Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6-7 p.m.

Bring a headlamp to participate in a torchlight ski down the big hill at 6:45 p.m. to honor Chris Rudolph, Jim Jack and Johnny Brennan

The public is welcome. No ski pass or trail ticket is required. Wednesday is Family Night at the Ski Hill. The lodge and rope tows will be open for normal operations until 6 p.m.

http://www.skileavenworth.com/about/news/feb-22nd-memorial-johnny-chris-jim

About avalanche airbags

Steve Wagner, the CEO of ABS Airbags, which the lone survivor of the Stevens Pass avalanche was wearing at the time of the accident, says he is sickened by the tragedies in the Cascades last weekend.

“I’m sick and tired of losing friends; but it’s just the reality of being in the ocean, the mountains…it really sucks,” he said.

Wagner said that avalanche airbags are not a new technology, as reported in some media. ABS, he said, was started in 1985.

“It’s really an old technology that has been refined,” Wagner said, estimating that the ABS Twinbag has saved about 300 people since its inception and since 1991 the company has had a 97 percent survivor rate.

“It’s all about saving the lives of people and having them come home to their friends and family,” Wagner added.

He said that anybody who is on a slope in the backcountry of about 30 degrees or more should be wearing an avalanche air bag. “They should first take an avalanche awareness course, carry a beacon probe and shovel and learn how to use the air bag.”

(Editor’s Note: Seattle’s Second Ascent in the Ballard neighborhood will be carrying ABS avalanche bags on their retail floor soon. Plan to spend between $800-$1,000.)

The accident Feb. 19, 2012

Our deepest sympathies go out to the four skiers who died over the weekend at Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Summit from deadly avalanches.

Sadly, Chris Rudolph, the marketing director at Stevens Pass, was among those killed.

We enjoyed working with Chris for many years. Always upbeat and full of energy and creative ideas, Chris created great opportunities for Stevens and was a rising star in the ski industry. Our staff at Outdoors NW will truly miss him, his positive outlook and his trademark baseball cap.  We extend our deepest sympathies to Chris’ friends and family as well as those of Jim Jack and John Brenan — who were with Chris on the mountain at Stevens —  and Karl Milanoski of Seattle who was swept off a cliff by an avalanche near Alpental, one of four resorts at The Summit at Snoqualmie.

http://www.saminfo.com/about/index.php?tid=5149

http://today.seattletimes.com/2012/02/stevens-pass-avalanche-victims-remembered-for-their-energy-passion/

http://today.seattletimes.com/2012/02/snowboarder-killed-in-alpental-avalanche-was-devoted-father/

NW Avalanche Center:

http://www.nwac.us/

>> Click image above or here to visit ABS-Airbag.com

By Rebecca Agiewich

It snowed the entire day during my first Hog Loppet in 2008. The next year, the sun shone and I saw what I’d missed the first time.

The scenery is spectacular along the mostly groomed 30-kilometer route that takes skiers on a rolling journey from the Mission Ridge Ski Area to Blewett Pass. When it’s clear, you can gorge yourself on a smorgasbord of Cascade views, including Glacier Peak, the Stewart Range, and Mount Rainier.

Even in less-than-perfect weather conditions, this non-competitive event is a blast. With the 24th annual Hog Loppet coming up on Feb. 25, 2012 here’s a preview of what to expect.

The route

The day starts between 7 and 8 a.m., with two chilly chairlift rides up Mission Ridge. After an exhilarating ski on the top of the ridge (groomed only once a year for Nordic skiers), you reach the only section of the Hog Loppet that’s ungroomed — a short descent below Mission Peak. This section is my favorite because it’s the most wild. It’s also the site of many face plants, which can be entertaining (until it’s your own). After this challenging downhill section, you’re back on forest service roads lovingly and repeatedly groomed by the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club, which runs the Hog Loppet. After a big climb of 1,200 feet, and a couple more miles of rolling terrain, you reach the second aid station (out of three) where skiers can greedily gulp down hot chocolate, suck down snacks, and warm hands over a fire.

