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  • Gearhouse | Outdoor Gear Rentals Seattle | Seattle Social Club

    The easiest way to start a new hobby Organized Group Outings. Free Clinics. Free Gear Rental. Free Rides to the Mountain. Organized Group Outings. Free Clinics. Free Gear Rental. Free Rides to the Mountain. Organized Group Outings. Free Clinics. Free Gear Rental. Free Rides to the Mountain. 350+ like-minded crew and counting! Join us for a free Coffee Now recruiting adventurous souls Everyone is welcome! We're all about unlocking the best of Seattle and diving into the outdoor adventures you've always wanted to try—no experience, gear, or accommodating friends required. A Friendly Place for all Levels No matter your background or style of adventure, Gearhouse has events and people for you. From walks around Capitol Hill, Yoga Sessions in Ballard, and Snowshoeing Trips for those that don't ski, to after-work night ski sessions for those learning to ski, to Backcountry Skiing trips and lessons, we have something for any experience level. Best of all Gearhouse members remember their early days fondly and there's no machismo here about who adventures the hardest. Premimum Unlimited Gear Say goodbye to overspending on gear, storing it, cleaning it, fixing it. Gearhouse was born to eliminate the time it takes to collect specialty gear, learn new skills, and find your adventure pals. We've hand-picked the gear we ended up owning after years of upgrading and catered it to your needs. No more skipping invites because you don't have gear or suffering through trips wishing you'd bought better gear when you weren't sure you liked [insert activity here]. Community Centered Adventure Say goodby to sacrificing your precious free time searching, planning, hounding, and coordinating friends to join your adventures. Gearhouse plans regular outings around the city and in the mountains so you can jump straight to the fun part. We make sure group participants have the right skill level and training for safe and fun trips. Since all the skills are there, no-one has to choose between a fun day and making sure no-one is feeling left behind. Join the Adventure! Join us for Third Thursdays! Pick up a new hobby and make lifelong Seattle friends along the way. From group ski outings and guided hikes to nightly workshops, yoga classes, and film screenings, Gearhouse is a one-of-a-kind outdoor Seattle social club that is your ticket to enjoying all the Pacific Northwest has to offer. We supply so much more than affordable access to the outdoors and the gear you need to enjoy it. We provide a community for our members to learn and thrive while falling in love with the outdoors. Check Out The Calendar Evan Maynard Founder of Gearhouse We all moved here to get outside. But once you're here, most people find three problems: There's so many different things to try and they're tough to find. People here are intense about the outdoors and are cagey about inviting you on outings. Jobs here are demanding on your time, leaving little time for planning. The gear needed to have a great time in the outdoors is expensive. That's why we built Gearhouse - to give like-minded folks interested in the outdoors an easy way to meet, try new things, and get outside without raiding the 401k. We've helped hundreds of Seattleites make lifelong friends, get skills to try new things, and save thousands on premium gear! I'd love for you to stop on by. Join the Club! A note from the founder

