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In This Issue p.5 / From the Editor

MONTHLY

Urban Outdoors

p.6-7 / Out There News Out There Monthly /october-november 2015

p.11 / Hike of the month p.12 / Mountain Biking Head West for Desert Riding at Beezley Hills

www.outtheremonthly.com Publishers

p.13 / Health & fitness Winter Fun & Fitness

p.14 / everyday cyclist The Secret Lives of Bike Shop Mechanics

Shallan & Derrick Knowles Editor

Derrick Knowles senior writers

Jon Jonckers Brad Naccarato Amy Silbernagel McCaffree Contributing Writers:

p.16 / urban outdoors Fall Colors at Finch Arboretum

p. 17 / Out There Spotlight Spokane Mountaineers

p.18 / travel B.C. Travel 30% Cheaper

Larry Banks, S.Michal Bennett, Katie Botkin, Chic Burge, Kate Burns, Kelly Chadwick, Hank Greer, Jonathan Hook, Erik K., Bea Lacaff, Bob Legasa, Brad Northrup, Anna Twohig, Holly Weiler, Jerry White, Jr. Contributing photographers:

Shallan Knowles, Skye Schillhammer, Aaron Theisen Art + Production

p.19 / LEaf, Root, Fungi, Fruit

Art Director - Shallan Knowles Contributing Designer - Brad Naccarato

Muppet Mushroom to request copies caLl

p. 20 / Family Winter Sports Guide

509 / 822 / 0123 Ad Sales

Derrick Knowles: 509 / 822 / 0123 Brad Naccarato

Out There Monthly

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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.

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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 are knowledgeable about the risks, and are personally willing to assume all responsibility associated with those risks.

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On the cover:

P. 42 / Outdoor calendar P. 44/ Out There Spotlight Shejumps

P.46 / Last Page How To Avoid Bears

Don’t wait for winter to pay your favorite slopes a visit. Skye Schillhammer bridges the seasons with this photo from up on Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

Photo: Skye Schillhammer

From The Editor: Urban Outdoors We were working late on this October/ November double issue of Out There from our home office when an after-dark knock on the front door rattled us away from our computers with some bad news. In our always exciting corner of the city, just across the river from downtown Spokane, late night visits are rarely a good thing.

It was one of our neighbors, and she looked distressed. “Somebody just busted out the windows on your cars,” she said. The neighborhood sees more than its share of crime, and we’ve experienced plenty of sketchy situations that would scare a lot of people back to the suburbs, but we mostly love it here. The proximity to the river, trails, endless recreation opportunities and urban amenities are too good to leave. But tonight we are pissed and take off down the road in our flip-flops to try to make some sense of the broken glass in front of our house. The people next door fill us in that the obviously impaired individual who broke three of our windows and one on the neighbor’s SUV – with his fist – was still walking up the next block just a few minutes earlier. And that’s when several other random neighbors took off after this potential psychopath, running barefoot into the dark down streets and alleys, through yards and parking lots, even though nothing of theirs had been broken. I had the urge to run off after them, but was too far behind to be of use. Instead, I settled for guarding the truck one of the pursuers, a complete stranger to us who lives somewhere on our street, had left parked and running in the middle of the street when he jumped out to chase after the window smasher.

The longer I live in the city, traditional ways of thinking about outdoor recreation, pursuits once largely reserved for rural landscapes and

pristine parks and wilderness, seem less relevant to my day-to-day life. On the other hand, the possibilities for daily urban adventure and creatively incorporating urban spaces and the ribbons of nature that break up the concrete jungle for more purposeful and meaningful outings feel more and more satisfying and readily available without ever getting into a car. Whether it’s a riverbank wandering, walk/run to the store for a six-pack; a downtown alley “art” walk; a kid-packing ramble through High Bridge that incorporates a disc golf session or illegal fire pit dismantling workout; or a nighttime, barefoot, criminal-chasing odyssey through the hood, outdoor experiences that incorporate workouts, nature/community connection, and adventure into everyday jaunts through the urban outdoors are a different, exciting kind of outdoor recreation. Starting with this issue, look for ideas and inspiration for exploring the urban wilds in our new Urban Outdoors column! //

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Out ThereNews&Events National Geographic Speaker Series

November 3, National Geographic and WestCoast Entertainment present astrobiologist and National Geographic Emerging Explorer Kevin Hand. Best known as the founder of Cosmos Education, Hand currently works for NASA planning a mission to Jupiter’s moon Europa to investigate evidence of a vast subsurface ocean, a body of water that could sustain primitive forms of life nearly 600 million miles from Earth.

Hand is the first of four speakers coming to Spokane who are both documenting and helping to preserve the world’s natural beauty, while expanding the frontiers of human knowledge and achievement. Throughout the years, National Geographic has compiled a rich program of speakers and storytellers, and each year the Speaker Series reaches bigger audiences and motivates more explorers.

Back in 2005, Hand appeared alongside director James Cameron in “Aliens of the Deep,” applying

his knowledge about extraterrestrial environments to Earth’s own unexplored realms. In the summer of 2012, Hand joined Cameron’s team on his historic Challenger Deep dive into the Marianas Trench, the deepest place on the planet.

Hand is dedicated and invested in the ongoing search for life on other worlds.

Using award-winning photographs and video, Hand promises to deliver an engaging presentation about discovering new life forms on Earth, and how we might find extraterrestrial life in other parts of the solar system. At a 2014 NASA panel discussion, Hand predicted that extraterrestrial life would be found within 20 years. Considering he spent the last two years working specifically towards this goal, there is a good chance his presentation will be educational and inspiring.

Find out more information and buy tickets for the Speaker Series at: Events.nationalgeographic.com/event-series/spokane-speaker-series.

(Jon Jonckers)

Trautman Ranch Acquisition Adds to Riverside State Park @M ANITOTAPHOUS E MANITO T APHO USE.COM

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Take part in history, and visit a beautiful property featuring cliffs, meadows, wetlands, wildlife, solitude, and even silence. This land, cherished for generations by the Trautman family, will now, after 10 years of efforts by the family, neighbors, non-profit and local governmental agencies, fill into place as the “missing” piece of Riverside State Park. The Trautman Ranch will be dedicated into Riverside State Park on Saturday, October 10, from 10:30 a.m. until noon (rain or shine). Gary Trautman

will lead a hike to share some special places and stories long treasured by his family. Meet and thank some of the many whose hard work brought this land, with unspoiled habitat and hiking opportunity, into conservation and public access. From Spokane, take Highway 291 north to Charles Road; there, take a left, cross the Spokane River. Go 0.3 mile and take the second left onto West Hill Avenue; follow the gravel driveway 0.3 mile to the open field.

(Bea Lackaff)

Learn to Compost Leaves at Fall Festival (Oct. 24) The Spokane Master Composters/ Recyclers are once again hosting the semiannual Compost Fair at the Finch Arboretum on Saturday, October 24. The Fair is being held as part of the Fall Leaf Festival and starts at 11 a.m. Attendees must arrive by 1:30 p.m. to complete all of the activities by the 2 p.m. close.

Participants will learn how to make compost at home out of garden debris, food scraps and all those leaves that will start falling from their trees. Activity stations will demonstrate the materials that can be composted, types of bins to use, and how to build and turn a pile. There will be hands-on experiences as well as great information shared by Spokane County Master Composters/Recyclers.

The event is free and open to everyone. Spokane County attendees who live in jurisdictions that participate in the Spokane County Regional Solid

Waste System can receive a free plastic compost bin after completing the learning stations. There is a limit of one bin per household. The bins are provided by the Regional Solid Waste System with grant funds from the Washington Department of Ecology. The Master Composters/Recyclers are volunteers sponsored by the Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System.

Also at the Finch Arboretum that day is the Fall Leaf Festival. Information booths, kid’s activities and beautiful fall colors await attendees. You can also play in a big pile of leaves! For more information on the Compost Fair, call Recycling Information at 509-625-6580. The John A. Finch Arboretum is located at 3404 W. Woodland Blvd., at the intersection of Sunset Highway and “F” Street. (OTM)

Sekani Trail Run & Free Kids’ 1K (Oct. 18) The 7th annual 5K/10K trail run through the Camp Sekani/Beacon Hill area above the Spokane River is back. The Oct. 18 event also includes a free kid’s 1K with the participation of a registered adult. The run is an adventure run/ hike/walk race with 100% dirt trails and a fabulous course that serves up 700 feet of elevation 6

Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

gain for the 10K run. All proceeds for the race benefit Franklin Elementary School’s APPLE program. Race start times are 9:40 a.m. for the 1K kid’s race, 10 a.m. for the 5K and 10:25 a.m. for the 10K. Registration is $20 until October 17 and $25 for day-of registration. Sekanitrailrun. com. // (OTM)

Fall Means It’s Cyclocross Time Cyclocross season begins in October.

Cyclocross is a sport you can take as seriously as you want, which means a lot of people just have fun. Each race throws a mix of riding surfaces at you, which can include grass, dirt, sand, gravel, pavement, mud and sometimes even creek beds.

It’s fun for all ages and all skill levels. You can let your inner 5-year-old out to play in the mud while you’re racing. Before and after you race,

you can heckle racers and throw marshmallows at them at the run-up. Or you can be real nice and hand up some much-appreciated bacon to the racers as they go by. Yes, cyclocross is that serious. There are two series of races available to us in our area: the Inland Northwest Cyclocross Series schedule is at Inlandnwcyclocross.com and you can find North Idaho’s Wild West Series CX at Wildwestcxseries.com. (Hank Greer)

WORLD’S SOFTEST Beer handup at a local cyclocross race. Photo: Hank Greer

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Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

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Riverside State Park Military Cemetery Loop // By Holly Weiler

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Big eddy. Riverside State Park. Photo: Holly Weiler

From the military cemetery near Fort George Wright and Spokane Falls Community College, begin this hike by walking east on the Centennial Trail. The trail quickly leaves the road noise behind and enters the forest, allowing visitors to forget that they’re merely a few miles from downtown. The Spokane River is far below, and SFCC’s campus is above, but this section of trail feels remote rather than urban.

Continue to within sight of the T.J. Meenach Bridge, then take a hard left on Riverside State Park’s trail 100 and hike west-bound down river. This singletrack trail runs parallel to the Centennial Trail and just above the river. Pass the stone foundation of an old building, then cross an old road and continue along the shore of the Spokane River.

Follow the shoreline downstream and begin the ascent to a bluff overlooking the river near the island.

This section of the trail was improved through an REI service project in June 2015. Previously a hiker- and equestrian-only route, the trail was redesignated multi-use and open to mountain bikes following the volunteer efforts to widen and improve the tread. At the top of the climb, visitors have the option to lengthen the hike by continuing downstream to Bowl and Pitcher and beyond. To return to the trailhead, turn left and rejoin Centennial Trail, where a short uphill climb returns hikers to the parking lot where the hike began.

The roundtrip distance is about 4 miles and is open for hiking and mountain biking (leashes required for dogs).

Getting There: From the intersection of W. Government Way and Fort George Wright Drive near SFCC, continue northwest on Government Way to the Centennial Trail parking lot at the military cemetery.

Discover Pass required.

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I had just finished loosening the last lug nut on my snow tires when the phone rang. It was Marty. “Let’s ride, buddy!” he said. It was early March and we had spent countless miles together over the winter riding our mountain bikes through Spokane’s ice, snow and mud. I was ready for a change. “Sounds good,” I said, “but let’s get out of town.” We both agreed that heading west to lower elevations and dryer land would give us the best chance of catching some good dirt. I quickly bolted my all-seasons to my VW, gathered my gear and headed out.

We set our sights on Beezley Hills, about 120 miles west of Spokane near the town of Ephrata.

Situated among a 30,000 acre conservancy, this 4,800 acre preserve boasts over 20 miles of trails set within sweeping desert terrain. If we were to escape the grip of winter, this had to be our place.

After a few wrong turns, we finally found the southern trailhead on 18th Avenue, just off Basin Street. A brand new kiosk with a detailed map of the area, along with pocket-size maps, greeted us at the lot. Looking up into the rolling hills, we spotted miles of singletrack, verdant grasses, bountiful varieties of sage brush, hedgehog cactus and endless hues of wildflowers. We couldn’t wait to get the knobbies rolling.

Armed with our maps and plenty of water, we headed up into the unfamiliar network of trails with names like Schucks, Middle Earth, Stevie’s Wonder and Bean Dip. Over scree and shale, around tight bermed switchbacks and across wellgroomed rollers, we eventually climbed our way up to a sizable boulder affection-ately known as “The Couch.” As the name graciously suggests, we had a seat and took a needed break. From here, at the crest of the hill, The Couch gives you a well-

deserved vantage point overlooking Ephrata to the east and the colossal snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range to the west.

Legs recovered from the climb and snacks polished off, we headed around the summit along the Rainier Trail and towards our eventual favorite, Bipolar Express. Wrapping us around the back of the hill, it revealed the true scale of the conservancy. As far as our eyes could see, there were no man-made structures, only vast rolling desert ripe for more trails. According to a local trail advocate, much of the surrounding area is privately owned with many of the owners open to the idea of expanding the current network onto their land. Regardless of how many miles are added, the massive swath of land on the west face made for a sublime, flowy descent back towards The Couch.

With nearly four hours of riding under our belts, we decided it was time for one final descent.

Releasing the brakes, we grabbed onto gravity and charged down the Lazy Boy trail with streaks of wildflower colors in our periphery. Winding our way back to the car, Marty and I reminisced about the day, realizing that we couldn’t have asked for anything more, especially for March.

For those of you interested in making your way to “The Beez,” there are a few things to consider.

Given the arid climate, the best times of year to ride are March/April and October/November. In late March, there is a cross-country mountain bike race, 10 years running, called the Beezley Burn.

Coming up soon, on October 24, there will be a large group night ride called (brace yourself) Ephrata The Dark. Cost is $10 and includes postride food, refreshments and swag giveaways. More info: Wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/beezley-hillspreserve. //

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Health&Fitness

Winter Fun & Fitness

Strategies for Skiers and Other Winter Recreationists // By Jonathan Hook Currently we are witnessing the transition of seasons which is warmly embraced in the Pacific Northwest. Common are the blue skies, crisp mornings, bright fall foliage and lingering warm afternoons. There is a contagious excitement about harvest celebrations, seasonal sport spectating and the growing list of edibles infused with pumpkin. While the majority of local residents proclaim a love of fall, a discussion of winter brings much more polarity. While there is a strong population of skiers, riders, snowshoers, mountaineers, and extreme (fill in the blank), there are almost an equal number of residents who sit in their homes, exercise within the walls of a sweaty gym or flee to warmer climates. People tend to either love or despise winter. Those residents who do not venture outside for these four months of the year often blame prolonged darkness, colder temperatures, or fear of icy driving as culprits, which leaves them grumpy and indoors. If you resonate with these feelings, I offer some recommendations to hopefully improve your winter blues. For those who love to get outside regardless of weather, but struggle to maintain a consistent workout regimen come winter, the formula below is also applicable.

Recreation & Workout Tips to Thrive This Winter While this formula’s effectiveness is still being analyzed as a low level case study with one winter and Nordic/alpine ski loving subject (myself), I believe these tips appropriately applicable for the coming snow season for a wide range of people who love to get out in the winter as well as those who don’t.

1. Find Better Gear Whether you’re a clothing collector with 10 pairs of workout pants or a minimalist who generally hates more stuff, a good and appropriate piece of gear can be the difference between loving or hating any winter outdoor activity. When I was a part-time ski instructor at Arapoe Basin, Colorado, I was always weary of taking on the group from Texas who arrived in loose sweatshirts and tight jeans. Both items inevitably froze into an immovable form after the first fall, leaving victims miserable and very unlikely to return to the sport. An appropriate jacket is always a good place to start (try a ski swap or local gear shop).

2. Plan a Seasonal Adventure With five ski resorts within a two-hour drive of the greater Spokane area, along with miles of crosscountry ski and snowshoe trails, you don’t have to travel far. My family weekend destination this year is targeted at a two-night stay in the Rolling Huts (rollinghuts.com) of the Methow Valley. There is

access to 120 miles of groomed, interconnected trails, surrounded by more than 1 million acres of wilderness, making it the largest groomed Nordic ski trail system in North America.

