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) 

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A trip up to soak in the mineral-rich thermal pools at Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort—north of Nelson, BC, along Kootenay Lake—is a routine pilgrimage for many Out There readers, and winter is an exceptionally magical time to visit. Sitting in the main 96-degree pool, wrapped in steam and gazing out at the snow-covered Purcell Mountains rising up from the lake is pure rejuvenation. A quick overnight trip up from Spokane for Ainsworth’s hot-springs cave and soaking pool is worth the drive all on its own, but the resort has much more to offer.  

The lake-view Ktunaxa Grill—named after the Ktunaxa First Nations whose traditional lands include a vast expanse of territory surrounding the resort—features an indigenous-inspired menu built around local ingredients. It’s a culinary experience that typically inspires repeat visits. Stay a night or two in one of the resort’s spacious, modern rooms or suites—each with hot springs access and guest-only hours—and you have yourself a full-on restorative getaway. But Ainsworth has one more surprise that elevates the whole experience.  

After a day on the slopes at nearby Whitewater or snowshoeing the river trails around Kaslo, few things beat a hot springs soak—except following it with a massage at Ainsworth’s on-site Spirit Water Spa. The spa offers Swedish, deep tissue and targeted massage work. Let skilled hands unwind tight quads or a worked-over back, giving your nervous system a full reset. The Spirit Water Spa also offers energy therapies, detoxifying clay applications and indulgent body wraps. Treatments are designed to complement time in the pools, pairing heat and minerals with whole-body relaxation.  

Ainsworth blends natural thermal relaxation, striking scenery and unpretentious resort comforts that will make any winter adventure in the Kootenays more memorable. Learn more or book your trip at Ainsworthhotsprings.com.

Sponsored

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Cover photo by Ashley Voykin courtesy of Tourism Rossland

Winter in Spokane can mean gray skies, a mix of slush and snow, and the kind of ice that turns every sidewalk into a trust exercise. But did you know that just 2.5 hours north, winter tells a completely different story? One filled with frosty peaks, crisp white snow and a downtown that feels downright magical. Rossland, British Columbia, Canada is known as a true winter escape for powder seekers, but it can be a surprisingly fun haven for the summer loyalists who just need something to do while the rest of the family chases fresh tracks.

 

If you’re the kind of person who lives for sun on your face, warm breezes, and an endless summer, the Rossland Winter Carnival from Jan. 22-24, 2026, might just flip your winter script. Sure, it’s cold—but the streets are bustling with a vibrant energy, the locals are in full-on festival mode, and there are enough snow‑fueled activities to keep your heart racing and your cheeks rosy. Wash it all down with a specialty drink or two, and suddenly winter feels a lot less like frostbite and a lot more like fun in a snow globe you actually want to be in. Because in Rossland, winter isn’t just something you survive—it’s something you celebrate. 

The Rossland Winter Carnival is Canada’s longest-running carnival in the West Kootenays, dating back to 1898. The event was started by the legendary Norwegian miner Olaus Jeldness, one of the pioneers of ski culture in North America and basically the inventor of winter fun. From ski jumping to snowshoe races and masquerades, there was something for everyone to enjoy—winter and summer lovers alike. Olaus laid the foundation for a tradition tha

If you ask the locals, one of the highlights of the Carnival during the day is the Sonny Samuelson Bobsled Race. Teams of four design, build and ride their creative creations down eight icy blocks, on one of the steepest streets in town—Spokane Street. Reaching speeds of 44 miles per hour or more, this is hands down the wildest, most creative event of the Carnival. But the fun doesn’t end there–just two streets over on Queen Street, piles of snow are transformed into The Game Rail Jam, a custom-built downtown terrain park. Skiers, snowboarders and snowskaters glide, jib and slide across rails, boxes and jumps, showing off tricks that are equal parts skill and showmanship. The rail jam is open to anyone who is brave enough to tackle the streets and be part of the spotlight—where else would you have the chance to slide down a city street? 

When you’re ready to wander and explore the rest of the full lineup of winter fun, the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre becomes a hub of family-friendly activities featuring a snow maze, toboggan run, snowman building, snow painting, cozy campfires, icy crafts and a true Canadian tradition—maple taffy stations! The other surrounding events include ice sculptures, free outdoor skating, snow volleyball, luge lessons, markets, variety shows, local shopping, bake sales, food and drink specials and more! Check out the full festival lineup at Rosslandwintercarnival.com. 

