By Melissa Thompstone  

Cover photo courtesy of BJ Reid and Tourism Rossland

Planning your dream ski vacation shouldn’t feel like work—we do enough of that already. Luckily, Rossland, British Columbia, Canada makes it easy, so you don’t have to choose between untouched lines, chairlift laps or groomed tracks. Whether you are into cross-country, backcountry, downhill or cat skiing, Rossland, B.C., offers you a winter playground fully loaded with fresh powder, no lineups and a terrain for every taste, all just minutes from downtown. In Rossland, ski days often start with a good coffee and a decision—skate, skin, groomer or glades?  

XC Skiing at Black Jack 

If Nordic, skate-skiing or biathlon training is your idea of a perfect morning, Black Jack Ski Club proves that skinny skis can deliver big adventure. With 31 miles of trails ranging from flat beginner to World Cup difficulty, Black Jack has something for everyone—even your dog, with 2.5 miles of pup-approved trails. 

Typically running from early November through May, Black Jack offers one of the longest ski seasons in Canada. Once the snow hits, the groomers are out, and stay out all season long, with daily grooming and reports. If that doesn’t get you here, Black Jack is also open 24 hours with 1.5 miles of lit trails for night skiing, or you can do what the locals do and grab a headlamp or ski under the full moon. With three cozy day-use warming cabins along the trails, one at the lower trailhead, and a brand-new base lodge opening this winter, you might just want to make a whole day (and night) of it! For more info on Black Jack visit Skiblackjack.ca.  

Alpine Turns at RED Mountain Resort 

Once you’ve had your fill of corduroy classics, head across the highway for a little (or a lot) more elevation and legendary powder laps on repeat at RED Mountain Resort. It’s the oldest resort in Western Canada, and one of the top 10 size-wise in North America, with 3,850 skiable acres. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, then it probably doesn’t exist. From epic tree skiing, pristine powder, glorious groomers and in-bound cat skiing, there is something here for everyone. Not sure where to start? No problem—join one of RED Mountain’s free, guided tours with a local Snow Host, who will lead you across one or all of the five peaks, each offering a 360º descent. As a part of the Ikon Pass, you won’t want to miss this hidden gem only 123 miles from Spokane. But don’t take our word for it—you can find all the convincing you need right here at Redresort.com.   

Cat Skiing at Big Red Cats 

If you think RED’s in-bounds terrain is impressive, wait until you see what’s hiding just beyond its bounds. Big Red Cats is one of the largest cat ski operations in the world, with over 700 named runs, eight peaks, and 137 miles of snowcat roads spread out over 20,000 acres of terrain. The staging area is about 25 minutes down the highway from RED Mountain Resort, and from there it’s a quick cat ride to the top of your first of many runs. It would take at least two years to ski it all, so you know you are going to get a taste of that sweet B.C. champagne powder that will leave you wanting more. Big Red Cats offers different trip levels for different abilities. Staff will run you through an on-site safety training prior to skiing, as well as provide you with high-quality backcountry equipment for the day. The only thing left for you to do is get your friends or family together and book your trip at Bigredcatskiing.com.   

Backcountry Touring at Strawberry Pass 

If you’re craving some extra cardio, trade the cat for a climb and head to the Strawberry Pass, where uphill thrills and downhill bliss are all part of the adventure. Just 12 miles North of Rossland, you’ll find a network of winter routes and a chain of unique, day-use cabins to explore in the Rossland Range. This is genuine backcountry terrain, so you will need avalanche gear, the skills to use it, and the know-how to read the maps and mountains’ moods and sneaky surprises before you skin up and drop in. Be sure to check Avalanche.ca/map for current local snow conditions and visit Rosslandrange.org for downloadable maps, route info and a link to donate, as this area is managed by a group of dedicated volunteers. You will definitely earn your turns while taking in the beauty of the range, as Strawberry Pass delivers a backcountry experience that is just as rewarding as it is breathtaking.  

This little mountain town serves up four ski styles in one tight radius, and you can switch between them faster than your skis can fly. With plenty of accommodation options in town and at RED Mountain Resort, Rossland is closer than you think and is the ultimate hub for winter adventures. From freshly groomed cross-country trails at Black Jack, to adrenaline-pumping laps at RED, to untouched cat skiing with Big Red Cats and backcountry exploration at Strawberry Pass, there’s something here for every level of skier. Add in cozy cabins, local shops and cafés, and that unbeatable small-town charm, and you’ve got a winter playground that keeps you moving—and coming back for more. Or maybe you never leave.  

In Rossland, the mountains are always close, the powder is always fresh, and the never-ending adventures are just outside your door. So, besides the first snowfall, what are you waiting for?  

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This four-day celebration of alpine and backcountry ski and snowboard culture in the Kootenays takes place both on the slopes at Whitewater Ski Resort and in nearby Nelson, BC. Participants can take part in clinics, competitions, gear demos, and arts, cultural and social gatherings, like the Ranger Night at Backroads Brewing in Nelson and the Stellar Film Competition. On Feb. 22, Coldsmoke’s Backcountry Relay event will be a creative take on uphill relays, with team participants donning costumes while ski or splitboard touring uphill, using an avy beacon to find a hidden egg and firewood, then embarking on a slalom-style ski/board descent to the final task of starting a fire and cooking and eating the egg in a frying pan participants carry along on the entire relay. 

The Organic Slopestyle on Feb. 23 is also a popular spectacle. This human-powered, off-piste competition for skiers and snowboarders starts with a boot pack before participants incorporate natural features into their tricks and jumps through Whitewater’s breathtaking Powder Keg terrain. Coldsmoke clinic topics include managing avalanche terrain, park skills, a telemark meet-up, women’s freeride snowboarding, skiing/riding steeps and deeps, adventure photography, freeride jumps and tricks, and more. Skiwhitewater.com. (OTO) 

The post Coldsmoke Powder Fest, Feb. 20-23  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Tele Colo

Over the years skiing on telemark gear, I’ve encountered a few slogans from tele skiing’s zenith, some of them on faded stickers plastered to Subarus and others repeated by lifties with a Jeff Spicoli-esque cackle in the lift line as I approached: “Free your heel, ski for real.” Or, my favorite, “Free your heel, free your mind.” Are such sayings tired mantras of a dying sect of snow-sliding’s more archaic brethren? Or is there something significant about telemark that just won’t let it die? 

Telemark skiing on free-heel gear and the signature turn that involves the dropping of knees, scissoring of skis, and sometimes wild, dance-like movements down a mountain, was pioneered by Norwegian skier Sondre Norheim in the middle of the 19^th century. No doubt, the telemark style of skiing—which takes its name from Norheim’s home turf in the Telemark region of Norway—played a profound and foundational role in the evolution of skiing. But, time marched on, gear evolved, and modern fixed-heel alpine ski bindings, burly plastic boots, and fatter shaped skis have largely replaced their telemark forebearers on modern-day ski area and backcountry slopes.  

You don’t see too many skiers donning minimalist leather boots and 3-pin tele bindings on the lifts these days, although some still roam the hills in the backcountry. Yet, tele skiing and its devotees continue to persist at ski areas, most of them on modern tele gear that to most skiers look indistinguishable from all the other alpine skiers out on the snow. That is, until those heels lift up off of the skis in the shuffle to the lift line or the knees start dropping with each turn down the mountain. 

The Origins of Tele Ski Gear and the Persistence of the Free Heel 

For years, those looking to get into telemark only required an inexpensive 3-pin (think XC ski bindings) or cable binding setup and leather or plastic Nordic-style boots. While that style of tele gear is still widely available, affordable, and great for learning to tele ski or tour around in the backcountry on a budget, there were drawbacks with that gear for skiers wanting to keep up in the alpine world, including less power, control and stability, especially for beginners.  

Likely coinciding with the last major tele boom around 2010, when new NTN tele bindings (New Telemark Norm) hit the scene, the number of new tele converts at alpine ski areas grew, even as the trend in backcountry skiing continued to see former tele skiers converting to fixed-heel AT gear. With the rise of NTN, beginner and veteran free heelers finally had access to gear that was comparable in many ways to that of their modern alpine skier cousins, while still providing the flexible, free-heel movement that defines telemark skiing.  

A long-time Inland Northwest backcountry and telemark skier and the owner of Altai Skis in Curlew, Wash., 70-year-old Nils Larsen’s life has been so inspired by and intertwined with free-heel and backcountry skiing that he named his daughter after the aforementioned telemark founder Sondre Norheim. After being a part of several other boom and bust times in the world of telemark, Larsen observes that the telemark scene, at least regionally, has been at a low ebb in general but certainly not dead.  

“The whole ‘tele is dead’ thing is a little overblown,” says Larsen. “There are still plenty of people in my age group doing it and a growing cohort of younger skiers getting into it.”  

Though as Larsen and other veteran tele skiers readily admit, telemark skiing is definitely past its high point in the ‘90s. The sport has changed a lot too, says Larsen. “I feel like tele has veered off from its origins, constantly trying to catch up with alpine skiing with stiffness and power. It’s a little bit of false narrative,” he says. “Tele is never going to be the same as alpine. It should be its own thing.”  

To that point, Larsen’s company Altai Skis makes free-heeled skis with built-in traction to allow them to both climb and descend without the need for climbing skins, additional traction or to learn the tele turn. Inspired by the origins of skiing in the Altai Mountains of China, where they’ve been used as a tool for backcountry travel and hunting for millennia, Larsen’s skis, including the Hok that’s popular with snowshoers and skiers looking to tour around any size hills or mountains, have seen increased interest and sales in recent years.  

Larsen says that many skiers first gravitated to telemark back in the earlier days as a way to ski in the backcountry. “AT didn’t really exist in the U.S. back then and you could go out with this super light and inexpensive tele system and ski in the backcountry.” As alpine touring (AT) gear became a more popular and affordable setup for backcountry skiing, however, tele gear began collecting dust in many skiers’ garages. Still, some long-time tele skiers resisted locking down their heels and new telemark skiers of all ages continue to bolster the ranks of free-heelers every year, making the discipline surprisingly resilient at both resorts and on backcountry terrain.  

Larsen attributes this phenomenon to the aesthetic appeal of the telemark turn and freedom of movement in the gear. “It’s never going to be as functional or powerful as alpine, but it doesn’t have to be. We don’t ski because it’s functional, we ski because it’s pleasurable.” 

Today’s Tele Fanatics and the Modern Gear Many Ride On 

Shelley Kovacs and Marc Schanfarber, both tele instructors at 49 Degrees North, have an appreciation for the minimalist free-heel legacy, but are also proponents of modern NTN tele gear at ski areas, emphasizing how it has made tele so much more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.  

“Things have evolved so that you can do many of the same things on tele gear as alpine gear now that wasn’t formerly possible, or harder to accomplish with older 75mm equipment,” says Schanfarber, referring to early Nordic-sized tele boots and bindings.  

Compared to alpine ski gear, any type of tele equipment allows a skier to lift their heel and walk and move and climb. You can do parallel alpine turns or tele turns, all with added boot comfort and the freedom of expanded movement created by the unattached heel, Schanfarber explains.  

What sets newer NTN boots and bindings apart from the more traditional tele gear, however, is greater power and control—things that are especially handy for those skiing at resorts, in the park, or on aggressive backcountry terrain. Mark Beatie, longtime Mountain Gear boot fitter and telemark gear specialist who’s also a tele instructor, agrees that the gear has gotten so much better. “It offers better fit, more safety and significant improvement in control and energy transmission.” On the downside, he adds, “It is coming at a dramatic increase in price.”  

Beatie also points out that the technique has evolved right along with the gear. “We have brought the stance from knee on the ski to a taller, stronger base for movement. The lead change is a shorter motion and everything is intended to work with the skier’s natural range of motion while maintaining strength, stability and that graceful flow down the mountain.” 

The modern gear and style is also likely the driving force keeping the sport alive, and it’s the new generation of passionate and innovative tele skier evangelists themselves who are driving this latest resurgence in telemark skiing. 

New Wave of Tele 

Avid 54-year-old western Washington-based skier Serge Baranovsky may be a recent tele convert, but when the bug bit, it bit hard. In 2021, he started Rise of Telemark, a resource that has created more access to the sport with gear rentals (out of the Seattle area), a local online shop, and tele events like the Wenatchee Telemark Festival at Mission Ridge, which debuted last season, all with a goal of growing participation in the sport.  

