Cover photo courtesy of Potato Boys

In this little area of the Inland Northwest that we call home, we rarely get recognized on the world scale for our skiing and snowboarding. While many of us who live here know all about the epic terrain right at our fingertips, few take the adventure head-on. With the release of the Potato Boys’ new film “Caution Terrain”—their third ski film based in the backcountry of Idaho—the crew has launched their biggest adventure yet. 

The debut of the new film by Essex Prescott, Blake Bowerman, Stephen Matkin, Kyle Vandever, and Cameron “Hootch” Hotchkiss at the beautiful StanCraft Jet Center at the Coeur d’Alene Airport this past November was an event to behold. It’s inspiring to watch a local ski crew hit the big screen and get recognized by the community and outlets like “Freeskier Magazine” and Newschoolers.com. With more than 700 attendees at the launch and over 285,000 views racked up on YouTube so far, the film has been a huge success. 

For this latest release, the team regrouped and took on a few lines that had given them the slip in years past. With a mandatory plane drop for all the camp supplies, the team was able to enter an area that’s rarely explored, especially in winter. The film follows the crew through it all as they head into this basin and boot-pack 1,000-foot couloirs to ski lines of their dreams—all while living the ski bum lifestyle in their own backyard. The film launch party also raised more than $8,000 for the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center. You can watch “Caution Terrain” on the Potatoboys208 YouTube channel or follow them on Instagram @essexprescott or @potatoboys208.

The post “Famous Potatoes: Caution Terrain” Ski Film Debuts in CDA  appeared first on Out There Venture.

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. 

The post More Than a Lesson  appeared first on Out There Venture.

When Schweitzer snowcat operator Sabrina started at Ski Santa Fe almost 30 years ago, she had no idea she was stepping into what would become her lifelong career. After working at the New Mexico resort in the rental shop and later as a lift-operator, Sabrina remembers seeing the big snowcats moving around the mountain and thinking, “Yeah, that’s what I want to do.”  

Now, after 28 years working at multiple mountains across the country, Sabrina has spent the last nine years running a winch cat at Schweitzer. Her favorite part of the job? Watching the trails change throughout the course of the season. “You’re creating a product for people to ski on,” Sabrina said. Each day is a fresh opportunity to continue to shape the mountain. And even though snowcat operators work behind the scenes, Sabrina said she loves looking at trails from the top of a chair lift and thinking, “I did that.”  

The snowcat operators at Schweitzer (many of whom have been there as long or longer than Sabrina) are committed to keeping each other safe as they maintain and groom trails. While each groomer operates their own machine, they work together when conditions are tough, often bailing each other out if their cats get stuck or break down. Even though the job itself requires the operators to work independently, there’s a camaraderie amongst the crew.  

“You have to have a passion for this job,” Sabrina told me. With the late hours, seasonal work, and the amount of time spent alone in a snowcat, operators who stick around the longest are those who love the lifestyle. “You can’t make a good product if you don’t have a passion for skiing or boarding,” she explained. Many of the teams she’s worked with over her career were all avid or former skiers or snowboarders. That love of the lifestyle is part of what unites them and helps them excel in their work.  

At the end of a shift, Sabrina feels most successful when she knows she’s maintained a trail so others can go and safely ride. Even though she’s been at this for almost 30 years, she admits that every season she learns something new. There’s something about the job—the moose plowing their own trails through deep snow or the fresh tracks of mountain lions, the friendly banter over their two-way radios throughout a long shift, being the first person to watch the sun kiss the mountaintop, going where few people ever get to go, or that freshly laid corduroy—that keeps the operators coming back season after season. (Bri Loveall)  

The post Mountain Maker: One Snowcat Operator’s Story  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Bri Loveall

One cold, snowy morning last winter, I woke hours before the mountains would transform into a kaleidoscope of pinks and blues, more commonly known as alpenglow, and made my way to the base of Lookout Pass to join the snowcat operators for a morning of work.  

That early morning, the lights from the snowcats were like beacons in a vast ocean of night. Brian Rosser, general manager of Lookout Pass, ushered me into one of the five cats Lookout Pass normally operates, a spacious, well-heated cab with plenty of leg room and a whole dashboard of complicated-looking switches, levers, knobs and controls. 

