Troy Walch, a 42-year-old ski tech at Crow's Feet Commons, is the backcountry equivalent of a James Bond-meets-MacGyver mashup: smooth, prepared, and can fix anything. Athlete: Troy Walch, backcountry skier How long have you been a backcountry skier? How'd you get started? I’ve been hiking to ski lines for about 20 years now. I first moved […]
Snowriders Guide 2013
Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides
Ben Ferguson
From snowboarding grom to Olympic hopeful
Ben Ferguson, 18, is on the U.S. Snowboarding Team and an Olympic hopeful. He's also a darn nice guy. Athlete: Ben Ferguson, pro snowboarder How long have you been snowboarding? When did you start competing as a pro? My dad strapped a snowboard on my feet when I was 6 years old. I've been competing […]
Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides
Snowriding Suggestions
Where and how to get out there
Where to skate and classic ski: Meissner Nordic Community Ski Trails. With 40 kilometers of groomed ski trails, Meissner is a great option for beginners and experts alike. Go on a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday and enjoy gliding over freshly groomed corduroy. Skiing is free but the near daily maintenance is not—make an annual […]
Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides
Snowrider’s Guide
Four ways to enjoy winter, as told by local athletes from four different disciplines
This winter season the Northwest is in line for an above-average snowfall, at least according to AccuWeather.com‘s “Expert Long-Range Forecaster” Paul Pastelok. That’s good news—if you believe in such things. As for us, well, we don’t trust a forecast that’s more than a couple days down the road, but we will take September’s record-breaking snows […]
Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides
Sarah Max
Nordic Ski Goddess
Sarah Max, 38, is a writer, cyclocross racer and mother of two. She's also won the Pole Pedal Paddle an impressive three times and is arguably Bend's fastest female Nordic skier. Athlete: Sarah Max, Nordic skier How long have you been a Nordic skier? How'd you get started? I started Nordic skiing about 10 years […]
Posted inSpecial Issues & Guides
John Millslagle
The High Priest of Ski Patrol
John Millslagle has been a ski patroller longer than snowboarding has been an Olympic sport. Now 50 and starting his 20th season at Mt. Bachelor, he's showing no signs of slowing. Athlete: John Millslagle, Ski Patroller at Mt. Bachelor How long have you been a ski patroller? How'd you get started? I'm about to start […]