For me, the smell of cold November air always conjures up an anxious urge to get the holiday season rolling. My extended family has always been a gift-giving clan, so much so that we often overwhelm new comers. The art of finding the perfect gift, or, better yet, making the perfect gift, and then wrapping and delivering it, comes with big fan fare. But before the gifts are ever exchanged, the scene must be set.

At center stage has always been a real, live Christmas tree. When I was young, we had access to my grandparents sprawling ranch near Coeur d’Alene, so trees were harvested right from our family forest. Our tree-cutting expeditions were often led by my grandfather, who passed away this fall. Dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins, parents and grandparents would trudge off through deep snow to find our perfect trees. Us kids were taught to find one that was snugged up close with other trees, which would give the remaining trees a better chance to thrive.

Once the tree was home, it would invariably need some pruning to fit (trees always seem smaller in the forest). Next came the decorating. My mom insisted on putting the lights on when I was young since they needed to be just right, a practice I have since picked up at my own home. Then came the ornaments, put on one by one, with silent or shared reflections on where each one was acquired. Most were handmade or purchased on some memorable trip or have some other family significance. This tree-decorating practice has always been steeped in meaning for me, an act that conjures fond memories and a sense of home wherever these Christmas tree rituals have unfolded over the years.

Once the tree was up and the holiday setting was just right, the various family gatherings began in earnest: wreath-making parties, sledding and chili on Saturday afternoons, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling outings, and progressive dinners at the homes of aunts and uncles and grandparents.

On Christmas Eve came the finale. We would all gather at my grandparents’ house with bags of gifts for each person in our large family. Reflecting my value of meaningful gift giving, the presents I put under the tree were often ones I made myself or were thoughtful and useful—painted dish towels, ornaments, sachets of potpourri, and other crafts. After a big, traditional Christmas dinner, the kids would play elves and the culmination of gift giving, an ancient human tradition that has long helped tie families, tribes, and societies together, ensued.

Last year my mom purchased DNA kits for everyone. Turns out, my grandmother is half Jewish. This revelation has brought a new dimension to the holidays for me as I ponder the possibilities for incorporating new rituals into my own small family’s holiday traditions. As families grow, fracture, evolve, and move forward without passing elders, it’s important to take stock in the traditions we hold onto and add new ones that make sense. That may mean learning about Hanukkah; ditching the plastic tree for a real one you pull out of the woods yourself; giving gifts to the less fortunate; or celebrating winter solstice with a snowy hike, bonfire, and boozy hot beverages. However you celebrate the holidays this year, find a way to make it a little more magical. //

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Snowshoeing, or simply hiking if there isn’t enough snow to warrant snowshoes, is a great way to slow things down, enjoy some time together, and be active and alive in the snow. It provides the perfect alternative to the fast-paced season. Walking through the fluid white landscape highlights the beauty of the season. Slowing down, mentally and physically, and taking time to enjoy the snow-covered cedars is a gift worth giving.

Break up the holiday rush by taking everyone out for a short romp in the winter woods. The bonus is that you can vent any holiday angst by lobbing snowballs at each other as you hike through the powder (assuming there is enough snow). While you may not need snowshoes for these hikes depending on the time of year and weather, carry them with you if you think there might be snowy and icy patches farther in.

The mountains beckon with their deeper snow, but the drive eats up time we don’t always have closer to the holidays. Here are a few close-to-town options that offer great views and won’t eat up your whole day:

1. Antoine Peak Conservation Area. This is my favorite snowshoe hike because of the fantastic view that extend from Liberty Lake to Beacon Hill. Its proximity to town means you can do a short hike on your lunch break, or plan an impromptu outing with the family midday. There are two access points: one off E. Brevier Rd. (near Forker and Bigelow Gulch), and the other off E. Lincoln Rd. (from Trent take N. Campbell Rd.). The ascent is more gradual from the west side (Brevier). [Read more about hiking Antoine Peak here]

2. Mica Peak Conservation Area. Although a little farther from town, the drive is not as far as you’d think. This hike offers a great escape and consistent snow, especially when lower elevations are lacking. From Highway 27 take E. Belmont Rd. From the parking area, take the left fork (which is an old service road) for wide open spaces and some good views. Take the right fork for a winter walk under the trees and along the creek.

3. Dishman Hills: Iller Creek. Taking the left fork from the Iller Creek trailhead gives you a steeper climb and fantastic views. This section offers spectacular viewpoints in both winter and summer. The right fork has a more gradual ascent and can be a winter wonderland as you walk along the creek and under snow-laden boughs of pine and fir. A hike in the Iller Creek area can range from a short out-and-back to loops of 5 or more miles.

4. Dishman Hills: Pinecliff Loop Trail. This trail runs through the Dishman Hills Natural Area and, at 1.4 miles, is perfect for families with younger kids. Start at Camp Caro (Appleway Blvd. to Sargent Rd.) and go through the breezeway of the lodge. Hike up the trail 0.3 mi. and take a right at the first fork. Follow the signs to do the entire loop or make it an out-and-back hike.

