By Bri Loveall 

Cover photo courtesy of Bri Loveall

Here’s how I learned to ski: when I was 10, I took a weeklong ski class. Five years later, I told my best friend I was good enough to ski with her family. I wasn’t. I spent the next few years trailing (and falling) behind my friend, trying to match her fluid movements as she expertly planted around moguls and glided in between trees. I learned to ski by doing, and 20 years later, think of myself as an advanced rider; I can easily navigate black diamond runs, and, if the conditions are right (read: extra soft and fluffy), can manage double black diamonds.  

In my mind, lessons and clinics were for people who had never skied or needed a refresher. So last winter when I had the opportunity to participate in the Mt. Spokane ladies ski clinic, aside from a glorious day of skiing without my children, I wasn’t sure what to expect.   

Any lingering doubts I had dissipated the moment I stepped into the Mt. Spokane “garage.” Women arrived by the dozens, stomping boots and chatting excitedly, stopping by heavily loaded tables to grab coffee, pastries and fruit. The energy was infectious. Sunlight shone through the large windows and the day promised to be warm and bright.  

After quick introductory remarks were made, everyone clambered outside for a brief warm-up stretch, which mostly consisted of laughter and accidentally bumping into one’s neighbor.  

I had assigned myself to the advanced group, and my instructor—the former Mt. Spokane Ski School director—was an older woman named Maxine. She was a force, the type of woman whose voice carried down the hill. Our small group of women, about eight in all, rode to the top of chair three and awaited her instructions. After a brief conversation about what we hoped to work on (most of us said “form”), Maxine asked each of us in the group to ski one at a time so she could assess and give us feedback.  

“It is not enough to make it to the bottom of the hill if you can’t do it safely,” she said after watching the whole group. I hadn’t considered that before. Just because I could navigate harder runs didn’t automatically make me a good skier. What I really wanted was the ability to keep skiing well into an older age; something that couldn’t happen if I didn’t spend the energy practicing better (and safer) form.   

When Maxine asked us what our ski poles were for, we all looked around at each other. I actually had no idea. I knew they were supposed to involve planting and turning, but I honestly held onto them like they were emotional support sticks. It was one more thing I hadn’t realized I was hungry to know. We spent the morning following Maxine like a line of baby ducklings following their mother, while she shouted at us to bend our knees and rotate our torsos so we faced downhill.  

At lunch, the entire clinic met back at the garage for pasta and sandwiches. Raffles were held and guests won snowboards, helmets, skis, lift tickets and other sweet prizes. The women at my table, all total strangers to me, gushed as several of us won prizes. We found a camaraderie together simply for our love of skiing, something I hadn’t realized I was missing.  

As the day moved on, I heard many women speaking of their families. “This is the first time I’ve skied without my kids this season,” I overheard one woman say to another. It seemed to be true for a lot of women. I heard statements like, “I feel like a new person,” and “I’ve never felt like a part of a team until today.” 

It wasn’t that this type of environment couldn’t happen in a regular coed lesson. But there is something unique about the way that women relate to other women. All day I watched as participants shared their struggles with one another: from navigating a complicated run or slushy snow to navigating relationships with children, parents, friends and spouses.  

Who has not heard the phrase “You cannot pour from an empty cup”? But women especially know this is not true; you can and will continue to give even when you’re running on empty. Women’s clinics are about more than just a daylong ski lesson. They are about finding a place in the ski community to build a confidence that spills over from the mountain slopes to our everyday lives.  

Find more information and sign up for this awesome event here.

Bri Loveall lives in the Inland Northwest with her family, a growing pile of mismatched ski gloves, and a deep appreciation for well-timed snacks. 

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Full disclosure, my friends. I am a proud member of Gen X. For the younger folks out there, you might know us as the “latch-key kids” or the “forgotten” generation. We grew up on a healthy diet of sugar cereals and sarcasm, a complete lack of parental supervision, and we didn’t have iPhones to take with us to the bathroom. We had to walk to school no matter the weather and were forced to spend time outside on the weekends, armed with only a bike, a baseball bat and our imagination. The 1970s and 1980s were much simpler times, and man, do I miss those days. But it was during the winter months when we were taught the most valuable lessons in toughness. Now, before you decide to tangle with a Gen Xer on the hill this season, keep the following in mind. 