While greatly improved gear is a major driver, Serge says the main reason tele is still thriving is the younger generation coming in. “It’s far from dead and is coming back to life. There are a ton of telemark skiers on Instagram in their 20s and 30s hucking cliffs and pulling off tricks in the park that helps create the awareness of the sport with a new generation.” 

Thirty-year-old Seattle tele skier Brian Hitchens, who runs the Cascade Telemark YouTube channel, echoes this sentiment, noting that there are plenty of tele skiers at the resorts he frequents, including Stevens Pass, Mission Ridge, and Whistler, who are remaking the old-school image of tele in and out of the park. He calls out Tele Colo, founded in 2018 by skateboarder and surfer-turned-tele-skier CJ Coccia, as a major influence behind the evolution and image of the sport. Tele Colo, says Hitchens, is playing a big role in boosting the new generation of telemark culture through digital media and pushing the boundaries of telemark with their ski films and hype more than anyone. 

People really like how they can represent their own style on modern-equipped telemark skis, says Hitchens. “It’s sounds a little woo-woo, but the way you can move on telemark skis just opens the door up to really however you want to express yourself on skis.” He says many of the younger generation of telemark skiers have a different philosophy from traditional tele skiers. “I have [tele-skiing] friends who are insane how they ski. Like I don’t physically think it’s possible, until you go down the hill with them. I think people latch onto that freedom of expression and that matched with this newer technology have been propelling new people to get into it.”  

All of that new generation passion and creativity translates into curiosity too, he says. “Last season especially there was an insane amount of tele skiers out there, to the point where every time up the chair lift somebody’s skiing tele down the hill.” 

Three Hallmarks Behind the Tele Resurgence 

Contrary to rumors circulating around the ski community that tele is dead, there are some very real signs that it’s experiencing a renaissance of sorts.  

After talking with a half dozen modern tele acolytes from around the Northwest and beyond, three reasons for this resurgence—in addition to the big one, improvements in the modern gear—were repeated by nearly all of them: freedom, not just of the heel but in movement and the creative expression it affords a skier in their turns; the challenge of learning a new way to ski; and the community. 

The Close-knit Tele Community: Nearly a quarter century into the 2000s, one might conclude that tele skiers at Inland Northwest resorts are but a few torn ACLs away from an endangered species listing. Ironically, the infrequency with which tele skiers encounter one another also plays into tele skiing’s resilience: the community that arises when tele skiers come together for events and festivals.  

Several telemark and free-heel backcountry events are happening this season at ski areas and mountain passes throughout the Inland PNW (see sidebar for details), including the Telebration event, which has been organized in various forms by 49 Degrees North just about every year since 2019.  

Last March, I finally made it to the two-day iteration of Telebration. While I’ve been skiing on telemark gear for over 20 years, it’s been nearly as long since I took a lesson and worked to improve my technique. Telebration included group telemark ski clinics and private lessons for all experience levels, demo gear from 22 Designs, and a post-slope showing of Tele Colo’s 2023 film release “This is Telemark” with giveaways and festive vibes.  

I admittedly signed up for the clinics for the chance to learn and make my skiing more fun and fluid, something my instructors Kovacs and Schanfarber didn’t let me down on. But, being a shameless introvert, community wasn’t necessarily why I signed up. Before my first Telebration experience, I didn’t totally get the contagious power of the tele community that comes with skiing and revelry with other free-heeled kin until then.  

As Schanfarber would later tell me, gatherings of telemark skiers at events like 49 Degrees North’s Telebration play an essential role in growing the sport and community. “Whenever groups of tele skiers come together, it catches peoples’ attention and they’re like, I want to try that,” he says, a sentiment that helps spark the next wave of tele skiers. Such gatherings also tighten the bonds of the tele community, adds Kovacs. “Anywhere you go and see someone else tele skiing, you can end up instant friends. Because we’re such a minority, there’s real and lasting camaraderie.”  

Learning Something New: The tele gateway for many skiers is a realization that it’s time to expand their skiing horizons. Hitchens was working as an alpine ski instructor at Stevens Pass when that moment hit. “At some point, it became clear that I was kinda skiing unsafe on alpine skis.” Since on many days he was teaching others to ski, it was the perfect time to slow down and learn to tele. The flow and pace of tele skiing resonated and he hasn’t looked back.  

“You can just show up on any type of tele gear and you don’t feel like you have to compete with everybody on the mountain. It removes you from the rat race and at the end of the day you are trying something different,” Hitchens says. 

Schanfarber concurs that learning to telemark is a great new challenge for a long-time alpine skier or snowboarder who may find themselves less inspired from skiing or riding the same terrain and making the same turns ski day after ski day. “Taking up tele can help make a small mountain big,” he says. “It’s a way to spice things up and learn something new.”  

Kovacs points out that many people take up tele skiing when skiing with a friend, spouse, or child who is a beginner or slower skier. “If you are skiing with someone who is learning, it’s a great way to slow you down while learning something new in the process.”  

The Freedom and Magic of the Turn: There’s a tele joke I read online recently that I think illuminates the heart of why tele seemingly refuses to die: How many tele skiers does it take to change a light bulb? One to screw it in and two to stand back and say, ‘Nice turns!’  

Funny for sure, but there’s something to it. I got my first telemark setup as an inexpensive tool to build leg strength after multiple snowboarding injuries and as a way to get into the backcountry, but the reason I’ve stuck with it is all about the feel of the turn. 

The allure of tele is really about the mechanics and what you can do, seconds Hitchens. “It’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t gotten over the hump of staying in control. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, you are basically moving in a completely different plane of motion and you can apply forces to the skis that you never could on alpine skis. It’s like skiing with added dimensionality and your reward is a whole new way to get down the mountain.” 

Founder and publisher of “Couloir Magazine” Craig Dostie summed up the magic potential and allure of the telemark turn in the 2010 Josh Madsen film “Freeheel Life 2: Hippies, Punx, & Misfits” more aptly than I’ve read or heard anywhere: “There’s this sweet spot in any turn on snow or in water, . . . there’s a sweet moment, a sweet moment, a magic moment . . . and in tele it’s whatever you want. It can be really huge and it can be really tight. You can make it whatever you want. But the sweet spot is more dynamic and it’s deeper and it’s wider.”  

49 Degrees North: The Local Place to Learn to Tele Ski  

Coming up on their 12^th season as telemark ski instructors at 49 Degrees North near Chewelah, Wash., Kovacs and Schanfarber are playing a major role in keeping telemark skiing alive and well at 49 and around the region. For starters, 49 Degrees North is the only ski area in the Inland Northwest where you can rent a modern NTN tele ski setup and give it a try without having to buy all of the gear yourself right off the bat.  

When Mountain Gear went out of business, 49 bought up their tele rental gear and started offering rentals to give people a place to try it out, says Schanfarber. 49 also has some of the region’s best tele instructors, with Kovacs, Schanfarber and other instructors available to get you started with plenty of pro tips to make sure your first day on telemark skis is productive and fun. 

If you already have tele gear and some turns under your belt, lessons at 49 and the clinics at Telebration (scheduled for March 16 for the 2025 season) can help you identify plenty of bad habitats and new techniques to improve your tele turn game.  

“Lessons aren’t just for beginners,” explains Schanfarber. “I’ve probably gone through a few hundred hours of advanced lessons because I want to get better. Lessons will make you ski more efficiently.”  

There’s another tele-themed bumper sticker maybe you’ve seen: “Nobody Cares That You Tele!” Snark aside, that’s precisely the way that it should be. You probably won’t reach Nirvana like the Buddha on a pair of tele skis, and the telemark turn certainly won’t make you better than anyone else on the mountain, but you may find your own state of enlightenment in that distinct tele flow.  

Some tele skiers may enjoy the spotlight of standing out against the masses of parallel-turning skiers shredding down the slopes and talking up their turns afterwards, but when it comes right down to it, it’s just another way to enjoy sliding down snowy mountains. A damn fun way, I might add, that you will likely find soul-filling and exhilarating if you give it a try. 

Derrick Knowles is the Publisher of Out There Venture. He’s been skiing on tele gear since 2001, although mostly incognito blending in with his alpine and AT skiing partners with frequent parallel turns.  

The post Tele Ain’t Dead in the Inland Northwest appeared first on Out There Venture.

If you’ve never made the trek to ski in Nelson, B.C., you wouldn’t be the first. Tucked deep in the Selkirk Mountains, only 45 miles from the U.S. border, it’s more of a hideaway than a destination. But for those in the know, that’s the way they like it. Strewn with old-growth forests, diamond peaks, and deep, consistent powder, what makes Nelson stand out is how little it stands out. It’s never been a place to boast, quietly carrying on as the most dependable and holistic ski experience in Interior British Columbia for generations. 

Dubbed the Queen City of the Kootenays, Nelson was founded in 1886 during the late-19th century mining boom—when the hillsides above Kootenay Lake blossomed with Victorian architecture, and Chicago-inspired industrial brick façades lined the waterfront and downtown’s Baker Street. By the early 1900s, it was a little slice of mid-century America plunked in the depths of the Canadian frontier. And today it’s not much different. 

Nelson remains a quizzical outpost of metropolitan sensibilities in the middle of enduring wilderness, wrapped in dense, evergreen forest. Full of galleries, artisan shops, and theaters, the town, the culture, and the skiing have remained relatively free from the tides of over-development. Today, it’s the gateway to the most enduringly authentic ski culture there is. 

Off the Beaten Piste 

Whitewater Ski Resort is just 25 minutes up the road from Nelson, and the biggest little ski hill in Canada. With 2,367 skiable acres and 40 feet of annual snowfall, it has the stats to stand on the world stage, but a small, grassroots vibe that keeps it grounded and track free. Here you’ll find kind locals, soft landings and pow days that last a week at a time. Visit during the annual Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest (Feb. 20-23) for an iconic taste of local ski culture. Or earn your turns in the abundance of easily accessed ski-touring terrain, where the uptracks have their own rhythm and you can claim a little piece of the mountain all your own. 

Nelson and Kootenay Lake are also the cat-skiing capital of the world. Which makes perfect sense when you consider the deep, climate-resilient snowpack, and the enduring local tradition of backcountry. If you want to take your ambitions a step higher, you can also step into a helicopter, with multiple companies poised to bring you where alpine vistas consume the horizon and cedars the size of small buildings stretch out across endless empty glades. 

All-day Après 

With a history of hard work as the backbone of the region, locals know that good food is part of a good life, whether at the resort or in town. Whitewater’s kitchen has produced six award-winning cookbooks, and Nelson has more restaurants per capita than both San Francisco and Manhattan—almost all of them with their own Kootenay-infused take on global cuisine. But you can just as easily settle into the familiar comfort of a pub, or the all-night energy of the renowned music scene that draws performers and artists from around the world. Keep your legs in fine form for the mountain with a soak at Ainsworth Hot Springs, the best recovery nature offers. 

As the most eclectic stop on the Powder Highway, you have to work a little harder to get here, but that’s what makes skiing Nelson and Kootenay Lake so special. Less than a three-hour drive from the Spokane International Airport in Washington, you can make your final approach by shuttle or car. A journey here will always need to be a little slower, and a bit more intentional—but that’s what makes it special. 

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The post Your Guide to Exploring Nelson and Kootenay Lake Skiing  appeared first on Out There Venture.

One of the greatest things about living in the Inland Northwest for many winter enthusiasts is the close proximity to the border with Canada and British Columbia mountain towns, ski resorts, backcountry terrain, hot springs, and friendly people. The currency exchange rate continues to save Americans around 25% percent on everything from hotel beds and lift tickets to meals and everything else. Crossing the border is easier than ever, as getting a passport or enhanced ID being affordable and more convenient. Don’t miss out on another season of BC winter adventures! 

SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORTS 

Apex Mountain Resort 

Location: Penticton, B.C. 

Summit: 7,175 ft. 

Lifts: 2 chairs, T-bar, & magic carpet 

Runs: 79 marked; 40+ unmarked 

Vertical: 2,000 + ft. 

Annual Snowfall: Nearly 20 ft. 

From Spokane: 5 hours 

Why Go: Dry, light powder; over 12,000 acres of backcountry/slackcountry terrain; close to amazing Okanagan Valley wineries. 

Baldy Mountain Ski Resort 

Location: Oliver, B.C. 

Summit: 9^th highest ski resort in Canada (7,580 ft.) 

Lifts: 2 + T-bar and magic carpet 

Terrain: 35 alpine runs, 360 acres of trails, and 240 acres of glades  

Annual Snowfall: 25 ft. 

