We're hiring for a Ski and Snowboard Technician! Learn about open positions at Gearhouse Back to Jobs Gear Specialist Ski & Board Technician Location: Gearhouse, Seattle, WA Schedule : Part-Time (hourly, 30-40 hrs/week) (customer-facing ~85% of the time) Reports To : Tony Comito, Gearhouse Operations Manager Compensation Range : $18-23/hr + $10-$12/hr average tip rate Job Summary Join Gearhouse, Seattle’s premier adventure hub, where community and sustainability meet outdoor exploration. As a Ski & Board Technician, you will play a crucial role in maintaining and tuning ski and snowboard equipment for our members with opportunities to transition to summer gear (bikes, kayaks, tents, and more) making this a year-round position. You’ll work hands-on with customers, ensuring their gear is perfectly fitted and ready for their next mountain adventure. By providing expert advice and meticulous service, you’ll help foster a welcoming and accessible environment for adventurers of all skill levels while supporting Gearhouse's mission of making outdoor experiences more affordable and eco-friendly. Key Responsibilities Equipment Maintenance: Inspect, hand-tune, and conduct simple repairs on skis, snowboards, and other gear using specialized tools to ensure optimal performance. Does not include base grinds or work requiring specialty machines. Binding Adjustments & Installation: Accurately mount, adjust, and test ski bindings based on manufacturer specifications and customer preferences. Gearhouse Rentals & Member Support: Assist members with selecting and fitting rental gear, ensuring equipment suits their ability and planned adventure. Customer Education: Provide guidance to members on equipment care, performance tuning, and gear recommendations that align with their outdoor goals. Educate members on essentials of winter sports, such as snow reports, parking at local resorts, and where to find road information. Community Engagement: Foster relationships with and between Gearhouse members by participating in workshops, events, and social activities that promote outdoor exploration. Inventory Management: Track, maintain, and restock inventory of ski and snowboard repair equipment and spare parts, ensuring availability of parts and tools for repairs. Safety & Sustainability: Ensure all gear meets safety standards and support Gearhouse's sustainability goals by minimizing waste and extending the life of equipment through proper care. Collaborative Work Environment: Work closely with other Gearhouse staff, including adventure guides and event coordinators, to deliver a seamless member experience. Solve problems proactively to ensure members have the gear for their adventures at the time they want to pick up. Required Skills and Qualifications Experience: 1+ seasons of experience as a ski & board technician Technical Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of ski and snowboard equipment, specifically ski edge tuning, repair techniques, binding adjustments, and release calibration Certifications: Certification in ski binding adjustment from major manufacturers (e.g., Rossignol, Salomon, Marker) is preferred Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for long periods Customer Service Skills: Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly and assist customers in a friendly, approachable manner. Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to tuning and repairing gear, ensuring all equipment is safe and functioning at peak performance. Computer Skills: Ability to navigate ticketing, gear request, and billing systems. Preferred Skills Passion for outdoor adventures, especially skiing and snowboarding. Familiarity with both ski and snowboard equipment (including resort, backcountry / splitboard, and cross-country ski equipment). Interest in community engagement. Familiarity with equipment rental and inventory tools. Previous experience working in a collaborative, team-based environment. Benefits Wage plus front of house tip pool Year round, non-seasonal work with a steady and consistent team. Free access to Gearhouse All-in membership (including our gear library), and many events and workshops. Company subsidized healthcare insurance benefits including dental and vision Be part of a community-focused organization that values sustainability and inclusivity. About Gearhouse Gearhouse is Seattle's outdoor social club and adventure hub designed to make Seattle and the outdoors more welcoming, accessible, and sustainable. Through community events, gear rentals, outdoor trips, and workshops, Gearhouse brings together adventurers of all levels to experience more of the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. We’re on a mission to make Seattle home for adventurers of all abilities through community-driven adventure. How to Apply Submit your resume and a cover letter explaining why you’re excited to join the Gearhouse community to tonyc@joingearhouse.com

