courtesy of big white ski resort.
deserves from the ski magazines or fat ski manufacturers that would have you believe that anything other than epic, knee-deep powder days are a complete bore. Don’t get me wrong, powder is, and always will be the sexy choice, but a fast and furious day on the corduroy can provide a completely different type of thrill that’s not possible on a deep day. Starting from the top, the exhilaration quickly builds with each small turn driving you closer to the heart of the run. Building to a larger turn shape, you’re railing on the ski’s edge through the belly of each turn, gaining more speed and momentum with each pass. Shooting like a rocket in and out of the turns, you’re barely hanging on as you push the line between control and chaos. Experiencing the ski bend, react and load under your foot while pushing serious gees on a wide open plane might be one the greatest feelings you can ever know. Unfortunately, a lot of people dread these firm snow days because they never learned how to properly engage their edges. They spend their entire day linking death-skids until they can no longer stand the horrific scraping sensation anymore and finally pack it in. There’s nothing exhilarating about skidding like a windshield wiper, regardless of the snow conditions. To really experience the firm snow magic, you’ve got to get your skis on edge and make them carve (this is why they are shaped). Carving is an important skill that will help you maintain control, preserve your speed and momentum through the turn and keep you smiling especially when the snow firms up. I still love watching hard-plate snowboarders carve big, powerful arcs as they descend an open run. When it’s done right, it’s absolutely beautiful. Europeans, who have access to arguably the most extreme off-piste skiing in the world, still have a ton of reverence for what happens on-piste. As a culture that seems to place emphasis on beauty over strength, they appreciate the gracefulness and dedication to form that is required to make perfect turns come together. I’ve worked in both American and French ski schools, and I can tell you that the French are much less interested in efficiency as they are the aesthetic. This season, try looking at those mid-winter dry-spells in a different light. Revel in the firm snow exhilaration that only the “roy” can bring. But you won’t have long though, as there’s almost always serious storm activity brewing up for February’s weather models. //
Retro Ski Pass Contest WINNERS! Enter your classic ski pass photo for a chance to win lift tickets all winter long. Send a high-resolution (1MB or larger) photo or digital scan of your pass, along with the owner’s name, email address, phone number and any supportive or entertaining caption you want to add to: contests@ outtheremonthly.com.
January winners score a free lift ticket to: Lori Carlton Smith- “The back of the pass is covered with small, square, numbered stickers. When your pass was checked at the beginning of the day, they would put a sticker on the front. We would move the sticker to the back of the pass to keep track of how many times we went skiing for the season. I went at least 24 times that winter.” 36
Out There Monthly / January-February January-February2015 2015
Melissa Joy- “Note the sticker from my ski instructor for being “Amazing!”- my first season 92/93. She was the best- we got Twinkies after every lesson.”
The making of a ski media mogul // by brad naccarato
Peak video Productions Heli skiing shoot. // Photo Courtesy Kyle Hamilton
It’s 9 a.m. in the Monashee Mountains just above the town of Rossland B.C., and a northerly storm system has dropped a foot of fresh powder overnight. As the snowcat driver winds his way towards the summit, his crew of eager skiers and riders are discussing the game plan as they ready ski gear and camera equipment for the day’s shoot. For Jim Bolser of Peak Video Productions, it’s just another day at the office. On days like this, Bolser’s vocation represents a blend of his two favorite passions – skiing and video production. Peak Video Productions, a full-scale production company in Spokane, has produced dozens of commercials, promotional videos and cable television segments representing regional ski resorts as well as several cat and heliski operations. If you’ve ever caught a segment of Northwest Ski Adventures on Northwest Cable News, then you’ve seen some of Bolser’s amazing production work. For Bolser, who co-founded Peak in 1999 with partner Robin Briley, the film seed was planted early. “I made my first ski movie as part of an 8th grade project at Shaw Middle School,” he says. “My family drove a camper to Schweitzer where we’d ski every weekend. I starting bringing a Super 8 camera up and filming my buddies,” he recalls. His movie, which won top honors at Shaw, was screened by a film professor at UC Berkeley who later approached Bolser and told him he had a special talent and should pursue it as a career. After high school, Bolser’s wanderlust took him in a different direction with the Navy. “After four years in the Navy, I was ready to try something new but had no idea what. My Naval career advisor asked me what I’d been passionate about as a kid, and the answer was easy – shooting video,” he says. Bolser soon graduated from SFCC’s Television Production program and landed a job in Bend, Ore. producing news for a local station. Bend was a real ski town, so it wasn’t long before Bolser was producing ski-related news right from the slopes of Mt. Bachelor. Eventually he returned to Spokane where he spent several years as Chief Photographer at KXLY, winning the NPPA’s Northwest Photographer of the Year award. After nearly 15 years in news production,