5. Liberty Lake County Park. Access to the park is easy in winter (S. Lakeside Rd. to S. Zephyr Rd.) and the trail down by the creek is very mild, making it perfect for those with reticent kids or those just wanting a leisurely stroll. From the parking area head south through the campground, and follow the trails as it winds past the lake and up into the forest. There is no parking fee in winter months. It is also possible to make this a more strenuous hike by following the 8.5-mile Liberty Lake loop trail.

6. Riverside State Park: Bowl and Pitcher. Enjoy the roar of the Spokane River and some beautiful scenery with an out-and-back hike of any length you choose or longer loops made possible by crossing the Centennial Trail to connect with one of several trails to the west. From the parking area at Bowl and Pitcher, cross the suspension bridge. Once across the river you can choose to go right or left. Either way you’ll find a nice hike. A Discover Pass is required. [Read more about hiking Bowl and Pitcher here.] //

Crystal Atamian gets teased by her family for wearing at least one layer more than everyone else. Cold-blooded or not, she still gets out at least once a week to enjoy the fluffy white stuff. She wrote about Craters of the Moon National Park in September.

The post Six Spokane Area Snowshoe Hikes to Slow Down the Holiday Season appeared first on Out There Venture.

We decorated it with my infant sister’s bibs and binkies. We didn’t know what kind of tree it was, and it looked spindly before decorating, then downright sad afterward. But my Uncle Willis had given us kids a gallon jug of chocolate syrup for Christmas, much to my mother’s delight. All day, we cross-country skied and ate chocolate syrup snow cones, returning to our tiny Christmas tree to find the tiny gifts beneath it.

We were so poor that my parents could only afford an IOU gift certificate for my brother and me. He got one to Army Surplus and I got one to JCPenney. That meant I could buy brand new clothes for possibly the first time in my life. It was the best Christmas ever. And to this day, Christmas tree hunting is a highlight in my family’s annual tradition. I get larger trees, but they aren’t necessarily any prettier.

Living in the great Northwest, it would seem that everyone would have a tree hunting tradition. Some of us don’t know proper tree-hunting etiquette or find farms and parking lots the easiest way to score good trees. But for city folk and flatlanders looking for the full experience of harvesting a tree in the wild, there are a few parameters that can help you get great trees, avoid some nasty fines, and support the forests as well.

Guidelines for Christmas Tree Harvesting in Idaho and Washington:

• Get a Christmas tree permit from a local ranger station. They are $5 each and allow you to legally harvest one tree of up to 15 feet high. Don’t forget to bring your tag or you can be fined for stealing trees, which is not in the Christmas spirit at all.
• Only harvest on U.S. National Forest lands. Those are often the green blocks on the maps, and when you are grabbing your Christmas tree permit, they will likely offer you a map of those areas. It is not legal to harvest on state lands or to clear a better view in your neighbor’s yard. For the Colville National Forest, purchase a permit from the Colville, Kettle Falls, Newport, or Republic ranger stations. The Idaho Panhandle National Forest collaborates with the Bureau of Land Management to offer permits for trees in both north Idaho and western Montana. You can get a permit for north Idaho National Forest lands at Forest Service offices in Coeur d’Alene, Smelterville, Priest River, or Sandpoint.
• Take care of the forest. Cedar trees are not to be harvested, and in my opinion alpine Fir make the best trees—preferably cut from a thicket of trees. Topping trees is illegal. Don’t harvest boughs that can damage trees. Leave no more than a 6-inch stump. //

Ammi Midstokke has been making ugly trees feel beautiful for decades. With her gift for finding perpetually-leaning trees and collecting kitschy decorations, underprivileged firs and pines have been given the opportunity to reach their full holiday potential.

[Originally published in the December 2018 issue of Out There Venture under the title “All I Want for Christmas Is a Legal Tree.”]

