This story was a bunch of fun to write and a great way for me to get psyched about the coming winter (regardless of what C. Mass has to say).
“5 No-Experience-Needed Snow Adventures“:
Guided Snowshoeing, Mt. Hood, OR
Dog sledding, Big Fork, MT
Snow Limo (snow gliding), Sun Peaks Resort BC
Fat (Snow) Bikes – Grand Targhee, ID (WY)
Avalanche Training, American Alpine Institute
Here is a scan of the article: Northwest Travel Magazine (PDF) or read an excerpt of the print edition: Northwest Travel Magazine online article
Here’s the Pre-Pub* words:
There are those of us who pray for snow. Snow provides a unique way of traveling over our landscape that invigorates both the mind and body. “Nothing gives better presence of mind and nimbleness; nothing steels the will power and freshens the mind as skiing,” Fridtjof Nansen, Norwegian Arctic Explorer, wrote of the added benefits of traveling over snow on his wooden skis.
As adventurers ourselves, we are always looking for new places, exciting experiences and great people to guide us on our journeys. Here are 5 No-Experience Needed Snow Adventures (and alternatives to skiing) that span the Northwest and offer fun, accessible opportunities to get you and the whole family out on the snow this winter.
Guided Snowshoeing at Mt. Hood, Dave Dierck- Inn of the White Salmon
A walk in the woods is an excellent introduction to snow bound travel- it’s simply walking with bigger shoes on your feet. Snow shoes these days are not the overblown wooden “tennis racquets” that you see hanging on rustic cabin walls for decoration- they are lightweight and compact, making it much easier for beginners to strap on and get out there. To help you with your introduction to the equipment and experience is Dave Dierck of The Inn of the White Salmon.
As one of the owners of the Inn, Dave has created “Stay and Play Packages”, providing you with a relaxing way to get outside from your own private base camp. Inside their Eco-Friendly Boutique Hotel you’re afforded both luxury and hostel-type rooms on the Columbia River Gorge in the inviting town of White Salmon, WA. The Inn of the White Salmon is located 65 miles east of Portland, Oregon, and 10 minutes from Downtown Hood River.
I recommend the Bed+Ride+Trek package designed with economy and entry level skills in mind. Dave will set you up with equipment, take you to the trailhead and guide you a walk in the timber-lined trails around the Mt. Hood National Forest. As you wander through the snow-covered old growth trees, you’ll gain experience and knowledge of the sport and the natural setting around the area.
Guide: Dangerous Dave of The Inn of the White Salmon.
Eat & Drink: Everybody’s Brewing- brewpub in White Salmon offering affordable, large portions of highest quality local ingredients. It has the “best beer, atmosphere, music and seasonal food – not too expensive” Becky Brun. Marketing and Membership Manager of Gorge Owned (GO!)
Dog sledding, Big Fork MT, Mark Schurk- Base Camp Big Fork
Whether or not we have it written down, we all have a Bucket List somewhere in the back of our minds. As a dog-lover and snow adventure junkie, Dogsledding–aka Mushing–is now in my Top 5. Talking with Mark Schurke, owner of Base Camp Big Fork, gave me the push (or should I say pull) needed to move Musher up the list. Unlike most dog sledding outfits across the country, Base Camp Dogsledding, provides a “hands on” approach allowing you, the participant, the opportunity to drive your own team of friendly and hard working Inuit Sled Dogs.
Big Fork, MT is an undiscovered area that is close enough to other amenities, while providing access to an instant backcountry experience. Their trips are customized to your wants, needs, and abilities. Custom-built experiences that range from physically limited to active can be delivered providing you the opportunity to do as much of the work as you’d like with the dogs- including harnessing and caring for your team. Schurke likens his business to a “Microbrewery of Outdoor Adventure” – offering quality over quantity.
A deeper part of the experience is learning about these northern breeds and this particular Inuit Dog – a rare primitive breed. Schurk is intent on maintaining the legacy of the breed and using them as work dogs, as they have been doing for thousands of years. Schurke injects, “It’s hard to replace (this breed) as a reliable means of transport. These dogs have explored the ends of the earth.” You can hear the connection that he has to the pack through the passion ringing through his voice as he speaks about his trips and team.