Bolser eventually co-founded Peak Video Productions with the intent of telling the stories he’d always wanted to tell using his camera. “Whether I’m filming skiers, triathletes, or just unique people, everyone has an incredible story, and I love telling those stories with pictures,” he says. “I made a lot of ski industry contacts during my news production years at KXLY, so it didn’t take long before I was producing video for the local resorts. Besides, I was the only guy around back then who could ski into these places with a load of camera equipment and produce a professional product,” he adds. Naturally, people have grown to love watching the stories that Bolser and Briley produce. To date, he is the man behind the camera for Ski the Northwest Rockies, the organization that helps to promote four of the Spokane region’s resorts, as well as for Ski Idaho, which promotes every resort in the Gem State. North of the border, Peak has produced video for nearly every cat ski operation in B.C., as well as for a handful of heli-ski outfits. Bolser notes that modern ski film production is more unique and creative than it’s ever been. “We’re definitely in the golden age of video right now. There are so many creative things that a producer can pull from their tool kit – POV shots, using super-high shutter speeds and the editing software is always getting more sophisticated,” he says. “I’ll sprinkle a slow-motion shot in here and POV shot in there, but never too much. Most importantly though, I try to shoot in a way that lets the action unfold organically and less contrived,” he adds. Over the years, Bolser has carved out a nice living as the ultimate ski bum traveling the globe and living his dream. “Of course I’m paid for what I do, but if you really break it down and look at all the travel and time that’s involved in these productions, I’m not getting rich,” he says. “For me the greatest joy in all of this is just getting to spend time in the mountains, shooting video, meeting incredible people, and of course, skiing deep powder with all my friends.” Check out some of Peak’s video work on their Vimeo channel Peak Travels: Vimeo.com/ user1712539. //
January-February January-February 2015
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Where To Roll A Fatty
top: Dan DeRuyter at Palisades Park. Photo: Hank Greer Bottom: Riding Near Sandpoint, ID Photo: Al Lemire
By Hank Greer
In the Snow
Between bike shop advertisements and outdoor articles over the past couple of months, you can’t help but notice that the popularity of fat bikes is climbing beyond the “cool and unique” level. Plus, more ski resorts are finding that skiers and bikers can peacefully coexist on at least some Nordic trails, further increasing your riding opportunities. As long as conditions are right, the wide tires and low tire pressure leave little more than tread marks on a groomed Nordic or snowmobile trails. Be sure to follow the rules on Nordic trails that are open to fat biking, including never riding on trails that are not clearly open to fat bikes. Fat bike ruts on Nordic trails are bad for skiers and bad for the fat bike community’s reputation. There is less concern for ruts on snowmobile trails since the machines are largely unaffected by them. Use lights and wear bright color clothing to make yourself more visible on snowmobile trails and yield to the machines. You’ll hear them coming. Here are some of the trails around the greater Inland Northwest where you can expect to enjoy a fun ride on a fat bike if the conditions are right. Spokane and Coeur d’Alene Mount Spokane State Park allows fat bikes on the multi-use trails that are open to hikers, snowshoers or snowmobiles. Bikes are not allowed on the Nordic trails or in the alpine ski area. Fitness Fanatics also has a couple Surly Moonlander fat bikes for rent at the Selkirk Lodge at Mount Spokane this winter (Wednesdays through Mondays). Around Coeur d’Alene, you have many locations in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Nearby Canfield Mountain has 25 miles of trails that local riders often keep packed down for fat bikes. There are also snowmobile trails that you can access at 4th of July Pass, the top of Fernan Saddle, and at Hayden Creek. Sandpoint and Priest Lake Brian Anderson at Greasy Fingers Bikes and Repair in Sandpoint says they have about 150 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the area at Trestle Creek, Pack River, and McArthur Lake. Priest Lake is surrounded by over 400 miles of snowmobile trails too. Greasy Fingers rents fat bikes and can offer trail recommendations for these areas. There’s also a trail map at www.switchbacks.com/plsnow/plsnowmap. aspx. Schweitzer Mountain Resort All 32 kilometers of Nordic trails at Schweitzer are open to fat bikes. And they rent bikes, which allows you to try before you buy. All riders must have a daily pass or a Nordic season pass. Tires must be wider than 3.7 inches and inflated at no more than 10 psi. They ask you to stay off the trails under any of these circumstances: there are three inches of new snow, you’re leaving a rut deeper than one inch, you can’t ride a straight line, or you need to get off and push the bike. Bikes also must yield to all other users. You can view the complete policy at www.schweitzer.com/mountain/ snowbiking/.