3. Engage in “Purposeful Recreational Training” We are by nature creatures of habit. This can be helpful because we can effortlessly perform daily processes without wasting valuable brain space.

Yet, while habit formation can be valuable in creating good routines, in its extreme form it can take away from our ability to fully experience the value of activity or purposely train for recreation that is meaningful. It also can equally create bad routines or a lack of any exercise routine at all.

Is skiing already a favorite among your list of hobbies? You might consider yourself a slope shredder, but do your workout habits help boost your performance? At the gym, you might find yourself in autopilot, faithfully completing your three sets of 10 repetition squats, bench presses, and hamstring curls. While developed pectorals might seem like a good workout goal, it certainly does not correlate to improved performance on varied ski terrain. Or maybe a gym routine sounds repulsive to you, so instead you complete the same 5-mile running loop three times per week. While your heart appreciates your efforts, the absence of lateral movement or balance into a workout leaves you no better on the slopes.

I challenge you to enjoy this winter season and more fully experience what it has to offer with purposeful recreational training. Although similar to the popular “Functional Fitness,” which emphasizes the general coordination of muscles to accomplish daily tasks, Purposeful Recreational Training (a term I came up with) is more specific in its purpose: to prepare an athlete to maximize performance in a desired outdoor activity.

(Functional Fitness can become too routine and lack intentionality or sport specificity.)

Purposeful Recreational Training should incorporate movement and action that simulate what you are going to actually do in your winter sport.

One of the best ways of incorporating PRT into your life with the coming snow season is to participate in a group ski conditioning class. Such classes tailor exercise to help your body adapt to the demands of the dynamic movement occurring on the slopes. These classes also typically fill up with a group of people who are pumped about life and are crazy about strapping on boards to their feet and flying downhill in a blizzard. Physical Therapy Associates on Spokane’s South Hill offers a popular 6-week ski conditioning class on Monday and Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. starting November 2. More info: Ptassociates.net. //

FEEL IT ALL.

EXCEPT THE COLD.

Sample Purposeful Recreational Training Schedule Monday: group ski conditioning class Tuesday: 4-mile trail run Wednesday: yoga/rest Thursday: group ski conditioning class Friday: hike the bluff with a backpack or child on your back (mine is available for lease :) Saturday: home circuit of goblet squats, mountain climbers, push-up DB rows, DB side lunge, plank with a side leg lift. 60 seconds of work followed by 15 seconds of rest x two rounds.

Sunday: rest/family bike ride

W W W.C O L D P RU F.C O M October-November 2015

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13

Everyday Cyclist

The Secret Lives of Bike Shop Mechanics // By Hank Greer

You’ll find us at the

King of Glory

Spokane’s full-service non-profit bicycle shop refurbishing used bicycles and offering hope to youth who are homeless.

FALL SALE

Lights, fenders, tires, coldweather clothing, etc.

If you can convince me you need it for either commuting or cyclocross, you get 25% off

Artwork by Pat Marvenko Smith, ©1982/1992 www.revelationillustrated.com

224 S Howard St. - Spokane 509-838-8580 www.coolwaterbikes.org bikes@coolwaterbikes.org

Eric Geist truing a wheel for a customer from Wyoming // Photo: Hank Greer

What do you know about the person who works on your bike when you take it to a local bike shop? I randomly selected three local bike shop (LBS) mechanics in our area to learn about them and their perspectives. From them, I think we can learn a lot about a wrench turner at any LBS. I was lucky in that the three mechanics I talked to encompass a broad spectrum of experience.

Eric Geist, 26, has been a bike mechanic for 10 years. He currently works at Vertical Earth in Coeur d’Alene. David Goode, 36, has been at this for 11 years, and he works at The Bike Hub in downtown Spokane. Rounding out the group, and perhaps a candidate for godfather of Spokanearea bike mechanics with 38 years of experience, is David Mannino, 60, at Two Wheel Transit in Spokane’s Perry Neighborhood.

HG: What path led you to this line of work? Geist: I started building bikes while I was in high school and just loved it. I am self-taught and I learned a lot from other shop mechanics. Goode: My background was in airframe and power plant, but the job market didn’t suit me. I loved cycling so I walked into bike shops and applied.

Michael Conley at North Division Bike Shop gave me a chance and got me started. Mannino: When I was five I took my coaster brake apart to clean it. A bike shop had to put it back together for me. When I graduated from Gonzaga, I answered an ad for a bike sales clerk. I brought my Peugeot, which I had painted myself and upgraded all the components, and said, “This is my resume.” I got the job.

HG: What kind of riding do you do? Geist: Mostly mountain bike trail riding and a little bit of road.

Goode: Mountain bike riding and racing is my passion. I do some road, cyclocross and even BMX. Mannino: Road and gravel.

HG: Describe the qualities of a customer you appreciate. Geist: Someone who is respectful of the shop environment and employees. The ones who are stoked on cycling are the most fun.

Goode: Someone who values and appreciates you and your skillset. It’s a challenge to deal with a customer who relies on a knowledgeable friend and kind of pits them against you. Mannino: A person who is excited about cycling. It’s great to see them get their first bike and progress over time.

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Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

HG: What is your favorite non-cycling activity?

Geist: Ice hockey. Goode: Riding my sport touring motorcycle. (Maintained by a local motorcycle shop mechanic.) Mannino: Cross country skiing.

HG: What about your job gives you the greatest feeling of satisfaction? Geist: Getting people excited about cycling. Setting someone up with their first bike and watching them advance over time.

Seeing a customer who is stoked about their bike being fixed. Goode: Troubleshooting really tough mechanical problems and finding the customer is happy with the solution. Mannino: When someone comes in with a really unique problem for me to solve.

HG: Day or night time riding? Geist: That’s a tough one. It depends on the season, but night riding is more challenging. Goode: No preference. Mannino: With my commuting schedule it’s 50/50, but there’s something to be said for being able to see everything.

HG: What do most people not know about bike mechanics that you would like to share with them?

Geist: There’s a lot more skill required than most people realize. It takes a substantial amount of experience and knowledge for the on-thespot problem solving customers expect from us.

Goode: (laughs) We operate on coffee and beer.

The hardest thing to address with customers is fitting. Bike designers assume a specific athletic posture and not all people are able to do that. I try to make sure the bike fits as good as possible because nobody rides an uncomfortable bike.

Mannino: We are not reluctant to help you learn how to fix your own bike. I don’t think we lose money doing that. Besides, there’s almost always a point where even the most knowledgeable customers need help.

HG: If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently? Every single one of them answered, “Not a thing.” If Geist, Goode, and Mannino are as representative of their peers as my experience has shown, when you take your steed to a local bike shop you are likely putting it in the hands of someone who loves what they do to a remarkable degree. Small wonder that many of their customers are so stoked. //

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15 October-November 2015 /DRIVEN, Out There Monthly PHOTO CREDIT: ADVENTURE SETH JACOBSEN

UrbanOutdoors Fall Colors at Finch Arboretum

// By Jon Jonckers

Look up. Look down. Autumn beauty is all around Finch Arboretum. Photo: Jon Jonckers

Step back in time Ride our restored antique train Tour millennia-old Gardner Cave Watch tundra swans herald spring Paddle the Pend Oreille River Camp in the wilderness

WWW.PORTA-US.COM 16

Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

The Finch Arboretum is a 10-star public park on a four-star scale. No doubt, Manito Park, Riverfront Park and the Dishman Hills Conservancy are also jewels in the crown of Spokane’s public spaces. But the Finch Arboretum boasts the greatest diversity of plant life in the city and many of the most iconic trees in all of Eastern Washington. Started in 1949 with 49 specimens comprising 10 genera and 23 species, the Arboretum now contains 2,000 labeled trees and shrubs representing over 600 species. Admission is free, and it’s less than 10 minutes from downtown.

Born in England, John Finch came to America when he was a boy and eventually settled in Spokane. He amassed a significant fortune through multiple North Idaho silver mines, and he was elected to the Idaho State Senate in 1891.

John Finch died in 1915, leaving 60% of his fortune to his wife and 40% to charity and other civic enterprises. The arboretum bears his name thanks to his generosity, and thanks to the futuristic thinking of Aubrey White.

Like most of the older parks in Spokane, the famous Olmsted brothers conceived of the Finch Arboretum in their famous 1908 planning report, which was later revealed to the public by Aubrey White in 1913 after he had secured most of the land detailed in the report. Originally, the Arboretum was going to be called Queen Anne

Park. Another nearby park was going to be named Ravine Park, but it was later developed into Indian Canyon Golf Course.

In modern terms, an arboretum is a botanical garden containing collections of woody plants intended for scientific study. However, the actual definition of arboretum, in a narrow sense, is a collection of trees. This minor detail distinguishes the Finch Arboretum so that it isn’t quite as wild as nature conservancy land or a wildlife refuge, but it will never be partitioned into softball diamonds or soccer fields like other city parks.

Wedged between Interstate 90 and the Sunset Highway, the Finch Arboretum serves as a corridor for Garden Springs Creek. It’s the premier spot for fall photography and a popular site for weddings in the spring. Beyond the variety of labeled trees, every outdoor enthusiast can find something new with each visit. With roughly 60 acres of terrain and trails, there’s plenty of space for hiking or trail running. Best of all, users don’t need a Sno Park permit or a Discover Pass.

Admittedly, the park doesn’t have a lot of parking (although you can easily bike there from downtown). It’s super busy during warm autumn evenings, and the noise from the freeway bothers some people. Yet, the trees and the birds don’t seem to mind. It’s still a priceless area to enjoy nature – exactly the way John Finch would have wanted it. //

OutThereSpotlight looking back at the Spokane Mountaineers (1993 to 1998) // By Chic Burge The 1993 summer outing was held in North Cascades National Park. The big conservation effort this year was organized by the author of this article, Chic Burge, to utilize the Climbing Committee to rig climbers to repel off the Dry Falls Observation Deck to clean up the cliffs below. 51 bags of trash were collected.

Club membership that year was 668.

The big news in climbing this year was the American Everest Expedition on the North Ridge with local climber Dave Gordon as a team member. On this expedition, Gordon and his climbing partner gave up their chance to summit Everest to save two Korean climbers near death within eye shot of the summit.

1995 was a sad year for local trekkers Jane Shelley and Don Hutchings. They were abducted in Kashmir, India, while on a trek. Jane and the other women were released, while the men on the trip were taken hostage and were never heard from again. Spokane Mountaineers held a candlelight vigil at Riverfront Park and kept Hutchings’ name in the news, hoping for any word on the men.

On the conservation front, 1995 was the year that Spokane County suggested the Conservations Futures tax initiative. A call to develop a plan for Mt. Spokane State Park also initiated a Mt. Spokane State Park Citizen Advisory Council to explore the needs and direction the park should go, and the club was intimately involved in the process. The 1995 summer outing was held in

Banff National Park, and the club held its first annual picnic at Farragut State Park. Roster numbers this year dipped to 531.

In 1996, club member and Spokesman-Review Outdoors Editor Rich Landers won the National Audubon Society’s most prestigious honor, “The Annual Conservation Award.” The Spokane Mountaineers led by Lynn Smith with other groups started trail work on South Chilco Mt., which led to a better trail from the north and south.

In 1997 Rich Landers and the Spokane Mountaineers revised the “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest” book, and members of Spokane Mountaineers climbed the steep and difficult North Face of Mt. Athabasca.

The summer outing in 1998 was held at Glacier National Park, where activities ranged from climbing to hiking and kayaking, and club member Teena Hathaway presented a slide show on her trip to Australia, which was sponsored in part by the club’s Adventure/Exploration Committee.

Learn more about the Spokane Mountaineers and become a member at spokanemountaineers.org. //

Mountaineers hike in the Selkirks with Roman Nose in the background. Photo: Chic Burge

Spokane Mountaineers held a candle-light vigil at Riverfront Park and kept Hutchings’ name in the news, hoping for any word on the men.

PHOTO / DAN PATITUCCI

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October-November 2015

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Travel Fall & Winter Trips to British Columbia Just Got 30% Cheaper // By Derrick Knowles If you have been contemplating a fall or winter trip up to British Columbia, do it! As of September 2015, the currency exchange rate is around 30% in favor of the U.S. dollar, and it’s been that way for a while. The potential savings for U.S. travelers is huge and not likely to last forever. That hot springs trip or ski vacation you’ve been talking about for way too long? A fall hiking, biking and holiday shopping trip? All 30% off. Here are a few travel ideas for making the most of this historic exchange rate bonanza north of the border.

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort— Stunning scenery in a laid-back, mountain village atmosphere is what you’ll find at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort north of Nelson. The hot springs feature a main pool with a steamy horseshoe cave with 108F mineral water in the cave and 96F water in the main pool. Many soakers swear by the health benefits of the high mineral content of the odor-free water that trickles down from the mountain above. The resort has a hotel and restaurant with gorgeous views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Range that will make you want to stay for a while. Before or after soaking at Ainsworth, drive a half hour north and enjoy a walk around the waterfront at the village of Kaslo, or try hiking, biking or snowshoeing the local trails that wind their way up out of town. For a little more adventure, try a guided tour through the nearby Cody Caves.

Info: Hotnaturally.com and Visitkaslo.com.

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Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

Fernie, B.C. All that’s missing is you. Photo courtesy of Tourism Fernie

Fernie—High in the Canadian Rockies, this stunning mountain community has a historic downtown filled with interesting shops and restaurants and the surrounding mountains are alive with recreation potential – from the renowned powder slopes of Fernie Alpine Resort to snowshoe trails and a booming fat biking scene during the snowy months to endless mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing and trail running options in the fall. You may catch a great live music act downtown, carve the best powder turns of your life and enjoy a fantastic meal washed down with local brews all in one weekend. Many hotels are bike and ski friendly, and you can head out on a trail right from town without setting foot in your car. Fernie seems to have some cool event scheduled almost every weekend, so explore options before you go. Tourismfernie.com.

Kimberley—Tucked into the Purcell Mountains a little over an hour north of the border, Kimberley, is a friendly alpine community that has everything from lively local pubs and pennywise crash pads to fine dining and plush accommodations. While it’s most wellknown for Kimberley Alpine Resort ski area and an insane number of top-notch golf courses, Kimberley is also gaining recognition for the massive network of hiking and cross-country mountain bike trails right in town. Hit the trails then wander around the historic downtown with its unique shops, pubs and eateries before the resort opens for the winter. A great choice for both families and powder-crazed rippers all winter long, Kimberley Alpine Resort is frequently blessed with legendary Purcell powder.

Tourismkimberley.com.

Nelson—Culture, art, awesome food, live music, cool pubs and shops, and historic hotels in a magical mountain town a few minutes walk or pedal to miles of trails and waterfront strolling or paddling on Kootenay Lake. It’s why a lot of us make multiple pilgrimages to Nelson each year. Before the ski season gets started, try hiking up Pulpit Rock for epic views, or stop by a local bike shop for maps to explore the relatively new Morning Mountain cross-country mountain bike trail system just west of town. And any Nelson trip wouldn’t be complete without a soak at Ainsworth Hot Springs. Once the snow starts piling up, find some of the best skiing and riding in the Kootenays, as well as backcountry touring, Nordic skiing and fat biking all at Whitewater Ski Resort. Nelsonkootenaylake.com.

Rossland—The miles of mountain bike trails around the town of Rossland can be in killer shape long after the Seven Summits Trail closes each fall.

Trails range from family-friendly to intermediate and expert singletrack. And many of them double as phenomenal trail running and hiking trails. A new brewery in town and several great restaurants and pubs, along with events like the annual Rossland Mountain Film Festival held each November, will keep you busy well after dark. RED Mountain Resort is the center of Rossland’s winter sports universe, where you can find world famous alpine skiing and riding, cat skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing, as well as nearby Nordic trails at Black Jack. Tourismrossland.com. //

© PatitucciPhoto

Leaf, Root, Fungi, Fruit Muppet Mushroom // by Kelly Chadwick

Never know what you might find on a fall hike. Photo: Drew Parker

ACT TRAIL PRO SERIES The Muppet mushroom is my name for Albatrellus ellisii, officially called greening goat’s foot. A title that would drive off all but the most daring from eating it. This is probably why, in my 25 years of studying fungi, no one had ever mentioned its edibility. David Arora, the author of “Mushrooms Demystified” and other renowned books, told me recently that A. ellisii was great if cut thin and cooked long. Which we did one night at my house, the result a woodland version of abalone.

