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.

Choosing the best fit for your child foremost depends on your family’s schedule availability and transportation means as well as your child’s age and skill or experience level.

Next, decide if your child would do best in a group setting or would learn better with more one-on-one instruction (which would mean private/semi-private lessons should be considered).

This guide to lesson and learn-to-ski options for Winter 2022-23 at the four Ski the NW Rockies resorts—49 Degrees North, Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, and Silver Mountain Resort—serves as a quick overview to what’s available that will best meet your family’s needs. Even if you already have a “home mountain” because you’re a season pass guest or know that you’ll just visit the same mountain as your friends or family do, this guide will be useful.

If you want to enroll children in a multi-week group lesson, register online ASAP, as these fill quickly. If a session is full, get on the program wait-list—there are always cancellations by the time January comes.

For single-lesson programs, advanced registration online is recommended; however, some ski schools allow walk-ins for day-of registration, no later than 30 minutes prior to lesson start time.

Age Level

Each mountain structures their instructional program a bit differently, with minimum age requirements and age-range groupings. Families with children in different age groups will want to choose a mountain destination accordingly so every child who needs lessons can be included.

Another important detail for parents to keep in mind is the required time commitment. For example, is the lesson only a morning or afternoon session, or is it all day and includes a supervised lunch break? What are the specific drop-off and pick-up times? Will instructors help young children put on their gear?

If you’re not sure about lessons, because of cost or time, consider this: enrolling kids in lessons is a great way for parents to have “free ski time” on the mountain. You can find powder stashes in the trees and shred black diamonds all you want, knowing your children are being taken care of and progressing their skills. And then when you’re all together on the slopes, your kids can show off what they learned.

• Age 2+: 49 Degrees North’s Li’l Club Lesson & Day Care (ages 2-6). Most all ski schools can provide private and semi-private lessons for children age 2+.
• Ages 4-7: Mt. Spokane’s popular multi-week group ski lessons during weekends are the Mini Mites (ages 4-6, morning and full-day options) and Mighty Mites (ages 5-7, full-day). The little rippers can also join Mt. Spokane’s Club Shred (ages 4-10) and winter break camps. Lookout Pass has its Mini Moose program for this age group (Sundays only). For the EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3 programs, minimum age is 7; however, 49 Degrees North allows kids ages 6 and older to participate.
• Ages 6-13: There are a lot of multi-week group programs and single-lesson packages for this age group. At Silver Mountain, the Silver Kids program (ages 7-12) only offers lessons for level I-II skiers. Lookout Pass has weekly ski and snowboard group sessions for all abilities and levels. At Mt. Spokane, skiers/snowboarders can enroll in Kids Club (ages 7-15). 49 Degrees North has an Adventurers program (ages 6-13) for multi-week sessions, while the single-lesson options are Trailblazers (ages 6-12) and Above & Beyond (ages 12+, beginners only). 
• Ages 9-17: Mt. Spokane has two instructional programs for advanced skiers/snowboarders, Park Club (Saturdays) and Mountain Adventure Club (Sundays)—only during February 2023. 49 Degrees North hosts a one-day Intro to Freestyle and Park Skills “day camp” for skiers and snowboarders (ages 10-15) in December.

Parent-Child Lessons at 49 Degrees North

Mommy/Daddy & Me is a 1-hour lesson for one parent and one child (ages 2-13, beginner). Program goal is for parents to learn teaching tools to help their child further develop ski or snowboard skills.

First Time on Skis or Snowboard

• EZ Ski 1-2-3 (ski/ride): This is a popular program offered at all four resorts includes three days with 2-hour group lessons, rental gear, and lift ticket and allows for progressive skill building. (Does not have to be booked for consecutive days.) Minimum age restrictions vary. At Silver Mountain, only for ages 13+ and not available on Saturdays or holiday periods.
• Never-Ever/First-Timer: One-day lesson packages, ages 6/7+, typically include a 2-hour group lesson, rental equipment, and bunny-hill lift ticket—ideal for those wanting to try skiing or snowboarding with minimal financial and time commitment. (49 Degrees North calls its program “Learn 2 Package.”) Reservations recommended, but walk-ins are welcome on a space-available basis the day-of (registration cut-off is typically 30 minutes prior to lesson start time).

Snowboard Group Lessons

Each mountain offers EZ Ride 1-2-3 and first-time/never-ever lessons for children, teens, and adults, plus some unique programs tailored to snowboarders (reservations required).