At its core, snowcat operators, or groomers, have the incredible task of mechanically manipulating snow to maintain ski slopes for efficiency, safety and fun. They are the unsung heroes of the mountain, and, as Rosser informed me, snow grooming is a lot like housework; you only notice it when it isn’t done.  

Recreational skiing in the U.S. has only been around for the last 150 years, with the earliest ski resort opening in Colorado in 1915. As resorts opened and recreational skiing took off, resort owners quickly realized they needed some way to shape and maintain the slopes. Some of the earliest grooming was the responsibility of ski patrollers who would either boot or shovel pack the snow to form smoother runs. But it wasn’t until the 1950s that an invention would change the way ski resorts handled slope maintenance. 

The Bradley Packer-Grader was the creation of the executive director of Utah’s Winter Park Resort, Steve Bradley. An adjustable blade at the top of the contraption sliced the tops off moguls while a slat roller followed closely behind, turning and flattening the snow. The only catch? The device weighed several hundred pounds (some sources say as many as 700) and was operated by skiers in the front. Bradley’s fleet of groomers became the evolutionary step in the automation of the modern-day snowcat.  

Military and expeditionary units had been in the process of designing over-snow vehicles for decades. By the 1960s, early snowcats were pulling Packer-Graders, rollers and other DIY contraptions to manage and maintain the snowy slopes. Today’s snowcats are precision instruments that can cut through ice, reshape trails, create those beautiful corduroy lines we all love, and handle the steep inclines of the mountain thanks to their low center of gravity.  

By the time the first lifts start running, the snowcat operators’ work is done for the day. Operators like Rosser and his team ensure that each skier’s experience is safe, consistent and exciting. The next time you glide down a perfectly groomed run, give a shout-out to the groomers who are doing the night work to make sure the memories happen.  

The post Snow Cat Operators: The Unsung Heroes of the Mountain Slopes  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Sam Ozanich

For almost 10 years, I have been a beat writer in the snowboard realm for Out There. I’m unbelievably stoked to have the opportunity to represent the crew, be a voice for our local snowboard scene and continue my passion for highlighting others who inspire and create in outdoor spaces. 

This winter, I would like to introduce you to the Wild Cannons. The core of my snowboard-centered crew is Jeff Hall, Ryan Fogarty and me. Through our love of riding powder and the connections built through our Instagram account and podcast, we’ve been able to meet some truly amazing people in our community. But what is a wild cannon? 

Let me take you back a decade ago to Pinky G’s Pizzeria in Jackson Hole, Wyo. One evening after a killer day of riding pow, Jeff was zealously describing someone he knew. In his enthusiasm, he repeatedly kept calling this person a “wild cannon.” I about fell out of my chair laughing the first time he said it and was in tears the second and third time he used it. Collecting myself, I interrupted him to ask if he meant to say “loose cannon,” which Jeff quickly brushed off so he could get back to his story. I couldn’t unhear it: I thought wild cannon in place of loose cannon was absolute gold.  

Jeff’s misuse of loose cannon opened the floodgates for me to mock anything he did or said by adding “That’s what a Wild Cannon would do!” From then on, the term has been used as a nickname for Jeff, a way to describe our friends doing something crazy, and it even became the name of our men’s soccer team.  

The Wild Cannons snowboard crew came to life in the digital space of fall of 2019 on Instagram. In fall 2021, we had our first Wu-Tang-inspired sticker printed, and in spring of 2024 we kicked off the Wild Cannons Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.  

The Instagram account was created as a central place where we could photo-dump all of our snowboard pics and edits while showcasing our love for snowboarding and chasing powder. We thought the platform could be used to inform riders of local events while also spotlighting local riders’ content, potentially being a hub for riders to look toward in the absence of shop talk and curating a space that gives back to the local snowboard community. The podcast emerged as a natural extension of the articles I wrote for Out There and what we were doing on Instagram.  

It’s fun reflecting on the growth of Wild Cannons and our friendship. I think it’s important to share responses from Jeff and Ryan on what the evolution of Wild Cannons means to them. 

Jeff shared, “The true meaning behind Wild Cannons is that everyone is one! Not just one individual makes a Wild Cannon. I see the Wild Cannons as a way to get the snowboarding and outdoor enthusiasts together and a way to share the experience and love for the sport.” 

