BCE is about more than just providing quality gear. We offer frequent classes, workshops, seminars, and slideshows on a variety of outdoor-related topics, right here in our store. Topics include: avalanche awareness, ski tuning, adventure travel, and more. We also rent our upstairs for small parties and get-togethers such as slideshows and fundraisers. We have seating for 50+, a ceiling-mounted projector and screen, and other event amenities.
February 10th - FREE Women-Lead Avalanche Awareness Class
Thinking about getting into the backcountry? Knowledge is your first piece of safety gear.
Join us for a FREE Women-lead Avalanche Awareness Class focused on the foundations of avalanche safety, presented by the expert guides from @cascademountainascents.
Women-lead & open to all!
📍 Backcountry Essentials (Bellingham)
🗓 Tuesday, Feb 10th
⏰ 7–8:30 PM
February 17th - FREE Avalanche Awareness Class
Thinking about getting into the backcountry? Knowledge is your first piece of safety gear.
Join us for a FREE Avalanche Awareness Class focused on the foundations of avalanche safety, presented by the expert guides from @cascademountainascents.
📍 Backcountry Essentials (Bellingham)
🗓 Tuesday, Feb 17th
⏰ 7–8:30 PM
February 24th - FREE Women-Lead Avalanche Awareness Class
Thinking about getting into the backcountry? Knowledge is your first piece of safety gear.
Join us for a FREE Women-lead Avalanche Awareness Class focused on the foundations of avalanche safety, presented by the expert guides from @cascademountainascents.
Women-lead & open to all!
📍 Backcountry Essentials (Bellingham)
🗓 Tuesday, Feb 24th
⏰ 7–8:30 PM
March 10th - FREE Avalanche Awareness Class
Thinking about getting into the backcountry? Knowledge is your first piece of safety gear.
Join us for a FREE Avalanche Awareness Class focused on the foundations of avalanche safety, presented by the expert guides from @cascademountainascents.
📍 Backcountry Essentials (Bellingham)
🗓 Tuesday, March 10th
⏰ 7–8:30 PM
July 12-14th | NW Tune-Up Festival
This July, we're taking charge of the Chill Zone at the Northwest Tune-Up Festival: camp chairs, hammocks, and a pump up shower from Nemo to keep you fresh and cool.
Speaking of "fresh," we've got Kombucha Town and Advanced Sports Chiropractic sponsoring the tent. Stop by to get your next awesome party shirt, sunglasses, hat, and other sunny day mountain bike essentials.
If you're in an adventure planning mindset, our staff will be ready to help you plan your next packraft adventure: the perfect tool to explore our PNW waterways with mountain bike in tow!
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.
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.
Rates:
Private party | 2-hour minimum | $100/hour
Non-profit event | 2-hour minimum | $50/hour
If you're interested in booking an event at BCE, please contact us at (360) 543-5678 or email info@backcountryessentials.net