When the day turns to night, the energy becomes electric as Blizzard Music Festival takes over Rossland’s downtown, bringing live music to multiple venues and a variety of musical styles to suit every taste. Three days, five stages—grab an all-access pass to experience the full lineup or be selective with your favorites. Don’t miss a show at the Olaus Ice Palace, an outdoor venue built entirely from snow, where stoic ice sculptures welcome you into the party and set the stage for a truly unforgettable night. For the full lineup and ticket information visit Blizzardmusicfest.ca. 

Sure, most visitors travel to Rossland in winter for the world-class skiing at Red Mountain Resort, Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club or Big Red Cats, but trust us—you’ll want to come for the Rossland Winter Carnival & Blizzard Music Festival and stay for the extra outdoor adventures between events, from snowshoeing to fat biking. Mark your calendar and plan your trip for Jan. 22-24, the perfect weekend to experience a town that turns winter into a full-on celebration, where mountains meet music, community meets celebration and winter meets wonder.  

To explore all that Rossland has to offer in winter (and summer), visit Tourismrossland.com for accommodations, local suggestions and visitor information.  

Sponsored

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Northeast Washington-based Altai Skis puts on this annual gathering of backcountry ski touring enthusiasts, including those interested in Altai Skis’ Hok ski that some have described as a “ski-shoe” that combines elements of a backcountry ski and snowshoe. This year’s weekend event was originally planned for Feb. 7-8, but winter didn’t exactly cooperate. The new later-season date, Feb 28 – March 1, will hopefully bring snowier trails. Festivities both days run from 10 AM to 3 PM and include clinics, group ski tours and Altai Skis demo gear for all ages and abilities. The Altai crew also gives away some pretty sweet prizes and there will be a fire pit and hot beverages in the parking lot. Altai Skis sells backcountry skis that are inspired by the origins of skiing in the Altai Mountains of China, where they’ve been used as a tool for backcountry travel and hunting for millennia.  

The festival takes place at Boulder Pass at the Deer Creek Nordic Sno-Park in the Kettle Range mountains west of Curlew. The gathering is a chance to try some of Altai’s gear, including Hoks, on some moderate backcountry slopes near the pass. Hoks, which have a climbing skin built into the base of a short yet wide ski, have slowly been building a cult-like following of snowshoers and skiers looking for a simple and efficient backcountry tool that can be skied just about anywhere. Hoks excel on backcountry tours with short runs and rolling terrain, as they don’t require frequent climbing skin transitions to get back up the next hill. Check for details and any schedule changes due to snow or weather conditions at Altaiskis.com.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Along the Centennial Trail in Riverside State Park. Photo: Derrick Knowles

Bowl and Pitcher, Riverside State Park (Spokane)

If you want a classic that feels like an actual “hike” without leaving town, start here. The Bowl and Pitcher loop is a short but scenic 2.1-mile route with river views, basalt outcroppings and the iconic footbridge over the Spokane River. A Discover Pass is required for parking. Tip for shoulder-season winter: if the trail is icy in the shade near the river, traction can make the walk immensely more safe and enjoyable. Learn more about trails around Riverside State Park here.

Dishman Hills Natural Area (Spokane Valley)

When the high country is socked in, the Dishman Hills can deliver quick forest strolls ponderosa pine forest and viewpoints that feel surprisingly wild for being on the edge of the city. Routes to destinations like Enchanted Ravine are short (2-miles round trip) and popular. Note that this natural area prioritizes wildlife and native plant preservation, and dogs must remain on a leash. This is one of the best places to catch a winter sunset on a clear day from a high point—just bring a headlamp for the hike back to your car.

When planning a winter hike, avoid muddy trails or trails transitioning between freezing and thawing when hikers can damage trails. Try hiking when trails are frozen or dry or choose trails with trails that drain better. Plan your Dishman Hills adventure here.

Saltese Uplands in late winter. Photo: Derrick Knowles

Saltese Uplands (Liberty Lake area)

Saltese is a strong winter pick when you want open views and a more “wide-sky” feel. The conservation area has more than 7 miles of trail exploring canyons and ridge tops, with views that can stretch toward Liberty Lake and Mount Spokane on clear days. Because it’s more exposed, it can dry out faster than shaded forest trails—but it can also be breezy, so layer up. Learn more about this Spokane County Conservation Futures area and trails here.

Slavin Conservation Area (southwest of Spokane)

For a mellow, low-elevation ramble with wetlands and a pine forest that attract many types of birds and waterfowl, Slavin is a great option. The Slavin Conservation Area is an expansive, rolling landscape with many trail options to create loops of varied length. It’s a nice option when you need to get out of the house in the winter and move your body in a beautiful place without committing to steep climbs and challenging trails. Find more info and a map here.