  • Community and Rental Pricing | Gearhouse

    Now recruiting adventurous souls Our members are the heart of everything we do. Every membership level is welcomed into our awesome community of down-to-earth outdoorsy people of all experience levels, identities, and passions. Meet outdoor friends Get unlimited free gear Free rides and guides! Just moved to Seattle? Got Questions? Get a tour & a coffee on us! Schedule here What courses and trips do you do? Workshops for all members include Ski/Snowboard Waxing Clinics, Edge Maintenance Clinic, Snow Chains Practice, Avalance Awareness, Compass Navigation, Backpacking Trip Planning, Better Backcountry Cooking, Summer BBQs and Yard Games and more! Hosted trips for Summit members include destination ski weekends (pass not included, communal lodging), snowshoeing trips, fat biking, local day ski trips on weekends to Snoqualmie, XC skiing, Leavenworth Campouts, Larch Hiking Trips, Kayak and SUP Paddle nights and more! Regular field courses for Summit members include Yoga, Wilderness First Aid, Intro to XC Skiing, Intermediate XC Skiing (Skate), Fat Biking, Compass Navigation, Intro to Top Rope Climbing, Intro to Ice Axe Snow Travel,, Avalanche Rescue, Guided Intro to Backcountry Touring, Intro to Mountain Bike, Intro to Backpacking, Campouts, Paddle Clubs, Foraging Clinics, Backcountry Cooking and more! What do members get? Invitations to the Gearhouse community & exclusive events 300+ new adventure pals A weekly events digest filled with courses, planned events, and trips Access to PNW outdoor experts & seasoned trip leaders to help you get out on your next adventure Transportation options to the mountain, trailhead, and back again Want to try a new activity, or suggest an event? Let's make it happen! Coffee and drink perks at our Basecamp Cafe in Capitol Hill Perks with our partners Good To Know For all memberships and event participation You must sign a liability waiver to rent gear or join adventures. Our members commit to treating each other with respect, kindness, and open-mindedness. Gearhouse, Inc. reserves the right to cancel membership for any reason. You provide Gearhouse, Inc. and its assignees the right to use your name and likeness in advertising and other materials. (We may use photos of you in marketing materials. If you don’t want us to do this for whatever reason, please let us know when you join or anytime!) Membership pauses and cancelation You must return all rented gear before canceling! After you’ve been a member at GH for 4 months, you can pause your membership anytime for up to 3 months within a 12-month span. To help cultivate a sense of consistency and trust in our community, cancellation incurs a 4-month wait period before you can rejoin. Campfire Membership You can cancel anytime, no fees. No monthly minimum commitment. Upgrade to Trail or Summit anytime with community membership dues offsetting the startup fee. Trail & Summit Membership 4-month initial commitment. $350 fee applies if you cancel before 4 months. After 4 months, you can cancel anytime, no cancellation fee. FAQs 1. What kind of gear do you offer? 2. Do you ever run out of gear? 3. What kind of events do you offer? 4. I already have all my own gear. Why should I join? 5. I’ve tried outdoor communities before and was left feeling bummed out. 6. Can I use my membership to rent gear for friends or family? 7. Can I switch membership tiers? 8. I'm not a Summit member and there's one trip I want to join, can I join? 9. Where does your transit option for Summit members go? 10. What time does the transit run? Still have questions? Shoot us an email at ask@joingearhouse.com or book an appointment We’d love to chat.

  • Event Calendar | Gearhouse

    Free for Summit Club Members/Paid for Other Member Tiers Free or Exclusive to any Member Free or Open to the Public

  • Snoqualmie Pass Shuttle | by Gearhouse

    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 on the Snoqualmie Direct Bus 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, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Flexible departure and return times. Eco-Friendly & Hassle-Free: Relax and enjoy the ride! How much does it cost? Public: $75 per round-trip ride (includes 20% discount on rentals from Gearhouse) Gearhouse Members: FREE (with Summit Club membership) Book a ride on the Snoqualmie Direct Bus Schedule Members: Shuttles leave Saturday at 7:30 (returning at 1pm and 5pm) - 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. General Public: Shuttle leaves on Saturday at 7:30 for $75 per round trip ride (Gearhouse members ride free!) Get 20% off gear rental same day as ride at our Gear Rental Portal with coupon code BUS20 (must ride bus to qualify). Purchase your bus pass on our Calendar (search or browse for Snoqualmie Direct Bus events on Saturdays) How to reserve your ride Book a la carte on our calendar or become a Summit Club member for free rides, free instruction, and free gear rental at Gearhouse Book a ride on the Snoqualmie Direct Bus 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! Riders of the bus get 20% off with copuon code BUS20 (must ride bus to qualify) and Gearhouse members get gear for free! 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!

