Whenever another parent tells me they’ve never been skiing, I recommend they try cross-country skiing. It’s easy to learn and relatively inexpensive. Also called Nordic skiing, it’s said that if you can walk, you can learn to cross-country ski.

The traditional classic style is easiest to learn and has a relaxed pace, making it best for beginners and families with varied fitness levels. Skate skiing is faster, more strenuous, and requires different gear and a different type of groomed trail.

You can become acquainted with the basic technique by watching the 13-minute video on REI’s YouTube channel called “Classic Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started,” created in collaboration with Professional Ski Instructors of America.

If your family is willing to give it a try, here are four steps to make that happen.

1. Ensure you have proper base layers and outerwear for winter weather.

Every family member needs waterproof outerwear and other winter clothing to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Visit the Spokane Nordic Ski Association (SNSA) website for a list of essentials.

The key is to dress in layers—you’ll get warm while skiing, but get chilled when you stop and rest. Be fully prepared.

2. Make an easy plan for where to go.

The younger your children, the easier you need your first day to be—meaning less drivetime, maximum fun, and a way to warm-up and get dry. Cold, unhappy kids are an adventure joy-kill.

For max simplicity and ease, I recommend visiting a Nordic ski area that offers rentals on-site.

• 49 DEGREES NORTH NORDIC CENTER: rentals, lessons, and 25K (15 miles) of trails; pass required.
• MT. SPOKANE STATE PARK NORDIC SKI AREA: Fitness Fanatics rental trailer is located near the area’s Selkirk Lodge and trailhead for 60K (37 miles) of trails; Sno-Park Permit and special groomed-trail sticker required.
• SCHWEITZER: rentals from the Demo Center, located in the Village; 32K (20 miles) of trails; pass required.

3. Rent gear in town and ski at a local park.

If there is snow in town and you don’t want to drive to a mountain, rent gear at a local shop and visit a park with (or without) groomed trails. Shop employees can help figure out the sizes you need, and SpokaneNordic.org also has tips for fitting XC ski gear.

• SPOKANE: Daily rental packages are available from Fitness Fanatics and REI. Spokane Parks & Recreation groom trails at city parks (no fee required to use) as well as Riverside State Park—see my.spokanecity.org/recreation/outdoor/groomed-trails. Or head to any local snow-covered field in a park and break your own trail.
• NORTH IDAHO: Ski Shack in Hayden and the Tri-State Outfitters and Vertical Earth stores in Coeur d’Alene rent XC gear. Groomed trails are available at 4^th of July Recreation Area, Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes (start at trailheads in Heyburn State Park or in the cities of Kellogg or Wallace), and Priest Lake.
• PERMITS REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC LANDS: Find out the requirements to park at your chosen trailhead.
• For Washington public lands, in most cases you will need a state parks Discover Pass or Sno-Park Permit and Groomed-Trail Sticker.
• For Idaho, a Park N’ Ski permit is required for the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, Priest Lake State Park, Priest Lake Golf Course, 4th of July Pass Recreation Area, and Palouse Divide (permit also valid in Oregon).

4. Before you leave home…

Prepare a backpack with a stash of hand-warmers, snacks, water bottles, and extra, dry clothes for the trail. Bring a thermos of hot water to make hot cocoa on the go, whether you drink during a rest-stop along the trail or leave in your vehicle to enjoy upon return.

Nordic Ski Lessons

If your family enjoys Nordic skiing and wants more, then consider taking lessons. Spokane Nordic Ski Association (SNSA) offers private and group lessons, a Nordic Kids program, and also partners with City of Spokane Parks & Recreation and Fitness Fanatics to offer weekday evening lessons in town. SNSA also hosts an annual Winterfest, every January, offering inexpensive lessons.

Additionally, Schweitzer and 49 Degrees North offer Nordic ski lessons.

Find more stories about cross-country skiing in the OTO archives.

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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.

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Here are 16 new updates to look for during your next visit to Mt. Spokane Ski & Recreation Park, 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort Lookout Pass, and Silver Mountain Resort.