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1. Partake in the famous Christmas Lighting Festival in Leavenworth. Every year, during the first three weekends of December, over half-a-million lights adorn this Bavarian village nestled on the eastside of Washington’s Cascade mountains. Stroll the streets, shop for gifts, and greet Father Christmas, St. Nicholas, Santa, and Mrs. Claus. Every Saturday and Sunday, around 4:30 p.m., is when the lighting ceremony begins with much fanfare. Your getaway can also include a visit to the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club ski hill in town, which includes terrain and tubing parks. There are many local Nordic skiing and fat biking trails (skileavenworth.com). Stevens Pass and Mission Ridge, both less than an hour away, offer alpine skiing and snowboarding.
2. Trek through a National Forest for your Christmas tree. With a $5 tree-cutting permit, purchased from a Forest Service ranger office, you can bring home a rustic fir or your next tannenbaum.
3. Take a sleigh ride. High Country Orchard, part of the Green Bluff circuit in Colbert, Wash., and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch in Sandpoint, Idaho, offer horse-drawn sleigh rides, with an option to get a fresh-cut Christmas tree.
4. Get away to the snowy shores of Priest Lake. Stay overnight in a cozy cabin at either Hill’s or Elkins Resorts, both located on the western shore. There’s an extensive cross-country ski trail system, which starts at Priest Lake golf course and connects to the lakeside trails at Hill’s Resort, and there’s Nordic gear and snowshoes available to borrow from the lodge. Hill’s lounge and dining room are open from Dec. 26 through New Year’s Eve. At Elkins, you can rent snowshoes and explore the trails right from the resort.
5. Nordic ski to a backcountry hut. Along the Methow Valley’s 200 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, there are cozy huts for long winter nights. Make reservations for one of the Rendezvous Huts (sleeps 8-10 people), or return to the town of Winthrop and stay in a Rolling Huts glamping cabin.
6. Take a cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene—but not just any cruise. Journey to the North Pole with a 40-minute magical cruise from the Coeur d’Alene Resort. View the marina’s holiday light show before traveling to see Santa and his elves, and hear your child’s name read from the “Nice List.”
7. Experience a moonlit adventure on snowshoes, fat bike, or Nordic skis. Traditional folklore refers to December’s full moon as the Long Nights Moon, Cold Moon, or Frost Moon, according to The Old Farmer’s Almanac. This year the full moon appears on Dec. 22, the day after Winter Solstice. For late-night adventure, Mt. Spokane Cross Country Ski Park is open daily until 10 p.m. For other parks be sure to check open hours since many close at 4 p.m. or dusk. For information about trail networks in Idaho, visit the Panhandle Nordic Club website. If you miss December’s moon, the first full moon of the new year—called the Wolf Moon or Old Moon—will appear on Jan. 21, followed by the Full Snow Moon on Feb. 19.
8. Ski with Santa. On Dec. 23, Mr. Claus will be geared up and ready to ski with children and their families at Schweitzer Mountain from 1-3 p.m. He will also make the rounds at other local mountains on Christmas Eve, including Lookout Pass (around Noon), Silver Mountain, and Mt. Spokane.
9. Experience Winterfest in Wallace, Idaho. Enjoy three days of small-town fun from Dec. 29-31, with snow sculptures, s’mores, and library snowman story time. More extreme than magical, there will also be vintage snowmobile races along with extreme “ski jor” race where ATVs tow skiers. visitnorthidaho.com/event/wallace-winterfest
10. Ski or snowboard in the New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade. Join Lookout Pass staff and other advanced and intermediate-level skiers and riders to celebrate the end of 2018. Also spectacular to watch, as a line of skiers make big, wide turns from the summit to the base while carrying a red torch. Space is limited, so be sure to register online. //

The post 10 Ways to Make the Holiday Season Magical appeared first on Out There Venture.

HOME & APPAREL

1. Put a Sasquatch on it! And it becomes a rad Northwest fashion item—like the Stickers Northwest brand camouflage cap with embroidered Bigfoot badge ($25) from Boo Radley’s.
2. PINE Sports Company makes outdoorsy-Northwest inspired graphic apparel, including Mt. Spokane and Bowl and Pitcher T-shirts ($30/each) and a Ski Northwest pullover hoodie ($43). Find them at pinesportsco.com.
3. College sports fan in your family? Sportswear, gifts, and memorabilia for Cougars, Bulldogs, and Eagles are sold at university campuses. Shop at WSU’s Bookie at Spokane’s University District or on the Pullman campus; Zag Shop on Gonzaga University’s campus; or EWU Eagle Shop on the Cheney campus.
4. A four-way stretchy, machine-washable Arcade Adventure Belt ($26, unisex/one-size-fits all), from Spokane Alpine Haus, keeps pants secure in fashionable style, whether its snow pants, jeans, or khakis for work.
5. Seattle-based Coal Headwear makes trucker-style caps featuring outdoor-inspired graphic patches ($29)—available at Spokane Alpine Haus.
6. All-natural Riverkeeper Soap ($6 each or 3/$15), made by Mountain Madness Soap Co. in Coeur d’Alene, is exclusively sold at Kizuri. Each purchase donates $2 to the Spokane Riverkeeper organization.

   

7. Support sustainability with a fashionable purse or handbag crafted from recycled tires, by Ganesh Himal Trading Company ($16-55), a fair trade business in Nepal. These bags help reduce air pollution because all those tires would otherwise be burned in Katmandu. Find them at Kizuri.
8. Another sustainability-inspired one-of-a-kind gift idea from Kizuri is jewelry made from melted-down bullet casings and crafted by women in Ethiopia ($15.50-$89).
9. Bring the outdoors inside with Cabin Incense ($6-17), made by Paine Products, featuring scents like balsam fir and red cedar. Available from Atticus Coffee & Gifts.
10. Out There readers will, of course, like books. Auntie’s Bookstore owner John Waite suggests these recently-published titles: “Campfire Stories: Tales from America’s National Parks” edited by Dave Kyu and Ilyssa Kyu ($21.99); “Epic Hikes of the World” by Lonely Planet ($35); “…And Then You Die of Dysentery: Lessons in Adulting from the Oregon Trail” by Lauren Reeves ($14.99); and “Cooking Scrappy: 100 Recipes to Help You Stop Wasting Food, Save Money, and Love What You Eat” by Joel Gamoran ($29.99). Buy from Auntie’s and support Spokane’s iconic indie bookshop.
11. Kids want toys and other cool stuff! STEM activities like Scientific Explorer Sorcery Science Kit ($11.49) and SICK Science! Snow Colors ($8.49), a DIY science experiment kit, are geared for children ages 6+ and sold at White Elephant.
12. Merlyn’s in downtown Spokane specializes in comic books and games. Here you’ll find the Basic Dungeons and Dragons Starter Kit ($20) and Scott McCloud’s acclaimed book, “Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art” ($25).
13. Climb Yeti Mountain from the comfort of your living room, winter cabin, or ski lodge with Dicey Peaks’ dice-rolling family board game ($21.59), available at White Elephant. Made by Calliope Games for ages 8+, it’s a creative way to vicariously take risks while climbing to the snowy summit.
14. Someone nostalgic for their hometown? Spokane Tea Towels ($12), made by Seattle-based Potluck Press, feature outdoorsy themes to inspire warm-fuzzy feelings for those who’ve moved away. Find them at Atticus Coffee & Gifts.