The Muppet mushroom is on the top of my list of undiscovered delicacies in our region and most of the temperate world except for Italy and China where a close relative is eaten with gusto. It’s eminently identifiable amongst its peers with a shaggy, orange carpeted cap; pores that stain green

the woods with no expectation and then miraculously finding mushrooms if they present themselves. It’s far more enjoyable than actual mushroom hunting, which is often anticlimactic. The last time I saw a Muppet was on Mount Spokane.

They also show up around Sullivan Lake and various spots throughout the Idaho Panhandle.

A fascinating side note is phylogenetic research of fungi has shown many groups (genera) aren’t really a group at all, having evolved from different ancestors. Albatrellus is one of them. They share strong morphological features and growth habit and yet come from at least two totally different lineages of fungi, somehow converging on this distinct habit as a beneficial form of existence.

To prepare, cut thinly and sauté at a medium temperature for 30 minutes or more. Add water

It’s not a mushroom you go hunting for. It’s one that finds you on a hike. It’s magic, and why I started “not hunting mushrooms” several years ago. after handling; a short, fat, off-center stem; and firmness. That said, a biologist from California confided to me the other day, “You cannot underestimate the foolishness of new mushroom hunters.” So, be sure of your identification.

The genus Albatrellus is considered a terrestrial polypore, sporting pores (little holes) underneath the cap instead of gills (blades). Most polypores grow on trees like a shelf, but Albatrellus grows on the ground. The other major terrestrial group with pores are boletes, the family that includes porcini.

Those can be separated by their softer texture, central stem and pores that peel from the cap.

A restaurant owner asked the other day if I thought he could do a menu based on wild ingredients. It would be difficult, I told him, as foraging often requires precise timing, weather and being in the right spot. The Muppet is a perfect example of this. It’s not a mushroom you go hunting for. It’s one that finds you on a hike. It’s magic, and why I started “not hunting mushrooms” several years ago. “Not mushroom hunting” entails walking in

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if it starts to dry out. Stick to salt, oil and maybe a little wine or sherry the first time cooking.

Albatrellus has been shown to have unusually high levels of selenium, so take a break from Brazil nuts while munching on Muppets.

Identifying Features: Low growing firm mushroom with an off-center stem; dull, orange, shaggy top that stains green and a sponge-like undersurface.

Cautionary Points: Beware of any mushroom with orange or red pores on the bottom.

Have your specimen checked by an expert the first time you collect it.

Culinary Attributes: Chewy in a delicious way. Subtle umami flavor. Can be kept fresh in the fridge for weeks.

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Wine Pairings: Albarino or light-bodied chardonnay. // October-November 2015

/ Out There Monthly

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Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

Ski Deals For Kids Teaching Your Kids To SKi Lookout’s Free Ski School Ski Swaps + Gear Lease Programs Nordic Skiing, Tubing, Snowshoeing & More

Published by: October-November 2015

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The Skiing Life

he says. “Ski swap is to die for, I don’t care who you are.”

As they came of age, both Ben and Sara It’s a Family Affair

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree started working for the resort. Ben works on the chairlifts during the 49 Degrees North Ski Resort Owner John Eminger and His Family off-season and volunteers as a junior ski patrolHave Made Skiing Their Shared Passion ler, about to start his first season after completing his candidate training last winter. Sara works in “The thing about skiing as a family activity the rope tow [before riding the chair]. We plugged the ticket office. “Skiing’s my job, so I almost feel is you wake up early and you play hard together them right into the system just like everyone else. like I take my kids to work with me every day,” all day long. And you get home late, and the It’s surprising how fast they learn, and you can go says Eminger. “It’s like living on a farm or raising kids fall asleep in the car. I don’t care if they’re skiing with your kids,” he says. “My kids have been kids on a large ranch in the 1880s – everybody 15 years old – they fall asleep in the car. At the carrying their own skis and boots to the lodge pitches in. It’s a lot of work outside, but it’s pretty end of your day, you feel like you won,” says John rewarding.” since they could walk. It’s going to be a long walk Eminger, owner and CEO of 49 Degrees North until they figure it out, but then they become selfHis favorite family ski memories blend together Mountain Resort in Chewelah, Wash. For his reliant kids. By the time Ben and Sara were each 8 – too many to differentiate – but early ski mornfamily, which includes his wife Gina and their ings are definite highlights. “I have an advantage years old, they probably had 500 days under their 18-year-old son Ben and 16-year-old daughter – I can get on the first chair. I remember making belts – they literally skied every day. I sometimes Sara, alpine skiing has always been a family pondered if I was being a bad parent, because they the kids go to school and they would have to catch affair. “We ski with our kids because the return skied so much.” the bus at 8:30… [but] the very first chairlift starts is so huge each time – that unmitigated smile,” he While growing up in Spokane – and attending at 7:50 or 8-ish. So, first thing we did on a powder says. “When you can wake up a teenage girl to go Sacajawea Middle School and Ferris High School day is hop on the chair lift, even before patrolskiing, you’re on to something.”

(Class of 1979) – Eminger says skiing was a huge lers, and ski down Midway in knee-deep snow,” When Eminger took ownership of 49 Degrees thing in his family. “My dad would always buy he says. Another favorite memory is turning back North in 1996, he was just 34 years old, Gina was me a season pass, and I would have to mow lawns and seeing his son skiing behind him in his figure28 and they had been married only four years. to get my skis.” Yet it was only once he became eights before Ben stopped and told him, “Dad, Lots of hard work went into those early years as a father that he realized why his dad so readily you ski so slow.” Eminger was amused and proud. they expanded and improved the ski mountain. encouraged skiing. “It’s priceless to have a teen“It’s been that way with my daughter, too,” he Two years after moving to the base of Chewelah ager who dedicates himself to skiing – early to bed says. “The first time we skied in the trees together, Peak, the Emingers became parents. Their home, Friday and Saturday nights to get up early to ski I turned around to look for her, and then realized each weekend morning,” he says. in a subdivision on state-leased land, was just a she’s already in front of me and wondering why mile from the ski resort. Living in an alpine enviWhen Ben and I stopped and am Sara were younger, ronment was enriching in itself. For example, looking back.”

Advice for New Ski Families Gina was “the ski because the snow typically didn’t melt at their Up until last seahouse until May, Eminger recalls how 1-year-old master” of outfitting son, both Eminger 49 Degrees North owner John Eminger had Ben learned the word “dirt” and was amazed “at children were also them, according to this advice for a family just starting out teachski racers. “Ski racEminger. “The fashow the snow melted and patches of dirt appeared ing their children to ski or considering makand grew bigger,” says Eminger. “As soon as my cinating thing about ing is a great way ing it a family sport: “Go to the ski swap. Buy to spend time in kids could walk or stand up, we put them on skis. ski clothes is that kids warm clothes. Hook up with a ‘learn to ski’ the mountains,” he I remember pulling them around on skis on the don’t wear them out. program – a very affordable way to get into front porch and taking them to the lodge before So there’s this chain says. It allows “time skiing. If you’re the lone skier in the family and they could ski,” he says. of ski clothes that gets for parents to ski want to get everyone else going, look to the ski As for how Eminger and his wife taught their on their own and passed around. We’d school to help manage your time together. Get children to ski, he says they first just played with [opportunity to] hand down racing involved in ski racing or get involved as a ski them in the snow. And then they did what most travel to other ski skis, and we’d recoginstructor or patroller, so you can spend more families choose to do. “When it came to riding the nize our kids’ old ski areas.” As for family time at the mountain as a family.” chairlift, we put them in lessons, with one day on gear on other kids,” ski days, he says with 22

Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

Left to right: Ben Eminger sporting new Super G skis. // The whole Eminger family (2006)—growing up with the resort. // Ben and dad in Sluice Box (2003). // Photos courtesy of John Eminger

a laugh, “Now it’s, ‘Dad, we’ll meet you at the bottom of chair ‘insert-the-number’.”

When it comes to the ski resort business, Eminger also speaks about the resort’s staff and volunteers, from the lift operators to the ski instructors and paid and volunteer patrollers, like they are one close-knit family – “ski zealots” who love the mountain, he says. “What goes on behind the scene is like Disneyland everyday – it’s absolutely amazing. It’s impossible for one person to keep up…The caliber of people who work at a ski area are a notch above…it’s a good place to hang out. I have yet to get bored of the conversation – they’re all so diverse and educated.

“The nice thing about ski areas and ski patrollers and instructors is they are there to help the community. The kids are the little prized jewels.

At a family resort, that’s almost like the point,” he says. “As an adventurer, skiing for me was totally different than what you would do with kids – it was about how steep, how deep. It wasn’t until I bought a ski resort that I understood what the experience was about. We have two rules [at 49]: work hard and tell the truth…We understand that family comes first,” he says. “We’re the caretakers for a mountain for a generation.”

Eminger says he is proud to provide opportunities for families to find their niche in the snow on the mountain, whether it’s alpine or Nordic skiing or snowshoeing. “People talk about wilderness, and within a minute of a ski resort, you can get to the total quiet of a winter storm. How else can you bring that controlled chaos to a family?” he says. “People come to the ski area so wrapped up, and bring a lot of the civilized world with them, but once you get them on the chairlift it all melts away. Skiing is good for the soul…I can’t think of a better spot in the winter time to hang out with your family.” //

Ski School Lessons Learned by Mt. Spokane’s Brad McQuarrie, Father of 4

By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree Skiing allows you to “be intentional about creating memories for the family,” says Brad McQuarrie, general manager for Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park.

He and his wife Brenda have always made it a priority to ski with their four children – three daughters, now ages 20, 19, and 15, and a son, 13. “We put them all through ski school – I’m a firm believer in that. That worked out great for us,” he says.

Before moving to the Spokane area in 2002 to manage Mt. Spokane, the McQuarrie family lived in Ketchikan, Alaska, which is where his oldest daughters initially learned to ski. When they weren’t using snowmobiles to access backcountry runs on the local Deer Mountain (there were no chairlifts), the family took the ferry to Canada and then drove inland for over an hour to ski and stay at Shamas Mountain in Terrace, British Columbia.

Each of the children had a different ski school experience – a combination of group lessons the first season followed by private ones in subsequent years. For example, his two youngest children started with Mt. Spokane’s “Mini Mites” program (for ages 4-6) followed by the “Mighty Mites” before progressing to multi-week group and private lessons.

“I didn’t put my kids into skis until each wanted to. I think it’s important not to push kids into it,” he says. “Children will whine and complain with their parents, but get them in a class, and they’re not going to whine in front of their peers. I just didn’t have the tenacity to teach my own kids.”

Ski training also begins at home, says McQuarrie. “The first thing I did was put them into the gear on the carpet. I think adults tend to take it all for granted – how skis feel – but it’s a huge change for kids, to be in boots and skis. So let them be in the gear at home. Let them hike around in their boots,” says McQuarrie.

Through the years, McQuarrie also learned from his missteps. “Whenever kids get tired or lose interest, get them inside and get them a hot cocoa. Just have fun with them as much as you can. I’ve made the mistake of pushing my kids too much,” he says.

From its extensive ski school program to its daycare facility, Mt. Spokane – like other regional ski areas – aims to ensure that skiers and snowboarders, parents and children, all feel safe and have fun on the mountain. Mt. Spokane and other regional resorts also participate in the national 5th Grade Ski/Ride Free Passport Program. “That’s a transitional age for kids,” says McQuarrie. “Studies have shown that if you learn to ski before that time, you’re likely to become a lifelong skier.”

Today, McQuarrie says he’d classify his children as all intermediate skiers.

“They can go most anywhere on the mountain but probably wouldn’t do too well off piste in the crud. Despite my warnings, they do go out of bounds. One daughter had to be rescued two winters ago after coming out on the road down by the Lower Mt. Kit Carson road parking lot!,” he says. “Regardless of training or instruction, some people progress very quickly, and others take a bit more time. Two things all ‘expert’ skiers have in common: lots of days and lots of mileage!” //

For The Love of The Sport: The Lookout Pass Free Ski School At Lookout Pass, they are passionate about introducing kids to “the wonderful winter world of skiing and riding.” The greatest example of this is their Free Ski School, which is entering its 77th season and has worked with more than 60,000 kids. “If we don’t find ways to get youth involved in the sport of skiing,” says Phil Edholm, Lookout Pass Ski Area’s President and CEO, “we are going to lose them to soccer and other sports. In this program, to provide free lessons and give a life skill to kids, it’s so heart-warming and fulfilling.”

Lookout Pass Free Ski School Inc. is a separate entity from the ski area and is run by about 30 volunteer ski instructors. They offer beginner and intermediate skiing and riding lessons for boys and girls, ages 6 to 17. Registration is limited to 500 students and is open online now through the first three weeks of the program. This season’s program starts January 9, 2016, and runs every Saturday morning through March 12. While equipment and lift tickets (for additional skiing after the lesson) are not included, Lookout’s rental shop has all the equipment needed during the program to make it a great experience for kids and affordable for any family. “Parents just love this program,” says Edholm. “When they first get their kids going, they can be with them in the beginner areas as they learn. It’s a family affair, and everyone has such a good time.” As Lookout’s signature program, the Free Ski School plans to continue growing strong, imparting to youth the love of skiing and riding for many more seasons to come. Register your kids online at Skilookout.com. // (S. Michal Bennett)

Learn to Ski Programs Make It Easy for Kids and Parents There are quite a few options for introducing your kids to skiing or snowboarding, ranging from teaching them yourself to taking advantage of group or private lessons or other special programs that resorts offer. Out of all of the options, the 5th Grade Passport and the EZ Ski/Ride 123 programs promoted locally by Ski the Northwest Rockies are two of the best and most affordable learn-to-ski programs around.

5th Grade Ski/Ride Free Passport Program If you have a child in the 5th grade, don’t miss the opportunity to sign them up to ski or snowboard for FREE for three days with the 5th Grade Ski Free Passport Program (a $20 processing fee is required). Participating resorts include Mt. Spokane, Lookout Pass, 49 Degrees North or Silver Mountain. The passport also includes special deals on equipment rentals, lessons and other activities. Applications for the 2015-16 program will be available in 5th grade classrooms in October or online at: Skinwrockies.com/5th-grade-ski-ride-passport.

The Passport is valid during the 2015-16 ski season except some blackout dates at individual resorts. Allow two weeks for 5th Grade Passport delivery for mailed applications and one week for applications completed online. More info at Skinwrockies.com.

EZ Ski/Ride 123 (Ages 7 and Up) The EZ Ski/Ride 123 program is an affordable and easy way to introduce your kids to a new sport that will provide a lifetime of smiles and enjoyment in the great outdoors. The complete package includes three lift tickets (choose from four local ski hills), three rentals (boots, poles, skis or snowboard) and three lessons. Getting your kids signed up only takes three easy steps.

1. Pick one of the participating ski area (49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, or Silver Mountain); Sign up and purchase an EZ Ski 1-2-3 package and schedule your child’s lessons by calling the ski area you choose; and 3.

Head to the mountain to get your kid(s) fitted for rental gear in time to enjoy their first lesson!

(Repeat two more times and then look for other ski deals to keep your family skiing together all winter long.) Each participating resort has their own pricing, ranging from $99-$129, as well as unique program offerings, including season pass deals, and lesson availability and schedules.

Learn more about what each of the four resorts is offering at www.skinwrockies.com/ez-skiride-1-2-3. // (OTM)

Top: All smiles on the summit of Mt. Spokane.

Bottom: The McQuarrie kids (Megan, Piper, and Jessi) at home on the hill. // Photos courtesy of Brad McQuarrie

October-November 2015

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Lease, Swap and Save on Gear for the

Whole Family This Season

night showing of “Fade to Winter” are another $6). While the lines form early on Saturday morning, many people also show up on Sunday to hunt for some of the best deals, with 25% off on marked items. Skipatrolskiswap.com.

Skiing and snowboarding with your family is a fun and healthy way to spend the winter months, and it can still be plenty affordable if you put a little effort into saving on the cost of outfitting yourself and the kids. There are many ways to find deals on new and used ski and snowboard equipment, from hitting the ski swaps to taking advantage of ski shop lease programs and resort rentals. These resources will help you get the family out skiing without breaking the bank this year.

