Introducing kids to skiing or snowboarding starts long before their first chairlift ride. The best way to build excitement is simply to play in the snow together. Gentle snowball fights, building snow forts and snowmen, and sledding and tubing all help kids get comfortable outdoors in winter. These activities also help them learn to love moving in the cold. When the time feels right—usually between ages 3 and 6 for most kids—visit a local ski area just to play and watch other families having fun on the slopes.

Tubing hills like those at Silver Mountain, Mt. Spokane or Schweitzer, are another great way to ease kids into sliding on snow. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing can also help young kids build balance and strength while having fun. And when you finally strap on that first pair of alpine skis or a snowboard, keep sessions short, warm and pressure-free. A positive first experience goes a long way toward a lifetime of winter adventures together. (OTO) 

The post Raising Little Rippers: Tips for Getting Kids Started on Snow  appeared first on Out There Venture.

By Chris Maccini 

Cover photo courtesy of Diane Delanoy

It was 29 years ago that Galen Chamberlain first picked up a copy of Rich Landers’ classic guidebook, “100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest.” At age 60, he’d just retired from a career in construction and was enrolled in a backpack school course through the Spokane Mountaineers. At the time, Chamberlain was far from an avid hiker.  

“I did a lot of skiing and cross-country skiing, but I never walked any more than a hundred yards in my life if I could help it until their backpack school,” he says. “I remember when I got back to the trailhead after three days, I told one of the instructors, ‘I ain’t never gonna hike again.” 

But while his feet and shoulders may have ached after that first hike, there was something that drew him back to the trail. Soon, he was hooked, and he set himself a goal to hike 500 miles per year. Chamberlain has kept track of every mile of every hike for nearly three decades, a total of more than 14,500 miles. 

Over the years, Landers’ “100 Hikes” became a constant companion. Each time Chamberlain completed one of the hikes in the book, he checked it off, often making notes on the weather, trail conditions and his hiking companions. When he returned to a hike again, he added another mark. Some hikes, like nearby Mount Kit Carson in Mount Spokane State Park (Hike #21), he has done a whopping 96 times. But it wasn’t until many years of hiking that the idea occurred to Chamberlain to try to complete all 100 hikes.  “I just started knocking ’em off,” he says. “And then after I got 50 or 60, I thought, hey, why not shoot for a hundred?” 

The trails in “100 Hikes” are spread throughout Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and British Columbia. In addition to being an active outdoorsman, Chamberlain was also a pilot. He owned a small airplane, which allowed him to fly in and camp at remote airstrips, giving him easier access to some of the more remote hiking areas such as the Cabinet Mountains in Montana and the Eagle Cap Wilderness in Oregon. One by one, he checked them off in his increasingly tattered copy of the guidebook. 

The 100th Hike Attempt to Mortar and Pestle Lakes 

In the summer of 2018, Chamberlain and a group of friends set out to complete the final hike in the book, number 100: Mortar-Pestle Lakes. The hike is located in British Columbia’s St. Mary’s Provincial Park, a remote wilderness area northwest of Cranbrook, BC. As Landers’ description in “100 Hikes” puts it, “This little niche of wilderness is so far off the beaten track, it doesn’t even have an official trail in its 22,650 acres.” Landers describes a steep, sparsely marked “trail” over granite boulders and alpine larch, noting that the area was previously home to a logging operation and “there’s a good chance you will have to seek out the trail to some degree.” He rates the hike “moderately difficult” in the book.   

When Chamberlain and his friends arrived in August of 2018, they knew there was wildfire activity in the area to contend with. The day before their scheduled hike, Chamberlain called BC Parks and asked about the trail’s status. They advised him to check the website in the morning to be sure the area was not restricted. Early the next day, everything looked clear. They packed up and started the drive to the trailhead under smoky skies. They’d driven less than 10 miles outside of Cranbrook when they were met with a blockade. Apparently, a new wildfire had started overnight, and no one had taken the time to update the website. There would be no hiking that day. The group turned around and headed home.  

But Chamberlain was determined to complete the hike one day. This was the final hike he needed to complete his 100-hikes goal, after all. He decided his next attempt would be earlier in the summer to avoid wildfire danger. In 2019, he once again gathered a group of fellow hiking enthusiasts and made the drive up to Cranbrook, BC. As all good outdoorsmen should, they checked the weather forecast beforehand and noted that there was a 20% chance of light rain on the day they planned to hike. Everything seemed to be lining up for a successful attempt. This time, they made the drive into the old logging roads which accessed the trailhead and spent the night at an old horse camp in the area. 