This is not a cookie-cutter outfit and while you may hear some of his same jokes, the terrain provided is unparallel in this region. Schurke has plenty of routes to choose from in the postcard Montana terrain of the Flathead National Forest- a part of the state where the big mountains and thick forests provide for narrow trails that offer the challenge of sledding over logs, through “dips, bumps and kelly humps.” The mixture of the terrain varies from old growth pines to newer aspen groves with beaver ponds and marshes. In the snow, you can expect to see elk, wolf and bear tracks and wolf kill sites.
You really get to interact with the dogs. Dogs are not chained up- free range dogs! Stop and give praise and create bonds with dogs. Dogs are instant friends. There’s something powerful about being with the dogs in the elements while embracing the cold.
“Harnessing the energy of the dogs and the feeling of uncertainty adds to excitement as you enjoy the non-motorized bygone era of mushing.” Schurke describes it as “organized chaos – a true team building experience and then the moment when you unhook the sled and you’re off and they’re running as you soak in the silence of the motor as the dogs pull you across the snow.” Mush ON!
Guide: Mark Schurke of Base Camp Big Fork
Eat & Drink: The Raven offers lakeside dining where you can grab a meal and watch the sunset on the water in Woods Bay on Flathead Lake. You know you’re eating in Montana when Famous Spring Brook Ranch Yak Meatloaf or Candied Bacon Blue Cheese burger is on the menu. The Raven is the backbone for the nightlife of Big Fork with live music. Don’t miss special New Year’s Day Polar Plunge.
sidebar: Popular Area Attractions
• Glacier National Park
• Bigfork Village
• Whitefish Mountain Resort
• Blacktail Mountain Ski Area
• Jewel Basin Hiking Area
• Flathead Lake
• Swan Valley
• Bob Marshall Wilderness
• National Bison Range
Snow Limo (snow gliding), Sun Peaks Resort BC, Snow Limo Tours
My parents have never seen their granddaughter ski. Sure, they’ve seen photos and even some shaky video, but to actually be next to her on the slopes just hasn’t been possible. They aren’t skiers. Like many Active Matures of the Baby Boomer era, my folks like to get outside and have fun with the grandkids. Now, they have the opportunity to be able to glide downslope alongside them as they schuss the slopes. The solution is found in a Snow Limo.
I imagine my parents, sitting in these outdoor La-Z-Boy Recliners enjoying the gravity-fed and environmentally-friendly ride. The Snow Limo is a combination of a sit-ski and a dog-sled. This provides the flexibility to lean into the turns and stimulate a skiing-like experience- with the comfort and security of a dog sled for the passengers. Even without kids to watch, this is a great opportunity for non-skiers to get the sensation of sliding on snow and soaking in the surroundings.
“Snow Limo makes the on-mountain snow gliding experience accessible to everyone! Non-skier/boarder Parents and Grandparents can now witness the exploits of family youngsters firsthand, ‘live and on the slopes’! It’s the best way to glide along snow-covered mountain trails, enjoy breathtaking vistas and actually join your group, friends or family on the slopes!” explains Robert Lueftner of Snow Limo Tours- founded 2012 and is operational in ski resorts across British Columbia Canada.
Guides: Robert Lueftner’s Snow Limo Tours
Eat and Drink:
Masa’s Bar + Grill is centrally located in the Village Day Lodge and a great place to stop for a quick lunch or a family dinner. Masa’s features impressive nightly specials for both friends and families. Masa’s menu has a wide variety of appetizers, salads, kid’s items, and traditional favourites. It’s is the perfect place to meet after skiing to tell stories and fill up on a fabulous meal while watching your favorite sports on one of their numerous HDTVs.
