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Join Shifting Gears for a hands-on Ladies Ski Tuning Workshop with Backcountry Essentials!

Whether you're new to tuning or looking to sharpen your skills, the professionals from the Backcountry Essentials Ski Shop will guide you through the essentials of ski maintenance. We will be covering edge sharpening, base repairs, and waxing techniques. Learn how to keep your gear in top shape for the slopes this season, ensuring a smoother, faster ride.

This workshop is capped at 8 participants, and is a hands-on learning experience that prepares folks to work on their own gear. It is open to all women, femme, non-binary identifying folks ages 18+. Perfect for skiers/boarders of all levels. Bring your skis or a snowboard! All materials provided!

Registration is required and space is limited—sign up to reserve your spot today.

Thinking about heading into the winter backcountry this season? NWAC’s Avalanche Awareness Course is the perfect place to start. In just ~90 minutes, you’ll get a clear, easy-to-understand introduction to avalanche hazards and safe-travel basics — from reading mountain weather and avalanche forecasts to spotting early signs of avalanche danger. Whether you ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or snowmobile, this course helps you develop the foundational awareness and decision-making skills you need to stay safe.

This course is ideal for anyone new to backcountry terrain or a refresher for experienced folks — no prior experience required. Whether you’re just curious or getting your gear ready for the season, come join us and add safety to your winter adventures.

This is a women/non-binary/femme-identifying centered talk. Folks are encouraged to invite their friends, touring buddies, etc. regardless of gender.

Event Details:

• Hosted at Backcountry Essentials

• 7:00 - 8:30 pm

• Registration is not required, but encouraged. You can register on NWAC’s website.

• This is a women-centered event, but all genders are welcome to attend

Join Shifting Gears for a hands-on Ladies Ski Tuning Workshop with Backcountry Essentials!

Whether you're new to tuning or looking to sharpen your skills, the professionals from the Backcountry Essentials Ski Shop will guide you through the essentials of ski maintenance: we will be covering edge sharpening, base repairs, and waxing techniques. Learn how to keep your gear in top shape for the slopes this season, ensuring a smoother, faster ride.

This workshop is capped at 8 participants, and is a hands-on learning experience that prepares folks to work on their own gear. It is open to all women, femme, non-binary identifying folks ages 18+. Perfect for skiers/boarders of all levels. Bring your skis or a snowboard! All materials provided!

Registration is required and space is limited—sign up to reserve your spot today.

Registration is closed.

All attendees of this event will be entered in a free prize drawing featuring a $25 gift card to Storia Cucina, a month of unlimited yoga from Bellingham Yoga Collective, and two $300 adventure travel vouchers from Climbing The Seven Summits—plus bonus gear and goodies!

Join the Shifting Gears for an inspiring evening of storytelling and global connection with Kat Schaumberg, a professional mountain guide and WWU alum whose career has taken her from the glaciers of Mt. Baker/Koma Kulshan to the base of Mount Everest. Kat will share the powerful, full-circle story of a chance encounter with Monika, a young Indian woman she met during a Girls on Ice expedition in 2019, and their unexpected reunion in Nepal six years later. That reconnection led Kat to volunteer with Atoot, a Nepal-based nonprofit that empowers girls in rural communities through sports, education, and life skill workshops.

The evening will explore how outdoor experiences can transcend borders and evolve into meaningful, purpose-driven work. Following Kat’s talk, two of Atoot’s co-founders will share more about their mission and how to get involved.

Come for the story, stay for the action—there will be space for Q&A on topics like ecofeminism, global citizenship, and making a difference through service.

About the Speaker:

Kat Schaumberg is a mountain guide, instructor, sailor and all around adventurer. She’s a WWU graduate from the school of the Environment and was raised as a young girl in the county along the Nooksack River and off the Mt Baker Hwy. Kat has guided more than 35 expeditions on Mt. Baker, and traveled internationally for personal and professional expeditions, including in Ecuador, Patagonia, and the Himalayas.

Kat’s work combines technical mountain skills with a deep focus on mentorship, cross-cultural exchange, and personal leadership. She believes outdoor experiences are not just about reaching summits—they’re about the people, stories, and lessons we gather along the way. 

When: Monday October 21, from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Where: Fairhaven Stone’s Throw Brewery

Who: This is a talk for all folks--any students, community members of all ages and genders welcome.

Registration is encouraged for this event. Register Here. All attendees will be entered in a free prize drawing featuring amazing local giveaways, including gift cards, show tickets, outdoor gear, a massage, climbing and avalanche courses, and even a $300 adventure travel voucher!

Join the Shifting Gears for an inspiring evening of storytelling and global connection with Kat Schaumberg, a professional mountain guide and WWU alum whose career has taken her from the glaciers of Mt. Baker/Koma Kulshan to the base of Mount Everest. Kat will share the powerful, full-circle story of a chance encounter with Monika, a young Indian woman she met during a Girls on Ice expedition in 2019, and their unexpected reunion in Nepal six years later. That reconnection led Kat to volunteer with Atoot, a Nepal-based nonprofit that empowers girls in rural communities through sports, education, and life skill workshops.

The evening will explore how outdoor experiences can transcend borders and evolve into meaningful, purpose-driven work. Following Kat’s talk, two of Atoot’s co-founders will share more about their mission and how to get involved.

Come for the story, stay for the action—there will be space for Q&A on topics like ecofeminism, global citizenship, and making a difference through service.

About the Speaker:

Kat Schaumberg is a mountain guide, instructor, sailor and all around adventurer. She’s a WWU graduate from the school of the Environment and was raised as a young girl in the county along the Nooksack River and off the Mt Baker Hwy. Kat has guided more than 35 expeditions on Mt. Baker, and traveled internationally for personal and professional expeditions, including in Ecuador, Patagonia, and the Himalayas.

Kat’s work combines technical mountain skills with a deep focus on mentorship, cross-cultural exchange, and personal leadership. She believes outdoor experiences are not just about reaching summits—they’re about the people, stories, and lessons we gather along the way. 

When: Monday October 20, from 5:30-7:30 pm.

Where: Western Washington University, Academic Instructional Center West  - Room 204.

Parking: Parking is free and available in the "C" lot. 

Who: This is a talk for all folks--any students, community members of all ages and genders welcome!

Prizes: Prizes total over $900 in value and include contributions from Bar Ciccotti, Community Food Co-op, Upfront Theater, Backcountry Essentials, Cascade Mountain Ascents, and more.

Join us for Bellingham's 5th annual Sippin' on Cider Festival, at our new location! Bellingham’s original cider festival is the perfect weekend activity for you & your 21+ pals to celebrate all things fall. Enjoy a diverse selection of ciders from the Pacific Northwest, live local music, live screenprinting, yard games, raffle, and tasty food from top local trucks. NEW this year: Line Dancing and Pumpkin Painting!

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