• Mt. Spokane: Holiday camps; Kids Club, ages 7-15 (Saturdays only, January-March); Club Shred, ages 4-10 (Friday nights, Jan.-March); Park Club, ages 9-17, for advanced/Level 4+ skiers and snowboarders who want to improve Terrain Park skills (Saturdays in February); Mountain Adventure Club, ages 9-17, for advanced snowboarders/skiers who want to explore and improve skills on treed and side-country terrain (Sundays in February).
• Lookout Pass: Free Ski School for snowboarders ages 7-17; Lookout Pass full or half-day group lessons for ages 7-12.
• 49 Degrees North: Multi-week group lessons, ages 6-13 (private lessons available for younger kids), include Discovery Club; Above & Beyond half-day group lesson for beginners (ages 12-adult)—advanced registration recommended but walk-ins can register day-of at least 30 minutes prior to lesson start time; and a one-day Intro to Freestyle and Park Skills “day camp” (ages 10-15, Dec. 23) for snowboarders and skiers.
• Silver Mountain: Flexible 5, semi-private group lessons (ages 7 and up).

Free Ski School at Lookout Pass

A popular program that fills quickly is the longtime “Free Ski School,” staffed by volunteer instructors and organized separately from Lookout Pass’ Snowsports School. Registration opens in late Oct./early Nov. and lessons begin in January 2023.

Beginner and intermediate/advanced skill level sessions are offered for skiers (ages 6-17) and snowboarders (ages 7-17). Participants must attend a session during the first three weeks of the program, which is free. Doesn’t include equipment or a lift ticket, although a lift ticket isn’t necessary during the lessons.

Month By Month Schedule

Registration already opened for some local ski schools back in October, and multi-week sessions fill quickly. For some families, a certain month can be the best time for lessons because of commitments to other activities and non-alpine sports.

• December: EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3 and first-timer group lessons, as well as private/semi-private lessons, start now and run throughout the season.Youth specific programs include Mt. SpokaneHoliday Camps (3 days) during winter break, ages 4-15, and 49 Degrees North’s Intro to Freestyle and Park Skills (ages 10-15) afternoon “day camp” on Dec. 23.
• January: Learn to Ski/Snowboard Month! Busy weekends at ski mountains, with newbies of all ages snowplowing down the bunny hills. Multi-week sessions kick off for the 4-15 age group at all the mountains (same lesson start/end time schedule, for four  consecutive Saturdays or Sundays). Silver Mountain’s Flexible 5 program begins Jan. 9, 2023 (must register before this date), and continues through the season.
• February: Multi-week session #2 at all mountains. At Mt. Spokane, two programs commence for older advanced/experienced rippers, ages 9-17—Park Club and Mountain Adventure Club.
• March: Mt. Spokane offers a session #3 for Kids Club & Mini/Mighty Mites (only 3-weeks this month). Still available at all mountains will be EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3, first-timer, and private/semi-private lessons. //

Adaptive Programs

For any children with unique physical or developmental needs, adaptive private lessons are available at 49 Degrees North. At Mt. Spokane, Spokane Parks and Rec’s Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) hosts a ski and snowboard lesson program.

Season Pass Bonus

Ski the NW Rockies mountains offer reduced cost for a season pass, good for the remainder of the current season, after completion of an EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3 program (available to all ages). Mt. Spokane offers a free season pass after completing two camps/multi-week programs.

At Silver Mountain, Flexible 5 program participants earn a “graduation gift” of a season pass good for the remaining ski season, and then 50 percent off a season pass for the following winter season (must reserve package by January 9, 2023).Flexible 5 lessons are offered only Sunday-Wednesday (one lesson per day max), holiday weekends excluded.

Keep this season-pass perk in mind when choosing a mountain for your children’s lessons—it’s an affordable gateway to becoming annual season passholders.

5th Graders Ski or Ride for Free

The 5^th Grade Ski or Ride Passport allows any 5th grader from any state to ski or snowboard three free days at each of the participating resorts: 49 Degrees North near Chewelah, Wash.; Lookout Pass on the Idaho/Montana stateline, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho; and Loup Loup near Twisp, Wash.

Ski Idaho runs a similar program that allows 5^th and 6^th graders to ski or snowboard three days for free at each of the 17 participating Idaho resorts.

To participate in the 5^th grade passport program, parents need to submit an application with a one-time $20 processing fee at 5thgradeskipassport.com and then wait for the passport to be emailed to them. A parent or guardian must be present with a participating 5^th grader at the resort ticket office with either a printed copy of the passport or the electronic version on their phone to receive a lift ticket.

There are some blackout dates and dos and don’ts, so be sure to read the rules and regulations online in advance. Some of the participating ski resorts also offer discount rental gear and lessons as part of the 5th grade passport program. More info: Skinwrockies.com (OTO)

Find more stories for outdoor families, about skiing/snowboarding and teaching kids to ski, the annual Family Winter Sports Guide, and more Ski NW Rockies stories in the OTO archives.

