Snowbound for Adventure

Program provides outdoor fun for everyone

While the snow melted weeks ago on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, it is still accumulating foot upon foot in the mountains of Western Washington. With so many ski resorts nearby it is hard to decide just where to ski and snowboard, but the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation has you covered with trips planned through March.

“We try to offer a good mix of all the local ski resorts. One weekend we may go to Crystal Mountain, the next one White Pass, Stevens Pass and some in Snoqualmie Pass, if a person was interested in hitting all of the local ski resorts they would have the chance to do that with us,” Adventure Program Manager Rick Kivett said.

For $40, trip goers receive equipment rental for the day and transportation to and from JBLM. The newly equipped rental shops feature top of the line gear, primarily from Rossignol. If you have your own gear, trips are $20 for transportation. Lift tickets can be purchased at the mountain and all offer a military discount. Trips to White Pass are $95, but that includes a lift ticket and a lesson at any skill level.

The Northwest Adventure Center and McChord Adventures Unlimited can also do most repairs and maintenance on skis and snowboards. Sharpening, rust removal, binding adjustments and hot wax are all available starting at $8.

But the winter fun doesn’t stop at downhill skiing and snowboarding. There are also cross-country ski, snowshoe, snow tube and snowmobile trips. These trips not only offer an escape into a winter wonderland, but the tools to do it on your own in the future.

“You have an experienced guide that will get you there, teach you how to do the activity and guide you through the environment,” Kivett said.

The trails range in difficulty levels and length, so be sure to pick the trails appropriate to your needs before booking a trip. Some trips can be tailored for exceptional family members, and include snowmobiling and snow tubing.

“We use our gas and you get to relax there and on the way back,” Kivett said. “Our guides are experienced outdoorsmen and can offer tips and tricks to the various place we go.”

Snowshoe and snow tubing costs $35; snowmobiling costs $125 with lower prices available for passengers.

Trips vary in size depending on the popularity of the program and available transportation. To see a complete list of open trips, prices and details, visit jblmmwr.com. Registration is available on WebTrac, by phone, and in person at the Northwest Adventure Center on Lewis North or Adventures Unlimited on McChord.

For upcoming trips from Outdoor Recreation, click here.