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

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

What to know about trail ratings

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

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

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

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park

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

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area

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

49 Degrees North Mountain Resort

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

Silver Mountain Resort

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

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

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

5th Grade Ski/Ride FREE Passport

This popular program helps get 5th graders out on the slopes for free. The passport provides three free days at each of the participating ski areas with a parent/guardian present (49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, Silver Mountain, and Loup Loup Ski Bowl).

To participate, parents need to submit an application with a $20 processing fee at 5thgradeskipassport.com and check their email for the passport. Print the passport or pull it up on your phone at the ticket office to receive a lift ticket. Please note blackout dates for each resort listed on the passport website, which include but may not be limited to Saturdays and holidays.

Some of the participating ski resorts also offer discount rental gear and lessons as part of the 5th grade passport program. More info: Skinwrockies.com

EZ Ski/Ride 1-2-3

The EZ Ski or Ride 1-2-3 programs makes learning to ski or snowboard for the first time affordable and easy. And both kids and parents can sign up! All four Ski the NW Rockies association resorts (49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane, and Silver Mountain) are offering a three-visit package to first-timers at an incredible price that includes three lift tickets, three rentals (boots, poles, skis or snowboard), and three lessons.

Three Simple Steps: Pick one of the three ski areas, call the ticket office at the resort and purchase your EZ SKI 1-2-3 package, and then follow their instructions to schedule the lessons. More info: Skinwrockies.com/ez-ski-ride-123

Lookout Pass Free Ski School

Over the past 81 seasons, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation area on the Idaho/Montana state line has been offering its Free Ski School. Since that first year, the ski resort has introduced over 78,000 kids to the winter sports of skiing and snowboarding.

The program is available for boys and girls between age 6-17 who want to learn to ski and ages 7-17 for snowboard lessons. The lessons range from beginner to advanced, so there are lessons for all abilities and kids can move up levels as the season progresses.

While the lessons are totally free and a lift ticket is not required to ski or snowboard during the lessons, rental equipment is not provided and a season pass or day ticket is required for kids who want to continue skiing or riding after the lesson and on non-lesson days.

Rental equipment can be reserved and paid for at the Lookout rental shop, or kids can bring their own gear. Parents should also pre-purchase any season pass or lift tickets if desired. More info: Skilookout.com/famous-free-ski-school

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies Association.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

The post Youth Ski/Snowboard Lessons: 3 Regional Programs appeared first on Out There Venture.

Brighton Turcotte, Age 10 (Skier/Snowboarder)

Home Mountain: Silver Mountain Resort.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

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

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

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

Jaxson Hamm, Age 6 (Snowboarder)

Home Mountain: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.

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

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

Favorite Runs: Old Northwest, Lamonga.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

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

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

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

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

Home mountain: Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area.

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

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

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

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

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

Future Ambition: Ski in every state.

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

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

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

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

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

Winter Sneva, Age 7 (Skier)

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

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

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

Favorite Run: King

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

Mountain routine includes: Eating French fries in the lodge. 

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

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

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

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

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

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

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

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

Which is why I like watching the next generation tear it up at local mountains. They motivate older skiers and riders to get (and stay) in better shape and to push ourselves.

This winter, you might catch a glimpse of one of these four little rippers sending it and swooshing past you on the mountain.

Winter Sneva, Age 7 (Skier)

Home Mountain: 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort.

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

Home mountain: Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area.

Brighton Turcotte, Age 10 (Skier/Snowboarder)

Home Mountain: Silver Mountain Resort.

Jaxson Hamm, Age 6 (Snowboarder)

Home Mountain: Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park.

Sponsored by Ski the NW Rockies.

Read more stories from the Family Winter Sports Guide 2021.

The post Meet Little Rippers Of the Inland NW – 2021 appeared first on Out There Venture.

Another time, I brought thin gloves and his fingers froze. (There were tears.) I’ve made the opposite mistake too, piling on way too many layers until he could barely move and looked like the overdressed Randy in “A Christmas Story.”

These gear tips should help you do a better job of dressing your little shredders for a day in the mountains.

1. Helmet: Not optional anymore. Add a stocking cap under the helmet when it’s cold.
2. Goggles: Help protect eyes from glaring sun, wind, and blowing snow.
3. Neck Gaiter: Prevents cold from creeping down the neck and keeps faces warm.
4. Gloves / Mittens: Choose wind and waterproof/water-resistant gloves or mittens with plenty of insulation. Mittens are warmer for littler kids, while gloves let older kids adjust their gear.
5. Base Layers: Synthetic thermal underwear tops and bottoms are breathable, wick moisture, and keep their core warm.
6. Mid-layers: Fleece, puffy, sweatshirt, or long-sleeved t-shirt up top and fleece pants or sweatpants for bottoms.
7. Ski Jacket & Pants / Snowsuit: The outer layer should have insulation and be waterproof/water-resistant. A hood and pockets are ideal, and the jacket should be long enough to keep snow from creeping into their britches. A snowsuit rocks at this, but can make potty breaks challenging for younger kids.
8. Socks: Warm wool or synthetic-blend socks that fit well in ski boots. (See photo below for an example of socks available from Spokane Alpine Haus.)
9. Skis / Boots / Bindings / Poles: Ski or snowboard gear that fits well will help your little one learn faster and have more fun. You can buy used gear from swaps, but leasing gear each year as kids grow from a local ski shop, such as Spokane Alpine Haus, is ideal. A small investment gets your child quality gear that’s fitted by an expert each season.

Read more stories from OTO’s annual Family Winter Sports Guides.

The post 9 Alpine Gear Essentials for Kids appeared first on Out There Venture.

In the meantime, here are some pro tips for teaching kids.

Learning the Foundations

• Start with “pizza!” and “French fries” for little skiers. These basics, including the snowplow to control speed and stop (pizza) and moving downhill with skis parallel (fries), are foundational.
• Then move on to making turns back and forth across the mountain and practicing stopping.

Training Gear

• An “Edgie Wedgie” (ski tip connector) helps keep little skis connected and in a pizza/snowplow formation, which is especially important so children can learn to stop.
• Some kind of harness for hoisting kids on and off chairlifts and picking them up after falls is also invaluable. Some harnesses come with a leash to keep the little shredder connected to mom or dad and in control.

Chairlifts

• Chairlift loading and unloading can be scary for kids and parents. Have your child watch with you while other kids and adults are getting on the chair to see how they do it. When it’s your turn, ask the liftie to slow it down for you if necessary, then have your child look at you as you wait together in the loading zone and then grab the chair pole and keep ski tips up as the chair scoops you up.
• When it’s time to get off the lift with little kids, you may need to wrap an arm around them to help guide them off the lift safely. Older kids need to be reminded to keep their ski tips up and to stand straight when they dismount.

Motivation

• When they are learning, kids can get tired or frustrated quickly, so having a small treat like a piece of chocolate, gummy worms, or fruit snack at the top or bottom of each run can keep them motivated to not give up too early.
• Making sure they are dressed properly for the conditions to keep them warm enough and not too hot is also key.

Out There Kids learning how to ski at Inland NW Mountains: (left) Landon learning Pizza and French Fries at age 2.5 with Dad, at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park. // Photo: Amy McCaffree; (middle & right) Remi doing the splits; Remi and his friend on the bunny hill. // Photo: Shallan Knowles.

Tips from The OTO Archives

Find more stories about alpine winter sports and ski families in the OTO archives.

The post Tips For Teaching Your Kids To Ski appeared first on Out There Venture.