The post Guide to Ski & Snowboard Lessons: Inland NW appeared first on Out There Venture.

Here, fellow Inland NW parents and young skiers share the runs they recommend for brand-new skiers and riders and those advancing skills — with suggestions covering a range of ability levels.

“Best” is a relative term, so use these ideas to help you decide where to go the next time you’re at one of these mountains.

What to know about trail ratings

A ski run’s difficulty level is relative to all the runs on that particular mountain. Meaning, not all blue squares and black diamonds are equally challenging across mountains. A designated “black” at one mountain can seem more like an intermediate compared to another mountain.

Additionally, an intermediate run can seem like a black diamond for a more advanced beginner skier/rider. And remember, any run can be more challenging on any day based on current weather and snow conditions. (Note: Experienced skiers/riders typically refer to a run difficulty by the respective color rather than the skill level; e.g., “Rock Slide is an easy black.”)

For the Ski the Northwest Rockies association, member businesses include Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area and Silver Mountain Resort (both in north Idaho off Interstate 90), and 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort and the non-profit Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, both located in eastern Washington.

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park

• Rockslide: black / Illuminator (chair #2) –This was the first black diamond that my kids went down at our home mountain—and it’s the mountain’s easiest black, according to my family. I’ve also led some of my friends’ young kids down Rockslide as their first black diamond experience, and everyone agrees that it’s more fun than scary and easier than they thought it would be.
• Secret Squirrel: blue / Northwood (chair #6) – A “long run with a good slope angle and fall line,” says my 12-year-old son, Landon. However, on the rare occasion when this run isn’t groomed, it would be more challenging; yet on those days it’s a good teaching run to learn how to navigate ungroomed terrain. The run is accessible off Yellow Brick Road (green cat track) starting from the summit, via Vista Cruiser (chair 1), with a return to the summit via Northwood chair.
• Jim’s Gem: green / Northwood – A more challenging run for advanced-beginners, this backside green circle (two runs past the turn-off for Secret Squirrel) is best for those with endurance who want to experience a longer run. A good choice for someone who has mastered all the beginner runs on the mountain’s front side. (Remember, a skier/rider has to return to the front side via Northwest Passage—a long journey back to the lodge for tired legs.)
• Ridge Run: blue / Hidden Treasure (chair #4) – “A longer run with variable pitches for those who want to go a little steeper but not for long,” says my husband, Judd, who has been ski patrolling at Mt. Spokane for nearly 25 years.

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area

• Huckleberry Ridge: green / Peak 1 Quad – “For families relatively new or brand new to skiing, my daughters recommend Huckleberry,” says Lookout season passholder AnnaMarie White. Daughter Olivia says this run “helps (kids) to build confidence because it’s not too steep—it seems like it goes on forever.” From the mountain’s North side, ride Timber Wolf (chair 3) back to the summit to access Huckleberry.
• Tamarack: blue / Timber Wolf (chair 2), Montana Side – “Long run with a little slope to it for kids” who are still learning “and wide enough to work on turning,” says Alex Conrow, dad of one of this issue’s featured “Little Rippers.”
• Rainbow Ridge: blue / Timber Wolf (chair 2) – Similar to Tamarack, and fun for experienced skiers as well, says Conrow, because you can quickly get going fast.

49 Degrees North Mountain Resort

• Gold Chute: green / Pay Day chair – “This is a unique and magical experience designed for beginner skiers. This easy, gentle run is hidden in the trees off our Pay Day lift and features animal signs to mark the way,” says 49 Ski School Director Alison Pasino.
• Huckleberry Ridge: green / Sunrise Basin, Peak 1 Quad chair – “This gentle, family-friendly run has versatile green terrain for beginners to intermediates. Fun natural jumps along the side. Great for kids looking to ride both of 49’s quad lifts and explore the mountain,” Pasino says.

Silver Mountain Resort

• Easy Street: green / Magic Carpet: Silver’s bunny hill has a giant, covered conveyor called ‘Magic Carpet’ in the middle, with ski/boarding on one side and tubing on the other and is a family favorite says Mandy Labahn, who works and snowboards at Silver and is “Little Ripper” Zoey’s mom.
• Claim Jumper & Dawdler: green / chair 5 – Below the Magic Carpet, Claim Jumper leads to the bottom of chair 5. “[This chairlift] runs slow just for the kids and beginners learning to use a lift,” says Labahn. Stay straight on Claim Jumper and the trail turns into Dawdler, the easiest of the easy, she says.
• Sunrise: blue / chair 2 – Long run, from top to bottom, with great views. “If it’s a sunny day, I want to stay on chair 2,” says Courtney Yarber, who, along with her husband and daughters, ages 9 and 12, are season passholders.
• Silver Bell (blue) to Alpenway (green): chair 2 – While you could follow Silver Bell all the way to the base of 2, Yarber likes to turn onto Alpenway (skier’s right), go under the chair, then turn skier’s left at the junction with Sunrise—go left and enjoy an easy route to chair 2’s base.

