For the second year in a row, 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort is partnering with three local elementary schools to offer fourth- and fifth-grade students the chance to learn to ski or snowboard. The program, Corey’s Run FIRST TRACKS Ski Academy, was established by David Zalewski, father to Corey, who passed away after being caught in an avalanche in the Idaho Panhandle backcountry in January 2024. 

Around the first anniversary of Corey’s passing, Zalewski had an idea. “I was thinking of some way to honor Corey’s legacy and the things he enjoyed in life,” he says. What Corey loved most was being outdoors. Zalewski remembers the year Corey received his first season pass to Snoqualmie—a winter that brought little snow. Undeterred, Corey convinced his father to drive him to the mountain anyway. For hours, Corey hiked up the hillside, snowboard in hand, just to make that thrilling ride downhill. He carried that insatiable spirit throughout his life, jumping into everything with “both feet,” Zalewski recalls. 

Through Corey’s FIRST TRACKS, students who might not otherwise have the opportunity spend three consecutive Fridays at 49 Degrees North. They leave school shortly after lunch and spend the afternoon on the mountain, with lift tickets, lessons and rentals provided at no cost. The program is designed for beginner skiers and snowboarders, allowing students to build confidence over several weeks rather than through a single-day experience. The resort even keeps the lifts running an extra half hour for participants. 

Henry Holub, one of the instructors involved, says the program’s goals are multifaceted. The first is to honor Corey’s legacy by passing along his love of the outdoors. The second is to create lifelong skiers and snowboarders. Many participating families lack the resources to take their children skiing, with cost and transportation presenting the greatest barriers. Programs like Corey’s FIRST TRACKS offer more than a lesson—they provide an entry into a way of life. 

Holub, who also works as a substitute teacher in Spokane and serves as a PTO president at one of the participating schools, has seen the program’s effects extend beyond the slopes. Students ask if they will be able to ski again, and many families report returning to the mountain together after the program ends. School staff have also noted increased confidence and stronger peer connections, describing the experience as a powerful team-building opportunity. 

Ali Pasino, 49 Degrees North’s snowsports school director, believes outdoor recreation fosters freedom and self-reliance, particularly for youth from more urban environments. With more than twenty years of experience guiding and coaching, Pasino has seen how challenging outdoor settings can transform young people. “If you can conquer a mountain,” Pasino says, “you can conquer anything.” She believes the natural world teaches resilience in ways few other environments can. “The world convinces us in countless ways that we can’t do things. I relish every time someone learns that they can succeed.” 

Zalewski, Holub and Pasino hope to see the program continue to grow. Last year, 44 students participated. With the addition of a third elementary school, that number could exceed one hundred. While Zalewski privately funds student lessons, transportation remains a challenge. Community members can help by supporting transportation costs or providing snacks for students on their way home. Holub also hopes participants will continue into opportunities such as the mountain’s Junior Instructor Program. 

As Corey’s skills grew, backcountry skiing became his true passion, Zalewski recalls about his son. “Any day with snow was a good day.” For Zalewski, it’s more than holding onto Corey’s legacy. “It’s about giving young people, young kids, the opportunity to experience all the beauty and adventure of being on the mountain. Being able to encounter and share in the wonders of god’s creativity, his creation. There was no place Corey would rather be than floating downhill on freshly fallen champagne powder snow making those FIRST TRACKS of the day.” Corey wouldn’t have it any other way.

The post Honoring a Mountain Legacy at 49 Degrees North  appeared first on Out There Venture.

The 2026 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show returns March 19-22 to the Spokane Fair & Expo Center with a choose-your-own-adventure mix of gear, how-to learning and kid-friendly attractions for anglers, hunters and anyone who prioritizes time outside. Now in its 64th year, the volunteer-powered show is produced by the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council nonprofit organization.

