Cover photo courtesy of Justin Short

The Great Spokane Shop Ride (GSSR) is a sort of hair scramble event in which riders gather on the second Saturday in April (the 12th this year) at the Riverfront Park clock tower to receive a stamp card, and at the stroke of 10 a.m. they scatter in all directions to get their cards stamped at every bike shop in town by whatever route they choose. There is a finish line ceremony at Brick West Brewing where riders will have the opportunity to hoist the Banana of Victory as they tell war stories, laugh, and sip fizzy beverages. There is a banana for the fastest time, one for the most efficient route, one for the most elevation (my personal favorite), and a banana for the Red Caboose (last rider in), which was hoisted last year by Charlie Greenwood, the nutty professor of Spokane cycling.  

The forecast can look grim in early spring, so don’t be at all surprised when you see only two riders standing by the clock tower 15 minutes before the kickoff. Within minutes, though, the numbers will swell into the double digits—we had 13 last year. There’s no sign-in sheet, no entry fee, and no rules other than be safe and have fun.  

Dan Webber, the instigator-in-chief of GSSR, will be there with Sue Craigmile, the chief-administrative-instigator, to pass out stamp cards in protective Ziplock sandwich bags so they don’t dissolve in the threatening rain, because rain is always threatening this time of year.  

It still seems like Spokane has an awful lot of bike shops, even though we’ve lost a few. Wheelsport North, Fitness Fanatics, and the downtown Bike Hub have closed, as well as Rambleraven Gear Trader, and this town really misses Rambleraven. If we lose any more, we may have to combine the Spokane Stairmaster with this event. (What the hell is that, you ask? That’s another Dan Webber creation that involves carrying your bike up 25 staircases in 20 miles.) Though, Spokane Alpine Haus will now be carrying bikes at both of their locations for 2025, and by the time you read this the brand-new Hillyard Bicycle shop will be up and running just a stone’s throw from the Children of the Sun Trail, adding three more shops into the fray.   

The whole inspiration behind GSSR is to step inside each shop, yuck it up with the folks therein, and perhaps have them throw a beer or a sleeve of Girl Scout cookies at you. It’s a community building effort of sorts. Our bike community and shop culture here is the stuff of greatness, and it’s not often that we get to pop into each and every one to say “hi all” in a single day.  

So where do we go when the proverbial gun goes off? As I mentioned, riders scatter in all directions. I like to get the climbing out of the way early, and north is always uphill, so I usually head north to REI, home shop of the aforementioned instigator-in-chief, and in keeping with tradition no one in there will have any idea about GSSR or where the stamps might be: at the front register? In the bike department in the back? Hidden in a tent display? It’s always a mystery.  

Sometimes riders like to go south first and get the South Hill out of the way, as though south could possibly be uphill. We have two destinations up there. Wheelsport and Spokane Alpine Haus, which may still have all their skis on display at that point in the season. But if there’s a single bike in there, that castle is going to get stormed.  

The ride itself ranges from around 42 miles for the most efficient route to somewhere around 56 miles for my adventure route, that for all three editions has climbed over Beacon Hill through the mountain bike park. That’s a big day for most riders this early in the season, so be sure to pace yourself.  

This year GSSR coincides with the Hubapalooza mountain bike race once again. If there’s one way to take seeing all your bike shop friends in one day up a notch, it’s running into a bunch of your mountain bike friends in race mode, and perhaps sharing a fizzy beverage in the beer garden, for those 21 years or older of course. Non-alcoholic options have come a long way, which is usually my preference…unless I’m at the The Bike Hub in the Perry District. Come to think of it, Mojo Cyclery out on Argonne has expanded its floor space and has a pass-thru window into Badass Backyard Brewing. Mojo is the shop that got me into the weird stuff I’m doing these days—riding, not drinking.  

When riders come crawling into the finish line festivities at Brick West, that’s when we find out who lost a limb trying to rub the shop cat’s belly at North Division Bike Shop, that’s when you’ll shoot fizzy beverages out of your nostrils from laughing about all the absurd things that happened, and that’s when you’ll know why the Great Spokane Shop Ride is so great.  

Justin Short is a long-time writer for OTO and keeps his finger on the pulse of the bike community in the Inland Northwest so you won’t miss any of the weird cycling stuff going down.  

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Fans of the Spokane Alpine Haus, a full-service ski and snowboard shop that has had a dedicated following on the South Hill for years, formed a long line outside the building as they waited for the grand opening of the business’ second location in northwest Spokane on Saturday, October 19. 