Ryan explained, “Wild Cannons isn’t a club or crew but more so an open community of people seeking the stoke. That feeling you get when you hear the crew chirp after stomping a nice pow line. Or surfing some glassy waves and not having a single thought or care in the world. Doing something you never thought was even possible. Finding the flow state. That’s what we chase. Spreadin’ the love and keepin’ it real.” 

Whether it’s snowboarding, moto, surfing, paddling or biking, we aim to have the most fun and share those experiences with others. 

T. Ghezzi is a snowboarder who loves riding powder, chips and salsa, traveling and experiencing new cultures. The Spokane native’s passion for riding pow has taken him abroad to the Austrian and Swiss Alps, Hokkaido, Japan, and most recently to the Andes in both Argentina and Chile. This past summer, he solo bikepacked from Spokane to Seattle. Keep up with T. Ghezzi and Wild Cannons at @northwest_raised and @wildcannons. Catch the Wild Cannons Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.  

The post The Ghostface of Wild Cannons  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Remember when winter used to be pure fun? When snow days meant skipping class, hot chocolate and laughing so hard your cheeks actually hurt? That kind of joy isn’t gone—you’ve just got to know where to find it.  

This winter, rediscover that feeling at Big White Ski Resort. Located just outside Kelowna, British Columbia, Big White is where adulting takes a back seat and real winter fun kicks in. Easy to get to, hard to leave, and built for skiers, snowboarders and families who want more than just great snow—they want great memories. 

From Washington to Big White in Under Five Hours 

With direct flights from Seattle to Kelowna International Airport (YLW), Big White is one of the most accessible international ski destinations from Washington state. Skip the long drives and border waits—just hop on a 1.5-hour flight, then let the Big White official airport shuttle handle the rest. In under an hour, you’re pulling up to the resort. 

Prefer to drive? From Washington, Big White is just 4.5 to 6 hours away. Coming from Spokane? Head up U.S. 395, cross at Laurier, then cruise BC 33 from Rock Creek straight to Big White Road. Driving from Seattle or western Washington? Cross at Peace Arch, Pacific Highway or Oroville, then follow BC 97 through Kelowna to BC 33. Smooth roads, stunning views and a drive that hits just right. Just don’t forget your passport. 

Pro tip: Book through Big White Central Reservations for a five-night stay and get the Fly & Ski Free deal—your lift ticket on arrival day is free. You could literally be skiing in just over an hour after clearing customs. 

Ski-In, Ski-Out Living Means No Wasted Time 

Big White isn’t just partly ski-in, ski-out—it’s entirely ski-in, ski-out. Every lodge, condo and cabin connects directly to the slopes or is a short walk to the lifts. You’ll spend more time on snow and less time wrangling gear and finding parking. Prefer to have a car? There’s ample free parking and many accommodations come with dedicated spots. But honestly, once you’re here, you won’t need it. Big White is designed so you can ditch the keys and focus on the important stuff—like first tracks and après cocktails. 

Your Dollar Goes Further in Canada 

Big White is in British Columbia, which means your U.S. dollar stretches further. Factor in the favorable exchange rate and you’re saving without even trying. That après beer? Cheaper. That extra ski day? More doable. Looking for a deal? Check out Sundance Resort’s “Buy 3, Get 4 Free” offer—stylish, spacious accommodations with pools, hot tubs, steam rooms and underground parking. You also get ski/snowboard storage and access to grocery delivery. It’s luxury without the markup. 

Family-Friendly, Without the Chaos 

Big White is proudly family-owned, and it shows. The vibe is friendly, down-to-earth and refreshingly unpretentious. You won’t find ego here—just great snow, helpful staff and tons of ways to make life easy for parents. The Kids’ Centre Ski/Ride Valet handles lesson logistics so you can ski without juggling schedules. For littles too young to hit the slopes, Tot Town Daycare is a lifesaver—safe, warm and staffed by pros. Whether your kids are learning pizza turns or just chasing Loose Moose around the tubing park, they’re in good hands. 