Find more stories for outdoor families, about skiing/snowboarding and teaching kids to ski, the annual Family Winter Sports Guide, and more Ski NW Rockies stories in the OTO archives.

The post Best Ski Runs for Kids: NW Rockies appeared first on Out There Venture.

Mid-Week Deals

Every Thursday at Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, bring a friend and buy 2 lift tickets for only $75. And if you’re a season pass-holder from a different mountain, you can buy a highly-discounted daily lift ticket Monday-Thursday (holiday periods excluded). Just show your mt. season pass at the ticket window.

Every Monday-Thursday at 49 Degees North (except holiday periods), an all-mountain lift ticket is only $49 for adults, $44 for youth.

At Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park on Mondays and Tuesdays, from January 2 to February 21, bring a buddy and buy 2 lift-tickets for only $72 (not available on holidays).

Get midweek stay-ski-waterpark package deals at Silver Mountain Resort for any reservations Sundays-Thursdays.

Flex 5 Lesson Package at Silver Mountain

Learn to ski or ride mid-week with Silver’s Flex 5 deal—package includes: 5 lift tickets, 5 rentals, and 5 ski or snowboard lessons. Best perk: program “graduates” receive a season pass good for the rest of the 2022-23 season, PLUS they get a 50% discount on a season pass for the 2023-24 season.  

Lookout Pass Offers Fully Transferable Season Pass

Ideal for a company to share with employees or an individual to share with friends. Purchase online for $999 by November 18. Pass provides the daily user with one lift ticket.

5-Pack Bundle Deal Returns

Due to popular demand, Mt. Spokane is once again offering 5-pack lift ticket bundles—for sale online starting Nov. 15. $229 for restricted-use bundle (not valid on holidays and peak weekends) or $299 for unrestricted bundle, with no blackout dates. Limited quantities—available thru December while supplies last.

Snowmaking at 49 Degrees North

During summer, staff fine-tuned and prepared 49’s snowmaking system (new 2 years ago and expanded last winter), making it ready to use as soon as conditions allow this season.

Night Skiing at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park

Starting December 16, the front-side chairlifts keep running after dark, for most Wednesdays-Saturdays. Night tickets (3-9 p.m.) cost only $36 each, all ages. (Any day-ticket holders can stay and keep skiing/riding until closing.)

Improved Webcams

Lookout Pass and 49 Degrees North both upgraded their webcams. Check snow and trail conditions from the comfort of your home, office, or mobile device. (AirFlare app recommended for safer viewing of Lookout Pass trail cam live-stream.)

Midway Snack Shack

Jackass Snack Shack, a newly renovated food and beverage outlet at Silver Mountain’s Midway Chair 4, will open this season—and includes a restroom! Old-timers may recall this location as the original ski lodge when the mountain was still named Jackass Ski Bowl.

Lodge Upgrades

At Mt. Spokane, Lodge 2 has a remodeled kitchen and food service area, which improves the guest experience. Lodge 1 is still undergoing renovation for an improved indoor space and expanded outdoor patio area. Look for more food-service offerings, greater variety, and meal specials throughout the season. 

At Silver Mountain Resort, the Mountain House was spiffed up with new carpet and paint.

Lookout Pass lodge upgrades include a new entryway and new deck with wider stairs, located between the food service and rental/ski school area, that improves access to the lodge and slopes.

More Parking

A new 2.5-acre parking lot was added at the base of 49 Degrees North. Shuttle service to and from the lodge will be available during weekends and holidays.

At Lookout Pass, parking space was added to the lower lot (below chair 1, along I-90) and to the Montana side of the maintenance building.

New Eagle Peak Quad Chair & Terrain at Lookout Pass

The newest quad chair—nearly a mile-long ride—has 152 chairs to transport up to 1,500 skiers and snowboarders every hour to Eagle Peak Summit, where there is also a new Ski Patrol Shack. Enjoy 14 new named runs and a new 500 skiable acres. (Learn more.)

New Runs—Longer Runs

At Silver Mountain, inbound terrain was expanded off chair 2, with a new run that’s naturally gladed and known to hold powder, according to Marketing Director Gus Colburn.

49 Degrees North extended three of its newest runs from last season. “Alpine Steel, Gunslinger, and Tin Star now extend all the way up to Silver Ridge,” says Ursula Bakken, 49’s interim marketing director. “In addition, the lower portions of all of those runs—along with Lower Hole in the Wall and Lower Carpet Bagger—have seen heavy clean-up and debris removal, allowing us to open them earlier and with fewer obstacles.”