    

15. Another eco-friendly gift from Kizuri is a colorful dishtowel, pillow, or blanket made from recycled cotton sari fabrics ($5.50-$135).
16. Need a gift for a teacher or colleague? The Mason Jar Cold Brew Coffee Kit ($13), from Atticus Coffee & Gifts, is a nifty reusable, single-serving product made by Kikkerland Design. Simply seep coarse grounds overnight and bring fresh-brewed iced coffee to work the next morning.
17. Don’t forget the family dog! Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile has healthy, seasonal pet treats, like a Candy Cane Bully Stick ($9), Polka Dog Holiday Treat Tube ($13-17), and Bocce’s Bakery Holiday Biscuits ($6).
18. Charming Pet plush pet toys ($6.99 and less) are made with K9 TuffGuard fabric to withstand vigorous playtime with a puppy or young-at-heart canine. Find them at Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile, which has two stores in Spokane, Kendall Yards and South Hill.

WINTER SPORTS

19. Find ski-swap deals year-round at NW Outdoors—“everything from brand-new last-year’s stuff to 20-year-old gear that’s cheap but good enough to get you on the mountain,” says store owner Mark Schneider. Gear up your family for winter: alpine skis ($50-500), snowboards ($50-400), Nordic skis ($20-200) and boots ($20-70), and ski jackets ($20-200).
20. Kulkea Thermal Trekker Heated Boot Bag ($240), from Sports Creel, provides comfort and ease for slipping on boots. Powered by a 12V automobile or 120V wall plug, the contoured, insulated heated side pockets warm the plastic inner shell of ski boots. Comes with travel and padded backpack straps and includes inner pockets for stowing gear accessories, including a helmet sling in a zippered pocket. Other style of Kulkea ski boot and gear bags also available from Sports Creel ($80).
21. LINE alpine skis ($400-700) are versatile, all-mountain skis, available from Shred Sports Outlet. The Sick Day Series and Supernatural models are especially popular.
22. A ski/snowboard helmet is the #1 gear item every alpine athlete needs. Find Bollé helmets for youth and adults at The General Store ($50-120).
23. Oakley snow goggles (starting at $80) consistently rank among the top 5 in expert gear reviews. Find youth, women’s, and men’s sizes at Spokane Alpine Haus.
24. Libtech Snowboards ($450-600, adult & youth sizes) from Shred Sports Outlet are manufactured in Washington State, with all-USA made components. (Bindings sold separately.)
25. Dakine Super Tune ski/snowboard tuning kit ($125), from Alpine Haus, includes an adjustable-temp iron and all other essential DIY tools for filing edges and scraping, waxing, repairing, and polishing bases.
26. BootDoc fully-customized alpine ski boot orthotic insoles ($99-179), from Sports Creel, will “optimize the fit of a new boot or refresh the fit of old boots,” says Sports Creel manager Micah Genteman. Whether to eliminate pronation, cushion flat feet, or ease other foot-bed woes, buy a 2-D insole for wrapping and gifting, then the skier brings it back to Sports Creel to have their feet measured in a heated silicone mold for on-site 3-D customization—about a 45-minute process altogether.
27. Lenz rcB 1200 + Heat Sock 5.0 ($350), from Mountain Gear, are knee-high socks with re-chargeable battery-powered electric heating elements, whose temperature settings are controlled from the battery or via smart-phone Bluetooth.
28. Shred Sports Outlet’s ski and snowboard in-store tuning shop always aims for a 2-day turnaround. Gift a wax service ($10) or a full tune-up package ($45) to “make used skis better than new,” says assistant manager Patrick Hutchins.
29. Gear up your family for Nordic skiing with a Salomon gear package from Fitness Fanatics—includes skis, boots, and bindings. For adults, between a skate-ski ($449) or classic cross-country ($299); classic only for youth ($199.50).
30. Out There Kids need dependable waterproof footwear that withstand slushy puddles and rough play. North Face gear lasts for years and come with a lifetime guarantee, which means it can pass down to siblings and cousins and still be sold at the ski swap. Check out the Alpenglow snow boots ($60) and Jr. Hedgehog Hikers ($60). For Out There adults, the North Face Hedgehog Fastpack Gore-Tex shoes ($120) are wearable year-round for casual-dress workplaces on rainy or snowy days.
31. Rossignol XC50 R-Skin EVO cross-country skis ($349, skis and bindings), from Two Wheeler Dealer in Hayden, Idaho, come “with a new synthetic skin for the kick-zone,” according to the store’s assistant manager. Pair them with Rossignol X-5 Tour ski boots ($150).
32. Duckworth Co. merino wool ski socks ($26), beanies and hats ($35-45), and base-layers ($100)—sold at Sports Creel—are highly-rated for good reason. Not only are they exquisitely-soft, this “sheep to shelf company” based in Dillion, Montana, oversees the entire manufacturing process, from the wool supplied by the Helle Ranch and other Montana open-range ranches to the fiber spinning, knitting, and dying process.
33. The North Face Arrowood Triclimate Jacket ($199) is a 3-in-1 jacket that includes a waterproof shell and inner mid-weight fleece for versatile layering all winter long. Available in both women’s and men’s sizes; find it REI and The North Face store in Spokane.
34. Local mountain resorts and alpine ski parks offer deals and discounts for daily lift tickets—such as a 49 Degrees North 4-pack or 6-pack of passes ($179-372) or a Mt. Spokane youth 5-pack or adult 3-pack ($129) or Family Fun Pack of 21 lift tickets ($599).