The next morning, it was indeed raining, and the road was in rough shape. But Chamberlain and his friends figured they must be close to the trailhead, according to the directions and rudimentary map in “100 Hikes.” They set out hiking to find the trailhead and complete the hike. After six hours of hiking in the pouring rain, unable to even find the beginning of the trail they were after, they decided to give up. Afterward, Chamberlain wrote across the top of the Mortar-Pestle Lakes page in his “100 Hikes” book, “FORGET IT.” He figured the final hike would elude him forever. 

One More Try 

A few years passed. Chamberlain continued to hike all over the Inland Northwest and beyond, often with friends he met through the Spokane Mountaineers, logging his 500 miles every year. Among his frequent hiking companions were Diane Delanoy and her husband, Ken, active members of the Spokane Mountaineers. Ken had been among the group of hikers turned away in 2018 due to wildfire. So they knew about Chamberlain’s goal of completing all 100 hikes, and they knew just how challenging the final hike had proved to be. When Chamberlain approached Diane and Ken about making one more attempt at the Mortar and Pestle lakes hike in 2025, Diane sprung into action. 

“I went onto Facebook and found a British Columbia hiking group and just kind of searched through their posts trying to find any mention of Mortar Lake,” Diane says. “I came up with one. This gal had been up there. So I contacted her, and she was able to send me the GPS tracking thing that got them to the trailhead.” 

With the local knowledge and GPS data loaded onto Diane’s phone, Chamberlain set out this past September with the Delanoys and another friend, Denise Beardslee, for one final attempt. Following the GPS up the old logging roads, the group was able to successfully locate the trailhead. To their surprise, it was well-marked with signage and a logbook. They camped at the trailhead that night, excited to start up the trail the next morning. When they did, they realized Landers’ trail rating of “moderately difficult” felt like an understatement.  

“Honestly, I thought it was the hardest hike I’ve ever done,” Diane says. “Even though it was less than five miles up and back, it is straight up the whole time. You just climb up, up, up, up, up till you get to a boulder field. And then you’ve got to get through that to the ridge, where we could see the two lakes.” 

The group had planned to camp in the wilderness area another night, but after the grueling hike, they drove out and spent the night at a campground. There, they celebrated Chamberlain’s accomplishment as he checked off the final hike in his weathered copy of “100 Hikes.” As he did, Chamberlain made one edit to Landers’ description: he crossed out the word “moderately” so that the trail rating read, “difficult.”

 

Looking Ahead and Inspiring Others 

Now that Chamberlain has completed all 100 hikes, he doesn’t have another major goal he’s looking to reach. “I’m still doing [the hikes],” he says. “I wouldn’t do them all [again], but there are a few I’d like to do again.” 

Some trails he would like to return to include the Tucannon River-Diamond Peak Loop in the Blue Mountains (#82), and Lookout Mountain east of Priest Lake (#37). Apart from that, he plans to keep hitting that 500-mile-per-year goal for as long as he can. 

And, of course, Chamberlain has a big milestone coming up next summer when he turns 90 years old. He doesn’t have a grand expedition planned, but says he might rent a local grange hall to celebrate with friends or maybe take a kayak trip through Priest Lake’s Thoroughfare.  

For Chamberlain’s friends and hiking companions like Diane Delanoy, Chamberlain is a constant inspiration to continue getting outdoors and having adventures no matter your age. “He really does motivate me,” Delanoy says. “If there’s a backpack or a hike and my husband will say, do you want to go? It’s like, nah, I don’t know. But if Chamberlain’s going, I want to go. Because if he can do it, I can do it. Plus, he always brings the fun.” 

As for Chamberlain’s advice to younger hikers? “Just keep going,” he says. “Do your yoga, do your daily exercises, walk every day. You never quit. You just can’t quit.” 

Chris Maccini is a writer and audio producer based in Spokane. This winter, you can find him on the ski slopes and cross-country trails of Mount Spokane. 

