Out There Monthly, December 2013

deceMBer 2013 // free

the inland northWest Guide to outdoor recreation outthereMonthly.coM

Spirit of a Mountain

Skiing and Being SchweitzerPG 20

Outdoor Adventure GIFT GUIDE

SKI BUM Advice

Solo Snow CAMPING ADVENTURE

TEACHING KIDS TO SKI

Confessions of a CROSSCOUNTRY SKIER

PG 12

PG 21

PG 22

PG 21

PG 14

2 Out there MOnthly / deceMber 2013

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p.5 / From the editor The Spirit of Winter By Derrick Knowles

p.6/ photo oF the month“100 mile day”

p.7 / out there news

p.8 / Book reviews

p.9 / hike oF the month Mount Spokane Summit Snowshoe

By Holly Weiler

p.10 / winter sports Guns, Lycra and Skinny SkisBy Jamie Redman

p.11 / editor’s Gear picksOTM Tested, Holiday ApprovedBy Derrick Knowles

p.12 / outdoor adventure holiday GiFt Guide Gear Giving Ideas from Local Shops By Brad Naccarato

p.14 / winter sports Confessions of a Cross Country SkierBy Brad Thiessen

p.15 / everyday cyclist Finding Freedom in Bikes By Hank Greer

p.16 / inw outdoor calendar & 6-month traininG calendar

p.18 / Gear room Buying New Ski Gear By Brad Naccarato

p.19 / outdoor livinG Moms on The Rock By Ammi Midstokke

p.20 / on the mountain Alpine Skiing/Boarding Special Section

p.22 / last paGe Deep Winter: Columbia Mountain Solo By Holly Weiler

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On the cOver: schweitzer mOun-tain cOrnice air // Photo by Woods Wheatcroft

Out there mOnthly / December 2013

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©Copyright 2013 Out There Monthly, LLC. The views expressed in this magazine reflect those of the writers and advertisers and not

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Disclaimer: many of the activities depicted in this magazine carry a significant risk of

personal injury or death. Rock climbing, river rafting, snow sports, kayaking, cycling, canoeing

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In This Issue

trail Mix: Winter inspiration

Let’s have fun this Holiday Season.

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THE PERFECT GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Powder snow skiing is not fun. It’s life, fully lived, life lived in a blaze of reality. ~Dolores LaChapelle

Skiing is a dance, and the mountain always leads. ~Author Unknown

Gotta use your brain, it’s the most important part of your equipment. ~Kevin Andrews and Warren Miller, Extreme Skiing


My brothEr SCott AnD I started a tradition a few years back of trying to hike and ski Mt. Spokane as early in the season as possible. Most years, this has meant strapping climbing skins onto old skis and touring up the summit road to the Vista House on a meager few inches of snow in late October or early November. The ski back down is always inter-esting, usually not very good, and often a bit sketchy with rocks and patches of road pavement to dodge. But it’s more about getting ourselves stoked for the coming ski season and getting in a little exercise outside than making quality turns.

This year was no different. The five inches of light powder was enough to keep our skins from scrap-ing pavement most the way to the top, but with no

base and not enough snow, the descent was limited to poling our way back down the road the way we came. Definitely not the makings of an epic ski tale. For a while on the climb up, as my body protested the strange gliding movements and grip of tight plastic boots that seemed foreign after the long snowless summer, I caught myself wondering why in the hell we were doing this.

The answer came, as it always does, about half-way up the mountain as we stopped to adjust a boot buckle or jacket. The squeaking and clicking of bind-ings, boots, and skis gliding uphill let up, and the complete silence that took its place was startling. The layer of snow covering everything filtered out all sound except for a light, calming wind rattling

through the trees. Winter here in the Inland Northwest brings plenty

of opportunities to strike out away from the crowds on skis or snowshoes to enjoy an unbeatable sense of serenity and solitude. But the snowy season wouldn’t be complete for most of us without also taking full advantage of ample opportunities to revel in the social side of winter. Like throwing yourself into the rush and camaraderie of sliding down the slopes with a few hundred kindred spirits at the local ski hill, teaming up for a Nordic race or ski or snowshoe outing, or sharing a glass of winter cheer around the glow of a bonfire or pub table at the end of a long day out in the cold. It’s the combination of these two distinct ways to experience the frozen months, pref-

erably repeated over and over again from December through March, that defines the true spirit of winter here in the mountains. Let it snow!//-------------------------------------------------------DErrICK KnoWLES, [email protected]

From the Editor: The Spirit of Winter

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compilation of historic images. Lewis-Jones helped Lowe organize the images in their historic context.

In the Adventure Travel category, “On the Trail of Genghis Khan: An Epic Journey through the Land of Nomads,” gave Tim Cope his second first prize.

“Patagonia Vertical,” by Rolando Garibatti and Dorte Pietron, won the award for Best Mountain Guidebook. This comprehensive guide that cov-ers most of the climbs in this region of Western Argentina was published by the Slovinian pub-lisher Sidartha.

The Mountain Image award was received by “Pamir: Forgotten on the Roof of the World.” Matthieu and Mareile Paley spent more than a decade chronicling the lives of the nomads of the Pamir Plateau of Afghanistan in images and words.

Due to an increasing number of non-fiction and poetry entries, there was a new category this year: Mountain Non-fiction and Poetry awards. Ron Rash’s collection of short stories, “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” was the first recipient of the award.

Also this year, due to the large number of qual-ity entries, the judges opted to provide an extra Special Jury Award to “Alone on the Ice.” David Roberts’ extensively researched history of the 1911-1913 Australian Antarctic Expedition brings the story of what Sir Edmund Hillary called “the greatest survival story never told” to audiences outside the land down under.

on thUrSDAy, oCt 31, the winners of the 2013 Banff Mountain Book Festival were announced from a field of over 130 entries. Reviewers select-ed seven exemplary books for this year’s awards. With Christmas just around the corner, there is a book in the list that will fit the reading habits of any of your outdoors loving friends.

The Phyllis and Don Munday Award (grand prize) went to “On the Trail of Genghis Khan: An Epic Journey through the Land of Nomads,” by Tim Cope. Bloomsberry published the story of Cope’s epic 3-year year, 6,000 mile trek across the steppes of Eurasia visiting and living among the nomadic people living there.

Harriet Pugh Tukey’s book “Everest: The First Ascent – How a Champion of Science Helped Conquer the Mountain” won the John Whyte Award (first prize) for Mountain and Wilderness Literature. In “Everest: The First Ascent,” Tukey elucidates her father Dr. Griffith Pugh’s contribu-tion to the success of the 1953 ascent. Pugh was instrumental in developing the oxygen equipment used on this and later expeditions and contributed to early understanding of high-altitude physiology and nutrition.

The James Monroe Thorington Award for Mountain History went to “The Conquest of Everest,” co-authored by George Lowe and Huw Lewis-Jones. George Lowe, who became ex – offi-cio high-altitude photographer on the 1953 ascent, died in March 2013, shortly after completing this

Banff Mountain Book festival naMes Winners

out there Monthlhy launches neW WeBsite

PEAK 7 ADvEntUrES, a faith-based non-profit organization headquartered in Spokane, recently received an impressive $25,000 grant from The North Face Explorer Fund. About 500 applicants applied for the grant, and Peak 7, which offers outdoor recreation outings for underprivileged youth in Washington and Oregon, was one of 10 asked to create a minute-long video/proposal. The North Face Explorer Fund is the philan-thropic arm of The North Face and official facili-tator of the grants. Over the summer, it set up a Facebook page with the videos showing the story of the 10 selected organizations, This encouraged the public to learn about the various projects and consider voting daily for their top choices. At the end, the top five projects with the most votes received the $25,000 grants and the five runners-up received $10,000 apiece.

The North Face announced the winners at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City in early August. A small group from Peak 7 was there to attend the show and accept the check for $25,000 for finishing in the top five. The grant will go towards providing transformational rock climbing and whitewater rafting adventures to hundreds of additional youth out of the organization’s central

Peak 7 adventures Wins $25k adventure Grant

Out ThereNews

A CLInIC to IntroDUCE KIDS ages 6-14 to telemark skiing is scheduled at 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort on the weekend of Jan 11-12. The sessions will be led by guest clinician Ned “Tele Ned” Ryerson, a PSIA Level III telemark instructor from Aspen, Colorado. Half-day ses-sions from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. cost $49. The full-day session is $69. Telemark ski

If yoU hAvEn’t ChECKED oUt outtheremonthly.com lately, it’s worth a visit. The new site includes archived articles from past issues as well as digital versions of articles in the monthly print publication. Online-only stories and columns covering moun-tain biking, whitewater sports, fly fishing, rock climbing, running and other outdoor lifestyle and

gear will be provided for participants based on availability, and discounted rates on lift tickets will be available. Kids can participate on one or both days. Reservations are highly recom-mended. For information or to register, call 49 Degrees North at 509-935-6649 X610 or check for more info at www.ski49n.com.

adventure sports topics will soon be added regu-larly to the site, which has already seen a dramatic increase in the site visits. Online calendar submis-sions will also be considered for the monthly print calendar. ‘Like’ OTM on Facebook also to keep up on the latest happenings in the Inland Northwest outdoor community.

kids teleMark ski clinic at 49 deGrees northOregon location.

Peak 7’s programs are guided by the belief that wilderness adventures challenge participants to expand their horizons by fostering trust, rela-tionships and team-building skills. They focus primarily on providing positive, spiritually nour-ishing outdoor experiences for underprivileged and “at-risk” youth. The North Face grant will provide opportunities for kids who would other-wise not have these kinds of outdoor experiences. The programs are designed to be challenging and rewarding in a way that helps them realize a greater potential in themselves, while developing an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.

“Our track record shows the amazing use of funds and how we stretch people’s investments and impact youth in life changing ways through outdoor exposure with their investments,” says Peak 7 Loran Kerrigan. “This is an amazing outdoors community we have here in Spokane, and it was an honor to be recognized by The North Face at the international Outdoor Retailer Show!” Peak 7 relies on individual and corporate contributions to carry out its mission. Learn more about its projects and how you can sup-port its efforts at www.peak7.org.

* Open all winter! *Pedal around downtown Spokane to your choice of up to three pubs with 8-16 of your [email protected] 509-879-6309

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LEFT TO RIGHT IN AWARD CEREMONy: THE NORTH FACE ATHLETE CONRAD ANKER, LORAN KERRIGAN, PEAK 7, RyAN HUDSON, TNF ATHLETE, TODD SPALETTO, PRESIDENT OF TNF.