Getting to the Hill 
I can’t even count the number of times I have seen the younger generations rolling to the mountain in all-wheel-drive SUVs that are loaded with so many amenities that I question whether they are really vehicles or just plush living rooms on wheels. And if you park close enough to them, you can smell the Starbucks soy latte and gluten-free breakfast sandwich made with free-range eggs that they enjoyed on their leisurely drive. Back in our day, we were jammed into some gas-guzzling, rear-wheel-drive land yacht with no seat belts that struggled to make it uphill in August, let alone in a blizzard in February. If you were lucky, you might have had a Pop-Tart composed of 90% sugar to snack on, though most of it crumbled apart the second you opened the package and vanished into the ice-cold vinyl seats that most cars were equipped with back then. Oh well, those were useless calories anyway … 

Old-School Ski Gear 
There is no doubt that today’s equipment technology equates to a more comfortable day on the mountain, especially when it comes to clothing. And nothing gets my juices going like a full-blown storm day, with single-digit temps and snow blowing sideways. But I always chuckle and give the side-eye when my younger chairlift partner inquires through chattering teeth if I am also cold. Bruh, four decades ago we were forced to go hard from opening to last chair with two pairs of cotton socks, stretch pants that had the texture of sandpaper and an oversized sweatshirt adorned with the logo of our favorite football team. And you always had to bring an extra pair of gloves because the first pair would be soaked after four runs, rendering your fingers useless. My dad said this built character. 
 
Chairlift Air Fresheners 
As a weekend warrior, I have grown accustomed to dealing with the sheer volume of people that head to the mountain after the workweek comes to a close. What amazes me, though, are some of the habits they bring with them. On more than a few occasions, I have caught aromatic whiffs of cotton candy or rainbow sherbet originating from a billowing cloud of vape smoke from the chair in front of me. And to be honest, they smell delicious. Back in the 1980s, we had to endure the acrid smell of Marlboro Reds, Tiparillo cigars, or some nasty, sub-par Devil’s Lettuce (if you know, you know). God forbid if your chairlift partner was the one firing these up, as you would be right in the line of fire. As a side note, rainbow sherbet vape flavor is known as Unicorn Vomit … Thanks ChatGPT. 
 
Brad Northrup is a former ski racer, coach and ski industry professional. He still snacks on Pop-Tarts on the way to the hill and occasionally rocks a Seattle Seahawks sweatshirt. 

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What to Wear Winter Hiking

Start with layers that are appropriate for the outside temperature and weather conditions but not bulky. A moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating midlayer, and a wind- and water-resistant shell allow you to manage sweat and sudden weather changes. Damp cotton is one of the most common causes of winter discomfort and cold stress. If it’s really cold out, consider packing an extra warm layer like a puffy jacket or fleece that will come in handy if you get delayed on the trail for some unexpected reason.

Staying Safe on Slick Winter Trails

Traction devices are another key recommendation. Even snow-free trails often hide shaded ice, especially along rivers and north-facing slopes. Many local search-and-rescue groups point to traction and trekking poles as simple tools that prevent slips from turning into injuries.

Winter Hiking Essentials to Have in Your Pack

Because daylight is limited at northern latitudes in the winter, a headlamp belongs in every winter pack, even on short hikes. Add extra calories and water (insulated bottles help prevent freezing), and warm accessories like a hat and gloves, which can make the difference between comfort and a rushed turnaround.

Finally, winter safety experts agree on the basics: carry a charged phone, a simple first-aid kit, a trail map (ideally a paper map that will still work if your phone dies) and tell someone where you’re going. In winter, the margin for error is thinner—but with the right essentials, it’s still a magical season to be outside.

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Gearing up for a season of skiing or snowboarding can be affordable, especially if you know where to look. By mid-winter, with ski swaps behind us, your best bet for finding deals on all the equipment and outerwear necessary to get out in the mountains with your family is to check out the region’s two used-gear shops or to rent or lease an entire ski setup. You can spend hours on Facebook Marketplace, but with options like these, you no longer have to. 

“What I really came to recognize is that skiing can be an expensive sport, but it doesn’t have to be.” Gear Garage owner Matt Dingman 

The Making of a Used-Gear Peddler 

Growing up, Lake City local Matt Dingman worked with his family in the antique business and was accustomed to bargain hunting at garage and estate sales. So it was a natural fit for him to found Coeur d’Alene’s only shop that specializes in used ski and snowboard equipment and other outdoor gear.  

