Winter 2007

Photo by Grant Gunderson

Featured Articles

What’s new up the mountain?
The biggest news at Mt. Baker this year is not the $1.3 million upgrade of chair three from a double chair lift to a quad, or the fiber optic upgrades installed around the perimeter for better security and communications.

Climbing on Ice
There’s no doubt about the challenge involved in this esoteric climbing specialty.

Entering Birdsview Brewery...
Bill Voight finally realized what he wanted to do when he grew up.

Running the Nooksack
Dave Button got hooked when he took a ride down the Colorado River’s big water in 1973. He promptly started a river rafting business of his own in the North Cascades, beginning on the Skagit, a river he’s known all his life. He’s now been a rafting guide for 33 years, having turned an exciting avocation into a profession.

Backcountry skiing in the North Cascades
This winter, many will undoubtedly hit the slopes at the Mt. Baker Ski Area. While the area accommodates skiers of all levels, those looking for a challenge, or at least a good mountain journey, can find exciting opportunities in the backcountry.

Lots on tap at N. Cascades Institute
The North Cascades Institute (NCI) in Sedro Woolley celebrated its 20th anniversary this year by expanding their offerings over the winter and spring with field seminars held in various locations in Skagit and Whatcom counties.

Get yer thrills on the slopes, not the roads
It takes a combination of preparation and technique to keep the potentially nasty surprises out of your winter driving. The following was gleaned through interviews with police, state patrol troopers, two truck operators, mechanics and the owner of an auto parts store.

Remember the batteries for the GPS
A hiker who was rescued after being lost in the snow four days near Church Mountain was arrested earlier this month after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials allegedly found three pounds of marijuana in his backpack.