The post At 89, Spokane’s Galen Chamberlain Completes the “100 Hikes” Challenge appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of 49 Degrees North

Lifts: 7 

Vertical: 1,851 

Acres: 2,325  

Summits: 2 

Number of Runs: 90 

Nordic Center: Included with day ticket or pass 

Operating Schedule: 7 days a week (as conditions allow) 

What’s New on the Mountain  

Resort upgrades continue across 49° North both in the lodge and out on the mountain. The Calispell Creek Lodge received another major enhancement this season with 150 additional guest seats on the lower level, plus brand-new ADA and family restrooms — all made possible by last year’s relocation of skier services to the 7,000 sq. ft. Experience Center. 

On the slopes, extensive summer trail work resulted in brush-cutting on 80 of 90 runs, improving early-season coverage and snow consistency across the mountain. Grooming also levels up with the addition of the Prinoth Leitwolf, the world’s largest and most advanced groomer, capable of laying down 21–22 feet of beautifully consistent corduroy in a single pass. 

Looking ahead, engineering and forestry preparation is 95% complete for next summer’s replacement of the Payday Lift with a new fixed-grip Doppelmayr quad. The refined alignment will streamline loading and unloading and improve access to the popular Animal Trails zone. That area also underwent a major forest-health and fuels-reduction project, removing over 3,500 tons of hazardous material and preparing the terrain for future mountain bike development. 

Guests will also notice four new connector trails that improve navigation and flow, including a smoother link from Klondike to Silver King. 

The Corporate Season Pass 

New this year, 49° North’s Corporate Season Pass brings a fresh perk to local businesses looking to share some mountain time with their teams. The pass is fully flexible and transferable, making it easy for employees to take turns getting in some midweek laps or for companies to host laid-back client outings in the snow. It also fits right into workplace wellness efforts, giving staff a fun incentive to get outside and stay active all winter. If your office has been hunting for a unique benefit with real stoke value, this one’s worth a look. 

Primetimers’ Club  

The Primetimers’ Club at 49° North has become a lively home base for skiers and riders 55 and older who want to stay active and connected on the mountain. Each week, the crew gathers for casual ski meetups that blend easygoing laps with plenty of chairlift chatter. Throughout the season, they mix in social get-togethers and fun winter-long events that make the club feel more like a community than a program. It’s a welcoming way for adults to find their people on the slopes and keep the stoke high all winter long. 

Gift Cards Make the Best Stocking Stuffers  

Still looking for last minute Christmas gifts? Or the classic question, “What do you get for the person who has everything?” Gift cards to 49 Degrees North make the perfect stocking stuffer no matter who you’re shopping for. Recipients can use their gifts for rentals, lift tickets, lessons, in the lodge and more.  

Ski, Stay and Save 

Planning to stay? Ski or ride all day (weekend or weekdays) and then spend the night at one of 49’s neighbors’ fine facilities. Ski & Stay lodging/lift packages are available from partners like the Chewelah Motel and RV Park, Mid-Mountain Cabins, Mistequa Casino Hotel and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to plan a winter staycation.  

 

Snowsports Schools  

If you’re looking to level up your skiing or riding this winter, 49° North’s snow school lineup is packed with options for every age and ability. The mountain offers everything from tiny-tot first turns to adult confidence-building sessions, making it easy to jump into whatever progression path fits your style. 

Families will love the kid-focused programs, starting with Lil’ Cubs for ages 3 to 6 and moving into Youth Lessons for riders ready to build skills and explore more terrain. First-timers of any age also get plenty of support, thanks to beginner-friendly lessons designed to make that very first day on snow both comfortable and fun. Teens and adults have their own dedicated sessions too, covering everything from boosting confidence to dialing in more advanced technique. 

For anyone wanting a season-long push, the multi-week programs deliver steady progression in a fun group setting, while specialty clinics offer deep dives for skiers and riders chasing those “aha” breakthroughs. Together, they round out a snow school menu that makes improving at 49° North both approachable and exciting. 

Find more info at Ski49n.com.  

Featured Events 

• Nordic Wintersports Festival: Jan. 31 
  A full-day celebration at the Nordic Center with tours, clinics, demos, and family-friendly cross-country skiing activities. 

• Melody Riders Skijoring Competition: Jan. 24–25 
  Two days of high-energy skijoring with horses, riders, and skiers racing a fun, fast-paced course—always a crowd favorite. 

• Chewelah Winterfest: Feb. 7 
  49 Degrees North is hosting an evening rail jam in downtown Chewelah as part of the community’s Winterfest event. 

