January 2015

George Hughbanks looking over his options before setting a route. Photo: Brad Myers

Every Winter, Climbers Flock to Indoor Gyms–But Who Puts Up All Those New Routes?

Just as a grizzly bear finds a dry den to wait out winter, the same can be said for our local climbing community. With the onset of foul weather, many Spokane area climbers seek refuge at Wild Walls. And so I wondered, with an influx in demand, who sets all those flashy new routes week […]

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Kristi and Owen taking a snuggle break. Photo: Aaron Theisen

Snowshoeing with Children: Tips for Keeping Warm and Having Fun

It’s common in Nordic countries for parents to put their toddlers, swaddled in a pram, outside for their noontime nap, even in the chill of winter. The thinking goes that exposure to cold outside air can stave off wintertime colds, in addition to getting little ones accustomed to wintertime temps. Even if parents here aren’t

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Travis and Liz celebrate at the finish line after 26.2 miles.

Marathons Don’t Just Happen: First Time Training Advice to Get You Closer to Your Goal

Thinking about signing up for your first marathon, half marathon, or other long race this year? Now, while the snow and ice still occupy city streets and forest trails, is the time to transition from thinking to beginning your training regimen. Starting early in the year, say experienced runners with many miles and races under

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Dressed for the weather. Photo: Hank Greer

Winter Bike Commuting in the Inland NW: 5 Steps to Make it Fun

It takes some preparation, a little planning, and a touch of patience, but winter commuting is very doable in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint and many other towns around the colder, snowier regions of the Pacific Northwest. Yes, it gets cold, but most of the time the roads are clear. And when road conditions are bad,

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"Loppet" translates as "ski marathon" or any cross-country skiing event that's over 20 miles long.

Don’t Knock it Until You Loppet: Take the Mount Spokane Nordic Challenge

As an avid Nordic skier, I’m always on the lookout for fun events to scratch my competitive itch. So when I saw an advertisement for the “Spokane Nordic Challenge Loppet,” I was naturally intrigued. Now, what exactly is a “loppet”? I polled my coworkers, and their guesses ranged from logical to absurd: A large rabbit, a Scandinavian folk dance,

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OH CANADA! Nelson Kootenay Lake Region Crowned the “Cat Ski Capital of the World”

Looking for the equivalent of a casino buffet of fresh powder this winter? In the greater Nelson Kootenay Lake area three hours north of Spokane, cat skiing has become kind of a big deal. There are now five cat skiing operators working the region, which adds up to more cat-ski companies, terrain and snow than

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