1. Lookout Pass Offers Cat Skiing in New Terrain

According to the resort, a team of loggers has been out in the woods cutting the 14 new trails that comprise Lookout’s new Eagle Peak expansion. Once that work is completed, Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area will be offering cat skiing by reservation this winter so guests can experience these new trails.

A quad chair that the mountain has already purchased will be installed in Summer 2022 to provide lift-served access to these trails in the Eagle Peak expansion area for next winter.

2. Mt. Spokane’s Chair 2 Gets an Overhaul

A needed upgrade to Chair 2 (now named Illuminator) at Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park will include a $1 million investment in the replacement of the drive terminal. Chair 2 is key to moving skiers and snowboarders around the mountain, and this investment will help provide reliable service all year long.

3. New High-Speed Quad Set to Open at 49 Degrees North

This fall, 49 Degrees North is putting the finishing touches on an all-new Doppelmayr High-Speed Quad Chairlift to replace Chair 1. According to 49, a top-notch team from Doppelmayr has spent the summer and fall constructing the 6,644-foot-long lift that extends from the base area of the Central Basin, just west of the main lodge, to the summit of Chewelah Peak parallel to the existing Bonanaza lift that will eventually be removed.

When opened this season, it will be the longest high-speed quad in Washington State, extending over 1.25 miles. At the same time, the lift will cut ride times to the summit in half. With mid-mountain loading no longer available with the new lift, 49 has created new terrain and trails below Beaver Slide to give those accustomed to skiing and riding that area additional options.

4. Mt. Spokane Goes All In on 7-Days-a-Week Shredding

Last year, Mt. Spokane started offering seven-days-a-week service that ran from the holidays through February, and this year they are extending that new schedule from December 15–March 13. 

5. Weekend & Holiday Ticket Sales May Be Limited Again This Year

Some resorts report that they once again may limit the number of lift tickets sold on weekends and holidays to keep capacity at a safe and manageable level. Season pass holders at all four Ski the NW Rockies Resorts will once again get unlimited access to their home mountains, which makes having a pass your best bet for unrestricted access.

If you do plan to ski or ride on a weekend or holiday period, purchase your tickets in advance online to get ahead of any possible limits on tickets sold for your preferred days as the date gets closer.

6. Glass Cover Added to Conveyor Lift at Silver Mountain

A new glass cover was installed over the conveyor lift that serves the beginner run and tubing park at Silver Mountain. The cover will shield riders from the harsh winter elements and will make beginners’ first days on skis and tubers’ experience much more enjoyable. 

7. More Man-Made Snow at 49 Degrees North

The evolution of 49 Degrees North’s new snowmaking system continues this year, extending farther up Silver Ridge all the way to where Blastface meets the Silver Ridge. All of this increased snowmaking capacity means earlier opening of some terrain and a longer season for the resort.

8. Interactive Map Shows Trail Status & Closures at Silver

A new interactive trail map right outside the Mountain House at Silver Mountain will show which runs are open, closed, and groomed. The map is sure to become a popular spot for people to meet and serve as a backdrop for selfies and social media posts.

9. High-Performance Rental & Demo Gear at 49

The rental shop at 49 Degrees North has added more new skis and boards to enhance the experience of guests young and old, including a whole new high-performance demo fleet for anyone looking to test the latest skis and snowboards. If you’ve ever wanted to try telemark skiing, 49 is your place to rent tele gear and give dropping a knee a try.

10. Eating & Drinking Evolution

One of the few positives that came out of the pandemic last year was how it spurred innovation in the eating and drinking options at our local resorts.

It’s now easier than ever to grab a quality bite to eat or a beer without ever having to step boot into a lodge.One new outdoor eatery that will enter the scene this year is Pablo’s Taco Revolution, a new taco truck at 49 Degrees North.

11. Events Make a Comeback

Expect more events to return this year at our local resorts as long as the COVID situation continues to improve. A sign that this season may look more normal that last year, Mt. Spokane is planning to bring back terrain park competitions, demo days, live music, and the very popular Ladies’ Day.

12. Chair 2 Now a Triple at Lookout Pass

Chair 2 on the backside of Lookout (the Timber Wolf Chair) is being upgraded from a double to a triple this year with new American-made triple chairs. This modification means a huge increase in the capacity of riders the lift can serve, and it also removes the center bar to make it more family friendly.