“It was unreal,” says Rachel Harding, who owns the business with her husband Drew. “There were lots of customers that we knew and a ton of new faces. Everyone was just so cool. [They were] very excited for themselves and excited for us and the outdoor community in general.” 

Harding says customers have long been requesting a north side location of Spokane Alpine Haus, and says she’s still on “cloud nine” that they were able to deliver and snag such a great spot in the Northwest Boulevard neighborhood, bringing the first ski shop to the area. 

“It’s commercial, but it’s in a neighborhood. Audubon park is right there, and the river is right there. It feels very neighborhood-oriented, which is right up our alley,” says Harding.  

The grand opening comes on the heels of several outdoor shops that have closed their doors for a variety of reasons in recent years, including Mountain Gear, Fitness Fanatics and Rambleraven Gear.  

“This is a call to action to the community: shop local,” says Rachel of the recent closures. “The internet cannot service your gear. Shop in your community and keep the money in the local economy. Support the people who are supporting you.” 

The Hardings hand-pick their goods for the Spokane community, offering outdoor gear in the form of hard and soft goods, apparel, daily rentals, gear servicing, and the largest ski lease program in the region. (They did 2,500 leases last season.)  

Upon opening the second shop, they’re adding bikes to this incredible list, with the north location already offering bike sales and service and the South Hill shop set to begin bike service this spring. Bikes are currently available at both locations. In terms of all other services and gear, the north shop will intentionally mirror the offerings of the original, down to the approximate square footage and shape of the building. 

An exciting item in both shops this season are ski boots with new BOA technology, offering a more intricate fit than a buckle system. Spokane Alpine Haus staff are certified boot fitters who receive continual education, one of the reasons the shop has earned the title of a peer reviewed BLISTER-recommended ski shop, one of about 30 in the world. 

“It’s a huge honor, and it’s because we continually invest in our employees to make sure they are the most educated so we can sell people the right gear,” says Harding. 

Visit the new shop location at 2215 W. Northwest Boulevard, Spokane, or give the shop a call at (509) 561-1103. They will operate the same hours as the South Hill shop: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Visit the original Spokane Alpine Haus location at 2925 S. Regal Street.   

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I remember the first time I met Out There founder Jon Snyder. I worked at Mountain Gear, Spokane’s long-time local outdoor gear shop, and I noticed that Jon scheduled an appointment with Mountain Gear owner Paul Fish. Soon after, Mountain Gear purchased the back cover ad spot, which they filled for years until the shop closed in 2020. I was enamored with the magazine, and I created many of those back cover ads back in the day too.  

Out There Monthly grew out of a rich regional outdoor recreation climate. At one time, Spokane featured several local outdoor stores, including Mountain Gear, Mountain Goat Outfitters, Fitness Fanatics and REI as well as several ski and bike shops. During that era, Rich Landers completed 2^nd editions of his classic guidebooks to the Inland Northwest’s gems, and he would soon release 3^rd edition guidebooks for hiking, backpacking and paddling. Around that same time, highly effective and motivated non-profits formed to advocate for our treasured parks and trails, including groups like the Friends of the Centennial Trail and Riverside State Park Foundation. It turned out that Out There Monthly had launched at the perfect time to be a voice for this golden era of local outdoor recreation culture and advocacy.  

Looking back, I recall two articles I wrote that ended up getting attention around the world. The first one featured all the airplane crashes on Mt. Spokane that included not just one or two, but five aircraft, including two bombers from Fairchild AFB. The second noteworthy article featured Spokane ultramarathoner Lisa Bliss. She traveled unsupported from Death Valley to the summit of Mt. Whitney in a single push. She is the queen of pain, and I now consider her a good friend.   

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Fitness Fanatics opened its doors in a non-descript building on East Trent back in 1989, selling a wide array of in-line skates that offered a perfect fit for the proximity to the Centennial Trail and the fast-growing sport of inline skating. As the business evolved, the addition of Nordic ski equipment plus bikes and gear for cycling enthusiast and triathletes made Fitness Fanatics one of the premier shops for top-of-the-line gear and expertise. Fitness Fanatics has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Nordic ski and triathlon communities and DeRuwe has been an avid supporter of events and organizations that create awareness for all the things Spokane has to offer these groups and their participants.