From Spokane: 4.5 hours 

Why Go: Dry Okanagan powder; no crowds; 80% beginner and intermediate terrain. 

Big White Ski Resort 

Location: Kelowna, B.C. 

Summit: 7,606 ft. 

Lifts: 16 

Patrolled area: 2,834 acres 

Vertical: 2,550 ft. 

From Spokane: 4.5 hours 

Why Go: The second-largest ski resort lift system in Canada with real Champagne powder (and minimal lift lines); 100% ski-in ski-out accommodations; huge, vibrant village with over 20 restaurants and bars and plenty of off-the-slopes fun; super family friendly with new Kids’ Centre, a magic carpet and plenty to do for all ages and abilities (even for non-skiers). 

Fernie Alpine Resort 

Location: Fernie, B.C. 

Summit: 7,000 ft. 

Lifts: 10 

Skiable acres: 2,500 

Vertical: 3,945 ft. 

Snowfall: 29 ft. 

From Spokane: 5 hours 

Why Go: Fernie is an action-packed, real-deal ski town with seemingly endless resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding; the views of jagged Rocky Mountain peaks above town will blow your mind. 

Kicking Horse 

Location: Golden, B.C. 

Summit: 8,218 ft. 

Lifts: 5 

Skiable acres: 3,486 

Vertical: 4,314 ft. 

Snowfall: 24 ft. 

Inbounds chutes: 85+ 

From Spokane: 6.5 hours 

Why Go: 60% advanced & expert terrain including 85+ inbounds chutes; and the fifth-biggest vertical in North America! 

Kimberley Alpine Resort 

Location: Kimberley, B.C. 

Summit: 6,500 ft. 

Lifts: 5 

Resort acres: 1,800+ 

Vertical: 2,465 ft. 

Snowfall: 13 ft. 

From Spokane: 4.5 hours 

Why Go: Some of the sunniest skiing and riding in the Kootenays; over 40% of the terrain is intermediate; night skiing, largest gladed terrain in North America. 

Panorama Mountain Resort 

Location: Invermere, B.C. 

Summit: 8,038 ft. 

Lifts: 10 

Resort terrain: 2,975 acres 

Vertical: 4,265 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 16+ ft. 

From Spokane: 5.5 hours 

Why Go: Top 10 vertical in North America; 75% of the runs are suitable for beginners and intermediates. 

Phoenix Ski Area 

Location: Grand Forks, B.C. 

Lifts: 2 (T-bar and rope tow) 

Terrain: 15 runs 

Vertical: 800 ft. 

From Spokane: 3.25 hours 

Why Go: Great place for families to ski together and beginners of any age to learn; super unique community ski hill vibe. 

RED Mountain Resort 

Location: Rossland, B.C. 

Summit: 6,807 ft. 

Longest Run: 4.3 miles  

Lifts: 8 

Skiable Acres: 3,850 

Vertical: 2,919 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 300 inches 

From Spokane: 2.5 hours 

Why Go: Huge, excellent terrain; in-bounds cat-skiing; epic tree-skiing and in-bounds steeps; nearly 82% of the terrain is intermediate to advanced; unique on-mountain lodging options. 

Revelstoke Mountain Resort 

Location: Revelstoke, B.C. 

Lift-top Elevation: 7,300 ft. 

Lifts: 4 

Skiable Acres: 3,121 

Longest Run: 9.5 miles 

Vertical: 5,620 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 30-45 ft. 

From Spokane: 6 hours 

Why Go: Biggest vertical in North America; incredible in-bounds expert terrain; 45% intermediate terrain. 

Salmo Ski Hill 

Location: Salmo, B.C. 

Annual Snowfall: Plenty 

From Spokane: 3 hours 

Why Go: Fully-lit night skiing; great family-friendly terrain with a rowdy t-bar; old-school community ski hill on the way to Nelson. 

SilverStar Mountain Resort 

Location: Vernon, B.C. 

Summit: 6,280 ft. 

Lifts: 12 

Runs: 132  

Skiable Acres: 3,282  

Vertical: 2,500 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 275 inches 

From Spokane: 6 hours 

Why Go: Colorful, ski-in, ski-out mid-mountain village; access to alpine slopes, Nordic trails, tubing, ice skating, and fat bike and snowshoe trails; B.C.’s third-largest resort and Canada’s largest daily-groomed cross-country trail network. 

Summit Lake Ski and Snowboard Area 

Location: Nakusp, B.C. 

T-bar: 1 

Acres: 30 

Vertical: 500 ft. 

From Spokane: 4.5 hours 

Why Go: Laid-back, old-school Kootenay ski experience with night skiing on Fridays. On the way to Revelstoke and Rogers Pass. 

Sun Peaks Resort 

Location: Kamloops, B.C. 

Summit: 7,060 ft. 

Lifts: 13 

Patrolled area: 4,270 acres 

Vertical: 2,893 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 19+ ft. 

From Spokane: 8 hours 

Why Go: True to its name, Canada’s second-largest ski area soaks up over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year on average. 

Whitewater Ski Resort 

Location: Nelson, B.C. 

Summit: 6,700 ft. 

Lifts: 5  

Skiable Acres: 3,247 

Vertical: 2,014 ft. 

Annual Snowfall: 40 ft. 

From Spokane: 3 hours 

Why Go: 40 feet of Kootenay pow annually (on average); 55% advanced in-bounds terrain and incredible lift-accessed backcountry; new on-mountain lodging and RV camping; Nordic trail system; and friendly vibe, no cell service, legendary food, and proximity to Nelson, B.C.’s mountain town amenities.   

HOT SPRINGS 

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort 

A short drive north from Nelson, the natural hot springs were first visited by the Ktunaxa First Nations peoples for healing and rejuvenation. Today the resort is fittingly owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of the Ktunaxa Nation of Creston, B.C. Ainsworth Hot Springs includes warm, mineral-rich waters in a pool and a natural cave without the sulfur odor associated with some hot springs. There’s also a cold plunge pool, stunning views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains, and onsite hotel and excellent Ktunaxa Grill restaurant. 4 hours from Spokane. 

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort 

Canada’s largest natural mineral hot spring with views of the Canadian Rockies. Resort includes a hot pool; large, warm swimming pool; and dive pool. There are a variety of lodging and dining options at the resort and an on-site, family-friendly ski hill. 5 hours from Spokane. 

Halcyon Hot Springs 

This remote and beautiful resort along Upper Arrow Lake 20 miles north of Nakusp, B.C., is on the way to Revelstoke and an incredible destination all its own. Enjoy mineral-rich natural hot spring pools, a kid’s spray park, and majestic lake-side views of the Monashee Mountains. Multiple on-site lodging options and the Chanterelle Restaurant and Bar. 5.5 hours from Spokane. 

Nakusp Hot Springs 

This community-owned hot springs in the Selkirk Mountains near the village of Nakusp and Upper Arrow Lake consists of two pools (one warm, one hot) fed by nearby natural springs. Rental chalets, camping and snowshoeing trails, and backcountry skiing options are nearby. 5.25 hours from Spokane. 

Radium Hot Springs 

Two large pools (one hot, one warm) provide soaking in natural mineral water within Kootenay National Park near the communities of Radium and Invermere. 5.5 hours from Spokane. 

FAT BIKING 

You can find fat biking trails, shared Nordic trails, and rentals at many of the ski resorts listed in this guide, but some of the best singletrack winter bike trails are being groomed in and around Rossland, Cranbrook, and Fernie, B.C.  

Rossland, B.C. 

Ride over 12k of machine-groomed trails around Rossland, including loops that start in or near town and RED Mountain Resort. Stop by Revolution Cycles for fat biking trail maps and local advice or for bike rental or gear needs.  

Fernie, B.C. 

Beginner, intermediate and expert riders will find a variety of groomed and user-packed trails for fat biking right out of downtown Fernie and another 12k or so of groomed multi-use trails at Fernie Alpine Resort. Stop by one of the local bike shops for recommendations. 

Cranbrook, B.C. 

Cranbrook has valley terrain, with plenty of flats and rolling hills that make for a great groomed fat bike trails system. Grooming typically happens in the South Star Cross Country Ski Area and the Cranbrook Community Forest, with up to 60-70k of trails groomed each winter that include options for all levels of riders.  

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING  

British Columbia has over 50 Nordic skiing areas across the province, with many of them located within an hour or two from the U.S. border. Most alpine ski and snowboard resorts have groomed cross-country trails, and many communities have additional groomed cross-country trail systems (some with lighting for night skiing) with excellent facilities. 

SilverStar Resort/Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre 

Canada’s largest network of daily-groomed cross-country ski trails begins at the SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon, B.C. Connected to SilverStar’s 55k of world-class trails is another 50k of groomed Nordic trails at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre (dual mountain passes available). 

Nelson Nordic Trails 

Located 10 minutes south of Nelson on Highway 6 at the Whitewater Ski Area turnoff, the Nelson Nordic Ski Club maintains 30k of groomed trails (classic and skating tracks) for all levels. The trail system includes a day lodge, two warming huts, and 1.5k of lit trails for night skiing.   

Black Jack Ski Club Trails 

Five minutes north of Rossland, the 40k Black Jack cross-country trail system is one of the premier Nordic areas in western Canada and the closest B.C. trail system to Spokane. In addition to the groomed classic and skate skiing trails, there is a 2.5k lit night-skiing loop. 

Kimberley Nordic Club Trails 

The Kimberley Nordic Club hosts a 33k, first-class groomed trail network including double track, single track, and a center skating lane. The trail system on the edge of Kimberley includes a 3.3k lit loop for night skiing, a lodge with bathrooms, and a warming hut. 

Fernie Nordic Trails 

There are over 50k of groomed cross-country trails around Fernie, from beginner circuits to advanced trails. You can explore one of these different trail systems in the spectacular wilds of the Canadian Rockies each day of your trip: Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Golf Club, Island Lake Lodge, Montane, and the Elk Valley Nordic Centre.  

Paulson Cross-Country Ski Trails 
There is an excellent Nordic trail system close to the town of Castlegar. The Castlegar Nordic Ski Club grooms 52-kilometres worth of trails at the Paulson Cross Country Ski Trail system 20 miles from downtown.  

BACKCOUNTRY 

Scoring untracked backcountry powder on skis or a splitboard in the Kootenay-Rockies region of B.C. can take on many forms, from earning your turns on day tours, fully-catered hut trips, and vertical-maximizing cat ski or heli ski adventures (avalanche/backcountry gear, training, and awareness are essential). These popular ski-touring meccas offer endless opportunities to start exploring on your own; however, avalanche risks abound so go prepared. 

Kootenay Pass: Just north of the border near Salmo and Creston, this popular backcountry area can get crowded on weekends. Excellent terrain on both sides of the highway. 

Whitewater Ski Resort: Whitewater’s spectacular in-bounds riding is just the beginning of what this gateway to backcountry terrain has to offer those equipped to access the powder fields and steeps you can’t see from the lodge. 

Rossland/RED Mountain Resort: There are plenty of backcountry ski tours in the Rossland Range as well as lift-accessed touring possibilities from the resort and cat skiing. Check RED’s backcountry page for any updates to their touring policy and visit Backcountry Skiing Canada’s Rossland page for more info. 

Fernie: The long season and jagged Rocky Mountain peaks around Fernie make for dramatic ski touring and splitboarding out of the resort and other nearby alpine areas. Two local cat skiing operations make for a great guided option to explore the backcountry. 

Rogers Pass: This legendary backcountry destination between Revelstoke and Golden demands respect and a keen awareness of avalanche dangers. The big mountain terrain has gained a reputation that attracts skiers from around the world. 

Backcountryskiingcanada.com: This treasure trove of backcountry ski and splitboarding route recommendations, forums, and other valuable information and resources will help you explore B.C.’s wide range of backcountry options wisely.

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By Brad Naccarato 

With a ton of La Niña optimism surrounding the upcoming 2024-25 season, folks are already chomping at the bit to gear up for what could be an epic winter in the mountains. With so many great shops in our region, offering the latest and greatest gear and accessories, it can be overwhelming as to where to begin if you need to upgrade your kit. Well, we’ve gone ahead and done some of the leg work for you. Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of some of our region’s best shops and their own personal picks for the “must have” gear of the new season.  

Solnix (North Spokane) 

Spokane’s Solnix (previously Shred Sports), recently came under new ownership and with a fresh new look and name. As a full-service ski and snowboard shop, they have a huge selection to choose from and expert technicians who can guide your purchase.  

