Little Ripper: Landon McCaffree at Mt. Spokane
From toddler skier to pre-teen, a young skier from Mt. Spokane, and son of a ski patroller, shares why he loves to ski.
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Mt Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park
Little Rippers of the Inland NW
Every time I’m on the mountain, witnessing the next generation of skiers and snowboarders tearing it up, I feel hopeful and excited for the future. These kids—thanks to their parents, instructors, and coaches—are daring, brave, and strong, from the bunny hill toddler snowplowing S-turns to the pre-teen blazing down a black diamond. Here are four
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Ski Programs for Kids & Families this Winter
Ski Programs for Kids & Families this Winter Local ski mountain staff are stoked for winter and to welcome guests including young skiers and riders and their parents back to the slopes. Sadly, what caused our season to abruptly end last spring has created new challenges this winter. Particularly in the Inland Northwest, where interstate
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Skiing in the COVID Era
By Amy McCaffree & Derrick Knowles The COVID-19 pandemic is picking up steam this fall like a deep-winter storm cycle, yet our regional ski and snowboard resorts are feeling positive about being able to provide a safe experience this season. From adding online, limited contact ticket sales to expanded outdoor hangout areas, mask requirements and social distancing for indoor spaces, and group size limits for lessons,
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Local Resorts—What’s New for the Season
Sponsored by the Ski the NW Rockies Association Resorts With COVID-19 thrown into the mix of what could be one of the snowiest and coldest winters in years, local resorts are stepping up to create a safe, fun, and convenient ski and snowboard experience like never before. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect
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Seamless Corduroy
Riding along with a Ski Groomer Snow date: Winter 2019. We have landed on the snowy lunar surface and are preparing our mission to create the perfect seamless corduroy. Excuse the “nerd out,” but I am climbing into Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park’s newest groomer, a PistenBully 400 EV. There are so many joysticks,
Little Rippers: The Cline Brothers – Local Mt. Spokane Snowboarders
While riding the park or in the powder-filled trees at Mt. Spokane, there are two little rippers to look out for. The Cline brothers, Wyatt, 12, and Owen, 14, are humble, stylish, and ride hard. They rip, stomp, and are extremely passionate about snowboarding. The brothers are sponsored by Capita Snowboards, Union Bindings, Smith Goggles,
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Linebacker in the Lift Line at Mt. Spokane
A folded-up newspaper on top of a blue lunch bag in Mount Spokane’s patrol lodge lets me know that Tom MacLeod is already skiing first tracks. Over six feet tall and fit, charming, and friendly, MacLeod—who turns 67 this January—is a regular at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park. He has been a season pass
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Historical Roots of Local Ski Resorts
49° North Mountain Resort Chewelah Peak Ski Club, founded in 1935, was the first to install a cable tow on the mountain, with permission from the U.S. Forest Service. The two-story lodge was completed in 1950, followed by a double chairlift a year later. By 1968, however, the ski area had closed down, only to
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