Photo by Dane Doerflinger

When the going gets tough, think “calories burned”

Next you ski along Tronsen Ridge toward Haney Meadows, where some mighty views will be revealed if it’s clear. If it’s not, just focus on how many calories you’re burning. The last five miles, from Haney Meadows to Blewett Pass, offer up views of Table Mountain and the Enchantments, and are a downhill glide in the right conditions. In the wrong conditions — heavy new snow, for example — you’ll have to work just a little harder (again, think calories burned!) Either way, the big yellow finish line warms the cold bones when you finally glide under it.

Eating and sleeping

Now it’s time to gobble back all those calories. There is a wide range of options.

Plenty of food is available at the finish line, for starters. Then you can head to the after party at the Leavenworth Festhalle, which features beer, bands, and burgers.

In Wenatchee, you can’t go wrong with McGlinn’s Public House, a lively place packed with locals that serves huge portions of stellar pub food and good microbrews. Chateau Faire Le Pont Winery serves exquisite food with its great selection of wines, and also has entertaining live music. For a special calorie-laden indulgence, stop at the Cashmere Cider Mill for an apple butter milkshake, a treat you won’t soon forget. Please note that reservations are required in winter.

Do your body a favor and treat yourself to a comfortable bed before and after the Hog Loppet. Several hotels in Leavenworth offer discounts to Hog Loppet skiers, including the Icicle Inn. In Wenatchee, the Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel is a great option, since the shuttle to the Hog Loppet picks skiers up there. The Springhill Suites Wenatchee, just down the street, is new, plush, and comfy.

All of the options are so comfy in fact, you might want to make this a long weekend to enjoy all that the area has to offer, including plentiful sunshine, great downhill skiing at Mission Ridge, and more wineries than you can shake a ski pole at.

If you go

General Information

• Register for the Hog Loppet, read about the course, see the maps, and more on the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club site.

• Wenatchee Valley Vistor’s Bureau

• Visit Leavenworth Washington

Hotels

• Springhill Suites Wenatchee

• Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel

• Icicle Inn

Restaurants

• McGlinn’s Public House

• Chateau Faire Le Pont Winery

• Washington Apple Country and the Cashmere Cider Mill

Next week Outdoors NW will be heading north to Alyeska Resort and Anchorage to scope out adventures for our readers and web followers. We’ll report back on ease of transportation from the lower 48, sample the mountain and the wares of several outfitters up north, and finally, head to the big city where we’ll check out Fur Rondy, the annual winter festival leading up to the Iditarod on the first weekend in March. An Outdoors NW first: we’ll be live-tweeting from the 49th state all week, so you can be along for the ride with us. Follow us on Twitter (@outdoorsnwmag) to get the freshest report on the epic winter Alaska is having this year.

Stay tuned for a more in-depth analysis of Alaska vacation options in our next Western Snow Sports edition this fall.

Recycled Cycles opens Fremont location

Recycled Cycles opened its second location in Seattle on Wednesday, Feb. 15. The new bike shop is located at 1109 N. 35th Street, just off Stone Way in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, and is attached to the company’s warehouse. We got a sneak peek inside, where co-owners Steve Donahue and Scott Martini were setting up.

“It’s a great neighborhood, and hopefully this second location will be more convenient for our customers who live west of Stone Way,” says Donahue.

So now you can drop off your bike for a tune and go visit the Lenin statue, the troll or any other of Fremont’s quirky offerings — all in one trip.

Visit them at 1109 N. 35th St., Seattle. http://www.recycledcycles.com/

Playback Sports

Great news for our readers in the south Sound looking for some sweet gear.

Ken and Micah Campbell goofing off back in 2010

Playback Sports, the only used sporting goods store in the south Sound is partnering with Azimuth Expeditions, a long-time Tacoma paddlesports outfitter. They will be opening a new store at 2621 N. Proctor St. in March.