CYCLING

35. An e-bike makes an epic gift. Fresh Air E-Bikes in Spirit Lake, Idaho, has the IZIP Peak Plus mountain e-bike ($2,999) and IZIP Path Plus classic step-through e-bike ($1,999)—both provide electric-power assist pedaling when needed.
36. New fat bikes are here! Gear up for winter trail riding with a Specialized Fatboy SE ($1,620) or Salsa Mukluk ($1,800+), both available at Wheel Sport.
37. 45NRTH Cobrafist Handlebar Pogies ($115), from North Division Bicycle, provide advanced protection against extreme cold, wind, and snow or rain.
38. Get the rookie bike-commuter a Specialized Starter Kit ($50-65) from Wheel Sport, which includes two bottle cages, tire pump and levers, and water-resistant saddle bag.
39. Everyone needs a dependable bike helmet. Mavic helmets ($80-200), at Mojo Cyclery, come in a range of styles for road, triathlon, and mountain biking. And the Bike Hub has Bontrager Rally MIPS mountain bike helmet ($140), among others.
40. Cyclists also need good bike lights. The Bontrager Ion 800 R front bike light ($100) features five modes; pair it with the Flare R rear bike light ($60), which is daylight-visible with 65 lumens—both available at North Division Bicycle. Or there’s the Specialized STIX Elite front and rear lights ($45/each), available at Two Wheeler Dealer.
41. Sock Guy cycling socks ($11-15) from Mojo Cyclery come in an array of colors with funky patterns and creative graphics.
42. Know someone who wishes biking was more comfortable? Gift them a Saddle Pressure Mapping & Observational Fit ($150) service from B & L Bicycles, in Pullman.
43. A Velofix mobile bike repair service is a practical and creative gift idea (com/locations/spokane) where the mechanic comes to you. Perfect for the bike commuter who needs a quick fix during a work day.
44. The Küat Transfer 2-Bike Hitch Rack ($290), available from Bike Hub, is an easy-to-use system that doesn’t come in contact with the bike frame.
45. Indoor bike trainers, such as the CycleOps 9904 Fluid 2 ($300) from Bike Hub or the CycleOps Smart Trainer, M2 or H2 models ($600, $1,200) from Wheel Sport help athletes maintain cycling fitness all- winter long.

RUNNING

46. Asics GEL-Kayano 25 ($160), available at Runners Soul, are running shoes known for their stability and cushioning, which makes them a good all-round shoe for most runners.
47. Stay safe on ice and snow with Due North Everyday G-3 ($20) over-the-sole winter traction devices, featuring Ice Diamond Spikes. Find them at Fleet Feet.
48. CEP compression calf sleeves ($45/pair), sold at Runners Soul, is a recovery tool to assist blood-circulation after long-runs.
49. Balega Hidden Comfort ($13) running socks, sold at Fleet Feet, provide cushioning and moisture-wicking power to keep feet dry on winter runs, according to Fleet Feet store manager Danielle Ramsay.
50. Nathan TrailMix Plus 2 Hydration Belt ($40), available from Runners Soul, carries two 10 oz. flasks and has a front zip-pocket big enough to hold an iPhone 7 Plus.
51. Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. ($25), available at Fleet Feet, is the latest cookbook from 4-time Olympian and world-class marathoner Shalane Flanagan, co-written with chef and nutrition coach Elyse Kopecky.