Climbing in Washington is as good as it gets anywhere in the world. Join Gearhouse to climb Washington, meet adventure buddies, and rent outdoor gear. CLIMBING What is Rock Climbing? Rock climbing is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and outdoor activities. All over the world, new climbers are experiencing the rush and serenity of climbing both indoors and out. Rock climbing is the sport of climbing up or down vertical rock faces, usually with the aid of equipment. Is Rock Climbing Safe? Rock climbing is a safe activity when done correctly and with proper equipment. At Gearhouse, safety is our top priority. We use high-quality gear that is inspected thoroughly after each use. And with many fellow climbers in the community, you will be able to meet new climbing partners. You May Enjoy Rock Climbing if… You’re an avid hiker who enjoys scrambling, vertical ascents, and a physical challenge. Types of Rock Climbing Bouldering Bouldering is the most bare-bones version of climbing. In bouldering, climbers don’t use ropes or harnesses. Instead, they ascend routes (called problems) over padded mats (called bouldering pads) with just their climbing shoes and a chalk bag. Bouldering typically involves a series of challenging moves that require a combination of strength, technique, and problem-solving skills. Boulder problems usually only take climbers to heights they can safely fall from, usually from 7 to 15 feet. Top Rope Climbing Top rope climbing is a widely popular form of climbing for both outdoor and indoor climbs. It’s also great for new climbers. In top rope climbing, the climber is belayed from a fixed anchor at the top of the wall. Top rope climbing requires a rope, helmets, a belay device, and harnesses for the belayer and climber. Belayers must know how to set an anchor, tie into a harness, and use a belay device. The beginning top-rope climber does not need to know as many technical skills if their belayer is experienced, which is why top rope climbing is great for new climbers. Sport Climbing For many climbers, sport climbing is the next progression after top rope climbing. Unlike top-rope climbing, which uses a fixed anchor at the top of the wall, sport climbing involves climbing from the ground and setting fixed protection as the climber ascends. The sport climber is tied into the rope through their harness and uses quickdraws (two carabiners connected by sturdy nylon runners) to clip into fixed bolts in the wall as they climb. Sport climbers are belayed like top rope climbers but are given more slack as they climb. Sport climbing belayers need to have experience and use extreme caution, as sport climbers can fall from greater distances than top rope climbers. Trad climbing Trad climbing is an advanced form of rock climbing where a climber places protection on or into the wall as they climb. Unlike in sport climbing, where the climber places protection using fixed bolts in the wall, trad climbing protection uses the rock’s natural features to place protection. The most essential part of trad climbing is understanding how to place the gear so that it holds in the case of a fall. Multi-Pitch Climbing In multi-pitch climbing, two climbers ascend a wall with several pitches and belay each other from anchored positions, ledges, and even from above, as they ascend. Multi-pitch climbing is a highly skilled version of rock climbing used to tackle especially large features. Rock Climbing Season in Washington Washington, and the Pacific Northwest more broadly, is a mecca for rock climbers with some of the best rock climbing in the country. The climbing season in Washington typically runs from late spring through early fall, when the weather is mild and dry. During this time, you can expect clear skies and moderate temperatures, making for the perfect climbing conditions. How to Start Rock Climbing in Washington Getting into rock climbing can be intimidating, but Gearhouse is here to help. Our Intro to Rock Climbing program is designed for beginners who want to learn the basics of climbing in a safe and supportive environment. We offer equipment rentals, group outings, events at local climbing gyms, and more. Meet climbing buddies, get the gear you need, and adventure with Gearhouse. Gearhouse climbing trips are run by professional climbing guides also trained in wilderness first aid. Rock Climbing Gear In Rock climbing, having the right gear is paramount to your safety. If you’re heading out for a climb, research what gear you need. Gearhouse’s gear library includes top-of-the-line climbing shoes, bouldering pads, and helmets, so you can focus on enjoying your climb. Our experienced staff can help you select the right gear for your next climbing adventure.