  • Stand Up Paddleboarding | Gearhouse

    STAND UP PADDLE- BOARDING Intro to Stand-Up Paddling With approximately 28,000 miles of Coastline, Washington is a state best explored by water. There are endless possibilities for adventure, from Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean and every river or lake in between. Washington is truly a paddler’s paradise. What is Stand Up Paddling? Stand-up paddling, or SUP, is a popular water sport born from surfing. It involves standing on a large surfboard-shaped board and propelling yourself forward by paddling with an elongated canoe-style paddle while standing in the center of the board. Is Stand-up Paddling Safe? While all water sports have risks, stand-up paddling is relatively safe. Stand-up paddlers should be capable swimmers and wear proper flotation while paddling. You May Enjoy Stand Up Paddling if…. You enjoy being outdoors and on the water, or you like pushing your physical limits in nature. Types of Stand-Up Paddling All-Around Stand-Up Paddling All-around stand-up paddling is exactly what it sounds like, leisurely navigating calm waters on a board with plenty of floatation. All-around boards can be rigid or inflatable. Stand Up Paddle Surfing Stand-up paddle surfing involves catching and riding waves on a specialized stand-up paddle board made for surfing. Stand-up paddle surfing requires high levels of paddle skills, physical fitness, and wave-riding prowess. Stand-Up Paddle Touring Stand-up paddle touring involves traveling long distances on open water. Touring is often downwind and involves paddling long distances one direction. Stand-up paddle touring requires specialized boards that are longer and narrower than all-around or surfing stand-up paddle boards. Touring boards are equipped to carry more weight, including camping gear for overnight adventures. Whitewater Stand Up Paddling Whitewater stand-up paddling involves descending a river and navigating whitewater rapids while paddling a specialized river stand-up paddle board. Whitewater stand-up paddling requires a high level of physical fitness and paddle skills. Stand-Up Paddle Season in Washington Washington has it all when it comes to paddling, from rushing mountain rivers to calm lakes, Puget Sound, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s possible to stand-up paddle year-round in Washington, but the typical SUP season runs from late spring (May) into summer (June, July, August) through early fall (September), when the weather is mild, and the water is at its warmest. How to Start Stand-up Paddling Getting started stand-up paddling in Washington is easy, all you need is the right equipment and to know where and when to go. Gearhouse has everything you need to start your stand-up paddling journey, like paddle boards, paddles, life jackets, and dry bags. Always pay attention to the weather and tide conditions when planning your stand-up paddling trip. The Gearhouse trip planning department is a great resource for new paddlers. Stand-Up Paddle Gear Stand-up paddling requires two essential pieces of gear, the stand-up paddle board and the paddle. Make sure your stand-up paddle board and paddle are sized correctly for your height and weight.And always use a US Coast Guard certified personal flotation device (PFD). Gearhouse offers all the essential stand-up paddling gear you need for your next adventure on the water. Upcoming Events

