In the late 50s and early 60s, surf culture was exploding all along the West Coast. Standing up on a board and then riding it down the face of a wave became a new way of life for many people who were eager to experience the outdoors in a whole new setting. Inevitably, this newly […]
Long Live the Mom n’ Pop Ski Shop: Let It Ride Read More »
Your boots are the most important piece of ski equipment you own – everything starts from your feet. Whether you are a first-time skier or a seasoned veteran of the slopes, having ski boots that fit properly can be the key to having a stellar day on the hill. Conversely, nothing is more miserable than
Boot Fitting for Dummies Read More »
Like most outdoor fitness activities, there is a dizzying array of gear available for both the classic and skate styles of Nordic (cross-country) skiing. Waxable or no-wax skis. At least three unique binding and boot systems. Poles that range in price from $20 to $1,000. This volume of options isn’t remarkable in our day of
A Brief History of Skinny Skis: The Evolution of Cross-Country Ski Gear Read More »
My MontBell Super Stretch down sleeping bag was the first piece of gear I ever named. This toasty sack with elastic baffles accommodates my fitful sleeping habits, everything from kicking legs and stomach sprawl sessions to restless rolling. I’ve spent more achingly comfortable nights in the thing than I can remember. But the pleasant fit
The Gear We Love and Can’t Let Go Read More »
With ski season upon us, there’s the question of what to munch on the slopes. Granola bars, veggie sticks, peanut butter sandwiches, fruit leather – move aside! Here are my top five, easy, healthy and creative solutions for refueling on the go as you’re out there enjoying the Inland Northwest winter wonderland. Better Granola Bars
Healthy Ski Snacks: Reinventing the Classics Read More »
My roots in the Crown of the Continent go as deep as my first wobbly steps on Earth. My folks came to the heart of the Crown with hope for a better life for themselves and their children. A handful of photos of the bob Marshall Wilderness in a 1985 issue of National Geographic sparked
Why I Ski: Lars Johansson, Silver Mountain Resort “I love being outside, being in the cold, the solitude, the sounds of the mountains.” Lars Johansson It’s rare to find Lars Johansson without a grin radiating through his bushy beard. It is obvious he enjoys people and the great outdoors. He spends a lot of time
Kids love to climb: trees, rocks, walls, whatever. And they’re naturals at it too. As a parent, you have some options when dealing with your child’s monkey-like behavior this winter. You could discourage the climbing instinct by nudging them gently towards more traditional ground-based activities and team sports, but why not help them cultivate their
Let Your Kids Climb the Walls This Winter with Wild Walls’ Youth Climbing Programs Read More »
It’s heart sinking. You look around and ask, “Where’s my bike?” The answer you deny is, “It’s gone.” You look again and again to make sure. But it’s gone. I’ve experienced this twice myself. When I was six, my very first bike was taken from my front yard. When I was 15, the first bike
Fighting Back Against Bike Theft Read More »
