The Rich History of Rope Tows, Tramways and Ski Lifts on Mt. Spokane The first rope tow was invented in 1908 in Germany’s Black Forest by Robert Winterhalder. It wasn’t until 1933 that Alec Foster installed the first rope tow in North America at Shawbridge near Montreal. In 1934 Bob and Betty Royce built their […]
Artifacts: Ski Lift Origins Read More »
There are so many good reasons to shop locally for the holidays. Each year we try to make the whole Christmas season shopping experience that much easier for OTM readers with our Local Holiday Gift Guide that features a wide range of diverse, creative and often locally-made gift ideas. Thank you for shopping locally and
Local Holiday Gift Guide Read More »
Long before we met each other, my husband and I were passionate about the outdoors and committed to adventurous recreation. Now, 10 years later and with two children, ages 5 and 4, being an outdoor family comes naturally. But we work hard at being intentional, active and adventurous year-round with our kids. What helps us
Waterproof Kids: Gear to Keep Your Little Ones Playing Dry Outside All Winter Long Read More »
We used to have it so rough. Three years ago, an intrepid snowshoer on Trail 100 in Mount Spokane State Park had three major stream crossings to contend with while venturing out to Smith Gap from the hairpin turn parking lot. One false move meant a wet boot, or worse, for the duration of the
Mount Spokane State Park (Burping Brook—Smith Gap Loop) Read More »
There are quite a few options for introducing your kids to skiing or snowboarding, ranging from teaching them yourself to taking advantage of group or private lessons or other special programs that resorts offer. Out of all of the options, the 5th Grade Passport and the EZ Ski/Ride 123 programs promoted locally by Ski the
Learn to Ski Programs Make It Easy for Kids and Parents Read More »
North Idaho’s biggest swap unfolds at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d’Alene every year thanks to the combined efforts of the Lookout Pass and Silver Mountain volunteer ski patrols. A no-brainer for North Idaho skiers and snowboarders looking for skis, snowboards, boots, clothing and accessories, the swap is also a great option for Spokane
Winter Swap, North Idaho’s Biggest Ski Swap of the Season Hits Coeur d’Alene November 7 Read More »
Skiing allows you to “be intentional about creating memories for the family,” says Brad McQuarrie, general manager for Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park. He and his wife Brenda have always made it a priority to ski with their four children – three daughters, now ages 20, 19, and 15, and a son, 13. “We
Ski School: Lessons Learned by Mt. Spokane’s Brad McQuarrie, Father of 4 Read More »
49 Degrees North Ski Resort Owner John Eminger and His Family Have Made Skiing Their Shared Passion “The thing about skiing as a family activity is you wake up early and you play hard together all day long. And you get home late, and the kids fall asleep in the car. I don’t care if
The Skiing Life: It’s a Family Affair Read More »
Ski season might appear to be a long way away, but the region’s ski swaps are nearly upon us. Whether you are an avid swap-goer or a first-timer, the experience can be overwhelming. Imagine a seemingly endless space packed with skis, boots, clothing and accessories, and then fill it with 1,000 people, some of whom
Ski Swap Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Right Gear and Having a Blast at Your Local Ski Swap Read More »
Skiing and snowboarding with your family is a fun and healthy way to spend the winter months, and it can still be plenty affordable if you put a little effort into saving on the cost of outfitting yourself and the kids. There are many ways to find deals on new and used ski and snowboard
Lease, Swap and Save on Gear for the Whole Family This Season Read More »