OUTDOOR LIFESTLYE, CAMPING, & TRAVEL

52. A Lewis N. Clark Waterseals waterproof magnetic-closure phone pouch ($20-30, depending on size), from The General Store, is a must-have for the outdoor adventurer.
53. A portable, lightweight Helinox Chair Two ($130), available at Mountain Gear, provides ultimate comfort around a campfire, at the beach, or along a soccer game sideline.
54. Outdoor family needs a tent? The North Face Wawona 6 ($399) has all the best essentials to make 3-season tent-camping more comfortable and fun. It has two vestibules, and with an 80-inch peak height, parents can stand up. And like all TNF gear, it has a lifetime guarantee.
55. A YETI Hopper Two 20 leakproof, soft-sided cooler ($300) is the ultimate road-trip travel gear accessory. It’s available from The General Store, along with YETI Rambler 18-oz. and 26-oz. bottles ($30, $40).
56. ENO DoubleNest hammocks ($70) are sold locally at REI, Escape Outdoors (Coeur d’Alene), and Northwest River Supplies (Moscow). Great gift for couples and families!
57. Dodecahedron Solid Firepit ($200-300+) is a portable, 30-pound, 2-foot diameter, hanging firepit with tripod legs, handcrafted by Shumake Designs—a new business created by local artist and welder Scott Shumake. His sturdy, eye-catching firepits are perfect for the backyard or vacation property. “The benefits of a fire off the ground is the 360-degree projection of heat,” he says. The tripod legs unplug from the cap at the top, which allows it to easily fit in a small car too. Instagram.com/scottshumake or call (509) 720-3594.
58. Crazy Creek, based in Red Lodge, Montana, makes durable lightweight portable chairs for paddling (Canoe Chair III, $53.50), backpacking, or stadium seating ($28-83)—any activity requiring something cushy for your tushie. Find at Northwest River Supplies (NRS) in Moscow, Idaho; Trail Head (Missoula); Sportsman & Ski Haus (Kalispell, MT); and REI (inventory varies by store).
59. MPOWERD Luci Pro Lux + Mobile Charging inflatable solar light ($35) has four light modes and a two-way USB port for mobile charging. Waterproof and attachable for packs (or wherever needed), it’s great for winter adventures and night photography in temps as cold as 15°F (-10°C). Find it at Mountain Gear.
60. Lifeline Ultralight Survival Kit ($17), at The General Store, weighs 5.5 –oz. and has 29 items, including a quick-spark fire starter, whistle, and compass. Pair it with a LifeStraw Personal Water Filter ($20), which purifies water without pumping or chemicals.
61. NFL Seattle Seahawks Shake n’ Score Travel Dice Game ($14.29), from White Elephant, is a family “Yahtzee” game that can be easily stashed in a ski bag or carry-on pack.

FOOD/BEVERAGE & EXPERIENCES

62. Spiceologist Rub Gift Set ($35) includes six 1-oz. jars of this Spokane-based company’s most popular gourmet rubs—like Chile Margarita, Smoky Honey Habanero, and Raspberry Chipotle. Find it at The Kitchen Engine.
63. DOMA Coffee Roasting Company offers a mix-and-match 3-pack of 8-oz. bags of beans ($30). Packaged in its own special box, gift it whole or separate into single packs for stocking stuffers. Buy at domacoffee.com or from Doma’s Coffee Lab in Post Falls, Idaho.
64. Create a DIY bundle from Maryhill Winery—they provide a wine gift bag for you to then add your choice of wine ($14-45/bottle) along with chocolates, a bottle stopper, and/or festive napkins.
65. One Tree Hard Cider Cranberry and Pumpkin ciders are the latest seasonal delights—available from local grocers, such as Rosauers and Yoke’s.
66. Lyte Balance from SenseAble Supplements, in Liberty Lake, Wash., is an all-natural electrolyte supplement for hydration recovery from exercise, illness, and even holiday hangovers. The travel size, TSA-approved concentrate bundle ($16/3-pack) is great for the traveling marathoner or hiker. Buy direct from lytebalance.com or find at local stores such as Huckleberry’s, Main Market (Spokane), and Pilgrim’s Market (Coeur d’Alene).
67. Fizz-up any liquid with the DrinkMate carbonating machine ($100) from Kitchen Engine, which has an in-store CO2 tank refill program. Use it for kombucha, juice, wine, and even flat beer!
68. A gift of Grounds & Hounds Organic Coffee ($4.99-18.99), available at Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile, helps support local pet rescue and animal shelters with the coffee company’s donation (20% of profits) to Inland Northwest organizations.
69. Feed a loved one’s fly-fishing passion with a guided trip for 1-2 people through Silver Bow Fly Shop ($400-500+) in Spokane for a day-long expedition on the Spokane, North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene, St. Joe, or Grand Ronde Rivers. Or help someone take their casting skills to the next level with a class at the Orvis Fly-Fishing School through NW Outfitters in Coeur d’Alene (1-day, $279; 2-days, $489).
70. Give kids an opportunity to climb someone else’s walls. Wild Walls Climbing Gym in downtown Spokane offers a Spider Monkeys class for ages 4-10 ($20/session) and Climbing Club for ages 10-14 ($12/session). The entire family can go (adult day pass, $16, or 10-visit punch pass, $135; youth 10-punch pass, $100, for ages 14 and under). Note: Additional fee for gear rental.
71. For adults new to indoor climbing, Wild Walls offers a Vertical Introduction Package ($35) for ages 12+ that includes a 2-hour class and one-week membership. There’s also a Women’s Night class ($25, ages 12+), offered on Mondays only, 6-8 p.m., that teaches the fundamentals of indoor climbing and also includes a week-long trial membership to be use any week upon return.
72. National Geographic Live speaker events are gift-experiences that inspire and amaze ($30/single ticket; $81/series tickets)—three different experts are coming February-April 2019 to present at Spokane’s First Interstate Center for the Arts (events.nationalgeographic.com).
73. For the person who needs a winter indoor sport, Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym in Spokane hosts Bouldering 101 classes, Ladies’ Nights, and a Youth Climbing Team ($12-14/daily pass). With bouldering, the climbing features are close enough to the padded ground that you don’t need to be roped up.
74. Everyone could use more Namaste in their life. Gift a yoga class. Mellow Monkey in Spokane Valley is a yoga studio tailored to beginners and offers all sorts of class types ($15/class). Harmony Yoga, located on Spokane’s South Hill, offers a New Student Intro 5-class pass ($30) and has all sorts of classes, including “Yoga for 50+”and “Active 50+” for those beyond beginner level. Wild Walls Climbing Gym’s yoga studio offers weekday and weekend classes ($12/class). YogaJoy North, located in the Wandermere area in north Spokane, hosts a Kids After-School Yoga Club and adult classes, plus barre and barre/yoga mix. The New Client Intro offer is 2 weeks of unlimited classes ($40).
75. Inspire someone for ski season with an all-levels Ski Conditioning Class at Physical Therapy Associates’ Elevation Fitness workout studio, located on Spokane’s South Hill. Pilates, spin, yoga, and other classes also available (pricing details at ptassociates.net). //