Sun Peaks sidebar: Other Sun Peaks Winter Activities
Fat Bikes. “Fad or Function?” seems to be the question. Go find out for yourself at Grand Targhee Resort on your own FAT Bike. The bikes are essentially mountain bike frames with wide FAT knobby tires. Four inches of surface area will provide the pleasure of cruising on the 15km of groomed cross-country ski trails within the resort. The neighboring communities of Victor, Driggs and Alta have also allowed this new and unique way to ride bikes year round.
The Grand Targhee Nordic Trail System offers varying degrees of difficulty on the trails. The Green (beginner) trails include the Hampster Loop Trail (1.3 km) and the Snowdrift Loop Trail (2.0 km). Blue (intermediate) trails feature the Nordic Connector Trail (1.7 km) and Rick’s Basin Loop Trail (2.0 km) with enough elevation gain, aka “hills” to get a good workout and some thrills. If you really want to turn it up, head out on the Quakie Ridge Loop Trail (4.2 km) that reaches its’ max elevation at 8,175 ft (total elevation gain is only 461 ft).
When you look around the resort it seems like a little Disneyland in the mountains, with the assortment of ways people are choosing to propel themselves across the blanketed landscape. The Activity Center is your one-stop adventure concierge for everything available to you and your family throughout Grand Targhee Resort. The staff will hook you up with Naturalist Snowshoe Tours, Nordic Skiing, Tubing Hill, Sleighrides and more to choose from.
Guides: self-guided
Eat & Drink: The Branding Iron Grill is the best-kept dining secret in Teton County and Grand Targhee Resort. Enjoy mountainside dining with selections from a full menu including authentic Rocky Mountain fare featuring the delectable Teton Meatloaf, Elk Flank Steak and Bison Reuben. It offers a welcoming atmosphere that is upscale, casual, and family friendly. Stay through Sunday so you can try the Durham Ranch House Smoked Prime Rib.
Avalanche Training, various locations in WA Cascades, American Alpine Institute
My first time on telemark skis (1993) was on a weekend trip into the Sawtooth Mountains north of Sun Valley, Idaho. I was out for an educational adventure- Avalanche Training: 3 days of intense, awe-inspiring lessons that gave me a solid foundation to help me travel safely through the backcountry snow. With the increase in ease of accessibility, it is important for us all to have the knowledge necessary to enjoy the experience. As snow adventurers, you owe it to yourself, friends and family to expand your knowledge and comfort levels.
Based in my hometown of Bellingham, WA, American Alpine Institute (AAI) offers many courses (and global trips) to choose from. These courses are essential for all types of snow-bound recreationists. “On average 37 people are killed each year by avalanches in the United States alone. Almost all of these avalanches are started by the people caught in them. Some basic level or training and knowledge can dramatically increase your margin of safety while traveling in the backcountry.” – AAI.
AAI offers Avalanche Training courses in Bellingham and Mt. Baker, WA; Seattle/Olympia and Mt. Rainier, WA; Leavenworth and Blewett Pass, WA; Spokane and Mt. Spokane, WA. The courses are offered between December – March and last for 3 days (2 evenings and 2 Field Days). The cost is location dependent.
The first course is Avalanche Training AIARE 1, where you will learn a basic understanding of avalanches with insight into their types, characteristics, terrain and how they form and release. You will learn what to look for in the snow pack, how to test stability, how to read terrain and avoid danger zones. You will learn and practice how to rescue yourself and partners if caught in an avalanche. This foundational knowledge is essential for all of us who enjoy getting out there in the snow. If you are newbie or a veteran, you owe it to yourself the experience afforded in this class.
Guides: American Alpine Institute
Eat & Drink: If you take the course at Mt. Baker, stop on your way home from the mountain at The North Fork Brewery: Pizzeria, Beer Shrine and Wedding Chapel. My favorite beer on tap is the Son of Frog, which like all their beers is produced in the time-intensive style of British Ales. The small batches are hand transferred from fermentation to conditioning and on to serving tanks where they are served directly into the tap room, ensuring a fresh pint every pour.
~ Todd Elsworth
*Pre-Pub doesn’t mean “before I went to the bar”. This is my original copy. It was edited (thank goodness) by the editor before publishing. Thank you also to my editor LMG in the process.