Fred Nowland, Solnix’s head shop tech (and longtime ski shop legend of Spokane), is very excited about Salomon’s S/Pro Supra Boa 120 ski boot. “They’re now utilizing Boa technology on the outer shell in combination with traditional buckles up top,” says Nowland. “It’s a full custom heat moldable boot, so the fit is fantastic, and you can also get them in three different widths.” The Supra Boa comes in both men’s and women’s styles and ranges in price from $499 up to $749 depending on your desired boot flex.  

The other item that Fred couldn’t stop gleaming over was the new heated boot bag from Head Skis. The bag is made from durable, water-resistant material to keep your boots dry and protected. It retails for $349. “You can plug into a 110 outlet or a car cigarette lighter,” he says. “It’s not just great for keeping your boots dry, but also your helmet, socks, gloves, and anything else.”  

Fred was also quick to point out that their Lib Tech Cold Brew is always a big seller on the snowboard side of things. “It’s a full all-mountain utility board with a floatier nose for those occasional off-piste pow days.” With its patented Magne-Traction serrated edges, the Cold Brew has incredible grip on ice while still delivering the perfect blend of freeride, freestyle, and all-mountain riding capabilities. It retails for $549.  

Alpine Haus (Two locations, South Hill & North Spokane) 

Spokane’s Alpine Haus, a longstanding South Hill place of snow worship, has recently expanded to include a second location on Northwest Blvd. a few miles north of downtown. Traditionally known for some of the best boot fitters in Spokane, Alpine Haus is now ready to serve a broader range of winter sports enthusiasts on the north/central side of town.   

Shane Ruby, the South Hill store manager, is very enthusiastic about the new Kastle MX88 alpine ski. “It’s a ski that’s only 88mm under foot but has a larger tip and tail that give it tons of float and versatility,” says Ruby. This is an all-rounder ski that delivers performance and stability everywhere on the mountain, whether it’s on firm-snow groomers or in choppy backcountry conditions. With a 17m turn radius at 174, the MX88 comes in both men’s and women’s versions and retails for $1,099. 

When it comes to snowboards, with the La Niña year predicted, Ruby is big fan of the Jones Mind Expander. “It uses Skatetech, which gives it a surfier, fun feel. With the directional shape and lots of surface area, it floats nice and high on those big snow days,” he says. The board retails for $569.00, and pairs really nicely with the Jones Meteorite binding for $279.  

Oakley has come out this year with their first two-lens goggle system. Their Line Miner Pro goggles are one accessory that Ruby had to mention. “It comes with two Prism-Tech lenses, one for night skiing or stormy days and a sapphire mirror lens for sunny days,” he says. They retail for $299. 

2-Wheeler/ Ski Dealer (Hayden) 

If you’re looking to get into backcountry skiing, 2-Wheeler/ Ski Dealer over in Hayden has you covered. They’ve been a player in the backcountry ski game now for several seasons, and with a full-service shop they can handle any of your backcountry ski tech needs.  

The Freebird ski collection from Black Crows, is by far the favorite of sales manager Chris Parker. “The Corvus, Navis, and Camox are incredibly popular French touring skis that all have slightly different dimensions based on what you like,” says Parker. “They range in price from $800-1,000 and we offer demos in each version so you can try before you buy.”  

If you need the whole kit, the Freebird lineup plays well with Salomon’s S/Lab Shift series AT bindings that retail from $550-$650. And don’t forget the skins. 2-Wheeler also sells ski-specific mohair skins for the whole Freebird series, so you can start tracking uphill at all your favorite backcountry stashes.  

Sportsman’s Ski Haus (Coeur d’Alene) 

Formerly known as Tri-State Outfitters, Sportsman’s not only re-branded in 2022, but also moved to a new location right off the freeway in Coeur d’ Alene. They still carry all of the same high-end winter sport brands in both their soft and hardgoods departments. They also offer a full-service ski and snowboard shop. 

Grant Bordner, an action sports associate, is a huge fan of the ever-popular Nordica Enforcer series. “They’ve done a bunch of small upgrades to this tried-and-true legend, making it even more versatile along with updated graphics,” he says. “They come in waist widths of 89/99/104mm, and new for 2025, all the Enforcers now have a full rocker profile instead of just the 104 version, like in previous years,” he adds. 

The Enforcer line-up comes in both men’s and women’s versions and retails for $699-849. Sportsman’s will be offering demos in each of waist widths so you can try before you buy.   

Gear Garage (Coeur d’Alene) 

Gear Garage, located in downtown Coeur d’ Alene, has been quietly selling tons of gently used ski and snowboard gear since 2022. But new for this season, the Gear Garage has now become an exclusive North Idaho dealer for Icelandic skis and Never Summer Snowboards to go along with their huge selection of over 300 used skis and snowboards—as well as a full rental fleet.   

“Everybody is loving the Icelandic Nomad,” says owner Matt Dingman. “It’s an amazing ski that’s got a massive following in places like Utah and Colorado.” The Nomad comes in waist widths 94/100/106mm, and retails for $799-879, depending on width. The Garage is also a Marker binding dealer with a full-service shop to mount those new Nomads up and send you on your way.  

Alpine Shop (Sandpoint) 

Serving Sandpoint since 1966, the Alpine Shop operates both a downtown store and a mountain-top store in the Schweitzer village. Owner Zach Vollmer is super stoked about Rossignol’s long-awaited re-issue of the cult classic Soul 7 ski for 2025, named the Sender Soul. “They basically blended their Black Ops and Sender technology together, making for an even more super versatile, all-mountain ski that’s still effortless, surfy, and predictable,” he says. The new Sender Soul comes in lengths 156-188 with an average of about 102mm under foot, give or take a few mm’s based on length. It retails for $699. 

Outdoor Experience (Sandpoint) 

Downtown Sandpoint’s Outdoor Experience has become a go-to shop for many Nordic ski enthusiasts in the Inland Northwest. Sales associate Hank Graves says the Rossignol BC 80 has been the favorite package for folks who want maximum versatility in their Nordic skiing experience. “With 80mm at the shovel, it’s a ski that doesn’t mind going off groomed trails,” he says. “Its width makes it extremely versatile, and it also has a full-length metal edge for stability.” 

The BC 80 is sold as a package with the Rottefella NNN Backcountry bindings for a total price of $449. If you need the whole kit though, the Rossignol BC X 6 boot works well with this set for $225. 

Brad Naccarato is a North Idaho native who’s been contributing to OTO since 2012. Chasing trout, snow, waves, peaks, and microbrews keeps him sane. 

The post New Winter Gear Preview from Spokane and North Idaho Shops appeared first on Out There Venture.

Ready to run, bike, paddle, swim and have some new adventures in the upcoming race season? The 2024 calendar is packed with chances to test your mettle individually or as a team in outdoor races, runs and rides. Some dates are still TBA, and a few races have shuttered. Check race websites to confirm details and sign up. We’ll see you out there!

ROAD RUNNING

Snake River Half Marathon (March 2): A flat, paved, out-and-back course along the Snake River outside of Pullman, Wash., put on by the Palouse Road Runners. USATF certified.

St. Paddy’s Five Miler (March 10): This family-friendly event is hosted by Bloomsday Road Runners Club at Spokane Community College and is an official Bloomsday second-seed qualifier race. “Lucky Leprechaun Jig” (free) hosted for kids 6 and under.

Shamrock Shuffle (March 17): An early spring half marathon, 10k and 5k, put on by Negative Split. All distances wind through Riverfront Park; virtual options also available.

Rapid Rabbit Run (March 24): 3-mile & 5-mile runs (virtual options). Proceeds benefit East Valley High School’s senior class (Spokane Valley). The 5-miler is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier race.

Only Fools Run at Midnight 5k (TBA; April 1): Run the streets of downtown Medical Lake starting at 11:30 p.m. Organized by Medical Lake Lions Club.

Yakima River Canyon Marathon & Half Marathon (April 6): Point-to-point USATF-certified marathon course with views of the Yakima River Canyon.

The Ta Ta Dash, 5k and 10k (April 7): Starts in Riverfront Park. This inaugural event is put on by Beyond Pink, which aims to help with efforts to prevent and screen for breast cancer. Kids’ ⅓ mile race also held.

BRRC Recycle Fun Run, 4 miles (April 10): This run benefits Bloomsday Road Runners Club’s volunteer program. Race starts near the Fish Lake Trail trailhead. Bring gently used shoes and clothing to donate to local high school athletes.

The Split Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (April 14): Flat, scenic course through Kendall Yards, Riverfront Park, and along the Spokane River. Kids’ Challenge also offered. Negative Split event.

Jr. Bloomsday (April 14): Fun annual race for children in grades 3-7 at Spokane Falls Community College campus, with an awesome prize pack for participants. The course is just over 1 mile.

Hauser Lake 10k/5k Icebreaker Run (April 20): Bloomsday second-seed qualifier with USATF-certified 10k course around the lake in Hauser, Idaho. Fundraiser for the special-needs rescue dogs at Double J Dog Ranch. Dogs and walkers welcome.

Wenatchee Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (April 20): USATF-certified, with a Boston-qualifier marathon. Asphalt trails follow the Columbia River and offer views of the Cascades.

Run the River Marathon, Relay, Half Marathon & 5k (April 20): Beginning at Columbia Park in Kennewick, Wash., this paved course offers views of parks, the Columbia River and surrounding hills. 4-person marathon relay option available.

Spring Dash & Tot Trot (April 27): 5k, 10k and half marathon distances; the 10k is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier. All distances start at Coeur d’Alene’s McEuen Park. Untimed Tot Trot offered for kids 10 and younger. Fundraiser for United Way of North Idaho.

Lilac Bloomsday Run (May 5): Spokane’s hallmark road race! Challenging, fun 12k for runners, walkers and wheelchair participants. A virtual option is available.

Long Bridge Half Marathon, 10k, & 5k (May 11): This Sandpoint, Idaho, race on paved roads and trails includes over 3 miles of running over beautiful Lake Pend Oreille with a start at Sandpoint City Beach Park.

T9 Mermaid Run 10k, 5k & and 10-mile run (May 18): Hosted by Title 9, the Mermaid Series is a celebration of women’s movement. There’s also a 1.5-mile Mermaid Dash for kids ages 6-12. Start/finish at Riverfront Park.

One Heart 5k and Fun Run (TBA): Held at Spokane’s Manito Park; this race is organized by One Heart, a nonprofit that works to meet the needs of kids in lower income and at-risk neighborhoods.

Windermere Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (May 19): Flat, point-to-point course along Spokane County’s Centennial Trail. Boston marathon qualifier, hosted by Negative Split. Kids’ challenge and fun run available.

Race to Remember 5k (May 25): This race to fight senior hunger is held at Fairmount Memorial Park in Spokane; proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (May 26): Scenic race with a start/finish at McEuen Park in downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Hosted by Negative Split. Kids’ challenge and 1-mile run available.

Priest Lake Spring Fun Run, 10k & 5k (May 26): Run along the lakeshore at beautiful Priest Lake. Kids’ dash offered.

Stache Dash Half Marathon, 10k, 5k and Kids’ Race (June 8): For runners, walkers and wheelchair participants, based at Plantes Ferry Park in Spokane Valley. Fundraiser for Elevations, a children’s therapy service-provider for children with special needs.

Metaline Falls Bigfoot 5K (June 15): Takes place in the historic town of Metaline Falls in Pend Oreille County, with a course that includes mountain views and follows along the Pend Oreille River before finishing at Busta Park.

Dad’s Day Dash (June 16): Family-friendly5k run/1-mile walk on Father’s Day. Fundraiser for SNAP, a Spokane-based community action agency.

Missoula Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k and Kids’ “Marathon” (June 28-30): A can’t-miss course, with wheelchair and handcycle divisions and events happening throughout the weekend, like a 3.1-mile Beer Run and a kids’ 1-mile untimed fun run.

Cherry Picker’s Trot and Pit Spit (July 18): This annual event, held at Green Bluff, welcomes walkers and runners for a 4-mile course on paved roads through orchard country, plus an impressive pit spit competition.

Spokenya Run/Walk 7k (July 20): A race designed to raise money for clean water acts in rural Kenya.

Wallace Huckleberry Festival 5k Walk/Run (Aug. 18): Family-friendly run in Wallace, Idaho, with vendors, music, and optional huckleberry pancake breakfast before or after. Strollers and leashed dogs welcome.