Amy McCaffree is special section editor and Out There Kids columnist. She contributed to the Family Winter Sports Guide in the last issue. Follow her winter adventures @ Instagram.com/adventure_amy_spokane & facebook.com/AmyOutdoorsSpokane.

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• Holiday Fest & Tree Lighting Ceremony: Gather the family and head to downtown Pullman, Wash., on Saturday, Dec. 1, for free holiday entertainment, hot cocoa and cookies, the annual tree lighting ceremony, and visit from Santa.
• Yuletide Lighting Festival: Enjoy retro Christmas activities in Wallace, Idaho, during December’s first two weekends—Nov. 30-Dec. 1 and Dec. 8-9—including: Breakfast with Santa ($5); Lighted Christmas Parade; PAW Parade (with festively-dressed pets); Charles Dickens Story Reading; 6^th Street Theater Family Christmas Show; and family activities such as cookie and gift bag decorating, ornament making, and Santa photos.
• Riverfront Park Skate Ribbon: Gain confidence through free ice-skating lessons on weekends beginning mid-December. This month also includes Thursday theme nights, including “Elf” and “Harry Potter”; Cheap Skate Mondays that offer free skate rental; Cocoa & Canvas painting event (Dec. 9) for ages 8+. General admission is $4.95-$6.95 per hour skate session and $4.50 for skate rental, or bring your own skates; helmets recommended. A Winter Value Pass includes a one-hour ice skate session with rental, SkyRide admission, and unlimited carrousel rides ($15.95-$19.95).
• Holiday Lights at Manito Park’s Gaiser Conservatory: Admire over 40,000 festive lights that adorn these indoor exotic plants and trees from Dec. 8-16.
• Night Skiing at Mt. Spokane: Cruise the alpine area from 4-9:30 p.m. starting Friday, Dec. 14. Sunsets and summit views of city lights are spectacular. Night ski privileges, available Wednesday-Saturday, are included with a daily or afternoon lift ticket. Kick off your child’s winter break on Saturday, Dec. 22, when Santa visits Mt. Spokane.
• Holiday Horse & Carriage Ride: Trot through downtown Spokane with free rides through Dec. 23. Climb aboard at 222 N. Wall Street on Fridays (3-8 p.m.), Saturdays and Sundays (noon-5 p.m.), and on Christmas Eve (noon-3 p.m.). Note: Horses take an hour-long break each day.
• Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival: Introduce your kids to “White Christmas” on the big screen on Dec. 8 at the Bing Crosby Theater. Tickets are free for children 12 and younger and $10 for 13+.
• Local Theatre Performances: Ditch the screens and experience live art. Try “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Liberty Lake Community Theatre ($14 through Dec. 15). Spokane Civic Theatre presents the regional premiere of “Elf the Musical” ($30-$32 through Dec. 23) and “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” ($10-$15 on Dec. 21-22), which features student-actors ages 7-18. The KROC Center in Coeur d’Alene hosts the seventh annual Traditions of Christmas Musical Spectacular, a Radio City Music Hall-style show that includes segments like Pageant of Santas, Christmas Around the World, USO Christmas, and Christmas Nativity ($21-$34; recommended for children ages 4+).
• Santa’s Balloon Parade: On Christmas Eve at Schweitzer Mountain Resort (1-4 p.m.), Santa will lead children and families in a ski parade, starting from the top of the Basin Express chairlift, heading down to the village. Festivities also include cookies, hot chocolate, and Christmas carols (kids of all ages welcome and must be accompanied by a parent).
• Winter Adventure Day Camp: Spokane City Parks & Recreation hosts day-camp sessions ($69) for youth (ages 9-12 on Dec. 27-28 and January 3-4). Campers will learn how to cross-country ski, snowshoe, and build snow caves. //

Amy McCaffree is special section editor and Out There Kids columnist. She wrote about teaching kids to ski for the Family Winter Sports Guide in the last issue.