• Valentine’s Snow Moon Dinner: Feb. 14 
  An elegant five-course dinner with wine or champagne pairings, live music, and gorgeous night-sky views under the Snow Moon. One lucky couple will also win a tour in 49’s state-of-the-art Prinoth Leitwolf groomer. 

• Toyota Ski Free Day: March 6 
  The driver of any Toyota vehicle receives a free lift ticket for the day, with a deck party and live music adding to the fun. 

• Mardi Gras Seafood Boil: March 14 
  A Mardi Gras–themed, family-style seafood boil on the deck, featuring shrimp, crab, clams, crawfish, sausage, potatoes, hushpuppies, beignets, drinks and live music. Costumes encouraged! 

• Hawaiian Days: March 21 
  A spring tradition with a pond skim, snow golf, costume contest, poker run, scavenger hunt, silent auction, live music and a big deck party. Proceeds support the 49° North Volunteer Ski Patrol and Mountain Hosts. 

Sponsored

The post Your Complete Winter Guide to 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort appeared first on Out There Venture.

Story sponsored by the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau—Republic, Washington’s much-loved Winterfest returns for 2026 with family-friendly fun and community spirit packed into the second weekend of January. The celebration is set for Friday evening and all day Saturday, Jan. 9–10, with a Friday night light parade to kick things off and a full slate of creative events and contests on Saturday. While this year’s specific schedule is still being finalized and may change, many activities that have been crowd favorites in recent years are expected to return.

In past Winterfests, the light parade down Clark Avenue included locals and visitors alike decking out floats, vehicles and winter gear in colorful lights. Saturday’s lineup historically begins in the late morning and offers free participation in a host of community contests and activities. Fun highlights from previous years have included outhouse races, where teams build and race decorated outhouses down a snowy course; the crowd-pleasing K-9 keg pull that spotlights strong and spirited pups on leashes; boisterous tug-of-war matches; and other outdoor contests that get everyone cheering.

In addition to these lively competitions, Winterfest weekend in years past has also featured safety-manned kids’ zones, creative challenges like chili or snow-sculpture contests, and even whimsical events like Sasquatch calling and book walks. While organizers continue to shape this year’s roster, these activities show the playful, small-town energy that Republic brings to winter celebrations.

Visitors can bundle up and enjoy indoor and outdoor warming spots around town, explore local shops and eateries, and use Winterfest as a jumping-off point for winter recreation in Ferry County—whether that’s snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or a scenic snowshoe or stroll on the nearby Ferry County Rail Trail. Be sure to check official event updates as January approaches, since times and offerings may shift from year to year. Find details about the event at Republicwa.com.

Republic has several lodging options for winter visitors looking to set up basecamp for a night or more in the winter wonderland of this historic mountain town. Learn more about winter adventures in Republic and find lodging and other amenity info at the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website.

Looking for winter adventures around Republic? Check out our guide to cross-country and backcountry skiing and snowshoeing at nearby Sno-Parks and trails. If snowmobiling is your passion, give our guide to over 200 miles of snowmobile trails around Republic a read.

The post A Midwinter Tradition: Republic’s 2026 Winterfest Returns Jan. 9–10 appeared first on Out There Venture.

By Holly Weiler 

Cover photo courtesy of Lara Gricar

Outdoor Reminders 

• Winter conditions can impact access to high-elevation trailheads, so it’s time to double-check your vehicle’s emergency kit to make sure it contains helpful extras for snowy conditions (for instance, a folding snow shovel). It is also a transition time to winter parking permit season, when some high-elevation parking lots have snow removal funded through the purchase of seasonal parking passes. In Washington, Sno-Park season begins Dec. 1 and lasts through March, with over 100 Sno-Park locations across the state, including popular spots like Mount Spokane State Park and Sherman Pass. In North Idaho, a Park N’ Ski permit is required for access to seven maintained winter trailheads, including those at Priest Lake and Fourth of July Pass. Oregon maintains its own Sno-Park system as well but has a reciprocal agreement with Idaho. Purchase a permit for the state you visit the most. 

Free Outdoor-themed Entertainment 

• Chelan-Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) is hosting an outdoor clothing and gear exchange Dec. 13 from noon to 3 p.m. (location TBD; check the website). This is a free event; no registration required. Please bring clean, functional outdoor clothing and gear to swap. Those who would like to donate without attending the swap may drop off equipment at the CDLT office during the week before the event. It is not necessary to bring trade items in order to participate the day of the event; if you need outdoor gear, please attend.  

