To any new members: Welcome!

Christopher Rueth said:

What a great way to connect in this area, I am really looking for some good snowshoeing hikes. I've been going to a lot of resorts but would like to use my snowshoes instead.

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stokedroxbury said:

Hey everyone! My wife and I just moved to the Spokane area (from MN) in June 2020 and are loving it so far. She skis and I snowboard, and we met while instructing at Beaver Creek over a decade ago. We had always envisioned moving back to CO, but after a ton of research, we decided the less-crowded, more laid-back vibe of the Inland Northwest was more our style. No more I-70 chaos to access the goods!

Anyway, we're both pretty advanced and experienced ability-wise, but we are very new to the backcountry scene. We're still very much in the novice/learning/equipment acquisition/avvy training/route research/etc. part of the journey, and until we do all of that and "know before we go," we won't be venturing out. I figured this site would be an amazing resource for us, though, so I decided to join ASAP as we continue to learn the area and prepare for our new adventures.

So happy to have discovered this site and such a dedicated and knowledgeable community, and I look forward to all the stoke that awaits once we're good and ready. Thanks, guys!

Rob

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RadBrad said:

Hello Backcountry Skiers,
This is my first year with touring gear and loving it! Bagged an unnamed mountain east of Lookout Pass two weeks ago. Was great track-able corn snow and the mountain even had a survival storm shelter on top! Bluebird day and did some Go Pro action.
I was wondering if anybody has any beta on a big peak just off the 90 fwy, East bound, south side about the Cataldo exit. If you've made this drive, you've seen this peak. I'm wondering how accessible it is and how close driving one can approach it. The peak from afar even looks like a ski resort but, isn't. If you've salivated over this backcountry peak and know the one I'm talking about, let me know please! I'm looking for some ideas for a great second day, spring, day, ski tour.
Thank you!
Rad Brad

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idsnowghost said:

Welcome to Panhandle Backcountry! (You can introduce yourself in this thread!)

PanhandleBackcountry is a community of backcountry skiers and splitboarders in North Idaho, Eastern Washington and Northwestern Montana. Thanks for joining us and please participate in our forums where you can organize tours and events, check trip reports and route information, share snowpack observations and conditions, and talk about or trade your gear locally.

First things first..
Safe travel in the backcountry is of utmost importance:

Before you go make sure your group has the skills, knowledge and training to travel in avalanche terrain. Read the local avalanche advisory and always carry a shovel, probe and transceiver (plus cell phone and airbag). Be sure to check out our “Be Avalanche Aware” section with a full list of local avalanche education courses available and other avalanche safety tips and resources: http://www.panhandlebackcountry.com/safety/

Fill out your profile:

You can do this by clicking on your own username at page header or browsing to: http://www.panhandlebackcountry.com/account/

Upload an avatar and please fill out your profile as completely as possible, especially the "Training and Experience" section! This gives others an understanding of what level of backcountry experience you have. That way one can properly route find for each individual that may be in a group. Don't forget other sections like what gear you're rocking! Many people have questions about gear and if they see what you use, they may have questions as to what your thoughts on the gear is. Profiles can only be viewed by other logged-in members.

Get the weather forecast quickly:

We’ve compiled a list of weather forecasts and resources relevant to backcountry skiing and splitboarding in our area. Browse to http://www.panhandlebackcountry.com/weather/ to view time-lapse webcams, live weather data, SNOTEL reports, forecasts, radars and more. Local and regional avalanche advisories are also included on this page (as well as right on the homepage!)

Share a trip report:

Have you been out lately? Consider sharing your photos, conditions, pit data, beta or story with the rest of the community in the 'Trip Reports' forum. Reports can be as simple as a couple notes on conditions to full epic stories with several photos and video — the more information the better, but anything is helpful! Trip Reports are only viewable to logged in members. Collaborative knowledge can increase all members’ experience in the backcountry!

Connect with tour partners:

The backcountry is better with friends! If you’re looking to get out with others post in the 'Tour Partners' forum and link up with others. The more information you include on the tour or partners you’re seeking the better. It’s also a good idea to include your level of training and experience (and an acknowledgement you have the necessary gear) here if you’re new to the community.

Suggestions:

This community was built by a backcountry skier and splitboarder for our peers: skiers and splitboarders. We value suggestions and input from members and use them to shape the future of Panhandle Backcountry accordingly!

Stickers:

Want a free Panhandle Backcountry sticker to rock on your boards, nalgene or roof box? We have a couple different styles of die cut stickers to share! Send a private message to PowderPanda or me (idsnowghost) with your mailing address, or if local we can make arrangements to meet up. You can also buy stickers directly from our printer here! (we don't set the prices nor get a cut)

Thanks again for joining us! Please feel free introduce yourself to the community in this thread or ask any questions! Welcome!

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Been jamin' said:

Got my AAIRE 1 certification this last season. Recently moved to South West Oregon but grew up near the panhandle. Always good to see active members posting safety information and being supportive.

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