New Groomers

Silver Mountain added a new cat-groomer to its fleet. They also used a D6 Cat for summer brush-cutting to allow more terrain to open earlier in the season.

Mt. Spokane welcomed a brand-new Pistenbully100 Snow cat, dedicated to improving the freestyle terrain park.

A new maintenance shop at 49 Degrees North will help staff work on snowcats, heavy equipment, vehicles, and lift components—improving mountain ops overall.

More Rental Gear At 49 Degrees North

49 Degrees North rental shop has improved and increased its inventory. Look for new Rossignol skis and snowboards; new Burton snowboards especially for the littlest rippers; and a new fleet of Rossignol high-performance demo skis and snowboards as well as locally-made Sneva MFG skis.

Better Bunny Hill

Lookout Pass improved its Beginner Slope and Learning Hill. After adding tons of dirt, staff “regraded and contoured the slope to provide a longer, more consistent learning pitch and overall better learning experience for first-time skiers, snowboarders and those beginners working to improve their turns,” says Lookout Marketing Director Matt Sawyer.

New Lesson Programs at 49 Degrees North

New this season are Intro to Free Style and Park Skills and Junior Instructor programs. The popular Women’s Clinics are now on Sunday afternoons to make them more accessible.

MSSRT Ski & Boarder Cross Competition at Mt. Spokane

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park and Mt. Spokane Ski Race Team (MSSRT) have partnered to host a variety of ski races this season, including the first-ever MSSRT Ski & Boarder Cross Competition on February 4-5, 2023.

Daycare At 49 Degrees North

Offered again for the 2022-23 season, 49’s daycare is open during weekends and holidays for children ages 2-6 (reservations recommended).

More Ladies Days at Mt. Spokane

Popular women-only lesson program at Mt. Spokane with two dates this winter, February 10 and March 10, 2023.

Nordic Area Improvements

49 Degrees North’s Nordic Center Yurt has a brand-new deck to welcome guests for Nordic skiing as well as fat biking and snowshoeing. Yurt will be open and staffed Fridays through Sundays, and the majority of holiday periods.

Mt. Spokane Apres-Ski & Swag

Foggy Bottom Bar will offer more selections from Spokane-area breweries, and host live music on Friday nights and select weekends. Mt. Spokane also expanded its selection of hats, beanies, hoodies, and other swag for fans of the ‘Kan.

New Mt. Spokane Corporate Pass

Businesses and organizations can now take advantage of a new transferable and flexible season pass, issued in the name of a business or group. A Corporate Pass is good for one person each day of the winter 2022-23 season, which can be shared among employees and/or clients (who don’t already have a Mt. Spokane season pass).

Pass costs $1,299 and includes 10 additional (free) daily lift tickets to be used in conjunction with the passholder, plus 50% off any additional lift tickets, up to 6 discounted tickets per day (no blackout dates).

Freedom Pass & Group Discounts at Mt. Spokane

A new benefit for season passholders is the Freedom Pass, which includes 3 free visits to any of the 19 partner mountains (with no blackout dates), plus 7 additional partner mountains with varying ski benefits. Expansive group discounts are available for high-school and college recreation groups, church and homeschool programs, and other organizations. 

Free Ski School—Longer Sessions

Free Ski School at Lookout Pass, which begins in January 2023, has expanded its program options—complete details at skilookout.com/famous-free-ski-school.

Upcoming Events

• Daily operations begin at Silver Mountain: Thursday, Dec. 15. (See events calendar for more details.)
• Night skiing begins at Mt. Spokane: Friday, Dec. 16. Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesdays-Saturdays. (See operations and events calendar.)
• SheJumps + 49 North Film Showing: Dec 17, fundraiser & social event at the Chewelah Arts Center. (See events calendar for more details.)
• Women’s Clinic Series at 49 Degrees North: Series dates include Dec.18, Jan. 29, Feb. 12; 2-hour group lesson, 1-3 pm.
• Daily operations begin at Mt. Spokane: Monday, Dec. 19. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
• Youth Freestyle Ski/Snowboard Camp at 49 Degrees North: Dec 23, 12 p.m.-3 p.m. for ages 10-15.
• Holiday events at Lookout Pass: Dress like Santa on Dec. 22 to ski/ride for only $20/ticket. Revenue goes towards buying Christmas gifts for local children in need; Open Christmas Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with discounted tickets and a special Christmas Day Luncheon, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, Dec. 31. (See events calendar for more details.)
• Gone to the Dogs & Skijor Day at 49 Degrees North: Dec. 30, dogs allowed on Nordic ski area’s lower trail system all day, when accompanied by their human with a pass. (Additional event dates in 2023; see events calendar for more details.)
• Jackass Day at Silver Mountain: Jan. 12, 2023. Annual tradition celebrating the ski area’s history. Wear vintage ski gear and buy retro-priced lift tickets for only $19/person.