Daily seminars and demonstrations led by local guides and field experts cover skills from casting and fishing techniques to backcountry know-how, with interactive attractions like Fishing World, archery, gem hunting at the Silvermine and a kids’ adventure map offering something for all ages. Fishing World is an event highlight with live-fish pools where little anglers can catch a real fish. There’s also an airsoft rifle range, trophy displays, a lounge for those 21 and older and other live entertainment. Hours run noon-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 online and $18 at the door for adults, with discounts for youth, seniors, veterans, military and first responders; kids 5 and under are free, and kids under 13 get in free Sunday. Details and tickets are available at Inwc.org/big-horn-show.

The post Big Horn Show 2026 Brings Outdoor Skills and Family Fun appeared first on Out There Venture.

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.

What’s more tiring, skiing, or hearing about skiing? Your wife’s been bragging about her Kootenay winter vacations for years … and winter’s here again. She keeps reminding you, “Last year it snowed two feet the week I went to Whitewater Mountain Resort!” Enough already. Next she’ll be on about how they kept the grassroots vibe even though they added a new lift in 2023, boosting to 3,247 skiable acres—and she still never crosses a track until noon on a powder day. 

Then there was the year she decided to start ticking off her “bucket list” and go cat skiing. And then again the next year when she went heli-skiing, because there are more backcountry operations around Kootenay Lake than anywhere else in the world, and the terrain is “unmatched.” This winter she wants to try ski touring, and you just know it’s going to be the same endless gloating at the end of each day. 

But that’s no reason to stay home. Spokane, along with its international airport, is only three hours from Nelson, and a winter vacation poses its own restorative effects, even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding. Visiting the serene shores of Kootenay Lake is easier than getting to Mexico—plus, you won’t get a sunburn. Not to mention the Canadian peso is an all-time bargain right now. But what does a man of more discerning tastes do to keep occupied? 

Ever been to a hot spring in the winter? It’s the quintessential Kootenay way to unwind: soaking in the contrasting benefits of hot and cold. Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is just a short trip up the road from Nelson, with developed pools that are a natural delight, and rejuvenating waters that work magic to peel back big-city stresses. 

A walking tour of Nelson is likewise especially storybook in winter, highlighted by Victorian architecture and dozens of curated murals. Getting around by foot is quick and quaint, offering time to escape into one of many warm independent bookstores, or dozens of cafés—many of which roast their own beans and are award winners. Locals here have coffee for blood. 

But maybe breweries are more your thing. There are three in Nelson, and one up in picturesque Kaslo, just an hour up the road. The slow, winding drive along Kootenay Lake is mesmerizing in the winter, with views of snowcapped mountains reflecting off a glassy lake that never fully freezes. You can also take the world’s longest free ferry across the lake to Balfour, for an extra scenic cruise. 

But if you don’t have a rental vehicle, because the frequent shuttles from Spokane are just as quick and easy and Nelson itself is decidedly walkable, you can still keep busy right in town. There are more restaurants per capita in the Queen City of the Kootenays (that’s Nelson) than even San Francisco and Manhattan. It’s a culinary scene that foodies around the world flock to, crammed into four ornate city blocks.

 

Only 30 minutes north of the Washington border, Nelson’s architecture is a throwback to the turn of the century: a mix of American-style Italianate brick façades reminiscent of old Seattle, and granite-blocked civic buildings with distinct Victorian influences. There are over 350 heritage buildings surrounding downtown’s Baker Street, all built between 1895 and 1924—edifices that make the town distinct in the Canadian Mountain West.  

Like the stately Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, which will take you back to the frontier years, as will a visit to the S.S. Moyie Sternwheeler up in Kaslo: the oldest intact passenger vessel of its kind in the world. While you’re up there, Kaslo’s Langham Cultural Centre showcases contemporary and traditional exhibits year-round: a cosmopolitan amenity in an impossibly cute village framed by diamond peaks overlooking a placid lake.  

Art’s also on tap all winter long at Nelson’s Oxygen Art Centre, as well as at a plethora of galleries and artisan studios. As the undisputed cultural capital of the Kootenays, there are always shows at the Capitol Theatre, featuring local and national talent, performing dance, theater and musicals. Music, by the way, pulses winterlong at venues like Bloom Nightclub and Spiritbar; Nelson is also a sleeper hub for electronic artists the world over. 