It all started when Dingman heard through his sons’ ski race team that another family was selling a bunch of kids’ gear. They met in the Silver Mountain parking lot, and Dingman came home with more than he’d bargained for. “I bought everything they had. I kept what I needed for my kids and threw the rest on Craigslist.” Dingman sold it all in one weekend and realized he was onto something. He went back to his antique hounding, but now with an eye for picking up ski gear. 

At first, Dingman says he made enough selling online to offset the cost of his kids’ ski racing and family gear and passes. Dingman gained a reputation around town as the guy who sold gear out of his garage. His operation quickly snowballed, and he started buying larger quantities of rental and demo ski and snowboard equipment. Then, one day, a company he’d been working with in Jackson Hole offered up their entire inventory. “I picked up the biggest U-Haul I could and drove it all back to Coeur d’Alene.” He soon grew out of his own garage and chanced upon the ideal spot for his now 3,200-square-foot shop in downtown Coeur d’Alene in November 2022.  

The Gear Garage specializes in used winter sports gear but also has a large selection of new equipment. You can find new and used skis, snowboards, boots, bindings and poles as well as new and used goggles, new gloves, new helmets, some used jackets and ski pants and many other new accessories. Gear Garage also buys quality used equipment and takes trade-ins. “Families love it,” Dingman said. “Every year they come in and trade out gear as the kids grow and get credit toward another pair.” The shop’s new inventory includes the full 2025–26 lineup from Blizzard, Völkl, Nordica, Icelantic, Never Summer and other top brands. They also have a great deal on full-season ski or snowboard rentals with sizes from youth to adult, starting at $129. Geargaragecda.com 

Save Big at Spokane’s Evergreen Gear Exchange 

Spokane’s Evergreen Gear Exchange, which opened in the spring of 2025, specializes in quality used outdoor gear, including ski and snowboard equipment, accessories and outerwear. Located just off I-90 near downtown Spokane (1003 E. Trent Ave.), the shop operates under the same consignment model as Spokane’s previous used-gear shop, Rambleraven. New gear gets consigned daily, and a budget-minded family would be wise to make the shop their first stop when gearing up for winter sports for adults and kids. 

If you have gently used gear collecting dust in your garage, take it down to the shop. “We know there is a huge demand for ski and snowboard equipment, especially kids’ stuff,” said co-owner James Nisbet. “If you have ski or snowboard gear, we encourage you to bring it down. We want to help you get it out of storage and into the hands of someone who can use it.” As an outdoor family with three kids, the Nisbets have experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to outfit a family for outdoor sports and are proud to offer the Spokane community affordable gear options that let more people enjoy the outdoors. Evergreengearexchange.com 

Lease Kids’ Ski Equipment at Spokane Alpine Haus and Save 

One of the simplest and most affordable ways to get kids set up with ski gear is to lease it for the whole season. Kids grow fast, making buying and selling new ski gear each year a hassle and a drain on your wallet. Leasing also allows your child to use the same gear all winter long without having to rent and adapt to different skis and boots each outing. Spokane Alpine Haus offers the only kids’ ski-equipment season-lease program in Spokane, with more new equipment added this season. Starting at $160 for a complete setup, the lease ensures a comfortable, safe fit. Stop by either the South Hill or North Spokane Alpine Haus location to get your child fitted for their skis, boots, bindings and poles. Reserve your leased ski gear early for best selection. Thespokanealpinehaus.com 

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By Brad Naccarato 

The first snowflakes of the 2025-26 season have already started accumulating at area resorts. Stoke is high, and the general feeling is that this could be another stellar year in the mountains. If you’ve made the decision to finally upgrade your ride or style, local shops stock some of the hottest new gear of the season. These are a few of their season favorites. 

Solnix (Spokane on North Division)     

Solnix (previously Shred Sports) continues to grow both its hard- and soft-good lines offered throughout the store. With a full-service ski and snowboard tech center already in place, they’ve got big plans for next year to add a rental fleet.   