Beyond the Slopes 

While the Okanagan champagne powder gets the spotlight, Big White stands out for delivering so much more than just great snow. Sure, the powder is legendary, but the off-slope activities keep the fun going all day and night. Skate on North America’s highest outdoor rink, race down the tubing hill, ride through the snow on a horse-drawn sleigh or take a snowmobile tour through the backcountry. Unwind at the Spa at Stonebridge or glide through the forest on a dog sled ride—it’s all part of the adventure. 

Night skiing runs Tuesday through Saturday and covers the largest lit terrain in Western Canada. There’s also a new Slopeside Arcade under the Snow Ghost—27 classic and modern games that are as fun for adults as they are for kids. And yes, Loose Moose, Big White’s iconic mascot, is still out there making memories and photobombs. 

Eat, Drink, and Be Cozy 

Hungry? Big White’s food scene hits every craving. Grab comfort food at Underground Pizza, treat the kids to iconic pink donuts at The Bullwheel, or go upscale with a night out at 6 Degrees Bistro, Sopra: Sam’s Italian Kitchen or the new Kettle Valley Steakhouse. 

Want to keep it cozy in your condo? The Market at Big White has everything you need for home-cooked meals—and offers delivery straight to your door. Local wine, live music, craft beer and seasonal menus round out a food scene that punches well above its weight. It’s not just fuel—it’s part of the experience. 

Ready for a Grown-Up Winter Break? 

Here’s the bottom line: Big White makes it easy to say yes to winter. No long-haul flights, no long queues, no rental car headaches, no logistics to untangle. Just grab your gear, make the easy drive or catch a short flight, and let the resort handle the rest. 

With ski-in, ski-out access, family-first amenities and genuine Canadian hospitality, Big White isn’t just a resort—it’s a full-on reset. The kind of place where everyone—parents, kids, couples, groups of friends—can unplug, unwind and actually have fun again. 

Lock in the best rates and serious perks at bigwhite.com. Book now, head north and let Big White do the rest. 

Sponsored

The post Big Snow. Bigger Laughs. Welcome to Big White.  appeared first on Out There Venture.

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

The post FROM BOBSLEDS TO BLIZZARD FEST—WINTER CARNIVAL IN ROSSLAND  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Aaron Scott

After years of curiosity, this past winter I decided to start working on skills for biathlon, a sport virtually unknown in the United States but eternally popular in Northern Europe. I’ve long been intrigued by the combination of the two opposite sports—heart-thumping, lactic acid-pumping Nordic skiing and calm, focused, in-the-zone rifle marksmanship. 

Regularly combining those two skill sets in the Inland Northwest, however, is no simple task. On the U.S. side of the border, the closest biathlon areas to the Spokane region are Crosscut Mountain Sports Center in Bozeman, Mont., the Methow Valley Trails in Winthrop, Wash., and Stevens Pass Nordic Area. There are multiple opportunities to ski and shoot north of the border in Canada, but unfortunately my passport is expired.  

In September, I attended a beginner biathlon clinic hosted by the Washington Biathlon Association near Ravensdale. The clinic focused on the shooting aspect of biathlon, with instruction on safety and marksmanship. The WBA supplied biathlon rifles for the day, which are specialized .22-caliber rifles with backpack-strap-like harnesses. The event drew a small but varied group, ranging from ages 9 to over 50. Among the dozen or so of us, I was the only one who traveled from east of the Cascades, which made me wonder what it would take to build a biathlon scene and culture on our side of the state. 

Local Love for the Sport  

While fringe in the U.S., the benefits of biathlon are many. Elise Putnam, the program director for Methow Biathlon, paints a supportive picture. “Biathlon is a great way to keep kids engaged in skiing and getting outside,” she says. “It’s a cool way to keep people active and helps build mental fortitude.” 

Aaron Scott, a seasoned biathlete from Spokane, agrees. He describes the sport of biathlon as exciting and addictive for both athletes and fans. While competitions in the U.S. typically draw in friends and family members of the racers, European stadiums boom with die-hard fans and can be wild events. Biathlon ranks as the #1 most popular winter sport in some Northern European countries.  

“Biathlon is really interesting to watch. The field gets reshuffled every 3 to 5 kilometers,” Scott says. For every missed shot, athletes have to ski penalty laps, which means stronger skiers may end up behind better marksmen. “It’s an unbelievably fun sport. Most Nordic skiers are interested in trying biathlon, but the financial barriers prevent them from getting involved.” Scott specifies that quality biathlon rifles start at $3,000 and go up from there. Add the cost of ski equipment and travel, and the biathlon price tag quickly becomes out of reach for many.  