PHOTOS By RICK BROWN, VIA 49° NORTH MOUNTAIN RESORT


Book ReviewsBeneath cold seas: the underwater Wilderness of the Pacific northwest David Hall, University of Washington Press, 2011, 160 pages

An incredible photographic showcase of marine life of the Pacific Northwest, “Beneath Cold Seas” offers spectacular imagery of the undersea world in our region. Numerous amazing images are accompanied by interesting text that explains the images and the challenges of high-end pho-tography in the frigid waters of the Pacific Northwest.

The first sentence of the foreword by Christopher Newbert well describes the unbelievable accomplishment that is “Beneath Cold Seas”: “The beauty of a flawlessly executed, perfectly com-posed underwater photograph seldom reflects the extreme technical difficulty or environmental obstacles that had to be overcome to make the image, much less the physical handicaps and physi-ological dangers that marine life photographers routinely work with.”

“Beneath Cold Seas” is organized by photographic subject, each accompanied by a short vignette. There are six chapters concerning the following topics: crabs, hooded nudibranches and jellyfish, sockeye salmon, stellar sea lions, wolf-eels and harbor seals, and the warbonnet and the octopus. All of the images were taken while scuba diving in British Columbia waters, but virtually all of the plants and animals reflect the diverse marine life of the Pacific Northwest. The vignettes are fascinating, often explaining the underwater adventure that took place during each photo shoot. For example, during one dive the author stumbled upon a harbor seal using the perfect rock as a back scratching post.

Renowned musician Jerry Garcia once described scuba diving as “an ecstatic experience” and stated, “I love it almost as much as I love the music.” This book provides riveting examples of why Garcia felt this way about the undersea experience. Some of the images are taken in such a way that they show an image half above the surface and half below. The creatures and plants, bright colors, and unique marine environments are all beautiful and enchanting.

A well-written introduction by Sarika Cullis-Suzuki emphasizes the importance of natural ecosystem protection. She concludes her introduction with these words: “I hope this book fills you with excitement and wonder, inspires you to explore and connect with the natural world, and helps you recognize what we still have: a complex and vulnerable wilderness beneath cold seas.” // Peter G. Williams

stop drifting, start rowing: one Woman’s search for happiness and Meaning alone on the Pacific Roz Savage, Hay House Inc, 2013, 200 pages

Roz Savages new book, “Stop Drifting, Start Rowing: One Woman’s Search for Happiness and Meaning Alone on the Pacific,” is about finding direction in life as much as it is a rowing adven-ture.

There is plenty of rowing action: stormy nights that roll the Brocade (Roz’s boat) three times in 24 hours, an involuntary helicopter rescue, avoiding 1,000 foot container ships in a 23 foot row boat, and fighting winds and currents which force a change in final destination twice on the three-leg Pacific journey. And these events are interspersed within an overall message that our oceans are in trouble, and we need to act now to change their future.

Events such as meeting with the floating junk raft, made up of 15,000 empty plastic bottles, on the San Francisco to Honolulu leg and viewing the plastic engorged stomach of a mahi-mahi; cleaning up Hawaiian beaches littered with plastic trash; rowing along the edge of the Pacific Garbage Patch, where plastic particles outnumber plankton by a ratio of 40:1; and meeting with South Pacific Islanders whose home lands will soon become uninhabitable due to rising ocean levels all clearly influence Roz as she begins to find a new direction for her new life.

Readers familiar with Roz’s earlier book, “Rowing the Atlantic”, know she abandoned a lucra-tive, but unrewarding, career as a London management consultant to refocus her life on a more gratifying path. When she left on the Atlantic row she felt her future lay in a blur with environ-mental advocacy peeking through.

On the Pacific, her future as a campaigner for a more sustainable lifestyle with fewer disposable plastic items clogging landfills and polluting our oceans came into focus. In the 240 pages of “Stop Drifting, Start Rowing,” the reader follows Roz as she takes some 3 million oar strokes to cross the Pacific and watches this evolution of spirit.

Within those millions oar strokes also lies the essential message of the book. As you row across an 8,000 mile wide ocean one oar stroke at a time, you can also help solve the nearly insurmount-able environmental problems we all face one small positive act for the environment at a time. // Stan Miller

last hours on everest: the Gripping story of Mallory and irvine’s fatal ascent Graham Hoyland, Collins, 2013, 310 pages

The year 2013 seems to be the year of Everest in the outdoor adventure publishing world. Being the 60th anniversary of the first ascent, the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of the west ridge and the first traverse (the 1963 American expedition), there are no less than a dozen books on climbing the mountain that were written, rewritten or re-released this year. This is one of the best. Many books written by the adventurer attain readability by the use of a ghost-writer to improve the literary quality. For a book primarily written by the adventurer, “Last Hours on Everest” is very well done.

“Last Hours on Everest” digs deeply into the history of climbing Mt. Everest and the Mallory-Irvine mystery. While acknowledging the family connection and his bias in the Mallory story (Howard Somervell, a 1924 expedition member was a cousin), Hoyland does an excellent job of presenting an unbiased assemblage of information on the possibility of a 1924 first ascent. In this work he refers to and cites essentially every person and source dedicated to solving the mystery over the last several decades.

Hoyland notes in his preface: “This is going to be a personal story, a detective thriller, a biogra-phy, and a history book.” In its pages, “Last Hours on Everest” accomplishes all this. Well, maybe it isn’t a thrilling detective story. The story of Mallory and Irving has been told so many times, by so many writers, only the book about finding Irvine’s body would include a newness that might make the story “thrilling.” That is not to say that his conclusion as to Mallory and Irvine’s success comes about without some suspense. Hoyland links a great deal of evidence from multiple sources, including several of his own expeditions, to reach a personally definitive answer to the question. I’ll let you read the book to discover his conclusion for yourself.

Reading “Last Hours on Everest” would be an excellent starting place for an Everest history novice. Even those who have read many or most of the spate of books published after the dis-covery of Mallory’s body in 1999 will enjoy rereading the story with Hoyland’s commentary interspersed. // Stan Miller

the ocean is a wilderness reaching round the globe, wilder than a bengal jungle, and fuller of monsters, washing the very wharves of our cities and the gardens of our sea-side residences. ~henry David thoreau


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Mount spokane summit snowshoeHikeoftheMonth

thIS StrEnUoUS hIKE IS CLoSE enough to Spokane to make it a mid-week, after work work-out; pack your headlamp because the best views are to be had after dark. If you’d rather see it dur-ing daylight hours, save it for a weekend: the ski area operates a summit concession stand inside the main floor of the 1934 Vista House. You’ll find the building locked when the concession stand is closed, but on weekend days it’s an invit-ing place to linger by the fire before the return hike. Start on Trail 131 as it contours through the woods to Bald Knob, the summer-only camp-ground. From here, it’s a straight shot to the summit. Be sure to stay in the trees and outside the ski area boundary. Return via the same route.

Best for: The trail can be hard packed enough for Yak Tracks between snowstorms, but winter storms can deposit deep powder at any time. Open to hikers (snowshoes advised) and backcountry skiers; dog friendly with a leash. A SnoPark per-mit is required at the trailhead; a day use SnoPark permit requires the addition of a Discover Pass. The park closes at 10 p.m.getting there: From spokane take state route

206 (the mount spokane highway) to the park

entrance, then continue 3 miles to the park-

ing area along the main road near the sum-

mer summit road and snoPark lot. get a free

printable map from www.mountspokane.org

before you go.//

// hike of the Month and photo by holly Weiler

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Winter SportsGuns, lycra, and skinny skisBiathlons catch on in the inland northwest // By Jamie redman

In A fEW MonthS, Olympic enthusiasts every-where will be glued to the TV to watch their fill of all things snow and ice. But in between bouts of figure skating and freestyle skiing, we might see a different sport edging into the prime-time cover-age: biathlon. The combination of cross-country skiing and precision shooting, biathlon is the most-watched winter sport in Europe (yes, even more than hockey or downhill skiing), with over 900 million views during the last World Cup Season.

As an amateur Nordic skier, I’m naturally curious as to what has the Europeans so excited. Skiing plus guns… what’s the appeal? So I did what any legiti-mate scholar would do: I pulled up a few YouTube videos from the 2010 Vancouver Games. The more I watched, the more convinced I was that biathletes are the secret superheroes of the Winter Olympics. They’ve got it all: aerobic endurance, muscular speed, technical skill, race savvy, and precision under pressure. (As if cross-country skiing wasn’t challeng-ing enough… after a hilly workout on the Mount Spokane ski trails, I can barely concentrate enough to untie my boots, much less hit a two-inch target at 50 meters. No sport since chess-boxing demands such a toll on your physical and mental abilities!)

But it gets better. In addition to toned legs and colorful Lycra outfits, you’ve got the rifle. “All men, I swear, are genetically predisposed to shoot the gun,” laughed Betsy Devin-Smith, a masters biathlon champion and head coach of the Methow Biathlon Team. “All the little boys come to me and are just so

excited to blast away!” She should know: her son, Casey Smith, is on the short list to make the 2014 Olympic biathlon team.

For those of you skiers eager to grab your .22 and head up to Mount Spokane, there isn’t a biathlon range in Spokane yet. But lucky for us, there are several learn-to-biathlon events happening in the Pacific Northwest. “Once you’ve completed the safety clinic, you can compete,” explains Coach Devin-Smith. “There are not very many places in the U.S. that offer a lot of opportunities to race, but Washington is lucky. We have a whole race series.” She’s referring specifically to the 10 biathlon races held throughout the winter at Stevens Pass and in the Methow Valley, all of which are open to novice biathletes. If you don’t have your own gun, never fear; the Washington Biathlon Association has rifles available for novice use, and ammo is supplied to racers at cost.