If you’re looking to upgrade your skis this year, take a look at the Armada ARV. “Armada is really killing it this year with their all-mountain ski lineup,” said Solnix sales associate Dax Murrell. “It’s a versatile one-ski quiver with tip and tail rocker that moves easily from groomers to powder.” The ARV is offered in 95, 100, or 106 millimeters at the waist. The men’s ski retails for $699 and the women’s for $599. 

On the snowboard side of things, the patented new FASE step-in binding system is taking the snowboard world by storm. It’s now being utilized by several binding manufacturers for the 25/26 season. One of those leading the pack is the ROME Katana. “It’s like a standard highback, two-buckle binding, but with the added advantage of being able to slide in or out of it super quick,” said Murrell. The Katana uses a hinging high back mechanism that enables the user to step-in without completely disengaging the buckles. “There are no drawbacks like with the old step-in systems of snowboarding’s early days. You still have the great edge control of a standard high-back binding, but now the ease of use that comes with a step-in system.” The Katana retails for $429. 

Need some new goggles? Oakley is charging hard this year with its 50th anniversary collection. “Oakley has what it calls the ‘perfect lens’ with zero distortion and an enhanced field of view,” said Murrell. “They also use Switchlock tech, so you can swap out lenses super quick based on conditions.” The Oakley Line Miner Pro goggles retail for $317 and come with two sets of lenses.  

Alpine Haus (North Spokane and South Hill) 

Alpine Haus is celebrating the one-year anniversary of their new Northside location, in addition to the 10^th anniversary of the current owners taking over and revitalizing the long-standing Alpine Haus shop on the South Hill. Alpine Haus continues its tradition of investing in future skiers and riders with the ever-popular bargain season-lease program for $159 for kids or $259 for adults.  

Looking for a different type of snowboard boot? The Union Reset Pro might scratch the itch. “The Reset is really a revolutionary new boot in that it’s built to last 100 plus days, much like a ski boot, with a durable outer shell and BOA tech for a locked-in fit,” said store manager Chad Ohman. “They’re a higher price-point boot, but they’re handcrafted in Italy and are fully heat moldable,” he added. The Reset Pro comes in at $649.  

On the ski boot front, Armada is making waves with its new AR One freeride boots. “It’s similar to the old Full-Tilt style boots, but it utilizes a ‘slingshot’ buckle across the ankle that operates through a cable pulley at a 45-degree angle, locking you tight into the heel pocket,” said Ohman. “With Salomon and Atomic under the same parent company, Armada was able to lean on a lot of tech from their sibling companies in the development of this boot.” The AR is offered in a 90/100/110/120/130 flex. Prices range from $450-$875.  

Most people overlook socks, but you don’t want to look past Le Bent’s line of Pro-Series socks. “Le Bent uses traditional merino wool, but, instead of blending it with polyester, they use bamboo, which gives them an amazingly soft feel,” Ohman said. “They recently surveyed 120 of the best boot fitters around the country and 100 of them said Le Bent was their go-to sock.” Le Bent offers several cushion levels ranging in price from $42-$44. 

Escape Outdoors (Coeur d’Alene) 

Nestled in the heart of the Village at Riverstone, Escape Outdoors has been supplying Coeur d’Alene’s skiers and riders with stylish, high-end outdoor apparel and accessories for the last 17 years. Founded locally in 2004, Escape also operates a Bellevue, Wash., location.  

As one of the oldest outdoor apparel manufacturers in the world, Helly Hansen has been outfitting adventurers since 1877. They know a thing or two about what works. As one of the region’s only Helly dealers, Escape’s assistant manager, Ashley Taylor, is hyped for their new Legendary Pant for women. “It’s a breathable, lightweight, waterproof pant that’s just a great all-around ski piece for ladies,” said Taylor. “The best part though is the PrimaLoft insulation that gives you that extra bit of warmth on those super chilly days,” she adds. The Legend retails for $205.  

Norrona, a Norwegian-based company, has been a rising star in the American outdoor apparel industry. While they might not be on most American’s radar yet, they’ve been a big player in the Northern European market for decades. “We just started carrying Norrona this year and I’m very excited about their Lofoten Pro Gore-Tex Freeride Jacket,” Taylor said. “It comes in some really unique colorways and it’s also got all the bells and whistles—zip-off powder skirt, pit zips and a helmet-compatible hood.” With an elite level of 3-layer Gore-Tex protection, the Lofoten retails for $899.  