• Additionally, Chelan-Douglas Land Trust is hosting a Winter Solstice Walk at Castle Rock in Wenatchee’s Lower Castle Rock Natural Area Dec. 20 from 7 to 9 a.m. Advance registration is required to join this 2-mile round-trip hike. 

• Fee-free days at Washington State Parks are scheduled for Jan. 1 and Jan. 20. Additionally, a variety of free First Day Hikes will be offered at Washington State Parks on New Year’s Day (advance registration is required). Please note that Mount Spokane State Park does not fall under fee-free days during Sno-Park season. If you don’t have a Sno-Park permit, watch for the offerings at Riverside State Park and Columbia Plateau State Park Trail instead, where no Discover Pass will be necessary on the holiday. 

• Free Idaho Park N’ Ski Day is Jan. 3, with a chance to visit Idaho’s Nordic and snowshoeing trails without the usual parking fee. Several areas mark this event with activities, including free lessons and guided snowshoe hikes at Indian Creek State Park near Priest Lake and the Idaho Panhandle Nordic Club’s annual Best Hand Poker XC-Ski and Snowshoe fundraiser. There is a nominal fee to enter the poker competition, because it’s a fundraiser to help support grooming efforts at the Fourth of July Pass trail system; sometimes there are nearly as many raffle prizes as participants! 

• Methow Trails’ Backyard Ski Day is Jan. 30, with free winter trail access across the valley’s vast trail system. There will be free group beginner ski lessons for both classic and skate skiing, free fat bike demos and a free ski wax clinic. A few local businesses are even offering a limited number of free ski rentals for the day. 
  
  

Fundraisers, Contests and Events 

• Inland Northwest Land Conservancy will host its Common Ground annual meeting at CenterPlace Regional Event Center Dec. 9. Registration is required and space is limited. 

• Have you visited a National Recreation Trail this year? It’s time for American Trails’ annual photo contest. Photographers can submit up to 10 photos per trail under categories like trail use, trail management, trail features and artistic merit. Be sure to check the database of National Recreation Trails in our region to ensure the trail you visited qualifies. Photos are due Dec. 15, and winners will be announced in February. 

• The Backcountry Film Festival – Winter Wildlands Alliance offers several regional screenings of festival films highlighting human-powered winter recreation. Each showing serves as a fundraiser for the host organization. Catch it in Spokane Dec. 6, hosted by the Spokane Mountaineers. SOLE will host the film festival in Sandpoint Jan. 9. The University of Idaho Outdoor Program will bring the show to Moscow Jan. 28. On Feb. 3 the film festival will be shown in Whitefish, hosted by Wild Montana. Chewelah Valley Land Trust, Montana Backcountry Alliance (Missoula) and El Sendero Backcountry Ski and Snowshoe Club (Wenatchee) also plan to host the film festival this winter (check online for dates). 

• The Wenatchee River Institute will be the beneficiary of “Benevolent Night” at München House in Leavenworth Jan. 6, with 25% of sales donated to support the nonprofit. The event will run from 4 to 8 p.m.  

• Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to Spokane Jan. 9-11. Saturday night’s VIP ticket sales will benefit the nonprofit of your choice among several worthy local organizations. This event sells out every year, so don’t procrastinate! 

• Spokane Nordic will host Winterfest Jan. 18, featuring $10 Nordic ski lessons for both adults and children, plus a scavenger hunt for kids and a skijor clinic at Selkirk Lodge at Mount Spokane State Park. Additional not-to-be-missed events include the annual Langlauf Nordic ski race Jan. 25 and the BarkerBeiner Skijor Race, tentatively scheduled for Feb. 22. 

Stewardship, Conservation, and Volunteer Opportunities 

• Many of our region’s stewardship and conservation organizations take a short break during the winter season, but those looking for an opportunity to do some winter trail maintenance should watch for offerings from Washington Trails Association. Most of WTA’s winter projects are on snowshoe trails, snow depth permitting. Watch for opportunities within Mount Spokane State Park and on Spokane County Parks’ Conservation Futures properties. A limited number of snowshoes are available to borrow. Contact the crew leader if you’d like to try a project but need to borrow snowshoes. Check the WTA website for the full schedule. 