Lease Ski & Snowboard Gear from a Local Shop Kids grow fast, and unfortunately, new ski and snowboard gear doesn’t grow on trees each season. Taking advantage of shop lease programs can be a huge savings over having to buy new equipment every time your kids grow out of boots, skis and boards.

Wintersport on the Division Street hill near downtown Spokane offers new, used, and performance ski and board lease packages for kids and adults, and while the shop has a lot of gear in stock, shop manager Eli Coski warns that they run out every year. Kid’s packages range from $129-229 with adult packages ranging from ski only packages starting at around $100, to standard and performance packages from $179 and up. Gear can be picked up now and returned in May, with sizing adjustments and tuning included throughout the season and a buy option in the spring. “Season leasing gear is the simplest, most cost effective, hassle free way to get the whole family on the slopes for the entire season,” Coski says.

More info: 509-328-2030 or Nwsportx.com.

The Alpine Haus on Spokane’s South Hill offers used ski and snowboard lease packages starting at $119 for the season. The packages include everything (including a mid-season tune).

Pick gear up now and return equipment by May 1 with the option to buy at the end of the season. Details: 509-534-4554 or Facebook.com/ SpokaneAlpineHaus.

In North Idaho, Ski Shack in Hayden is offering a limited number of kids ski lease packages, ranging from $100-$130 for used gear and $150-$170 for new equipment. Packages include everything to get your little ripper in training up on the mountain. More info: 208-772-3112 or 24

Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

Top: Get in line, grab your cart, and get after it—It’s swap time! Photo: Shallan Knowles. // Bottom: Lots to choose from. Photo courtesy of Winter Swap

Haydenskishack.com. For Sandpoint families, Alpine Shop also has a lease program for kids that includes used skis, boots and bindings in the $150 range. More info at 208-263-5157 or Alpineshopsandpoint.com.

While Sports Creel out on Sprague in Spokane Valley doesn’t have a season lease program, the shop does offer a popular “trade-up” program.

Anyone (adults or kids) can bring in a package that they have purchased at the Creel in recent years and get a value back on trading it in towards a new package. There’s generally a good used selection to choose from, and the Creel’s fitters try to size kids for two years so you’re generally not investing in a new binding set up each year.

More info: 509-924-2330 or Facebook.com/pages/ The-Sports-Creel/312711075603.

Save Big Time on Ski/Snowboard Gear for the Whole Family at These Ski Swaps For many skiers and snowboarders, the start of the ski season usually kicks off well before the first snowflakes in town with the region’s annual ski swaps. Nothing beats a ski swap if you’re looking to save money on outfitting a family with quality, used or new ski and snowboard equip-

ment and clothing. The ski swap atmosphere is a fun way to get your kids excited about winter and the coming ski season, and swaps typically have experienced volunteers on hand to help you pick out the best gear for kids and adults and assist with boot and other equipment fitting to make sure that awesome deal you find is the right one for you. Mark these swaps on your calendar and plan to hit as many as necessary until everyone in your family has what they need to get up on the slopes this winter.

Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap (October 30-November 1) This is the 51st year for the largest ski swap in the region. Benefitting the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol, this swap at the Spokane Fair & Expo Center is a fun, high-energy event that includes great deals on new and used ski and snowboard gear, the premiere showing of Matchstick Productions new film “Fade to Winter,” ski shop and other outdoor recreation booths with discounts on new gear, and a Mt. Spokane learnto-ski ramp where kids can take their first-ever turns. Organizers expect up to 23,000 new and used ski gear items to be up for grabs this year.

Passes to the swap are $5 (tickets for the Friday

Winter Swap (November 7): Each year for nearly two decades, Coeur d’Alene has played host to the combined ski swap efforts of the Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain volunteer ski patrols. The largest swap in North Idaho, and a great option for Spokane area skiers and snowboarders who missed the Mt. Spokane swap or didn’t find what they were looking for, Winter Swap is an excellent place to pick up new and used ski gear and clothing for the coming season with serious savings. Admission is $5 and children under 12 accompanied by an adult get in free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The swap takes place at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d’Alene (4056 N. Government Way). Winterswap.org.

Fitness Fanatics Nordic Ski Sale & Swap (November 7-8): This annual cross-country ski gear sale and swap is the place to outfit kids and adults with everything you need to enjoy the fresh air, exercise and quiet nature that draws many families to take up Nordic skiing. Find new and used classic and skate skis, boots, bindings, poles and clothing, with new gear available in the shop and the used gear up for grabs in a heated tent in the parking lot. With so many deals on hand, it’s possible to get a little skier set up for under $50. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Fitness Fanatics in Spokane Valley (12425 E. Trent Ave.). Fitfanatics.com.

Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS) Ski Swap (November 14): Sandpoint’s annual ski swap at the Bonner County Fairgrounds features thousands of new and used winter sports items being sold by individuals and regional vendors. The annual event benefits the SARS ski racing and freeride programs for over 150 local and regional athletes ages 5 and up. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. More info: Sars.net. // (OTM)

Splash and Play at Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark My kids like both waterslides and alpine skiing. At Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg, Idaho, they can enjoy both on the same day. As overnight guests in Morning Star Lodge, each person gets unlimited daily access to Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark – Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark. The resort’s “Splash and Stay” packages offer two different stay accommodations: a deluxe studio that sleeps up to four people, or a onebedroom condominium with full kitchen and dining and living areas, including a fireplace. Even if you only stay one night, you get two days at the waterpark – with waterpark admission during your entire day of check-out. If you visit during the fall, when not enjoying Silver Rapids’ humid, 84-degree indoor temperature, you can mix-and-match the waterpark with outdoor activities – from riding the mountain gondola to access high-country hiking trails or biking the nearby flat and easy Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.

Once ski season begins, the waterpark provides happy alternatives for families with non-skiing members or for those children – and sometimes adults – who aren’t able to, or don’t care to, spend a full day on the slopes. A family can divide and conquer all that Silver Mountain Resort has to offer. Moreover, if the weather or snow conditions aren’t inspiring enough to ski, don’t feel guilty about trading in your skis for swimsuits. Silver Rapids will still get your hearts pumping while experiencing thrills together. My son and daughter couldn’t get enough of the two perfectly kid-sized waterslides at the Water Mine at Minor’s Island. And the Moose Sluice family raft ride was exciting for all of us as we swooshed together down the dark tunnel. My kids and I also spent a lot of time in the North Fork Lazy River and Warm Spring (cooler than a standard hot tub) while my husband learned to surf on the Flow Rider Surf Wave.

The layout is compact yet not complex or crowded feeling, and aquatic footwear is a good idea to save your soles from aching after walking to and from the different waterpark attractions. And although we were indoors, the large clear roof provided enough natural light to make it seem as if we were outside, without having to use sunscreen (although technically, one could get a sunburn). Don’t worry about bringing towels – they’re provided at the waterpark. But dry shoes and warm clothes to change into before you leave are a good idea, because it’s a short walk outside between the waterpark and Morning Star Lodge. Instead of heading back to our condo to eat lunch, we ate casual, kid-friendly food from The Lunch Bucket at Silver Rapids, while sitting at tables overlooking the lazy river and within arm’s length of the Flow Rider. Dinner options in the Gondola Village include the full-service Noah’s Canteen restaurant and the casual, limited-seating Wildcat Pizza joint that offers condo delivery service – which is a great idea when your kids are exhausted and just want to hang out in their jammies.

If you do venture outdoors again, fireplaces provide a warm gathering place, and the resort sells small kits to make s’mores.

During fall, the water park is open to Morning Star Lodge guests on Fridays from 1-8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and, starting this winter (late November), the waterpark will be open for resort guests daily.

Visit Silvermt.com for pricing and more information. (Amy Silbernagel McCaffree)

Beyond the Slopes: More Ways to Find Family Fun on the Mountain This Winter Skiing and snowboarding aren’t always for everyone in every family, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun together up on the mountain. Even skiing families sometimes enjoy a change of pace that involves other wintertime activities. From snowshoeing and snow tubing to splashing and playing at Silver Mountain’s indoor water park, there is always an adventure waiting for you at one of our area ski resorts.

Snow Tubing: Sliding Down the Mountain Sliding down a slope on a tube is a winter sport that the whole family can enjoy. Several regional resorts offer tubing that includes a tube, groomed tubing lanes and a rope tow back up to the top after each run. Why not try them all this winter?

The Mt. Spokane Tubing Hill near the parking lot and the main lodge at the ski area features several lanes of tubing with a fun rope tow that hauls sliders back up to the top for another lap.

All children under 42” tall are always free with a paid adult. The Tubing Hill is open weekends and holidays. 90-minute sessions are $15. Mt. Spokane season pass holders can tube anytime for $5. Call 509-238-2220 x0 for more info.

The snow tubing hill at Bear Creek Lodge at Mt. Spokane is a whopping 90 feet high and nearly 800 feet long, making it the largest in the Inland Northwest. A rope tow pulls guests back to the launch point, and the hill is lit up for night time operations. Advance reservations are suggested, particularly during Christmas break and holiday weekends. Tickets are $15 plus tax per person for a 1.5 hour session (ages 3 and under are $10). Children under 42 inches tall, as well as 3-year-olds and younger, must ride with a paid adult. For more info on hours and reservation requirements, visit Bearcreeklodgewa.com.

There’s no hiking back to the top thanks to Silver Mountain Resort’s moving carpet that effortlessly whisks riders and their tubes back up for another run. Four lanes of snow tubing provide plenty of room to slide. Silver’s snow tube park is open most weekends and holidays at 9 a.m. Tickets include the gondola ride and snow tube rental ($20 for adults, kids ages 4-17 $18).

More info: Silvermt.com.

Enjoy two lanes of sliding that stretch over 100 yards down to the rope tow at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Day sessions ($15) last 1.5 hours and night sessions last 2.5 hours.

All tubers must be at least 42” tall to ride (6 and under $10). Schweitzer also offers night tubing with marshmallow roasting. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 208.255.3081 for more info. (OTM)

Left: Lounging on the Lazy River at Silver Mountain Resort. Photo: Amy Silbernagel McCaffree. // Right: Tubing fun for little ones! Photo: Aaron Theisen

Snowshoeing: Winter Fun for the Whole Family With snowshoes on your feet, your family can explore the beautiful winter wonderland around area ski resorts without worrying about sinking in to your knees. On packed-down snowmobile and cross-country ski trails (be sure to always stay out of groomed Nordic ski tracks), snowshoeing is relatively easy and fun for kids. Deeper, untracked or unconsolidated snow, however, can be more challenging. If you don’t own snowshoes and trekking poles, no problem. Most ski resorts rent them, and you can also pick up rentals ahead of time in town at Mountain Gear, REI and Tri-State Outfitters. For a full guide to snowshoeing in North Idaho, check out this article online at Out There Monthly: Outtheremonthly.com/ north-idaho-snowshoeing-guide-find-your-freedom-in-thehills-this-winter.

49 Degrees North has a Cross Country and Snowshoe Center located adjacent to the alpine ski area. There is a warm and cozy yurt located at the trailhead and miles of groomed Nordic ski trails and ungroomed snowshoe trails that roll off into the forest.

Trail passes are required. More info: Ski49n.com.

Lookout Pass offers snowshoe rentals and plenty of beautiful, groomed and ungroomed routes for families to explore. There are many places near Lookout Pass that can pose significant avalanche risk, so it’s best to stay away from steep slopes and known avalanche areas, like the St. Regis Basin. The groomed railroad grade for snowmobilers and cross-country skiers that heads out of the ski area parking lot is one great option, and the hill on the other side of I-90 from the resort can also be a fun place for families to explore. Inquire about avalanche risks and ask for other safe recommendations at the ski area.

Snowshoeing at Mt. Spokane State Park is generally permitted on any trail with adequate snow cover except for the groomed Nordic ski trails and within the alpine ski area. There are miles of trails and routes through beautiful forest and to high points with excellent views to explore. Visit Mountspokane.org for more info.

Silver Valley is home to terrific Nordic skiing and snowshoe trails. At Silver Mountain Resort, from the top of the gondola, you can enjoy a 3-mile snowshoe trail and finish back at the lodge. Snowshoe rentals are available for $10. Check in with Silver’s ski patrol before you start and let them know when you have returned. More info: Silvermt.com/Winter/Nordic-Skiing.

While you can head out snowshoeing on your own on one of many snowshoe trails around the mountain, Schweitzer Mountain Resort also offers hosted snowshoe adventures.

Depending upon the conditions, tours may wander through Hermit’s Hollow old growth forests, along the Schweitzer Ridge, or to picnic point for a moonlit hike. Prices for guided tours range from $25-$30 and include gear. A trail pass for self-guided snowshoeing is $15. More info: 208.255.3081. // (OTM) October-November 2015

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Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

ON SUNDA

FRIDAY 6 PM - 11 PM - The first 300 guests to buy tickets Shop the Swap before anyone else and avoid the crowds - Receive a Free LIft Ticket to Mt. Spokane* - Hosted by Alaskan Brewery Beer, Wine, Appetizers and entertainment - MATCHSTICK’S “FADE TO WINTER” MOVIE INCLUDED!

MAJOR SPONSORS

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N A N D T O B U Y T I C K E T S O N L I N E V I S I T A fundraiser for Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

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Cross Country Skiing Inspiration, Resources, and Nordic Ski Trip Ideas

A Day in the life of a cross country ski family

By Kate Burns It never fails: we drive the twisty road up to Mt. Spokane, complete the final hairpin turn, get our first glimpse of the rustic Selkirk Lodge and the kids burst with anticipation. We park, pile out of the car and manage to carry 10 pairs of skis and poles and one loaded child carrier to the perimeter of the lodge. Before we can even get the skis out of the bag, the kids have found their favorite hiding places beneath the trees that surround the lodge and are thigh-deep in fluffy snow with friends. Once the skis are waxed and the food and water is packed, we round up the kids and head out from Selkirk Lodge. No destination, no timeline, no restraints. The only rule – no whining.

The older girls, ages 9 and 7, lead us all up the Bear Grass trail so they can ski off track and catch the powder down to Junction One. The 3-yearold attempts to follow, gets her skis stuck, and instead gleefully floats over the powder hoisted between adult legs. We arrive at Junction One only moments later to find the older siblings “off-roading” the groomed tracks, simultaneously scooping and eating snow as they ski.

On our way to Junction Two, the 3-year-old plops herself into the carrier to be pulled up the quick and steep Alpine Trail by mom and dad, while the two older siblings decide to take the backcountry trail that parallels the groomed run. Through the gasps of air from pulling all the weight, we parents can still hear giggling through the trees on the powder trail as the two older kids dart around fallen trees and trium-

phantly find their way to Junction Two on their own. Meanwhile, the three of us on Alpine crest the hill and stop to let the youngest out of the carrier. It’s a well-deserved speedy tuck down to Junction Two. We’re now hungry and all minds turn to the Nova Hut. We glide up the gentle slope of the Lodgepole Trail, taking in the vistas, until we arrive at the warming hut. We unload the backpack and carrier and enter the Nova Hut, where there’s always a familiar face, a warm stove and snacks to share. We hang our mittens up to dry, melt snow for tea and sit around the fire with other skiers to warm ourselves. Before leaving, we toss a log onto the fire, load up the basket with firewood and sign the guest book.

On our return to Selkirk Lodge, we choose the quick and easy way back to Junction Two and then collectively decide to navigate the unmarked cutoff to Linder Road. We take turns going down the last steep dip to Linder, laughing at the crashing and the lack of coordination. Then just for the fun of it, we hike up and do it all over again. On the last leg of our journey, we stop to count the rings of a fallen tree to see how old she was before falling: 98 years! We stop again to take off our skis and kick steps into the snow up the steep bank so we can slide down the slope on our backsides again and again. We listen to the calling of the ravens and attempt to mimic their voices in return.

Three hours after we started out, we finally make it back to Selkirk Lodge. Only four and a half kilometers covered, but what a journey! //

Looking to Connect with the Local Cross-Country Ski Community? Meet Spokane Nordic!