On the accessory side of things, Autumn’s new winter beanie collection has been a best seller at Escape. “Autumn has a really diverse collection with lots of cool patterns to choose from. They are super comfy and super popular,” said Taylor. Autumn’s new winter collection of beanies retails from $24-$28. 

Ski Shack (Hayden) 

Ski Shack has been serving the Hayden community and well beyond for almost 50 years. A full-service ski and snowboard shop, they also have rental and demo options available. You’ll also find a large assortment of soft goods and accessories packed into their eclectic shop on Government Way. 

Year after year, Nordica always hauls in the ski-test awards with the Enforcer line-up. This year is no exception. “They did a slight re-design on the ski, making it a little lighter and a little more flexible,” said ski tech Carson Dowell. “It’s the most versatile and advanced all-mountain ski that Nordica has ever made, and it continues to dominate the market,” he added. New for this year, the Nordica Enforcer now comes in waist widths of 89/94/99/104. It retails from $849-$899. 

For snowboards, Dowell is pretty high on the new Nitro Alternator. “It’s a lot of value for the money. It’s got an 8 flex, with a big spooned-out nose, so it’s more of an all-mountain board but still rides really good in powder,” he said. As the region’s only Nitro dealer, Ski Shack has the Alternator listed at $579.  

2-Wheeler & Ski Dealer (Hayden) 

2-Wheeler has been a staple in the Nordic gear department for folks over in Hayden for decades. For this upcoming season, the shop is not carrying any new in-line Nordic products, but they still have a great selection of skis, boots and bindings from last season.  

If you’re looking for a whole new setup, it’s hard to beat Rossignol’s BC 65 ski/binding combo. “Rossi’s BC 65 is our bestselling setup because it works great for on-track snow but will go anywhere off-track you’re willing to take it,” said assistant manager Pat Hutchins. “The waxless Positrack base makes it super grippy for small climbs when you need it,” he added. The BC retails for $399 (with Nordic bindings).  

If you’re going to spring for new skis, you might as well go all-in and grab a new pair of boots like the Rossignol BC X5 women’s or BC X6 men’s boot, designed specifically to pair with the BC line of skis. They retail for $199 and $225, respectively.  

Gear Garage (Coeur d’Alene) 

Located in the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene, Gear Garage has become the go-to place for used ski and snowboard equipment but they also sell and demo new equipment and are the area’s only dealer for Icelantic skis and Never Summer snowboards.  

Owner Matt Dingman is super excited about the shop’s new demo ski packages they now have in stock. “We’ve got a ton of Völkl, Nordica and Blizzard demo skis on the wall this year. These are this year’s models and many of them have only been on snow a handful of times, and some are brand new,” said Dingman. “You’ll save up to 30% off with these models since they are considered used by the manufacturer since they’ve been mounted,” he added. Prices range from $479-$1,039 (price includes a mounted demo binding). 

Alpine Shop (Sandpoint) 

Serving Sandpoint since 1966, Alpine Shop operates both a downtown store and a mountaintop location in Schweitzer Village. Both shops offer full-service ski and snowboard tuning as well as custom boot fitting.  

If you’re looking for that groomed snow, all-star performer, the Stökli Stormrider 88 has been one of the shop’s bestselling skis. “It’s a pure hand-made Swiss ski that’s nimble, versatile, and really knows no speed limit,” said general manager Andre Bircher. “It loves to run on the groomers, but really can be skied anywhere,” he added. The Storm Rider retails at $1,439. 

If battery-powered, heated accessories are your thing, Alpine Shop has several new offerings from Thermic, one of the pioneers of heated footbed technology. “Thermic now has rechargeable, heated base layers, glove liners and socks. These are the kinds of things that really come in handy on those cold January days,” he said. Thermic’s heated gloves retail for $339. 

Outdoor Experience (Sandpoint) 

This downtown Sandpoint shop has always been the city’s primary Nordic ski shop. They also offer a full line of winter apparel from many of the industry’s top manufacturers. On the hard goods side, they are strong believers in the Rossignol BC setups, which have always been big sellers. 