The chair upgrade is a key linchpin in Lookout’s forthcoming expansion to Eagle Peak, as it will provide transport for guests to get back to the lodge and parking lot on the front of the mountain after experiencing the new terrain that will increase skiable acres from 540 to 1,023.  

13. Friday Night Club Shred Program at Mt. Spokane

This season, Mt. Spokane is expanding on its extensive camp offerings by adding a Friday Night Club Shred program so that parents can hit the slopes while kids learn lifetime skills on the snow. This is a great way for parents and kids to spend time together and get to ski or ride apart on Friday nights. 

14. Earlier Steep Terrain Opening at Silver Thanks to New Equipment

Improved early-season conditions will be possible thanks to a new D3 cat with a mulcher. This new equipment helps Silver staff to brush-cut steeper runs and glades, allowing the mountain to open more terrain earlier. 

15. New Chewelah Hotel Will Cater to Skiers

The Mistequa Hotel in the works at Chewelah Casino will bring a modern, comfortable lodging option to Chewelah, serving out-of-town skiers and snowboarders looking to spend more than a day up on the mountain. Amenities will include ski lockers, an indoor pool and jacuzzi, extended patio seating, a lounge, and a large fireplace in the lobby.

16. Midweek Lodging, Lift Ticket, & Waterpark Deal at Silver

If you’re looking for an affordable family ski vacation, Silver Mountain Resort offers a mid-week deal on lift tickets, lodging in a family studio, and access to the indoor waterpark for $55 per person, based on quad occupancy. The mid-week offer runs from January 3 through April 10, 2022. Use the code “SAVEBIG” when booking.

Sponsored by the Ski the NW Rockies Association Resorts

All photos courtesy of Ski NW Rockies mountain resorts: Mt. Spokane (top row left & right); Silver Mountain Resort (Top row right-bottom; middle row top-left); 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort (middle row, right & left-bottom); Lookout Pass (bottom row).

Find more stories about skiing and snowboarding in the OTO archives.

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Christmas Eve 2015 was to be a choice day on Mt. Spokane. Several inches of fresh snow from an overnight storm, on top of the accumulation from days of snowy weather, promised top-of-the-line conditions. Yet in spite of our excitement, it turned out that the road to the mountain had been closed by the DOT because of downed trees and dropped power lines. We had to drive to the signs to prove it to ourselves though. Surely they could open up the road to the mountain post haste. No! And the line of cars waiting to go up was a sight to behold. Our hopes were dashed and it was “iffy” for the next day.

On Christmas morning we called the mountain and checked the website early. Things didn’t look good. My wife Lindell decided to take our dog, Nina, out for a three mile walk about 7:30, and I stayed home and read the paper and kept calling the mountain. Eventually I switched to the website, frustrated by phoning. It turned out the road would be opened at 9:15! Lindell was back now, and I shouted the good news to her.

After a rushed breakfast we jumped into the car and drove as fast as prudently possible out onto the slick roads to go SKIING! One catch. Others had the same idea. The long lineup of cars was barely moving when we got there. We inched ahead, seldom going over 20 mph in our slowest ascent to the ski area we’d ever had. The minutes dragged on, but in spite of our worry that going up the steep sections that slowly might be chancy, we got there with blue sky and sunshine. Only a few wispy clouds drifted across the trackless terrain!  

We charged up to the lodge from the parking lot and jerked our skis out of the locker. The boots had never seemed to take so long to get on our feet before! After a quick “pit stop” we were on chair 3 and on our way to the day of dreams. We jumped off the chair and went straight to work. I was a bit too enthusiastic about the deep snow and “spun out” quite quickly. I am a very aggressive skier and follow the rule “No falls, no balls” so I got right up, and we were on our way. 

It is hard to describe the feeling that you get from being knee deep in untracked powder snow to a “civilian.” Others have done that much better than I am capable of doing, but it is a sensation like no other. The resistance is different than what you find at lesser depths or on a packed slope. The feeling of almost weightlessness settles you into a world of wonder and drives you to try to experience it with all the speed you can handle. To say you float along is a gross understatement!  