Ken Campbell, owner and operator of Azimuth Expeditions, is ready.

“I’m excited to be opening a shop like this. The Puget Sound area is made for paddlesports and it’s great to be in a position to help people as they learn to explore the beauty and the freedom that this area has to offer,” says Campbell.

Azimuth Expeditions will offer a selection of new and used kayaks, canoes and Stand Up Paddleboards, as well as a variety of other paddling gear. “Used boats and consignment items, along with rentals, are a key to getting more people out on the water,” Campbell continues. “This partnership will help to ensure that Tacoma-area enthusiasts have a place to go to get the things they need, at prices that make sense.”

“The mission of Playback Sports is to promote the reuse of sporting goods and equipment, thereby providing high quality gear and clothing at affordable prices,” explains owner Karlan Jessen. “We see value in facilitating access to sport for those who see the cost of gear as a barrier. We strive to emphasize the concept, ‘reduce what you buy, reuse, repair, recycle and reimagine.’ It is our hope that this new location will not only help us grow as a company, but it will help our community as well.”

By Suzanne Johnson

Photo at right: The Edison Sno-Park off the Cascade Lakes Highway is Bend’s best spot for a dog-friendly snow outing. Photo by Suzanne Johnson

In Central Oregon, winter can stretch from November well into April. Rather than hibernating inside, embrace the snow-covered trails near Bend with a cross-country ski or snowshoe adventure—and stay fueled up with picnic fare that reflects the true Central Oregon spirit.

Here are my top choices for winter picnics in Bend.

Picnic Idea One

The Skate Ski Day-Starter at Meissner Shelter

Some people ease into their vacation days, lounging over coffee and planning the day. Others dash out the door, squeezing the most out of every minute. If you fall into the latter group, start your day by skiing into the Virginia Meissner shelter for a well-earned breakfast picnic.

Fourteen miles from Bend, the Meissner Sno-Park is extremely popular, with more than 40 kilometers of meticulously groomed trails. Skiers don’t need a trail pass, but we encourage you to make a donation to the Meissner Nordic ski club, the local group responsible for trail maintenance.

Picnic Essentials

A skier takes a break at the Meissner Sno-Park which has over 40k of groomed ski trails and two log shelters. Photo by Jeff Johnson

The afternoon before your breakfast picnic, stop into Baked, the tiny bakery that creates great big flavors in its hearty breads and pastries. You can’t stop in for breakfast, because they don’t open until noon, but you can choose a few goodies for your drive up the mountain the next morning.

The morning of your picnic, before heading up to ski, stop in at Mother’s Juice Café for coffee and breakfast sandwiches to go; just ask the café staff to double-wrap the sandwiches in foil.

The Baden-Baden sandwich is a personal favorite, with eggs, avocado and tomato; bacon worshippers will surely love the Good Morning Sunshine sandwich. Bring in your thermos to fill with hot chai tea made with My Chai, a locally brewed mix that is less sweet and more flavorful than the standard boxed concentrate.

To get there:

Just past mile marker 14 on the Cascade Lakes Highway, turn right into the Virginia Meissner Sno-Park. A quick study of the map at the trailhead will show you the most direct route to the shelter: head straight out on the wide, rolling skiers’ highway known as Tangent Loop, then head left onto Manzanita.

Two sturdy log shelters sit at the highest point of a ridge along the Manzanita trail, each with a cast-iron wood-burning stove. Early morning visitors will need to stoke up the fire, but chances are good the coals will still be live from the prior evening’s visitors. Logs are stacked outside along the shelter walls to feed the fire.

While the stove warms up, skiers can head out on one of the longer and more challenging trails branching off from the shelters. Take the long loop on the Wednesdays trail or add some good climbs with a detour onto Pine Drops. Be sure you’ve got your map to navigate the intersections. Once back at the shelter, rest the foil-wrapped sandwiches on the woodstove, and enjoy a cup of chai while they warm.

