The Rich History of Rope Tows, Tramways and Ski Lifts on Mt. Spokane The first rope tow was invented in 1908 in Germany’s Black Forest by Robert Winterhalder. It wasn’t until 1933 that Alec Foster installed the first rope tow in North America at Shawbridge near Montreal. In 1934 Bob and Betty Royce built their […]
Artifacts: Ski Lift Origins Read More »
4 Ways Veteran and First-Time Skiers and Riders Can Get Involved Every January, resorts around North America, including right here in the Inland Northwest, celebrate Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month by offering excellent deals on lessons, rentals and lift tickets for adults and kids who want to get outside and learn to ski or
Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month Read More »
Learn about three hiking routes to explore the ski terrain during fall at Mt. Spokane, 49 Degrees North/Chewelah Peak, and Lookout Pass.
3 Fall Hikes in Inland NW Ski Country Read More »
Off the record, a handful of ski patrollers I spoke with admit that they’ve noticed an increase in that “funny smell you occasionally notice” on the ski lifts. But none of the patrollers I interviewed could say for certain that marijuana use has increased at their respective ski and snowboard parks this season after recreational
Marijuana in the Mountains: How Are Washington Ski Resorts Handling Legalization? Read More »
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
Snowshoeing with Children: Tips for Keeping Warm and Having Fun Read More »
The Grind, one of the largest open ski and snowboard rail jams on the West Coast that attracts hundreds of spectators and up to 90 competitors, is held in an unlikely location – behind the library on the Eastern Washington University campus in Cheney, a small college town surrounded by rolling Palouse wheat fields and
The Grind: How the Region’s Biggest Rail Jam Came to EWU and Why You Need to Be There Read More »
Jumping out of the helicopter onto the top of a remote Alaskan peak, literally on the edge of a razor between two massively steep faces, Teton Gravity Research athlete Sage Cattabriga-Alosa tiptoes to the edge and pauses to double check his line. He takes several quick, shallow breathes and radios to the film crew with
Time to Get Stoked: Inland Northwest Fall Ski Film Ritual Read More »
If you hike or ride a bike or horse on the many miles of trails in the Inland Northwest, then you are the perfect candidate for a Washington Trails Association volunteer trail project. Trail building and maintenance is fun and rewarding, and most volunteers leave with a new appreciation for the effort that goes into
Washington Trails Association: From Hiking Journal to Trail Heroes Read More »
During the sunny, warmer months, citizens of the Northwest find as many opportunities to get outdoors as possible. One of the best ways to enjoy the sunshine and soak in some music is by visiting a few of the many bluegrass, folk, Americana, and other local music festivals scattered throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
Summer Festival Guide: Hit the Road for Some Music in the Mountains Read More »
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to planning out a summer full of adventure here in the Inland Northwest. With recommendations for families, casual adventurers, and those in search of more hardcore challenges to push their limits, there’s a trip and a place in here for anyone who loves the outdoors. Visit someplace