Get beautiful views of snow-covered pines while skipping the $$ and crowds that come with resort skiing/snowboarding. Join today to Crosscountry ski in Washington. Cross Country Skiing What is cross-country skiing? Want to escape Seattle’s gray skies for some good old-fashioned exercise with beautiful views of snow-covered pines while skipping the costs and crowds that come with resort skiing/snowboarding? Cross country skiing is one of the most accessible and affordable ways to recreate in the Pacific Northwestduring the winter, with awesome Washington cross country skiing trails as close as 60 minutes from Seattle. It provides fantastic cardiovascular exercise with the opportunity to either socialize or enjoy some solitude. Cross country skiing is great for all ages, and beginner friendly. While the skis are long and narrow (which can be intimidating at first), after an hour or two your confidence will blossom, and you’ll be dreaming of your next adventure. Getting Started Cross Country Skiing There are two different types of Cross-Country Skiing (aka Nordic Skiing). Classic is the more beginner-friendly of the two techniques. When classic skiing, the skis are typically in two parallel grooves on the side of the groomed trail; the skis remain parallel in the grooves as you kick one ski back and glide forward on the other. The skis contain some form of traction (like skins or fishscales) on the underside of the ski and the boots are more flexible. Skate skiing is done on a groomed trail that is completely flat. When skating, you and your ski move in a diagonal motion down the trail, similar to roller blading. It is faster and more technical than classic, and consequently, instruction is highly recommended. The underside of skate skis are waxed from tip to tail for optimal gliding, and the boots are stiffer and contain ankle stability and support medially and laterally. Take an intro class We’ll provide the gear, transportation, pass, and instruction. Or, you can get out there yourself. See classes. Get Cross Country Skiing Gear Choose between classic or skate skis (we recommend classic for beginners). We'll also get you fitted for boots and poles. Helmets are not required. Bring your own socks and gloves! Grab your friends and go outside! See where to go and when. What you'll need Cross-Country Skiing Rental Gear Book a cross-country ski kit or individual pieces here! XC Ski Boots Classic boots will be more flexible and comfortable while skate boots are stiffer and more responsive. Check availability XC Skis Skis come in a variety of lengths and widths! Check availability Poles XC Ski poles have a snow basket on the bottom and enhanced grip. Check availability Cross Country Skiing Packing List Alright! You've secured your gear, what else is there? You’ll want to dress for an active day – breathability and stretch matters! Shell or windbreaker Base layer Softshell hiking pants or moderately thick leggings Fleece gloves or other gloves that aren’t as thick as downhill ski/snowboarding gloves (your hands will get too warm, and they won’t be able to fit into the straps which velcro around your hand) Beanie or headband Optional: small pack with water and snacks if you plan to be out for more than a couple hours Hone your Craft - Skills Progression Everything you need to start your cross country journey, courses, clinics and events we recommend you attend to steadily improve your skills! Intro to Cross-Country Skiing Class Check Dates Skill Level: Beginner, free for members Cross country skiing is easy enough that anyone can do it and it's a great workout in the snow! It's as easy as walking and much more efficient than snowshoeing. This intro class will be on flat terrain - more advanced adventures go on rolling terrain! Cross-Country Skiing Partner Events Check Dates Skill Level: Intermediate, free for members Show up at Gearhouse and find others that want to XC ski that weekend! We'll outfit you with gear, ensure we have enough drivers, and head out somewhere to explore! You should have XC skied before - if it's your first time, come to an intro class first! Classic or Skate welcome. Intro to Skate Cross-Country Skiing Class Check Dates Skill Level: Intermediate, free for members Skate skiing is the next level for those that have tried Classic XC Skiing and gotten the hang of it! (Or for anyone that has skied or skated/roller bladed a lot). Come try the flowing nature of skate skiing and cover some distance! It's tricky to learn but once you get the hang of it, you may never go back to classic. Skill Check What level am I? Beginner You’ve never been on cross country skis before or have been out a couple of times, but you don’t feel comfortable picking up speed or slowing down on hills and are still working on staying upright. Intermediate You feel pretty comfortable going up and down hills, are familiar with the different poling patterns, and how to make a turn. Advanced You are comfortable with skiing most any terrain, continue to focus on fine-tuning your technique and efficiency and