On the soft goods side of things, Outdoor Experience sales associate Hank Graves loves the new Deviator Hoody from Outdoor Research. “It’s a super breathable, fast-drying midlayer, but can be used as an outer layer on nicer days,” he said. “It’s a very versatile soft-shell piece that’s well suited for the aerobic demands of backcountry skiing.”  

If you want to match the bottom with the top, then you’ll want to grab the Deviator Wind Pants as well. “These are athletic, softshell wind pants. Together, these two make for a killer combo that’ll have you covered in all but the most extreme conditions,” Graves added. The Deviator Hoody and Pants retail for $229 and $139, respectively.

The post 2025–26 Winter Gear Preview: Local Shop Favorites Across the Inland Northwest appeared first on Out There Venture.

Each radio features IP67 waterproofing, a shatter-resistant screen, and a thermoplastic shell engineered to perform in subzero temperatures down to -20°F. The lithium-ion battery lasts four to six days, and simple, one-button controls make operation easy with gloves on. Standard functions include privacy codes, scan and lock modes, NOAA weather alerts, repeater compatibility and dual-channel watch. You can also add the Waterproof Hand Mic ($65), featuring a built-in speaker, mic and push-to-talk controls without unholstering the radio. Fully waterproof and snowproof, it clips securely to clothing and stays clear and audible in wind, snow or whitewater. MSRP: $180. Rockytalkie.com

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They’re small enough to be stashed in a jacket pocket, but bright enough to use as a campsite lantern in a pinch. Better yet, BioLite has streamlined operations. Two separate and distinctly shaped buttons adjust on/off/dimming and light modes, respectively, allowing for fumble-free gloved use. And when you do forget to keep it charged, the Range headlamps replenish one hour of light in only eight minutes of charging via USB-C ports, allowing for last-minute trailhead top-offs. MSRP: $39.95-$69.95. Bioliteenergy.com (Aaron Theisen) 

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Long before lifts start spinning, fall fills up with gear swaps, film nights, parties and other gatherings that bring skiers, riders and those who dream of endless winter together to prepare for the season ahead. 

Ski, Snowboard and Winter Sports Swaps 

The region’s annual gear swaps are the place to score sweet deals on previously used and sometimes new gear. Shop for everything from alpine ski and snowboard equipment, backcountry gear, snowshoes and Nordic skis to technical outerwear and accessories such as goggles, helmets, hats and gloves.  

Oct. 18: 49° North Ski Swap (Colville) 

Kicking off the region’s ski swap schedule, head to Colville, Wash., for your first shot of the season to pick up new-for-you ski and snowboard gear. This low-key swap offers deals without the crowds. 49’s swap runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Colville Fairgrounds.  

Oct. 25-26: The Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap (Spokane) 
This swap staple has been on repeat for decades and remains one of the region’s largest pre-season swaps with over 25,000 new and used items. This year, the region’s largest swap lands at the Spokane Fair & Expo Center, with racks of skis, snowboards, boots and outerwear ready for a new home. There’s also typically a great selection of discounted new gear available. Most of the region’s resorts are usually at the swap for season pass purchase and pick up. 

Nov. 6: University of Idaho Outdoor Equipment Sale & Ski Swap (Moscow) 

Celebrating its 50^th year, the University of Idaho’s annual swap is one of the longest-running in the region, outfitting students, families and the wider outdoor community for the season ahead. The Thursday night event from 6–8 p.m. at the Student Rec Center in Moscow, Idaho, always draws a big turnout. With a wide range of outdoor gear in addition to ski and snowboard equipment and outerwear, it’s well worth the drive from Spokane or Coeur d’Alene. Admission is $5 per person from 6–6:30 p.m., $1 from 6:30–7 p.m., and free after 7 p.m. Full-time U of I students and kids under 12 get in free anytime. Those looking to sell gear can grab a spot for $10, with setup beginning at 5 p.m. Hosted in partnership with the U of I Vandal Ski Team, all proceeds from admission support the team. Shoppers can expect to find a wide range of outdoor equipment—everything from skis, snowboards, and snowshoes to tents, rafts, bikes and climbing gear.  

Nov. 8: The SARS Annual Ski Swap (Sandpoint)  
Sandpoint’s 2025 swap, put on as a fundraiser for the Schweitzer Alpine Racing School (SARS), is set for the Bonner County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This mountain-town swap packs a punch with some great deals on high-quality gear. Mark your calendar even if you live in Spokane in case you miss or don’t find what you were looking for at the Mt. Spokane swap. 