Tase T. Lentil 5k Fun Run (TBA): This 5k race is part of the National Lentil Festival in Pullman, Wash.

Newport Autumn Bloom 5k/10k Fun Run (Sept. 21): Proceeds benefit Newport Hospital’s Healthy Kids Snack Bag Program and Reach Out and Read. 

Run the Dam Half Marathon, 10k & 5k (Sept. 21): Run across Grand Coulee Dam and along Banks Lake as part of the Run the Dam Festival in Grand Coulee, Wash.

Boulevard Race (Sept. 22): This is the second year for the 4-mile race benefiting the Community Cancer Fund. Run or walk the streets of downtown Spokane on this fun (and relatively flat!) course.

Deutschesfest 10k/5k Fun Run (TBA): German community festival in Odessa, Wash., includes a parade, fun run, brats, brews and more.

Leavenworth Marathon & Half Marathon (Oct. 5): 2024 is the 20-year anniversary of this Boston Qualifier race! Starts near the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and follows along dirt roads and trails, including Icicle Canyon Loop and riverfront trails in Leavenworth, Wash. 

Jackass Half Marathon, 5K and Kids’ Run (Oct. 5): Point-to-point, mostly downhill course along the paved Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes from Wallace to Kellogg, Idaho. The kid’s “half marathon” is a non-timed, non-competitive race that is a combination of logging miles on your own, then finishing the last 1.1 mile on the day of the race.

Hayden Lake Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon & 5k (Oct. 12): All distances start from the Honeysuckle Beach boat launch and offer gorgeous lake views. Virtual option available.

Spokane Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k (Oct. 13): Proceeds from this Boston Marathon qualifier race benefit local high school cross-country programs. The 10k is a Bloomsday second-seed qualifier.

Trails to Taps Relay (Oct. 13): Run with your friends around Bellingham, Wash., with 8 stops at breweries and cideries and a route that covers 35 miles of trails, roads, and parks. Leg lengths range between 3 and 6 miles.

Monster Dash 5k Kids’ Fun Run (October; date TBA): Organized by Active4Youth in collaboration with the Spokane Swifts Running Team, this event at Manito Park includes a 5k adult race and kids’ races (ages 12 and younger) of 3 lengths: 1 mile, half mile, and quarter mile; jogging strollers and dogs allowed.

Socktoberdash 10k and 5k (TBA): Run supports Teen and Kid Closet’s mission to raise money for Spokane teens and kids in need. Participants donate new packages of socks and underwear. Participants can win prizes for wearing the best, worst or most unique socks.

Halloween Hustle Haunted Half, Terrifying 10k, & Freaky 5k (Oct. 27): Spooky event in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, organized by Negative Split includes out-and-back creepy courses and prizes for best costumes.

TRAIL RUNNING

Badger Mountain Challenge 100-mile, 100k, 50-mile, 55k & 15k (March 22-23): This race offers expansive views of the Columbia Basin. Proceeds support WTA, Friends of Badger Mountain, Girls on the Run, and Team in Training, which benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Register by March 18. USATF sanctioned event.

Ancient Lakes 50-mile, 50k, 25k & 10k (April 6-7): Experience the unique desert scape of the Ancient Lakes area near Quincy, Wash., with this single-track run that includes a scenic waterfall.

Caveman Roar & Pour 5k Trail Fun Run (April 20): Run through the Cave B Winery in Quincy, Wash., overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, for the 10th year of this event (caveman/cavewoman costumes encouraged). Wine tasting afterward.

Yakima Skyline Rim 50K (April 20, tentative date): Challenging out-and-back course in the high desert of the Yakima River Canyon outside Ellensburg, Wash., with stunning views and 9,200 feet of elevation gain.

Spokane River Run (April 21): 5k, 10k, 25k, 50k and 50k team relay race at Riverside State Park; fundraiser for Garfield Elementary A.P.P.L.E. program.

Sunflower Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay (April 27): Run on single-track trails and gravel roads in Washington’s Methow Valley on a point-to-point, flower-carpeted course from Mazama to Twisp.

Run Like the Wind Running Festival (April 28): 5k, 10k or 10-miler along the trails, paths and roads at the Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility in Ellensburg, Wash.; benefits Kittitas County Search and Rescue. Challenging, rewarding race with lots of wind.

Priest Lake Spring Fun Run 5k, 10k & Kids’ Dash (May 26): Part of Priest Lake’s Spring Festival. Start/finish at Coolin Community Park at Priest Lake, Idaho; free 1k Kids’ Dash (ages 10 and younger).

Palouse Road Runners Summer Series (TBA): Run club in Moscow, Idaho, hosts a series of races; runners score points based on finishing place. Prizes for top male and female, highest series point totals.

Kaniksu Trail Runs (TBA): Multiple lengths available: Long Walk 100k, Kaniksu 50-mile, Blister Club (Solo Ruck), Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race, Sweet 50k, Tall Trees 29k, Herman’s Half, and SERE Beer Mile. Events take place in the Lower Selkirk Mountain Range of Colville National Forest.

Hiawatha Trail Run (June 9): Organized by Negative Split at Lookout Pass, Idaho. Choose from 10k, 15k, 25k and 50k timed runs on North Idaho’s Scenic Hiawatha Trail, running along crushed-rock rail trail that includes running through railroad tunnels by headlight.

Trail Rail Run 50-mile, 50-mile relay, 50k, 30k, 12k and 5k (TBA): A run from Mullan, Idaho, to St. Regis, Mont., along the old Milwaukee and Northern Pacific Railroad grades.

Race the Wolf Ultramarathon & Trail Race (June 22-23): Takes place at Schweitzer Mountain in Sandpoint, Idaho. 5-mile trail race and 1-mile “sky climb” (a run straight uphill) on June 22; trail marathon and half marathon on June 23. Part of The GRIT North Idaho trail run series.

Mountain Magic Trail Run 5k, 10k and 25k (June 30): Winding run along wide ski trails begins from Selkirk Lodge at Mt. Spokane, with peaks to summit and rewarding views.

Mud Factor 5k and family 3k (July 13): Get down and dirty at this Spokane muddy 5k obstacle course; family 3k option to run with kids ages 4-13 with the same obstacles.

The “Original” Bare Buns Fun Run (July 28): Clothing-optional 5k trail run/walk at the Kaniksu Ranch Family Nudist Park near Loon Lake, Wash.

Rams Twilight Trail Run 5k (July 31): A 5k run along the trails near Riverside High School in Chattaroy that starts at 7:30 p.m. (headlamps highly encouraged); trail marked by glowsticks. Organized by Riverside’s Cross Country Team.

Tartarus Backyard Ultra (TBA): Hosted by Kaniksu Ultras at Riverside State Park Camp 7; described as a “Last Person Standing” race for runners and “ruckers.”

Jump off Joe Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k (Sept. 7): Gravel roads on and around Jump off Joe Mountain near Kennewick, Wash., provide great views from the top of the hill; half marathon and marathon course make the summit.

Mt. Spokane Trail Run 25k, 10k and 5k (Sept. 8): This Negative Split trail run has three scenic course options that start and finish at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park’s main lodge. 25k and 10k courses updated for 2024.

Priest Lake Marathon, Half Marathon & 50k (Sept. 14): Wilderness trail run in the Panhandle National Forest. Walkers welcome, excluding ultra. Part of The GRIT North Idaho trail run series organized by Priest Lake Multisports.

The Cougar Chase Trail Run (Oct. 6)

A new 7-mile and 5k trail run at Schweitzer Mountain Resort put on by Priest Lake Multisports.

Moscow Mountain Madness Half Marathon & 5-Mile (Oct. 6): Challenging course along technical single-track and logging roads. Hosted by Palouse Road Runners in Moscow, Idaho.

Wild Moose Chase Trail Run (Oct. 13) 25k, 10k and 5k trail runs at Riverside State Park hosted by Eastern Washington University’s PT program.

Sekani Trail Run 10k, 5k and 1k Kids’ Run (Oct. 20): Adventure run/hike/walk on trails at Camp Sekani Park in Spokane; this annual fall trail run is a fundraiser for Franklin Elementary School’s A.P.P.L.E. program.

Fall Flash 10k Race, 5k Fun Run, 1k Kids’ Run (Nov. 2): Course is a combination of paved and gravel roads and rolling hills of the Palouse countryside. Hosted by Palouse Road Runners, based in Moscow, Idaho.

ROAD CYCLING

Bike Everywhere Challenge (May; TBA): Events and activities typically include a Bloomsday bike corral, a pancake breakfast in Riverfront Park, and energizer stations for morning commuters. Organized by the Spokane Bicycle Club. Spokanebicycleclub.org.

Lilac Century & Gravel Flamdangle (May 19): A variety of road ride distances: 25k, 50k, 66k and 100 miles, plus the 32-mile Lilac Gravel Flamdangle. Organized by Spokane Aurora Northwest Rotary Club. Races start at Big Barn Brewing in Green Bluff.

CHAFE 150 (June 15): Gran fondo scenic ride—not a race—starting from City Beach in Sandpoint, Idaho, and riding along Lake Pend Oreille into Montana. Route options include 150, 80, 55, 40 or 25 miles, and a family fun ride. The addition of a 75-mile gravel route is also the second event in the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series. Organized by Sandpoint Rotary; proceeds support a literacy program benefitting Pend Oreille School District students.

Spokane Summer Parkways (June 18): A four-mile route for bikes, pedestrians, skaters, and other human-powered transportation in the South Hill Manito/Comstock neighborhoods. Family-friendly event with fun, snacks and entertainment along the way.

Cycle Chelan (June 22): There’s a route for every rider with four options of varying difficulty, including the Metric Century Challenge (100 km, with 4,000 feet of elevation gain), Lake Loop (45 miles), Cycle di Vino (30 miles), or the Butte Blast (38 miles of gravel/pavement).E-bikes welcome. Presented by Lake Chelan Rotary Club.

8 Lakes Leg Aches (TBA): Choose between 15-, 30-, 45-, and 75-mile routes that enjoy the scenery of west Spokane, Cheney and Medical Lake, with the longest route touring around all eight lakes. Proceeds benefit Spokane-based Lutheran Community Services Northwest.

Tour de Whatcom (July 20): Ride distance options include Century (100 miles), Metric Century (62 miles), 44 miles, or 22 miles. Scenic course, with start/finish in downtown Bellingham, Wash.

Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration (July 28): Organized by Valleyfest, ride options include a 10-mile “Family-Friendly” loop, 25-mile “Adventure Ride,” and the 50-mile “Hills Around the Valley.”

RIM Ride (Sept. 7-8): “Rotary in Motion” 5-mile family bike ride on Saturday, followed by 15-, 25-, 50-, and 100-mile rides on Sunday; hosted by the Rotary Club of Liberty Lake, Wash.

WaCanId Selkirk Loop Ride (Sept. 9-14): A six-day ride over 395 miles on one of the most scenic routes in the Northern Rockies. Because route includes two international border crossings (between U.S. and Canada), check WaCanId.org for event updates.

Mt. Baker Hill Climb (Sept. 15): 22 miles, with 4,462 feet of elevation climb, along Mt. Baker Highway, one of the most scenic paved roads in the country. There are three divisions—social, recreational and competitive.

CDA Fondo (TBA): This race along Lake Coeur d’Alene offers multiple distance options including Gran Fondo (116 miles), Medio Fondo (86 miles), Centro Fondo (47 miles), Piccolo Fondo (36 miles), and Family Fondo (14 miles), as well as e-bike options.

Kootenai River Ride (TBA) Pedal along the Kootenai River and through the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and experience some of North Idaho’s most scenic countryside on a 16k, 60k or 100k ride.

MOUNTAIN BIKING/GRAVEL RIDES

Echo Red to Red XC MTB Race (March 16): Cross-country mountain bike race begins in the historic town of Echo, Oregon, with most of it on trails at Echo West Ranch & Vineyard.

Hilly Nilly Gravel Series (3^rd Sundays, March 17-June 16): Self-supported free group rides each 3rd Sunday in the months of March, April, May, and June. Course and starting point out of the Coeur d’Alene area posted a week ahead at Facebook (dates subject to change).

Gran Fondo Races—Central Washington (April and May): Gran Fondo Ephrata (April 7) and Gran Fondo Leavenworth (May 19). Organized by Rideviciouscycle.com.