• Spokane Nordic hosts multiple events throughout the winter and is always seeking volunteer assistance to make those events run smoothly. Tasks may range from helping visitors park safely and efficiently to assisting with event check-in or serving as an on-course race marshal (typically on skis). Check out the Spokane Nordic website for opportunities. 

The post Winter Trail Access, Free Ski Days, Gear Swaps and Inland NW Outdoor Events appeared first on Out There Venture.

Plan Your Winter Escape to Backcountry Ski, Snowshoe, Cross-Country Ski, or Fat Bike on the Trails around Republic, Wa.

The small northeast Washington town of Republic, surrounded by mountains, trails and several Sno-Parks, is the kind of place where close-to-town winter adventures come steeped in solitude that may feel like you’re 1,000 miles from nowhere. A cross-country ski outing on the Ferry County Rail Trail or up at the Deer Creek Nordic Sno-Park at the top of Boulder Pass will greet you with such a still, snowy quiet that you may swear you can hear snowflakes falling. And you’re bound to see more snowshoe hare tracks than other humans on a backcountry ski tour in the Kettle Range up at Sherman Pass (the highest all-season pass in Washington).

Even though it’s only a 2.5-hour drive north from Spokane, Republic, the county seat of sparsely populated Ferry County, has held onto its western mountain-town roots as a mining and logging hub. Historic buildings line the stoplight- and chain store-free main drag, housing small businesses that serve the local community and visitors alike. With a couple of hotels, local restaurants, coffee shops, a bakery and even a local craft brewery, it’s a welcome alternative to crowded resort towns and an easy place to settle into as a base camp for winter adventures.

Some of the Best Winter Adventures Around Republic

The Republic area has the winter adventure bases covered, whether you’re into snowshoeing, backcountry or Nordic skiing, snowmobiling or fat biking. For human-powered winter sports, there are several options.

The Ferry County Rail Trail offers a flat, non-motorized pathway for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or fat biking, depending on the snow conditions. Portions of the trail are groomed throughout the winter for cross-country skiing.

Up in the nearby Kettle Range Mountains, two mountain passes, Boulder and Sherman, offer backcountry and cross-country skiers and snowshoers easy access to a winter wonderland. The Deer Creek Nordic Sno-Park at Boulder Pass features six miles of groomed Nordic-ski trails. Skiers with backcountry-touring gear and snowshoers have endless possibilities for exploring the open forests of the recently burned mountain slopes on both sides of the pass.

At the Sherman Pass Sno-Park, there are options for mellow snowshoe hikes and challenging peak ascents. Backcountry skiers willing to earn their turns have access to some of the best backcountry slopes in the Inland Northwest. Avalanches are possible in the mountains around Sherman Pass, and all skiers and snowshoers should come prepared with appropriate avalanche training and safety gear. A Washington Sno-Park permit is required at both trailheads.

2026 Winter Events in Republic and Ferry County

Republic and Ferry County also host several unique winter events that are worth planning a trip around.

Republic’s Winterfest celebration for 2026 is set for Friday evening and all day Saturday, Jan. 9-10. The event features a Friday evening light parade and multiple creative events and contests on Saturday, including outhouse races, a K-9 keg pull, tug-of-war and other family-friendly activities.

Nordic and backcountry skiers should have the Altai Skis Backcountry Ski & Hok Festival on their radar. Happening Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7-8, 2026 (pending Forest Service approval as of December 2025), the event offers a chance to demo backcountry ski-touring gear from Ferry County-based Altai Skis and explore the local backcountry terrain with others. The weekend-long event takes place up at the Deer Creek Nordic Sno-Park near Curlew in the Kettle Range.

Another Nordic ski event popular with both locals and skiers from around the region is the annual Ferry County Rail Trail Ski Day, which takes place on a weekend in January or February, depending on snow conditions. Participants can try out cross-country ski gear and take free ski lessons. Follow the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners on Facebook for this year’s ski day details.

Winter Road and Snow Safety

 Mountain passes around Republic including Boulder and Sherman passes may experience winter storm conditions, and visitors need to come prepared for varying road and trailhead conditions. Check out our backcountry winter guide to the Republic area for more trail and terrain suggestions for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Because the high peaks of the Kettle Crest include some avalanche terrain, be aware of avalanche risks in the area and go prepared when exploring backcountry terrain on skis, splitboard, snowshoes, or snowmobile.