But if you want to keep it simple, there are, of course, plenty of pubs and that Canadian staple, the good, old hockey game. The Nelson Leafs are a Junior A championship team that seldom disappoints. Which is perfectly in keeping with the area at large. Not everybody loves sliding on snow, and we get that—but everybody loves winning. The wife might have just bagged her best day on snow ever, but visit Nelson and Kootenay Lake along with her and it’s bragging rights for all. 

Traveling to Nelson, BC, This Winter? 

Why Not Take the Shuttle? 

Skip the drive and hop on the Kootenay Charters shuttle servicing Nelson, Castlegar and Rossland direct from the Spokane Airport. For complete details on departure dates and times, just scan here. Book now at Kootenaycharters.com/spokanewintershuttle or reach out with questions at info@kootenayCharters.com or (250) 365-2871. 

The post How To Not Go Skiing in Nelson, BC  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of Alistair Sedgwick 

Fifty years ago, a small group of dreamers carved out a little ski hill in the Selkirk Mountains. There were no grand plans, no corporate blueprints and no intention of becoming anything other than a place where powder seekers felt at home. Half a century later, Whitewater Mountain Resort has evolved and expanded, yet the heart of the experience remains unchanged. It is still the place where deep snow, great food and an unbeatably friendly community set the tone for your entire trip. 

Located less than an hour north of the Canadian border, Whitewater sits in the snowy heart of the West Kootenays, where reliable storm cycles keep the snow deep all winter long. The terrain is playful, the atmosphere relaxed and the American dollar stretches even further. While the industry around it has shifted toward corporate models and major developments, Whitewater has stayed true to its roots. The resort remains independently and locally owned, with a focus on exceptional snow, memorable meals and a genuine connection to the people who visit. 

A Place to Stay That Feels Like Yours 

For slope-side seclusion, the Hummingbird Lodge boutique suite sleeps six and is one of the most peaceful stays in BC. Quietly tucked near the resort’s Nordic trails, the suite offers a level of privacy that is rare in ski country. Mornings start slowly as light rises over Ymir Peak and evenings settle into a calm that encourages you to linger by the fire. Whether you are here for a long stay or a quick getaway, the suite feels like your own mountain retreat. 

If you prefer to base yourself in Nelson, the vibrant and eclectic city just 13 miles away, you will find excellent dining, live music, boutique hotels and the creative spirit the Kootenays are known for. The area is also a gateway to natural hot springs, Nordic skiing, and world-class backcountry, cat and heli adventures. 

A Smooth Trip to Deep Snow 

Travelers from Spokane and beyond can book a direct shuttle from Spokane International Airport to Nelson at Kootenaycharters.com. Operating five days a week throughout the winter, this convenient service allows you to relax and focus on the adventure ahead. From Nelson, it is a simple connection on the Whitewater shuttle for a stress-free, car-free trip to the mountain. 

Honoring the Past While Looking to the Future 

As Whitewater celebrates its 50th winter, the resort continues to write the next chapter of its mountain story. The recent expansion into Ymir Bowl, accessed from the Raven Chair, introduced new runs, new glades and the resort’s first south-facing alpine terrain. The result is a larger playground that still feels uncrowded and true to the Whitewater way. 

As the resort grows into a four-season destination, the core values remain unchanged. Whitewater is still independently and locally owned, community-focused and dedicated to preserving the character that has defined it for 50 years. If you’re looking for an authentic and unforgettable ski getaway, you’ll find it at Whitewater this winter. Learn more at Whitewatermountainresort.com and stay up to date on the latest and greatest resort updates at @whitewatermountainresort. 

Sponsored

The post Whitewater Mountain Resort  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Cover photo courtesy of RED Mountain/ Iain Reid

There are ski trips—and then there are ski experiences that stay with you long after the snow melts. Just two hours north of Spokane, tucked into the stunning Monashee Mountains and a mere breath from the U.S. border, RED Mountain offers that deeper kind of escape. This is where the lift lines are short, the locals are friendly, and the mountains feel like they still belong to the people who love them most. This is where The Good Life runs deep. 