Nov. 15: Coeur d’Alene Ski Swap (Coeur d’Alene)  

The Lake City’s swap at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with public check-in for selling equipment the night before. Admission is free for those looking to buy gear. Follow the swap’s Facebook page for updates and more information. 

Preseason Events and Parties 

One of the best ways to rally your stoke for the snow to start falling is to commune with other skiers and riders. Here are a few options planned around the region this fall, with more sure to pop up as the leaves begin to turn. 

Oct. 4–5: Rocktoberfest Weekend at 49 Degrees North 

49 Degrees North hosts its 2^nd annual Rocktoberfest Weekend with live music, a brewfest, a 5k trail run on Sunday, games and the chance to grab season passes early. Live music includes the Johnny Rosado Experience, Denver Rhiannon and Northwest Breeze with DJ Evergreen mixing it up between sets.  

Nov. 7: Solnix Parking Lot Party with Ski & Snowboard Movies  

This second-year event takes over the Solnix ski and board shop parking lot on Division Street in Spokane. Enjoy an evening with your skiing and riding buddies with beer from local breweries, food from Hapa Hawaiian Grill food truck, and a selection of ski and snowboard films on a massive screen. Solnix will also be raffling off some killer gear, with all proceeds benefiting the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center’s avalanche forecasting work. The season’s latest gear will be available in the shop, along with 30% off last year’s skis and snowboards while they last. 

Nov. 21: 10th Annual Pray for Snow Party at Spokane’s Perry Street Brewing  

This annual bash pays homage to the ski gods in hopes of bringing on an epic season. The Friday-night celebration of ski and snowboard culture includes ski films, festive retro attire, beer specials, raffle drawings and music that brings a lively community together before the lifts start spinning. All funds raised support the South Perry Neighborhood’s T.E.A.M. Grant program. 

Ski and Snowboard Films 

Film nights, another fall ritual, bring fresh stoke to the screen and the local ski and snowboard scene. Many of our ski film screenings sell out, so get your tickets while you can. 

Sept. 11: Mountainfilm on Tour Spokane  

The Jess Roskelley Foundation is bringing this powerful lineup of adventure and activism films back to Spokane, headlined by the film “Trango,” which documents the first ski descent off Pakistan’s 20,623-foot Great Trango Tower. Canadian ski mountaineer Christina Lustenberger, whose team of three made the climb and descent in 2024, will be at the screening in person at Gonzaga University’s Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center. The evening includes a Q&A with Lustenberger and legendary Spokane climber John Roskelley, who was part of the team that first climbed the same peak in 1977. The film brings to life one of the most difficult ski-mountaineering feats ever attempted, with stunning drone footage and raw storytelling. The event starts with a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. followed by the films at 6:30. 

Oct. 15 & 16: Teton Gravity Research’s New Film “Pressure Drop” 
The latest film from Teton Gravity Research (TGR), “Pressure Drop,” is part of TGR’s 2025 ski and snowboard film tour, which is making stops in Sandpoint at the Panida Theater, Oct. 15, and Spokane’s Bing Crosby Theater on Oct. 16. The film features top athletes like Kai Jones, Jeremy Jones, Maggie Voisin and others. “Pressure Drop” doesn’t just showcase athletes pushing limits; it digs into the camaraderie, humor and grit that bind the community together. Viewers can expect TGR’s signature mix of high-octane freeride action, big-mountain lines and creative backcountry segments shot around the globe. With a soundtrack built to match the energy of the riding, the film promises a theater experience that channels the stoke of winter’s return. 
 

Nov. 8, 12, & 13: Warren Miller’s New Film “SNO-CIETY” 

Warren Miller’s new release, “SNO-CIETY,” tours through the region with multiple stops, kicking off at Sandpoint’s Panida Theater Nov. 8. A Nov. 12 showing follows at North Idaho College’s Schuler Performing Arts Center in Coeur d’Alene, with your last chance to catch the film on Nov. 13 at the Bing Crosby Theater in downtown Spokane. Expect an amped-up crowd, giveaways and plenty of hype for snow. 