The post What’s New At Ski NW Rockies: Winter 2022-23 appeared first on Out There Venture.

Currently steamrolling the local and national snowboard scene is Austin Visintainer, who grew up in Spokane. I was fortunate enough to sit down with him for a few hours before his crazy busy winter begins. You might be familiar with his Instagram handle @awsmevizz—if not, I highly suggest giving him a follow if you’re a snowboarding fan.

Visintainer, or Vizz, as he is often called by friends, started skateboarding at 5 years old and picked up snowboarding shortly after. An unbelievable skateboarder, Visintainer describes himself as a snowboarder who skates for fun. He is sponsored by juggernaut companies like Capita snowboards, Union Bindings, Crab Grab, Coal Headwear, Pistole Boardshop in Spokane, and Modest Eyewear Co., with whom he has his own signature goggle.

The past few years he has also been invited to the coveted freestyle jam session Superpark (hosted by Snowboarder magazine) and the annual marquee event the Holy Bowly, produced by Snowboy Productions. Accolades aside, what’s admirable about his story is how he carved out his own path to recognition and growth.

One thing known to be true of all successful people is the hours they put into their craft. Snowboarding 100-plus days a year, Visintainer has fully committed to his dream of being a pro snowboarder. This past year he filmed his first major snowboard video part and traveled all over the country to get clips. The movie, titled “Paper Tiger,” premiered this November in Salt Lake City.

He was honored with the opening part and assertively set the tone for the rest of the movie. For those not as familiar with snowboard videos, the opening and ending segments ritually go to the best riders of the film.

Chris Griener, professional snowboarder and host of the influential snowboard podcast “The Bombhole,” commented about Visintainer’s “Paper Tiger” appearance in a recent episode. “Huge fan . . . this could be Austin Vizz’s break out video part.”

Known for being handy with steel in the terrain park and on street rails, Visintainer’s ability to ride everything is what makes him such a dynamic rider. He’s the equivalent of an ATV in the automotive world: from massive handle-built jumps, sketchy urban wall rides, resort side hits and pow laps, to big mountain riding in the backcountry, the kid can ride it all.

Visintainer hones his work ethic, passion, and love for snowboarding by getting to the mountain early and lapping the terrain park when the mountain first opens. He explains that he enjoys the calmness of the empty park, the freshly raked takeoffs, and the recently groomed landings.

Then there are the hours he puts in during the off season to keep his dream alive. To create financial security during the summer months, he has a full-time day job that frees up his winter. When the snow flies, he has gas in the tank and money in the bank to chase the snow, travel to events, and film all season.  

Growing up in the Inland Northwest, Visintainer says there weren’t a lot of riders doing street and park snowboarding, and he wasn’t getting the opportunity that other competitive boarders were getting. Things weren’t progressing, so he created his own opportunity to get noticed and started making Instagram edits with the goal of putting out the sickest edits he could. The motto that drove him, he says, was “just be so good they [the snowboard companies] can’t deny you.” 

Josh Yandel, the local owner of Pistole Boardshop in Spokane, has known Visintainer throughout this journey. “He’s an absolute true boarder, and I couldn’t be more proud of him,” says Yandel. “I’ve seen him grow through the years, and I don’t think there could be a better role model for snowboarding. Austin has worked hard and deserves the reward. He is an amazing human. I’m thankful to have him a part of the shop, and I think we are gonna see big things in his future.”

I speak as part of our local snowboard community when I say we couldn’t be more stoked to see one of “us” make it. Austin Vizz is humble, driven, and has endless style. He’s one to keep an eye on this winter and in the seasons that follow.

Originally published as “Austin Visintainer: Local Rider Makes Pro-Snowboarding Dreams Come True” in the January-February 2022 issue.

T. Ghezzi is Pacific Northwest raised and believes we should respect the land, spend time in nature, explore, adventure, hike, and never stop the pursuit to ride powder.

Find more stories about snowboarding and other notable Inland NW snowboarders and skiers in the OTO archives.

The post Spokane Pro-Snowboarder Austin Visintainer appeared first on Out There Venture.

One early morning in Schweitzer’s lower parking lot, a group of mostly skiers circled up for an Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center Avalanche 1 course. Being one of the only snowboarders in the course, it was easy to spot the other soft-boot powder chasers, and that is where I met Emma Hall for the first time.