Running a retail business for 35 years has been very demanding and enjoyable, says DeRuwe, with the best part being the lasting friendships created. While she looks forward to traveling to many of the places her customers have shared with her through stories and photos, she says, “I will miss this amazing family of people and connecting them to great gear.” DeRuwe plans to stay in the community and looks forward to staying connected to those friends for a shared ride or enjoying the first snowfall on the Nordic trails.

Fitness Fanatics will offer clearance pricing on all equipment, gear and apparel starting March 1, with plans to officially close the shop’s doors on March 31.

Cover photo courtesy of Robin DeRuwe

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The center of the universe when it comes to cross-country skiing (also known as Nordic skiing) in the Inland NW is at the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park at Mount Spokane State Park. The park, in fact, is one of the largest Nordic ski areas in the Northwest, say Robin DeRuwe, owner of Fitness Fanatics, a Nordic ski and bike shop in Millwood that also operates an equipment rental trailer at the park. “We have over 60 kilometers of groomed, cross-country trails at Mount Spokane that are unbelievable. They’re incredible.”

Cross-country skiing is a great, affordable way to get out in nature for some exercise in the winter. It can also be a fun way for a family to spend some quality, active time together. And with the Nordic trails at Mount Spokane so close, it’s an option for getting a ski workout in after work since the trails are open until 10 p.m. (bring a headlamp).

Mount Spokane Nordic Trail System

During the snowy months, the park features 37 miles of professionally-groomed Nordic ski trails that have a wide range of length and difficulty levels for both classic and skate skiing. The trails wind through Mount Spokane State Park land and private forestry lands. The Spokane Nordic Ski Association (see sidebar) helps maintain the trails in cooperation with the land owners (Washington State Parks, Idaho Department of Lands, and Inland Paper Company) and other volunteers and businesses like Fitness Fanatics. “It’s taken the whole Spokane community working together to make this wonderful trail system that we have up there that is just outstanding,” says DeRuwe. To check out a map of the trail system with trails color-coded by difficulty level, go to Spokanenordic.org/trailmap.

In addition to the expansive trail system, the Selkirk Lodge at the trailhead has restrooms, water, tables and a wood stove and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Dec. 1 through March 31. Once you’re out on the trails, there are two warming shelters for skiers to take a break and warm up by a wood stove, including the Nova Hut and Tripp’s Knob Warming Shelter. Please note that snowshoeing, hiking, dog walking or fat biking on any part of the groomed Nordic trail system is not allowed.

Gear Rentals

If you don’t own a Nordic set up (skis, bindings, boots and poles), or you want to try modern gear, the cool thing about Mount Spokane is that you can get fitted and rent equipment for adults and kids from Fitness Fanatics from their trailer right up on the mountain (Dec. 1-March 31). Hours are Thursday-Monday, 9 a.m.-4p.m. and daily during Christmas break. This central location is a huge bonus to the alternative of driving around town picking up and returning rental gear.

What to Wear Cross-Country Skiing

If you are new to Nordic skiing, plan to dress in layers, since you’ll be moving a lot and will generate your own heat. Wear or bring layers that you can shed as you warm up or to adapt to different conditions if you are out for a long ski, including:

• Synthetic or wool long underwear tops and bottoms (avoid cotton).
• Breathable layers/jackets to let body moisture escape. (Non-breathable jackets and shells will cause you to sweat out baselayers.)
• Bring extra gloves and light, breathable hats to keep your head warm during breaks or extremely cold temps.
   

Bring additional insulating layers in a backpack, along with food, water, sunscreen a headlamp, and other essentials for breaks and in case of an emergency that might keep you out in the elements longer than expected. If you need any gear or are unsure if what you have will work, stop by the Fitness Fanatics shop that specializes in Nordic gear at 8919 E. Euclid in Millwood (Spokane Valley).

Where to Buy Used Cross-country Equipment

Every year, Fitness Fanatics puts on a Nordic ski sale and swap, where you can find great deals on used cross-country ski equipment the first weekend of November (Nov. 4 and 5 this year). Show up early for the best selection. If you don’t find the gear you’re looking for used, Fitness Fanatics will have many new items on sale. Sale and swap hours are the same as the shop hours, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Rambleraven Gear Trader in Spokane (3220 N Division) also sells used and new Nordic gear. You can check out their selection of equipment online at Rambleraven.com.

