Thinking about getting into the backcountry? Knowledge is your first piece of safety gear.

Join us for a FREE Women-Led Avalanche Awareness Class focused on the foundations of avalanche safety, presented by the expert guides from @cascademountainascents.

 Women led & open to all.

📍 Backcountry Essentials (Bellingham)

 🗓 Tuesday, January 6

 ⏰ 7–8:30 PM

Join Doug Clark, WWU Geology Professor and Ph.D for a presentation on "Changing Ice: A romp through (almost) four decades of research on the glaciers of Mt. Baker"

Join Backcountry Essentials for a hands-on Ski Tuning Workshop! Whether you’re new to tuning or looking to sharpen your skills, the professionals will guide you through the essentials of ski maintenance—covering edge sharpening and waxing techniques. Learn how to keep your gear in top shape for the slopes this season, ensuring a smoother, faster ride. Perfect for skiers of all levels. 

Bring your skis! All materials provided!
Sign up here > https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/bellingham/activity/search?locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=ski%20tuning&viewMode=list

Join us for an evening of story sharing and education with the local mountain guides and climbers. Hosted by Cascade Mountain Ascents. Doors at 7, presentation at 7:30. 

Downtown Bellingham Partnership is hosting the 10th annual spring wine walk! Meander around 19 shops as they host pop-up tasting rooms showcasing an array of regional wines. As an attendee, you'll receive tasting tickets to redeem for samples of the wines of your choice, and if you find a favorite, you can take a bottle (or two!) home by making a purchase right at the tasting location!

Join us in celebrating spring Downtown by sipping and shopping local.

Tickets available here

If you've been, you know you're in for a good time. If it's your first time, we can't wait to see you. Raffles, fashion shows, shopping, amazing community, and more! Doors open at 7, runway at 7:30, shopping, drinking and ice breakers from 7:50- 8:30, Raffle at 8:30.

Join us for an evening presentation with Brian Kertson, carnivore researcher with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. He'll be discussing cougar ecology and behavior while providing plenty of safety tips for anyone recreating where cougars live.

Ready... Set... HIKE! 

Starting now through October 1st, complete 8 of the 10 hikes in either one of our trail challenges listed here.
Post a picture of each hike on Instagram with the hashtag #BCETrailChallenge to enter our raffle for some sweet prizes once the challenge ends.

Join Cascade Mountain Ascents and Shifting Gears for a free avalanche awareness talk @ Backcountry Essentials.

Join Cascade Mountain Ascents, Grounding Truth Holistic Guiding, and Backcountry Essentials for a screening of Girl Winter, a collection of short films celebrating women in snow sports and filmmaking. Expect rad skiing, compelling storytelling, and plenty of good humor. The event includes six short films, a raffle, free popcorn, and opportunities to support local non-profits. Admission is free, with donations encouraged!

📍 Location: Backcountry Essentials, 1417 North State St, Bellingham, WA
🕡 Time: Doors at 6:30 PM, Films at 7:15 PM

More info: girlwinterfilmtour.com/films

Join us for a hands-on Ski Tuning Workshop! Whether you're new to tuning or looking to sharpen your skills, the professionals will guide you through the essentials of ski maintenance-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. Perfect for skiers/boarders of all levels. Bring your skis or a snowboard! All materials provided! Sign up HERE

Join us at Backcountry Essentials on April 17th for an evening of storytelling, film, and community action in the Bellingham area! Hear inspiring readings, watch powerful short films, and connect with local organizations making a difference.

After the presentations, explore ways to get involved—plus, enjoy snacks, happy hour beer prices, crafting with Eliza Carver and earn a raffle ticket by engaging with local groups for a chance to win great prizes!

RSVP Here : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoWdiqiIIG6TR4AHzu-zx4Z68W1ZVS7WXt-8NSOafd0NBvoA/viewform

Doors – 7:00 PM
Presentations – 7:15 PM
Happy Hour & Community Engagement – 7:45 PM

Break out the shades, your loudest shirts, and a fresh coat of sunscreen—spring corn season is calling! Cascade Mountain Ascents invites you to an evening dedicated to the magic of spring ski mountaineering. From dreamy ski traverses and steep couloirs to iconic volcano descents, we’re diving deep into the art of chasing perfect corn. Join us for a social night of stories, stoke, and expert insights on how to time your lines just right during the season we wait for all year.

Doors @ 6:30

Presentation @ 7:15

Ken Wilcox, an expert in outdoor recreation, will be leading an engaging event exploring the best local hiking trails in Whatcom County. Attendees can expect to learn about the region’s diverse landscapes and discover hidden gems for outdoor adventure.

7-8:30 PM

From backpacking, to mountaineering... gear wears out and breaks! Join us for an evening of socializing and learning from community experts in gear care, repair, and modification. Representatives from Gear Aid, Cascade Mountain Ascents, Phenix Threads, and Larrabee Gearworks attending.

Black Diamond & AIARE present Designed For The Deep

Join Black Diamond & AIARE at Backcountry Essentials (1417 North State Street, Bellingham, WA) for an evening of community, avalanche awareness, and backcountry tips—featuring BD Athlete Adrian Ballinger alongside AIARE instructors. Entry is just $5, which includes two raffle tickets, with more prizes up for grabs! All raffle proceeds benefit AIARE and NWAC.