What Conditions are Best for Fat Biking? Under a lot of conditions, a fat bike provides a smooth, flowing ride in the snow better than a mountain bike. It’s still a workout, but it’s a far more satisfactory workout because there’s less frustration caused by your tires sinking into the snow. Trails that have a base – including snowmobile, approved Nordic, and fat-bike specific trails – provide a better ride than loose snow, but loose snow is not impossible to ride in either. Trails that have been partially packed by snowshoers or hikers can also be a good option. The best groomed trail riding conditions include trails with a firm, compressed base with the temperature below freezing. Riding in deep, wet snow or deep, light powder can be difficult to impossible to ride if it hasn’t been groomed.
Central Washington The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club recently announced a pilot program for the 2014/2015 season that allows fat bikes on the Nordic and snowshoe trails prior to snow grooming and the opening of the Nordic ski season. Once grooming and skiing is under way, bikes will be limited to designated dates and times. They have night riding on 5 kilometers of lighted trails too. See www. skileavenworth.com/activities/fat-bike for details. Methow Trails near Winthrop has about 20 kilometers of trails open to fat bikers. As with other locations, you’re required to purchase a ski pass. They have a policy similar to Schweitzer, which you can find along with the current conditions at www.methowtrails.org/winter-trails/fat-bike. Also in Methow, Joseph Brown, owner of Methow Cycle and Sport, and Steve Mitchell, owner of the Rocking Horse Bakery, joined with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Pearrygin State Park to create a volunteer community supporting fat biking trails during the winter. Both state agencies provide equipment to Joe and Steve so they can groom and maintain the trails. (Steve’s history with fat biking dates back to the original days in Alaska.) There are 16 miles of trails at Lloyd Ranch and Pearrygin Park open to bikes. You must have a Discover Pass. British Columbia Tyler Merringer at Revolution Bike Shop in Rossland, B.C., reports that the ever-increasing fat biking community uses many of the same trails that mountain bikers ride during warmer weather. The severity of the snowfall determines which trails are rideable, but he says you can ride on most days. In Nelson, B.C., Whitewater Ski Resort has opened 5 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails for fat biking. Bike rentals are also available. // 38
Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
Fat Bike Events Around the Region * At Round Lake State Park near Sandpoint, the first annual Fatty Flurry Festival is taking place on January 31 at 1 p.m. Sponsored by Greasy Fingers Bikes N Repair, the festivities include group rides, free fat bike demos and a barbeque and refreshments around a bonfire. Try biking in the snow, meet other local riders and discover beautiful new places to ride a fat bike. Call for more info: 208-255-4496. * Methow, WA is hosting the Northwest Fatbike Winter Meetup on January 16-18. Facebook.com/events/573115612790617. * On February 1, in conjunction with the Rossland Winter Carnival, Red Mountain Resort is sponsoring a Fat Bike Festival in Rossland, B.C., which will include a 20 kilometer enduro-format race. Redresort.com.
