The post Zwift – Virtual Riding 101 appeared first on Out There Venture.

The post Avalanche Awareness with Northwest Avalanche Center appeared first on Out There Venture.

The post Open climb at REI Spokane appeared first on Out There Venture.

The post Women’s Snowshoe Basics appeared first on Out There Venture.

REI Exec nominated to head Dept. of Interior

President Obama has nominated REI Chief Exec Sally Jewell as the next head of the Department of Interior. She’s the first woman named to his second-term cabinet, and a well-known name here in the Northwest. In her work at REI, she’s lead several conservation initiatives and is a long-time advocate for environmental causes. She also serves on the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and is a Regent for the University of Washington. Here’s to having the Northwest well-represented on the national stage – we wish her well in her Senate confirmation hearings.

The post REI’s Sally Jewell nominated for Obama Cabinet appeared first on Out There Venture.

The Washington State Trails Association is doing some outreach to the Spokane area. They have some cool trail work parties coming up. Here’s the details on their upcoming Spokane meeting:

Get to Know the Washington Trails Association
Thursday June 25, 7-8 P.M. at REI

Find out about WTA’s Hiking Trail Advocacy and Trail Maintenance Work Parties in the Spokane Area this Summer

Volunteer trail work is a fun, fulfilling way to get out in nature with old and new friends, learn about wilderness traditions and tools, and give something back to the trails that make it possible for so many of us to enjoy our treasured wild places and wildlife. Most of the volunteer trail maintenance projects this summer are being organized by Washington Trails Association (WTA), our state’s amazing hiking trail advocacy and trail maintenance organization. The WTA’s trail work program started in 1993, and was originally focused more on the west side of the state. Now the WTA is expanding efforts on eastside trails and needs our help to make this program grow. So please join us at REI to talk with local WTA members and volunteers about this great organization, and to show your support for WTA’s Spokane area trail efforts!

For lots more information and to sign up for any of the WTA projects listed below, go to www.wta.org or call 206-965-8561. Keep in mind that projects are only listed on WTA’s web site a month in advance.

WTA Work Parties on the Colville National Forest
July 11-July 12 (Kettle Crest, location TBA)
August 1-2 (Salmo Priest, Shedroof Divide)
August 8-10 (Backpack Trip, Salmo Priest, Salmo Loop)
August 22-23 (Salmo Priest, Crowell Ridge)
September 5-6 (Backpack Trip, Salmo Priest, Slate Creek)
September 12-13 (Salmo Priest, Shedroof Divide)

The WTA generally sets up a base camp for car camping, unless otherwise noted as an overnight backpack trip. The group will hike out to the work site for the day and then return in the late afternoon. Check the WTA website as each event approaches to see the final decision for these dates. The locations of these trips in the Colville National Forest may also change based on updated trail condition information.

Visit www.wta.org or call 206-965-8561 for details or to sign up.

Conservation NW Kettle Range Rendezvous Trail Work Weekend
June 27 & 28
Join Conservation Northwest for a fun weekend of camping, great food, music, hiking, and helping to keep our trails clear of downed trees and open for hiking! This is a great opportunity to join in all the fun of the popular Rendezvous hiking weekend AND help our trails. There will be trail work opportunities on both Saturday and Sunday, and you can sign up for one or both days. We will provide all the tools and volunteers need to bring sturdy boots; work clothes; lunch, snacks, and water; and all other warm, functional clothing, and supplies you think you’ll need for a day at work on a wilderness trail. E-mail dknowles@conservationnw.org for details and directions and to RSVP or call 509-747-1663.

Conservation NW Wilderness Backpack and Trail Clearing Trip
August 14-16—E-mail dknowles@conservationnw.org to sign up
We will be backpacking along the high, scenic Crowell Ridge arm of the Salmo Priest Wilderness Area before dropping down into lower elevations lands outside the wilderness boundary, which have been proposed for protection. Along the way we’ll be clearing the trail of downed trees and brush, and enjoying the solitude and beauty of one of Washington’s wildest, most remote corners. All backpacking meals and hand tools will be provided. All volunteers must be in good physical condition and have their own backpacking gear. Contact Derrick at dknowles@conservationnw.org or 509-747-1663 for details or to sign up.

WTA @ Iller Creek September 26-27
Join one or both days working at Iller Creek in the Spokane Valley.
Visit www.wta.org or call 206-965-8561 for details or to sign up.

WTA @ Iller Creek October 10-11
The final trip of the season at Iller Creek in the Spokane Valley.
Visit www.wta.org or call 206-965-8561 for details or to sign up.

The post Have Fun Doing Trail Work This Summer appeared first on Out There Venture.