Where to Stay in Republic in the winter

Republic has several lodging options for winter visitors looking to set up basecamp for a night or more in the winter wonderland of this historic mountain town. Learn more about winter adventures in Republic and find lodging and other amenity info at the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website.

(Sponsored by the Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau)

The post Where to Ski and snowshoe around republic, wa. appeared first on Out There Venture.

Photo courtesy of Lara Gricar

Mount Spokane Nordic Skiing & Snowshoeing: Groomed Trails and Winter Routes

Mount Spokane remains the heavyweight of winter trail systems in the Inland Northwest. With 37 miles of groomed Nordic skiing, dedicated snowshoe routes, warming huts, and dependable early-season snow, it’s the closest thing we have to a full-service Nordic and snowshoe winter recreation area. Skate skiers, classic skiers, and snowshoers each get their own space, and grooming is typically excellent thanks to the park’s volunteer-supported program. Please note that snowshoeing and fat biking are not allowed on Nordic trails. You can check the Nordic trails grooming report here.

Location: 45 minutes northeast of Spokane
Passes: For Nordic skiing on the groomed trails you’ll need a Washington Sno-Park Pass plus Special Groomed Trails sticker. For snowshoeing when parking in the snowmobile/snowshoeing/backcountry touring lot before heading up to the Nordic area parking lot at Selkirk Lodge warming hut, only a standard Sno-Park Pass is required.

49° North Nordic Trails: Groomed Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoe Routes

Tucked into a quiet corner of the Colville National Forest, the 49° North Nordic Center is smaller than Mt. Spokane but offers scenic forest trails. The trail system includes roughly 13 kilometers of groomed skate and classic routes that are also open to fat biking, plus a couple marked snowshoe trails that wind through the woods. With rolling terrain and a laid-back vibe, it’s often less crowded than Mount Spokane and great for intermediate skiers.

Location: A little over an hour north of Spokane near Chewelah
Passes: Washington Sno-Park Pass plus the Special Groomed Trail sticker

Riverside State Park Snowshoeing & Nordic Options Close to Spokane

When you only have a short window to get outside and there’s snow on the ground, Riverside is tough to beat. Snowshoers can explore existing paths that are often groomed for fat biking near Seven Mile or connect with the Centennial Trail after storms. In some past winters, the park has groomed a small Nordic loop usually in the Equestrian Area—when snow depth allows. Grooming isn’t guaranteed, but when the coverage is good, it’s one of the easiest ways to fit skiing into a busy week if you live in the Spokane area.

Location: Within Spokane city limits
Passes: Washington Discover Pass

Fourth of July Pass Nordic Ski Trails: Groomed Classic Loops in North Idaho

Fourth of July Pass is one of the most approachable winter trail systems for beginners. Managed by the Panhandle Nordic Club and the Forest Service, the area offers 12–15 miles of groomed classic Nordic trails, along with open snowshoe access on most of the forest roads and surrounding terrain. Routes like the Lodgepole Loop provide mellow grades and plenty of space to cruise in the trees.

Location: 20 minutes east of Coeur d’Alene along I-90
Passes: Idaho Park N’ Ski pass required; voluntary donations support grooming

Lookout Pass Cross-Country & Backcountry Ski Touring Routes

Lookout Pass is one of the most reliable places in the region to find deep winter snow, and while the ski area is known for its chairlifts, the surrounding terrain offers several quiet Nordic and touring options. Trails follow old railroad grades, snowmobile trails and Forest Service roads, creating long, gentle routes ideal for classic skiing, skate skiing on firm days, or easygoing tours. (Note: The Route of the Hiawatha is not open to Nordic skiing.)

A favorite outing is along the old Northern Pacific rail grade in either direction from the Lookout Pass ski area parking lot. It’s a wide, groomed snowmobile corridor with big views and mellow terrain. From Lookout Pass, skiers looking for more mileage can head east toward Taft or west toward the Hale Hatchery on the same rail bed—both long, scenic glides with shuttle or out-and-back options. Snowmobile grooming provides a consistently packed surface on these shared-use routes.

Location: Right off I-90 at the Idaho–Montana border
Passes: No Park N’ Ski pass required at the Lookout Pass ski area base parking lot but parking may be limited on weekends.
Notes: Expect mixed-use traffic; some short walk-through sections at tunnels or underpasses

Palouse Divide Nordic Area: Quiet Idaho Backcountry Skiing & Snowshoeing

For skiers looking for a more remote classic, skate and backcountry trails and routes, the Palouse Divide north of Potlatch offers wide, rolling ski routes on old forest roads. The area typically has groomed classic tracks and plenty of room for snowshoers to wander. It’s quiet, uncrowded and surrounded by deep forest—perfect for skiers who prefer solitude.

