Ski Artifacts: The Rope Tow
Nearly 90 years ago the first rope tows were installed on slopes across the snowy places of the U.S. In 1937, the first rope tows in the West chugged into action at Snoqualmie Summit, Mount Rainier, and Mount Baker.
ski history
Remembering Off-Piste Magazine
Off-Piste is no longer available in the classic and often collected black and white newsprint version, but during its run was issued four times a year. Yet the essential elements of the magazine remain on the website at Offpistemag.com, which hosts gear reviews, beta on where to ski, soulful narratives about winter backcountry travel, trailers for independent ski films, and avalanche safety resources.
The History of the Wandermere Ski Hill
Today’s Wandermere Golf Course, located in the Little Spokane River Valley north of Spokane, is perhaps best known for, well, golf. The property has an interesting history, however, thanks to the Ross family of Spokane, who dreamed of creating a year-round recreational playground. In the 1930s, they decided the place wouldn’t be complete without a …
The Case of the Old Wooden Skis
It had been a long week, and I was looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday, sipping coffee in my pajamas, and binge-watching some shows on Netflix. Instead, I was summoned to help family load up furniture from an estate sale. My back hurt just thinking about loading up the furniture. But on Saturday morning, …
Long Live the Ski Bus
Why would anyone climb into a cramped bus, awkwardly carrying objects with sharpened edges, unwieldy poles, helmets, and goggles while walking in big, clunky boots? On the ski bus, more often than not, you end up sitting next to the park rat, who may not have washed his jersey in the last few weeks—only to …
Powder Magazine Lists Spokane as an Emerging Ski Town
The December 2017 issue of “Powder Magazine” recently reported that five ski resorts are “all within 70 miles [of Spokane] and the average season pass price to ski them is $421, and just $58 for an adult full-day lift ticket.” In a nutshell, the Inland Northwest is among the most affordable places to ski in …
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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 …
Loulou’s Ski Museum
In the past, Loulou’s Ski Shop was the local place to go for all your alpine ski equipment. Founded in 1973 by Loulou Kneubuhler, this little shop provided great service and ski equipment for Spokane and the surrounding area. Loulou’s Ski Shop had the expertise and knowledge to equip and fit every level of skier. …
Looking Back at the Spokane Mountaineers (1968-1976)
In 1968 the Spokane Mountaineers hosted then-Congressman Tom Foley at the club chalet on Mount Spokane to discuss conservation issues and other hot topics. Another piece of big news during this period included the opening of the North Cascade Highway to the public. On the skiing front, club members skied at Jackass Ski Bowl (aka …
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Mt. Spokane Plane Crashes
A Backcountry Adventure Sometimes a hike is just a hike. Sometimes picking huckleberries is just another excuse to explore. Sometimes we find strange and unusual things in our State Parks, and it starts a new chapter in our lives. Mat Walden lives near Elk, at the base of Mount Spokane, and he thoroughly enjoys living …