Back when I was going through college on the 8 year plan, I paid the bills and satisfied my gear addiction by working as a boot fitter at a couple of local ski shops. After a few years of service in this highly esteemed profession, I came to a few realizations. One, I needed to […]
Ski Bum Advice: 10 Signs You Need New Ski Boots Read More »
Brad 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. 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
Buying New Ski Gear – Alpine Boots Read More »
A hesitant swimmer dives into open water for a cause bigger than herself. By Ammi Midstokke Cover photo courtesy of Ammi Midstokke One hundred thousand years ago, humans embarked on their first known and intentional swims, diving into the Mediterranean Sea in search of clams and marine meals. While they witnessed many forms of mammalian life instinctually paddling through
Baptism by Open Water Read More »
These hiking boots are built for wet conditions and snow-packed trails, making them a great choice for spring hikes here in the Inland Northwest, where high-mountain trails can hold snow well into summer. Featuring an abrasion-resistant mid-cut upper, external toe cap and full rubber strip covering the sole joint, Salewa went the extra mile to make these boots waterproof, breathable and immune to the elements. The traction is also
Salewa Puez 2 Mid Hiking Boot Read More »
Cover photo courtesy of Silver Mountain If you’ve ever tried to pitch a bike-park weekend to someone convinced it’s all double-black diamonds and full-face helmets, Silver Mountain Resort makes the conversation easier. In Kellogg, the same gondola that hauls skiers in winter becomes a summer shuttle for downhill laps, a scenic ride for nonriders and a low-effort way to
Cover photo courtesy of Evergreen Gear Exchange By Lisa Laughlin If you visit the “who we are” section on Evergreen Gear Exchange’s website, their preferred company salutation—”Heyo!”—will begin to paint the picture of the shop atmosphere for you. When you walk in the doors, the casual, welcoming vibe is second only to the visual delight
Evergreen Gear Exchange: Adventure, Reused Read More »
DISCOVER THE SWEET SPOT BETWEEN SUN & SNOW By Melissa Thompstone Cover photo courtesy of Ashley Voykin As the snow melts and the trails dry, most mountain town destinations prepare for “shoulder season.” But what does that really mean? Dictionary.com defines it as “the period between a destination’s peak (high) season and off-peak (low) season, when demand
DON’T GIVE US THE COLD SHOULDER: Read More »
Cover photo courtesy of Kevin Knight By Ryan Stemkoski A man does not usually walk into a fly shop expecting his life to change. He comes looking for a rod, a reel, a handful of flies, and perhaps a little advice. Sometimes, he comes with curiosity and uncertainty, hoping someone behind the counter can help
What I learned at a women’s ski clinic By Bri Loveall Cover photo courtesy of Bri Loveall Here’s how I learned to ski: when I was 10, I took a weeklong ski class. Five years later, I told my best friend I was good enough to ski with her family. I wasn’t. I spent the
More Than a Lesson Read More »
Helping kids build resilience and learn to love the ski hill By Bri Loveall Cover photo courtesy of Bri Loveall Before teaching my kids to ski, I received a lot of really helpful advice: private lessons, ski school, hula hoops instead of ski harnesses, and even recruiting a grandparent. Last fall, we finally committed and
The Art of Discomfort Read More »