Washington Student Cycling League—Spring League (Spring): Co-ed mountain biking development program and spring race series for riders in grades 6-12, beginners through advanced, organized by the nonprofit Washington Student Cycling League. School-based and composite teams, with high school and middle divisions. Individuals can also participate and compete as an independent rider. Volunteer coaches are encouraged to start new teams.

Hub-a-Palooza (April 5-7): A three-day mountain bike festival with downhill and enduro races at Beacon Hill/Camp Sekani in Spokane, hosted by Velo Northwest.

Evergreen East—Classes & Clinics (April-Oct.): Mountain Bike Foundations classes start in April, with sessions offered both weekends and weeknights. Options include beginner, intermediate, freeride, technical descending, jumps classes, women-only classes, and private lessons. Classes are located at Camp Sekani unless otherwise noted. Scholarships available.

Wednesday MTB Race Series at Riverside State Park (May 1-June 26): For nine consecutive Wednesday evenings, this popular annual event features a different race course each week. Free entry for age 18 and younger.

3/4 Minus Cykeltur (May 4): The ¾ Minus Cykeltur is a gravel gran fondo: a 52-mile route on asphalt and gravel roads and a 75-mile route on asphalt, gravel and some dirt singletrack trail. Followed by a party and award ceremony at Matchwood Brewing with food, drink and live music. This is the first stage of the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series.

Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League (May-October): Race series for youth in grades 6-12.

The Lilac Gravel Flamdangle & Lilac Century (May 19): A 32-mile gravel ride, with half the course on unpaved/gravel surfaces. Start and Finish at Green Bluff’s Big Barn Brewery. Part of the Lilac Century.

24 Hours of Riverside (May 25-26): Popular Memorial Day weekend 24-hour MTB team relay at Riverside State Park with racing and camping. Can also compete as a solo rider. Race is Saturday to Sunday, with a kids’ bike parade Saturday evening.

Mt. Spokane Youth Camps & Programs (Summer; dates TBA): Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park will again host summer mountain biking day camps for all levels, from beginner to advanced. These four-day camps run Monday-Thursday.

Evergreen East—Youth Camps (June-July): Evergreen East hosts five-day Dirt Camps for Youth (ages 8-13) at Beacon Hill in Spokane, Wash. Options include co-ed beginner camps, intermediate camps, an all-girls camp, and an advanced skills camp. Scholarships available, as well as bikes and helmets for kids who do not have them.

Spokatopia MTB Festival (June 14-15): New dates for Spokatopia 2024 that include a new Friday evening xc mountain bike race to the top of Beacon Hill and a family-friendly Saturday poker ride with prizes. This annual celebration of mountain biking includes bike demos, uphill shuttles, clinics, live music and brews, kids’ camps, a bike jump show and more!

Climb for the Cure (June 15): A new Spokane gravel and mountain bike race that starts at East Valley High School and ends at the top of Mount Spokane, a 29.5-mile ride with an ascent of 5,450 ft. This first-year event is designed to raise awareness and money for the work being conducted by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

North American Enduro Cup (June 15-16): Silver Mountain Bike Park in Kellogg, Idaho, hosts one of the North American races that qualifies for the Enduro World Series. Many race categories and levels of difficulty; no beginner category.

Monarch Grind (June 29): This gravel gran fondo starts and ends just outside of Clark Fork, Idaho, and loops behind the green Monarch Mountains, iconic peaks overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. This 70-mile ride has a lot of climbing and elevation changes on forest service roads. This is part of the Idaho Panhandle Gravel Series.

The Last Best Ride (July 28): Ride the gravel backroads of Whitefish, Mont., with challenging terrain and stunning views on a short or long course, TBA.

Northwest Cup (Aug. 2-4) Silver Mountain Bike Park hosts one of the stops for this seven-race series across the Northwest.

Smoke ‘n’ Fire 400 (Sept. 4): Self-supported approx. 400-mile loop bikepacking ride, with almost 41,000 feet of climbing. Ride begins and ends in Boise, Idaho, at Hyde Park. No registration fee.

Silverroxx Mountain Bike Festival (TBA): Hosted bySilver Mountain Resort, this festival includes group downhill and super-d races, plus kids’ events.

The Night Shift Cyclocross Race Series (TBA): Wednesday night cyclocross race series in Riverside State Park typically held in September.

TRIATHLON/WATERSPORTS/MULTISPORTS

Leadman Triathlon (April 20): Organized by Kellogg Rotary Club and based at Silver Mountain Resort, this adventure course event for solo or team competitors begins on Kellogg Peak and includes skiing/snowboarding, mountain biking and running.

Ski to Sea (May 26): A multi-sport relay adventure race with teams of 3-8 people. Starts at Mt. Baker Ski Area and finishes in Bellingham Bay. Legs include: cross-country ski, downhill ski/snowboard, running, road bike, canoe, cyclocross bike and sea kayak.

Medical Lake Trailblazer Tri/Du/5k (June 15): Sprint distance triathlon with 350-meter swim, 12.2-mile bike, and 2.9-mile run; Duathlon with 1-mile run, 12.2-mile bike, and 2.9-mile run; and 5k Fun Run. Teams welcome. Starts from Coney Island Park in Medical Lake, Wash.

Ironman 70.3 Coeur d’Alene (June 23): Half Ironman race based at City Park in downtown Coeur d’Alene includes 1.2-mile lake swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run.

Hayden Sprint Triathlon (July 13): Swim, run and bike solo in this sprint triathlon, or register with a team of two or three to compete in the relay.

Long Bridge Swim (Aug. 3): A 1.76-mile swim race across Lake Pend Oreille, aside the Sandpoint, Idaho, iconic Long Bridge.

PORPA Sprints (Aug. 3): A day of non-motorized watercraft fun with races for all ages and abilities at the Priest River Recreation Area (Mudhole) in Priest, River, ID.  

Post Falls Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon (Aug. 4): 0.5k swim, 19k bike, and 5k run in Post Falls, Idaho.

Coeur d’Alene Triathlon (Aug. 10): Three registration options for this Coeur d’Alene event: Olympic triathlon (swim 1.5k, bike 40k, run 10k), scenic sprint triathlon (swim 0.5k, bike 20k, run 5k), or duathlon (run 5k, bike 40k, run 10k).

Tri-Town Float Down Poker Paddle (TBA): Paddle the Pend Oreille River from the town of Ione to Metaline Falls, Wash. Event tentative; check Facebook for details.

Swim the Snake (TBA): An open water swim, kayak or stand-up paddle across the Snake River channel between Lyons Ferry State Park and Lyons Ferry Marina near the town of Starbuck, Wash. Fundraiser for Blue Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council and local youth summer swim teams.

Priest Lake Triathlon (Aug. 24): Choose between a sprint off-road triathlon or the sprint road bike course. Compete individually or as a team; start/finish near Hill’s Resort.

Jen McKenna Paddle and Run (Sept. 7): Kayak 1.6 miles (start at Higgens Point), then run 4 miles along the Centennial Trail in this Coeur d’Alene Event that honors Jen McKenna, who died of complications from cystic fibrosis. Proceeds from the event will be donated to All Heart Infusion of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene and to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association.

Diamond Tri Your Best Triathlon (Sept. 7): Event aims to inspire young people to be more physically active. Takes place at the Cowles Scout Reservation in Diamond Lake, Wash. SuperSprint, ages 11+, includes a 200-yard swim, 6-mile bike, and 1.5-mile trail run. Sprint Tri, ages 18+, is a 400-yard swim, 12-mile bike, and 3-mile trail run. New for 2024: Olympic Tri, ages 18+: 1,600-yard swim, 23-mile bike, 6-mile trail run. Proceeds benefit Inland Northwest Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Hi 5k Charity Run, 5k and Wheelchair 5k (Sept. 9): Course starts at Gonzaga, goes through Riverfront Park, and ends back at Gonzaga. Donations support ParaSport Spokane, providing training, recreational, and competitive opportunities for youth and adults with physical disabilities.

Valleyfest 5k/10k Run, Duathlon & Triathlon (Sept. 22): All races start and finish at Plantes Ferry Sports Complex in Spokane Valley, Wash. Duathlon includes 5k run, 11-mile bike, 5k run. Triathlon is boat/bike/run—paddle 1.5 miles (canoe or kayak) on the Spokane River, bike 11 miles, run 3 miles. Individual and 2-3 person teams allowed for du and tri events. The 5k and 10k runs are Bloomsday second seed qualifiers.

OUTDOORSY EVENTS

Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show (March 14-17): Gear and resources for fishing and boating, hunting, backpacking, and shooting sports. Hosted by Inland Northwest Wildlife Council at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center.

Spokane Bike Swap (April 20): The biggest bike sale event of the year. Buy or sell used bikes and check out biking and outdoor recreation booths at the Spokane Fairgrounds. All proceeds benefit local cycling-related non-profit projects.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival (April 25): The 10^th annual festival of films that celebrate the natural world and those who protect it at Spokane’s Garland Theater is a fundraiser for Spokane Riverkeeper.

Top Pin Archery (July 13-14): Family-friendly archery competition on the backside of Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho.

GAME DAY at Riverside State Park (September 7)

This event is a Riverside State Park Foundation annual FUNdraiser with proceeds going to Riverside State Park for park projects. This event features your choice of a 5-mile MTB loop or 3-mile Run/Hike loop with each course featuring family-friendly Bean Bag Poker Toss, BINGO and Yahtzee at each of the 5 stations. Prizes for game winners and custom pint glasses will be handed out to all paying adult participants! 

Choose your own rolling start time, between 9:00am and 11:00am. Participants must finish by 1:00pm, when stations and courses close. This event is not timed, it’s all about family fun. The Mountain Bike course is non-technical and fairly flat, and suitable for children with cycling experience.

Adults $25.00 and KIDS 17 & UNDER ARE FREE!

For more information: www.riversidestateparkfoundation.org

Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/NineMileFalls/PokerHikeBikeRun

Editor’s Note: Did we miss your favorite race, ride or outdoors event? Email info@outthereventure.com, and we will do our best to include it next year.

The post Inland NW Race, Ride & Event Guide appeared first on Out There Venture.

Here’s a look at some of the newest, hottest winter items that are already getting us stoked to see the snow fly at our favorite outdoor venues. Not only do we give you the scoop on the gear, but, more importantly, we’ll tell you where to get it from live humans at a brick-and-mortar outdoor gear store.

Spokane Alpine Haus

Owner Drew Harding has a ton of great skis and snowboards on the wall at his South Hill Spokane shop, but he’s especially excited about this year’s men’s and women’s Rustler and Sheeva 9 from Blizzard Skis.

“It’s got a 96mm waist, making it a great all-mountain ski for the Northwest. They’ve also completely re-designed it this year with a metal frame construction that offers a smoother flex and more versatility in powder and on hard snow. It’s an intermediate/advanced ski, but not super overpowering. It’s approachable, but still burly enough if you want to push it hard.”   

Both skis are also available in a 10 and 11 series that offer wider waist dimensions for more off-piste adventures ($749).

Shred Sports

Shred Sports, located on north Division, is one of Spokane’s premier winter sports outlets. With one of the largest selections of Dragon goggles in the region, shop tech Zane Darrington’s favorite for this year is the new NFX Mag.

“It’s a great all-around goggle that we stock in several color options. They stiffened up the frame and added their Mag design this year, which is an ultra-fast and super-secure Swiftlock Magnetics lens changing system that allows you to switch lenses for changing light conditions.”

All NFX goggles ($269) come with two different Luma lenses. One for overcast/low-light conditions and one for clearer days.

Rambleraven Gear Trader

Rambleraven on Spokane’s Division Street hill is not only a great place to source used winter gear, but a great place to find new ski and snowboard equipment including backcountry options when you’re ready to venture outside the resort. Manager Wes Porter thinks that the Voile Revelator splitboard is a great place to start if you’re considering getting into backcountry snowboarding.

“It has some really awesome graphics. But, more importantly, it’s also an extremely light-weight board with universal binding mounts. The shape and sidecut are very user friendly and they are also manufactured at Voile’s environmentally friendly warehouse just outside of Salt Lake City.”

The Revelator series is offered in five different sizes ranging from 154-169cm ($749.00). Add a pair of skins and avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, and probe), and you’re ready to get after it.

Fitness Fanatics

Mark Beattie, shop manager for Fitness Fanatics, has been settling in with his crew at the shop’s relatively new location in Millwood (Spokane Valley) after decades on Trent Ave. As Spokane’s premiere cross-country ski supplier, he’s most thrilled with the new Solomon Escape 51 package.