  • Wilderness Medicine | Gearhouse

    WILDERNESS MEDICINE Overview: What are Wilderness Medicine courses? Wilderness Medicine courses use hands-on scenarios, interactive activities, real-world examples, and experienced instructors to prepare participants to assess, treat, and prevent common outdoor injuries and illnesses. The courses are divided into both Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) options. Wilderness First Aid (WFA) WFA courses are designed for all experience levels and are a good introductory-level fit for those who recreate in outdoor spaces where EMS response can be expected in a timely manner or for those who work at wilderness camps. Delivered in a hybrid format, participants of this course can expect 4-8 hours of self-paced, online instruction, followed by a practical hands-on training component at Gearhouse, and a final assessment. Wilderness First Responder (WFR) WFR courses teach participants how to provide emergency care and make crucial evacuation decisions in the wilderness. These wilderness medicine courses are a good fit for those who work or recreate in outdoor spaces where access to medical care is delayed, or communication is unreliable. Wilderness First Aid courses prepare students for the unexpected in a fun, hands-on way. They are the industry standard for professional guides, trip leaders, search and rescue team members, and outdoor recreationists. Delivered in a hybrid format, participants of this course can expect 40 hours of self-paced, online instruction, followed by a practical hands-on training component at Gearhouse, and a final assessment. Deciding between Wilderness First Aid vs Wilderness First Responder? Wilderness First Aid courses provide the skills to treat basic injuries and to assess more serious injuries, while Wilderness First Responder courses provide the ability to mitigate more serious injuries and evacuation decisions in wilderness environments. Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training is a great choice for those that can spare the cost and time. We have designed our WFR offering and ensure that our courses are significantly cheaper and more convenient than other offerings by pricing them at $375 for members (normally $1000 and often far away) and by splitting them across two weekends. It's also common for people to take WFA one year and then WFR the next. Both courses will leave you better prepared and safer in the outdoors. Wilderness First Aid This Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification course is delivered in a hybrid format, with 4-8 hours of self-paced, online instruction, a practical hands-on training component at Gearhouse, and a final assessment. Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is the assessment of, and basic treatment given to an ill or injured person in an area where advanced help and access to definitive care is not easily accessible. A Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course is recommended for: Non-medical recreational users in outdoor areas where advanced help, evacuation, and access to definitive care is generally available. Wilderness First Aid Course Details Objectives Upon completion of a Wilderness First Aid course, an individual is expected to: Be able to complete a patient assessment to identify potentially life-threatening problems. (Apply) Complete the necessary first aid and non-invasive interventions to prevent medical problems and injuries from occurring or progressing. (Apply) Identify the need for additional resources and higher-level care for patients with life-threatening problems. (Analyze) Identify the need for and urgency of evacuation for ill or injured patients. (Analyze) WFA Course Part One: Online Learning (4-8 hours) Once you sign up, you can get started right away. All lectures are video-based, and the course can be taken at your own pace as long as you finish by the deadline. Review as many times as necessary. WFA Course Part Two: Hands-On Practical Training (1 day) The practical training focuses on the hands-on skills necessary to practice first aid in the field. We'll do simulations of injuries and practice wound care in realistic scenarios with you and your classmates. WFA Sign Up Upcoming Events Cost Comparis on Average cost of WFA courses in Seattle region: $250-$350 Gearhouse Non-member: $220 Gearhouse Member: $125 Wilderness First Responder A Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is a medical responder trained to provide initial patient assessment and management, risk-benefit analysis, and evacuation decision-making in an area where organized rescue and hospital care is delayed. The WFR has a limited advanced skillset to deal with specific, common issues in wilderness medicine. A Wilderness First Responder course is recommended for: Non-medical recreational users in outdoor areas where advanced help, evacuation, and access to definitive care is generally unavailable. A WFR's "scope of practice" is generally defined as whenever you are more than 1 hour from contact with trained emergency personnel. Persons involved with organizations operating in remote environments. Outdoor professionals employed or volunteer, such as wilderness guides, outdoor instructors and educators, Search and Rescue members, Mountain Rescue members, ski patrol, medical personnel for adventure races/events, missionaries, and National Park Service members. Adventurers pursuing long trips into the backcountry or on overnight trips. Wilderness First Responder Course Details Objectives Upon completion of a Wilderness First Responder course, an individual is expected to: Assess a patient to identify potentially life-threatening problems. (Evaluate) Complete the necessary non-invasive first aid and basic life support interventions to prevent medical problems and injuries from occurring or progressing. (Apply) Manage a patient in a remote setting for an extended time (more than 4 hours) while mitigating environmental and terrain risks. (Analyze) Coordinate patient care as the lead medical provider in the absence of higher-level care providers. (Create) Determine the need for additional resources and higher-level care for patients with life-threatening problems. (Evaluate) Determine the need for and urgency of evacuation for ill or injured patients. (Evaluate) WFR Course Part One: Self-paced Online Learning(40 hours) Once you sign up, you can get started right away. All lectures are video-based, and the course can be taken at your own pace as long as you finish by the deadline. Review as many times as necessary. WFR Course Part Two: 2 Weekend days at Gearhouse Topics include Basic Life Support, CPR, Patient Assessment, Emergency Simulations WFR Course Part Three: 3 Consecutive days (Fri/Sat/Sun) at Gearhouse Topics include Evacuation Techniques, Wound Care, Simulations, and Final Group Simulation WFR Sign Up Upcoming Events Cost Comparis on Gearhouse Course Cost with membership: $375 (CPR/AED certification included) Gearhouse Course Cost w/o membership: $700 Typical Course Cost: $800 - $1000 Can't commit to 5 days? Try out WFA . WFA Sign Up WFR Sign Up Overview WFA Details WFR Details