But what if I’m not a very fast skier? I asked 10-year-old Linnea Sunderman about her first biathlon race: “The best part is that if you’re steadi-er than the boys, you can beat them all, because all clean shots mean no penalty laps!” The fastest skier might be blindingly near-sighted, the best marks-man might be 30 pounds overweight, so the entire race order can get scrambled after every shooting bout. “It’s not like an ordinary race, because the race outcome is never obvious,” explains Haley Cooper-Scott, another skier-turned-biathlete. “It keeps the spectators constantly engaged, and demands psy-

uPcoMinG neWcoMer Biathlon events:

THE COMBINATION OF CROSS-COUNTRy SKIING AND PRECISION SHOOTING, BIATHLON IS THE MOST-WATCHED WINTER SPORT IN EUROPE WITH OVER 900 MILLION VIEWS DURING THE LAST WORLD CUP SEASON. // PHOTO: KRISTEN SMITH, METHOW VALLEy BIATHLON CLUB

chological composure above and beyond that of a typical endurance event.”

It may be a few more seasons before a biathlon range is built in Spokane, but the enthusiasm is already growing, and there are events already estab-lished elsewhere in the Inland Northwest. With great snow, an active Nordic ski club, and one of the best trail systems in the Northwest, a biathlon range seems a natural progression for the Spokane skiing community. Coach Devin-Smith explains it best: “Biathlon adds that extra twist to cross-country ski-ing…to go from gut-busting exhaustion to absolute focus and precision. It’s the ultimate challenge.”//

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6. EAGLES nESt oUtfIttErS (Eno): DoUbLEnESt hAMMoCK WIth InSECt ShIELDI’ve had several hammocks over the years that were never very comfortable once I brought them home from the tropical beach where I bought them. The ENO DoubleNest with Insect Shield takes hammock lounging to a new level of comfort for one or two bodies. Ours was hang-ing in the backyard for much of the fall and has facilitated many relaxing, swinging afternoon breaks in the sun. The smooth nylon fabric is incredibly cozy with excellent back support. It’s super easy to set up and is light enough (21 oz.) to pack along on day hikes and backpack trips for sleeping instead of a tent or just to get yourself off the ground for hanging out at camp. The insect repellant construction and added Permethrin treated Insect Shield will definitely come in handy when the mosquito hatch hits next spring and at buggy mountain lakes in the summer. Check out their website for hammock camping and other accessories.Enonation.com.Local ENO retailer: REI (suggested retail: $84.95).

7. Eno LAUnChPAD (DoUbLE)We didn’t get our ENO LaunchPad Double in time to take it to the beach this past summer, but based on how useful it is as a day-hike picnic blanket, I know it will be joining us on many swimming and beach outings on the Spokane River and at Sanders Beach in CDA next sum-mer. The LaunchPad is the perfect, packable outdoor blanket for music festivals or day hikes – unlike a traditional blanket, it won’t pick up forest floor hitchhikers or wet your bum from soggy grass thanks to a water-resistant ripstop nylon bottom. And the soft fleece top makes for enjoyable, ground sprawling sessions for one or two wherever you decide to throw it down. Enonation.com.Local ENO retailer: REI (suggested retail: $84.95).//

1. PAtAGonIA ACtIvISt ShoESLooking for a lightweight, super comfortable, water-resistant sneaker-style shoe that you won’t want (or need) to take off your feet as you move between home, office, crag or camp? I fell for the Patagonia Activist shoes at first sight. They remind me of a more modern, functional version of a favorite pair of Vans I had back in college. Although walking around in them is where the real magic happens. They are light, breathable, and feel like a vacation for my feet whenever I put them on. They are tough enough for light outdoor use with durable rip-stop nylon uppers, and while they’re not recom-mended for extended trail use, they are an ideal camp or travel shoe. In the impact conscious Patagonia tradition, they also include recycled rubber soles. Patagonia.com. Local Patagonia shoe retailers: Mountain Gear/REI (suggested retail: $85).

2. oboZ SAWtooth MID hIKInG bootSI broke my pair of Bozeman-based Oboz Sawtooth Mid hiking boots in around the house and neighborhood this fall before putting them to the test on what had to have been one of the wettest Spokane River Cleanup events ever. It was raining so hard when I left the house that morning that I actually broke out the gators and my good pair of rain pants with only one duct tape patch. After several hours of bushwhacking along the river on a treasure hunt for trash in the pouring rain, my feet were still completely dry. Scrambling up the steep river banks after rogue plastic bags and beer cans, the Sawtooth Mids provided all the ankle support and trac-tion I could have wanted. A few more hikes and miles of everyday wearing later, I’m finding the balance of stiffness, support, and comfort a welcome addition to my rather minimalist lean-ing outdoor footwear arsenal. I expect they will excel on rugged, rocky trails with an overnight pack and look forward to seeing how they hold up after a season of wear out in the elements of the Selkirk, Bitterroot, and Cabinet mountains this summer! Obozfootwear.com. Local Oboz retailers: Mountain Gear/REI (sug-gested retail: $140).

3. SELK‘bAG SLEEPWEAr SyStEM: PAtAGonI have seen ads for the Chilean designed and tested Selk’bag wearable sleeping bags in several publications and liked the idea of more freedom of movement than you get with a traditional mummy bag. But I had to wonder how one would perform overnight in chilly weather and in the around-the-campfire social scene. Would I wake up with my teeth chattering, struggling to find the zipper for a midnight trip to the nearest tree? Would I draw unwanted attention to myself at a North Idaho trailhead for looking too much like Gandalf? But when I pulled my Patagon Selk’bag out of the box and slipped inside, all those worries melted away.

The Patagon is the newest, most technical and warmest model from Selk’bag. New insulation and improved shell material helped get the temp rating down to 35°F, which opens up more pos-sibilities for cold climate camping. Several vents help with heat control, and you can free your hands from enclosed mitts for holding a bever-age or lighting a stove. The detachable booties also give you the option to wear your bag around camp with warmer boots on. A long and wide zipper opening across the chest makes getting in and out of the bag a breeze. I stayed plenty warm in my Patagon in mild fall temps. I’m really look-ing forward to putting it to the test this winter in ski huts and on winter van camping trips (with an extra blanket just in case) where looking like a wizard might also help me leverage an extra après-ski beer out of my intimidated ski mates. Selkbagusa.com.Local Selk’bag retailer: Mountain Gear (sug-gested retail: $259).

4. ShErPA ADvEntUrE GEAr: LAnGtAnG jACKEt The Langtang Jacket is a warm, exceptionally comfortable fleece option for shoulder season temps and cold weather layering in style. It fits like a glove and wards off cold, wet-weather chills like no other fleece jacket I’ve ever worn. It’s so incredibly soft and warm looking, in fact, that people will invariably ask to pet you, and you might even catch yourself caressing your own velvety arms or rubbing your cheek against your dangerously soft shoulders. No joke, when-ever I put on my Langtang around the house, I get the urge to curl up somewhere and take a nap. Wash your Langtang Jacket separately for the first couple of times to keep any loose fuzz fibers from coating your other garments (we learned that lesson the hard way), and keep it out of the dryer if possible. Sherpaadventuregear.com.Local Sherpa Adventure Gear retailer: REI (sug-gested retail: $90).

5. ShErPA ADvEntUrE GEAr: Cho oyU DoWn SWEAtErA great, stylish choice for cold, breezy days, the Cho Oyu Down Sweater will keep you warm with 800 fill European Goose Down. Deep pockets keep your bare hands happy, and the elastic cuffs and hem adjuster help repel wind and trap heat. The Ripstop Nylon construction is tough enough to make this jacket equally suited for around town outings and as a com-pressible, packable, light-weight layer for winter adventures. The only drawback: this jacket is so damn nice looking, that I fear it may perma-nently damage my dirtbag reputation. Also, an added caution: stay away from rose bushes while sporting your Cho Oyu; the shell is super strong and has survived most of the abuse I’ve put it through unscathed; however, it’s not completely thorn proof. Sherpaadventuregear.com.Local Sherpa Adventure Gear retailer: REI (sug-gested retail: $249).

editor’s outdoor Gear picksotM tested, Holiday approved

By Derrick Knowles

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ChrIStMAS IS rIGht AroUnD the corner,

and if you’re still looking for the right gift for that

“outdoorsy” type on your list, never fear. We have

put together a list of some of the hottest holiday

outdoor adventure gift ideas that you can find

at local shops throughout the Inland Northwest.

We’ve included a wide range of gear to make sure

there is something for everyone, regardless of

the current state of your bank account. If you’re

like me, you’d rather be skiing than shopping,

so why not get the shopping over with at one of

our many local gear, bike or ski shops and get

back to what’s really important, like getting fresh

tracks on a powder day or hitting the bike trails

on a cool December’s morning? The following

gift ideas – recommended from local experts

who live and breathe this stuff – are covered in

descending order by cost:

1. fAt bIKES: AKA SnoW bIKESDo you have a bike fanatic on your list that has six bikes hanging in the garage? I would be will-ing to bet that they don’t own a fat bike – yet. Fat bikes are the latest and greatest in the two- wheel world, and they are catching fire here in the Inland Northwest. Fat bikes utilize oversized knobby tires with a low PSI (think motocross) that can give the rider legitimate grip on snowy winter trails. “Fat bikes have seriously expanded my training options for winter trail riding here in Spokane,” says Simon Hartt, Sales Associate at Spokane’s Wheel Sport Central. The larger size and low PSI combine to increase the tires’ over-all footprint, which gives these bikes a distinct advantage over traditional bikes when it comes to winter riding. Fat bikes are equipped with tires that are 3.7” or larger and rims wider than 44mm. These bikes are also built around frames with large forks and stays to accommodate the wide rims required to fit these tires. Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint, has even begun renting fat bikes for use on the resort’s Nordic trails this winter. Surly, Specialized, Kona, Trek,

and other bike companies make fat bikes for winter riding. Most of the bike shops throughout the region are now carrying at least one type of fat bike. ($1500-$2500).

2. ALPInE SKIS: LInE SICK DAy 95

Who wouldn’t love to see the Skiing Magazine ski of the year sitting underneath the holiday tree? The Line Sick Day 95 is the perfect gift for that all-mountain shredder on your list. The Sick Day floats like a powder ski yet rips like a carving ski for riders who want the best of both worlds. Its innovative, lightweight construction makes it one of the lightest alpine skis on the market, while maintaining 100% of its downhill performance and, most important, its durability. “We’re super excited to be offering a ski of the year in our line-up,” says Ben Owens, owner of Spokane’s Sports Outlet. “The Sick Day is setting a new standard for all-mountain versatility,” he adds. Whoever is lucky enough to score these boards will be carving, floating, slashing, smear-ing, and spraying their way to the best sick day of their life. www.lineskis.comLocal Line dealers: Sports Outlet/REI (suggested retail: $600).