Most of the time I ski on the cutting edge of control because it is such an exciting place to be. When you know you are cheating gravity and obstacles, you know that this is your time and place. This is what joy is made of. This is the time to savor and breath in the moment for the next turn into skier heaven. Then you realize that this is not an endless sensation. Your legs tell you!  

Skiing in powder is not a relaxed walk in the park. Even at slower speeds it is demanding of strength and endurance. Maybe the young and the restless are able to make it from top to bottom without stopping under these conditions, but more mature devotees enjoy respites to stop and drink in what has been done and gather courage for the next “thrust” into the beckoning downhill. The drive is to get down so you can start over while the untracked snow is still available. The chairlift takes you up all too slowly!

Now it really helps to enjoy all this better if you don’t ski alone. You enjoy it so much more when you are able to express joyful feelings as you experience slightly different slices of the same pie. Stopping and looking down those steep runs is always a bonding experience that never grows old. I am so fortunate to have all that in my life partner. 

When Lindell and I first got together one of the first questions she asked me was, “Will you teach me to ski”?  Indeed I would! It was a real labor of love and she took to it like the proverbial duck. The first time getting off the chairlift at 49 Degrees North was almost a disaster, but she is a “gamer” and a marvelous and graceful powder skier in her 70s.

That Christmas Day she glided down the steepest terrain on Mt. Spokane with as much élan as the best of the younger set but maybe not quite as fast. However, when we ski together in deep snow, whenever I stop she is, usually, at my elbow, just uphill from me. And that is how it was on run after run that day.

We dashed over to Chair 2 from our start on the Nastar run and were well on our way for the “perfect day.” The run down the chair line is somewhat rolling with two pretty steep pitches. Without very much traffic we were able to find all consuming, mostly untracked paths for several laps. Christmas day helped make this possible because, in spite of the magnetic attraction of the current conditions, the day has built in limitations for a big crowd. While Mt. Spokane can get tracked up fairly quickly, there were fewer skiers to do it that day. 

We almost wore ourselves out under Chair 2, but the lift had mechanical problems. Rather than wait for them to fix it we rushed over to Chair 3 and then scooted over to 1 on the lower cat track. Chair 1 is our preferred area on a day like that day. We figured by then it would be mostly tracked up but we still found some good stuff left. The legs were calling to us now though. We stayed for two more runs before it was time to bail. And it was a relief to go back on Rulon Run which was well groomed. 

It was a day of days for the two of us, and we never had a more enjoyable and exciting time with our clothes on! It truly was one of best days of my life. I call it a perfect day.

At age 84, Bart Haggin still runs an average of 1,400 miles per year and skis 30-plus days each season. He has been a certified ski instructor with the Professional Ski Instructors of America for over 60 years. He emailed right before we went to print, with the March-April 2021 issue, with this exuberant report on his latest epic ski day: “Number 1 has never been better! Like an Olympic downhill run! Got up to 58 mph on the first run and 48 mph on a later run… Great day! Gorgeous!”

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The boys enjoy waking up early to lay down some pow laps. When the untouched powder disappears, they head to the park to finish their day of riding. When asked about local little rippers, Mt. Spokane terrain park manager Zachary Lingo—who sees hundreds of young riders each year—quickly spoke of the Clines saying, “they kill it… and they are both incredibly good.” Wyatt and Owen attribute their passion for snowboarding to their dad and to close family friend Johan Malkoski.

Their hunger to ride has taken the boys all over the Pacific Northwest, riding events like the Dirksen Derby Banked Slalom at Mt. Bachelor and the Stevens Pass Minor Threat contest. The Cline boys love and commitment toward snowboarding has also taken them to the sought-after High Cascade Snowboard Camp at Mt. Hood, Oregon.