“This is an entry level package that includes the Escape boot, Prolink bindings, and it also includes poles. It’s a great place to start if you want to get into the sport at a reasonable cost. They are wax-less skis, meaning that no grip wax is needed. Spray-on wax is all you will ever need.”

The Escape 51 ($350) is available in five different sizes ranging from 174-206cm. Check out the cool line up of toasty-warm retro Swix sweaters to complete the package while you’re there.

Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer
Living up to their name, Two Wheeler & Ski Dealer in Hayden, largely shifts from a bike to a backcountry and cross-country ski focus this time of year. In addition to Black Crow backcountry skis, Two Wheeler is primarily a supplier of Rossignol Nordic (trackless cross-country) equipment, which ski shop manager Pat Hutchins says changed the game with the introduction of its Nordic/backcountry Evo Off Trail-65 Positrack skis.

“These blue and red beauties offer a more new-school look that’s a little more akin to a hipper alpine ski,” adds Hutchins. It’s perfect for groomed Nordic tracks but is also built for off-track touring. The Evos also come with Control Step-in bindings that are field adjustable without tools to get more grip or more glide.

A set of Rossignol Evo OT-65 Positrack Nordic skis with the Control-Step-in bindings ($320) can be purchased as a package with boots and poles too. Total package pricing with added boots and poles varies depending on product choice.

Sportsman’s Ski Haus

Formerly Tri-State Outfitters, Sportsman’s in Coeur d’ Alene still offers all the same great brands and selection that Tri-State had. The snowshoe segment has grown in popularity in recent years, and Sportsman’s is leading the way with several options from industry leader Tubbs. Grant Bordner, action sport sales associate, is really hyped for the new Flex RDG.  

“It’s a collaboration between Tubbs and Boa, bringing the well-known Boa technology to snowshoe bindings. Those micro adjustments make the fit so much better and getting in and out has never been easier. Tubbs has been around forever and they are always our top selling brand.”

The Flex RDG ($199.95) comes in either a 22” or 24” to suit a variety of user weights. The shop also carries a full range of Helly Hanson soft goods, guaranteed to keep you warm on the trail.

Ski Shack

Hayden’s Ski Shack has been a staple of the region’s ski and snowboard scene since 1976. It’s hard to find a better selection or more knowledgeable staff in all of North Idaho. Of all the hardgoods they sell, helmets are perhaps one of the most important investments a consumer can make. The one standing out this year to shop tech Robert Hoskinson is the Smith Icon.

“Full hard plastic helmets (plastic covered ears) are seeing a resurgence amongst recreational skiers, where in the past they were primarily used in racing. The advantage is greater overall protection. Add to that MIPS technology (protection against rotational impacts), and you have the greatest level of protection you can get for your head.”

The Icon ($360) is available in small, medium or large. Ski Shack carries a full line of Smith helmets that now all feature the industry leading MIPS technology.  //

Brad Naccarato is a Spokane-based freelance writer and has been an Out There Venture contributor for over a decade. Watching his children learn to play in the snow is his greatest reward of the season. 

The post Best New Gear from Local Shops appeared first on Out There Venture.

^{This post is sponsored by these West Koot Route Partners}

The West Koot Route connects over a dozen communities in the West Kootenay Region of southeast British Columbia just a few hours north of Spokane. The towns and small cities are as diverse and rich with character as the mountain- and lake-filled wild landscapes that make up this rugged corner of the Northwest. All of those mountains mean an abundance of outdoor winter adventures are possible without the crowds you’d expect in the states. Load up your boards, bikes, skinny skis and snowshoes and hit the road for a magical time north of the border!

Rossland

The closest destination on the West Koot Route to the Spokane area, the historic mining town of Rossland, is a real-deal ski bum town and the home to the renowned powder grounds of RED Mountain Resort. With its nearly 3,000 feet of vertical and massive 3,850 acres of terrain, RED is comparable size-wise to some of the biggest resorts in North America, just way more real and uncrowded! Ski off five different peaks, score $10 in-bounds cat skiing runs, chow down at Canada’s only snowbound taco truck, and soak up some suds and high-energy vibes at Rafters Bar, once rated the #1 après ski spot in the world by Powder Magazine. With 300” average annual snowfall, fresh snow is often in the cards, but just in case, Big Red Cats serves up mind-blowing glade and tree skiing on 20,000 acres of backcountry terrain.

While RED has a growing list of excellent lodging options and a few places to eat and imbibe after a day of powder slashing, Rossland, a few-minutes drive from the resort, offers plenty of lodging, provisions, and nightlife options. Once you’re settled in for your stay, everything a well-rounded ski town needs is within walking distance, or, in the case of getting to and from RED, a quick ride on the Rossland Ski Bus. Places to rest your head range from budget to comfort-focused rooms. The historic downtown harbors an eclectic array of restaurants, bars, cafes, ski and gear shops and liquor and grocery stores.

Given that Rossland locals are as passionate about biking as they are about snow riding, it’s no surprise that Rossland is also a ski town with a fat biking problem. Largely viewed as something to do between powder dumps just a few years ago, riding the miles of groomed snowy singletrack around Rossland has of late become a draw of its own for fatty-rollin’ out-of-towners.

If Nordic is your winter sport of choice, Black Jack Ski Club across the highway from RED features 50k of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, including 2.5k of lit trails for night skiing. Or, a few miles up the highway at Strawberry Pass, ski tour or snowshoe in to one of 12 funky yet functional day-use cabins for lunch or a snack around a wood stove fire. Visit Tourism Rossland at Tourismrossland.com for more info and winter adventure inspiration.

Castlegar

A choose your own adventure town that’s close to just about everything you could want to do outside in the winter. Back in the day, I wouldn’t think twice about bouncing around from one adventure to the next and sleeping wherever just to wake up, move on, and do it all over again in a new place. But these days, often with my family in tow, I’ve grown to appreciate settling in to a place and not having to pack and unpack more than necessary. Castlegar, a small city located at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay Rivers, is the perfect home base for multi-day winter adventures in the Kootenays.

Conveniently located a short drive from two legendary BC ski resorts—RED Mountain (35 minutes) and Whitewater (55 minutes)—you can stay put and watch and wait for the weather to play out before committing to one or the other. If the conditions aren’t cooperating, there are endless backcountry skiing and splitboarding options close by.

For those looking for a serene glide through the forest, there are also excellent Nordic trails close to town. The Castlegar Nordic Ski Club grooms 52-kilometres worth of trails at the Paulson Cross Country Ski Trail system located 20 miles from downtown.

The expansive snowmobile terrain is also a big draw. There are several zones around Castlegar with groomed and ungroomed snowmobile routes ranging from beginner-friendly forest roads to more advanced steep slopes and open, ungroomed meadows. The Castlegar Snowmobile Association maintains several warming cabins and grooms over 70k of trails around Castlegar in the Norns, Ladybird and Goose Creek areas.

Back in town, Castlegar has everything you’ll need for the perfect winter getaway, including a wide range of lodging and restaurant options. Part of the unique draw of Castlegar is the beautiful and friendly small-town setting, and compared to urban areas in the U.S., the pace of life in this often-sunny river town is more laid back.

Make the time to walk the downtown streets after a day of outdoor adventures and check out the dozens of impressive sculptures on the Castlegar sculpture walk. (Castlegar is known as the sculpture capital of Canada!) There are several other winter walking trails around town too. Or take the kids sledding (aka tobogganing) at one of the local hills or ice skating at the outdoor skating rink. Find more trip planning info at Destinationcastlegar.com.

Arrow Lakes & Slocan Valley

The expansive wildness that I love about the B.C. Kootenays quickly becomes even more intense as you drive north from Nelson or Castlegar into the Slocan Valley. Mountains and water frame your view and the epic ski terrain that flies by your window as you drive north includes the makings of fairy tale ski resorts, yet this mostly pristine country largely remains the playground of backcountry enthusiasts.

One could earn their turns climbing up and sliding down world-class terrain through endless pow on day trips in these mountains all winter long, but the big draw for many skiers and snowboarders who come from all over the world is the concentration of helicopter and snowcat-accessed backcountry huts and lodges. From these cozy mountain oases, guests get access to remote, truly world-class ski touring terrain or heli-accessed adventures. Trips range from multi-day guided and fully-catered all-inclusive packages as well as DIY adventures. Once you and your crew are all set up in one of the many lodges or huts spread out in the surrounding Monashee and Selkirk mountains, days are filled with ski touring or heli-skiing legendary powder that can range from extreme alpine terrain more suited for advanced skiers and snowboarders to naturally gladed slopes that can be enjoyed by a wider range of abilities.

More off the radar but definitely worth a visit for any aficionado of smaller community ski hills, the Summit Lake Ski and Snowboard Area is the perfect laid-back winter adventure destination for any mixed group or family looking to play in the snow their own way at their own pace. Located 16k southeast of Nakusp, Summit Lake offers old-school T-Bar access to 30-acres of slopes. Plus, there’s a day lodge, rental shop, and night skiing on Friday nights.

After all of that time sliding through deep snow, nothing beats a soak in hot mineral water. 35k north of Nakusp, Halcyon Hot Springs Resort takes soaking to the next level. The pools, with gorgeous Upper Arrow Lake and Monashee Mountain views, are the perfect relaxation reset with cabin and cottage lodging options scattered in the surrounding forest. Plan to eat at the on-site restaurant Alcédo for what may be the best restaurant at a hot springs resort anywhere.

Nakusp Hot Springs, 16k east of Nakusp, offers an amazing community soaking experience at this non-profit-run pool. Properly soaked with mood-enhancing minerals, you should be plenty relaxed and ready to fit right in with the laid-back vibe of the local lakeside communities of Nakusp, New Denver, or wherever you’re staying in the valley. Explore the Arrow Lakes and Slocan Valley area online and find more trip-planning resources at Arrowslocan.com.

Nelson and Kootenay Lake Region

Out of all of the stops along a winter tour of the West Koot Route, Nelson offers the most urban cultural amenities, from craft dining and imbibing choices to boutique and mom and pop shopping, arts (check out the self-guided mural tour), and health and wellness experiences including yoga, spas, retreats and more. Even though Nelson has a more small-city feel and doesn’t have a ski resort on its doorstep, don’t get the wrong idea: this magical and historic community surrounded by mountains and overlooking Kootenay Lake is a skiers’ town.

Whitewater Ski Resort is just down the highway, a short scenic drive that will take just enough time to finish a large cup of local’s-choice Oso Negro coffee. Whitewater is a no-frills resort that’s all about the skiing and riding with 2,000 feet of vert and over 3,000 acres of terrain that happens to get some of the most snow in the pow-blessed Kootenays (40 feet average annually). While Whitewater proudly proclaims the mountain’s lack of cell service, the resort continues to invest in the quality of the skiing and snowboarding experience, adding a new quad chairlift for the upcoming 23/24 season. Whitewater is also your destination for resort-access to extensive out-of-bounds backcountry terrain. While the boundaries between resort and backcountry are well defined, the Whitewater culture is one that embraces the pursuit of powder in all of its forms inbounds or out. It also must be mentioned that any trip to Whitewater wouldn’t be complete without eating at least once at one of the excellent eateries that serve food that’s so good the resort has its own cookbook!

A little-known fact: the Nelson area has another claim to skiing fame. It’s the cat skiing capital of world! Backed up by having more cat skiing operations in one place than anywhere else on this massive planet, guests can expect powder run after run with day-long vertical drops of up to 18,000 feet or more.  

A half hour north of Nelson, Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort—with public pool soaking sessions, a horseshoe cave, lodging that includes expanded soaking hours, and fantastic dining options—is a welcome oasis in the snowy Selkirk Mountains. If you’re looking to stretch your legs before a soak, head another 15 minutes north to the village of Kaslo, a snowshoer’s paradise with miles of trails winding their way up the Kaslo River from town. Find more info at Nelsonkootenaylake.com.

Start planning your north-of-the-border winter getaway along the West Koot Route at Westkootroute.com.

Cover photo by Kari Medig courtesy of Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism

The post West Koot Winter Wonderland appeared first on Out There Venture.

SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORTS

Apex Mountain Resort

Location: Penticton, B.C.

Summit: 7,175 ft.

Lifts: 2 chairs, T-bar, & magic carpet

Runs: 79 marked; 40+ unmarked

Vertical: 2,000 + ft.

Annual Snowfall: Nearly 20 ft.

