With the growing popularity of fat biking on snow-covered trails, more people are confronted with the question of what to wear to keep warm without overheating and getting drenched in sweat. John Drumm, store manager and resident fat bike expert at Fitness Fanatics in Spokane Valley has some thoughtful fat biking gear advice based on […]
Fat Bike Gear: What to Wear to Stay Warm and Dry Read More »
The Methow Valley’s skiing, scenery, and extensive trail system has been getting attention in recent years well beyond the Pacific Northwest for being the nation’s largest cross-country ski area. For good reason too. 120 miles of well-groomed, peaceful Nordic trails with a growing network of fat bike and snowshoe trails nestled in the majestic North
Winthrop Winter Wonderland: Ski, Bike, Snowshoe 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 »
The Skinny Ski Solution for Winter Fitness and Fun Ever 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
Confessions of a Cross-country Skier Read More »
Leavenworth really knows how to get people’s warm fuzzy Christmassy feelings flowing, thanks to the town’s annual Christmas Lighting Festival. Now in its 44th year, it includes: live music; Santa strolling through the Bavarian Village passing out candy canes and visiting with children; and a ceremony that culminates in a spectacular moment when all the
Roadtrip: Leavenworth Tree-Lighting Fest Read More »
Central Oregon’s hip/artsy/outdoorsy vibe is best conveyed by the town of Sisters (3,180’ elev.)—a friendly destination to pursue a wide array of outdoor recreation. It’s the third point of a triangle that includes the larger cities of Bend, to the southeast, and Redmond, to the east. Bordering the 1.6 million acre Deschutes National Forest, the
Roadtrip: Sisters, Oregon Read More »
GET YOUR MOUNTAIN CULTURE FIX IN ROSSLAND, B.C. Just north of the border, about three hours from Spokane, Rossland, B.C. is a laid back mountain town with an amazing stream of cultural events and offerings. Sure, many who visit Rossland tend to come for the renowned mountain biking trails or the legendary powder dumps up
Don’t Wait For Snow – 10 Ideas for Planning Your Winter Adventure Now Read More »
GET YOUR MOUNTAIN CULTURE FIX IN ROSSLAND, B.C. Just north of the border, about three hours from Spokane, Rossland, B.C. is a laid back mountain town with an amazing stream of cultural events and offerings. Sure, many who visit Rossland tend to come for the renowned mountain biking trails or the legendary powder dumps up
Don’t Wait For Snow: 10 Ideas for Planning Your Winter Adventure Now Read More »
Everyone can have a “lake place” if you consider all the public campgrounds and backcountry alpine lakes that are available for little to no cost. Only a two-hour drive from Spokane, Priest Lake is one of mine. It provides an easy, low-cost retreat even for minimalist outdoor recreationists—you don’t need a boat to have fun.
Boatless At Priest Lake: Everyone Can Hike, Bike And Camp At The Big Lake Read More »
There are only a handful of critters that share the wintery wonderland of our mountains with intrepid snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and downhill sliders. Earlier this season, friends saw a small heard of elk under the lift at 49 Degrees North, likely moving to lower elevations. Moose love to mess up the freshly groomed ski deck
