Gear Guides

Looking for a killer workout without the lift lines or the $200 price tag? Cross-country skiing is Seattle’s best-kept winter secret. Whether you're gliding through the silent, snow-covered pines at Hyak or pushing your cardio on the groomed trails of Cabin Creek, Nordic skiing offers a serene yet rigorous way to experience the PNW. We’re breaking down the "classic" vs. "skate" debate and showing you how to get started for the cost of a couple of lattes.

What’s inside:

• Classic vs. Skate: Which style is right for your fitness goals?
• The "Weight" Factor: Why XC skis are sized by how much you weigh, not how tall you are.
• Beginner’s Loop: Why Hyak is the perfect "flat-ground" training zone for your first trip.

Ready to stop catching edges and start carving? Snowboarding is all about that initial "click," but the wrong gear can make the learning curve feel like a brick wall. We’ve built the ultimate guide for new riders in Seattle—from choosing a "forgiving" board flex to mastering your stance. Skip the frustration of beat-up resort rentals and learn how a personalized setup in Capitol Hill can fast-track your progress at Summit West or Stevens Pass.

What’s inside:

• Regular vs. Goofy: How to find your lead foot before you hit the snow.
• The "Falling" Phase: Essential protective gear that keeps you from calling it quits early.
• Pro Stance Setup: Why binding angles matter and how our staff dials them in for you.

If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Forget the steep learning curves of skiing—snowshoeing is the ultimate "low-barrier" entry to winter wonderlands like Snoqualmie and Mt. Rainier. From picking the right size for your weight to finding the best beginner trails near Seattle, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to hit the snow with confidence.

What’s inside:

• Gear Basics: Why "flotation" matters and why you actually need those poles.
• The Right Fit: How to size snowshoes based on your gear weight (not your feet).
• Pro Tips: How to layer like a pro so you don't sweat through your base layers.

Dreaming of untouched powder and quiet ridgelines but don't know where to start? Transitioning from the resort to the backcountry is a big leap, but it doesn't have to be an intimidating one. We’re laying out the ultimate beginner’s roadmap—from your first AIARE safety course to choosing a "blue square" tour at Snoqualmie Pass. Learn how to gear up without breaking the bank and why your first tour should always start with a plan.

What’s inside:

• Safety First: The non-negotiables of avalanche education and rescue gear.
• The Gear Gap: Understanding the difference between resort and touring equipment.
• Local Beta: Three beginner-friendly zones near Seattle to test your "skinning" legs.

The Snowboarder’s Guide to Splitboarding
Preview: Tired of watching your skier friends disappear into the trees while you're stuck in the lift line? Splitboarding is the ultimate "cheat code" for snowboarders who want to explore the backcountry without learning to ski. We’re breaking down the transition from resort riding to touring—from how to handle your first "transition" on the summit to why a splitboard rental is the smartest way to find your perfect setup.

What’s inside:

• How It Works: A 101 on "Tour Mode" vs. "Ride Mode."
• Skinning for Riders: Why poles are your new best friends on the uphill.
• The Gear Checklist: Everything from Spark R&D bindings to collapsible poles.

We’ve all been there: You wake up at 5:00 AM to beat the I-90 traffic, only to spend two hours standing in a crowded rental basement at the pass. What if you could skip the line entirely? Discover how renting your skis in Capitol Hill changes the game. From expert boot fitting while you grab your morning coffee to arriving at Snoqualmie or Stevens ready to head straight to the lift—this is how you maximize your vertical and minimize the headache.

What’s inside:

• The Math: Why renting in the city is cheaper and faster than renting at the resort.
• The Fit: Why "close enough" isn't good enough for ski boots (and how we fix it).
• Local Beta: The best parking spots at Stevens and Snoqualmie for an easy "boots-on" arrival.