From Spokane: 5 hours

Why Go: Dry, light powder; over 12,000 acres of backcountry/slackcountry terrain; close to amazing Okanagan Valley wineries.

Baldy Mountain Ski Resort

Location: Oliver, B.C.

Summit: 9^th highest ski resort in Canada (7,580 ft.)

Lifts: 2 + T-bar and magic carpet

Terrain: 35 alpine runs, 360 acres of trails, and 240 acres of glades

Annual Snowfall: 25 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: Dry Okanagan powder; no crowds; 80% beginner and intermediate terrain.

Big White Ski Resort

Location: Kelowna, B.C.

Summit: 7,606 ft.

Lifts: 16

Patrolled area: 2,765 acres

Vertical: 2,550 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: The second-largest ski resort lift system in Canada with real Champagne powder (and minimal lift lines); 100% ski-in ski-out accommodations; huge, vibrant village with over 20 restaurants and bars and plenty of off-the-slopes fun; super family friendly with new magic carpet and plenty to do for all ages and abilities (even for non-skiers).

Fernie Alpine Resort

Location: Fernie, B.C.

Summit: 7,000 ft.

Lifts: 10

Skiable acres: 2,500

Vertical: 3,550 ft.

Snowfall: 30 ft.

From Spokane: 5 hours

Why Go: Fernie is an action-packed, real-deal ski town with seemingly endless resort and backcountry skiing and snowboarding; the views of jagged Rocky Mountain peaks above town will blow your mind.

Kicking Horse

Location: Golden, B.C.

Summit: 8,218 ft.

Lifts: 4

Skiable acres: 3,486

Vertical: 4,314 ft.

Snowfall: 24 ft.

Inbounds chutes: 85+

From Spokane: 6.5 hours

Why Go: New terrain was added in 2018; 60% advanced & expert terrain including 85+ inbounds chutes; and the fifth-biggest vertical in North America!

Kimberley Alpine Resort

Location: Kimberley, B.C.

Summit: 6,500 ft.

Lifts: 5

Resort acres: 1,800+

Vertical: 2,465 ft.

Snowfall: 13 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: Some of the sunniest skiing and riding in the Kootenays; over 40% of the terrain is intermediate; friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

Panorama Mountain Resort

Location: Invermere, B.C.

Summit: 8,038 ft.

Lifts: 10

Resort terrain: 2,975 acres

Vertical: 4,265 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 16+ ft.

From Spokane: 5.5 hours

Why Go: Top 10 vertical in North America; 75% of the runs are suitable for beginners and intermediates.

Phoenix Ski Area

Location: Grand Forks, B.C.

Lifts: 2 (T-bar and rope tow)

Terrain: 15 runs

Vertical: 800 ft.

From Spokane: 3.25 hours

Why Go: Great place for families to ski together and beginners of any age to learn; super unique community ski hill vibe.

RED Mountain Resort

Location: Rossland, B.C.

Summit: 6,807 ft.

Longest Run: 4.3 miles

Lifts: 8

Skiable Acres: 3,850

Vertical: 2,919 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 300 inches

From Spokane: 3 hours

Why Go: Huge, excellent terrain. $10/run in-bounds cat-skiing; epic tree-skiing and in-bounds steeps; nearly 82% of the terrain is intermediate to advanced; unique on-mountain lodging options including the Nowhere Special Hostel and on-mountain Constella Cabins on the backside of Granite Mountain.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Location: Revelstoke, B.C.

Lift-top Elevation: 7,300 ft.

Skiable Acres: 3,121

Longest Run: 9.5 miles

Vertical: 5,620 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 30-45 ft.

From Spokane: 6 hours

Why Go: Biggest vertical in North America; incredible in-bounds expert terrain; 45% intermediate terrain; new lift and beginner terrain added in 2019/20.

Salmo Ski Hill

Location: Salmo, B.C.

Annual Snowfall: Plenty

From Spokane: 3 hours

Why Go: Fully-lit night skiing; great family-friendly terrain with a rowdy t-bar; old-school community ski hill on the way to Nelson.

SilverStar Mountain Resort

Location: Vernon, B.C.

Summit: 6,280 ft.

Lifts: 11

Runs: 132

Skiable Acres: 3,282

Vertical: 2,500 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 275 inches

From Spokane: 6 hours

Why Go: Colorful, ski-in, ski-out mid-mountain village; all-inclusive lift ticket includes access to alpine slopes, Nordic trails, tubing, ice skating, and fat bike and snowshoe trails; B.C.’s third-largest resort and Canada’s largest daily-groomed cross-country trail network.

Summit Lake Ski and Snowboard Area

Location: Nakusp, B.C.

T-bar: 1

Acres: 30

Vertical: 500 ft.

From Spokane: 4.5 hours

Why Go: Laid-back, old-school Kootenay ski experience.

Sun Peaks Resort

Location: Kamloops, B.C.

Summit: 7,060 ft.

Lifts: 13

Patrolled area: 4,270 acres

Vertical: 2,893 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 19+ ft.

From Spokane: 8 hours

Why Go: True to its name, Canada’s second-largest ski area soaks up over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year on average.

Whitewater Ski Resort

Location: Nelson, B.C.

Summit: 6,700 ft.

Lifts: 5

Skiable Acres: 3,247

Vertical: 2,014 ft.

Annual Snowfall: 40 ft.

From Spokane: 3 hours

Why Go: New Raven quad chairlift and terrain for 23/24 season. 40 feet of Kootenay pow annually (on average); 55% advanced in-bounds terrain and incredible lift-accessed backcountry; friendly vibe, no cell service, legendary food, and proximity to Nelson, B.C.’s mountain town amenities. 

HOT SPRINGS

Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort

A short drive north from Nelson, the natural hot springs were first visited by the Ktunaxa First Nations peoples for healing and rejuvenation. Today the resort is fittingly owned by Yaqan Nukiy, the Lower Kootenay Band of the Ktunaxa Nation of Creston, B.C. Ainsworth Hot Springs includes warm, mineral-rich waters in a pool and a natural cave without the sulfur odor associated with some hot springs. There’s also a cold plunge pool, stunning views of Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Mountains, and onsite hotel and excellent Ktunaxa Grill restaurant. 4 hours from Spokane.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

Canada’s largest natural mineral hot spring with views of the Canadian Rockies. Resort includes a hot pool; large, warm swimming pool; and dive pool. There are a variety of lodging and dining options at the resort and an on-site, family-friendly ski hill. 5 hours from Spokane.

Halcyon Hot Springs

This remote and beautiful resort along Upper Arrow Lake 20 miles north of Nakusp, B.C., is on the way to Revelstoke and an incredible destination all its own. Enjoy mineral-rich natural hot spring pools, a kid’s spray park, and majestic lake-side views of the Monashee Mountains. Multiple on-site lodging options and the highly praised Alcédo restaurant. 5.5 hours from Spokane.

Nakusp Hot Springs

This community-owned hot springs in the Selkirk Mountains near the village of Nakusp and Upper Arrow Lake consists of two pools (one warm, one hot) fed by nearby natural springs. Rental chalets, camping and snowshoeing trails are nearby. 5.25 hours from Spokane.

Radium Hot Springs

Two large pools (one hot, one warm) provide soaking in natural mineral water within Kootenay National Park near the communities of Radium and Invermere. 5.5 hours from Spokane.

FAT BIKING

You can find fat biking trails, shared Nordic trails, and rentals at many of the ski resorts listed in this guide, but some of the best singletrack winter bike trails are being groomed in and around Rossland, Cranbrook, and Fernie, B.C.

Rossland, B.C.

Ride over 12k of machine-groomed trails around Rossland, including loops pieced together from the Centennial Trailhead, RED Mountain Resort, or in town. Stop by Revolution Cycles for fat biking trail maps and local advice or for bike rental or gear needs. The Redstone Golf Course in Rossland also has groomed fat biking trails. There are typically ridable sections of trail (depending on conditions) on both sides of the highway at the Seven Summits Trail trailhead (check out the new Cedar Trail).

Fernie, B.C.

Beginner, intermediate and expert riders will find a variety of groomed and user-packed trails for fat biking right out of downtown Fernie and another 12k of groomed multi-use trails at Fernie Alpine Resort. Book a “learn to fatbike” session at Fernie Alpine Resort and spend a few hours with an experienced guide. Visit Tourismfernie.com for updated trail and grooming info and a winter recreation map or stop by one of the local bike shops for recommendations.

Cranbrook, B.C.

Cranbrook has valley terrain that is similar to Spokane and North Idaho, with plenty of flats and rolling hills that make for a great groomed fat bike trails system. Grooming typically happens in the South Star Cross Country Ski Area and the Cranbrook Community Forest, with up to 60-70k of trails groomed each winter that include options for all levels of riders. Check out Trailforks, the Wildhorse Cycling Club, or Cranbrook Community Forest Society Facebook pages, or Gerick Sports for trail beta and updates.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

British Columbia has over 50 Nordic skiing areas across the province, with many of them located within an hour or two from the U.S. border. Most alpine ski and snowboard resorts have groomed cross-country trails, and many communities have additional cross-country trail systems that are regularly groomed with excellent facilities and nearby amenities.

SilverStar Resort/Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre

Canada’s largest network of daily-groomed cross-country ski trails begins at the SilverStar Mountain Resort near Vernon, B.C. Connected to SilverStar’s 55k of world-class trails is another 50k of groomed Nordic trails at Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre (dual mountain passes available).

Nelson Nordic Trails

Located 10 minutes south of Nelson on Highway 6 at the Whitewater Ski Area turnoff, the Nelson Nordic Ski Club maintains 30k of groomed trails (classic and skating tracks) for all levels. The trail system includes a day lodge, two warming huts, and 1.5k of lit trails for night skiing. 

Black Jack Ski Club Trails

Five minutes north of Rossland, the 40k Black Jack cross-country trail system is one of the premier Nordic areas in western Canada and the closest B.C. trail system to Spokane. In addition to the groomed classic and skate skiing trails, there is a 2.5k lit night-skiing loop.

Kimberley Nordic Club Trails

The Kimberley Nordic Club hosts a 33k, first-class groomed trail network including double track, single track, and a center skating lane. The trail system on the edge of Kimberley includes a 3.3k lit loop for night skiing, a lodge with bathrooms, and a warming hut.

Fernie Nordic Trails

There are over 50k of groomed cross-country trails around Fernie, from beginner circuits to advanced trails. You can explore one of these different trail systems in the spectacular wilds of the Canadian Rockies each day of your trip: Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Golf Club, Island Lake Lodge, Montane, and the Elk Valley Nordic Centre.

Paulson Cross-Country Ski Trails
There is an excellent Nordic trail system close to the town of Castlegar. The Castlegar Nordic Ski Club grooms 52-kilometres worth of trails at the Paulson Cross Country Ski Trail system20 miles from downtown.

BACKCOUNTRY

Scoring untracked backcountry powder on skis or a splitboard in the Kootenay-Rockies region of B.C. can take on many forms, from earning your turns on day tours, fully-catered hut trips, and vertical-maximizing cat ski or heli ski adventures (avalanche/backcountry gear, training, and awareness are essential). These popular ski-touring meccas offer endless opportunities to start exploring on your own; however, avalanche risks abound so go prepared.

Kootenay Pass: Just north of the border near Salmo and Creston, this popular backcountry area can get crowded on weekends. Excellent terrain on both sides of the highway.

Whitewater Ski Resort: Whitewater’s spectacular in-bounds riding is just the beginning of what this gateway to backcountry terrain has to offer those equipped to access the powder fields and steeps you can’t see from the lodge.

Rossland/RED Mountain Resort: There are plenty of backcountry ski tours in the Rossland Range as well as lift-accessed touring possibilities from the resort and cat skiing. Check RED’s backcountry page for any updates to their touring policy and visit Backcountry Skiing Canada’s Rossland page for more info.

Fernie: The long season and jagged Rocky Mountain peaks around Fernie make for dramatic ski touring and splitboarding out of the resort and other nearby alpine areas. Two local cat skiing operations make for a great guided option to explore the backcountry.

Rogers Pass: This legendary backcountry destination between Revelstoke and Golden demands respect and a keen awareness of avalanche dangers. The big mountain terrain has gained a reputation that attracts skiers from around the world.

Backcountryskiingcanada.com: This treasure trove of backcountry ski and splitboarding route recommendations, forums, and other valuable information and resources will help you explore B.C.’s wide range of backcountry options wisely.

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