This holiday season, OTM makes your shopping easy with our Local Holiday Gift Guide. There’s no need to search far and wide for gifts for your fellow outdoorsy folk and other loved ones who appreciate unique, locally-procured gifts. There are so many good reasons to shop locally for the holidays. We’ve compiled a wide range of unique and useful gifts that just might cover every name on your list. Thank you for shopping locally and for supporting the Out There Monthly advertisers who make each issue possible! (EG)
Avalanche Beacon
Give the gift of practicality with an avalanche beacon. Avalanche transceivers are essential for backcountry snow travel and help ease your mind about your loved one’s safety. Choose from several different models with varying features and prices ranging from under $200 to $300 and up at Mountain Gear and Tri-state Outfitters. (EG)
Snowshoes
Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside and enjoy the winter scenery while being active. Whether you’re a pro, or are just getting started, Mountain Gear and Tri-State Outfitters have set-ups for beginners in the $100 range and sets for more adventurous trail-blazing in the $200-300 range. (EG)
Kids Goggles
Kids need to be protected when skiing or snowboarding, and that includes having a good pair of goggles. The Uvex Speedy Pro Jr Goggle from Traverse Ski and Bike ($24.99) does the trick. Available in six stylish colors, the goggles are wide enough to see the whole slope and are scratch free. Reliable infrared and UV protection seal the deal. (EG)
U.S.A-Made Snowboard
When Spokane’s Wintersport ski and board shop recently closed its doors forever, Division Street neighbor Sports Outlet stepped up to take on the shop’s Lib Tech snowboard stock. This is great news if you’re looking to buy a board made in the U.S. (Seattle to be exact) with environmentally responsible materials and technologies. Lib Tech also makes surfboards, skateboards and skis. (DK)
Adventure Belts
The last thing you want to worry about when skiing or hiking is your clothes bunching or getting uncomfortable. The Adventure Belt, available at Spokane Alpine Haus allows you to get out there, whether it be hiking, skating, or snowboarding, and maintain comfort. The belt features a low profile design and high-grade weatherproof materials ($26). (EG)
Ultimate Ski Bum Flannel
Combining the easy-wearing comfort of a flannel on one side with the warmth and water-resistance of a jacket when it’s turned inside out, the Fort Point Flannel from The North Face will brave mild winter weather and look stylish doing it. The reversible, lightly-insulated, water-resistant men’s jacket has a relaxed fit that leaves room for baselayers, and the adjustable hem is plenty cinchable. Pick one up for $99 at The North Face headquarters downtown Spokane. (DK)
Swix Alpine Glide Wax Kit
If you take care of your equipment, it will take care of you! The Swix Alpine Glide Wax Kit will help keep the life in your skis. This kit, from Spokane Alpine Haus, is perfect for beginners or experts. Sport waxing iron, three bars of wax for any condition, stiff nylon brush, and scraper are included. (EG)
Lift Ticket Packs
All five local ski resorts (Mt. Spokane, 49 Degrees North, Silver Mountain, Lookout Pass and Schweitzer) offer lift ticket deals that make great gifts and will save skiers and riders cash from not having to pay the ticket window price. For the ultimate gift, introduce someone new to skiing or snowboarding with a learn-to-ski package that includes lift tickets, gear rentals and lessons. (DK)
Kids Ski Package
If you missed the gear lease program this year at your local shop, you can still buy an kids’ Elan ski and binding package for your little shredder from Sports Outlet for only $199, and the set-up is yours to keep, sell or pass along at the end of the season. Sizes for ages 3-12 range from 70-130. (DK)
Ski/Snowshoe Hybrid
The Hok ski/snowshoe hybrid from Curlew, Washington-based Altai Skis, is designed as an easy to use ski for the backcountry with an integrated climbing skin that makes climbing easy and sliding downhill fun. Bridging cross-country skis and snowshoes, Hok skis combine the maneuverability and ease of use found in snowshoes with the ski’s efficiency of sliding forward. Find a pair of Hoks with improved design and new graphics at Mountain Gear. ($219-$337) (DK) //
Contributing Writers: Amy Silbernagel McCaffree, Derrick Knowles, Elena Gardner and Jon Jonckers