Mike Burns, a Spokane U.S. Ski & Snowboard alpine official, feels the void our missing biathlon program has created. Having three daughters involved in Spokane Nordic over the years has put him adjacent to biathlon when traveling for races. When he had the opportunity to see his girls dabble in biathlon while at Crosscut and in the Methow, he was inspired.  

“I’d like to get this going locally,” Burns says, in addition to mentioning past attempts. There was once a multimillion-dollar master plan that included purchasing Inland Empire Paper land near Mount Spokane State Park for a range, new trails, a lodge and parking. Overall, the plan proved too grandiose and fell apart. Because the current Nordic area lies within state park boundaries, the discharge of firearms is illegal, rendering the addition of a traditional range impossible.  

The Future of Lasers in Biathlon 

Where legalities and logistics pose problems, technology often offers an answer. The introduction of laser rifles and ranges to the biathlon scene significantly reduces costs, space needs and overall barriers to entry. Burns has seen them in action and believes they are just what might work at Mount Spokane. Because the rifles are specific to the range, athletes would not need to supply their own. While the price tag is similar for laser and live-fire rifles, there are grants available to help support the development of laser biathlon programs for Nordic clubs. And, of course, a local opportunity eliminates those travel costs for athletes.  

John Farra, the director of sport development for US Biathlon, has supported efforts just like those that would be needed at Mount Spokane to convert from a Nordic-only ski area to a biathlon area. “Biathlon is part of Nordic, not a separate thing,” he told me over the phone. With US Biathlon’s Laser Biathlon Training Program, Nordic coaches are taught new skills to support their skiers with equipment on loan from US Biathlon. In the three Nordic clubs that hosted the program this past winter, all three are moving forward with efforts to raise funds for a permanent program. 

For newer sports, demand generally leads to supply, such as the increase in local gravel bike rides and races over the past several years. The growth of biathlon has a different genesis, where a few dedicated, die-hard athletes provide opportunities for newbies—usually skiers—to get a taste. Just a few laps on skis with a couple rounds of ‘pew pew’ is all it takes to inspire and cultivate the next generation of biathletes. Laser biathlon is an opportunity to open up that experience in our area.  

Additionally, laser biathlon stands to bridge the gap across the political spectrum. Aaron Scott recognizes that Nordic skiing tends to attract the liberal and environmental types who generally aren’t big on guns, much like the family he grew up in. Laser rifles provide a safe entry point to the sport that’s potentially more attractive to a wider range of views.  

With so many benefits across age groups and backgrounds, laser biathlon will be on my list of up-and-coming sports to watch. And, with a few more ski lessons, compete in. To show support for laser biathlon at Mount Spokane, please reach out to Spokane Nordic at info@spokanenordic.org. 

Sara Kennedy is an elementary school librarian. She plans to take some ski lessons this winter. @saralynnekennedy 

The post A New Era of Possibility for Biathlon in the Inland Northwest  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Each February, Wallace, Idaho, remakes itself into something no one expects: a snow-filled, high-velocity, urban slopestyle battleground. The quiet historic streets transform into a two-block terrain park lined with lights, cheering crowds, an ice bar, and enough adrenaline to power the town’s neon signs for a year. This is Extreme Skijor, the Silver Valley’s most extreme winter festival and one of the most unusual competitions in the Northwest, happening Feb. 13-16, 2026. 

What started eight years ago as a quirky way to liven up a holiday weekend has evolved into a legitimate draw for high-level athletes. Riders now travel from across the country to throw down in front of thousands of spectators for a share of the $10,000 prize purse. They’re not just here to compete; they’re here to put their stamp on what may be the only event where big-mountain attitude meets urban rail-park creativity, all at 30 miles per hour behind a roaring, tracked ATV. 

A Wild Idea That Became Wallace’s Biggest Weekend 

Traditional skijoring involves a horse pulling a skier through a timed obstacle course. But Wallace didn’t have horses; it had snow, grit, ambition and a fleet of ATVs. The founders decided to do something radical: bring the competition downtown, close the streets and dump in hundreds of cubic yards of snow. The first year drew curiosity. The next year drew spectators. Soon, it became a phenomenon. 