Location: 1 hr. 20 min. south of Coeur d’Alene or east of Moscow
Passes: Idaho Park N’ Ski Pass required for winter parking

Whether you’re gliding across fresh corduroy or tromping through untouched powder, the Inland Northwest delivers some of the best winter Nordic ski and snowshoe days in the Northwest, and the season always rewards the ones who show up. For more cross-country ski and snowshoe trail recommendations, check out our 2014 guide to North Idaho’s winter trails here.

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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?  

Sponsored

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The park’s history runs deep. Riverside was developed in 1933 and 1934 by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, and visitors can still see evidence of their work today. The Spokane House Interpretive Center highlights the area’s past, with exhibits about the Spokane Tribe of Indians, early pioneers, fur trappers and trading posts dating back to 1810. 

No story of Riverside State Park would be complete without mentioning Riverside State Park Foundation. The all-volunteer nonprofit supports the park with improvements and activities in consultation with park staff, including financial donations and community volunteer hours that help ensure the park remains accessible for generations to come. Every dollar donated goes directly to park projects, equipment and programs—funding everything from drinking fountains, dog leashes and water bowls to trail signage, picnic tables, bike racks, landscaping trees, trailers, mowers, generators, e-bikes for ranger patrols, volunteer tools and even log splitters. 

Riverside State Park Foundation also hosts annual educational events such as “Wednesdays in the Woods” and fundraisers such as “The Grind,” a new gravel bike race planned for Riverside State Park on Oct. 11. These activities not only raise awareness but build appreciation and commitment to caring for this unique and valuable public park. 

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Cover photo courtesy of Holly Weiler

At the end of sixth grade, all of my middle school’s fall coaches made the classroom rounds, collecting sign-ups for the fall sports that would begin in September when school resumed. The cross-country coach seemed nice, and I had already tried cross-country skiing by borrowing my parents’ skis and exploring the backyard whenever the snow was deep enough, so I put my name down on the list. 

As I recall, my parents managed to keep a straight face as I explained what I signed up for; sixth graders don’t always have a great grasp on which weather occurs in which seasons. I had never heard about a sport dedicated to running long distances over uneven terrain, and while I loved to play outside, I was definitely not a kid who loved running. Secretly, my parents made wagers about how long it would last, with two weeks being the absolute upper limit. 

I outlasted the two weeks by the next three decades, transforming from awkward jogger into serious distance runner, running varsity through college, then continuing to coach the sport in my early adulthood. I quickly developed an aversion to running on pavement, gravitating to trails whenever I could. I spent most of my training time exploring first Riverside State Park with my college teammates and eventually Mount Spokane State Park and Spokane County Parks on my own.  

Eventually, creaky knees started to slow me down, although they didn’t stop me from exploring. My running became mostly limited to shorter outings with the high school team I coached. In my free time, I started to look for ways to stay out longer.  

As I transitioned to hiking more than running, I learned I could stay out all day, covering 20 miles or more, and still not want to go home. I started backpacking with groups of friends, and I also started volunteering on trail maintenance crews, especially those working on trails within the Salmo-Priest Wilderness in northeast Washington, but occasionally with Washington Trails Association crews working on trails closer to Spokane. 

Around 2013 I had what I jokingly refer to as my midlife crisis: I decided to leave my teaching job and enter grad school. The plan was always to return to teaching after completing my master’s degree, but in 2014 a local job with Washington Trails Association opened up. It was to be part-time and seasonal, concluding right around the time I would return to school in the fall, and I was fortunate enough to be hired for the position.  

Now over a decade later that seasonal job is a year-round, permanent position, and I’m still loving it! I help coordinate volunteer trail building and maintenance work throughout eastern Washington, and as part of my job I get to assist land managers in layout and design for both new trails and improvements to existing trails. Public lands started to change my outdoor interests from the time I was a young distance runner, but they eventually changed my complete life trajectory and career path.  

Holly Weiler is The Trailhead columnist at Out There Venture and the Eastern Washington Region Senior Coordinator for Washington Trails Association.  

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