Cross-Country Ski Lessons

If you are new to Nordic skiing, a few lessons can help you get the hang of it much faster. Fitness Fanatics offers group and private lessons up at the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park for both classic and skate skiing disciplines. You can sign up for the lessons online at Fitfanatics.com/ski-lessons and Fitness Fanatics offers half off on equipment rentals with a lesson. The Spokane Nordic Ski Association also offers lessons for adults and kids, with more info at Spokanenordic.org.

Which Parking Passes You’ll Need at Mount Spokane

To park up at the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Park, you’ll need a Sno-Park Permit plus a special groomed trail permit. The good news, on the other hand, is you won’t need a Discover Pass to park there in the winter. You can purchase either day permits or an annual one that will save a lot of money with repeat visits. Permits are available at Fitness Fanatics, other permit vendor locations, or online at Parks.wa.gov.

Spokane Nordic Ski Association

The Spokane area is fortunate to have a non-profit organization that’s totally dedicated to Nordic skiing! The Spokane Nordic Ski Association hosts some amazing cross-country ski classes and events for all ability levels, including kids, but the organization’s primary purpose has been to help develop and maintain the Mt. Spokane Cross-Country Ski Park up at Mount Spokane. Thanks to membership donations and volunteer efforts, Spokane Nordic provides trail maps and signs, maintains trails, and facilitates other trail system and facility operations and improvements. Learn more and get involved in Spokane’s cross-country ski community at Spokanenordic.org.

Cover photo courtesy Fitness Fanatics

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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. 

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What Age is Right for a Child’s First Day Skiing or Snowboarding?

When is the time right to introduce kids to the slopes? It all depends on the individual interest in snow and snow sports, tolerance of the cold and aptitude for physical activities. It also depends on at least one parent’s interest and ability to get their child set up with all of the gear and up to a local ski hill.

In the meantime, playing in the snow with your child is the best way to help them to learn to love being outside and physically active in the winter. Eventually, all of that winter outdoor time may grow into a healthy, life-long love for skiing or snowboarding. Before heading out in the snow, be sure you dress your little one warm enough for the conditions. Then get out there and enjoy winter together!

1. Play in the Snow: When kids are having fun playing in the snow and are dressed appropriately to keep warm and dry, they usually don’t notice cold, wet conditions as much. This time in the snow can develop a higher tolerance to the cold. Have a snowball fight, build a fort or igloo, or make a snowman or snow angels.
2. Visit a Local Sledding Hill: Walking up and sliding down a safe, age-appropriate sledding hill is great fun and exercise. It’s also a good way to introduce kids to how much fun it is to slide down hills on snow.
3. Go Snowshoeing: Hiking in the snow on plastic snowshoes can be done in any park or natural area when there is a few inches of snow. You likely won’t travel very far from the car as the experience will be more about playing in the snow along the way than covering distance. Many local outdoor gear shops sell or rent snowshoes for kids and adults, including Rambleraven, REI, and Fitness Fanatics in the Spokane area. You can also check out snowshoes at some Spokane County Library locations.
4. Visit Your Local Ski Area: Before snow falls in town, there’s often plenty of the white stuff up at our ski hills. Take an outing to your favorite mountain with your child to find a safe and appropriate place to play with them in the snow. Then, show them people and other kids loading a chairlift and having fun skiing or snowboarding down the mountain.
5. Go Tubing at a Ski Hill: Silver Mountain and Schweitzer have tubing hills where you get to ride down fun yet safe tubing hills and get a ride back to the top (ticket required). If you go tubing at Silver, you also get to ride the famous gondola! Please note that Bear Creek Lodge on the way up to Mt. Spokane has new ownership and tubing will not be offered this season.
6. Try Cross-country Skiing: Cross-country skiing (also known as Nordic skiing) is a great way to introduce kids to sliding on boards strapped to their feet. It helps build strength and skills that make alpine skiing easier in the future. Cross-country skiing is a fun family activity that just about anyone can do. Mt. Spokane, 49 Degrees North, and Schweitzer have groomed Nordic ski trails and offer gear rentals. There are also lower-elevation areas closer to town that get groomed for skiing when there’s enough snow. The Spokane Nordic Ski Association also has a kids lesson program for ages 5-12 called Nordic Kids.
7. Go Ice Skating Outside: Downtown Spokane has a great winter skating rink and there are many small lakes and ponds around the Inland Northwest that can make for a fun, safe place to skate once the ice is thick enough. Skating helps build leg and ankle strength that translates well to alpine skiing or snowboarding.
8. Ski at a Local Park or Sledding Hill: Curlew, Wash.-based Altai Skis (Altaiskis.com) makes a kid’s Nordic ski called the Balla Hok that has a climbing skin embedded into the bottom of the skis. This allows kids to ski up mellow hills and then slide back down. You can get them with universal, free-heel bindings that work with normal winter boots too. Stick to mellow slopes well away from any avalanche danger.  