  • Mountaineering | Gearhouse

    MOUNTAINEERING What is mountaineering? Rocky, jagged peaks. Snow covered mountain tops. Climbing on glaciers and reaching new summits. Reflecting on the adventure of getting up there. That’s mountaineering. Scrambling vs. Mountaineering Scrambling is hiking, but taken up a notch. It’s climbing over rocky, steep, rough terrain. It’s relying on your hands almost as much as your lower body to navigate a path. It’s taking your time to forge a path in sometimes unmarked terrain. Scrambling doesn’t really require any specialized gear. All you really need are some navigational skills and a hunger for hard work. Mountaineering is all about the summit. It’s crossing crevasses, navigating glaciers, scrambling rocky terrain, and lots and lots of hard, physical work. Unlike scrambling, mountaineering requires technical gear and a solid understanding of how to use it. Climbing mountains is no easy feat, which makes reaching the summit that much more rewarding. Who can do it? If you’re a climber or hiker ready to forge ahead and (literally) reach new heights, you’re ready to start scrambling now. If you’re an experienced hiker and are setting your sights on summiting some mountains, you’re ready to start your mountaineering journey. Both scrambling and mountaineering are very physically challenging. In order to be safe and have a good time, you need to make sure your body is ready for the work to come. If you’re looking for a benchmark for your current physical fitness, take a hike up Mt. Si carrying 20% of your weight in a daypack. If you can make it within 2.5 hours with few rest breaks and without being exhausted, you’re ready for scrambling. If not, you’ve got a good goal to work towards. How do I get started? Ready to start your scrambling or mountaineering adventure? We’ve planned a skills progression course to get you out there summiting mountains by summer. Join us for all of our events, or just some. It’s up to you how you want to adventure. Weekly Conditioning Hikes Good for: Getting in shape for longer, harder, more demanding summits in Summer. Come hike with us Tuesdays nights to get in shape for your summer adventures. We’ll hike to some of the high points in the I-90 corridor for a workout to help you reach your scrambling and mountaineering goals. Interested? Check out our calendar. Crevasse Rescue Course with Cascade Mountain Ascents Good for: Getting hands on practice with glacier traveling and rescue Crevasse rescue is a necessary skill for glacier travel at any level. Get your glacier climbing career started right with a comprehensive crevasse rescue course. Our two-day program efficiently teaches the necessary skills for dealing with various crevasse fall scenarios, without rushing through practice of these important tools. This is a two day course with multiple dates. Sign up for April 20-21, 2024 Sign up for May 4-5, 2024 Intro to Mountaineering Clinic with Mountain Bureau Good for: Learning to travel safely over snow, using mountaineering gear, and basic mountaineering skills This clinic is designed to introduce aspiring scramblers and mountaineers to the exciting world of Washington’s snow covered peaks. This program will give you the knowledge and techniques to ascend some of the PNW’s moderate summits. Come join the clinic! Gear you’ll need Scrambling Gear The beauty of scrambling is that, at it’s core, it’s just a vigorous hike with a summit as the destination. Besides boots, a daypack, and the 10 essentials, there’s not much gear you’ll need on most scrambles. (Double check the trail reports. In some situations, specialty gear like crampons, ice axes or helmets might be necessary) Mountaineering Packing List Mountaineering takes special gear (as well as the skills to use them properly). Depending on the route, you might need to pack: 10 essentials Helmet Ice Axe Crampons Sunnies and Sunscreen Backpacking gear Meals and extra snacks Need to rent gear? We’ve got you covered. Our gear is top-of-the-line so you stay safe and have fun while you’re out adventuring. Not sure what you’ll need? Visit our gear counter to chat with our friendly and knowledgeable staff. Ice Axe Ice axes are used for safely navigating glaciers and icy terrain. Check availability Crampons Having traction is crucial on uneven and slippery terrain. Check availability Ultralight Camping Gear Sleep and cook food with lightweight equipment provided by Gearhouse. Check availability Hone your Craft - Skills Progression We’re so stoked to help you along your scrambling/mountaineering journey. We’ve created quite a few events to help you hone your skills and go from beginner to expert. You can see all upcoming events on our Gearhouse events calendar (pro-tip: filter by “Mountaineering/Scrambling” to find these events easily). Keep an eye out later in the season for more advanced events and adventures. Wondering what kind of events you’re ready to join? Check out our list below. Remember to start with a skills check. If you can reach the top of Mt. Si in 2.5 hours without being exhausted, you’re ready to start your journey! Beginner You're an avid hiker or backpacker but are looking to go higher and harder. Join our weekly after-work conditioning hikes in the I-90 corridor to get your legs ready for steeper and more challenging days Intermediate You’ve taken our Intro to Mountaineering skills clinic, your legs can get you atop Mt. Si comfortably. Now you're ready to come on our easy scramble days offered in May, June, July, August, and September. Advanced You're feeling strong. You've been joining our easy scramble days. You're comfortable with long days, off-trail travel, route finding, and “scrambling” over 2nd & 3rd class terrain. Join our “hard” scramble days, May-September Let's go on an adventure!