For decades, RED has held strong as one of North America’s most authentic, unspoiled ski destinations. And while its reputation for big terrain, uncrowded slopes and endless powder stashes has spread far beyond the Kootenays, the resort has never lost its soul. In a world of ever-expanding mega-resorts, RED remains fiercely independent—reflected in its laid-back culture and commitment to community. 

A Ski Destination That Still Feels Real 

RED Mountain isn’t about flash or pretense. It’s about phenomenal skiing in a place that feels grounded. With 3,850 acres of terrain, spread across five distinct peaks, RED is one of the largest ski resorts on the continent—but you wouldn’t know it from the vibe. There are no crowds buzzing around village plazas, no elbow-to-elbow lift queues and no pressure to “be seen.” What you’ll find instead are wide-open groomers, steep trees, playful natural features and that unmistakable Kootenay powder that keeps loyal skiers coming back season after season. 

A typical morning at RED might start with sunrise views over the Monashee Mountains as you drop into perfectly corduroyed runs off Silverlode or Paradise. For the adventurous, Granite Mountain’s renowned tree skiing offers some of the best fall-line terrain in BC, while Grey Mountain delivers bowl after bowl of powder-faced bliss. And if you’re seeking something truly unique, RED still operates pay-per-run cat skiing on Mt. Kirkup, giving guests a taste of backcountry-style skiing for the mere cost of $20 CAD per lap. 

In short, if you dream of skiing like it used to be—unfiltered, unhurried and unbelievably good—RED is your place. 

Where the Community Shapes the Experience 

One of RED’s most defining features has nothing to do with snow—it’s the people. The resort sits at the edge of Rossland, British Columbia, a storied mountain town that feels both timeless and full of energy. Known as the “Mountain Biking Capital of Canada” in the summer and an outdoor wonderland year-round, Rossland is the kind of community that still opens doors for strangers and gathers everyone at the local brewery after a big storm cycle. 

Rossland’s roots run deep. Founded in the late 1800s as a booming gold-rush town, it has evolved into one of the most vibrant adventure-sport communities in the Pacific Northwest. Its historic downtown, with brick storefronts and friendly cafés, sits just minutes from RED and offers everything from craft beer and artisanal bakeries to gear shops and independent boutiques. But what truly sets Rossland apart is its sense of belonging. Visitors often comment that within a day, Rossland feels less like a destination and more like a place you’ve always known. 

And the connection between town and mountain is seamless. Skiers grab après at local favorites like Rossland Beer Co. or the Flying Steamshovel before heading back into the snowglobe glow of this cozy, walkable community. Festivals, live music, and local events breathe life into winter nights, making a ski vacation here feel like more than just a getaway—it’s an immersion. 

Close to Home, but a World Away 

For skiers and riders in Spokane and the greater Inland Northwest, RED Mountain offers an unbeatable combination: world-class terrain that’s close enough for a weekend, but with an international twist that makes it feel like a true escape. 

From downtown Spokane, the route to RED is straightforward and scenic. Within 90 minutes, you’re at the U.S.-Canada border in Frontier, WA/Northport, WA, and from there it’s just a short drive to Rossland’s welcoming streets and RED’s base area. Many Spokane residents are surprised to learn just how close BC’s legendary Powder Highway really is—and that some of its best skiing begins almost immediately across the border. 

Because RED is so close, it’s perfect for families wanting a low-stress trip, couples looking for something new, or groups chasing fresh snow without the hassle of long travel days or busy airports. A passport, a tank of gas and a sense of adventure are all you need. 

The Good Life Lives Here 

RED Mountain Resort has built its identity around more than just incredible skiing. “The Good Life” is a phrase you’ll hear often—and it isn’t marketing fluff. It represents a way of living that prioritizes time over hurry, connection over crowds and genuine experience over polished perfection. 

You feel it when you’re riding the chairlift with someone who moved here decades ago and never left. You feel it when you ski terrain that feels untouched, even days after a snowfall. You feel it when you walk through Rossland and realize the town doesn’t just live next to the mountain—it lives with it. 