_{Cover photo courtesy Shallan Knowles}

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KEEP IT LOCAL

To get in the spirit, I picked up our 8-year-old from school and set off for some of our favorite local stores. We do our best to keep it local for the single reason that it keeps our community vibrant. At some of these stores, we know the owners by name, and they know us. They show us their favorite items in the store and usually have a story to go with it. They show our kiddo the loudest noise makers and delight in his delight. The purchases from these local stores pay local employees who are then more likely to spend their paychecks locally. More money stays in our community when we shop local. It’s a win-win.

The other thing about some of the specialty stores we’ve included in this guide is that they have finds our loved ones might never purchase for themselves. Sure, an Amazon gift card could cover the necessities and is appreciated. But, where else can you find a Great Blue Heron mobile that flies or a handmade mushroom mug? Shop local. It’s more interesting.

THE ART OF GIVING A GIFT

It’s not just the thrill of the find or wrapping it beautifully or watching someone open your gift with anticipation. A look of delight and gratitude on the receiver’s face can be so rewarding to the giver. Something small that says “I see you” deepens the bond between people.  When you consider the intrinsic value of a thoughtful gift, it can add fire to your gift search. And there are many types of gift-giving to consider—from material goods to outdoors experiences or donations to community organizations, we hope you enjoy this guide as much as we enjoyed shopping around town to find treasures for your loved ones.

BIKES/OUTDOOR GEAR

For the gearheads in your life, the options are endless. We’ve recently gifted the strider-riding kids we know nice helmets to protect their growing brains, in colors they love from North Division Bike Shop. Brenda, the owner, always helps us find the right gift, from the perfect bike to handlebar bells and baskets. Bike lights that help the cyclist in your life ride in the dark days of winter is always appreciated. You might not be able to gift the feeling of wind-in-your-hair, adrenaline-pumping fun, but you can gift the bike and accessories that make it easier (and safer) for them to get out there.

Shred Sports outlet on Division has your standard snow/water sports/ bike gear selection, but they also have some fun toys tucked away. The collection of Lucky Scooters can keep the whole family moving this spring. While we wait for the sun to warm us, gift the 686 Waterproof Hooded Puffer Blanket ($119). It can convert to a puffer poncho, and who couldn’t use a little more comfort and style this winter?

For the skier in your life, consider a pair of lift tickets. If they have a pass, consider gifting day passes to another resort to find some new favorite runs. Pair it with a fun, printed Black Strap Goggle Cover and they will think of you every time they cover and uncover their goggles ($15). Other ski gear: Smith Wireless Audio setup for helmets ($130) or a gear bag to keep it organized ($75-$130), all found at Alpine Haus.

For the paddler in your life, a backpack dry bag is useful for day trips and overnight trips. It’s useful for the boat, the beach, the paddleboard and keeping the rain away from your essentials. NRS, a local store in Moscow, Idaho, has a great selection. Go for the backpack version.

Some might think of Rambleraven Gear Trader as a consignment-only outdoor store, but it’s not. Sure, you will probably find a very gently used treasure in their racks of clothes and shoes, but you can also source new gear from them. It’s the local go-to for Spokane’s gear store. In Coeur d’Alene, check out Escape Outdoors in the Riverstone area.

If your person is a fitness fanatic, the Fitness Fanatics store has some great gift options. I’ve heard suggestions dropped around our house for a bike trainer. They have a nice selection. They also have a fabulous selection of snowshoes. We like the ultralight Atlas Helium ($230) with the largest pair weighing in at 3lbs, 12oz.

Wheel Sport has a store in every corner of Spokane, making it easy to stock up on items for your bike riders. And, if you are in the market to make a kid’s Christmas, check out their kids’ bike selection. For the tech-loving cyclist in your life, check out the Sigma Pure 1 ($45), a simple bike computer that can tell your rider how fast, how far and how long they’re going. Really, you are giving the gift of accurate bragging!