improving your endurance. Where and when to go When to go cross country skiing in Washington Cross country ski season is typically a bit shorter than resort or downhill ski season. In the Northwest, it often lasts from December to March. You can check the sno-park grooming reports and other independent trail system reports online. Where to go cross country Skiing in Washington Washington Sno Parks There are a number of sno parks in the state, the closest of which are in the Snoqualmie summit area and include, from West to East: Hyak, Crystal Springs, Cabin Creek, and Easton. They require what’s called a sno park pass, which can be purchased for a day or the season and is per car, not per person. It can be purchased online or a Ranger Station. Note that if you are purchasing a season sno-park pass, you need to purchase the Seasonal Permit AND the Groomed Trails permit. Hyak is a good spot for beginners if you don’t mind an out and back trail. It goes for miles along the John Wayne trail, on the south side of the “tree stump lake” that lines I-90. Crystal Springs is also a great spot for beginners. It has a variety of beginner loop trails that are flat and pretty, as well as an intermediate/advanced loop trail with a couple of steep hills. Additionally, there is a trail that meets up with the John Wayne trail and heads west toward Hyak sno-park. Cabin Creek is a popular park for intermediate-advanced skiers. While it has a lovely out and back trail called “The Road”, it is only about 5K roundtrip. The rest of the trails are quite hilly and include an awesome 5K loop. There are a series of races that take place on these trails in January and February, which is fun to witness. Non-racers can ski on the trails simultaneously. Finally, there is a trail that ascends to Amabalis mountain. It is a steady climb, followed by a return descent. Given the difficulty of learning to control skiing downhill on the narrow skis, this is an intermediate or advanced trail. Easton is the smallest of the sno-parks and is very beginner friendly. Non-Sno Park Washington Cross Country Skiing Trails Nordic Center at Snoqualmie: If you have some experience under your belt, there are trails up at the top of the chair lift at Snoqualmie Summit East, where the Nordic Center is located. The challenge with these trails is that you have to ski down the mountain afterwards (not for the faint of heart). There is a green, gradual groomed path down, but it is still a challenge for those who haven’t spent much time on cross country skis, as they have no edges! There is another beginner friendly trail that is accessible here, and they offer some great classes for all levels. Passes are purchased at the Nordic Center/Snoqualmie Summit East. Plain (near Leavenworth): There is a thriving Nordic community in Plain, WA, and they have some wonderful trails that are groomed daily. It is beginner friendly, with several loop trails just opposite the Plain Hardware Store, where trail passes are purchased. There are also several more advanced loops including a “Sprint Loop” which is used for local races. Passes can be purchased at the Plain Hardware Store, which is just across the road from the main trailhead. Leavenworth: Leavenworth has three trail systems maintained by the Leavenworth Ski Club. You can purchase a day pass at any of the three locations (Ski Hill, Icicle River Trails, Golf Course), and use the pass at any of the three locations that day. Methow trails: The premier spot for cross-country skiing in Washington state is the Methow Valley trail system. There are over 100 miles of trails groomed every day. They range from beginner to advanced, and span from Winthrop to Mazama. If you have not been to this area before, it is well worth the trek (and it is a trek–about a 4-hour drive from Seattle!). But imagine skiing alongside a meandering river, beneath towering craggy mountainsides with names like Goat Wall, past designer cabins, to the infamous Mazama store–home to delectable pastries, baguettes, coffee, and always-stylish Mazama Goat clothing. The Methow Valley is the perfect spot to retreat to in the dead of winter. Trail passes can be purchased. Overview Getting Started Gear Rental Skills Progression Where to go

Gear Rental Member Rental Public Access

Join social, educational, or adventure events with Gearhouse! From skiing to backpacking and camping trips, we've got adventures for every skill level. Free for Summit Club Members/Paid for Other Member Tiers Free or Exclusive to any Member Free or Open to the Public