Picnic Idea Two

Ski in for lunch at the Edison Sno‑Park

Some days, you just can’t leave your four-legged friends behind. Bend’s best spot for a dog-friendly snow outing is Edison Sno-Park, located a few miles off the Cascade Lakes Highway. You won’t find any groomed trails here, so break out a sturdy pair of classic skis and be prepared to make your own tracks.

A one-mile jaunt along Light Bulb trail brings you to the Edison Shelter, where your first task should be to check the woodstove. Be sure you’ve got fire-starting materials to get the fire roaring before you venture out to explore nearby trails, such as High Voltage or Short Circuit.

Picnic Essentials

Little-Bit-Mores

The dogs will be working hard to bound through the snow, so pack extra water, a bag of kibbles and a small bowl. Second, pick up a package of Smokey Joes, the miniature sausages found in the hot dog section of most grocery stores. We use fondue forks to roast them over the fire, and eat them plain or tucked into a small section of bun. The tastiest little hot dog ever! Keep the fondue forks going with “Little-Bit-Mores”— the mini version of S’mores. Toast mini marshmallows over the fire, then layer on animal crackers with chocolate chips.

To get there:

Head out on Cascade Lakes Highway for 18 miles to the Sunriver turn-off. Follow the curves for about five miles, watching for Edison Sno-Park on the right. Snowmobilers often start out from the Edison Sno-Park, so stay off the motorized trails to avoid user conflict.

Picnic Idea Three

Snowshoe and Stargaze at Swampy Lakes

The first stars come out on an unexpected clear dusk at Swampy Lakes. Photo by Suzanne Johnson

Clear, starry winter nights don’t come often in the Cascades, but when they do they’re worth experiencing. Many folks love the full moon, but new moons or crescent moons keep the sky at its darkest, making the constellations pop.

The Swampy Shelter is tucked into the woods, just a short walk from the parking lot. The proximity makes it a perfect base camp, allowing snowshoers to venture out as far as they like and to follow their own tracks back. Headlamps help greatly while trekking, but at some point, turn them off and let your eyes adjust to see the winter constellations, such as Orion, Sirius, and Taurus, roll across the sky.

Picnic essentials:

Bend is known for more than outdoor recreation—it’s also home to a dozen micro-breweries. Stop in at Silver Moon, Boneyard Ales, or 10 Barrel Brewing with a growler to fill with one of their seasonal brews that can’t be found bottled in stores. Don’t forget a non-alcoholic beverage for your designated driver!

Crackers, fruit, and cheese round out the picnic, especially if the cheese is Tumalo Farm’s Pond Hopper, made in Central Oregon with goat milk and Deschutes Brewery’s Mirror Pond Ale. Stick a few candles in your pack as well, to light up the shelter for a cozy evening you’ll long remember.

Suzanne Johnson lives, writes, and plays in the Cascade Mountains of Central Oregon with her family of adventure-prone boys. Find more of her writing at OregonAdventurist.com.

Winter Picnic Essentials

Sno-Park parking pass, available at the Department of Motor Vehicles, or at most outdoor gear shops in Bend

Emergency gear, including a map, compass or GPS, extra water and warm clothing

Fire-starting material, for the woodstoves in the Sno-Park shelters

Swampy Lakes Sno-Park map

Resources

Oregon Sno-Park Permits: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/vehicle/sno_park_permits.shtml

Meissner Nordic Ski Club: http://www.meissnernordic.org

Baked: http://www.facebook.com/bakedinbend

Mother’s Juice Café: http://www.mothersjuicecafe.com

Boneyard Brewing: www.boneyardbeer.com

Silver Moon Brewing: www.silvermoonbrewing.com

10 Barrel Brewing: www.10barrel.com

Readers who enjoyed this article will also enjoy these!

>> Cross country skiing: Nordic Perfection

>> Winter: Backcountry Tips

>> Winter Lodging Directory

>> Getting Back Into Nordic Skiing

By Kelly Ault

Snowshoes are no exception in the gender-specific designs that meet the distinct biomechanical needs of men, women and kids. From the specific frame geometry and bindings orientation to graphics and aesthetics, snowshoe enthusiasts can land a custom fit.