Over the next two days, Emma’s riding, attitude, and ability to learn and perform the recently acquired avalanche skills were incredible. In hindsight, I can’t image what it must have felt like for 15-year-old Emma (now 16) to take the course solo with a group of mostly male skiers twice her age.

A few weeks later, I spoke with Emma’s dad Adam Hall at Silver Mountain’s Doug E Fresh Banked Slalom event, and he talked about her passion for learning more about the backcountry and that Emma wasn’t the only teenage shredder in the family. It turned out younger sister Maddie Hall (14 years old) is just as passionate and driven to spend time up on the mountain.

The Halls’ home mountain is Schweitzer, and they are currently sponsored by the highly-respected 7B Skate Shop in Sandpoint. The past year both sisters have been working closely with a couple different snowboard manufactures to get partnerships started.

After competing in regional banked slalom races and getting multiple podium finishes, the two were invited to this year’s highly exclusive Dirksen Derby at Mt. Bachelor, Ore.

Meet Emma Hall (Age 16)

Emma’s relaxed and confident demeanor makes her seem in control of her snowboard destiny. Her love is big mountain riding, chasing powder, hitting cliff drops, and exploring the backcountry.

Attending online public school through the Connections Academy, Emma is stoked to take advantage of being home schooled this year so that she can go up to the mountain every day. I asked her if she has thought about college, and her reply said it all: “I am living in the moment. College, I am not for sure.”

The goal she does have in mind, she added, is to become a backcountry snowboard guide, and she has her sights on being a certified American Mountain Guide Association guide.

Meet Maddie Hall (Age 14)

Chatting with Maddie you’ll sense right away the fire inside her to be the best snowboarder she can. No doubt this will help her out as she continues to enter contests and hitting rails and jumps in the park.

“Park laps are fun,” she says, “but it depends on the day.” If there is new snow, she says, you can bet she’ll be out riding powder.

Snowboard Heroes

The sisters agreed their snowboard idol is Elena Hight, because of what she has accomplished in her career.

To my surprise, their second most inspirational rider was Jeremy Jones. Emma and Maddie said they respect his backcountry riding and say he is a “Rad Dad” just like theirs, which led the sisters to add that the most influential snowboarder to them is their dad.

They treasure their dad’s love for snowboarding and for passing it on to them and point to his supportive and motivating approach to sharing the sport with them in a way that also gave them room to grow on their own.

The Hall sisters’ energy, passion, and drive is the core of what it means to be a snowboarder, and their energy and love for riding snow is contagious and exactly what the Inland Northwest snowboard culture needs.

T. Ghezzi is Pacific Northwest raised and believes we should respect the land, spend time in nature, explore, adventure, hike, and never stop the pursuit to ride powder.

Editor’s update: At the Dirksen Derby, December 17-18, 2021, Maddie ranked 3rd in the Grom Girls division (age 10-14), and Emma ranked 5th in the Teen women’s division (age 15-19). Event results available online.

This story originally appeared in the November-December 2021 print issue.

Find more stories about snowboarding and other notable young snowboarders and skiers in the OTO archives.

The post Sister Shredders, Emma & Maddie Hall appeared first on Out There Venture.

Brighton Turcotte, Age 10 (Skier/Snowboarder)

Home Mountain: Silver Mountain Resort.

Mom and grandpa taught him how to ski at age 5, and dad taught snowboarding also at age 5 with additional instruction help from friend Shane Brosius. “Brighton is a much more accomplished skier than snowboarder,” says dad, Mike, who works at Silver doing gondola and lift maintenance. “He still snowboards and [got] into it more this past year.” Mike says it’s really the mountain family itself at Silver that’s responsible for how Brighton is advancing so quickly as a skier.

Favorite Runs: Moonshine, Silverbelt, Noah’s Park, Upper Terrain Park, Heaven.

Loves skiing/riding because: “I like going fast with the wind in my face. I also love shredding the pow.”

Typical day on the mountain: Doing jumps in the terrain parks, meeting up with friends at the snack shack, and warming up by the fire. “Both my parents work at Silver Mountain, so I basically roam the mountain.”

Greatest accomplishment: Making two attempts at the Pond Skim and being the youngest competitor.

Future Ambitions: Ski Shady Lady run, so he will have skied every double black diamond run at Silver; ski from summit lodge all the way down into town; learn how to do flips; and ski at other mountains (as many as possible), especially Brighton Resort in Utah “because I was named after it.”

Ski Advice: “If you fall, don’t quit, get back up. If you don’t fall, you’re not pushing yourself. Once you get better, SEND IT!”

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

Meet the other Little Rippers featured in the Nov.-Dec. 2021 issue Family Winter Sports Guide.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

The post Little Ripper at Silver Mountain: Brighton Turcotte appeared first on Out There Venture.