3. Pov vIDEo CAMErAS: GoPro hEro3POV (point of view) video cameras exploded onto the action sport retail market a few years back, and the technology is progressing rapidly. What outdoor fanatic wouldn’t love to recount some of their best adventures in stunning high definition? POV cameras are mounted on the user’s body and allow them to share their out-door conquests with family and friends. GoPro, the POV market leader, has recently released its Hero3, the most feature-rich POV camera to date. “The Black Edition Hero3 features a remote control, so you don’t have to dismount your camera from your helmet to see if it’s on or off,”

says John Schwartz, Store Manager of Spokane’s Mountain Gear. The GoPro Hero3 is the perfect way for anyone to capture, re-experience and share some of life’s most amazing outdoor expe-riences. www.gopro.comLocal GoPro dealers: Mountain Gear/REI (sug-gested retail: $400).

4. WIntEr APPArEL: thE north fACE thErMobALL vEStAlways on the cutting edge of performance apparel technology, The North Face has developed a new insulation innovation called ThermoBall. This high-loft synthetic insulates, packs, and feels like down, but delivers total versatility. It achieves the warmth equivalent of 600-fill down, while maintaining exceptional wet-weather insulating performance. The North Face ThermoBall Vest makes a great gift for anyone in the family. “This is one of my favor-ite insulating pieces in the store,” says Taylor Hauf, Selling Supervisor for The North Face Spokane. “It’s light, warm, and packs down very

small,” she adds. The ThermoBall vest provides uncompromising warmth even when wet, mak-ing it the perfect go-to vest for any adventure. This thermal vest can be worn as a mid-layer for added warmth on the coldest winter days, or it can be packed for emergency protection in the backcountry. www.thenorthface.comLocal The North Face dealers: The North Face Spokane/Mountain Gear/REI (suggested retail: $150).

5. bIKE ACCESSorIES: nItE rIDEr LUMInA 700Got a dedicated commuter or diehard night trainer in the family? Nite Rider’s Lumina line of bike lights are aimed at just those types of folks. The range-topping, cordless Lumina 700 satisfies specifications that’ll also win over trail riders, especially given the included helmet mount. “The lamp and battery are one unit making this a very compact light that’s still powerful,” says Mack Blackpine, Shop Mechanic at North Division Bicycle Shop in Spokane. The light-weight Lumina 700 uses a USB cable to charge a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, taking six hours to top off from your laptop at home or at the office. The high setting on the Lumina 700 produces – you guessed it – a bright 700 lumens of light, and along with the helmet mount, the Lumina kit includes a handlebar mount that is compat-ible with 31.8mm clamp diameter bars. www.niterider.comLocal Nite Rider dealers: North Division Bicycle Shop/REI (suggested retail: $125).

outdoor adventure Holiday Gift GuideGear Giving ideas from local shops

By Brad naccarato

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6. CLIMbInG: PEtZL GrIGrI 2Climbers are always a tough group to buy for considering that their safety literally depends on the function and performance of most of their gear. But even the most discriminating climber will appreciate the Petzl Grigri 2, a belay device with auto locking capability that’s designed to facilitate belay maneuvers. “The Grigri 2 makes long belays way easier,” says Sara Noeser, a Sales Associate at Mountain Goat Outfitters in Spokane. “It handles a wide range of ropes too – from 8.9 to 11 mm,” she adds. Both compact and ultra-light, the Grigri series has become welcome company on climbs around the world for many years. Voted the Editor’s Choice Award by Outdoor Gearlab, the Grigri 2 is among the easiest devices to lower a climber with, is intuitive to use, and is durable. Whether rappelling down ropes 3,000 feet up El Capitan or lowering someone in the gym, the ease of handling is hard to beat. www.petzl.comLocal Petzl dealers: Mountain Goat Outfitters/Mountain Gear (suggested retail: $100).

7. CAMPInG: GoAL ZEro LIGhthoUSE 250 LAntErnGoal Zero is this cool new outdoor gadget com-pany that prides itself on making products for off-the-grid activities. But its new Lighthouse 250 Lantern brings a taste of their technology to anyone’s stocking. This solar-powered lantern is equipped with a USB power hub to keep gadgets fully charged while relaxing by the fire. If you don’t have devices to power up, the rechargeable

battery keeps the Lighthouse 250 Lantern aglow for up to 48 hours. “It’s got a dim control switch that makes this little thing pretty cool,” says John Schwartz, Store Manager of Spokane’s Mountain Gear. The Lighthouse Lantern looks a lot like traditional kerosene lanterns, keeping the spirit of camping alive, but with a modern sustainable twist. The lantern can power up all day with Goal Zero’s solar panels, or with the built-in hand crank, which can be used when on the go or in the field. www.goalzero.comLocal Goal Zero dealers: Mountain Gear/REI (suggested retail: $80).

8. oUtDoor EDUCAtIon: vErtICAL IntroDUCtIon CLIMbInG PACKAGE At WILD WALLSIf you have an aspiring climber on your shop-ping list, Spokane’s Wild Walls climbing gym has created the perfect stocking stuffer with their Vertical Introduction Package that can be pur-chased as a gift certificate for later use. With this package, students will learn the fundamentals to climb indoors: fitting the harness, knot tying, and proper belay technique. This class serves as a prerequisite for top roping at Wild Walls. The total package includes equipment, two hours of instruction and a one week trial membership at the gym. “It’s a great course for anyone who is curious about climbing and wants to learn how to properly use the ropes,” says Chelsea Murn, a Ladies Night Instructor at the gym. The class is offered on Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 4-6 p.m. throughout the win-ter months. www.wildwalls.com ($35).//

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WinterSportsconfessions of a cross country skierthe skinny ski solution for Winter fitness and fun // By Brad thiessenEvEr SInCE My fIrSt Spokane winter nine years ago, I craved some way to keep fit outside in the snow. I wanted to revisit a childhood spent outdoors during rural Alberta’s long winters. But unless you have a deep and abiding love affair with slush and ice patches, it’s hard to enjoy win-ter at ground level in Spokane. And since I hate treadmills, keeping up a solid running schedule proved almost impossible.

Two or three times a year I would be on a step-ladder in the garage, sifting through the sleds and hoses and spare pieces of plywood stacked in the rafters, when I would see them: those 30-year-old cross-country skis with the three-pin bindings my wife and I inherited from her parents and just never got rid of.

My mind would go back to my early teens, shuffling through the snow on skis a lot like the ones in those rafters. Someday, I thought, it would be fun to try cross-country skiing again. But where could I track down affordable gear to buy or rent? Waxing skis and maintaining gear sounded like a pain. And where would a person cross-country ski around here anyway? By the time I’d be down the ladder, the idea would have inevitably faded away.

Then two years ago, I was hired part-time to do some marketing and membership coordination for Spokane Nordic Ski Association, which part-ners with State Parks to operate the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park. At my initial interview, they asked if I Nordic skied (which, incidentally,

is the point at which I learned that “Nordic” is the same thing as “cross-country”). I said no, but that working for them would give me the perfect excuse to try.

So, I took t h e p l u n g e and bought a ski package, headed up to Mt. Spokane, figured out how to get the boots to clip into the bindings, and launched onto the trail. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing and felt like a giraffe on figure skates, but it was beau-tiful up there. I was hooked.

Why do I ski? For one thing, it’s affordable. The only cheaper winter activity is snowshoeing. When friends come to town, we can rent skis for them at a local shop for $25 a pop. Used skis can be picked up at one of the ski swaps or on Craigslist, or starter packages can be found for around $300 at Fitness Fanatics, Mountain Gear

or REI. To ski at Mt. Spokane, you need to buy a State Parks Sno-Park pass (available at those three shops), but at $84 for a year per car, that adds

up to only a few bucks a day.

It’s also a great workout if you want it to be. Nordic ski-ing is said to be the best fitness exercise you can do on land. I can come out of the ski season in better shape than I was at the start of winter.

Then there’s the feeling of c a m a r a d e r i e and diversity of skiers on the trails: parents with pre-teen kids, groups of

twentysomethings, and an occasional mom or dad pulling a baby behind them in a chariot. And all of them appear to be working just hard enough to feel satisfied but not hard enough to regret being there. There will probably be a group of 30 to 50-year-old women enjoying a laugh dur-

ing a group lesson and a couple of empty-nesters gliding down the trail. Chances are, I’ll be passed at some point by Lycra-clad endorphin junkies whose biggest challenge appears to be getting enough calories into their bodies. In turn, I’ll inevitably pass a few people who are content to just shuffle along while absorbing the sunshine.

On a visceral level, though, it’s about winter: the quiet stillness, the white marshmallow snow, the scent of pine, and, yes, the sick love of feeling my cheeks freeze. I actually grew my beard out this year just so frost will collect on my face.

Ultimately, I ski because I don’t want to miss out on one of the greatest aspects of life in Spokane. I can spend winter huddled on the couch cursing the ice gods, or throw on that jacket and gloves and make the most of our four-season climate.//

brad thiessen is membership and marketing

Director for the spokane nordic ski association

(spokanenordic.org).

SOAKING UP THE SUN ON THE NORDIC TRAILS. // PHOTO: BRAD THIESSEN

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Find info on Spokane City Parks’ 1-day les-sons with skis and transportation at spo-kaneparks.org; child and group lesson info through Spokane Nordic (spokanenordic.org); and details on adult lessons through Fitness Fanatics at fitfanatics.com.

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Everyday CyclistfindinG freedoM in Bikes // By hank Greer

DECADES AGo, WhEn I WAS a child, my world grew so much larger when I got a bicycle. The bike also gave me more mobility and the freedom that goes along with it. It’s a sense of freedom that many of us take for granted. And it’s a freedom that isn’t necessarily available to everyone.

Gary Dagastine works to provide that freedom to people with disabilities, disease, missing limbs or anything else that may inhibit them from riding a bike. He got his start when his wife, Beth, who has multiple sclerosis, was having problems with her bal-ance and strength on a regular bicycle. He got her a tricycle, but that didn’t work out well at all. The center of gravity was too high, and it would easily tip while turning or when one of the rear wheels hit a large bump. He got her a recumbent trike, and it was stable and comfortable. And the advantage of having her back braced against a back rest made her a stronger rider. Soon she was happily riding the roads and trails again. Gary also bought one for himself. One thing led to another, and he started his own shop, Northwest Recumbent Cycles.