Looking for a stress-free way to hit Snoqualmie Pass this winter? We've got you covered! Gearhouse is excited to offer the Snoqualmie Direct Bus, making it easier than ever to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or XC skiing at the pass. SHUTTLE TO SNOQUALMIE PASS No Car? No Problem! Stress-free mountain access Wednesday through Sunday. Let Gearhouse handle the driving while you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, XC skiing, or snowshoeing. Say goodbye to parking hassles and snowy roads! Book A Ride Why Ride with Us? For less than it costs to park your car in Seattle, get to the ski hill safely and reliably no matter the weather. Convenient Pickup: Departs from Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Stops Include: Alpental: Advanced skiing & snowboarding Summit at Snoqualmie West: Beginner & intermediate terrain Sno-Parks: Gold Creek, Cabin Creek & rotating XC/snowshoe trailheads Runs Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday Eco-Friendly & Hassle-Free: Relax and enjoy the ride! How much does it cost? Unfortunately we are not permitted to run public rides. You'll need to be a Summit Club member to ride our transit. Gearhouse Members: FREE (with Summit Club membership) Schedule Members: Shuttles leave Saturday at 7:30 (returning at 3pm) - free Additional shuttles for members on Wednesday, Thursday night, Friday morning, and occasional Sunday mornings Special Options for members: Wednesday Co-Work & Ski: Work remotely at Pass Life Workspace departing at 8am, returning at 7pm Thursday Night Skiing: Evening trips for after-work fun— departing at 5pm, back by 10:30 PM. How to reserve your ride Become a Summit Club member for free rides, free instruction, and free gear rental at Gearhouse Book A Ride Need rental snowboards, skis or snowshoes? All gear ranging from boots to helmets to skis and snowboards available. Head on over to our rental reservation system to book your gear! Summit Club members get free gear rental with their membership in addition to free transit and free lessons! Hone your Craft - Classes and Ski Lessons Intro to XC Skiing Class Let us make learning to ski XC easy for you. This intro class will be on flat terrain, and once you get the basics, you can progress at your own pace. We provide access to transport, gear rental, trail choice, and instruction all in one spot. There is no more straightforward way to get into the snow! Free for Summit Club Members. Find the next event on our calendar! Ski and Snowboarding Lessons Join in on all the snow sports - Gearhouse Summit Club members get access to free instruction on the mountain. Find the next event on our calendar! Hosted Snowshoeing Trips Go snowshoeing at Gold Creek Pond, Snoqualmie Pass and other destinations in the PNW. Free for Summit Club members leaving twice a month! Let's go on an adventure!

Get started or up-level your backcountry sking and splitboarding - from gear to clinics to AIARE 1 avalanche training to events with new friends! Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding What is backcountry skiing? Wild, ungroomed slopes. Unpopulated peaks. Winter transforms the PNW into a wonderland to explore, accessible only by snow travel. Backcountry is any terrain that is not “controlled,” like a ski resort. Backcountry travel includes hiking, snowshoeing, skinning, ski touring, and even helicopter tours to hard-to-reach mountain peaks. Powder days with only mountain goats for company — that’s backcountry. Ski resorts use machinery to groom their slopes and trained professionals to help reduce natural hazards within the resort boundary. Travel outside of this boundary and you’re in the backcountry. Explore backcountry with Gearhouse Learn backcountry basics Brand new to backcountry? You’re in the right place to get started. Resort-to-Backcountry (affectionately known as R2B) is a self-paced, incremental program to get you from a resort skier to a backcountry rider and make backcountry buddies along the way. Get started Get the (best) gear Need an affordable alternative to shelling out thousands on gear (not to mention figuring out where to store it)? You got it! We outfit you with everything you need from beacons to packs to boots and skis/boards. (copy can be tweaked) Components we have: Boots, Skis, Skins, Collapsing Poles, Avalanche Rescue Shovel, Avalanche Rescue Prove, Personal Locator Beacon, Touring Backpack, Ski helmet, Arcteryx Ski Jacket Shell Browse rental gear Level-up your skills & get avy certified If you’re dreaming of creating your own far-flung backcountry adventures, step on up. The more safety skills you’ve got under your belt, the farther and wider you can explore backcountry touring. AIARE 1 and AIARE 2 courses will prep you to safely plan and execute backcountry tours in avalanche terrain. Get avy safety training Resort-to-Backcountry A 6-part clinic and adventure series to get you from resort skiing to backcountry shredding — and make touring pals along the way. Part 1: New to Backcountry Info Session Part 2: Try a Guided Backcountry Skiing or Splitboarding Day Part 3: Learn How to Be a Touring Partner Part 4: Go Touring with Friends Part 5: Get Avalanche Training (AIARE I) Part 6: Learn More Tour Options (AIARE 2) Check out R2B Backcountry FAQs 1. Do I need to be an expert rider to go backcountry touring? 2. Is it dangerous? Should I be scared of avalanches? 3. What kind of backcountry snow gear do you rent? 4. Wait…who are you? What’s Gearhouse? Still have questions? Shoot us an email at ask@joingearhouse.com . We’d love to chat.