Wyatt’s favorite trick right now is a nose grab. He looks up to pro rider Scott Stevens. Older brother Owen’s favorite trick these days is a method grab. Owen is inspired by the style and power of Seattle-based pro rider Austen Sweetin. The brothers’ all terrain riding style shines strong; Wyatt won the boys’ 2017 Next Gen contest at the world renowned Legendary Baker Banked Slalom, and Owen took a podium finish for best method at Mt. Spokane’s 2017 Hips and Hot Dogs contest. These brothers from Spokane are clearly part of the new generation of riders holding it down for the Inland and Pacific Northwest. // (T. Ghezzi)

T. Ghezzi is Pacific Northwest raised and believes we should respect the land, spend time in nature, explore, adventure, hike, and never stop the pursuit to ride powder. He wrote about little ripper Vance Lazarus in October 2018.

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Chewelah Peak Ski Club, founded in 1935, was the first to install a cable tow on the mountain, with permission from the U.S. Forest Service. The two-story lodge was completed in 1950, followed by a double chairlift a year later. By 1968, however, the ski area had closed down, only to re-open two years later as 49 Degrees North, after the Chewelah Basin Ski Corporation took over and made improvements. The ski and snowboard destination as it is known today is due in large part to local entrepreneur John Eminger who, along with his wife, purchased the business in 1996. Within 10 years, Eminger, working with Colville National Forest land managers, expanded the terrain, added chairlifts, created Sunrise Basin, and installed 20 new runs. The Angel Peak development followed in 2009, and its chairlifts were completed in time for the 2013-14 season. Today, on-mountain lodging and living development and year-round recreation opportunities are in the works. Ski49n.com 

Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area

Scandinavian immigrants were the first skiers here and, back then, what is now I-90 was called the Old Yellowstone Highway. The Idaho Ski Club constructed a rope tow for the 1935-1936 winter season. The following winter, the free ski school was created, and in February 1938, Lookout Pass Ski Area officially opened as one of America’s original ski areas. By winter 1941, the CCC had built the rustic lodge, and it’s now the Pacific Northwest’s second-oldest ski lodge that’s still operating. Lookout Ski Patrol was the 9th charter member of the newly-formed National Ski Patrol in 1938, making it the Inland Northwest’s longest-serving patrol. The first chairlift was installed in 1980, and the ski club oversaw operations until the 1990s. Now owned by Lookout Associates LLC, who added chairlifts and expanded the lodge over the years, Lookout Pass is renowned for its 400 inches of annual average snowfall.  Skilookout.com

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park

Originally called Mount Carlton, Mount Spokane became a State Park in July 1927, encompassing 1,500 acres at the time. In 1931, the Spokane Ski Club was founded and with help from the Selkirk Ski Club and Spokane Mountaineers, the groups purchased 500 acres and created rope tows, a small jump hill, and a lit hill for night skiing. Also during the 1930s, roads and trails were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Cook’s Cabin was completed, and the Vista House was built by a private contractor. The Mount Spokane Ski Patrol was founded in 1938, and today it claims to be one of the nation’s largest all-volunteer patrols. In 1946, the Mt. Spokane Ski Lift Association installed the “World’s First Double Chair Lift” on the south face. After a fire destroyed the original Grand Lodge in 1952, Lodge 1 and Chair 1 opened a few years later, followed by Lodge 2 and Chair 2 in 1961. The alpine ski area was overseen by the Mt. Spokane Ski Corporation until 1997 when the non-profit organization Mount Spokane 2000 took over concessionaire operations. Find more historical resources at Mountspokane.org and more info about the ski area at Mtspokane.com.

Silver Mountain Resort

Long-time locals may remember Jackass Mountain—the location of Noah Kellogg’s old Bunker Hill Mine—which operated as the Jackass Ski Bowl from 1968 to 1973. The moniker reputedly came about because of the horrible condition of the summit road. The City of Kellogg took over management in 1984 and renamed it Silverhorn Ski Area. In 1990, once the gondola was ready, it was renamed Silver Mountain. Six years later, Eagle Crest Partners purchased it and transformed the area into a resort, creating the Gondola Village, Morning Star Lodge, a 9-hole golf course, and Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark. Last fall, long-time Silver Mountain visitor Tryg Fortun, from Seattle, purchased the resort. silvermt.com //

Amy McCaffree plays in the snow with her husband, two children, and husky. She is Out There’s special section editor and wrote for the Family Winter Sports Guide in the October issue. Follow her adventures on Facebook @AmyOutdoorsSpokane or Instagram @adventure_amy_spokane. 