Gary doesn’t remember exactly when, but he started measuring bikes to fit veterans. The Veterans

Administration will provide a bike to certain quali-fied veterans who are in physical therapy. The VA would then use the measurements to order the bikes from Seattle shops. Gary learned that the shops were charging what he felt was too much money for the modifications they were making. To him, a brake is a brake regardless of which side of the bike you put it on. So he offered to build the bikes and make the modifications at no extra charge. For example, he moved the shift and brake controls to one side for an amputee. He also built a tandem for a blind veteran, so he could ride with his wife. Gary builds about 15 bikes a year for referred veterans.

Gary has also built bikes for disabled children. The list of children whose lives he has affected is long. There was the eight-year-old autistic boy who he set on a recumbent and let loose in the yard in front of his shop. The boy rode across the yard, stopped, picked up the bike and turned it around, and then rode back. Gary squatted down and began to tell the boy about turning and brakes when the

boy exclaimed, “I know!” Gary turned around and saw the boy’s parents had tears in their eyes. It was the first time they’d ever heard his voice.

One little girl refused to use her legs, and doctors could find no reason for her not to use them. Gary built a bike with a hand crank but also left the pedals connected to the drive train. The pedals had straps to hold her feet. As the girl rode more, she began using her legs. Gary is modest about his common sense approach, and he thinks the girl finally real-ized she could go faster and farther if she put her legs to work.

A church near his shop asked Gary if he could build a bike for a 3-year-old girl with spinal bifida. Gary has a supply of old bikes and parts that he uses for custom builds like this, and he does his own welding. He fashioned a hand-cranked trike and painted it her favorite colors, pink and purple. And he has adjusted the size to fit her as she’s grown over the last three years.

Back when Gary was still with the Kootenai County Sheriff ’s Department, he was dispatched to a terrible collision scene. The 17-year-old girl driv-ing the car had struck a tree. The investigation later

estimated she was going 72 mph when she hit. Gary held her C-spine straight until they got to the hospi-tal. There he learned that her injuries were extremely severe, and her quality of life would be dramatically affected. A couple years later the girl’s father asked Gary to build her a bike. The young lady could bare-ly walk and was wheel-chair bound most of the time. Gary put a recumbent trike together with an electric motor assist. The young lady, who has since gone to college and married her high school sweetheart, loves her bike.

Gary Dagastine selflessly says his reward for help-ing anybody get on a bike is just the fact that they are out riding. He believes that if you get the right bike that’s comfortable, then you will look for an excuse to ride. Otherwise it’s a dust collector in the garage. The mobility and freedom that comes with a bicycle makes just as much difference to a child as it does to a senior citizen, and even more so to a disabled per-son. The world has grown for a lot of people thanks to Gary Dagastine.//

it’s a sense of freedom that many of us take for granted. and it’s a freedom that isn’t necessarily available to everyone.

BETH AND GARy DAGASTINE TEST RIDE TANDEM RECUMBENT BIKES. // PHOTO By HANK GREER.

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attend the group runs, themed runs and seminars. You’ll earn points along the way. Based on the num-ber of points you’ve earned at the end of the program you will receive various running items (socks, shirts, etc). Your points will be tracked and posted at the end of the program. Info: fleetfeetspokane.com or (509) 328-4786. Kick off to Winter Warrior will be a Pancake Fun Run on November 29, at Fleet Feet Sports Spokane.

(december 14 & January 11) Pullman Winter ultra series. When: 8 a.m. Where: Birch & Barley’s parking lot. 50/25K. Hit the pavement when moun-tain trails are covered in snow. 7-hour time limit, with extra time given if the snow dumps or the path is particularly gnarly. Info: pullmanwinterultras.blogspot.com.

(december 30) first night 5k resolution run. When: 6:45 p.m. Where: Riverfront Park. Runners and walkers alike join in the festive atmosphere as they make their way through the possibily snow and ice covered trails which wind and curve through a scenic array of sights and sounds. As the run begins, each runner/walker is given an opportunity to write a resolution that they carry with them throughout the course. As they cross the finish line the runner/walker than throws the resolution in a commemora-tory fire pit as a symbolic gesture to the New Year. Info: www.firstnightspokane.org.

YoGa

(ongoing) intro to flow yoga. When: Monday’s 8 p.m. Where: Wild Walls Climbing Gym. Intro to flow class is weekly. Classes are included with membership, or drop in for for single or pass rates.

(ongoing) yoga for Back care. When: 9 a.m. Friday or noon on Monday. Where: North Pines Yoga. A yoga class focused on balance and core work to deliver endurance to your spine. Info www.north-pinesyogapilates.com or (509) 928-1400.

aDD YoUr eVent to otM’s neW online CalenDar at WWW.oUttHereMontHlY.CoM

(december 21) Winter solstice yoga Workshop. When: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Where: Harmony Yoga. In the depth of darkness there is light. We cannot know our own light without befriending our dark-ness. Winter is a natural time to turn our atten-tion inward, to rest from the year’s activity and let ourselves be still and align with the season’s quiet-ness so we can hear the deeper whisperings of the SELF. This practice will offer us time and space to set intention and integrate those parts of ourselves that are seeking to become more conscious and fully expressed. The practice will weave together pranayama, and yin/yang yoga. Info: www.harmony yoga.com

sKiinG, snoWsHoeinG anD Winter eVents

(ongoing) riverfront ice Palace. Open: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Adult and homeschool lessons. Lessons for all ages start Nov 2. Registration required.

(december 4-5) race of the Methow. Saturday features skate sprints, Sunday is the Mass start clas-sic distance race. Info: methowvalleynordic.com

CliMBinG

(ongoing) vertical introduction. When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6 – 8 p.m., Saturdays 4 – 6 p.m. Where: Wild Walls 202 W. 2nd Ave. In this class you will learn the fundamentals to climb indoors: fitting the harness, knot tying, and proper belay technique. This class (or previous experience and passing belay test) is a prerequisite for top roping in our facility. Ages 12+, $35. Info: (509) 455-9596.

(ongoing) introduction to lead climbing. When: Last two Tuesdays of the Month 4 -6 p.m. Where: Wild Walls For climbers looking to further their climbing ability and increase the options available to them, lead climbing class will prepare you for the world of sport climbing! With an emphasis on safety, you will learn proper technique for both lead belaying and lead climbing, as well as helpful strategies for efficient sport climbing. Experience required, $75. Info: (509) 455-9596

(ongoing Mondays & Wednesdays) spider Monkeys climbing club. When: 5 – 7 p.m. Where: Wild Walls, 202 W. 2nd Ave. For kids ages 4 – 10 years. Please call ahead. Come climb and meet new friends! Info: (509) 455-9596.

BiKinG

(ongoing) Belles and Baskets. Whatever style your cycle, join other Spokane women for no-drop rides, treats, and friendship. Info: (509) 951-4090, facebook.com/bellesandbaskets.

(ongoing) BoMB Mountain Bike rides. When: Varies. Where: Spokane Area. Spokane BOMB (Believers On Mountain Bikes) is a non-denomina-tional Christian group leading rides in the Spokane area April-October. Everyone welcome, helmets required. Info: www.spokanebomb.com

(first Wednesdays in december) Bike fights. When: 8 p.m. Where: Soulful Soups & Spirits. 60 seconds to ride your heart out on a bike trainer. $10 to enter. Prizes! Info: (509) 459-1190.

(ongoing saturdays) indoor Bike Group ride. Where: Terra Sports Bike Shop, Coeur d’Alene. Bring your bike and trainer or rent either. Great opportunity to meet new cyclists in the area. This is a casual group of bike enthusiasts that want to keep the tires rolling thru the winter! Road, Mountain, Hybrid. Everyone welcome. Info: (208) 765-5446

(december 8) swamp cruiser ride. When: 3 p.m.. Leave from The Swamp to cruise around. Info: Time Bomb (509) 326-6949.

HiKinG / WalKinG

(on-Going) Wed & sun hobnailer hikes. When: Varies. Where: Varies. Join Hobnailer hiking club for weekly 6-8 mile hikes in the Spokane area. Info: [email protected] or (509) 456-0250

rUnninG

(ongoing) Winter Warrior. When: Tuesdays at 5:45 p.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. Where: Monterey Cafe (Tuesday) and Method Juice (Wednesday). Winter Warrior is a winter incentive program for all running levels to help motivate you to stay active in the winter months. Join the program for $20 and

rUnninG

(april 27) spokane river run. When: 7:45 a.m. Ranging from 50K to 5K. Whether you are considering trail racing for the first time or are an experienced runner, we promise you a rewarding race in a beautiful environment. Right in the midst of Riverside State Park and minutes from downtown Spokane, is a small piece of trail run-ning paradise. Info: www.spokaneriverrun.com

(May 31) Purplestride. When: 9 a.m. - noon. 5k Fundraising run and walk to fight pancreat-ic cancer and create awareness. Cost: $25. Info: purplestride.org/inlandnw or (509) 990-9919

(June 8) red devil challenge trail run. When: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where: Wenatchee National Forest. The running trails dissect beautiful glades of Ponderosa pine and grasses; cuts through cooler, darker stands of Douglas Fir with views of the Enchantments, Mission Ridge and other views in the Cascades. Info: runwenatchee.com or (509) 378-0051

MaratHons

(february 22) third annual tri cities half Marathon. When: 8 a.m. Where: Jon Dam Plaza. Located in the heart of wine country this half marathon has accurate timing, t-shirts, post race celebration and live music. Info: usrahalf.sport-ing.com

(april 27) spokane river run. When: 7:45 a.m. Where: Riverside State Park, Spokane. 5K, 10K, 25K and 50K, age divisions. Register online or find more info: www.SpokaneRiverRun.com

(May 10) horse lake half Marathon. When: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Where: Horse Lake Reserve in the Wenatchee Foothills. The reserve is known for its wildflowers and stunning views of the North Cascades and the Wenatchee River. Info: run-wenatchee.com or (509) 387-0051

(May 25) coeur d’alene Marathon. The Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half Marathon, and MyHealth 5k fun run. Info: http://www.cdamarathon.com/

(June 1) Windermere Marathon. When: 7 a.m. Full or Half Marathon. Info: http://windermer-emarathon.wordpress.com/

CYClinG

(april 26) lilac century Bike ride. Where: Spokane Falls Community College. 100-mile ride and 50-mile ride along the west slope of the Spokane River, the Long Lake area, and through the West Plains of Spokane. Start, finish and packet pick-up. Info: www.teamfischbach.com

(May 17) tour de cure to stop diabetes. Where: Northern Quest Resort and Casino. You will recieve great support out on the routes and enjoy all the food, beverages and enter-tainment the resort has to offer.

sKiinG

(January 11-12) kid’s telemark ski clinic. When: half day or full day sessions. Where: 49 Degrees North. Clinic for kids age 6-14 interested in taking up telemark skiing. The clinic will be run by ‘Tele Ned’, A PSIA-certified telemark ski instructor from Aspen, Colo. Discounted lift ticket for all those that participate. Telemark ski gear will be provided with clinic sign up. Info: www.ski49n.com or (509) 935-6649.