For women, a narrower nose improves maneuverability and “step-in” padded bindings make for a comfortable entry and quick exit. Kids’ snowshoes, too, are abundant with convenient design features, such as adjustable footbeds that can expand with the child’s foot size and fuss-free strapping.

Type of snow

There are snowshoe sizes and types for the whole family – even for independent 9-year-old types. Photo by Carolyn Price

Envisioning the type of snow that will most likely be underfoot will guide the appropriate style and size of snowshoe.

Heavy, wet or icy snow conditions, often experienced in the Northwest, call for smaller snowshoes with grip-enhancing crampons. Lighter, drier snow or fresh powder, necessitates a larger snowshoe with greater flotation. A smaller snowshoe will suffice on firmer conditions, such as those found on a rolling, packed trail or for kids traversing front-yard snowbanks.

Footwear

Depending on the type of snowshoeing activity and snow conditions, you have a choice of footwear. The casual hiker and walker might prefer insulated or rubber boots, while athletes would find running shoes made of a waterproof material more comfortable on packed snow trails.

In powder or wet snow, waterproof hiking shoes or boots are recommended and for backcountry sojourns, waterproof, insulated hiking boots will ensure a safe and comfortable experience. You may also want to wear waterproof nylon gaiters to prevent snow from entering the tops of your boots.

Poles

Many snowshoers use poles to improve balance, reduce bodily stress or to stimulate an upper-body workout. Although snowshoers use alpine, cross country, or backcountry ski poles, made from fiberglass, aluminum, or graphite, increasingly snowshoers are appreciating the adjustability and lightweight nature of backcountry poles.

Courtesy of SnowSports Industries America (SIA) and Snowlink.com.

By Karen Sykes

Photo at right: The groomed tracks near the Fish Hatchery in Leavenworth are a perfect place to start, or kick-start, your cross-country ski habit. Photo by Carolyn Price

The last time I cross-country skied was in 2000 during a Seattle snowstorm. I skied from Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood to Magnolia, about a four-miler round-trip on hilly streets with light snow—I haven’t skied since.

The boots were tight. The skis were old; I was old. I never replaced the equipment and didn’t go skiing again. But with each passing year and summer hiking in my blood, the Nordic bug struck again.

My partner, Bob, and I knew much had changed over the last 11 years so we decided to give it another go—this time with new equipment that fit. We also agreed we needed to start a pre-season conditioning program.

I’ve learned a lot from my foray back into cross-country skiing, so I hope the tips and information below might prove useful to those new to cross-country skiing or those (like us) getting back into the sport after several years.

What type of skier are you?

In our hunt to find equipment that would help us ski better and not injure ourselves, we visited several retail stores to gather pre-purchase information. Again and again, we were asked what kind of cross-country skiing were we going to do?

I remembered we had preferred skiing on logging roads because they were less crowded and wider than single-track or groomed trails with more room to fall down, which we did plenty of. We found out there’re fancy names—with equipment made for each—for different kinds of Nordic skiing:

Ski touring—this is a broad category but is generally mellow and well-suited to those who enjoy hiking and watching nature. Skiing logging roads is just one example.

Trail skiing—places more emphasis on fitness but is also fun—these include groomed trails (a flat surface with grooves on each side of the trail). This attracts beginners as well as more advanced skiers looking for speed and a predictable surface to ski on. Many Sno-Parks and Nordic resorts offer track skiing, ranging from easy to challenging.

Backcountry skiing—this type of skiing is for the more adventuresome skier. You create your own track in the snow on a variety of terrain ranging from gentle country to climbing and skiing down a mountain. Backcountry skiing goes beyond roads and tracks and often involves route-finding and/or multi-day travel.

Telemark—is poetry in motion—in other words well beyond our ability. Learning how takes practice and patience.