Flashback 1968: Jackass

“The town which was discovered by a Jackass— and which is inhabited by its descendants.” This phrase is the unofficial slogan of Kellogg, Idaho, according to the book Silver Valley by Arcadia Publishing. It references a day in 1885 when a miner named Noah Kellogg lost track of his mule, only to find she had stumbled across ore and what would be the future Bunker Hill and Sullivan mines. In 1968, a ski-resort opened and was named in honor of Kellogg’s original founder: Jackass Ski Bowl. Although Jackass Ski Bowl only lasted about five years before changing ownership and its name, some of the locals continue to call the resort by its original moniker. Jackass has become almost a term of endearment to those who cherish the Inland Northwest’s best-kept wintertime secret and its colorful history.

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At some resorts, a lift ticket is required to be on the slopes, and uphill traffic is prohibited; however, a growing number of ski areas, including Mt. Spokane, have responded to the surging interest in backcountry skiing and riding and interest in uphill travel at resorts by incorporating uphill travel and sidecountry opportunities into their winter sports offerings. The accompanying rules specifying when, where and how skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers can ascend the mountain are in place for the safety of all recreationists, resort guests and ski resort employees. When it comes to limited powder resources, there’s also an issue of fairness to the lift ticket and season pass holding riders looking for lift service to shred as many laps and carve as many turns as their legs can handle.

Mt. Spokane’s uphill policy serves many regular lift riders but also others who may only occasionally ski or snowboard in the downhill ski area. Many of the people who climb up Mt. Spokane in the winter from the snowmobile/Lower Selkirk parking lot are groups and families on snowshoes who stay outside of the ski area boundary on State Park trails, while the bulk of those skiers and splitboarders taking advantage of the designated in-bounds uphill route at Lodge 1 are usually geared up with climbing skins and backcountry gear and are there for one or more reasons: to get in shape, to practice with their backcountry gear in a safe environment, or to sneak in a few free powder runs.

Fitness Fanatics

A number of the regular uphill travelers disappearing up the mountain above Lodge 1 on any given morning are there to crank out as much climbing as they can as part of a personal fitness regimen often intended to keep their bodies tuned for future backcountry forays. These individuals typically have their highly breathable clothing dialed to limit sweating on the way up and some of them may time their ascents, trying to best personal records. With its proximity to downtown Spokane and the Valley, Mt. Spokane is the most convenient place for backcountry riders to build up their backcountry lungs and legs and possibly score a powder run or two before work on weekdays.

Practice Makes Perfect

Having a place where it’s legal and safe for people to gain experience with their backcountry ski or splitboard gear before heading out on backcountry riding adventures in more remote, consequential places is essential. Such practice is necessary to gain confidence and strength and to work the bugs out of touring gear and learn how to properly use avalanche safety gear that is standard for backcountry excursions. Heading up with a group of friends to get your backcountry gear and bodies tuned up also provides a great opportunity to socialize with and get to know the strengths, quirks and potential liabilities of future backcountry touring partners. Whether it’s a small group of friends or a large organized group of enthusiasts, climbing to the top offers quality social time with the chance to learn from others.

Powder Hounds

Some skiers and riders ski up Mt. Spokane with the main goal being to get in an extra untracked powder run or two before the lifts start running. Don’t expect to see these folks, usually flying solo or in small groups, lollygagging or chit-chatting much along the up-track, as they push to get as many powder runs in as possible while the uphill route is open.

Mt. Spokane Uphill Travel Policy Rules

Because the route designated by the Uphill Travel Policy resides within the Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park concession area, there are some rules to follow. During the week, guests must park at Lodge 1 between the two driveways on the lodge side of the road. On weekends, parking is moved to the employee space just uphill from Lodge 1. If guests will be parking before operational hours or on a non-operational day, they will need to display their Sno-Park permit.