BOOKS AND MAPS

My reading habits have changed over time, from fiction and select learning to kids’ books. Auntie’s Bookstore has a healthy selection of every genre. We also wander through the journals, stickers, calendars, coloring books, tote bags, bookmarks and gifts before we hit the check-out stand. The other thing I love about Auntie’s is the trade in program. We can clean out our stacks of well-loved books and get credit for new books. It helps us detach from the books we’ve outgrown and find new books. We are currently reading “Spy Ski School,” though I have “The Cold Millions” by Jess Walter tucked into my nightstand. Give the gift of escape with a book!

Shopping locally for books is easy. Check out these other Spokane treasures: 42 Pages is full of used books for the budget conscious // Second Look Books on the South Hill also has an OTO rack! // Wishing Tree Books in the Perry neighborhood is a treasure of kids’ books and just feels good to wander around // Giant Nerd Books on Garland has a great selection of used and new books. // Book Traders, also on Garland, is a magic little store of used books. We came home with an armful of books.

Give the gift of navigation with the new summer and winter trail map of Mount Spokane State Park. Whether your giftee is a mountain biker, hiker, bird watcher, Nordic skier or trail runner, this map will help them plan their next adventure. Washington State Parks in partnership with the Friends of Mount Spokane produced this full-color, detailed map printed on waterproof, durable paper to last even the toughest treks. Maps can be purchased at our local REI, Fitness Fanatics, The Bike Hub, Mojo Cyclery and other local outdoor stores or online at inlandnwland.org.

CLASSES AND EXPERIENCES

Give the gift of feeling at home in your body. Yoga is not just for the flexible! A month of unlimited yoga classes from Harmony Yoga is an affordable and creative gift that says “love the body you are in.” The environment is welcoming to all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Tight muscles from running? Aging hips? Anxiety from life and work? Yoga can assist with soothing all the things. With free loaner mats and no mirrors, Harmony Yoga makes it easy to attend a class.

A good massage is one that not only helps your muscles and tissues feel better, but one that also calms the central nervous system. A gift card for a massage is a gift that will help someone find a massage therapist and get them on the table for some relaxing relief after their winter outdoor adventures.

Gifting experiences to kids enriches their lives. When my parents started to become overwhelmed by the number of people in our family, they shifted away from material gifts to a trip. This year, we are going to Silver Mountain in March to enjoy spring skiing and the water park. The combined condos make it easy to prepare and share meals and spend mornings watching cartoons with the little ones.

These other experiences make good gifts too: Ninja Classes for kids  at Spokane Gymnastics / Wild Walls Kids’ Climbing Clubs // Science & Stuffies sewing camps at Let’s Get Sewing // Spokane Parks and Recreation has an abundance of classes from art workshops to snowshoe dinners. 

Most resorts have ski lessons which can work with your schedule. Mt. Spokane has a full spring schedule of camps for skiers, for littles and older kids. The gift of skiing is giving the gift of loving winter!

Get creative with a food tour from Wander Spokane ($70), Cooking Class at Commellini Estates ($85), paddleboard or kayak season passes with Fun Unlimited ($160), or gift a Boat Club Membership for those who are having too much fun to maintain a boat, so they can walk onto one of the fleet ready to hit it at Carefree Boat Club of North Idaho (call for pricing).

OUTDOORS JEWELRY & CRYSTALS

If you love the outdoors, we are guessing you love nature. And if you love jewelry and nature, the combo makes a nice gift. My sister gifted me a necklace of a tiny silver Coeur d’Alene Lake from Solder & Stone. It’s a daily reminder of my love of water and our region. The Coeur d’Alene-based Bumblebee Jewelry (shop online) has handmade silver jewelry that donates a portion of each sale to Xerces Society to help protect the company’s namesake. Tracy Jewelry on Evergreen and Kizuri also had nice nature-inspired jewelry finds.

My Crystal Stop in north Spokane has a beautiful selection of crystals and jewelry. They can help pick out a special piece to match with the energy your loved one is creating in their life.

KITCHEN/COFFEE/FOOD

If you know someone who plays hard, but needs their coffee first, visit DOMA Coffee Roasting Company in Post Falls, Idaho, for craft coffee and accessories. Our van has an AeroPress and we highly recommend this for any coffee-loving camper. If you know someone who finds adventure in coffee, give them DOMA’s newest Gesha specialty coffee, complete with an original signed art label from local artist Jeff Weir. Or sign them up for a DOMA Coffee subscription, so they get awesome coffee delivered to their door. We love The Chronic dark roast (bonus groovy adventure van art on the label).