Are you tired of wasting all your money on gear just to be able to get outside and enjoy the PNW? Join Gearhouse's Trail Club and get everything from the Campfire Club plus unlimited access to our premium outdoor gear library, as well as unlimited coffee and tea at our Basecamp Cafe. TRAIL CLUB Get all the gear without all the cost We know what it is like to walk out of a gear store with a heavy receipt. Trail Club gets you access to our entire gear library without the big spend Your closet will thank you Premium gear at your service We don't carry the cheap stuff because well, it's cheap. Get unlimited gear from brands like K2, Mammut, Black Crows, Specialized, and more! Winter— Skis, snowboards, backcountry touring setups, snowshoes, XC skiing (both skate & classic), mountaineering, snow camping, winter hiking, and more Spring, Summer, Fall — backpacking, bike-packing, camping, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, gravel biking, trail running, SUPS, kayaks, and outdoor games What comes with a Trail Club membership? For $95/month, Trail Club members get: Weekly member social & activity events Members-only Slack to join trips, organize adventures, and easily coordinate with other members Unlimited free gear rentals from our expansive gear selection excluding backcountry skis, splitboards, and backpacking gear Unlimited free coffee & tea at Basecamp Cafe (ummmm...lattes!) Hit the trail, the hill, or water! Seattle's Outdoor Community We know how challenging it can be to make the most out of the wonderful PNW we call our home. This is why we started Gearhouse. We don't believe anyone should have trouble meeting fun, like-minded people and getting out into nature. We have plenty of both here! Come and visit us at our Basecamp Cafe in Cap Hill Not only do we help people get outside, we also have a cafe in Capitol Hill where many of our member events, guest speakers, movies, and trivia nights are held. Grab a free coffee if you're curious about joining Gearhouse! Visit Basecamp Need a lift to the hill, trailhead, or your next adventure? Get full access to the Gearhouse Shuttle and Outdoor Bus with our Summit Membership. Say goodbye to parking fees, carpool fails, or cumbersome trips No car? No problem! Hone your Craft - Current classes and Ski Lessons Intro to XC Skiing Class Let us make learning to ski XC easy for you. This intro class will be on flat terrain, and once you get the basics, you can progress at your own pace. We provide access to transport, gear rental, trail choice, and instruction all in one spot. There is no more straightforward way to get into the snow! Free for Summit Club Members. Find the next event on our calendar! Ski and Snowboarding Lessons Join in on all the snow sports - Gearhouse Summit Club members get access to free instruction on the mountain. Find the next event on our calendar! Hosted Snowshoeing Trips Go snowshoeing at Gold Creek Pond, Snoqualmie Pass and other destinations in the PNW. Free for Summit Club members leaving twice a month! Let's go on an adventure!