The designated B-29 ascent route begins at the base of Lodge 1 and travels uphill, on the far left side (looking uphill), to the junction with B-29, following the outside edge of the groomed trail to the uphill junction with Tea Kettle. The uphill route then follows the outside edge of Tea Kettle adjacent to the ski area boundary to the summit. Uphill travelers must stay on the trail edge closest to the ski area boundary (left when travelling uphill). The uphill route is available from 6:30-9:10 a.m. on days when the resort is operating, with some exceptions several weekends a year when ski race events are scheduled (check Mt. Spokane’s uphill policy website for updates). At 9:10 a.m., skinners must be transitioned to downhill skiers regardless of where they are on the trail. Prior to 9:10 a.m., the descent route is limited to Tea Kettle/B29 only. After 9:10 a.m., any open run can be skied. Uphill travel according to the policy is also allowed on non-operational days, including from 6:30 a.m. until dusk on Mondays; 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tuesdays (except Holidays); and on Sunday evenings after the ski area has closed and the runs have been swept and cleared (usually 4:30 p.m. until the park closes at dusk).

Uphill travelers are also required to be visible (by wearing headlamps during hours of darkness) and yield to all downhill traffic (person or machine). Pets are not allowed in the ski area. Remember, it is a privilege to be granted this access, and we must be respectful to keep this good relationship. All uphill travelers in the patrolled ski area boundary are considered skiers and are required to familiarize themselves with the uphill ski policy as well as Mt. Spokane’s Skier’s Responsibility Code (found online). A designated and sanctioned uphill route at Mt. Spokane is a relatively new privilege, and, hopefully, such access will continue to expand at Mt. Spokane and at more resorts in the coming years. To read the full Mt. Spokane Uphill Travel Policy, visit www.mtspokane.com. // (Skye Schillhammer and Derrick Knowles)

Skye Schillhammer is a freelance photographer and bike shop employee at the Bike Hub in downtown Spokane. He wrote about paddleboarding in the Idaho backcountry in August.

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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 put them all through ski school – I’m a firm believer in that. That worked out great for us,” he says.

Before moving to the Spokane area in 2002 to manage Mt. Spokane, the McQuarrie family lived in Ketchikan, Alaska, which is where his oldest daughters initially learned to ski. When they weren’t using snowmobiles to access backcountry runs on the local Deer Mountain (there were no chairlifts), the family took the ferry to Canada and then drove inland for over an hour to ski and stay at Shamas Mountain in Terrace, British Columbia.

Each of the children had a different ski school experience – a combination of group lessons the first season followed by private ones in subsequent years. For example, his two youngest children started with Mt. Spokane’s “Mini Mites” program (for ages 4-6) followed by the “Mighty Mites” before progressing to multi-week group and private lessons.

“I didn’t put my kids into skis until each wanted to. I think it’s important not to push kids into it,” he says. “Children will whine and complain with their parents, but get them in a class, and they’re not going to whine in front of their peers. I just didn’t have the tenacity to teach my own kids.”

Ski training also begins at home, says McQuarrie. “The first thing I did was put them into the gear on the carpet. I think adults tend to take it all for granted – how skis feel – but it’s a huge change for kids, to be in boots and skis. So let them be in the gear at home. Let them hike around in their boots,” says McQuarrie.

Through the years, McQuarrie also learned from his missteps. “Whenever kids get tired or lose interest, get them inside and get them a hot cocoa. Just have fun with them as much as you can. I’ve made the mistake of pushing my kids too much,” he says.

From its extensive ski school program to its daycare facility, Mt. Spokane – like other regional ski areas – aims to ensure that skiers and snowboarders, parents and children, all feel safe and have fun on the mountain. Mt. Spokane and other regional resorts also participate in the national 5th Grade Ski/Ride Free Passport Program. “That’s a transitional age for kids,” says McQuarrie. “Studies have shown that if you learn to ski before that time, you’re likely to become a lifelong skier.”

Today, McQuarrie says he’d classify his children as all intermediate skiers.

“They can go most anywhere on the mountain but probably wouldn’t do too well off piste in the crud. Despite my warnings, they do go out of bounds. One daughter had to be rescued two winters ago after coming out on the road down by the Lower Mt. Kit Carson road parking lot!,” he says. “Regardless of training or instruction, some people progress very quickly, and others take a bit more time. Two things all ‘expert’ skiers have in common: lots of days and lots of mileage!”