During the darker months, we tend to cook at home more. To spice up home-cooked creations, we love to use Inland Empire Spices on Monroe to give food special flavors. For burgers, we love the Smashburger Seasoning. For wild caught salmon, we use the Smokin’ Huckleberry Rub. For veggies, check out their Greek Seasoning. They also have gift sets where the tea and seasonings come in vials—these would be perfect tucked into stockings!

When shopping at the Main Market Co-op in downtown Spokane, we were delighted to find kitchen goods that reminded us of our love for nature. I found beautiful juice glasses with poppies, sea creatures, bees and trillium. Pair the set with homemade cranberry syrup and soda water for a nature-inspired mocktail set.

An adventurer who is also a chef/bbq master/veggie lover or just plain foodie might be delighted by a box of ingredients! LINC Foods has a subscription for all things local—even a beer box. The Herd, a ranch in eastern Washington, has beef boxes that ship farm-raised beef to your door. Gift the whole box or take out a steak for your own BBQ.

TOYS

Though kids appreciate the holidays for religious reasons or the outdoor snow play, the most exciting gift that most any kid will cite are the toys. The Red Rider BB gun is not on the list in our house, but these creative, local and sustainable toys are.

Games from Uncle’s Games or Merlyn’s: Card games and board games bring connection throughout the year. Our favorites are Uno Flip, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, and any Harry Potter Game. For a more complex game, check out Forbidden Desert, recommended for ages 10+. This co-op board game has you excavating a solar-powered flying machine while trying to stay alive in the outdoor elements of a desert storm. We found this one at Whiz Kids. Hunt around and see if there’s a new game that will delight your family for hours in these dark months.

Whiz Kids also has a fun science section with telescopes, microscopes and experiments. They have one for understanding climate change, which can be hard to understand the how and why even for the science-minded kid. For the art-focused kids, they have kits to learn knitting by making butterflies and DIY kaleidoscope kits. There will be a Transforming Sphere under our tree this year. I’m not sure why these are so popular, but I’m sure the kids can tell you!

Boo Radley’s is a trove of treasures for every age. Kids love the interesting and unique finds, from tin lunch boxes to finger puppets, unique stuffies and toys.

For those kids who miss the toy section of The White Elephant, look no farther than just a few blocks north at The General Store. The selection of toys, games and Lego sets will keep any kiddo busy for hours. Don’t forget to shop for classics that will inspire outdoor time like a set of kid’s binoculars or a good old-fashioned sled.

A few more things on our list: Toddlers love the bike rider on a stick found at Kizuri. The “instruments” (aka noise makers) at Kizuri are also a kid favorite, though some of them might need to stay at grandma’s house. Art supplies from Spokane Art Supply on Monroe are sure to delight the little or big artists on your list.

PERSONAL CARE

If your loved one ventures off the trail and into the wild, a year subscription to Life Flight is most likely on the need list. Paired with a satellite communication device, we have been happy to have this combo on river-trips, backcountry ski adventures and high mountain bikepacking slogs. Not only does it save lives, it helps the ones left home to relax and know that you have a plan in case of an emergency. It might be the best care item on our list.

The Dragon Balm XTRA Strength ($32) from APEX Cannabis can help soothe tired muscles that play hard. We’ve been happy to have it after a long day of skiing or even just after sitting at the computer for a while. They have a variety, so you can pick up a lavender scented cream or one that will leave you smelling like a Chinese herb store. If you know someone who struggles to sleep, or sleep in a tent/unfamiliar place, consider gifting Lil Rays, 100mg shooters. They can take the edge off and help someone get to sleep. Is there a better gift than good sleep?

When I think of gifts that make my life better, but I won’t buy for myself, these two things come to mind. First, IV Therapy. Gifting someone hydration and nutrition through a needle in their arm might seem strange, until you see the benefits. We had Carlee at IV Offerings come to our house (yes, she does home visits) to administer a migraine solution of magnesium, b & c vitamins and other things that might not absorb as well in my celiac gut. It goes right into the blood stream and the results are fewer migraines. Second, personal training for a set period of time. As the New Year Wellness season kicks off, starting the season with someone who is invested in your fitness journey can keep you going past February. Donnie at Torq Personal Training has created a welcoming, kind environment with tools to help day to day between workout sessions. //

Shallan Knowles is the designer and co-publisher of Out There.

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Carol Corbin

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