That authenticity is exactly what today’s travelers crave, and it’s what keeps RED Mountain at the top of “hidden gem” lists year after year. Yet RED remains committed to staying true to its roots: friendly, accessible, community-driven and wildly fun. 

Plan Your Winter Escape 

Whether you’re seeking deep powder, long groomers, family-friendly vibes or simply a resort with soul, RED Mountain delivers. And with its close proximity to Spokane, the ease of the border crossing and the warm embrace of Rossland’s mountain community, your next great winter adventure is closer than you think. 

This season, discover a place where skiing feels pure again. Discover a community where everyone is welcomed. Discover a mountain where The Good Life isn’t a slogan—it’s a way of being. Discover RED. 

Sponsored

The post RED Mountain and Rossland, BC Deliver an Authentic, Crowd-Free Ski Experience 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.

By Barry Campbell 

Cover photo courtesy of Terry Cooper

As the saying goes, it pays to be in the right place at the right time. And sometimes the pay isn’t in the form of income, but life experiences. Terry Cooper, founder of the regional ski-cult hit “Ski Flakes” videos, can tell you all about that.  

Cooper grew up in South Carolina and, like so many others, took a long and winding path to Sandpoint, Idaho. After serving in the Navy during the final years of the Vietnam War—including the evacuation of the country in 1975—he set out on a restless quest for meaning. He crisscrossed the country on a motorcycle, pedaled thousands of miles by bike, and ultimately found his way into the Rocky Mountains. 

By the early 1980s, he and his wife, Brenda, had moved to Sandpoint after a stint in Steamboat Springs, Colo. For Cooper, who had fallen in love with skiing in the low-lying resorts of North Carolina before discovering Colorado’s big mountains, Schweitzer offered a new kind of home, and he was hooked when he saw it. “What I wanted to do was ski,” he said. “That was it.” 

A Big Camera and a Bigger Idea 

Skiing was Cooper’s passion, but making a living in Sandpoint required creativity. He bought fixer-upper houses, tended bar, taught ski lessons, and eventually became a realtor. Still, his eyes were on the slopes. The question was, how could he ski as much as possible and share the stoke with others? 

The seed for “Ski Flakes” was planted in Steamboat when Cooper saw a man shooting ski footage on the mountain and screening it at the bar that night. Patrons loved seeing themselves on screen.  

By 1992 he brought that idea to Schweitzer. Inspired, he invested in one of the earliest pro video camcorders. With a little hustle, he arranged to play his ski footage at a local après-ski bar, The Keg (now the St. Bernard), for $30 a week. People started asking for copies. 

Soon, Cooper was selling VHS tapes, experimenting with editing and eyeing local cable TV airtime. He pitched the idea to Schweitzer’s then-owner, Bobbie Huguenin, who saw the potential to connect the mountain with the town. “Ski Flakes” was born. 

From the start, even though it was partially inspired by the gold standard ski filmmaker Warren Miller, it was clear this was a local/regional production. It was raw, spontaneous, and real. “It was reality TV before reality TV,” Cooper said. “You went out, shot whatever was happening and made a story out of it.” 

Will Work for Free Skiing 

Cooper rarely scripted “Ski Flakes.” He didn’t have to. Armed with an attention-grabbing camera, a crew of local characters and an eye for quirky moments, he turned the slopes, bars and parking lots into his stage. 

In the early years, his crew included journalists and storytellers like Liz Zimmerman and Chris Park, who helped craft narratives from Cooper’s footage. In later years, Scott Rulander joined as a second videographer. Their payment? Ski passes bartered through Schweitzer. “We were poor, but we were skiing,” Cooper laughed. Together, they cranked out 60-minute episodes every week during ski season—13 in a row—each a mashup of ski footage, party scenes, interviews and local history. 

Editing was a marathon. Cooper remembers staying up all night on Wednesdays to deliver a finished VHS tape to the cable station Thursday morning. He’d drive tapes to Sandpoint, Coeur d’Alene, Spokane and even ship them to Cranbrook for broadcast. The show aired nearly constantly in Sandpoint and on Schweitzer and on prime time in the other markets, reaching an estimated audience of 100,000 viewers. In the pre-internet 1990s that kind of reach was unheard of for a regional ski program, and it caught the attention of advertisers. 