Spokane Nordic Ski Association is a non-profit organization committed to building a strong, engaged cross-country ski community within the greater Spokane area. Members are Nordic skiers who develop and maintain the incredible Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park trail system and facilities. They also create maps and signs to help skiers get around the trail system and they put on family-friendly events and activities, including lessons for all ages, races and other fun, social Nordic ski events. Learn more and get involved this winter at Spokanenordic.org. // (OTM) Top: Winter bliss. Photo: Shallan Knowles. // Right: Cross-country skiing in the Methow Valley. Photo courtesy of Methow Valley Photography

Planning a Nordic Ski Outing or Vacation?

Don’t Miss These Great Trails!

Spokane Area Nordic Trails The Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park has almost 60 km (36 miles) of trails that range from easy to difficult. The main Selkirk Lodge has indoor plumbing, water and tables, and the Nova Hut has a wood stove and tables and is a great destination or a resting point. Spokanenordic.org/ski_park.

49 Degrees North Mountain Resort near Chewelah has a Nordic Center that includes a cozy yurt with hot beverages and snacks for sale at the trailhead and over 25 km of groomed ski trails that roll off into the lush forest. The Nordic Center is adjacent to the alpine ski area. Ski49n.com The Geophysical Nordic Ski Trail system is a popular cross-country ski area located near Newport, Wash., in Pend Oreille County. The trail system offers rolling terrain with a few steep pitches and goes through stands of Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine. The trails are groomed weekly during the winter months and provide excellent cross-county skiing. Newashingtontrails.com/geophysical-trails.

Rossland, B.C. & the Black Jack Nordic Trail System Maintained by the Black Jack Ski Club, this 40 km groomed trail system a few kilometers from the fun and friendly mountain town of Rossland offers beautiful views, a 2.5 kilometer night skiing loop, warming cabins and a terrain park for kids. And there’s a free shuttle bus from town when Red Mountain Resort is open. Skiblackjack.ca/home.

Winthrop, Wash. and the Methow Valley With over 120 miles of groomed, interconnected Nordic ski trails surrounded by more than a million acres of pristine forest, the Winthrop area in the North Cascade’s Methow Valley is the largest groomed Nordic ski trail system in North America – with unmatchable scenery and mountain town amenities too. Kids 17 and under always ski for free, which makes it an ideal family ski getaway. One could spend an entire winter exploring the endless trail system. More info at Winthropwashington. com.

The Ultimate BC Nordic Ski Vacation Interested in taking advantage of currency exchange rates this winter that hugely favor the U.S. dollar? British Columbia Nordic is an online resource that will help you plan an awesome, affordable family cross-country ski vacation to amazing places throughout British Columbia, including Nelson, Revelstoke, Big White, Panorama and Whistler. More info: Bcnordic.com. // (OTM) October-November 2015

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VISIT NELSONKOOTENAYLAKE.COM 28

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Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

Mountain biking above Kaslo, BC. Photo by Ollie Jones.

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Fall Compost Fair

photo: Derrick Knowles

Recently, I found myself pondering the ways that our river brings us the value we have come to love and even expect. We all get the wet part of the river. Clean water supports fish to chase, cool water to jump and swim in, and rapids to paddle and play on, but the river gives us much more. I am talking about the river as a corridor for travel and communion. Let me explain.

My co-worker and I have a standing joke about the trails we see (and use) along rivers. I call them mountain bike trails and he calls them fly fishing trails. But in reality, they could be called dog walking trails, trail-running trails or even moose, mule deer or coyote trails. In fact, our Spokane River is braided with travel routes within earshot of running water that are used by everything from otters to park rangers. These routes provide value and connection to the river. And they exist because the shorelines themselves exist. People seek out the shores and banks of our rivers and use the flow of geography the same way the water does as it runs from Idaho to the Columbia River.

Sometimes I feel like I can almost see into the thousands of years that native people travelled these shores in search of salmon. Today, our shores are no less important. The Apple Program’s annual Spokane River Run would not be the same without our river’s shorelines, nor would the Centennial Trail or even Bloomsday, which trace the river’s geography. We can see moose in the West Central neighbourhood and osprey nesting in the snags near Kendall Yards all because of our shorelines.

What’s more, we are blessed with shoreline access from Coeur d’Alene to Long Lake. From Spokane Valley through the city and down the

canyons of Riverside State Park, our shorelines provide a beautiful flow of people and wildlife.

They support important species of creatures that are “bridges” to the underwater world of the river itself. As such, we have important shoreline Master Plans to preserve the functions of the natural world and the public quality of life in these areas.

But we have a great deal of work to do to ensure that the quality of this expanded definition of river flow is recognized by all, preserved, managed and enhanced. It is time to re-envision the river itself as extending up the banks and into our communities. We need to continue developing ecologically sustainable boater access points and routes, the siblings to our terrestrial trail systems. We should preserve and protect the critical community value in the shoreline trails and maintain them so that the trees and shrubs are not damaged and erosion is controlled. We should carefully plan development so that it never impairs the much greater collective, community value that we gain from the continuous, uninterrupted flow of access and connection to our beautiful river.

This human and natural flow is a heritage that is thousands of years old. So next time you get the chance, head down to the river and enjoy one of the many mountain biker, fly fisher, dog-walker, trail runner, Frisbee golfer, moose, mule deer, coyote, and/or otter trails. And when you do, stop and listen to the king fisher in the willow at the edge of the river. She is there for the same reason you are: to enjoy the flow of energy that is only possible because of continuous, intact shorelines that are inseparable from our river. //

& Leaf Festival Saturday, October 24, 2015 11 am-2 pm John A. Finch Arboretum Spokane County residents* who complete the activities may take home a free compost bin. Limit one per household. Bins provided by the Spokane County Regional Solid Waste Sytstem. *Please check with your jurisdiction to see if you are a participating member of the County Regional Solid Waste system.

Please arrive no later than 1:30 pm and bring proof of residency.

For more information call 625-6580 or go to www.spokanecountysolidwaste.org Spokane County Regional Solid Waste System

Partial funding provided by WA State Dept of Ecology.

October-November 2015

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Hiking Where We Ski Hiking under still, silent ski lifts at the

local resort may not strike you as the best place for a fall hike, but consider these reasons for giving it a try if you never have. Looking for views and spectacular fall colors? The high peaks and open slopes of ski resorts and adjacent mountains and ridges can offer up priceless views of the landscapes below in the midst of their annual fall color make-over. And brushy ski slopes filled with huckleberry and other shrubs can create a spectacle of fall foliage like nowhere else if you time it right. If you are a skier or snowboarder, hiking where you ski or ride is also a fun way to experience those wintery places you love so much in a whole new way, and it helps build the stoke for the coming season. And finally, during the modern rifle hunting season, hiking in or around a ski area can be a much safer alternative to tromping through the forested hunting grounds down below. Enjoy these and other hikes in and around our region’s ski resorts and soak up the short-lived sights, sounds and smells of autumn before the snow flies. (Derrick Knowles) Mt. Spokane When Francis Cook called Mount Spokane his summer home in the early 1900s, he met wouldbe hikers, arriving at his door via horse-drawn wagon, and demanded a 50-cent toll for the privilege of hiking the steep trail between his cabin and Mount Spokane’s scenic summit. Today’s visitor may find it easier to gain the summit via passenger car, then hike the old pack trail in reverse to the site of Cook’s former home. The steep .75 mile trail is accessible from near the Boy Scout-installed lake markers at the summit.

The markers indicate the eight lakes, including Eloika to the west and Pend Oreille to the northeast, all visible from Mount Spokane’s summit.

At Paradise Camp, Cook’s cabin is long-gone.

The Civilian Conservation Corps-built woodshed is undergoing renovations by the Friends of Mount Spokane State Park, and new informational kiosks have been installed nearby. Take in the history of the site, which was also the location of the old ski lodge that burned to the ground in an electrical fire in 1952. Then complete a loop hike by walking a short distance down the Kit Carson Loop Road to the intersection with upper trail 140, rerouted in the fall of 2013. Turn right and begin the climb back to the summit. The trail is a popular mountain bike and hiking trail in the snow-free months, and is marked with blue diamonds as a winter snowshoe route. It’s a steady uphill to the top, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the view while catching one’s breath.

At the summit, don’t miss Vista House, the 1934 native stone summit building, the upper portion of which served as the park’s first fire lookout. Until the ski season starts up again, the lower portion of the building is open to the public as a picnic area, protected from the fierce summit winds characteristic of the mountain’s top. When 30

Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

“The high peaks and open slopes of ski resorts and adjacent mountains and ridges can offer up priceless views of the landscapes below in the midst of their annual fall color make-over. And brushy ski slopes filled with huckleberry and other shrubs can create a spectacle of fall foliage like nowhere else if you time it right.”

the snow finally returns, do the hike on snowshoes or backcountry skis and bring a few extra bucks for hot cocoa at the winter-only weekend concession stand housed inside the historic building.

(Holly Weiler) 49 Degrees North/Chewelah Peak Around 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort, any of the alpine, Nordic or snowshoe trails are open for hiking before winter operations begin.

Take off from the lodge and keep an eye out for wildlife and fall colors, says John Eminger, the resort’s owner since 1996. He recommends picnicking on the lodge deck and exploring any of the trails around the resort’s three basins and two summits.

The Summit Route around the alpine area includes three connective trails. The trailhead for the first one, the Alpine Road Trail – also called East Basin Trail – begins near the lodge parking lots. Follow the trail past Chair 5, which you pass under at the 2K (1.24 miles) mark, and continue until you reach Moose Track Corner (4K/approximately 2.5 miles). Then you connect with the relatively easy South Face Traverse Trail. Follow this for three miles, enjoying views of the ski area’s backside, until you get to the Summit Trail.

Continue for 1.2 mile on a rugged trek through trees to Chewelah Peak (5,775’ elevation). The trail ends near Chair 5, for a total of 7.89 miles.

Head straight downhill back to the lodge area for a shorter descent, and keep an eye out for deer, elk, moose, bear and other wildlife. Also, within the designated Nordic park, there is a network of mostly easy trails more suitable for less ambitious day hikers. Check out the resort/trail map at ski49n.com. (Amy Silbernagel McCaffree) Lookout Pass/Stevens Lakes to Lone Lake Most of us who are avid hikers have visited Upper and Lower Stevens Lakes, or even lesser visited Lone Lake next door, near Lookout Pass.

But did you know there’s another route worth the effort? This trip visits both Stevens Lakes but continues on. Once you’ve reached Upper Stevens Lake, look to the ridge to the west or right at the far end of the lake. The ridge is called Willow Ridge and is spectacular any time of the year. Look for a hiker-created trail, of sorts, or

pick your way up the scattered game trails. Head up the side of the hill for the prominent rise along the ridge. The easiest route down to Lone Lake on the other side is located on the north side of this rise.

Over the years, many have ventured to the ridge and on to the summit of Stevens Peak. I suggest that you consider dropping over the ridge down to Lone Lake’s upper alpine bowl (I call it the “Upper Sanctuary”). In the spring, the Sanctuary is an electric green of many shades. The vivid colors next to the massive rock faces, in contrast with the dark greens of sub-alpine fir, make for amazing images. During the autumn months, these greens turn brilliant orange, red, and yellow. Upper Stevens Lake and the Lone Lake “Sanctuary” are especially beautiful this time of year.

Once you are down in the Lone Lake basin “Sanctuary,” notice the colors come alive. There are two humps above the small pond there that you can climb up for great views and a high place to photograph from. I would consider hiking into any of these lakes on their own to be moderately difficult, and by summiting, and then dropping into the sanctuary, and back to the same trailhead, this route becomes much more difficult. But don’t let that stop you. It’s simply too amazing to miss. // (Chic Burge)

Opposite Page: The fruits of fall on Mt. Spokane.

Photo: Holly Weiler. // Left to right, clockwise: Summit push, Mt. Spokane. Photo: Shallan Knowles.

Lone Lake here we come. Photo: Derrick Knowles.

Lookout Pass backcountry. Photo: Derrick Knowles.

Silver Valley gold. Photo: Derrick Knowles

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October-November 2015

/ Out There Monthly

31

on the mountain early season turns

top to bottom clockwise: Izzy Lynch loving life at Rogers Pass. Jeff Yates tearing it up at Targhee.

Teletopia. Rogers Pass.

Photos: Bob Legasa

Got the Fever

Finding Early Season Turns from B.C. and Mt. Hood to Local Bitterroot Snow Magnet Lookout Pass

By Bob Legasa

The end of August is when the jonesing starts for me. It’s typically right after I receive the first ski magazine subscription for the season. You dissect every page, inspect every photo with a fine tooth comb and this, coupled with all the social media photos and GoPro clips coming out of South America, it’s go time. Yeah, I’m ready. By early October your stash of ski porn has been depleted, boards are tuned and you’ve had enough foreplay, it’s time to knock down some turns.

Living here in the Pacific Northwest we’re pretty lucky as we have a menagerie of high mountain peaks and passes with deep, longlasting snow packs. In the Cascades, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and Mount Hood all have permanent snowfields and glaciers. This accessibility has made it inviting for numerous hard core riders who ski and board year round, some with skiing streaks surpassing 150 straight months of bagging turns. During my research, I even found a handful of Coloradans who have surpassed 300 months (over 25 years) of getting year round skiing.

That’s determination.

Keep it Safe For many of us mere mortals with a hankering to make some turns as early as November, we have a handful of spots within an easy day’s drive of the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene/Sandpoint area. Some of these spots are lift-serviced ski resorts and other spots require hiking or skinning. If you plan on earning your turns in the backcountry, make sure you have the knowledge of backcountry safety and all the members of your group are equipped with the proper safety gear (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe). Early season conditions can be quite hazardous, so do not take this type of riding lightly.

Section Sponsored By: 32

Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

If you’re a newbie and plan on getting into backcountry skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, I highly recommend taking an avalanche awareness class from a local shop or organization (see page 38 for details). These programs provide a basic approach to managing risk in the backcountry by teaching you how to understand avalanche bulletins and weather reports and recognize avalanche danger in the backcountry.

First Turns: B.C., Oregon, Lookout/Stevens Peak Depending on precipitation and temps, British Columbia can offer up some turns in November. Just an easy 2.5 hour drive from Spokane you’ll find Kootenay Pass, which sits between Creston and Salmo on Highway 3. You can park your car at the top of the pass at about 5,800 feet and gear up right there. Both sides of the highway offer some good early season turns for riders of varying abilities. For more on Kootenay Pass, here’s a good link with lots of info on various routes. Backcountryskiingcanada.com.

For those looking for some bigger mountains and some truly mind blowing terrain, there’s Rogers Pass, which sits between Revelstoke and Golden, British Columbia, along the Trans-Canada Highway. Revelstoke local and professional freeskier Izzy Lynch cuts her teeth here each season and had this to say about one of her early season haunts: “There’s tons of accessible skiing at Rogers Pass. Everyone who visits the park is required to sign in and get a permit at the Discovery Centre. They will inform you on avalanche closures and conditions, and from there you can head straight up Connaught Creek to Balu Pass. The elevation and variety of terrain make for great early season skiing.”

Typically it takes about a meter of snow to fill in many of the hazards in this zone, such as creeks, rocks and alder, but each season

varies from one to the next. Typically snow starts collecting in late October, and as Lynch says, “It depends on the season, but typically keeners who aren’t afraid of a little alder bashing start heading out in early November, and you can get as much vert as your early season legs can handle.”

Now for many of you who are looking for lift-serviced riding, there’s Oregon’s Mt. Hood, which, depending on snowfall, can start running lifts in late October and early November. A little closer to home, Lookout Pass, which sits at 4,700 feet, is traditionally one of the first local resorts to start spinning its bullwheel for early-season riding. The earliest Lookout has opened has been November 6, and according to Lookout’s CEO Phil Edholm, one of the main reasons for being the first resort to open in our area has to do with the resort’s summer grooming. “The front side of the mountain has benefitted from over 70 years of summer grooming,” says Edholm.

“Which means we are able to open on minimal snowfall. In fact, we’ve opened on as little as 14” of snowfall when there’s sufficient water content in the snow to allow for machine grooming and packing.” It also helps that many of the winter storms come from the southwest over Stevens Peak, which at 6,800 feet is the highest mountain in this section of the Bitterroot Range. “Our location allows us to benefit from substantial orographic lifting that wrings out extra snowfall from the storms,” adds Edholm. “So when you combine a higher base elevation, colder temps and substantial orographic lift, you get more snow, earlier and more often than most other areas in the region.”