TheGearRoom What to Wear While Fat Biking // With the growing popularity of fat biking on snow-covered trails, more people are confronted with the question of what to wear to keep warm without overheating and getting drenched in sweat. John Drumm, store manager and resident fat bike expert at Fitness Fanatics in Spokane Valley, has some thoughtful fat biking gear advice based on years of personal experience. “We find that having specific clothing for a single sport is not practical,” says Drumm. “Rather, winter clothing has to be useful for multiple sports. Skate skiing is a more active and more aerobic sport than riding fat bikes, but the clothing used for skate skiing is also ideal for fat bikes,” he adds. Drumm cautions that people have a tendency to overdress for active outdoor winter sports like fat biking. “Riding a fat bike you are burning a lot of calories and creating a lot of heat. It’s actually amazing how little clothing you really need, even in the coldest temperatures,” he says. This is all fine with one caveat, notes Drumm. Always keep moving. Just like in other winter sports like backcountry or Nordic skiing that can take you far out into backcountry where you may need to make an occasional longer stop because of an injury or gear failure, you need to carry extra clothing to stay warm during such stops. Drumm says that he stays comfortable riding his fat bike down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit with a breathable light shell, one light poly-tech blend mid layer and a poly blend base layer. “You can account for temperature control by adding or subtracting the mid-layers as needed,” Drumm says. “For my lower half, it is similar except that I don’t need the mid layer. Your legs run warmer than
By Derrick Knowles
your top because of all that pedaling!” Warm hands and feet are also essential to comfort and endurance. “Gloves are useless when it is cold, and mittens, while warmer, don’t allow you the dexterity to operate the controls properly,” Drumm says. He and his riding buddies use a hybrid glove/mitten combo called a lobster mitt – they allow two fingers to be side-by-side for extra warmth, while allowing for the dexterity needed to operate the controls. For extreme cold, Drumm recommends mounting Bar Mitts on your handlebars. “Bar Mitts are fleece lined neoprene covers that completely envelope your handlebar controls, much like the covers used on snowmobiles for years,” he explains. “You can put your hand and forearm into these cozy chambers for total winter warmth. They are so warm you can get by with lighter gloves for maximum dexterity on the controls.” Keeping your feet warm while pedaling down a frozen trail in cold temps can be challenging too, but Drumm recommends neoprene bootie covers to combat that problem. “These look like a wetsuit that zips right over your existing bike shoes. There is even an accommodating cutout to allow for your cleats,” he says. For really cold temperatures, he recommends battery powered heated insoles. Drumm notes that Fitness Fanatics carries all of the fat bike riding gear he recommends here. “Since Fitness Fanatics is the go-to location for outdoor winter technical clothing for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and road biking, it makes sense that we are also your source for the ultimate in winter fat biking attire.” Fitfanatics.com. //
The Fattest of the Fat: Surly Moonlander The most popular fat bike that Fitness Fanatics carries is the Surly Moonlander. With super-fat Lou 4.8 tires, it has the fattest tires around. “These tires are so fat,” says Fitness Fanatics fat bike guru John Drumm, “they provide an ultimate ride and very positive flotation even on questionably packed snowmobile trails. With really low tire pressure like 10 psi, the bike feels and handles like a full suspension bike, even though it’s a hard-tail with a rigid fork. The compliance you can get of these bikes is truly amazing. These bikes are so much fun in the snow, any ride you go on quickly becomes epic.” // (DK)
Mountain Sports Club
Use it once & it’s paid for.
The Bar Mitts Solution for Cold Weather Riding I got the chance to try out a pair of Bar Mitts neoprene handlebar covers on my mountain bike this winter, and the difference they made on blocking the cold, biting wind was dramatic. Bar Mitts come in several styles to fit different types of handlebars, from mountain bikes to drop style handlebars, flat bars and various commuter and townie bars. The Mountain Mitts fit over my mountain bike handlebar brake levers and shifters after opening the small zipper and sliding the neoprene cocoon over them. Velcro straps on the inside of the Mitts keep them secure to the bar. With the Mitts attached, you can get by with a lighter riding glove that gives you more dexterity in controlling the bike than you would get from wearing a thick pair of winter gloves. Fitness Fanatics in Spokane Valley will be carrying Bar Mitts this season, and you can also order them online at www.barmitts.com. // (DK)
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PRINT & USE COUPONS THE SAME DAY January-February 2015
/ Out There Monthly
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Mountain Gallery
Photographer: Kyle Lucas location: Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Leavenworth, Wash.
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Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
Photographer: Kyle Lucas location: Cabinet Mountains
Photographer: Al Lemire location: At the K9 Keg Pull, part of the Sandpoint Winter Carnival, in Sandpoint, Idaho.
