Outpeople: Drumm staffs snow rent district at Mount Spokane Nordic trails

The cross-country skiing trails at Mount Spokane State Park were in very good shape last weekend, even though at noon only 20 vehicles were in the snow-free parking lot at Selkirk Lodge.

The groomer had set perfect tracks and skating decks on much of the trail system. The snow was softening by 11 a.m. in the brilliant sunshine, but that meant skiers simply got a better workout and more vitamin D as the afternoon wore on.

As he has all winter, John Drumm was staffing the Fitness Fanatics cross-country ski gear rental operation out of a trailer parked next to the lodge and ski trails.

Skis, boots, snowshoes and poles of all sizes were neatly racked or in bins waiting to take a newbie into the spirit of winter.

Business slows when the weather gets nice in town, Drumm said. “But it’s nice on the mountain, too.”

Spring weather is perfect for groups and especially novices to take advantage of warm temperatures and the on-mountain rentals. The shop has had the trailer on the mountain for three seasons.

Spontaneous adventures on Nordic skis have never been easier, said Drumm, who also sells Sno-Park permits on site.

The portable ski shop will continue to be open on grooming days, Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at least through March. Mount Spokane State Park will conclude trail grooming for the season next Thursday.

“After that, we’ll play it by ear,” Drumm said. Plenty of snow will be on the mountain into May. Info: (509) 922-6080.

At some point Drumm’s customers turn their attention to bicycles and gardens, but a post on Spokane Nordic’s website last week emphasized the bounty of lingering snow.

“Now is the time to ski in the morning and then bike, golf, garden, or whatever you also love in the afternoon.”