Snow camping separates the die-hard backpackers from the rest of us who simply tolerate it or enjoy it for its best moments of adventure and serene wilderness. Those that love it with a particular zeal, however, share an unbridled passion for winter splendor-shoveling a level spot for pitching a tent, digging into snow to build […]
Roadtrip: Snow Camping at Copper Lake Read More »
Want to be a professional skier? Step One: Learn to ski as soon as possible. Step Two: Continue to seek mountains that will challenge you. Step Three: Get your picture taken. Step Four: Keep pushing yourself. At least, that’s what Cheney-grown Micah Black did. The freeskiing superstar got his start in the world of skiing
What’s Your Gear? Micah Black, Freestyle Skier Read More »
“SO WHAT’S THIS COLD SMOKE POWDER FESTIVAL ANYWAY?” A dreadlocked, lip-ringed snowboarder chick blurted this question at me half way up the Summit Chair on day three of last year’s debut of the Cold Smoke Festival at Whitewater Resort. She had noticed my laminated media pass flapping in the wind, and I admitted that I
Cold Smoke Powder Fest Is Hot Read More »
The Alpine Club of Canada is looking for a few good skiers. Volunteers are needed to help baby-sit the one of North America’s best backcountry skiing destinations, the Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadows) Hut in Northern British Columbia. What? You’ve never heard of the Bill Putnam Hut? It’s about 400 miles directly north of Spokane and
The Coolest Backcountry Ski Gig Read More »
The Winter Camping Handbook Stephen Gorman The Countryman Press, 2007, 224 pages. The Winter Camping Handbook falls dead center in between Camping For Dummies and Freedom Of The Hills. On the one hand, an outdoorsman with a foggy recollection of Boy Scout preparedness could still siphon a good deal of knowledge from this book. On
Book Reviews: November 2007 Read More »
Every outdoor pursuit has its hazard. For mountain bikers, it may be a rut or a rock garden in a steep, technical downhill stretch. If you’re a surfer or kayaker, you’re always susceptible to a sneaker wave or hole waiting to school your ass. And wilderness trekkers may have to contend with lions, tigers, bears
Beat The Crowds, Find The Powder: The Dos And Don’ts Of Backcountry Skiing Read More »
At this year’s Outdoor Retailer Winter Market my favorite exhibitors weren’t the big names like North Face, Columbia, or Teva. I love visiting the little guys in the small booths with nothing more than an innovative idea and a prayer. Vaughn Outdoor makes the CZIP glove. These are sweet winter gloves with leather fingers and
Editorial: Three Great Gimicky Gifts Read More »
Want to be a professional skier? Step One: Learn to ski as soon as possible. Step Two: Continue to seek mountains that will challenge you. Step Three: Get your picture taken. Step Four: Keep pushing yourself. At least, that’s what Cheney-grown Micah Black did. The freeskiing superstar got his start in the world of skiing
What’s Your Gear? Micah Black, Freestyle Skier Read More »
By Andrea Bates Your road trip is overdue. Throw a dart on the map. Maybe you’ll get lucky and hit Ymir (pronounced Wy-mur), British Columbia which is an easy three-hour drive from Spokane, and just 20 minutes south of Nelson. Now throw your skis in the truck and go have fun with Wildhorse Catskiing and
Catskiing in the Kootenays: Hit the Backcountry In Southern BC Read More »
“Nordic skiing is a sport you can do as long as you’re active, because it’s not hard on your body. I see nordic skiers in their 60’s to 80’s, which you don’t see on downhill runs,” says Robin DuRuwe, owner of Fitness Fanatics in Spokane and an 18-year veteran of the sport that’s also known
Freeheelburnin’: Super Cross Country/Nordic Ski Guide Read More »