Looking for a cost-effective way to get outdoors and explore all the wonders of living in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest? Join Gearhouse's Summit Club today and get free transportation to all the outdoor hotspots, free gear rental from our advanced gear library, free outdoor instructional courses, and free coffee at our Basecamp Cafe! SUMMIT CLUB A cost-effective way to enjoy the PNW Free transport (so you can always get there) Free gear rental (so you can do it all) Free instructional courses (so you can try anything, no matter your skill level) And did I mention the free coffee? Enjoy the magic of the PNW Getting outside has never been easier Who likes parking fees, gas fill-ups, expensive gear buys, or driving in sketchy winter conditions? Summit Club members get free unlimited access to the Gearhouse Shuttle Express and Outdoor Bus (a $200/mo value) Convenient Pickup: Departs from Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. Runs Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Flexible departure and return times. Eco-Friendly & Hassle-Free: Relax and enjoy the ride! Monthly Vs. Yearly Cost & Benefits Monthly: $195/mo Free access to the Gearhouse Shuttle and Outdoor Bus (a $200/mo value) Free gear rental ($75 - $hundreds per month value) Free instructional courses (courses range between $150-$550) Free Basecamp coffee & tea (we know how expensive lattes can be!) Yearly: $1800/year ($540/year discount) The same perks as monthly members PLUS two yearly exclusive benefits : 3 Month Membership Pause: If you’re traveling or injured Life Event Guarantee: Full refund for the remainder of your membership if life gets in the way Save BIG with Summit Get up, and get out (side) ! We know how challenging it can be to make the most out of the wonderful PNW we call our home. The gear is expensive, getting there always has challenges, while our bucket lists keep growing. As a Summit Member, you never have to plan, arrange, or work out any details. Let us do all that so you can enjoy your time outside. Tons of adventures with your outdoor friends Book a la carte on our calendar or become a Summit Club member for free rides, free instruction, and free gear rental at Gearhouse Hassle Free Fun! Need rental snowboards, skis, snowshoes, camping gear, SUPs, bikes, kayaks... With Summit, all of our gear becomes yours (without draining your checking account or taking up your living room) Gear galore! Hone your Craft - Current classes and Ski Lessons Intro to XC Skiing Class Let us make learning to ski XC easy for you. This intro class will be on flat terrain, and once you get the basics, you can progress at your own pace. We provide access to transport, gear rental, trail choice, and instruction all in one spot. There is no more straightforward way to get into the snow! Free for Summit Club Members. Find the next event on our calendar! Ski and Snowboarding Lessons Join in on all the snow sports - Gearhouse Summit Club members get access to free instruction on the mountain. Find the next event on our calendar! Hosted Snowshoeing Trips Go snowshoeing at Gold Creek Pond, Snoqualmie Pass and other destinations in the PNW. Free for Summit Club members leaving twice a month! Let's go on an adventure!

Resort to Backcountry Go from resort skiing to backcountry shredding and make touring pals along the way. Ready to try backcountry snow adventures but not sure where (or how) to start? We created Resort-to-Backcountry to introduce every level of snow-sport lover to the awesomeness of backcountry. R2B is an incremental program design to be as low-commitment or as all-in as you want it to be. Progress as far as you feel comfortable or jump in at the level that suits your skills. And, yep — we’ve got all the gear you need! R2B Overview Let’s get you backcountry skiing and splitboarding safely and confidently. Part 1: Backcountry curious? Part 2: Try a guided backcountry skiing or splitboarding day Part 3: Avalanche rescue basics Part 4: Go touring with friends! Part 5: Get avalanche trained: AIARE I Certification Part 6: Expand your horizons: AIARE 2 Certification Part 1: Intro to Backcountry Info Session Backcountry curious? Join a free evening class with other resort riders curious about heading into the backcountry. You'll learn more about the experience of backcountry, get hands-on with backcountry ski and splitboard set-ups, and play with the required avalanche safety gear. You'll leave knowing if backcountry is for you, and with next steps to get you out there. What you'll learn: Discussion of what backcountry riding is and is not Instruction and assembling backcountry skis and splitboards Instruction of avalanche safety gear and practice with beacons Thorough Q&A of your burning questions Personalized advice on next steps to progress to backcountry skiing and riding Upcoming dates for R2B Part 1 Events Calendar Part 2: Guided Backcountry Day Ease into backcountry with professional guides for a first-timers' field day. After a classroom session, this class will take you into the beautiful PNW backcountry to learn and put the basics of uphill travel into action. The terrain is chosen specifically for first timers in the backcountry and focuses on getting a feel for touring out of bounds through backcountry skill acquisition and practice. 