Jaxson Hamm, Age 6 (Snowboarder)

Home Mountain: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.

Jaxson started learning to ski as a toddler (before age 2) and learned how to snowboard at age 6. His parents helped him learn and progress, and he has also been in group and private lessons at Mt. Spokane’s ski school where both of his parents work.

“Several other instructors take him to ski and coach him on their private time. This is where his mountain family has really helped him learn,” says his dad, Mike, who is the head trainer for Mt. Spokane’s snowboard program and a divisional staff member for the American Association of Snowboard Instructors. “Plus he has put in a lot of time himself just trying things he sees others do on a snowboard.”

Favorite Runs: Old Northwest, Lamonga.

Loves skiing/snowboarding because: “I love the freedom of being able to ride anywhere and keep up with everyone else.”

Most memorable day on the mountain: “The day I learned to ride the rainbow rail while riding with my mom last season at Mt. Spokane. I finally got to try the rainbow rail and I rode it on my first try without falling.”

Typical day on the mountain: “I get to go ride where I want. The lifties know me, and I have friends all over the hill. So I can go a lot of places and ride some lifts alone.”  

Greatest accomplishment so far: “Learning to tail grab.”

Future Ambition: “To go to as many mountains as I can. To become a snowboard bum.”

Ski Advice: “Have fun and be safe. Take a lesson and come play outside with us.”

Jaxson, front row on left, stands on his board next to his dad, Mike Hamm, wearing a turquoise instructor jacket, along with his dad’s snowboarders buddies. Back row (left to right): Ryan Desmond, Shawn Semb, and Dustin Semb; and (kneeling, bottom-right) Doug Wakefield. // Jaxson Hamm riding chair 1 at Mt. Spokane [above right photo]. // All photos courtesy of Mike Hamm.

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

Meet the other Little Rippers featured in the Nov.-Dec. 2021 issue Family Winter Sports Guide.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

The post Little Ripper at Mt. Spokane: Jaxson Hamm appeared first on Out There Venture.

Penelope Picabo & Olivia Lokkee White (Twin sisters), Age 9

Home mountain: Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area.

The girls started out at age three and skied with their papa at Lost Trail for two years before attending Lookout’s Free Ski School at age 5. They then followed that up with a year of private lessons at Lookout and joined the Lookout Pass Ski Team at age 7. This year, they are starting their 3rd season with the Lookout Pass Ski Race Team. “Ski racing is the best way to spend your winters,” says Olivia.

Favorite runs: Dilly Dally Alley, Idaho Face, Bonanza.

Love skiing because: As racers, they get to travel to other mountains, make new friends, learn new skills on training days, and ski fast. “It’s like we live outside during the winter!” says Penelope.

Most memorable day on the mountain: Olivia’s first run on Idaho Face, and Penelope says the first time she “went down the hill really fast without any help.”

Greatest accomplishments so far: Olivia’s 2nd-place finish against more experienced ski racers. Penelope says it was winning Lookout’s cardboard box derby race. 

Future Ambition: Ski in every state.

Ski Advice: “It’s okay to start with pizza legs but try to end the day with French fry skis! Never give up, do your best, and never be afraid. All those days at Lookout Pass will be worth your time. And most of all, speed is your friend!”

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

Meet the other Little Rippers featured in the Nov.-Dec. 2021 issue Family Winter Sports Guide.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

The post Lookout Pass Little Rippers: Penelope & Olivia White appeared first on Out There Venture.

Winter Sneva, Age 7 (Skier)

Home Mountain: 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort (dual season Pass at Silver Mountain).

Taught by mom and dad at 49 Degrees North, Winter learned to ski when she was two. Her current ski set up is pretty special: Sneva MFG 137 Jr skis made by the family business, Sneva MFG, a ski manufacturing company founded in 1994 that moved to Spokane in 2009. Sneva MFG also makes snowboards, snowskates, and wakeskis.

When not skiing this season, Winter says she’ll be “sledding on our sledding hill and making skis with Dad.”

Favorite Run: King

Loves skiing because: “I like to go fast and go off jumps.” 

Mountain routine includes: Eating French fries in the lodge. 

Most memorable day on the mountain: First time riding the chair all by herself (January 2021).

Greatest accomplishment(s) so far: Skiing Mahers Gold run.

Future Ambition: “Do a 360 off a jump.”

Ski Advice: “It’s all about fun, family, and French fries!”

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

Meet the other Little Rippers featured in the Nov.-Dec. 2021 issue Family Winter Sports Guide.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

The post Little Ripper at 49 Degrees North: Winter Sneva appeared first on Out There Venture.