Today, Extreme Skijor is one of Wallace’s busiest weekends of the year, filling hotels, packing restaurants, and turning the quiet town into a shoulder-to-shoulder winter celebration. Families come for the sledding hill and kids’ zone. Adventurers come for the ice bar and nightlife. Riders come to push their limits in a competition unlike any they have encountered before. As Ski Wallace president Siobhan Curet puts it, “This event is for everyone: families, locals, pros and the brave souls who want to send it harder than they ever have. You’ve got to experience it for yourself.” 

Friday Night Lights: The Rail Jam 

This year’s festival kicks off Friday night, Feb. 13, with the rail jam, an event that has earned a reputation all its own. Under the glow of downtown lights, skiers and snowboarders drop into a rail garden built right in the middle of Cedar Street. The setup includes a mellow rainbow rail, a long kink rail, a user-friendly flat rail and a 20-foot fun box. But the showstopper for 2026? A fully repurposed Ford Pinto race car acting as a massive jib feature. 

Riders throw spins, presses, taps and transfers while crowds cheer from the barricades. Creativity and style score big here. Winners walk away with medals, cash and a healthy boost of hometown glory. 

Engineering a Downtown Terrain Park Overnight 

Once the rail jam wraps, the real work begins. An excavator, a loader, a snowcat, and a hand crew take over Cedar Street, reshaping it into a slopestyle course capable of hosting X-Games-caliber tricks. By morning, the transformation is complete. 

The signature format is simple—a tracked ATV tows riders at highway-offramp speed into a 30-foot money booter, sending them skyward. The landing flows straight into the rail garden, where judges are ready to score amplitude, trick difficulty, clean landings, technical rail execution and overall showmanship. It’s controlled chaos; the kind spectators love. Qualifiers run Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and finals launch Sunday at 1 p.m. 

Big Mountain Talent Meets Urban Mayhem 

Wallace Extreme Skijor has quickly become a stage where freeriders, freestyle skiers and snowboarders can show off their full skill set. Big-mountain athletes often arrive with the biggest airs of the weekend, applying their backcountry send-mentality to an urban park environment. Meanwhile, dedicated jib athletes clean up on the rails with tech-heavy tricks that make the crowd erupt. Corks. Switch 540s. Double flips. Disaster transfers. And, of course, the wipeouts, which sometimes earn just as much applause as the podium runs. Extreme Skijor offers multiple categories: youth (rail jam only), women, skier and snowboarder. There’s no age limit beyond the ability to hit the course safely.  

A Weekend That Fuels a Town 

Beyond the snow and spectacle, this event is an economic powerhouse. Wallace sees its winter population swell dramatically as spectators flood into bars, shops and restaurants. Lodging fills up months in advance. Locals plan their winter around it. Extreme Skijor reflects the attitude of the Silver Valley itself: scrappy, creative and always willing to build something wild if it means a good time. 

Why Athletes Should Add Wallace to Their Competition Calendar 

For high-end competitors used to the touring circuit, the Wallace Extreme Skijor offers a unique hybrid format; it’s part freeride, part slopestyle and part urban rail jam, with crowds lining the course and a festival atmosphere. Athletes compete to win big-air, best trick, rail-jam and crowd-favorite cash bonuses, all in a tight, supportive, rowdy atmosphere unlike anything else in the Northwest. 

It’s the rare event where a backcountry charger can throw down alongside a terrain-park technician and both walk away heroes. If you’re a rider looking for a challenge, an audience and a reason to push yourself harder than you have all season, Wallace wants you here! 

A Winter Tradition That Keeps Growing 

In its eighth year, Extreme Skijor has become more than a festival, more than a competition and more than a weekend party. It is a celebration of winter, creativity, small-town energy and the pure joy of watching talented athletes do outrageous things on snow. And in the heart of it all stands a two-block stretch of downtown Wallace, proving that sometimes the wildest terrain isn’t found on a mountain. It’s found right on Main Street. 

Extreme Skijor is organized by Ski Wallace! Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting winter activities in Wallace, Idaho. Funding for the event is made possible through generous donations and fundraising events. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, volunteering or exploring our other events, visit Skiwallace.com. (Article provided by Ski Wallace) 

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