Mountains of Fun

Now that the holidays are behind us and winter is here you may find yourself restless and searching for activities. So, let us head into our own backyard and seek some outdoor adventure. Snow bunny or newcomer, our area mountains have a plethora of options.

We took a look at what White Pass offers: Alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, skate skiing, as well as snowshoeing. They offer lessons, guided tours, and multiple areas of space to play so that each family member will be more than comfortable on the slopes.

For the little children, White Pass has a daycare center open daily, as well as a Peewee Skee daycare program, which includes one hour of snow play and sliding with a member of the instructional staff.  Special child-sized skis make learning  easy.

For the children that are old enough, or craving adventure, there is a kids' clinic that offers full day skiing or snowboarding adventures for children ages 5 through 12. Children will enjoy spending a day with specialized children's instructors exploring the mountain and making new friends. Lunch, snacks, and lift tickets are included.

If the kids have all found activities that do not include having mom or dad around, there are options for the adult, from beginner and advanced.

Beginners may want to look at the 3-day EZ ski/ride package, which includes instruction, rental equipment and progressive lift tickets. The first lesson is basic, including equipment familiarization and basic movement on snow progressing to learning how to stop and turn. The EZ package may be utilized any three-days of the season.

For the novice mountain parent or family member, the Top of the Hill workshop may be what you are looking for. This workshop offers skiers and snowboarders, ages 18 and older, the opportunity to improve their technique with help from instructional staff. The series serves intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders, and utilizes advanced training techniques.

Tips from the mountain staff for making the best out of your White Pass adventure:

• If planning on having any lessons, try to arrive at least one hour prior to a ski or snowboard lesson. You will need to be fitted with proper equipment, which may take a few minutes.

• If you're not an early riser, take the noon or 2 p.m. lesson. Your beginner program includes a lesson, a beginner lift ticket, and ski or snowboard equipment (complete with boots and poles). Our rental team will outfit you with all your gear.

• Plan ahead, arrive early, take frequent breaks and be sure to eat and drink enough to keep your energy up.

• Keep a granola bar or cookie in an interior jacket pocket. Your body expends calories to keep your internal "thermostat" at a comfortable temperature, so a snack on the chairlift between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner is more than necessary.

• Don't spend an arm and a leg on clothing. You probably already own most of the necessary items. If you need to buy something, shop around. Most discount clothing apparel and sporting stores will stock everything you'll need. Specialty and niche stores will carry high-performance, name brand items, but if you're just starting, keep it simple.

• Even though temperatures are cool and you have a chairlift to transport you to the top of the mountain, you will need to drink lots of water. Make many stops at the drinking fountain. Some people even wear a hydration pack under their jacket.

• Never wear cotton while skiing or snowboarding. Cotton traps moisture next to your skin and allows heat to escape. When choosing ski or snowboard clothing, look for fabrics like Capilene, Thinsulate, Gore-Tex, Coolmax, or Polypropylene. These fabrics are specifically designed to keep heat in and moisture out. In the end, you'll be much more comfortable.

Sara Potter is a freelance journalist living in Centralia, with her husband and two daughters. She loves learning about all types of health and fitness, inside and outdoors.