Winter weather is slowly but surely making its way to the Palouse and since we have already had our first snow, more is likely on the way soon.? While the snow and cold conditions make it difficult to do some of the outdoor activities we have all been accustomed to over the past half a year, it?s time to transition into winter activities.? Being centrally located here in Pullman, we have a lot of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the winter while it?s here.?
When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, WSU has a few great ski/snowboard resorts not too far away and each offers discount lift tickets and season passes for college students.? The four closest resorts, all within a couple of hours drive, are Schweitzer Mountain and Silver Mountain, both located across the border in Idaho, and Spokane Mountain and Bluewood Mountain here in Washington.? Each of these resorts offers a diverse array of terrain providing enjoyment for all levels of experience.? While not all of us have a vehicle to get to and from the slopes, thankfully the Outdoor Recreation Center (ORC) has multiple trips to a Silver Mountain and Schweitzer Mountain during the spring semester.? Additionally, personal trips are happening all the time; use the ORC Gnome Facebook Page to coordinate trips and find other skier/snowboarders (www.facebook.com/orcgnome).? Keep in mind, ORC has lift tickets, usually at a discounted rate, to many resorts around the area.? Also, check out the websites for each resort to find current rates.
Outside of the downhill sports, within close proximity we have some great winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails.? Kamiak Butte, just a short trip north of Pullman (~15 minutes), Moscow Mountain Majesty and Bill Chipman Palouse trail, located around Moscow, ID (~15-30 mintues) are a couple of trails close enough for a quick out an back trip.? There are many different trails in the National Forests surrounding the area North, East and South of Pullman.? These activities are among the best cardiovascular workouts someone can do, so ensure you are prepared for the elements you are going to encounter and always let someone know where you are going and when you plan on returning.? Knowing that the majority of us don?t have a lot of expendable income to purchase the gear needed for this type of outdoor excursion, thankfully we can rent gear at a very affordable rate from the ORC Rental Shop.? Also, the staff is experienced in many different areas of outdoor recreation and can help you when deciding what to rent and event where to go for a trip.
For some, the transition from summer to winter comes easily, but for others, a little nudge is needed.? Be the nudge for your friends and family.? Get them outside to enjoy the wonders that are only available during the snowy season.? I am looking forward to all of the excitement to come this winter.? Check the ORC Gnome Facebook Page and the ORC Calendar (http://orc.wsu.edu/calendar-of-events.aspx) for trips and events this upcoming winter.?
Source: http://imsports.wsu.edu/urecnews/post/2012/11/27/What-to-do-this-Winter.aspx
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