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Located 25 miles northeast of Spokane, the park maintains 13,919 acres within the Selkirk Mountains. A Civilian Conservation Corps development project help turn the area into the first state park east of the Cascades.

The summit reaches an elevation of 5,889 feet with breathtaking views across several states and into Canada. Throughout winter, the park receives an average of 300 inches of snow. Winter recreation includes Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and tubing.

NORDIC SKIING
Unique to Mt. Spokane, the Nordic ski area is a destination location for skiers across several states and into Canada, according to George Momany, president of The Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation. In fact, Mt. Spokane is the second largest groomed Nordic ski area in Washington.
Until recently, the mountain offered 25 kilometers of trails. As of last year, the organization raised $17,000 and with help and cooperation from the Inland Empire Paper Company, now hosts more than 40 kilometers of trails.

The State Park and Nordic Ski Foundation are responsible for trail grooming which starts at the end of November and generally stops at the end of March. This year with funding from a new grant, grooming will continue into April as conditions permit. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., however, night skiing trails remain unlit. For more information and the Snow Report call (509) 238-4025.

Although Nordic skiing doesn’t require a ticket, a Sno-Park Permit must be purchased November 1 through May 1. “One pass can take a car load of people, and are good for the entire season,” Momany says. Passes are available at Fitness Fanatics, REI Outfitters, Mountain Gear, Bear Creek Lodge and the Mt. Spokane Ranger Station.

SPOKANE NORDIC SKI EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation was founded in 1999. Their main goal is to expand Nordic skiing and promote ski related activities in the Inland Northwest through education, Momany says.

The foundation supports skiers of all ages and skill levels including “children who can barely walk, active racers, to senior citizens,” Momany says. “Nordic skiing is a life-long sport because it’s medium impact,” he said. “Everyone from the very young to the very old can enjoy it.”

Foundation activities include the Nordic Kids Program for kids ages 4-18. Momany says Nordic skiing is a kid-friendly sport that works well with families. Sessions in January and February teach children and their parents proper techniques and the enjoyment of Nordic skiing, he said.

Adult clinics, including joint ventures with the Spokane Mountaineer Club, teach everything from basic instruction, to advanced technique. For more information about The Spokane Nordic Ski Education Foundation, including membership registration, visit http://www.spokanenordic.org/.

TIPS FOR SKIING
Rental equipment is available at Fitness Fanatics, REI Outfitters and Mountain Gear. Often overlooked by drivers, the road to the Nordic ski area leads to Selkirk Lodge, a heated lodge with picnic tables and trail maps. “This is the perfect place to rest and eat lunch before or after a day out on the trails,” Momany says. Tips from Momany:

• Don’t dress for Alpine skiing. You’ll be too warm. Rather, dress in layers as you would for a brisk walk in the cold.
• Leave dogs and sleds at home, as no other activities (including walking) are allowed on trails.
• Bring extra food, water and a friend for the day.
• When using unfamiliar trails, have a map and follow the signs along the way and most importantly, be aware of the distance you plan to travel and what you’re capable of.

For beginning skiers, Momany recommends taking Valley View Trail, south of Selkirk Lodge. This is a level, gently curved trail with wonderful views of Spokane Valley. Once you reach Junction One, take Sam’s Swoop Trail to Junction Two, and then Lodge Pole Trail to the Nova Hut. “This is a great place to take a break for first time skiers,” Momany says. From there you can either take Lodge Pole, Sam’s or Blue Jay and then Mountain View trail for the way back to Selkirk Lodge.

MT. SPOKANE SKI AND SNOWBOARD PARK
If Nordic skiing isn’t your style, visit Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park. The non-profit organization is operated by skiers and riders, for skiers and riders. The park pledges that “your dollars go right back into your mountain.” With five chair lifts and 45 designated runs, the mountain is perfect for enjoying local winter recreation. For more information about the park, including ticket prices call the lodge at (509) 238-2220 or visit,
http://www.mtspokane.com/lifttickets.php.

Whether you’re flying down powered hillsides at the Alpine park or gliding through groomed trails in the Nordic park, watch for bears, bobcats, moose, eagles, hawks and more. Most of all “bring some friends up to enjoy the mountain, its trails and have some fun,” Momany says.

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