Oliver (Ollie) Peck: age 5, skier at 49˚ North

Landon McCaffree: age 10, skier at Mt. Spokane

Kendal Brumet: age 11, skier at Lookout Pass

Libby Collins: age 12, skier at Silver Mountain

Family Winter Sports Guide sponsored by Ski the Northwest Rockies association.

Amy McCaffree has been a freelance writer for Out There since 2006, and is Out There Kids columnist and special section editor. She started skiing in 9th grade, taking lessons with her junior high Ski Club at Ski Acres at Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade Mountains. Since winter 2003-04, she has been a season pass skier at Mt. Spokane.

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Green Circle—Tips for First-timers 

Pasino ‘s first recommendation is to start at the gear shop, whether renting or purchasing, and kindly refuse any friend’s offer to loan old equipment for a first trip to the ski hill. As she points out, “The dialed-in fit and safety components offered by reputable gear shops are crucial for a safe and fun first experience.” After that, the top recommendation for new skiers and riders is to invest in a lesson. Most resorts offer both group and individual lessons for youth and adults, and “getting started on the right foot makes a BIG difference” in terms of long-term enjoyment of the sport.  

Blue Square—Intermediate Advice 

The most important aspect of the transition from green circle to blue square and beyond comes down to equipment upgrades. Pasino explains that “Beginner equipment is designed to be soft and flexible to make low-speed turning easy,” and ski bindings are set to break away easily in the event of a fall. “Those settings no longer support the higher speed and more aggressive turns typically made on steeper blue runs.”  Once one’s equipment is ready for intermediate runs, Pasino recommends that skiers work on speed control through turn shape (not the beginner snowplow), focusing on achieving more control of the ski while requiring less effort by changing the turning radius. 

Black Diamond and Beyond—Transitioning to Advanced Terrain 

The most important tip for those transitioning to black diamond and tree skiing runs is to study the resort maps and “know the exits and don’t end up in situations without an out,” advises Pasino. Skiers and riders who don’t know the area well can accidently find themselves out of bounds or in dangerous terrain. Once you have planned a route, the next important skill to master has to do with ski tactics. As Pasino explains, “What you look at is what you ski at: Focus between trees [not at trees], and look several turns ahead.”  It’s also important to be physically ready for the demands of more intense runs. Pasino cautions to “Avoid being tense. Instead, be fluid as you move down the hill.”  As a final takeaway, she reminds skiers and boarders alike that it’s our feet that are attached: “The most efficiency and control comes through the lower joints, feet and ankles.” //

Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month 

It’s also worth looking ahead to January, which is Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month.  All local resorts will offer discounts on lessons, which could make an excellent Christmas gift for a prospective skier or rider. At 49 Degrees North, the resort is also offering a series of intermediate/advanced clinics, for women only. Each clinic runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and costs $59. The first in the series will be held on Dec. 16 and will be focused on “Starting Off the Season Strong” by building good habits that will lead to improvements over the entire season. //

Holly Weiler learned to ski the hard way: a 60-minute lesson from a friend’s mogul–racing stepfather. She writes the Hike of the Month for each issue.  

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Humans were NEVER meant to Hibernate

January is national “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month!”  For Washington and Idaho locals, January is a great time to try a new winter activity or get back on the mountain. All four of Ski the NW Rockies’ resorts (49 Degrees North, Lookout Pass, Mt. Spokane and Silver Mountain) are offering a variety of programs during January 2013 for children and adults who want to learn to ski or snowboard, or simply improve their skills.

Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month (LSSM) is a national effort organized by the snow sports industry to get adults and children outside in the winter to learn a new activity.  This year LSSM is encouraging you to Bring a Friend with their new Bring a Friend Challenge which offers incentives for current participants who introduce friends or family members to lessons from a professional. The Bring a Friend web site (http://www.bringafriend.org ) provides details about the Challenge that runs through March 17, 2013.

Ski the NW Rockies offers an “EZ Ski or Ride 1-2-3” package at each member resort, which includes three lift tickets, three rentals, and three lessons. Prices range from $99 – $129, depending on the mountain. For more information, visithttp://www.skinwrockies.com/ez-ski-ride-1-2-3.

Following are Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month offerings from each Ski the NW Rockies resorts during the month of January. Complete information on lessons and other programs is available on www.skinwrockies.com/learn-a-snowsport-month.

• 49º North: Try the “Learn To” package for $79. The package includes a 1 ½ hour group lesson, rental equipment, and a Chair 3 lift ticket that will access beginner and novice terrain. Group lessons are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
• Lookout Pass: Lookout’s nationally recognized Free Ski School for Kids, ages 6-17, is offered every Saturday morning beginning January 12^th and running through March 16^th.  All participants much be signed up by January 26^st.  There is also a Snow Bus available for adults and children during this time period.  Check Lookout’s website for departure times and locations.   If you are looking to get off the groomers then consider coming to the Next Level Clinics on Sunday’s for just $35 a session or $120 for a month.
• Mt. Spokane: Mt. Spokane’s “Never Ever” Package includes an all-day lift ticket for Chair 5 (beginner hill), a 2-hour group lesson and all-day rentals for $69. Lessons being daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.. Purchase a Never Ever Package in January and receive a Mt. Spokane collector’s pin.  As well, in January the Ladies can come for a special day of instruction, skiing and pampering on January 11.  Ladies Days will also be in February and March.
• Silver Mountain Resort:  For the month of January learn to ski or ride for only $49 Adult and $39 youth with their LSSM package.  This includes a day lift ticket, lesson, rental, and is available every Monday and Thursday of January.  If you are looking to take your skills to the “Next Step” past the beginner’s day but still need instruction than do so for just $80.

About Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month

Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month is a national initiative organized by industry associations throughout the month of January to encourage children and adults to learn alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other human propelled snow sports by taking lessons from a professional instructor. To learn more, visit http://www.skiandsnowboardmonth.org/.

About Ski the NW Rockies

Ski the NW Rockies is a non-profit association representing the Inland Northwest snow sports industry, including four ski areas and industry retailers. Ski the NW Rockies is comprised of four local, accessible mountains, all within 100 miles of Spokane. Silver Mountain, 49° North, Lookout Pass, and Mt. Spokane all offer affordable winter fun for the whole family. To learn more, visitwww.skinwrockies.com.

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