How To Become Salomon Ambassador ?

A you a fan of the Salomon brand ? Love downhill/cross country skiing, snowboarding, hiking, trail running, or adventure travel in general ?

Then YOU can become a Salomon brand ambassador/social media influencer !

Fatbiking At Iron Horse State Park In Washington

A few years ago, almost nobody had heard of fat biking. Nowadays, fat-biking ( don't mistake it with ski-biking ! ) is gaining traction around the country, especially in places where winter is more than just 3 calendar months.

Fatties have been around for more than a decade but have only captured the mainstream cycling world's attention over the past couple of years because of their versatility and a rise in extreme adventure races.

To grow the popularity of this new snow activity, more ski resorts are offering fat tire bikes for rent, and grooming snowy trails specifically for fat biking enthusiasts.

Fat biking is slowing but gradually gaining popularity in Washington state, especially in places with established cross country skiing traditions such as Leavenworth and Winthrop.

Basically, wherever there is a cross country trail ( groomed or not ), fat biking is allowed.

This year, I finally managed to get my hands on a relatively affordable fat bike, and really hoped to enjoy Winter Wonderland in a new and exciting way !

I couldn't wait to test ride it at one of my favorite cross country skiing Snow parks - Hyak Sno Park which is located withing the Iron Horse State Park.

But unfortunately, 2015 was another horrible ski season in Washington state. Some say, it could be the worst ski season in 40+ years ! Many ski areas around the state closed lifts (or shut down completely) and canceled lessons as the warm, wet weather washed out skiing and boarding.

During my trip in the middle of February, Hyak Ski Area ( Summit East ) was closed, with barely any snow on the slopes, and non on the ground.

I rode my fat bike for a few miles, crossing patches of snow now and then, but eventually, I decided to give up.

But I still had tons of fun ! Fat bikes definitely make it easier to ride in such "impassable" conditions as in snow, sand, mud, ice or over rocks. But that doesn't necessarily make it effortless. You might stay more upright, but you still really need to muscle your way through snowdrifts or thick sand. You're definitely going to get in a workout !

Cross Country Skiing At The Summit At Snoqualmie

Looking for some winter fun beyond snowboarding or downhill skiing? Try cross country skiing !

Using the recommendations from 100 Best Cross Country Ski Trails in Washington that I mentioned in my previous post, I went XC ( cross country skiing ) at the Summit at Snoqualmie.

Nordic Center at the Summit at Snoqualmie ( also known as The Summit East ) offers an incredible system of trails that boasts a network of over 50km. It's an amazing place for cross country ( nordic ) skiers and snowshoers of all ages and skill levels. Beginners and families can easily hone their skills, while experts can take on the challenge of steep terrain and an array of un-groomed runs.

100 Best Cross Country Ski Trails In Washington

Cross country skiing is a great, invigorating, affordable, and simple-to-learn sport. Not a lot of gear required – just good, healthy fun! It is both easy and accessible.
According to Vicky Spring and Tom Kirkendall the authors of  100 Best Cross Country Ski Trails in Washington

The mountainous terrain throughout the entire Washington state ensures that all of Washington's residents have access to excellent cross-country skiing, whether on groomed trails, on scenic logging roads, or on open slopes of glacier-covered volcanoes.

That's true. Almost all ski areas in our state have groomed/ungroomed XC trails that are easily accessible, withing driving distance form Seattle and well maintained.

But you don't have to limit yourself to the same places.