Between bike shop advertisements and outdoor articles over the past couple of months, you can’t help but notice that the popularity of fat bikes is climbing beyond the “cool and unique” level. Plus, more ski resorts are finding that skiers and bikers can peacefully coexist on at least some Nordic trails, further increasing your riding […]
Where to Roll a Fatty (In the Snow) Read More »
Kahtoola Winter Running Spikes Flagstaff based winter footwear traction company Kahtoola produces running and hiking spikes and crampons as well as snowshoes to make it easier and safer for people to get outside doing the things they love in the winter. They also give you one less excuse to use for bailing on a winter
Kahtoola Winter Running Spikes Read More »
It was Saturday March 1, the day before the Spokane Nordic 20/30/50K Challenge Loppet, and I was at Mt. Spokane setting up in the Selkirk Lodge. The preceding couple of days had included a dozen emails back and forth discussing whether to cancel the event, and today was proof of why some of the people
The Best Worst Day of the Season Read More »
From its proximity to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and its residents’ top-secret involvement in the Manhattan Project to its otherwise quiet reputation as Washington’s agricultural heartland, the Tri-Cities are used to being off the radar. But Kennewick, Richland and Pasco have quietly begun to develop a reputation as an outdoor recreation destination amidst one of
Winter Riding in the Tri-Cities: Sun, Sagebrush, and Singletrack 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 »
Thinking about signing up for your first marathon, half marathon, or other long race this year? Now, while the snow and ice still occupy city streets and forest trails, is the time to transition from thinking to beginning your training regimen. Starting early in the year, say experienced runners with many miles and races under
Marathons Don’t Just Happen: First Time Training Advice to Get You Closer to Your Goal Read More »
As an avid Nordic skier, I’m always on the lookout for fun events to scratch my competitive itch. So when I saw an advertisement for the “Spokane Nordic Challenge Loppet,” I was naturally intrigued. Now, what exactly is a “loppet”? I polled my coworkers, and their guesses ranged from logical to absurd: A large rabbit, a Scandinavian folk dance,
Don’t Knock it Until You Loppet: Take the Mount Spokane Nordic Challenge Read More »
When I found a shriveled up piece of last year’s fruit in my backcountry ski pack that had petrified and attached itself to my climbing skins, I could have taken that sign as a bad omen for the ski season ahead. That early December night, the snow we had been counting on turned to rain
Winter Adventure is All Around Us Read More »
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 »