Whatever your skill level, remember, it’s all about having fun. Don’t fret about right/wrong techniques but if skiing becomes more of a struggle than fun, then consider taking a lesson (see Nordic Resources, page 18).

Equipment

The choices you make when it comes to buying equipment depend on the kind of skiing you want to do. Specifics are beyond the scope of this article but here are a few guidelines.

In general, skis are shorter and wider today (and so are some of us). Hint: longer skies glide better but it’s harder to make turns.

Start out with properly sized waxless skis. As your skills progress try more specialized equipment (ski mountaineering and telemark gear are for advanced skiers). If you don’t know what length of ski you need, there are sizing charts and trained retail salespeople to help you figure that out.

Make sure boots fit—skis should have manual step-in bindings. Bindings are the system that attaches boots to the skis. Step-in bindings hold the toes of the boots on the skis leaving the heel free to kick and propelling the skier forward. Buy bindings and boots together because not all manufacturers’ equipment is compatible. Boots should be at least ankle high. Poles can be adjustable or fixed length.

Before You Go: Be Prepared

In addition to the 10 Essentials, take duct tape. It won’t fix a compound fracture but it will protect a blister or hold skis and poles together. Your pack should include medications and/or other personal essentials. A map, compass (or GPS) can’t help if you don’t know how to use them. If you lack route-finding skills, stick to marked trails.

Dress in layers: polypropylene tops/bottoms/underwear, down/fleece or wool shirt/jacket/vest, waterproof shells, hats, gloves and a dry set of extra clothing. To keep warm add a hat, another layer or dry gloves (carry spares). Chemical hand-warmers are great—they weigh little and provide quick warmth. Take an insulated pad to sit on for rest/lunch breaks.

Don’t forget waterproof sunscreen and sunglasses for sun protection. Apply sunscreen under chin, back of neck, nose and tips of ears. Protect your lips. I forgot to do so once and my lips were so swollen I looked like a candidate for a horror movie. Some lip-balms have SPF protection.

WWW—(no, that’s not a website!). Tell someone where you are going, when you’ll return and whom to call; (don’t rely on cell phones—reception can be spotty).

For lunch take something warm (a Thermos of soup, tea or chocolate), food that won’t freeze and is easy to handle. Energy gels are handy—they offer energy for about an hour. Forget bananas—ever try to peel a frozen banana with wool gloves or frozen fingers? Skip the diet. Enjoy those M&Ms—fat helps keep you warm and sugar provides short-term energy. Drink water—even if you’re not thirsty. Carry emergency food but make sure it’s something you like to eat.

Know your skill set

Remember: no two people’s abilities and pace are alike. In a mixed group, Nordic Centers are a good place for an outing with friends. Slower-paced skiers can take shelter inside if their more experienced companions are not yet ready to come in from the cold.

Conditioning

Get or stay in condition. The best way to get in shape for skiing is to ski. Practice where snow conditions are ideal — not too hilly or snow too icy
or soft.

Speaking from my own experience, I suggest you develop your own falling technique. Mine is the “induced fall,” where it’s better to fall than to keep going at a speed you can’t control. Fall sideways or sit down when you feel yourself losing control — if you fight gravity you risk pulling a muscle or straining a ligament.

Where to go

Sno-Parks—yes, we know—another fee. Go ahead and grumble—we do—but it’s also nice to find your car where you left it when you’re ready to go home. Know when and where they are required.

A Sno-Park is a designated area for skiers/snowshoers to park their vehicles and you need a Sno-Park Permit to park there. Vehicles without a Sno-Park permit are likely to be ticketed and incur a hefty fine. Washington, Oregon and Idaho have reciprocity on Sno-Park permits. Log onto either Washington or Oregon state parks, then click on links with additional information including where to obtain Sno-Park Permits. (See page 15 for more on Sno-Park Permits.)

Karen Sykes is a Washington native, an avid hiker, photographer and free-lance writer.