Powder, Parties, and Pioneers 

What made “Ski Flakes” unique was its mix of content. Half the show might be deep powder turns and tree skiing, the other half might be raucous bar parties or tongue-in-cheek interviews. “I didn’t want it to be sexist, but I did want it to be sexy,” Cooper recalled. “People wanted to see themselves having fun, and they wanted to see the characters of the mountain.” 

But Cooper also had a historian’s eye. He sought out Schweitzer’s early pioneers—Jim Toomey, Bud Moon and Jack Fowler—and wove their stories into the show. He tracked down home movies from Schweitzer’s earliest days in the 1960s and preserved them on television. He spent years interviewing Red Mountain legend Booty Griffiths, who helped found one of the oldest ski schools in North America. 

For Cooper, it was never just about turns. It was about people and place. “My goal was never to tell their story,” he said. “It was to have them tell their story.” Over nearly two decades, “Ski Flakes” became a cultural record: Olympians Nancy Greene and Susie Luby; the Mahre brothers; TV personality Ben Stein; extreme skier Glen Plake; and countless locals found themselves immortalized on tape. 

Though Schweitzer was home, “Ski Flakes” expanded into what Cooper dubbed the Borderline Tour, a circuit of ski areas along the U.S.-Canada border: Red Mountain, Whitewater, Fernie, Kimberley, Panorama and Montana’s Big Mountain (now Whitefish Mountain Resort). Years before it was branded the “Powder Highway,” Cooper and crew were skiing it, cameras rolling. 

They didn’t have the luxury of waiting for perfect conditions like big-budget film crews. If it was storming, they shot. If visibility was bad, they turned it into a skit. That improvisational style gave the show an authenticity and relatability that connected with viewers. 

For a self-described ski bum, “Ski Flakes” opened doors that money couldn’t buy (like tours of the secret-est of stashes). Cooper and his friends were invited heli-skiing, cat-skiing and into backcountry bowls. “I’d say, ‘I need to ski first so I can shoot you coming down,’” he laughed. “So I always got first tracks.” 

He filmed scary moments too: huge sluffs flowing over his skis, sketchy helicopter drop-offs and fogbound adventures. But for every adrenaline spike, there was an equally memorable dinner with a ski legend like Mike Wiegele or a behind-the-scenes story with resort pioneers. 

“It was the American Express camera,” Cooper said. “Carte blanche. You showed up with a big camera and people let you in.” Filming “Ski Flakes” also opened a door for him to travel the world with wealthy clients as their personal videographer, including luxe African safaris, Ferrari shows and Bing Crosby’s Los Angeles estate. 

If all this sounds glamorous, the reality was grittier. Cooper had invested tens of thousands of dollars in cameras, editing decks and music rights at a time when he was making only a fraction of that. Editing was primitive and tedious. He sold ads himself in each market—Sandpoint, Spokane, Coeur d’Alene and Cranbrook—often giving small businesses more airtime than they paid for just to help them succeed.  

Financially, “Ski Flakes” survived, but just barely. What sustained the show, though, was passion, barter and Cooper’s other career in real estate. “I talked to every single business in town, trying to get them to buy an ad on my show. And everybody’s like, ‘Television, what are you talking about? I don’t even own a TV. What the @%$# is that?’ It was pretty funny.”  

“I never made a lot of money,” he admitted. “But I got to do things I never would have in my life otherwise.” 

Rex Cosgrove, who has skied at Schweitzer for decades dating back to the mid 70s, recalled that limited channels were available in Sandpoint, and as soon as they arrived in town from their home in Moscow, his kids would turn “Ski Flakes” on—and leave it on—for the weekend. “It was kind of a big deal at the time that you could watch this local skiing culture on TV. And we loved it,” he said. 

Shelf Life 

By 2010 new filming for “Ski Flakes” wound down. Digital editing and internet video were reshaping the media landscape, and the economics of selling ads for a regional ski show no longer worked. But reruns kept it alive—up until 2025, it was still on Sandpoint’s local access cable—and even today, episodes still loop in Pucci’s Pub at Schweitzer.  