(January 19) spokane nordic Winterfest. Where: Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park. Join in a celebration of skiing, snow and hope-fully sunshine at Spokane Nordic WinterFest, a day of fun events for all ages and ski abilities. Pick your favorite event, or take in the whole day. Fee event, donations welcome. Info: spo-kanenordic.org/winterfest.

(february 8) Winthrop ski derby. A new race organized by MVNC at the Sun Mountain trail system, Chickadee Trailhead. Skiers can choose either 16 or 32 km distance, both classic technique. The significant elevation changes of the 32 km race will give the event a very different flavor from most ski loppets. Info: methowvalleynordic.com

(february 16) doggie dash. Where: Winthrop Town Trailhead. Furry. Friendly. Fantastic. This hugely fun, spectator-favorite race involves dog-owner pairs skiing together in costume with a leash around a short loop at the Winthrop Town Trailhead. Prizes for best costume in each heat and the ultimate prize, the coveted Golden Poodle statue goes to the crowd pleaser of the day. All proceeds benefit dogs and cats in need. Winthrop Town Trailhead. Registration is day-of-event only, 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Races start at 10 a.m. $12 per racer. Kids 12 & under free. Spectators free.

otHer

(february 22) special olympics Polar Plunge liberty lake. When: TBD. Take a dip in the ice waters across Washington State and be a part of the “coolest” event of the year! Help raise funds and win prizes in support of Special Olympics Washington. Info: www.specialolympicswashington.org.

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.

Have an Event You Would Like to List? //

siXmonthtraininGcalendar

OutdoorCalendar Full events calendar at www.outtheremonthly.com


(december 5) snowshoeing Basics. When: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Where: Spokane REI. Join experienced REI staff for a class on the basics of snowshoeing, They will focus on the appropriate selection of gear plus where to get started. Info: (509) 328-9900

(december 6) into the Mind. When: 7 p.m. Where: Panida Theater, Sandpoint. The new ski film from Sherpas Cinema. Info: Panida.org

(december 7) snow stomp. Where: Mt. Spokane. Snow shoe race and family hike for the first-ever event. Demo snow shoes availble but make reser-vations early. Snow park pass required, or reserve your place on the shuttle. Sign up early! T-shirts for finishers. Info: www.fitfanatics.com or [email protected].

CHeCK oUt More eVents on otM’s neW online CalenDar at WWW.oUttHereMontHlY.CoM

(december 6-7) Wsu ski and Gear swap. When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. to noon. Where: Washington State University. Annual event includes vendors from all over the Northwest selling new and used items at discounted prices. Info: (509) 335-8732.

(december 7-8 and 14-15) aiare level 2: analyzing snow stability & avalanche hazard. This corse is a 4-day probram that provides back-country leaders the opportunity to advance their avalanche knowledge. The AIARE 2 builds from the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced int he AIARE 1 and adds to it - the evaluaation of factors critical to stability evalua-tion and decision-making skill development. This course also includes the introductory and prereq-uisite components for the professional progression: the AIARE 3 certificate. Info: www.schweitzer.com/events-activities/aiare-level-2 or (208) 263-9555

(december 12) riverside state Park Winter Wonderland. When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Riverside State Park: Bowl & Pitcher. Enjoy a one of a kind night-time experience outdoors! Visit Santa Claus. Enjoy a hay ride. Stroll across the iluminated Swinging Bridge and enjoy holiday light displays in the campgrounds and shelter. This event is a fun-draiser for Riverside State Park and Riverside State Park Foundation. You can purchase hot chocolate and cookies on site. Admission is $5; kids 3 and under are free.

(december 14) Womens snowshoe day @ 49 degres north. Hey ladies! Bring out your friends for a day in the snow! 2-for-1 trail pass and snowshoe rentals. Bring a friend or meet one in the parking lot. Info: www.SkiNWRockies.com

(december 14) adult nordic ski lessons. When: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Saturday ski lessons in December are for beginner or intermediate skiers, either Classic or Skate style. Each lesson is individual sessions, but can also be taken as a program; you can sign up for one or all sessions. Info: www.spokanenordic.org

(december 14) founder’s day. Where: Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Celebrate Schweitzer’s 50th anniver-sary with $19.63 lift tickets and an apres party in Taps where the 25-year-old time capsule will be opened.

Info: www.schweitzer.com or (208) 263-9555

(december 21) nature of Winter tours. The Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) hosts family-friendly snowshoe tours every Saturday throughout the winter. Local volunteers lead tours which focus on winter ecology, wildlife and tracks, snow science and more. MVSTA trail passes or a MVSTA snowshoe trail pass ($5) are required for each person. Passes and snowshoe rentals are avail-able at Sun Mountain Ski Shop, North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama Ski Shop, Methow Cycle & Sport and Winthrop Mountain Sports. Tour size is limited to 10 people. Reservations are not required; space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Info: methowvalleynordic.com. Tours begin at 11 a.m. and last 90-120 minutes, depending on conditions.

(december 28) ski rodeo. Where: Methow Valley.If your New Year’s resolution is to try a ski race for fun or competition, get in better shape, or to just spend more time with friends and family, this race/event is for you! The event venue is wonderfully suited for everyone from participants to spectators - so bring the gang. Bibs and race timing will be provided for participants (register by 5 p.m. on the 28th for timing!!!) and awards will be provided fol-lowing the races. 10k: $40. 5k: $30 (kids 17 and under race for free). 2.5k: Free (youth ages 8-15). 1k: Free (youth ages 4-7) Info:methowvalleynordic.com

(december 28) night skiing food drive. Where: 49 Degrees North. Nighttime is a great time to be at 49° North! Four nights this season we’ll illuminate the mountain after dark. Several well-lit runs on both the upper and lower mountain will be waiting for you and your family to enjoy. Cost is $4 and at least two cans of food. Info: www.ski49n.com

(december 29) Great scott Xc race. Where: Schweitzer Mt Resort. Participate in a fun XC race for cross-country skiers, snowshoers and snowbikes! Info: www.schweitzer.com/events or (208) 263-9555

otHer

(december 7) community dance saturday night at the Buddhio. When: 6:30 p.m. Where: South Perry Yoga at the Buddhio. Join Laura Markman and Hunter Severt for a frolicking evening of great music and dance! A family-friendly event, or an evening for mom and dad to get in a bit of early Christmas shopping! Info” www.southperryyoga.com or (509) 443-6241

(december 21) a Muscial dreamtime Journey~ a solstice celebration with the drum Brothers. When: 7 - 9 p.m. Where: South Perry Yoga at the Buddhio. Join us for this very special SOLSTICE celebration A Musical Dreamtime Journey, with the reknown Drum Brothers, Michael and Matthew Marsolak. These special concert events are without applause, in the round, and by candlelight. Info: www.southperryyoga.com or (509) 443-6241.

(december 28) 80’s Party at red Mountain resort’s rafters. When: 9 p.m. Where: Rafters at Red Mountain Resort, Rossland B.C. 80’s dress theme party at Rafters. Bring your party pants and rubber boots if you want to have a good time. Doors open at 9 pm. Free shuttle all night. Last call 1:30am. Val Kilmer and the New Coke

OutdoorCalendar dec 2013outdoorcalendar


GearRoomBuyinG neW ski Gearalpine Boots / By Brad naccaratoBrad Naccarato spent 3 seasons in Colorado as a certified alpine skiing instructor and has a combined 10 years of ski retail experience here in the Inland Northwest. In the next several issues of OTM, Brad will be offering tips on how to wade through the many ski binding, boot and other ski gear choices out there.

Over the last two months, I covered tips for buying new alpine skis and bindings – now we’re going to take a look at the last and easily most critical component of the trio: boots. People often focus too much of their time, resources and budget on upgrading their skis, while the function and fit of their outdated boots is an afterthought. Boots are the most important piece of the puzzle by far, and without a properly fitted pair, your new ski investment will do little to improve your snow prowess.

Why should I go to a ski shop? It’s way cheaper at “Bubba’s Sport-All Barn.”Getting a good pair of boots is more than just buying the right boot – it’s a process that involves getting fit for the right boot. Ski shops (places that primarily sell skis) have per-sonnel who are highly trained in boot fitting, and they have the tools of the trade that allow them to manipulate the shell and liner to fit your Fred Flinstone looking foot. If you’re on a tight budget, look for bargains on other gear, but don’t go cheapskate on the boots. Your comfort, warmth, and most important, your ability to steer your skis onto an edge, are all worth the investment.

So why is that boot $300 more than that one? They all look the same.It’s the little things that separate mid-range from high-end boots. These differences may look subtle on the surface, but they can have an enormous impact on the fit and function of the boot once you’re on snow. Finding the best overall fit should be your primary focus when trying on boots, but high-end features, while more costly, can usually help create a more custom fit and flex and should not be overlooked. Aluminum buckles are always more durable than plastic. Likewise, buckles that have micro-adjustment capabilities can be critical to achieving the perfect fit. Higher-end boots will also have more sophisticated boot liners that typically incorporate some type of heat molding properties.

I’m sorry I don’t speak Mondopoint! Can I just get a size 10?Modern boot sizing can seem cryptic to the average consumer, especially when it comes to trying to convert Mondopoint sizes to U.S. shoe sizing. A Mondopoint 28 is roughly the equivalent to a size 10, but if you wear a size 10 shoe, you should be fitted for a boot that’s much smaller than a 28. Here’s where you need to trust your shop boot fitter. Ski boots are not intended to fit the way shoes do with copious amounts of toe room. In a properly fitted boot, your toes should be comfortably touching the end. Once the boots have been skied in, the boot liner will typically “pack-out” a half size making it even more critical that you don’t over-size when being fitted.