>> Nordic Resources

Readers who enjoyed this article will also enjoy these!

>> Cross country skiing: Nordic Perfection

>> Winter: Backcountry Tips

>> Winter Lodging Directory

>> Private: Winter Picnics in Bend

Photo at right: Baristas extraordinaire: Karena, Kendall and Lisa with our latest issue. Photo by Hilary Meyerson

Our winter issue is out and on the stands! This month, we’re featuring Monkey Grind Espresso in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood, one of the many places you can pick up your free copy of Outdoors NW. Karena, Kendall and Lisa are our favorite baristas there. We stopped by to chat and get some tasty drinks and snacks:

Monkey Grind Espresso, 518 N. 85th Street, Seattle, Outdoors NW pick up point of the month.

Their favorite drink to make:

Karena: “I like making mochas.”

Kendall: “Americanos.”

Lisa: “Definitely Americanos. They’re simple.”

Best part of being a barista:

Karena: “You just hang out and talk to people all day.”

Kendall: “I get to be myself completely. It’s the most wonderful job ever.”

Lisa: “The hours.”

What they like about Outdoors NW magazine:

Karena: “It gives you ideas for adventures.”

Kendall: “I like the giveaways.”

Lisa: “I like the photos. Also, I really like the socks on the cyclist on the cover.”

Stop in and say hi to them when you’re picking up your copy of Outdoors NW. Thanks for the pound cake, ladies!

>> Click here to see Monkey Grind Espresso on Facebook!

>> and their Web site: www.monkeygrind.com

by Hilary Meyerson

There’s a moment at the beginning of every ski day, just before I unload from the chairlift for that first run, which gives me a special thrill. It’s the thrill of anticipation of another great day ahead.

Even on familiar ground, I know the day will hold surprises. There are plenty of fresh tracks to put down and novel delights to be discovered on trails I’ve skied countless times. At the top of that first lift, I don’t know exactly what the day will bring, but I know it will be amazing.

It’s a brief moment, but one I savor before pushing off.

It’s showtime!

That feeling is a little bit like the one I have now, as I write my first editor’s note of Outdoors NW. I’m thrilled to join the Outdoors NW team as we head into a year that promises big things for the magazine.

This Winter edition launches our new column, Weekender, which features unique weekend travel destinations in the Northwest. Since we’re geographically surrounded with so many great places to write about, we’re not able to fit all the stories in print editions. What that said, Weekender will also launch online Feb. 16 with a new story about every two weeks – exclusive to our Web site, www.outdoorsnw.com. (See page 30 for our first story on the North Cascades Basecamp in the Methow Valley and our line-up of online stories over the next two months.)

Our online presence will expand in other ways this year, with thriving social media and community forums so that our readers can let us know what they’re up to and what they want us to cover.

We hope to continue a dialogue with our readers in both print and online, so that when we head into 2013 (our 25th year!), we’re just as relevant to the Northwest outdoors enthusiast as we were when the magazine launched.

Meanwhile, I can’t wait to get started. It’s showtime.

Hilary Meyerson, Editor

Comments? Email Hilary >>

The nation’s largest breast cancer charity, and sponsor of many fundraising sports races and events, announced this week that it will be suspending grants to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screening and other breast health services. The foundation states that the suspension is due to an investigation of Planned Parenthood that was launched by conservative Representative Cliff Stearns, R-Fla. So far, two Democratic members of Congress, including Washington State’s Patty Murray have denounced the action. “I am extremely disappointed that politics is once again coming between women and their health-care needs. Breast-cancer screenings should not be a political issue, and I am very concerned that this decision by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation will cut women off from the health-care providers they rely on for critical preventive care,” said Murray. “At the heart of this issue is the shameful ‘investigation’ of Planned Parenthood by House Republicans trying to score political points and appease their extreme right-wing base. Komen should not allow these sort of partisan games to put women across America at risk.” The news brought swift and passionate reactions on Twitter (see #Komen discussion) and Facebook. We’ll be watching to see how the news impacts registration and participation at Northwest races and events.

