Children need outdoor gear they can call their own, and by the time they are 6-9 years old, they are ready (and more willing) to receive fewer toys and more experience-oriented, practical items. Here are 10 gear ideas that will help encourage outdoorsy kids to become lifelong adventurers. 1. Pocketknife: A versatile tool for a responsible, […]
Gear to Get Kids Outside in Winter Read More »
Northwest winters are breathtakingly beautiful, but they can also be long and cold and induce longings for hibernation. Here’s an inspiring list of adventures to help you pack your short days with big fun. WASHINGTON 1. Ski Bluewood in Dayton, Wash., where the off-piste Vintner’s Ridge cat skiing opens expert terrain for only $12/day plus
25 Winter Adventures Read More »
On a recent visit to the Geophysical Trail System north of Newport, Wash., I pulled up a mapping app on my phone and proceeded to watch as my locator icon spun in circles. No, that is not supposed to happen. But my electronics were likely being impacted by the trail system’s proximity to the United
Hike of the Month: Geophysical Trail System in Colville National Forest Read More »
While there have always been news stories about avalanches, some incidents more sad and deadly than others, this Silver Mountain avalanche is a home heart-break story. Mountains will still be our happy place, and powder days will still bring us joy. But now we do so with the knowledge of this cautionary chapter in our regional history. We would be remiss to not learn lessons from our sorrow.
Mountain Safety – Avalanche Awareness Read More »
Curlew, WA Try Nordic gear, get a few tips, and enjoy the fresh air and scenic beauty while cross-country skiing along a stretch of the flat, groomed Ferry County Rail Trail. The 10th annual ski day will be held February 1 at the Curlew Trailhead. The event includes free instruction and use of cross-country ski gear
Rail Trail Ski Day Returns (Feb 1) Read More »
Sagle, Idaho This 6th annual gathering of fat bike aficionados at Round Lake State Park near Sandpoint caters to both new and seasoned fatty riders with group rides on groomed trails. The 2020 event will take place on Saturday, January 25. “Our goal since the beginning has been to provide a fat bike event that was
Fatty Flurry Fat Bike Festival (Jan 25) Read More »
Off-Piste is no longer available in the classic and often collected black and white newsprint version, but during its run was issued four times a year. Yet the essential elements of the magazine remain on the website at Offpistemag.com, which hosts gear reviews, beta on where to ski, soulful narratives about winter backcountry travel, trailers for independent ski films, and avalanche safety resources.
Remembering Off-Piste Magazine Read More »
Southeast British Columbia Winter Destinations Winter adventure doesn’t stop at the U.S./Canada border; in fact, opportunities to ski and ride, wander, and explore hip mountain towns only get bigger, better, and less crowded once you cross the 49th parallel. Out There’s 2nd annual B.C. Ski & Winter Travel Guide comes at a time when the
B.C. Ski & Winter Travel Guide Read More »
Traveling north of the border for skiing, snowboarding, hot springs soaking, snowshoeing, or other winter adventures is incredibly easy and worth every kilometer of extra driving. One of the best yet often under-appreciated things about living in Spokane and North Idaho, in fact, is the proximity to interior British Columbia. This lightly-populated, vast expanse of wild mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers; enchanting yet authentic mountain towns; and destination-worthy resorts, parks, and trails is a wonderland right next door.
Winter Adventures in British Columbia Read More »
The first thing you’ll likely notice as you approach Fernie, BC, from the south on Highway 3, is the abrupt shift in weather. Just outside of town, the highway passes through a tunnel. It’s roughly here that the broad bottomlands of the Elk River jackknife into the triangular valley in which the city sits. Locals
