The parking lot at Warm Springs Creek trailhead was empty, unusual for a Friday afternoon, even in the depths of winter. Across Highway 12, the Lochsa River, normally tumultuous – its name Nez Perce for “rough water” – lay suspended mid-churn. Meanwhile, just downstream, improbably in the sub-zero chill that flash-froze sweat, Warm Springs Creek […]
Lolo to Lochsa: Winter Adventure Along the Hot Springs Highway Read More »
There are three things that I really love about skiing. The first is taking my boots off. The second is taking my boots off. The third is enjoying some adult beverages with friends in the lodge bar. Over the years, I will admit that I have frequented more than a few of the region’s alpine
Ski Bum Advice: 4 People You Might Meet in a Lodge Bar Read More »
In the midst of advancing snowshoe technology, Francois Sylvain and Nils Larsen (who calls northeast Washington home) conceived of Altai Skis and the Hok, a product that melds the qualities of a snowshoe and a ski. The Hok combines the maneuverability and ease of use found in snowshoes with a ski’s efficiency of sliding forward
It’s a Snowshoe, It’s a Ski: Actually, It’s a Hok from Altai Skis Read More »
Whether you’re a ski-bum or a middle-aged shredder, improve your street cred on the hill with these 26 ski lingo terms.
Talk Like a Skier: Gaper’s Guide to Ski Lingo Read More »
Are you a social skier with a backcountry touring set-up looking for a unique way to get out for a night tour with some added perks in the form of food and drink that doesn’t come in a wrapper or hydration pack? Have you always wanted to try skinning up a mountain in a fun,
Mt. Spokane Ski Touring at Night with Dinner and Drinks this Friday! Read More »
When people talk about 49, they often use words like “family friendly” or “laid back.” I know what they mean, but those descriptions don’t quite get at the character – the feel and vibe – that permeates the place. It may be difficult to define, but you can experience the essence of that character on
Spirit Of A Mountain: 49 Degrees North Read More »
“Skiing transcends into so many other sports, so it’s a great way to spend time on the mountain,” says Todd Ecklund, the lead tech who oversees the junior ski lease program at Sports Authority’s Spokane Valley store. By age three, most children are ready to learn how to ski – and even younger toddlers can
Teaching Kids to Ski 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 »
In a few months, Olympic enthusiasts everywhere will be glued to the TV to watch their fill of all things snow and ice. But in between bouts of figure skating and freestyle skiing, we might see a different sport edging into the prime-time coverage: biathlon. The combination of cross-country skiing and precision shooting, biathlon is
Guns, Lycra, and Skinny Skis: Biathlons Catch on in the Inland Northwest Read More »
OTM Tested, Holiday Approved Patagonia Activist Shoes Looking for a lightweight, super comfortable, water-resistant sneaker-style shoe that you won’t want (or need) to take off your feet as you move between home, office, crag or camp? I fell for the Patagonia Activist shoes at first sight. They remind me of a more modern, functional version
Editor’s Outdoor Gear Picks Read More »