Online poll:

In the comments, please let us know whether the news will impact your decision to participate in Komen-sponsored events, such as Race for the Cure or the Breast Cancer 3-day. We will report the results on Monday, Feb. 6.

Photo at right: The old Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon starting line in Tukwila. Photo courtesy of Competitor Group

The 2012 Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon has a new route. Say goodbye to busses to Tukwila: this year’s event will start and finish at Seattle Center. The half and full will both route around iconic spots in Seattle, while the full will take runners around Seward Park and out and back over I-90. It’s a familiar route for local runners, but with the bands every mile on the course adding a twist to an old favorite.

http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/seattle/event-details

Burke-Gilman Trail Re-Opening Delayed

A steamroller finishes up on Burke-Gilman. Photo by Eli Brownell, King County Parks

The long-awaited re-opening of the Burke-Gilman redevelopment project between NE 145^th and Ballinger Way NE has been pushed back again, due to the recent storms. Originally scheduled to re-open back in December, soil problems and drainage issues have held up the project. The new opening date is tentatively set for Feb. 10.

“We lost an entire week of work because of the recent snow, and some of the bigger items on our remaining work list need to be done in dry weather – including much of the work involving the 170^th intersection,” said Doug Williams of King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. Here’s hoping there are no more unexpected delays – riders are itching to get back out on the trail to train for upcoming cycling season.

For the details on this project, go to: http://www.kingcounty.gov/operations/capitalImprovements/parkscip/projects/burkegilmantrail.aspx

Get ready to Hog Loppet

The spectacular 30k Hog Loppet is back for its 24^th year Feb. 25. Starting from the top of Mission Ridge, the trek continues through the Cascades to Blewett Pass near US 97.

Aid stations provide snack, water, and emergency equipment along the way. Though this isn’t a competitive event, it’s not recommended for first-time skiers. Participants should be prepared to be self-sufficient throughout the day.

http://www.skileavenworth.com/events/hog-loppet

Climb for a Cause

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has taken breast cancer research fundraising to new heights. For those seeking to experience a thrilling adventure while raising funds and awareness of breast cancer, the Climb to Fight Breast Cancer offers a unique opportunity.

Participants are paired with professional climbing guides to help them navigate some of the world’s most breathtaking mountains, while volunteers help out with fundraising guidance. Training groups are formed based on the peak of your choice – Mt. Rainier, Denali or Kilimanjaro among others. Participants looking to donate without picking up an ice axe can do a virtual climb.

http://getinvolved.fhcrc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=2011climb_greeting

Sno-Park, Discover Pass permit updates

Hitting the snow trails this winter? Here’s a tip: If you have a current Seasonal Sno-Park Permit, you don’t need to purchase a Discover Pass to visit a designated Sno-Park between now and March 31.

However, if you have a Daily Sno-Park pass, you’ll also need a one-day Discover Pass or an annual Discover Pass to visit the following locations: Crystal Springs Sno-Park, Lake Easton State Park, Lake Wenatchee State Park, Fields Spring State Park, Mount Spokane State Park and Mount Tahoma Trail system.

Sno-Park Seasonal Permits are non-transferable between vehicles. Some Sno-Parks require only a seasonal permit for season parking. Others require both the seasonal permit and the special groomed trails permit (sticker) in order to use the designated Sno-Park.

These special Groomed Trails Permits are required at only the following eight Sno-Parks: Cabin Creek, Chiwawa, Crystal Springs, Hyak, Lake Easton State Park, Lake Wenatchee Park, Mount Spokane State Park and Nason Ridge. Funds from these sales pay for more frequent trail grooming at these Sno-Parks and the maintenance and replacement of snow grooming equipment owned by Washington State Parks.

Find out more at: http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov and http://www.parks.wa.gov/winter/permits/.

In Oregon: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/vehicle/sno_park_permits.shtml