5 students per instructor. What you'll learn: Putting on and using skins Efficient gear management Avalanche beacon safety check Basic movement skills on splitboard in uphill mode Uphill kick turns Fundamental movement skills for downhill riding (pole use, etc) Efficient and safe downhill movement in a backcountry setting Upcoming dates for R2B Part 2 Events Calendar Part 3: AIARE Avalanche Rescue Basics Learn what it takes to be a good touring partner! Head out on a field day for both backcountry newbies and more advanced riders — you'll learn the basics of companion rescue and expand you existing skill set with realistic scenario practice and new topics. During the course, you'll have the opportunity to receive professional coaching on your rescue skills. Receive a rescue certification card on completion! What you'll learn: What you do if you or a member of your party is caught in an avalanche How to manage a multiple-beacon rescue Get comfortable with and be able to use avalanche rescue gear What it feels like to be in a rescue scenario and respond with focus and skill Real-time feedback from instructors and peers How to develop a plan for up-leveling your skills! Upcoming dates for R2B Part 3 Events Calendar Part 4: Go touring with friends Join a tour planning night with Gearhouse’s backcountry-experienced staff to get you ready for a backcountry trip with AIARE certified friends. Dates to be announced — starting in January! Sign up for the Gearhouse email list and be the first to know. Get adventure in your inbox Ready to make new powder pals this winter? The Gearhouse Membership starts at just $30 a month and includes a built-in community of adventuresome Seattlies just like you. Join the Gearhouse community Part 5: Get avalanche training (AIARE 1 certification) Ready for even more adventure? Get avalanche training and you’ll be ready to join tours with other AIARE-certified backcountry travelers. This part of R2B includes: 5 hours of self-guided study 1 evening course (3 hours) 2 field days (8 hours each) AIARE 1 is a 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. You’ll gain strong foundational skills for preparing for and carrying out a backcountry trip, basic decision-making in the field, and rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught). What you'll learn: Safety topics including: Snowpack, avalanche phenomenon, terrain analysis, stability evaluation, avalanche hazard ratings, human factors & risk assessment, decision-making How to plan for travel in avalanche terrain Identification of avalanche terrain Effective use of The AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting Effective companion rescue Upcoming dates for R2B Part 5 Events Calendar Part 6: Expand your horizons (AIARE 2 certification) Venture into even bigger terrain with AIARE 2. This advanced course will mentor you toward planning and carrying out your own backcountry tours. Deepen your snow terrain knowledge and learn to safely navigate advanced avalanche terrain. This is an advanced course for experienced backcountry travelers with a few years under their belt. If you’re ready to safely navigate advanced avalanche terrain and get advanced tools to make sound decisions in terrain where avalanche problems exist. You should have completed AIARE 1 (R2B Part 4) and Avalanche Rescue (R2B Part 3), plus have at least a year of backcountry travel experience. This part of R2B includes: 5 hours of self-guided study 1 1 evening course (3 hours) 2 field days (8 hours each) AIARE 2 is a course that provides backcountry travelers an opportunity to advance their decision making skills in more complicated situations such as being a leader within a small travel group, traveling in more complicated terrain, and/or developing a travel plan where resources are scarce. AIARE 2 builds on the introductory avalanche hazard management model introduced in the AIARE 1 and adds to it the evaluation of critical hazard assessment factors. Students will describe and discuss weather, snowpack and avalanche processes, and identify how these processes relate to observations and travel within avalanche terrain. You’ll be guided by instructors who are former ski patrollers, active Pro Observers for NWAC, certified ski guides, and professional climbers and skiers that are excited to show you the ropes. What you'll learn: How to observe and record factors that affect or indicate snow stability Guidelines for weather, snowpack, & avalanche observation Propagation tests & test profiles Stability analysis & forecasting Avalanche terrain recognition, slab mechanics, & skier triggering concepts Complex terrain travel techniques, route selection, & decision making Events Calendar FAQs 1. Do I need to be an expert rider to go backcountry touring? 2. I have some backcountry experience. What part of R2B should I start with? 3. I’m interested, but I’m not sure backcountry is right for me. 4. How much does it cost? 5. Is gear included? 6. Do I have to be a Gearhouse member? What’s included in membership? Still have questions? Shoot us an email at ask@joingearhouse.com . We’d love to chat.

Get started doing nearly anything outdoors - from gear to classes to events with new friends! Activities Winter & Spring Gearhouse supports mountaineering, backpacking, paddle sports and more! Snowshoeing Cross-Country Skiing Resort Skiing Resort Snowboarding Backcountry Skiing Backcountry Snowboarding Winter Hiking Summer & Fall Mountaineering Trail Running Wilderness First Aid Backpacking Camping Hiking Mountain Biking Climbing Paddling (SUPs & Kayaks)