This footbed thing sound like a huge upsell. Do I really need them?Modern boots utilize a flat, flimsy and pretty much worthless insert that does nothing to contribute to the fit and function of your boots. Why? Apparently a truly supportive footbed is a not something that’s easily made into a one-size-fits-most mold. Therefore, the gracious boot manufacturers have left it up to you to make this additional investment in order to maximize your boots’ potential. Having proper under-foot support is a huge game changer if you have never experienced it. Your steering will improve, as will your comfort with your foot and ankle better aligned in the shell. Heat molded footbeds are the best – but if you’re on a tight budget, any of the lower priced inserts from Superfeet or Sole will be a worthwhile upgrade.//

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Outdoor LivingMoMs on the rockadventures of an awesome-Mom Package / By ammi MidstokkeIt WAS A GLorIoUS bluebird sky in Central Oregon when K and I pulled into Smith Rock. We’d seen the weather report, called in sick at work, loaded the car with quick draws and kale chips, and headed south for a long weekend.

K and I have the luxury of being healthy, rather extreme in our sense of adventure, and single. We’re pretty sure we’re the hottest thing to hit the market since Bruce Willis and Demi Moore broke up – K because she’s got a wicked sense of humor and chiseled figure, and me because I make deli-cious cupcakes and… well you’d be surprised how far a good cupcake will get you.

There is nothing like a road trip with a fellow latte addict and adrenaline junkie. Seven hours of ceaseless girl talk in a Subaru with approximately 4,201 Starbucks drive-thrus to choose from and knitting needles = chick bliss.

This was only to be improved upon by the dra-matic red geographic formations of Smith Rock in the distance as we reached our destination. And the fact that we pulled into a parking lot with no less than 40 beautiful climber-boys in various states of equipment removal.

We crawled out of the car with some long-drive-stiffness in yoga-pant clad unison and, as though we’d just come from our water ballet class, did a synchronized stretch and groan. If we had not already caught the attention of said clan of men by being the only women in a 4 mile radius, we certainly had it now.

The silence was palpable. Sometimes I think men can smell the prospect of a home-cooked meal, even through the walls of an Igloo cooler. K and I glanced at each other and shared a telepathic thought: There are just too many to choose from!

Apparently, it is much harder to come by women who can pitch a tent as well as they cro-chet, mountain bike as avidly as they bake, and scramble up rocks with the dexterity of a Vegas showgirl. (This is not an accurate representa-tion of my climbing abilities, which most often resemble the flailing, stunted arms of a desperate Tyrannosaurus Rex on Quaaludes trying to save itself from a tar pit.)

I headed toward the back of the car while imag-ining my future Bend boyfriend, sure to be found in the next 72 hours. We’re going to ride Phil’s trail, rock climb every weekend, and get married on a slackline for sure. His hobbies include build-ing stone fireplaces and massaging feet. Probably, he’s a rep for Black Diamond.

Suddenly the rear doors of the car swung open

in a simultaneous eruption of coloring books, pretzels, juice boxes, crayons, and at least one stuffed buffalo. Crumb-covered and Larabar-laden, our two spawn ejected themselves from their car seats and into the parking lot in a frenzy of kid demands and the hyperactivity of too much time in the car. Perhaps we should not buy the children road trip lattes.

Before we could shell out enough fruit leather to quiet the raucous, the thus enthralled men had parted like the Red Sea, hiding behind trees and Westfalias, preparing their chips and beer din-ners. All picnic tables within food-fight distance of us were cleared. Eye contact was avoided. It was like we had the powers of Medusa or even more potent: the sweet irresistible siren call of the cupcakes, known for centuries to lure unsuspect-

ing men into lifelong commitments.Children might cramp our dating style, but

they sure as hell don’t cramp our climbing style. Climbing, biking, skiing, and camping with my 6 year old have been some of the most rewarding outdoor adventure experiences of my life. Albeit questionable parenting, it has kept me current on snake-bite first-aid, bear safety protocol, and the latest Katy Perry lyrics. It is also a great oppor-tunity to provide my daughter with tools for life: endurance, patience, strength, resilience, and bet-ter taste in music. I had to veto Ms. Perry after my ears started bleeding.

Somehow I was under the impression that being a single mother would limit my adventur-ous lifestyle, but this is far from the truth. It has brought a new light to all that I do – the refresh-ing curiosity and playfulness of a child, the one I am raising and the one in me. Plus, there are more animal crackers here.

And to all my potential Bend boyfriends: When you’re ready to sample the adventure of an awesome-mom package, chances are the camp dinner menu and post-climb stretching will be worth lugging Barbie up a 5.10. If you’re lucky, we’ll share our animal crackers too.//

apparently, it is much harder to come by women who can pitch a tent as well as they crochet, mountain bike as avidly as they bake, and scramble up rocks with the

dexterity of a vegas showgirl.

BUCKET HOLDS AT SMITH ROCK // PHOTO: AMMI MIDSTOKKE

BUILDING LIFE SKILLS // PHOTO: AMMI MIDSTOKKE

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On The MOunTain | Alpine Skiing /boArding SpeciAl Section

Spirit of a MountainSkiing and Being Schweitzer // By Katie Botkin

If SChWEItZEr hAS A SPIrIt, you will find it deep among trees obscured by fog. It is there, in powder drifts that have retained their perfect looseness when the groomers have long since turned crusty.

If Schweitzer has a spirit, you can see it toast-ed in the village, in the chaotic dining halls and crowded, intimate pubs. If Schweitzer has a spirit, you can hear it in the triumphant wail of infants, set on skis and sent down the bunny hill in their first pizza formation. Because this, the billowing line between the trees, is what children practice for before they know it exists, and it is the tale of the après even long after the snow has gone.

With 2,900 acres, Schweitzer is the biggest ski resort for hundreds of miles in any direction, and it has won accolades for being some of the best tree skiing in the nation. In fact, in 2007, Skiing Magazine’s reader resort survey dubbed it number three for tree skiing. About half of Schweitzer’s terrain is in the trees, some wide-spaced and forgiving, some so tight that none but the most advanced can hope to navigate unscathed – or at least without falling over in the occasional pan-icked stop. The 2005 addition of the Idyl-Our T-bar expanded the resort’s glade terrain and sidecountry skiing significantly, and the runs off the T-bar, which is a little out of the way and a bit tricky for beginners, are favorites for people trying to avoid the crowds. Partially because of this, Schweitzer also earned accolades in 2008 for being the “Best Place to Ditch the Crowds,” according to Skiing Magazine.

Because the resort is often overcast, often windy and always variable, the trees offer a mea-sure of protection from the elements. Trees keep fresh snow safe, tucked away in micro-climate pockets. They also keep it safe from the maraud-ing advances of those whose skills are not as honed. “Schweitzer has loads of great terrain

that is just hard enough to access that the prop-erly motivated can find fresh lines for days after the latest snow,” says Nathan Harrell, a 33-year-old optometrist who has used his yearly passes extensively since he moved to Sandpoint in the summer of 2010.

Schweitzer has many things to offer tourists and newbies, from the theme-park feel of Stella,

the high-speed six-pack lift serving the back of the mountain, to friendly and faithful ski instruc-tors. It caters to competition hopefuls, with Schweitzer Alpine Racing School, and to trick junkies, whose terrain parks will be expanded this winter with Southside Progression Park, part of the $1 million the resort spent to upgrade and

maintain itself this summer and fall. In short, the mountain draws a variety of skill levels, ages and interests. But at its core, its personality reflects the locals, the die-hards, the people who save up to buy a ski pass, often as early as May of the previous year when prices are lowest, and then arrange their work schedules so they can spend as much time as possible hunting powder in the

trees from late November into early April. In late November they will likely be using their older gear, since it takes a month or so for the snowpack to allow for debris-free cruising. At 6,400 feet, the summit may offer better snow conditions early on than will be found at the lower elevations, but that changes depending on the day and even the hour.

Many locals have been coming to the resort for decades with their families. Sandy Compton of Heron, Mont., began skiing there in 1990, along with his niece Melissa Compton, who was then in fifth grade. Both of them still get season passes every year. “I was spoiled to grow up with such an amazing mountain,” says Melissa, who praised the runs and the lack of lines. “I’ve been to other resorts and nothing has measured up.”

Sandy has spent many of the past 23 winters skiing with his nieces, his nephew, his brothers and their various friends. He still spends time on the slopes with his family, but he also will go solo in search of fresh lines. “The thing I like most about Schweitzer is that on the busiest day, I can find someplace to ski by myself,” he says.

This year, Schweitzer celebrates its 50th anniversary. December 14, the resort will offer $19.63 lift tickets – a nod to the year 1963, when it opened its first chairlift – and an after-party at Taps bar where a 25-year-old time capsule will be opened.//

Katie Botkin is a freelance writer and the managing editor of MultiLingual magazine. She has a master’s degree in English and undergraduate degrees in French and journalism.

schweitzer has many things to offer tourists and newbies…. But at its core, its personality reflects the

locals, the die-hards...who save up to buy a ski pass, often as early as May of the previous year when prices are lowest, and then arrange their work schedules so they can spend as much time as possible hunting powder

in the trees from late november into early april.

LEFT: SCHWEITzER VILLAGE LIFE // PHOTO: WOODS WHEATCROFT RIGHT: BLUEBIRD DAy // PHOTO: GABRIELLA MAKENA


| On The MOunTain celebrAting the inW Skiing life

Got a classic ski pass pic that stakes out a slope style from a bygone era that’s worthy of sharing with the masses? We’ll publish our favorites in upcoming issues of Out There Monthly and dish out lift tickets and other wintersports swag to winners. Send a high-res photo or scan of your classic ski pass to [email protected].

RetRo Ski PaSS ConteSt

“SKIInG trAnSCEnDS Into So MAny othEr SPortS, so it’s a great way to spend time on the moun-tain,” says Todd Ecklund, the lead tech who oversees the junior ski lease program at Sports Authority’s Spokane Valley store. By age three, most children are ready to learn how to ski – and even younger toddlers can do it. Of course, only you – the parent – can accurately gauge your child’s readiness to ski. But if your child enjoys being in the snow and wants to learn to ski, and has good balance and leg strength, then why not give it a try? Here are some DIY tips for gearing up your kid and having fun on the bunny hill.