  • Kayaking | Gearhouse

    KAYAKING Intro to Kayaking Kayaking is one of the best ways to spend time outside in Washington. With approximately 28,000 miles of Coastline, Washington is a state best explored by water. There's plenty of opportunity for a paddle adventure, from Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean and every river or lake in between. Washington is truly a paddler's paradise. What is Kayaking? Kayaking is paddling a low-to-the-water canoe-style boat from a seated position. Unlike canoeing, where paddlers sit on elevated platforms in the boat, kayakers sit inside the boat at or just below the water level. Kayakers also use two-sided paddles to paddle. Is Kayaking Safe? Recreating in the water is always a risk, but kayaking, when done correctly and with the proper safety equipment, is safe. Safety is our top priority at Gearhouse. You May Enjoy Kayaking if… You love spending time outdoors, being on the water, and trying new things. Kayaking is a great way to explore nature and get some exercise. Types of Kayaking Lake Kayaking Lake kayaking is all about leisure and exploring. Lake kayakers use recreational kayaks or ocean kayaks to paddle calm water. Ocean / Sea Kayaking Ocean / sea kayaks are slightly longer and narrower than recreational kayaks. The trim shape allows ocean kayaks to travel faster on the water, which is important as sea kayakers often travel farther distances. Ocean kayaking typically requires more advanced paddling skills, as it can involve navigating through waves and currents and requires more advanced paddling skills. Luckily Gearhouse offers courses in Sea Kayaking to learn the basics with skilled instructors. White Water Kayaking Whitewater kayaks are short, stubby kayaks used to navigate rapids in rushing mountain rivers. Whitewater kayakers descend whitewater rapids of all classes and even waterfalls. White Water Kayaking requires high levels of physical fitness and advanced paddling skills. Kayaking Season in Washington Washington has it all when it comes to paddling, from rushing mountain rivers to calm lakes, Puget Sound, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s possible to Kayak year-round in Washington, but the typical kayaking season runs from late spring (May) through the summer (June - August) into early fall (September) when the weather is mild, and the water is at its warmest. How to Start Kayaking Getting started kayaking in Washington is easy, you just need the right equipment and a bit of beta on where and when to go. Gearhouse has everything you need to start your paddling journey, like Oru folding kayaks. Always pay attention to the weather and tide conditions when planning your kayaking trip. Gearhouse's trip planning department is a great resource for new paddlers. Kayaking Gear Kayakers need three essential pieces of gear: a kayak, a paddle, and a US Coast Guard Certified personal flotation device (PFD). Head to Gearhouse to pick up all the kayaking essentials before your next paddle adventure. In addition to kayaks, paddles, and PFDs, Gearhouse’s gear library carries coolers, camping gear, dry bags, and other essentials you may want for your next kayak camping trip. Upcoming Events

  • Ski & Board Technician | 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

  • Cross-Country Skiing | Gearhouse

    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

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