Matchstick Productions’ “After the Snowfall”  

Matchstick Productions’ new film “After the Snowfall” blends awe-inspiring ski footage with a deeper look at the culture and community that define life on snow. Shot in places like Norway’s Lyngen Alps, British Columbia, Japan, and North America’s extreme-mountain terrain, the film follows world-class athletes and highlights everyday skiers and mountain-town locals, weaving themes of risk, camaraderie and joy. Last year, Saint George’s School’s outdoor club sponsored a Spokane screening, but stay tuned for details on this year’s Inland Northwest tour stop. 

Backcountry Film Festival  
The 21st Annual Backcountry Film Festival is a celebration of backcountry skiing, splitboarding and other human-powered winter sports and the culture that make them thrive. Produced by Winter Wildlands Alliance, film nights featuring this year’s films are in the works for Spokane, Sandpoint, Moscow, and Chewelah between this fall and spring 2026. Spokane Mountaineers typically host the Spokane show, with Selkirk Outdoor Leadership & Education bringing the tour to Sandpoint in past years. Keep an eye out for dates and details. (OTO) 

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Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is inviting community members to get their hands dirty and make a lasting difference this fall. On Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers will gather at the refuge for its annual community-supported restoration event. The day is timed to celebrate both National Wildlife Refuge Week—a nationwide recognition of the lands and waters that safeguard America’s wildlife—and National Public Lands Day, the largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands in the country. This year’s theme, “Our Home Outdoors,” highlights the vital role public lands play as places to gather, learn, and connect with both nature and community.

Unlike past restoration events near the Pine Creek drainage, this year’s work will focus on the Jolly Jack unit, a portion of the refuge not usually open to the public. Acquired in 2019, the Jolly Jack area holds rich potential for migratory waterfowl and large mammals like elk and moose. Volunteers will help refuge staff plant riparian trees—such as aspen, cottonwood, hawthorn, and serviceberry—along the wetland edges, providing habitat and food for wildlife.

“We are excited to offer the public a chance to enter a portion of the refuge that is regularly closed to public access,” says Refuge Manager Cassie Roeder. “Even though this is a closed unit, the public’s efforts will be visible from the road—meaning that everyone will have the opportunity to see their work grow and flourish.”

Tree planting has been a central part of Turnbull’s restoration efforts for over two decades. These events are family-friendly, open to all ages, and no prior experience is necessary. Refuge staff will supply gloves and all planting equipment, while participants are asked to bring their own food, water, and to dress for outdoor work with long pants and closed-toe shoes. Large groups are welcome with advance notice, and the Friends of Turnbull NWR will provide light refreshments.

To RSVP, visit this link. For more details, contact Ranger Josh, Visitor Services Manager, at joshua_contois@fws.gov or (509) 559-3034. By lending a hand, volunteers help ensure that Turnbull’s unique wetlands and wildlife habitats continue to thrive for generations to come.

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April is brimming with exciting stewardship opportunities at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge near Cheney, Wash. Beginning April 8, dedicated staff will host tree potting sessions for over 6,000 bare-root trees. Volunteers are needed who can spend a half- or full-day helping to pot native trees like aspen, hawthorn, and cottonwood. Once established, these trees will play a crucial role in habitat restoration both on and off the refuge. Tree plantings typically take place in the fall, often with support from non-profit partners and volunteers. Over the past decade, tens of thousands of trees have been planted across the greater Spokane County area. 

The capstone event for the month will be the Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 26. Everyone is invited to participate in an engaging day of tree potting, tree planting, fence removal, and tending to a pollinator garden. Light refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Turnbull NWR. Several conservation partners, including The Lands Council, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, Washington Department of Natural Resources, and Spokane Audubon will be present with informational booths and activities. 

These stewardship sessions are family-friendly and open to all ages. Large groups are welcome with advance notice, including on weekends and evenings. Participants should wear appropriate clothing (long pants and closed-toe shoes) and bring their own reusable water bottles, snacks, or meals. All necessary equipment, including gloves and tools, will be provided by refuge staff. No prior experience is necessary to volunteer. 

Participating in these stewardship activities at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge not only aids in the restoration of vital habitats but supports a diverse array of wildlife that depend on these ecosystems. By contributing to these efforts, volunteers play a crucial role in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s mission: “To work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.” Join in the mission to grow a greener future and create enduring spaces for wildlife to thrive! 

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