Pucci’s owner, Eric Salontai, said that the TV tuned to “Ski Flakes” often gets more viewers than even events like Gonzaga hoops games. “People still will look back toward the Ski Flakes TV. Even we employees still watch because we’re riders and enjoy the mountain scenes,” he said. 

He added that airing footage of Schweitzer’s history, including icons like patrollers Arlene and Ted Cook, and the namesake of his pub, John Pucci, in their prime, complements the pub’s atmosphere. “Ski Flakes just made you feel that you were part of this thing. You’d see familiar faces, and you’d see how much Terry loved the scene he was shooting. And that’s the real telltale of the good that he was doing, because he was super eloquent in his filming. Not derogatory, not vulgar, none of that,” he said. 

These days Cooper doesn’t sit still long, ripping tele-ski and single-track mountain bike lines nearly every day. However, the “Ski Flakes” Worldwide Headquarters (his office) is jam packed with a mountain of epic footage: 7,000 hours of video, only a fraction of which ever aired. He has slowly begun digitizing it, with thoughts of future documentaries or online archives. He also has extensive footage of rock star interviews at the Festival at Sandpoint and other rarities. “It’s history,” he said. “And it has value. You can’t get those stories back once they’re gone.” 

Legacy of a Flake 

In retrospect, “Ski Flakes” was far more than entertainment. It was connective tissue, linking Sandpoint to Schweitzer, Idaho to British Columbia, locals to Olympians. It captured a culture in transition: the rise of snowboarding, the shift from straight 210s to shaped skis, the evolution of après-ski from wild bar parties to today’s typically toned-down and phone-absorbed scenes. Most of all, it preserved the personalities—everyday skiers and mountain characters—who made the Northwest ski scene what it was. 

Today, as GoPros and drones flood social media with instant edits, Cooper’s work reminds us of a different era: one where telling the story took commitment, community and countless late nights with VHS decks and turntables. “Ski Flakes” may not have made Cooper rich, but it gave him—and the Inland Northwest—something even better: a lasting story of the evolution of a sport and a region. 

This winter Barry Campbell plans to chase powder at Schweitzer, soak up some Baja sun and continue building his company, Two Oaks Marketing. 

The post “Ski Flakes,” the O.G. Inland NW Ski Film Pioneers  appeared first on Out There Venture.

Northeast Washington-based Altai Skis puts on this annual gathering of backcountry ski touring enthusiasts, including those interested in Altai Skis’ Hok ski that some have described as a “ski-shoe” that combines elements of a backcountry ski and snowshoe. This year’s weekend event was originally planned for Feb. 7-8, but winter didn’t exactly cooperate. The new later-season date, Feb 28 – March 1, will hopefully bring snowier trails. Festivities both days run from 10 AM to 3 PM and include clinics, group ski tours and Altai Skis demo gear for all ages and abilities. The Altai crew also gives away some pretty sweet prizes and there will be a fire pit and hot beverages in the parking lot. Altai Skis sells backcountry skis that are inspired by the origins of skiing in the Altai Mountains of China, where they’ve been used as a tool for backcountry travel and hunting for millennia.  

The festival takes place at Boulder Pass at the Deer Creek Nordic Sno-Park in the Kettle Range mountains west of Curlew. The gathering is a chance to try some of Altai’s gear, including Hoks, on some moderate backcountry slopes near the pass. Hoks, which have a climbing skin built into the base of a short yet wide ski, have slowly been building a cult-like following of snowshoers and skiers looking for a simple and efficient backcountry tool that can be skied just about anywhere. Hoks excel on backcountry tours with short runs and rolling terrain, as they don’t require frequent climbing skin transitions to get back up the next hill. Check for details and any schedule changes due to snow or weather conditions at Altaiskis.com.  

The post 2026 Altai Skis Backcountry Ski and Hok Festival – New date, Feb. 28 – March 1 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) 

The post Extreme Skijor Turns Wallace Into an Urban Winter Arena  appeared first on Out There Venture.