Depending on the snow base, Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally when our local resorts try to open, and with last season’s dismal winter, I know there are a lot of you looking to get that fix as soon as possible. Start off slowly. It won’t be long! //

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October-November 2015

/ Out There Monthly

33

on the mountain SUPER EL NINO

Winter Weather Predictions

The Blob Strikes Back

By Brad Northrup

“The Pacific Northwest on the other hand will receive big snowfalls early on in the season before snowfall tapers off throughout the spring. The coldest periods will be in late December, mid- to late January, and late February, with the snowiest periods in late December and mid- to late January.” Screw science – I’m going with these guys.

We skiers and riders are, for the most part, an optimistic bunch. Sure, we would prefer epic conditions every day we are on the hill, but the reality is you go no matter what and make the best of it. That being said, it sounds like our optimism is going to be put to the test yet again this year. The general consensus among the so-called experts is that the Pacific Northwest is in for another warm and dry winter. They might have called it right last year, but I bet this year is going to be different for two reasons. First, whatever happens is going to be better than what we saw last season. I mean, c’mon, could it be any worse? And second, this thing called “The Blob” that the scientific community is talking about could be a real game changer. Either way, Old Man Winter will pay us a visit – it just depends on how long he will stay. Here is the rundown of predictions and prognostications for this winter’s weather. Take it all with a grain of salt and a shot of tequila….

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) The brain trust at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is projecting the development of a very strong El Niño occurrence (aka Super El Niño), which typically means a warm and dry winter here in the PNW. “There is a greater than 90% chance that El Niño will continue through the Northern Hemisphere for the winter of 201516.” Nearly every official weather prediction organization agrees with and quotes NOAA’s forecast. While this does not appear to bode well for the skiing and riding public here in our neck of the woods, there is some good news. This weather pattern is projected to break down in late winter or early spring, so if it happens earlier we could be in for some great mid to late season conditions.

Additionally, the last strong El Niño we experienced in 1997/98 coincided with a significant amount of snowfall to our region.

34

Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

No Escaping the Blob. image provided by the NOAA/ESRL Physical Sciences Division at Boulder, Colorado.

The Farmer’s Almanac The 199th edition of “The Farmer’s Almanac” definitely predicts a better winter than the scientists. Cold temps and above average snowfall are called for in the Intercontinental Rockies all the way into Western Montana, with above average precipitation in the Pacific Northwest. To those of us here in far Eastern Washington and North Idaho, we could be in the right spot to see a decent season.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Published every year since 1792, the “Old Farmer’s Almanac” has perhaps the best winter forecast for skiers and riders in the PNW.

The Blob Lurking off the Pacific Coast from Mexico to Alaska, there lies a massive expanse of warm water that has become known as The Blob. This anomaly has been fingered as the source of this summer’s never-ending heat in the West, but also might be a potential protagonist this winter due to the high amount of water vapor it could add to the atmosphere. Combine a higher concentration of water vapor with a cold air mass that typically sits over our region during the winter months, and things could get real interesting.

Will this happen? Who knows, but the fact remains that The Blob has had a hand in the unusual weather we have seen over the past year and could continue to play a role this winter.

One Mini Ice Age Please We need a cool-down, big time. Enough of sucky winters that have no snow, and 100 degree summers filled with smoke. It’s time for an ice age, or at least a mini ice age. Sure enough, that might be just what is coming in the next 15 years. Valentina Zharkova, a professor of mathematics at Northumbria University in the UK, used a new model of the sun’s solar cycle to predict that solar activity will fall by 60 percent in the 2030s to conditions last seen during the mini ice age that began in 1645. If this means that we can get back to five months of winter with good coverage and fresh turns, count me in. //

on the mountain SKI FILMS You can totally do that bro!

Photo courtesy of Warren Miller

Ski Film Preview

Build the Winter Stoke with the Season’s Best Ski Movies

By Brad Naccarato For those who anticipate winter’s arrival with frothing mouths and dreams of what may come, this past year came with an unfamiliar set of struggles, as those perfect moments of wintery snow-bliss became more and more elusive. For passionate skiers and riders in the Northwest, however, the challenges that we’ve endured can never undermine our enthusiasm for that next great day on snow. As summer eases into fall and fall eventually fades to winter, dreams of snow occupy our minds and we focus more of our energy on returning to the mountains. The release of the fall ski films signals to skiers and riders that once again it’s time to start watching the weather forecasts, take inventory of gear, look for deals at local shops and generally start building the stoke.

Warren Miller Entertainment: “Chasing Shadows” This fall, Warren Miller Entertainment will release its 66th snow sports film, “Chasing Shadows.” This year’s installment of the iconic film series celebrates why skiers and snowboarders commit themselves every winter to a passion that’s guaranteed to melt away every spring. The film features JT Holmes, Seth Wescott, Caroline Gleich, Steven Nyman, Marcus Caston, and our very own Ingrid Backstrom, who now lives in Leavenworth, Washington (she appears in the Portillo segment). WME athletes pursue turns on the mountains of our dreams: Chamonix, Alaska’s Chugach, the Chilean Andes, Utah’s Wasatch and the mightiest range of them all, the Himalaya. These athletes are masters in their element, and with every cliff drop, perfect line and neck-deep powder turn, they motivate us.

Warren Miller once said, “A pair of skis are the ultimate transportation to freedom.” In “Chasing Shadows,” the athletes are chasing storms, snow, lines that live on the world’s highest peaks and the freedom that these things grant us. “This year’s film will inspire viewers to search out their dreams and find freedom,” says Director of Cinematography Chris Patterson, who has been making films with Warren Miller for 24 years. “Our athletes show us that anything is possible if your passions and desires are in the right direction.” The film takes a glimpse into the world of the U.S. freestyle team and the snow-sports that live on the fringe, like mono-skiing, pow-surfing and speed-riding. Then it explores what it is about culturally rich locations and snow-covered summits that motivates passionate skiers and snowboarders to keep searching and chasing after a feeling, a memory, a storm, a turn each winter and for a lifetime.

Show Info: October 30, The Bing, Spokane. Skinet.com/warrenmiller.

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by SKI Magazine readers.

Teton Gravity Research: “Paradise Waits” From the award-winning filmmaking crew that brought you 2014’s “Almost Ablaze” comes the story of one weird winter and the people who celebrate it. “Paradise Waits” follows 20 skiers and snowboarders as they travel the globe in search of ideal conditions amid bizarre and inconsistent weather throughout the 2014-15 season. The athletes ski and snowboard through fresh powder in Alaska, shred the city streets of Boston during the East Coast Snowpocalypse and travel as far as Greece and Japan to hunt for the perfect line.

Show Info: October 22, The Bing, Spokane. Tetongravity.com.

Matchstick Productions: “Fade to Winter” The production powerhouse behind McConkey and “Days of My Youth” presents “Fade to Winter,” featuring jaw-dropping action from Alaska, Iceland, British Columbia, Japan, Colorado, Italy and New England. The film captures the spirit of nine skiers who go to great lengths for the sport they love: Markus Eder, Bobby Brown, Michelle Parker, Mark Abma, Tanner Rainville, Aaron Blunck, James Heim, Sean Jordan, PK Hunder and others.

Show Info: October 30, Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap, Spokane; November 12, Hemmingson Center (Gonzaga), Spokane; November 27, Panida Theater, Sandpoint. Skimovie.com.

Inspired “Ski Movie Tour” Tanner Hall, Phil Casabon, Henrik Harlaut and other skiing superstars will share the same stage with one of hip hop’s great performers, Raekwon from the Wu Tang Clan, along with Inspired Media’s Ski Movie Tour. This show is a special, one-of-a-kind event offering ski movies and a live hip-hop performance. Inspired Media Concepts, a production company founded by Tanner Hall in 2010, will be premiering trailers for Tanner Hall’s “Ring the Alarm” as well as Phil Casabon and Henrik Harlaut’s “Be Inspired.” The show will also feature Kye Petersen’s “In Search” and “The Masquerade.”

Show Info: October 16, The Bing, Spokane. Inspiredmedia.tv. //

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October-November 2015

/ Out There Monthly

35

on the mountain Ski NEws

What’s New at Area Ski Resorts?

Snow Making, Yurts, Killer Deals, New Terrain, & On-Mountain Living Every year, you can expect news about improvements, expansions and creative innovations to come out of resorts around the greater Inland Pacific Northwest. Here are some of the highlights for the coming season.

49 Degrees North Mountain Resort Big changes are in the works at 49, the first phase of which unfolds this season. For starters, new snow-making capacity will be unleashed leading up to opening day that will provide better and longer coverage at the base area and beginner slopes. Also this season, 49 is adding two new runs and putting up two hospitality yurts in Sunrise Basin that will serve hot beverages and snacks, a first step towards a much more dramatic development plan for the Sunrise Basin that will turn 49 into a full-on, year-round resort with on-mountain living. The Sunrise Basin development could eventually include up to 2,000 homes, condos and multifamily ski-in/ski-out units, as well as a new base lodge and lift.

Infrastructure work started this summer, and the first homes could be up for sale as early as next year. Other ski area improvements on deck include an additional 30 acres of snowmaking capacity on three major runs by the 2016-17 season, and, down the road over the next several years, these exciting developments: a new high-speed detachable quad chairlift to replace Klondike (Chair 1); new day lodge facilities in the Sunrise Basin and mid-mountain on Silver Ridge; and a new Nelson Creek chairlift that will serve added terrain and home owners in Sunrise Basin. The plan also puts the proposed Nelson Creek lift and the new Klondike Quad at the center of summer activities, which will include a zip line, downhill mountain bike trails and a mountain bike park.

Silver Mountain Resort The big news at Silver this season, which is an especially big deal if you’re a season pass holder and/or weekday skier, is the start of seven-days-a-week operations for the 2015/2016 season. Silver also ramped up the brush cutting this past summer to improve the early season/thin snowpack conditions. Mogul’s on the Mountain will also be sporting a recent remodel.

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area Historically, Lookout Pass has received about 400” of snow a year, says Phil Edholm, Lookout’s President and CEO. “And looking at the last big El Nino, 1997-1998, we actually had an above average snow season. That, plus the New Farmer’s Almanac prediction for December through February snow, leads us to think it will be a better snow year than last,” he says. Edholm has another reason to

be optimistic: Phase One of Lookout’s long-range expansion plan, which includes two chairlifts on Eagle Peak – a mountain immediately west of the existing ski area with a potential to add up to 700 acres with 14 new ski runs plus glades with a 1,400’ vertical drop – has been accepted by the U.S. Forest Service. Additional planning and environmental studies are currently under way.

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park Thanks to $1.5 million in state funding, the Main Lodge got a new roof and flooring throughout the main level, and Lodge 1 has undergone a complete overhaul. A new Guest Services building, to be located near the Ski Patrol Building, is also in the works and should be completed by 2017. Mt. Spokane State Park and Nordic Area also received funding for significant improvements, including design of a new Nordic Center. On the expansion front, following the ruling last fall allowing Mt. Spokane to move forward with the installation of a new chairlift and runs on the backside of the mountain, the ski area has been working with Spokane County and the Washington State Parks Commission on a path forward through the permitting process. As of late September 2015, Mt. Spokane reports that pre-construction activities are currently under way, although there is still a pending Save Mt. Spokane Coalition lawsuit challenging the classification of the expansion area as “recreation.” According to the Coalition, the challenge states that the recreation classification is in violation of State Park’s own policy of protecting rare natural areas like the proposed expansion area.

Schweitzer Mountain Resort This past summer, Schweitzer began construction on a new 13,000 square foot, three-story summit lodge, that, once it’s completed in the fall of 2016, will offer a sweet new place for enjoying a meal and a beverage on the top of the mountain. The resort also has a major Internet infrastructure improvement project in the works that will make powder day “work theatre” from the lifts more believable and social media pow shot posting faster than ever. The Real Estate market at Schweitzer also continues to blossom, with new on-mountain living construction that’s part of the MountainSide development moving forward.

Whitewater Ski Resort The news coming out of WH2O this season is that even without any major new development to report, it’s still pretty frickin rad.

40 years ago, Nelson, B.C. locals came together to kickstart their own local ski resort, building the lodge that still stands there today.

Over the past four decades, instead of funneling funds into the development of a manufactured experience, the resort has kept true to its roots and focused on keeping that community charm.

The result is a resort that boasts some of the region’s best conditions each year in a laid-back, quality-oriented atmosphere (there is no cell service or wifi, for instance, but you can enjoy way better food than you can get at many popular Spokane area restaurants).

Whitewater also announced this summer that it is now part of the Powder Alliance, joining Schweitzer and several other Northwest resorts, including Stevens Pass, Silver Star, and Timberline, in this season pass perc program that offers skiers and riders who have a pass at another partner resort up to three free lift tickets (excluding Saturdays) at other partner resorts too.

Whitefish Mountain Resort On the heels of last year’s addition of the Flower Point chairlift, which added several hundred acres of intermediate, groomable runs and expert tree skiing, Whitefish Mountain Resort also launched a major remodel of The Summit House, a popular gathering place that will provide more seating and better, 360-degree views from the mountain’s 6,817-foot summit. As the only mountaintop restaurant in the state of Montana, the Summit House is known for its panoramic views of Glacier National Park and the Flathead Valley. Plan a trip to check it out.

RED Mountain Resort Red has grown quite a bit in recent years, and after investing over $1.5 million in a new snowmaking system last season, it is now expanding snowmaking infrastructure yet again to the top of Red Mountain. Part of the resort’s ongoing evolution also includes a shift towards four-season operations with a “Get Lost Adventure Centre” that will launch mid-November and start providing guests with customizable outdoor recreation adventure opportunities, from snowshoeing, fat biking and backcountry skiing in the winter to hiking and mountain biking come summer. It’s simple. Visit the Get Lost crew and tell them what kind of Kootenay adventure you want to have and, as they promise, they will design a recreation package “that fits your budget, avoids your pet peeves, and gives you a deeper insight into why we all live in the Kootenays in the first place.”

Tamarack Resort South of McCall on Cascade Lake in Central Idaho, Tamarack Resort has been undergoing a series of major improvements over the past year after coming under new ownership. This season it is also ponying up attention-grabbing deals like their $99 college season pass. That’s right. Skiing seven days a week from midDecember through late March with a valid college ID for $99! For college students in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Moscow and Pullman, there is really no good reason to pass up a deal like this that makes weekend and Christmas break ski trips crazy affordable. The College season pass sale ends November 16. // (OTM)

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on the mountain SKI SWAP

Ski Swap Buyer’s Guide

Swap, Shop, and Ski Don’t Miss These Local Ski Swaps

Finding the Right Gear and Having a Blast at Your Local Ski Swap

By Brad Northrup

Ski season might appear to be a long way away, but the region’s ski swaps are nearly upon us. Whether you are an avid swap-goer or a first-timer, the experience can be overwhelming. Imagine a seemingly endless space packed with skis, boots, clothing and accessories, and then fill it with a 1,000 people, some of whom really don’t want to be there. Sounds like a good time, right? It can be, so long as you have a plan and an idea as to what you are looking for. And having a buddy hold your spot in the line while you pay a visit to the beer garden, if there is one, doesn’t hurt either. But seriously, even if you do know what you need (or want), knowing what to look for can help you in the decision-making process and prevent a ton of frustration later.

Skis Modern shape skis are made in a variety of widths under foot, or what is known as waist-width. The wider the waist-width, the better that ski should perform in deeper snow. More than half of the skiers in the Pacific Northwest can likely be classified as intermediate and spend a majority of their time on groomed runs. That said, go with an all-mountain ski that is somewhere between 75mm to 80mm wide under foot. This type of ski will respond well on hard snow and still have enough surface area to help you if you do find yourself in deeper, softer snow. At the swap, make sure that the ski still has a good amount of edge material left. If it looks like there is very little edge left, pass on it. In terms of sizing, the tip of the ski should reach between your chin and your nose. If you are not sure, don’t sweat it.

Most swaps have fairly knowledgeable volunteers there to help you. Once you buy your skis, take them to a reputable shop to have them tuned.

