When I first heard about SheJumps, I was at an all-women’s introductory clinic on avalanche and snow safety at Stevens Pass in 2013. The class is put on annually by Elyse Saugstad, Ingrid Backstrom, Michelle Parker, Jackie Paaso and Lel Tone – professional female skiers at the top of their game. The clinic, called S.A.F.E. […]
SheJumps: Connecting Like-minded Ladies with a Love of the Outdoors Read More »
This winter will go down as one of the toughest seasons on record for Northwest winter sports enthusiasts, ski resorts and shops. If you have boards gathering dust in your gear room, look on the bright side. Next year has got to be better (knock, knock…). Winters like this one are a good reminder that
The Art of Adaptability Read More »
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 »
 I rolled over into a cloud of pillows so cozy and warm, I thought there was no other place I’d rather be. Then I remembered it was the Coldsmoke Powder Festival, and I had a pass to the entire weekend at Whitewater Ski Resort. We had planned a little weekend getaway to Nelson, B.C. to
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 »
We get a lot of requests to review or test a lot of outdoor gear from around the world, and we only follow up on a handful of requests each season to highlight cool, unique, and quality items that we think are worthy of sharing with our readers. Here are a few worth of sharing.
Editor’s Holiday Gear Picks Read More »
Cool, creative outdoor oriented gifts are sure to make certain people on your holiday shopping list smile (tip: you can also leave these pages open with items circled for your significant other or send a copy home to your parents). These gift ideas from local retailers and local outdoor gear companies right here in the
Play Local, Shop Local: Inland NW Outdoor Gift Guide Read More »
Is Spokane a Ski Town? Hometown Ski Industry Icons Weigh In It’s 7 a.m. on a cold, clear Thursday morning in January. The city’s collective daily grind is well underway as the sun barely pushes over the horizon. Today, as with any other winter weekday, the commute on Spokane’s freeways and city streets represents a
Is Spokane a Ski Town? Read More »
With the fall rains setting in, it’s best not to take for granted that things like your rain jacket, and other seasonal gear you may not have used for a while, are still capable of serving their intended purpose. I once stuffed my aging Black Diamond winter tent into my pack for a weekend trip
Does Your Rain Jacket Leak? Time for a Shoulder Season Gear Check Up Read More »