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Big Reds at Big White (Dec 8 @ Big White Ski Resort)

This 11-annual wine festival will have you drooling over handcrafted, Okanagan-region wines, ranging from Bordeaux blends to “old world” style Pinot Noirs.

Holiday Kick-off Weekend (Dec 13-16 @ Sun Peaks Resort)

Events include the Alpine Fondue & Starlight Descent, Ugly Sweater Contest, a figure skating performance, Santa arriving by sleigh, caroling, and more.

Big White Pond Hockey Tournament (December 14 @ Big White Ski Resort)

Register a team or watch this 5-on-5 pond hockey tournament. Then take advantage of many activities at Big White, like skiing and snowboarding, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice climbing, and dog sled tours.

Gnome Hunt (Dec 22 @ Revelstoke Mountain Resort)

10 gnomes will be hidden on the mountain—find one for a chance to win two Heli skiing seats with the Selkirk Tangiers.

Ski with Santa (December 25 @ Red Mountain Resort)

Ski with the jolly old man on the slopes, then enjoy breakfast in Paradise Lodge.

New Year’s Eve Family Party in the Plaza (Dec 31 @ Kimberley Alpine Resort)

Kick off the New Year with music, games, an ice-skating party, BBQ, and night skiing! Enjoy a beer garden, fire spinners, torch light parade, and fireworks display.

Coast Capital Savings Cruz the Blues (Jan 12 @ Big White Ski Resort)

Think you can ski all the blue runs at Big White in two days? Embark on this blue run scavenger hunt, and win prizes at the prize ceremony finale.

Moonlight Snowshoe & Mulled Wine (Jan 14 @ Sun Peaks Resort)

Part of the 21^st Annual Sun Peaks Winter Okanagan Wine Festival. Take a guided snowshoe tour to a cozy winter woodland camp.

Winter Carnival & Snowball Après (Jan 19-20 @ Whitewater Ski Resort)

Family-friendly activities such as taffy tasting, kid’s scavenger hunt, marshmallow roasting, live music, buffet dinner, and torch light parade.

Rossland Winter Carnival (Jan 24-27)

Canada’s Oldest Winter Carnival will include the Bobsled Calcutta, a variety show, carnival parade, fire spinners, snow statues, a rail jam competition, and more. Catch the Blizzard Music Festival at Olaus Ice Palace this weekend too.

28^th Annual North Okanagan Hot Air Balloon Festival (Feb 2-3 @ Vernon, B.C.)

The skies will fill with hot air balloons as part of the 10-day Vernon Winter Carnival.

Snowed In Comedy Tour (Feb 7 @ Silver Star Resort)

Enjoy one of the biggest comedy tours in Canada, then hit the slopes on the weekend to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, tube town, snowshoeing, fat biking, and more.

Skied Dating—Celebrate Love Day (Feb 10 @ Whitewater Ski Resort)

A fun, relaxed, Kootenay-style “finding-friends-or-maybe-more-than-friends-that-like-to-shred” speed dating event. If you already have a sweetheart, enjoy the partner in crime lunch special.

Trickle Creek “S’mores” Fat Bike Tour (daily @ Kimberley Alpine Resort)

Take a 2-hour guided fat bike tour through the trails of the award-winning Trickle Creek Golf Resort forest. Fire pit, s’mores, and hot beverages available along the way.

Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Festival (Feb 22-24 @ Whitewater Ski Resort)

In-bounds and backcountry ski and snowboard clinics with the experts, inspiring speakers and films, amazing food, and wild and crazy competitions all weekend long.

Slopes for Hope (Mar 3 @ Red Mountain Resort)

A family-friendly ski-a-thon that will raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. Individuals and teams attempt to ski the vertical height of Mt. Everest (29,029 feet) in one day.

Gourmet Ski Week (Mar 4-7 @ Big White Ski Resort)

The ultimate ski holiday for foodies. Culinary experiences will include wine lunches, après cocktails, chef-hosted dinners, and more.

Canadian Formal, Eh (Mar 9 @ Whitewater Ski Resort)

Work in teams of three to complete a snowshoe race, lumberjack challenge, and maple syrup shot ski. Prize for Best Canadian Costume; bring your flannel, denim, and toques.

Beer Goggles (Mar 15-16 @ Red Mountain Resort)

Join the famously ridiculous and epic Beer Goggles Craft Brew Fest, with over 60 craft brewers, music, food, and powder to ski!

Monster Energy Boarderstyle Competition (Mar 15-16 @ Fernie Alpine Resort)

A hybrid boardercross, slopestyle, and obstacle course race, with four snowboarders shredding simultaneously in a tournament-style bracket for prize money.

Clam Slam Caesar Making Event (Mar 17 @ Red Mountain Resort)

The third-annual Caesar showdown and distillery tasting will be brought to you by the Kootenay’s top bartenders. Expect clam-broth/tomato/vodka concoctions, a live DJ, and outdoor BBQ fest.

Belgian Beer Dinner (Mar 29 @ Kicking Horse Resort)

A Bavarian dinner with a B.C. twist, featuring some of Belgium’s top beer producers.

Banks, Cranks, & Brews (Mar 30 @ Panorama Resort)

A banked slalom for snowboarders, fat-tire bikers, and mountain bikers. //

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