FALL

s s a P n Seaso

Clothing Skiing requires some “sucking it up” when it comes to the weather, but that doesn’t mean you need to freeze to death. Staying warm usually means staying dry, and this requires that your jacket and pants be water and wind proof. Look for tags on the garment that lists the type of material used (like Gore-Tex). Cotton is to be avoided at all costs (so much for that Dallas Cowboys starter jacket). In terms of fit, make sure you have a good range of movement and have enough room to add a layer if needed.

If you can, do a little research on the type of equipment you are interested in buying before you go. The Internet is a powerful tool, so you should be able to find all kinds of information that will point you in the right direction. If you have the time, go pick the brains of the experts at your local specialty ski shop. When it comes to equipment sizing, fit, or performance, they can be an invaluable resource. Plus, seeing the prices of most new gear will motivate you at the swap. Finally, make sure to arrive at the swap early to get in line – it seems every year more and more folks are discovering the great deals that can be found. //

Winter Swap (November 7): North Idaho’s biggest swap unfolds at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d’Alene every year thanks to the combined ski swap efforts of the Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain volunteer ski patrols. A no-brainer for North Idaho skiers and snowboarders, the swap is also a great option for Spokane area skiers and snowboarders who missed the Mt. Spokane swap or didn’t find what they were looking for. Admission is $5 and children under 12 accompanied by an adult get in free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Winterswap.org.

Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS) Ski Swap (November 14): Sandpoint’s annual ski swap at the Bonner County Fairgrounds benefits the SARS ski racing and freeride programs for over 150 local and regional athletes ages 5 and up. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More info: Sars.net. // (OTM)

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Boots Ski boots are the most important piece of equipment you will own, so they need to fit right. First, ski boots should be snug on your feet, and your toes should either just lightly touch the front or be very close to touching. Second, you should be able to flex your boots quite easily indoors. If you cannot flex them, move on to a different pair. If you are buying boots for kids, it’s ok to go a little bigger for growing room, but don’t go too big (like three sizes). Word of caution: Just because you (or your 12-year-old daughter) likes the color or your “expert” buddy says you need a super-stiff, high-end boot, don’t do it if they don’t meet the parameters outlined above.

Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap (October 30-November 1): The granddaddy of them all, as they say, this swap at the Spokane Fair & Expo Center benefits the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol. In addition to an expected 23,000 spread of new and used gear, this swap also hosts the premiere showing of Matchstick Productions new film “Fade to Winter,” a beer garden and a special kickoff party Friday night after the film that gets you first dibs on swap gear. General swap admission is $5 and tickets for the Friday night showing of “Fade to Winter” are another $6 and entrance to the Winter Kick-off Party is $50, which includes the film, early shopping privileges and a hosted party. Show up early to get a good spot in line. Skipatrolskiswap.com.

Freeride Media

(509) 238-2220 W W W. MT S P O K A N E .CO M October-November 2015

/ Out There Monthly

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on the mountain Backcountry

Avalanche Safety Classes

If You’re Going to Ski or Ride the Backcountry, Be Prepared

By Larry Banks

“In the movies, we don’t see everything that goes into ensuring professional riders’ safety.”

Riding season is upon us, including the influx of powderenticing ski/snowboard movies. As we watch in awe as the pros rip and slash through the scenes, the allure of riding powder in the backcountry becomes ever more present in our own dreams. We think, “Maybe this year I will venture out into the side/backcountry,” to experience that feeling of slashing the fresh, untouched, rarely-ridden slopes.

However, in the movies, we don’t see everything that goes into ensuring professional riders’ safety: having the proper gear set up (transceivers, shovel, probe, ABS packs, etc.), awareness that the slope is free of hazards such as cliffs and knowing the key elements of snow safety. Every effort is made to ensure ski movie athletes’ safety on the mountain. Professional guides are always present evaluating the conditions, weather and any hidden dangers that may lie in the descent below. Even with all those precautions, accidents happen and that’s when the training for survival skiers learned in their backcountry safety courses kicks in.

For everyday skiers and riders, having the knowledge base for accessing the terrain outside of resorts is imperative for recreating in these environments safely. It is critical to take at least a basic avalanche awareness class, or better yet, a multi-day course. These are relatively inexpensive ways to increase your knowledge for hiking, riding or sledding in potential avalanche areas. Additionally, they cover all the latest technology for avalanche survival, from

2015-16

Mike Brede doing a standard compression test in the backcountry. Photo: Larry Banks

air bag systems, different types of transceivers, GPS tools (such as SPOT), to resources for finding local weather and avalanche bulletins. Avalanche training has morphed over the years to provide different levels, from recreational to professional. Below are local classes, courses and resources that cover all the desired levels. For more info and updated class listings and to get plugged into the Inland Northwest backcountry scene, check out Panhandlebackcountry.com.

American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education (AIARE) Courses Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education - AIARE Level 1 Dates: January 16-18, 2016 (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) or January 24-26, 2016 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) / Location: Schweitzer, Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, or Flatiron Mt., Mont. / Cost: $295 member, $325 non-member.

Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education - AIARE Level 2 Dates & Location: TBD / Cost: $425 member, $475 non-member / More Info: 928-351-SOLE or Soleexperiences.org Local Avalanche Awareness Classes SheJumps I: Women’s Avalanche Awareness Class Date: November 5, 2015 (2 hour class, time TBA) / Location: Gonzaga

University / More info: Shejumps.org/region/pacific-coast Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center Avalanche Awareness Classes Date(s): TBA / More info: To set up your own group class (approx. 1.5-2 hours), contact Kevin Davis at 208-265-6686 or Idahopanhandleavalanche.org NIC Outdoor Pursuits Avalanche Awareness Clinic Dates: December 9 (3 hour class) and December 12 (field session) / Location: McLain Hall Outdoor Center and Coeur d’Alene National Forest / Cost: $75 / More info: Nic.edu/events / Note: NIC also rents avalanche transceivers, shovels, probes, backcountry touring skis and splitboards Selkirk Powder Company Avalanche Level 1 Class You have three opportunities to take this class that includes two weekday evening classroom sessions (5-9:30 p.m., locations vary) and one-day field session in the Selkirk Powder backcountry (8 a.m.-4 p.m.). Dates: Class #1, December 9 & 10 (classroom, Sagle Senior Center) & 13 (field) / Class #2, January 13 & 14 (classroom session, Mountain Gear) & January 16 or 17 (field) / Class #3, February 10 & 11 (classroom session, Mountain Gear) & February 13 or 14 (field). / More info: 208263-6959 or SelkirkPowder.com. //

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Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

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on the mountain Ski Shop 39 years.

Three generations. One righteous ski shop. Photo courtesy of the Ski Shack

Experience the Canadian Rockies, Fernie Style.

Mom & Pop Ski Shop

Hayden’s Ski Shack—A Family Affair Since 1974

By Brad Naccarato

The year was 1974. Carolyn Lyden and her husband Gene had just started a small barber shop on Government Way in the then small town of Hayden, Idaho. Back then, neither of them had any intention of transforming that tiny building into a booming ski shop. It’s just the way things fell into place.

Two years into the barber business, Carolyn made a decision to start selling t-shirts out of the back of the barber shop as a means to earn extra money for a future family vacation to Hawaii. The venture proved successful enough that she began to sell jackets and other winter accessories. By 1978, Carolyn, who had been selling some used sporting goods on consignment, was approached by a ski rep from Crystal Mountain. “He had some low-end skis that he was trying to sell. We decided to grow the business and the building, so we bought the skis and that’s when we officially started selling hard goods,” she says. As fate would have it, Carolyn’s ‘side venture’ blossomed into a successful ski and snowboard business called the Ski Shack that today is considered by many locals to be the finest shop around.

1978 was also the year that Carolyn finally achieved her dream of taking her family to Hawaii.

“I decided that next summer, as long as we could fund an annual trip to Hawaii and I didn’t have to keep the shop open in the summer, we would just keep the business going,” she says.

As a woman pioneer in the often male-dominated ski industry of the late 70s and early 80s, Carolyn had to deal with her share of stereotypes.

While Gene managed the barber shop, he had little involvement with the ski shop. That meant that Carolyn had to wear many hats as both the salesperson and ski technician. “Back then I would sell a pair of skis, and then I would have to tell the guy that we had a tech coming in later that night to mount his skis. If I told him that I was mounting

his skis, he was libel to walk out the door. Well, as soon as he left, I would run back and do the mount,” she says.

As the business blossomed in the 80s, Carolyn fully embraced the trade, attending annual ski industry shows and working up to 12 hours a day, six days a week. The shop also grew in size, with new additions always being added. The result is a shop that has a good flow with a funky, logcabin feel to it – and every inch is packed full of gear. “The winters were long, but I enjoyed having the summer off,” Carolyn says. Today, at 79 years young, she is enjoying her ‘semi-retirement.’ “I’m still very involved with the shop, but I’m not there on a daily basis anymore.” These days it’s hard to catch her in the shop as she leaves management to her daughter Julie Vucinich and her grandson Rhen Lyden. Carolyn only comes in when needed during busy periods. “My family has done a great job managing it, and every year we hire a great group of people who have really just become like extended family,” she says.

For Rhen Lyden, who manages the technician shop, the Ski Shack has always been a constant in his life. “I grew up in the shop and can remember helping with the rental rush and waxing boards since I could hardly see over the counter. I started tuning skis here when I was in high school, then moved to South Lake Tahoe to snowboard and work in some shops down there. I started here full time seven years ago when I was 22,” he says.

For Rhen, like the rest of the Lydens, the shop is a place that he takes a lot of pride in. “I learned hard work, attention to detail and persistence from my grandma, but the most important thing I learned was to be grateful that I’m able to work in an industry that I am passionate about and where I have the opportunity to help others find that passion for skiing and snowboarding every day.” //

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on the mountain season pass

October 2015 Retro Ski Pass Contest WINNERS! Long Live the Season Pass

By Derrick Knowles A string of old season passes dangles from a tie-dyed lanyard that hangs on my office wall. Dating back to the late ‘80s, they represent a collection of winter memories and phases of life (learning to ski, then snowboard, then tele ski) and evolving styles (progressive mullet/flannel; hippie hairdo/retro jacket; beard/black Gore-Tex, etc.). They are more than a dust-collecting memento, though. That tattered string of passes is a reminder of a promise to myself that skiing and staying active in the winter is a priority, and come hell or climate change-induced high water, no matter what the conditions are like, I will get my 50, 25, 12 or (damn it was a bad year) 8 resort/backcountry days in, the final number, of course, depending on conditions and season of life.

I actually can’t imagine living in the Northwest and not having a ski pass somewhere and being able to go whenever without having to think about whether it’s “worth it” or not. Buying a pass, usually at one of several early season discount prices, is just something many skiers and snowboarders do each year, knowing that even in an unusually bad season like last year, having a pass almost always makes financial sense and always provides added motivation to get outside and ski more. There are still plenty of season pass and other discount deals out there to be had this season. Here are the deals and dates to keep an eye on before the snow flies.

40

Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

Fall Season Pass Sales • 49 Degrees North: Adult, $399; College, $279; Youth, $299.

(Through Oct. 20) • Lookout Pass: Adult, $229; College $199; Teen, $169.

(Through Oct. 31) • Mt. Spokane: Adult, $389; College, $289; Youth, $289.

(Through Oct. 31) • Schweitzer: Adult, $749; Junior, $249; Young Adult, $349.

(Through Oct. 31) • Silver Mountain: Adult, $379; Young Adult, $299; Youth, $279 Mountain Sports Club Skiing/Riding/Lodging Discounts The slogan for Colorado-based Mountain Sports Club is “use it once and it’s paid for. Use it often and save hundreds!” The membershipbased, online discount service offers skiers and snowboarders printable discount coupons to save on lift tickets, resort lodging and other outdoor recreation-oriented services as many times as you want. Here in the Inland Northwest this season, MSC members can save up to $60 daily on lift tickets at resorts like Brundage Mountain Resort. Other exclusive MSC local/regional deals include 2 for 1 lift tickets, lift ticket discounts, ski/stay packages and half-off ski tuning at these Northwest resorts & shops: Silver Mountain, Mt. Spokane, 49 Degrees North, Schweitzer, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Brundage Mountain Resort, Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and Mountain Gear. More new local deals will be added soon. Like a ski pass, the price of Mountain Sports Club membership is cheaper earlier in the season and is only $19.95 with this promo code (NW16) until October 31. Check out all of the available deals from around North America and become a member at MountainSportsClub.com. //

October winners score a lift ticket from one of our awesome resort sponsors!

top: 40 years of skiing- Gini Stiles Bottom: Bring Back the mullet! -Noel wilton

Enter your classic ski pass photo for a chance to win lift tickets this winter. Full contest rules at Outtheremonthly.com/retro-ski-passcontest. Next winners selected in December!

on the mountain The skiing life

Photo courtesy of Tourism Fernie

Photo: Shallan Knowles

Piste Off Liftie

Summer Sucks

By Brad Northrup

Editor’s Note: Piste Off Liftie is a new, tongue-in-cheek column exploring the fictional exploits of a quintessential dirt-bag ski lift operator. Enjoy!

Man, I’m so glad that winter is coming. Don’t get me wrong, I totally love my summer gig working at Silverwood, and who wouldn’t? I mean, where else can you get paid to enjoy free food, free rides and epic bikini-watching?

Plus, Idaho has cheap booze and cigs. Yeah, love me some bikinis and cheap smokes. But I digress. Winter is my favorite season simply because I get to go back to work at the mountain. Now to all of you Starbucks-drinking, khaki-wearing, Volvo-driving flatlanders, this might not sound all that attrac-

tive, but hear me out. Winter is definitely better than summer for those of us that work on the hill, and here’s why.

Winter means fresh air. Did you enjoy smelling like a campfire after spending an hour outside this summer? Was it fun digging those nasty ash boogers out of your nose on the commute home?

Hell no. I haven’t coughed like that since I took my first puff off of the peace pipe back in the late 1980s. Just wish I could remember if I enjoyed it…. Anyway, we don’t seem to have that problem in the winter in the mountains, now do we? About the worst thing I have to smell is the diesel exhaust from some a-hole’s Compensator in the parking lot in the morning. You know who you are.

Winter means no commuting. Sure is fun sitting in standstill traffic on I-90 at 5 p.m. when it’s 105 degrees out, ain’t it? Or better yet, getting stuck behind some d-bag on Francis who thinks it’s perfectly acceptable to drive 20 mph and then gives me the finger when I high beam him cuz my horn doesn’t work. Once the lifts start spinning, these memories fade away. With my 1982 Pace Arrow sitting in the parking lot, I just have to roll out of the fart sack and cruise up to the lodge. Best part is the bathrooms are freshly cleaned and spotless that early in the morning, but not for long thanks to the Folgers instant coffee and organic gluten-free oatmeal I had for breakfast.

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Winter means no dress code. Creased slacks, starched shirts and shined shoes might be the norm for many poor bastards in our misguided society, but not for this cowboy once the snow flies. No sir, the dude definitely does not abide. My mountain uniform consists of a pair of semi-baggy gangsta snowboard pants and an old-school, white long john top with an Iron Maiden t-shirt over it. The t-shirt gets switched out every two weeks with the one my cousin got me at a Beastie Boys concert in 1992. Punks fear me, chicks dig me.

Winter means water conservation. Having to shower and shave every day sucks. So does paying some twice-divorced, tattooed, lip-pierced hairstylist to cut my hair once a month. Plus she usually does a crappy job. Once I’m on the mountain, I go totally feral.

Come winter, I’ll have a beard that will make Grizzly Adams jealous. It might hold crumbs from dinner four days ago, but damn it will keep my face warm. For the record, long hair on men is totally hip today, so don’t be a hater. And a warning – showering twice a month means you might want to stay up-wind of me. Just saying. // Brad Northrup spent his previous life living and working in the mountains. He now owns four pair of creased khakis, frequents Starbucks often and spends way too much time commuting.

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(509) 325-1620 October-November 2015

/ Out There Monthly

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OutdoorCalendarOctober/November2015 RUNNING (October 3) State Park Series #5 (5 & 13.1

mile). Where: Riverside State Park. Part of the Trail Maniacs State Park Series. Info: Trailmaniacs.com.

(October 3) Colbert Autumn Classic Half Marathon. Where: Colbert Elementary School,

Colbert, WA. Hilly course on pavement and gravel.

Info: Active.com.

(October 3) Leavenworth Oktoberfest Marathon and Half-Marathon. Where: Leavenworth, WA.