Post Falls Community Forest and Q’emiln Park (Post Falls)

Right across the Spokane River from Post Falls, this trail network offers lots of choose-your-own loops with river access, basalt rock features and a real “get out of town” feel without a long drive. This park and community forest is also a popular rock-climbing destination but come winter, hikers will generally have the trails to themselves. Find directions here.

Tubbs Hill (downtown Coeur d’Alene)

For a winter hike that pairs perfectly with coffee downtown, Tubbs Hill is hard to beat. It’s a 165-acre natural area owned and maintained by the City of Coeur d’Alene, with multiple access points and a trail around the perimeter. Enjoy views of downtown and Lake Coeur d’Alene on a loop around the hill or create your own extended hike incorporating other trails and loops. You can find a map of the trail system here.

Check out more winter hike recommendations around the region here or read up on the recommended essentials for winter hiking.

The post The Best Winter Hikes Near Spokane and Coeur d’Alene appeared first on Out There Venture.

By Karie Lee Knoke 

Winter transforms the landscape into a blank canvas. Fresh snow covers the ground, softening every edge and silencing the world. But for those who know where to look, this quiet season reveals a secret language. Tracks, trails and signs left by animals going on about their lives. Tracking in winter isn’t just about identifying footprints; it’s about reading the story of survival written across the snow. 

The Art of Seeing While Wildlife Tracking 

The first rule of tracking is to slow down. Walk quietly, notice patterns and let your eyes adjust to the subtleties of snow. A crisp, clean snowfall is a tracker’s dream, capturing every step, slide and wingbeat in fine detail. But even days after a storm, melted and refrozen impressions can tell as much about time and behavior as they do about species. 

Early morning is the best time to head out. The light is low and slanted, casting long shadows that make shallow impressions easier to see. A hand lens or small ruler helps measure track size and depth, and a notebook or phone camera keeps a record for later study. 

Reading the Clues 

Each track carries a signature combination of shape, stride and pattern. The spacing between prints tells how fast an animal was moving; the depth hints at its weight, or the preparation of a pounce; and the symmetry reveals its gait. 

Deer leave two neat, heart-shaped prints, each about 2 to 3 inches long. In soft snow, their hooves cut deep and sharp. A wandering line means the deer was browsing for twigs, while a direct, steady trail suggests it was traveling between feeding and bedding areas. 

Snowshoe hares print in a distinctive pattern: two large hind feet land ahead of the smaller front ones as they hop. Their tracks often appear in clusters, each group marking a single bound. Look for them near thickets, brush piles or the edges of open fields where they feed at dusk and dawn. 

Bobcats and mountain lions walk with a smooth, straight pattern, often along brushy edges. When trotting, you’ll see alternating left-right prints. When stalking, they tighten up and sometimes overlap perfectly, called “direct register walking.” Their prints are round, with no claw marks as they have retractable claws.  

Squirrels leave tracks that seem almost playful. Their large hind feet land ahead of the smaller fronts, creating a leapfrog pattern that leads from tree base to tree base. Scattered bits of cone debris nearby mark feeding spots, often called “middens.” 

Following the Story 

Winter tracking is less about finding the animal itself and more about understanding its habits. Every trail is a mystery of motion and intention. As in a “whodunit” story, embrace the inspector role: Who? What are they doing? Where are they headed and where did they come from? When or how long ago? And why? 

Let the mystery unfold as you take in all the signs that you see, hear, smell and feel. If you’re following fresh mountain lion tracks, I suggest following them back from where they came, not to where they were headed. Best not to find yourself face-to-face with one!  

Spend enough time tracking and the forest begins to speak in a new language. What once looked like an empty white field becomes alive with paths, decisions and dramas unfolding in silence. You realize you’re walking through a world in motion, one that never really sleeps. 

So the next time fresh snow falls, grab your boots and head outside. Slow down, look closely and follow the prints. Every mark in the snow is a story of survival, and in reading them, you become part of that story too. 

Karie Lee Knoke is a wilderness and primitive-skills instructor and founder of Sacred Cedars Wilderness School. She was a contestant on the reality survival TV show, “Alone,” Season 9, on the History Channel. For more information, go to Karieleeknoke.com or follow her on Facebook @SacredCedarsWildernessSchool or Instagram @karie_lee_knoke. 

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By Holly Weiler

Cover photo courtesy of Holly Weiler

Mount Spokane State Park transitions to a winter wonderland each December as the alpine ski area opens for the season, grooming begins on the vast Nordic trail system and all of the summer hiking trails not touched by those two systems become snowshoe trails. There are also a couple of bonus trails for winter—trails that do not exist during the summer recreation season.  