January-February 2015
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Last Page the best worst day of the season It was Saturday March 1, the day before the Spokane Nordic 20/30/50K Challenge Loppet, and I was at Mount Spokane setting up in the Selkirk Lodge. The preceding couple of days had included a dozen emails back and forth discussing whether to cancel the event, and today was proof of why some of the people closest to the event had lobbied to call it off. The temperature was in the low teens, with winds howling at 40-plus miles an hour. The place looked deserted. The lone skier in the Selkirk Lodge, Mark Bitz, had just come in from a couple of hours out on the trails with a report that the conditions were pretty bad. The high overnight winds had brought down a blanket of pine needles and buffed the snow into a hard crust. But there was one exception. The one-way Shadow Mountain loop was amazing, he said. Somehow, perhaps because the loop was mostly on the far side of the mountain and protected from the wind, the ground was clean and in perfect shape. “Since there’s no one out there,” he said, “I skied it forwards, then turned around and did it backwards. You never get that chance.” If Bitz hadn’t held out that carrot, and if it wasn’t near the end of the season, I might not have been so determined. But once you strap the skis on, there’s no going back. Turns out, I wasn’t the only one on the trails. The youth ski team from Ellensburg had come up for the Loppet the next day and were staying at Big Bear Lodge just down the hill, so they were up making the most of their time on the mountain.
// By Brad Thiessen
After a few brief words with their leaders, I headed past Junction 1. The parking lot is always the windiest place on the hill, so my hope was that if I took Blue Jay, a trail that winds back and forth among the trees to a high ridge before coasting down to Junction 2, I might avoid the worst of the detritus the wind had blown from the Lodgepole pines. No such luck. Skiing on bits of bark and needles is like trying to Rollerblade from a sidewalk onto grass. You kick off and get maybe a half-second of glide before the lead ski catches and you’re shuffling over the snow. Fine if you’re just there for a walk, but a bit discouraging if you’re looking for the
Out in the open, the wind picked up again and the accumulation of needles and branches only got worse. I left the tracks and switched from side to side, in the vain hope of finding cleaner snow, but it was basically just a slog. An amazing thing happened five minutes later, as I skied down past Junction 3 and reached the mouth of the Shadow Mountain Trail. It was almost spooky how everything abruptly changed. The wind was gone. The snow was clean. The skis glided. Heading up the familiar first slope, my body immediately set into the rhythm of kicking off with the lead foot and pushing with the opposite pole: glide, kick off with the other foot
I determined to keep going, though; partly because of the promise of better skiing ahead, and partly because calling it quits and heading back to the lodge would have been a declaration of defeat. smooth flow that launches you forward and, at the best of times, almost feels like flight. I determined to keep going, though; partly because of the promise of better skiing ahead, and partly because calling it quits and heading back to the lodge would have been a declaration of defeat. I half-coasted down the sticky trail at the end of Blue Jay into Junction 2, and continued the same half-glide, half-trudge out the other side. As I headed up the incline of Lodgepole, things only got worse.
and pole, repeat. As I reached the top of that first slope, my spirits were high enough that I almost believed there’d be a clear view of the valley to the east. Instead, I was cocooned by clouds in that quiet white of trail and hillside, with the groomed tracks leading to the left. I rounded the side of the mountain and headed up the steepest part of the trail where it’s always a test to see if it’s possible to hop-ski up without doing a herringbone – or worse yet,
stopping to catch my breath before conquering the slope. At the top, the view cleared to reveal the slopes of the downhill area and the peak of Mount Spokane on the other side of the valley. I couldn’t help letting out a whoop. I followed the trail for the next 10 minutes around the northwest side of the mountain, up a steep stretch to the next crest, then coasted back down to Junction 3. Bitz was right – there was no way I was heading back yet. The forbidden fruit hung there; the chance to turn around and go the wrong way, back up that long slope, counter clockwise around the mountain. The chances of meeting someone coming the opposite way was pretty slim. By the time the reverse trip back around the mountain was over and Junction 2 was within view, the crusty drifts were a couple of feet high, enough that with a couple of pole-shoves, I could sprint and get air, then promptly wipe out as my skis landed back on the needle-encrusted trail. Back at the Selkirk Lodge, Bitz was long gone, but the team from Ellensburg was warming themselves around the stove, the joy of skiing evident even in those conditions that had discouraged most of the die-hard locals from hitting the trails. The next day I was back in the lodge coordinating the Challenge Loppet. The trails had been groomed clean overnight, the promised high winds hadn’t materialized and a gentle snow began to fall by nine in the morning. Part of me was jealous not to be out on the trails with all the other skiers, but the high from the previous day stuck with me. It was enough. //
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January-February 2015
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Out There Monthly / January-February 2015
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