When: 7 a.m. The course begins deep in the Cascades alongside legendary Icicle Creek and travels downhill toward the city of Leavenworth. At about the half-way point, the course emerges on the valley floor and then follows a loop through the Bavarian Village and along wooded riverfront trails, before ending at the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery.

Info: Adventurewenatchee.com

(October 10) Walk Like MADD/MADD Dash 5K. Where: Green Lake, Seattle. When: 8 a.m. Join hundreds of participants as they walk or run 5K to raise awareness and funds to end drunk driving. All proceeds go to MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving – to accomplish their mission to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking. Info: Madd.org

(October 11) Spokane Marathon. Where:

Downtown Spokane. An Inland NW classic, it sports a dreamy course that meanders its way through Spokane’s historic neighborhoods and scenic haunts while never straying too far from the Spokane River. Info: Spokanemarathon.us.

(October 17) Hayden Lake Marathon. Where: Hayden Lake, ID. Marathon, half and 10k options.

Experience the wondrous beauty of this unique marathon which allows athletes to fly counterclockwise around the lake on odd years, and clockwise on even years. Info: Haydenlakemarathon.org.

(October 18) Sekani Trail Run. Where: Camp

Sekani Park, Spokane. When: 9:40 a.m. 5k/10k event (plus a free kids’ 1k). The run is an adventure run/ hike/walk race with 100% dirt trails and fabulous course challenges with 700 feet of elevation gain for the 10k run. Info: Sekanitrailrun.com.

(October 25) Monster Dash 5K & Kids Fun Run. Where: Manito Park, Spokane. The 7th annual event. Come in costume or come as you are. The race is put on by Active4Youth, supporting their mission to combat childhood obesity and juvenile delinquency through afterschool sports programs.

Info: Spokaneswifts.com

(October 31) Kroc Fall 5K Family Fun Run. When:

10 a.m. Where: The Salvation Army Kroc Center.

Wear your favorite costume and get ready to race!

This 3.1 mile loop course starts on the Centennial Trail at The Kroc and takes racers by Ramsey Park, Riverstone, and the Spokane River. It’s a fast course that not only provides a great opportunity for a 5K PR, but is also perfect for a fun family activity. Info: Kroccda.org

BIKING

Hiking/Nature

(October 10) Inland NW Cyclocross Series Kickoff. Where: Pullman. Check out the tentative

(October 10) Upper Grand Coulee/Steamboat Rock Hike. When: 9:30 a.m. Where: Steamboat

series schedule online, and get ready for fast, fun cyclocross racing at locations around the Inland Northwest. Info: Inlandnwcyclocross.com

(October 17-18) Inland NW Cyclocross Races.

Where: Memorial Park, Walla Walla. Fast, fun cyclocross racing at locations around the Inland Northwest. Info: Inlandnwcyclocross.com

(October 31-November 1) Inland NW Cyclocross Races. Where: Riverstone, Coeur d’Alene. Fast, fun

cyclocross racing at locations around the Inland Northwest. Info: Inlandnwcyclocross.com

WATERSPORTS (October 3) Free the Snake & River Recreation Day. Where: Wawawai County Park, Colton, WA.

Join Northwest fishermen, tribal members, boaters, orca lovers and other river advocates for a rally and paddle on the Snake River in support of removing the 4 lower Snake River dams. Be seen, be heard and show the Snake River some love! Kayaks, drift boats and motorized boats welcome. Speakers, music and food afterward. Info: Freethesnake.com

WINTERSPORTS (October 16) Inspired “Ski Movie Tour.” Where:

The Bing, Spokane. Tanner Hall, Phil Casabon, Henrik Harlaut and other skiing superstars will share the same stage with one of hip hop’s great performers, Raekwon from the Wu Tang Clan, along with Inspired Media’s Ski Movie Tour. Info: Inspiredmedia.tv

(October 22) Teton Gravity Research film “Paradise Waits. ” Where: The Bing, Spokane.

From the award-winning filmmaking crew that brought you 2014’s “Almost Ablaze” comes the story of one weird winter and the people who celebrate it.

Info: Tetongravity.com

(October 30-November 1) Mt Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap. Where: Spokane Fair & Expo Center.

Buy or sell quality used ski and snowboard gear and shop for new equipment and clothing from local ski/board shops. This is the largest ski swap in the region. Info: Skipatrolskiswap.com

(October 30) Warren Miller Entertainment’s “Chasing Shadows.” Where: The Bing, Spokane.

This year’s installment of the iconic film series celebrates why skiers and snowboarders commit themselves every winter to a passion that’s guaranteed to melt away every spring. Info: Skinet.com/ warrenmiller

(October 30) Matchstick Productions “Fade to Winter.” Where: Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap, Spokane. The production powerhouse behind McConkey and “Days of My Youth,” the film captures the spirit of nine skiers who go to great lengths for the sport they love. Info: Skimovie.com

Rock, Coulee City, Wash. Hike with EWU geology professor Gene Kiver and Bruce Bjornstad, a co-author of “On the Trail of the Ice Age Floods: A Geological Field Guide to the Mid-Columbia Basin.” The hike is about 5-6 miles round trip. It requires a 700-feet hike up a steep trail with a couple of sections over some poor trail. Info: Iafi.org

(October 11) Wagon Road Trail/Northrup Canyon Hike. When: 9:30 a.m. Where: Coulee City, Wash.

This hike with the same hike leaders as the Oct. 10 Steamboat Rock Hike listing partially follows the old stagecoach and wagon road to the scabland summit of the east wall of Grand Coulee, where more outstanding views of flood features will be seen. Info: Iafi.org

SIXMONTH TRAINING CALENDAR RUNNING (December 5) Jingle Bell Walk/Run. Where:

Riverfront Park, Spokane. This fundraising event is a fun and festive 5K run or walk that benefits arthritis research. Info: Arthritis.org/getinvolved/jingle-bell-run-walk.

(April 17) Spokane River Run. Where: Riverside State Park. Annual trail run held through beautiful pine forest along the Spokane River. Courses range from 50K to 5K. Info: SpokaneRiverRun. com

WINTERSPORTS (November 7) Winter Swap. Where: Kootenai

County Fairgrounds. When: 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. The largest selection of quality used winter ski and snowboard equipment and clothing in North Idaho. Don’t miss this annual ski swap tradition.

Info: Winterswap.org

(February 19-21) Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Festival. Where: Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson,

B.C. A festival for skiers, snowboarders/splitboarders and tele skiers looking to enjoy socials, films, competitions and resort and backcountrybased clinics. Info: ColdSmokePowderFest.com

BIKING (November 15) Inland NW Cyclocross Races. Where: Liberty Lake County Park,

Liberty Lake, WA. Fast, fun cyclocross racing at locations around the Inland Northwest. Info: Inlandnwcyclocross.com

(November 21-22) Inland NW Cyclocross Finals. Where: Riverside State Park, Spokane.

Info: Inlandnwcyclocross.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.

42

Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

October-November 2015

/ Out There Monthly

43

OutThereSpotlight SheJumps

Connecting Like-minded Ladies with a Love of the Outdoors // By Anna Twohig

This could be you, girl! Photo courtesy of SheJumps

When I first heard about SheJumps, I was at an all-women’s introductory clinic on avalanche and snow safety at Stevens Pass in 2013.

The class is put on annually by Elyse Saugstad, Ingrid Backstrom, Michelle Parker, Jackie Paaso and Lel Tone – professional female skiers at the top of their game. The clinic, called S.A.F.E. A.S. (Skiers Advocating and Fostering Education for Avalanche and Snow Safety), was my first exposure to an event of this kind. These women are strong, confident, and have vast experience in the mountains. They were promoting an upcoming all-women ski movie called “Pretty Faces: The Story of a Skier Girl,” produced by Lynsey Dyer, a professional skier and co-founder of SheJumps.org.

I walked away from the clinic completely inspired. My brain buzzing with my newly acquired backcountry knowledge as well as the raffle’s grand prize: a brand new avalanche air bag!

I went home that night determined to take it to the next level and earn my AIARE Level 1 Avalanche certification that same winter. I wanted to share in these women’s experiences.

AVAILABLE AT LOCAL GROCERY STORES: YOKE’S IN SPOKANE ALBERTSON’S 57TH & LIBERTY LAKE MAIN MARKET SUPER 1 ON 29TH HUCKLEBERRY’S MONROE & N. DIVISION ATTICUS

44

Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

About SheJumps SheJumps.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based out of Salt Lake City, Utah, with a mission to increase female participation in outdoor activities. SheJumps is 99% volunteer operated and funded by money raised at their events. The SheJumps logo is the Girafficorn: half giraffe, half unicorn. It represents persevering, keeping your head high and dreaming big. SheJumps hosts educational and social events designed to connect like-minded ladies with a love of the outdoors on a local and national level.

Activities include very technical events that require previous experience, such as the SheJumps Alpine Finishing School, a ski mountaineering course held in the backcountry by professional female guides, intermediate or more social events like a ski wax clinic or community bike ride, and beginner events, such as Youth Initiatives and Wild Skills Clinics: free day camps for girls ages 6-18 to learn basic and foundational outdoor skills like rock climbing, how to use a compass, read a map and carry out basic first-aid.

“What would you dare to accomplish if you knew the only possible outcome was success?” This question is the mantra for SheJumps, and it is part of what inspired me to become an official ambassador this year. I did end up getting my AIARE certification and discovered a whole new love for skiing in the backcountry. I am so grateful I had those women encourage me to take that first “jump.” It’s the kind of opportunity I want to bring here to my hometown of Spokane - creating events where women can learn new skills, take risks, and build confidence, all while succeeding in the outdoors.

SheJumps Events in Spokane Our most recent event was an Intro to Fly Fishing Clinic hosted by Heather Hodson, a local fly fishing expert and founder of Spokane Women on the Fly. The event filled within 48 hours and was a huge success! We also organized a social event at Schweitzer Mountain late September that included a group mountain bike ride with après and great prizes.

Coming up, we have a super fun Wax and Wine Clinic on October 14, hosted by the Sports Creel and the Rocket Market, and an all-women intro to avalanche awareness clinic on November 5, taught

by Larry Banks (splitboarder) and Mike Brede (skier) of Panhandle Backcountry and hosted

by Gonzaga University. We will have some great prizes from big-name sponsors, and you will walk away feeling a whole lot smarter about traveling safely in the backcountry. I am completely stoked about both of these events!

We’ll also be announcing an event with TJ Sneva and SNEVA MFG, too. Sneva is a Spokane native and has been making his skis locally for 20 years. We are planning a tour of his ski-making factory that includes how his custom skis are made, and of course there will be après and prizes. As the weather turns colder, keep an eye out for our big Get The Girls Out event (GTGO) at Schweitzer Mountain, a hands-on bike maintenance class with The Bike Hub, and possibly a Rock Climbing Clinic at Wild Walls in the spring.

Be sure to check the SheJumps.org website and the Out There online calendar for all upcoming Spokane events. //

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$

Stock #4476N

7700 E. SPRAGUE • SPOKANE VALLEY • 509.924.3250 • DISHMANDODGE.COM * All financing on approved credit.Tax, license and $150 negotiable dealer documentation fee may be added to the sale price or the capitalized cost of the vehicle. All vehicles subject to prior sale. tCustomer must finance through Chrysler Capital to receive incentive on approved credit. Not responsible for typographical errors. File photos, not actual photos. Offer expires 10/31/15.

Schweitzer’s 2015-2016 before UNLIMITED SEASON PASSES 10.31.15

after 10.31.15

ADULT (ages 26-79)......................................$749..............$999 YOUNG ADULT (ages 18-25).........................$349..............$499 JUNIOR (ages 7-17).........................................$249..............$499 CHILD (6 and under)..........................................$39..................$49 80+ SENIOR NEW!......................................$39.................$49

SUNDAY- FRIDAY PASS

ADULT (ages 26+).........................................$599.................$749 valid every Sunday through Friday all season including holiday weeks!

Funatics & Mountain Xplorers

Keep the kids loving winter with season-long lesson packages. These fun programs include a season pass!

Tickets more your style? Check out SKI3 A 3-pack of tickets for $168 is a perfect way to treat yourself or a friend! You save 20% plus they are fully transferable & valid any day of the 15/16 season - no blackout dates!

Only available online. Ski3 sale ends 11.10.15

Fourteen Resorts.

One Alliance.

Buy an Unlimited Schweitzer Season Pass and receive three FREE days at each of the 13 other Powder Alliance Resorts.

THATS 39 FREE DAYS and a value of over $2800!

Plus the alliance now includes

There’s more! Details about the these programs, plus the NEW Winter Break Camp, adult programs daycare options, and season pass add-ons can all be found at schweitzer.com or just give us a call at 877.487.4643.

See you soon!

Whitewater Resort in Nelson B.C.

Some restrictions apply. For a full list of resorts and all the details please visit

powderalliance.com

#schweitzerlife | 877.487.4643 | schweitzer.com October-November 2015

/ Out There Monthly

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Last Page

How to Avoid Bears The bears in the Inland Northwest usually keep to themselves high in the mountains, but this summer was hot, which meant the huckleberries expired more quickly than normal.

Widespread fires have also pushed the animals out of their normal territory.

One recent evening right at sunset, I was out hiking the Syringa Trail a stone’s-throw from Sandpoint’s city limits. There was still light on the horizon, but in the trees it was dusky, difficult to make out details. Thanks to my new intrigue with MovNat (a lifestyle and physical education system of natural movement), I was barefoot, padding along through the dust in my bare feet, wearing nothing but a sports bra and a pair of yoga shorts – just like a primitive human in the wild, if you squinted really hard.

I was rounding a left-sweeping bend when I heard something heavy in the underbrush and stopped. I saw something black, an inky blob between the trees – a bear? A stump? And then it moved, crunching along in profile so that its bulky shape, long muzzle and rounded ears were obvious.

I knew what to do in theory: Do Not Panic.

Next step: Back away slowly. However, thanks to the sweep of the trail, going up or down meant moving closer to the bear. Next Step: Make noise.

Alert it to my presence, in case it hasn’t noticed my very-obvious, hot-human smell, and it will probably leave. So I called out into the darkness, and, indeed, it started to move. Only, I was pretty

// By Katie Botkin

Bears prefer not to mess with people. Really. They’re too busy clowning around in the woods as seen in these remote camera pics from Conservation Northwest’s volunteerbased wildlife monitoring program. Photos courtesy of Conservation Northwest

sure it was starting to move in my direction. So I backed away into the underbrush, and then I turned and wiggled through a thicket in the hope that a fat bear would be less likely to choose this

path. I was thinking MovNat! MovNat! What did I learn in MovNat? I could hear a large animal in the underbrush, closer than before.

I’d been scoping out the terrain for an easy tree

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46

Out There Monthly / October-November 2015

to climb, and finally spotted one. It had fallen ramp-like between a cluster of small pines, and it was still heavily frilled with branches. The perfect MovNat tree, just like 10 others I’d practiced climbing up this month. Bears also climb trees, but they may not want to climb MovNat trees, I reasoned. Mostly, the tree offered a nice vantage point and a nice place to start making copious amounts of noise. Such as my Sub-Saharan yodel, a high-pitched, authoritative vibrato that has no doubt been used to strike fear into the hearts of large predators for millennia. Or at least that’s what I was telling myself.

After 10 minutes, I reassessed my situation. It was pretty obvious I was not going to be rescued by other hikers, and it was getting darker all the time. Soon it would be too dark to find the trail again. I briefly considered staying in the tree all night. Very briefly. That seemed like the least safe option, really. And I hadn’t heard any new bear noises.

It was up to me to rescue myself, so I climbed down yodeling fiercely, trying to avoid pokey things in the dark. In this I was unsuccessful, and my bare feet retained a number of prickles. After only five minutes of searching, I found the trail again, and I marched along, chanting, yelling, puffing myself up like a near-naked peacock.

By this time it was so dark that I could see almost nothing. I imagined bears all around me, although I was pretty sure I’d hear them. As I’d discovered, bears are not silent, not even a little bit. //

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winthropwashington.com winthrop, wa October-November 2015

/ Out There Monthly

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2002 N Division, Spokane • 509.325.9000 • Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-8 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm • mountaingear.com/retail

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Out There Monthly / October-November 2015