Ski “teaching” gear: A ski tip connector, halter and a harness or tether system for controlling your child’s speed are a good idea – options include the Launch Pad™ (hookease.com) or the CoPilot™ LIFT Multi-Sport Halter and CoPilot™ Ski Trainer, made by Snowcraft (gosnowcraft.com).

Where to find gear (if you didn’t get lucky at the ski swap): Alpine Haus offers a junior lease program that includes skis, bindings and boots, or a snowboard and boots ($119.95). They also can lease boots ($55) or skis ($75) separately. Sports Authority leases junior ski or snowboard packages ($89), but has a limited supply of skis this season. Sports Creel has a trade-in/trade-up program for used junior gear – a program that this family-owned business has been offering for nearly 60 years to help make skiing affordable for families with growing kids, according to Store Manager Micah Genteman, whose father started the program.

“We’ll start with a new or used package and, as kids grow, families can trade-in parts and pieces for bigger or longer gear,” he says. “The great majority of used skis started at the shop as new merchandise. If we have relatively recent equipment, a traditional used ski will cost $45-50, plus $35-40 for bindings. Used boots are about $40-50. So, it costs about $100-125 for an entire package, and at the end of the season you have gear that your child can use next season, and trade-in or trade-up any components.”

Where to go: Lift tickets for children age six and younger are free at Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass and Schweitzer ($10 at 49° North). Schweitzer’s “Musical Carpet” (free) is

a great tool for teaching toddlers and preschoolers.Must-use teaching terms that kids understand:

“Pie” or “pizza” (snowplow) and “French fries” (straight skis).

Teaching Tips for Parents: Have realistic expec-tations – children have short attention spans, and they get tired and cold more quickly. Make it fun, be enthusiastic, and praise effort and hard work. Stow special snacks in your jacket, and enjoy them on the chairlift or even mid-run (e.g., fruit snacks, candy – whatever might help keep your kid motivated). Provide goals and rewards – such as, “Let’s make five runs and then go to the lodge for hot chocolate.”

Ecklund, a former ski racer who has been work-ing in the ski industry for over 20 years, taught both his sons to ski when they were toddlers. His advice for parents: “Start in a very controlled, wide open area. Helmets are a definite must. Have fun with it. Don’t make it a chore.” If you have any concerns about teaching your child to ski, contact a local mountain ski school. //

TEACHING KIDS TO SKI // By Amy Silbernagel McCaffree

DAVID SERRIN, 1979-1980 SNOqUALMIE SUMMIT

JOELLE TRAyNOR, 1976-1977 SCHWEITzER

THIS MONTH’S RETRO SKI PASS CONTEST WINNERS SCORED LIFT TICKETS COURTESy OF SILVER MOUNTAIN RESORT!

AS I WAS GEttInG My GEAr toGEthEr in preparation for the upcoming ski season, I made a disturbing discovery. My ski pants don’t fit. And not just a little snug in the tush, I mean I couldn’t button them. Ok, so technically I did get them buttoned, but when I tried to sit down, they blew apart with such force that the snap shot across the room and hit the front window of the house. I won’t mention what the zipper did, but if you have seen the movie “There’s Something About Mary”, you probably get the drift. Anyway, it appears that liberating my kids’ Halloween candy, double helpings of Thanksgiving turkey/mashed potatoes/stuffing, and handfuls of Jelly Belly jelly beans washed down with multiple pints of Alaskan Winter Ale while watching the Seahawks have taken a serious toll on my waistline and posterior.

This rude awakening made me realize a few things. One, I really need to invest in ski pants that have an elastic waistband. Two, jelly beans are not a healthy alternative to Jalapeno Cheetos. And three, I need to make an effort to ski more often this year. With the holidays upon us, it’s easy to kick back in the easy chair and watch four straight hours of American Pickers, but doing so probably doesn’t constitute activity (though I might argue otherwise), and definitely does not help us improve our turns. As ski-ers and riders in the Northwest, it is our obligation and duty to get on the hill as early in the season as possible, mainly to show the rest of the country that we are as crazy as they think we are. So get your gear together, grab a friend, and head to the mountain for some turns. I will be joining you once I get my hand out of the jelly bean jar and find some new ski pants.

Brad Northrup is a former ski resort marketing director, ski racer, and coach. He used to be a good skier.

Ski Bum Advice: Make Sure Your Ski Pants Fit

The “Snowbunny” Ipod Ski MixEnjoy thIS Short LISt of toP PICKS froM My IPoD SKI MIx. Sadly, there are a wealth of great songs that didn’t make this list, so I decided to publish them myself online and allow others the opportunity to add some of their favorites. You can find an expanded playlist on Michal’s blog at: www.sarahmichal.tumblr.com

1. Chair Lift Warm Up: Moby “Flower”Up. Down. Up. Down. Perfect to get you going on a quiet morning.2. Surfing the Green: The Beatles “I Want To Hold Your Hand”Start the easy run of the day with classic pop rock sounds from across the Atlantic.3. Jump Up To The Blue: House of Pain “Jump Around”Get your blood pumping with a little old school ‘90s hip-hop.4. Black to the Beat: Black Eyed Peas “Pump It” Step up the velocity with more current beats from these dance hip-hop legends.5. The Double Black Plunge: Shiny Toy Guns “Ricochet!”Tackle those moguls with this energizing rock ‘n’ roll driver.6. The Last Run Home: Moderat “A New Error”Unwind on the last run back to the lodge with this unique alternative melody. 7. Sipping Hot Chocolate: Alt-J “Hand-Made”“Are you sitting comfortably?”

By S. Michal Bennett EvansBrothersCoffee.com | 524 Church, Sandpoint | 208-265-5553

Randy Evans, photo by Doug Marshall

TAKING FIRST TURNS. // PHOTO: AMy SILBERNAGEL MCCAFFREE


deeP Winter: coluMBia Mountain solo// By holly Weiler

Last Page

thE PLAn WAS SoUnD: a short weekend backpack trip within three hours’ drive of home, orchestrated to coincide with the full moon. The only potential drawback? It was the middle of winter. It is no wonder, then, that those who ini-tially expressed an interest later called to cancel. Eventually, I was the only one who thought a winter backpack trip was a good idea.

I learned a long time ago that if I really wanted to do something, I needed to be prepared to go it alone. Sure, there are people who do more adven-turous things than a mid-winter backpack trip. I just don’t know enough of them to be assured of a tent mate when I want to venture out. I suppose that most people’s idea of a nice relaxing win-ter evening is more apt to include a comfortable couch in front of a fireplace. I shouldn’t be sur-prised that I didn’t get any takers for a Saturday night spent inside a tent staked on a snow drift in the middle of nowhere.

However, the middle of nowhere can be beauti-ful, especially this particular version of it.

My destination was Columbia Mountain. Located in northeast Washington’s Kettle River Range, the mountain is home to a historic 1914 lookout cabin, and I was set on seeing the way the cabin would look beneath the light of the full moon.

Almost everything about the first two miles of my hike was as I expected it to be. As the trail contoured west along the flank of the mountain, I could see the eastern-most portion of the Cascade Range in the distance. As the sun sank, the entire mountainside was bathed in a golden light.

What I had failed to expect was the fact that no one had been up the mountain since before the last snowstorm. The wind-driven, hard packed snow eventually gave way to deep powder. Even with my snowshoes, I began to flounder.

However, my crisis of self-doubt had more to do with the dark. Just after the sun sank below the horizon, I entered a wooded section of trail. I was making steady progress, but it wasn’t my summer three-miles-an-hour pace; it was my hauling-a-40-pound-pack-uphill-on-snowshoes-over-snowdrifts pace. I had fully intended to watch the sunset from the summit, tent already pitched and dinner simmering on the stove. Instead, I knew that I was at least two miles from the top, and it was already dark. Then I reached a portion of trail blocked by a snarl of downed trees, and I had no

idea how far the downfall extended. My already slow pace became a crawl as I worked to navigate the trees without catching a snowshoe on a limb

or losing my balance as I clambered over a log.I thought about retreating to the car and sleep-

ing in the parking lot, but rejected that as too

the voice in my head was telling me that i could be at home looking at nice winter scenes on my computer

screen. fortunately, i’m well-versed at telling the voice in my head to shut up.

humiliating even if I never spoke of it. I thought about setting up the tent where I stood, but the location was too depressing. I tried to remind myself of the reward at the top: the cabin, the full moon, the stars. Even that wasn’t working. The voice in my head was telling me that I could be at home looking at nice winter scenes on my computer screen.

Fortunately, I’m well-versed at telling the voice in my head to shut up. As is generally the case when the voice says something is impossible, it was exaggerating the difficulty of the remaining hike.

While I did miss the sunset from the summit, I was just in time for moonrise. Not that I had time to enjoy it so soon after reaching the peak. Admiring the view before securing shelter and changing into dry clothes is the luxury of a sum-mertime backpack trip.

Hypothermia, frostbite, potential for injury, fear of the dark. Sometimes I have trouble sorting out exactly why I enjoy this type of trip. While I like the personal challenge aspect of self vs. dis-tance, plus the mind over matter (over mind) internal battle of pushing myself through exhaus-tion, that’s not enough. Otherwise I’d stick entirely to running road races, which offers a similar chal-lenge followed almost immediately by the option of a hot shower.

The only thing I can think of that my Columbia solo trip gave me that other athletic endeavors could not was that hour-long window between dinner and the moment I was sure I would never again feel my fingers and toes. In that hour, I stared at the sky; I wandered the summit and examined the moon from different vantage points. On other trips in dif-ferent locations, it was perhaps sunrise or sunset, or alpenglow, or wildlife. It’s whichever view of the world makes me step outside of my usual day-to-day existence, the list of tasks done and chores yet to do, and simply be in the moment. It’s the image I can still conjure in my head months later, and the calm it brings me.

On Columbia, for just that hour, I allowed myself to stand in awe of my surroundings. In the valley far below, I could see the lights of the houses that belonged to the people who were beneath the same sky and yet probably not seeing what I was seeing. On most nights, I too would be missing out. At least on this one night, for this one hour, I could be present.//

A SKy WORTH STARING AT // PHOTO: HOLLy WEILER


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Out There Monthly, December 2013

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