Be patient: More snow will get here

I've noticed the locals have been remarkably polite about the ski conditions in the area. Maybe we just think our optimistic thoughts will bring us good snow karma. Or maybe it's because it is what it is, and let's make the most of it.

After all, we are used to having more snow this time of year. But the weather has been mild, the visibility has been great, and we've been having fun on the slopes regardless. It beats a day at the mall or in front of the Xbox any day. So we've had a slow start to the season. It will pick up.

We see the silver lining. The snow will come. It has to. But for now, let's enjoy the leisurely start to our ski day. All that powder just makes me stressed out anyway. You have to rush to make it to first chair and worry about all those people in line in front of you. Now, I can take my time, work on my form and even stop for lunch and a beer.

Or, we could go cross country skiing! Nordic skiing on the whole seems to get a bad rap. For some reason, it's not cool. True, it's not an adrenaline sport, but it certainly is an endorphin sport. It just so happens to dissipate my worries, such as: When is it going to snow more?

There is the classic (stride) skiing and then there is the even faster skate (glide) skiing. The skate skis are similar to the classic skis minus the fish scales in the middle of the ski, allowing you to use a rollerblading type motion to propel yourself even faster and to really get that heart pumping. It makes the holiday consumption season a break-even venture if you do it with regularity.

Jim Bauer lives in Spokane. He's an author, a marathon canoeist and an exceptional skate skier.

"I'm in a good age group (50s) so I win in my age group a lot," Bauer said.

Head out to the nordic trails at Mt. Spokane and you'll find Jim coaching the junior racers, the Selkirk Nordic Racing Team. Jim started the program this year. The kids are ages 12 to 19. They compete against teams from Bend, Sun Valley and the Methow Valley and train for races all over the region. This year, junior qualifiers for the national championships take place in Leavenworth, Bend and the Methow Valley.

Jim's brother Nick lives in Spokane with his wife, Debbie. Debbie is one of the top racers in the country. She competes in Loppets, a series of 50-kilometer races held in places such as Alaska, Wisconsin and West Yellowstone. She usually beats out about 7,995 of the 8,000 aerodynamically clad racers.

The Bauers, originally from the Midwest, moved to the area for the great nordic skiing options.

"It's a lot like Oslo, Norway, in that respect," said Jim Bauer.

The Bauers were kind enough to make some area trail recommendations for us recreational mortals.

The Mt Spokane trails are in great shape right now. With 25 kilometers of scenic groomed trails, they are your best bet in the Spokane area until we get more snow.

Schweitzer Mountain has 25 kilometers of groomed trails with wonderful views. The higher elevation trails are in great condition. Trails are not ideal for beginners however. A beginner trail is under construction for possible opening this winter. Schweitzer offers ski rentals, lessons, clinics and fun competitions. You can get more information at www.schweitzer.com

Fourth of July Pass has great beginner trails. They aren't skiable right now and need 6 to 8 more inches before they are ready. Call the Fernan District Ranger Office at 208-269-3000 for the latest grooming information. Ski free day at Fourth of July Pass will take place Jan. 8, conditions allowing, with lessons, snacks and more.

The Spokane Mountaineers organize group ski outings regularly. A full list of events can be found at www.spokanemountaineers.org. The New Year's Day ski sounds like a great way to start the year.

May the holidays bring you great joy - in other words, abundant snowfall.

THIS WEEKEND

Today: Santa takes a ski break at Lookout Pass and Schweitzer. He has his priorities too.

Saturday: Visit www.ski-inlandnorthwest.com for Holiday hours at your favorite ski resort.

SIDEBAR:LOCALLYSNOW PACK UNSTABLE Snow conditions in much of the Inland Northwest are cause for concern for backcountry travelers beyond groomed trails and slopes. Snow depths have been skimpy, and the little that's on the ground is unstable and prone to sliding in many areas. The combination of snow, rain, warming and cooling has left weak layers in the shallow snowpack, said Keith Wakefield, recreation ranger for the Colville National Forest.

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