Tucked into the back corner of the Lower Selkirk Sno-Park lot is Trail 260, a special, winter-only snowshoe trail. This trail begins in Mount Spokane State Park but crosses onto Inland Empire Paper Company (IEP) land that is only accessible in winter via a special-use agreement with Washington State Parks to allow winter recreation on IEP land. No dirt was moved in the creation of this wooded path, but that’s the beauty of a snowshoe trail—the path is best once the powder becomes deep. 

The trail can be somewhat tricky to navigate in the early season before the snow has piled up. Wait until the snow depth is at least 3 feet, enough to cover alder along the trail, before giving this route a try. The trail begins under a dense tree canopy near the Sno-Park lot, staying parallel to Linder Ridge briefly before intersecting an old logging road that drops down the hill. At the bottom, the trail exits into an old logging area beginning to grow in with a mix of young trees. Western larch will lack needles in winter, but there is also a mix of western white pine, hemlock and grand fir. The route makes a short figure eight on IEP property at the bottom of the descent and is among the quietest snowshoe trails, generally offering solitude not found elsewhere in the park. The only drawback? This is a trail that begins with a downhill trek, which means the return trip is a bit of a climb. Round-trip distance is approximately 3 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain. 

Getting There:  

From Spokane, take State Route 206 (Mount Spokane Highway) to the park entrance. Continue 3.4 miles beyond the park office to the Lower Selkirk Sno-Park lot. The trail begins at the northeast corner of the lot. 

Holly Weiler is the Eastern Washington Region Senior Coordinator for Washington Trails Association. Between Nordic skiing and snowshoe outings, she spends practically all of her free time at Mount Spokane each winter.  

The post Mount Spokane State Park Trail 260 Snowshoe Guide and Winter Access Tips appeared first on Out There Venture.

By Holly Weiler 

Cover photo courtesy of Lara Gricar

Outdoor Reminders 

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

Free Outdoor-themed Entertainment 

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

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

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

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

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

Fundraisers, Contests and Events 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stewardship, Conservation, and Volunteer Opportunities 

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

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

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

Stories connect us. That’s nothing new. But I’ve been thinking about the way stories connect us to place, specifically outdoor places, and the use of telling stories that are anchored in the natural world.  

When I’m outside, it usually starts with movement. Stories unravel as I walk with a friend on the trail, muscles at work. But stories also come to me at times of sitting: particularly around a fire (the oldest of storytelling places), or under a pine tree covered with snow, breaking for cold sandwiches after snowmobiling in the backcountry, feeling alive and alert just for existing in that remote, snow-bright place. 

Perhaps we’re at our most story-ready when we’re outside because we’re away from television and traffic, already looking to connect with something transcendent. Maybe we crave stories when we’re outside because the world feels bigger there, where the snow-muffled silence is both beautiful and hard to sit with, where we feel small on the face of a mountain. Maybe we go to these places to find stories, to sharpen the ones we know or are still discovering. To go into the wilds and come back with fresh-foraged tales.  

I have certain places that are story-anchored: an alpine lake and set of trails in the Cascades always bring up stories of past backpacking trips. If you’ve connected deeply enough with a place, I’ll bet you’ve cached the threadworks of stories there, too. I believe places can hold stories in a near-physical way, like how a familiar creek crossing or a wave of fireweed in bloom might trigger your story recall with their place-based cues. We could call these “story cairns.” Why follow them?  

The stories of the outdoors that we tell are bigger-than-us stories. They’re of-the-earth and environment stories. They’re stories that show we’re paying attention. And those stories are worth megaphoning these days. Grounding those tales on a set of skis, sleds or snowshoes makes them ring specific to our outdoors community.  

Each time we put together this magazine, we’re rounding up those stories that feel megaphone-worthy. Stories of celebration, mishaps and near-misses—all the things that amaze and surprise us when we go out into this complicated world.  

In this issue of Out There, we look back at the making of “Ski Flakes,” the regional ski videos that started at Schweitzer in the ‘90s, to consider how storytelling can both shape and preserve a culture. We share the adventure of an 89-year-old who bagged the last trail on his 100-hikes list, a story of perseverance. And, for the first time, we’ve included a handful of poems, a storytelling form that might be considered a journey in its reading.  

In each of them? A celebration of the ways you can get out there this winter in pursuit of the connections that make us human. 

• Lisa Laughlin, managing editor 

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