a Little Light

Note: This piece will end up being published in an upcoming Mentor newsletter. This is what it is prior to the inevitable edits. Enjoy.

Winter season in Pullman can be frustrating and depressing. No one likes icy sidewalks, freezing temperatures, shortened days and travel limitations. While the common reaction to adverse weather conditions is to curl up into the nice warm sheets of your bed, some individuals will pack their gear and head to the peaks of mountains for some winter action courtesy of skis or snowboards. In the next few hundred words, I’ll be breaking down the sport of snowboarding – with information that boarders of all skill levels can use.

The first step to snowboarding is getting your stance down and picking out the right gear.

Here’s a test to determine if you are regular or goofy. Stand with legs shoulder width. Then have someone push you from behind – fairly hard. The foot you lead with to regain balance should be your comfortable lead foot. Alternatively, picture yourself sliding on ice. Which foot is in front? That’s your lead foot. For most people – those who are right handed – will likely find that their left foot is their left foot.

If you haven’t been snowboarding before, there are 3 ways to try gear before investing in your own: your friend, at the mountain or at your friendly neighborhood OREC. For exact fit custom to your needs, you might want to check with the professionals. While renting at the slopes might be most convenient, you can get the best bang for your buck at the WSU Outdoor Recreation Center. The OREC offers an entire snowboard package (boots, board and bindings) for $18.50 a day. And if it’s a Sunday or Holiday, it doesn’t count toward you days loaned total.

Now let’s look at some of the possibilities on this side of the state.

Bluewood – Bluewood is actually the closest slope to Pullman, and is one of the better kept secrets for snowboarding. A straight line from Pullman to Dayton, where Bluewood is located, is roughly 60 miles away. With lift tickets under $40 and hardly any crowds, this place is a winner. Just understand that the lifts are slow and the runs are limited.

Mt. Spokane – Mt. Spokane is a non-profit park, and is another affordable a humble slope. This is a well rounded mountain with even runs for everyone to enjoy. Conditions vary at this slope, and limited visibility is a common characteristic here. Still, Mt. Spokane is a nice mountain to enjoy on off days with good conditions.

Silver – When you’d like to step up a little, Silver is a solid choice. With nearly 70 different runs, Silver has something for everyone. Advanced boarders will appreciate the double black diamonds and have fun on the less traveled Wardner Peak – usually littered with powder. Although many riders often find themselves wishing for high-speed lifts at a resort such as this.

Schweitzer – One of the premier Mountains in the nation, Schweitzer is one of the largest resorts in all of North America. It’s not easy – parking is expensive, $50 for students and a nearly 3 hour drive from Pullman – but once there, you’ll experience on of the best boarding and skiing runs possible.

Well, there you go. While there are other close mountains like 49 North and Lookout Pass, the list provided should give you some exposure to the slopes around here.

Happy shredding!