Second Ascent Newsblog

Memorial Day Sale Starts May 15 through the 27th!                                     5/15/13

20%+ on select products throughout the store!

6th Annual 20% Off Everything in the Store Sale: 3/15 -17!                                     3/06/13

Spring Stoke Party at The Tractor Tavern: 3/12/13!                                                 2/28/13

Mark your calendars for this event: Second Ascent is hosting a party to celebrate the spring season and raising funds for The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center!

Jason Hummel will be presenting a slideshow sharing his most classic and memorable imagery and the stories behind them - illustrating why he's one of the best photographers in the field today!

Roger Strong will be presenting his climbing/skiing new routes throughout the continent, and how 20 years of crab fishing made him one of the Pacific Northwest's most recognized hard men!

Local Climber DJ Sweep (aka Kurtis Oduber) will be turning tables and keeping the beat through the night!

Join the event here! http://on.fb.me/YKFdQH

We'll have a ton of raffle prizes including a chance to win one of Jason's framed prints! Also includes gear from companies like Cilogear, OR, Petzl, Arc'teryx, Smith Optics, Exped, G3, Deuter, Julbo, Optimus, Reflekt and more!

Come on out on March 12th for a great evening! $5 Cover

Shop Party Bike Night!                                                                                          2/20/13

Come show your support for the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance -there's gonna be a lot going on at Second Ascent this Saturday night - we're giving away 3 bikes from Transition Bikes, The Kona Bicycle Co. & Redline Bicycles; gear from Bell Bike Helmets, CamelBak, 5.10 and more..including kegs from Georgetown Brewing and Ninkasi Brewing! All funds will go directly to the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. Ride your bike, bring your thirst and invite your friends!

Presidents Day Week Sale                                                                                     2/18/13

Come on down to our retail store this week for our sales on items across the store, some totalling up to 50% off retail!

• 20% off on select bike gear
• 30% off Exped Sleeping Pads
• 30% Select Gregory and Osprey Packs
• 30% off on all 2012 Marmot Down Sleeping Bags
• 30% off on all Mtn. Hardwear Sleeping Bags
• 20% off on all Sierra Designs Sleeping Bags
• Smartwool socks, Darn Tough, Superfeet, Down Unders - 20% off
• 5.10, Scarpa and Salomon footwear 20% off!
• All retail snow goggles - 20% off

                And so much more!

Jan.30 Free Avalanche Clinic                                                                                1/17/13

Come on out to what might be our last clinic of the season! This is a perfect primer for anyone who travels in the backcountry or is just starting out. Taught by our own AIARE Instructor, Ian Nicholson and includes great refreshments! Give us a call and reserve your spot - 206.545.8810

30% Off Winter Clearance Sale        (In-Store Only)                                               1/10/13

We're kicking off a big [in-store] sale today with 30% off (and beyond!) all of our fall and winter 2012 apparel - that includes all retail/closeouts/samples of Patagonia, prAna, Mountain Hardwear, Outdoor Research, Mountain Equipment, Marmot, Arc'teryx and more! This event will go on until everythings sold so make sure to get in the store before it's all gone.

Mentor Pants and G3 Ski Sale                                                                    1/9/13

A big thanks to all those that attended last nights Avy Clinic with Ian Nicholson! We had over 60 people come and be educated with Ian's fun and entertaining style. Here's to another group of peeps that left a bit more knowledgeable on backcountry travel!

This month we're kicking out some serious deals on a couple great products. The Outdoor Research Mentor Pant is on sale for $249 - that's over 40% off the retail price. We have quite a few in stock but at this price, we imagine them to run out pretty quick. Here's OR's description:

"Inspired by big mountain endeavors, the Mentor Pants™ are up to the most demanding alpine challenges. Made of bomber, abrasion-resistant GORE-TEX® Pro fabric, these pants are seam taped for complete waterproofing."

But don't take their word for it - we think they're one of the best alpine pants ever made and now at a stellar price.

Next up, we have two of the best 2012-13 freeride & all-mountain skis from G3 selling at 30% off! These are cosmetic blemed skis with full warranty!

Actual ski's on the floor:

The District was Ski Magazines favorite for all mountain skiing and "...is a one ski quiver for maximum versatility, and excelling in deep snow." according to Utah Adventure Journal. Retail: $719.95 now $499.95! Get yours here!

We also have G3's raddest freeride skis for 30% off  - The Empire. Rated as one of the best freeride skis of the year by Powder Mag, Backcountry Mag and Skiing Mag! Retail: $800 now $549.95 - get them here!

So get on down to the shop and check out the great gear and sales!

~SA

Happy New Year!                                                                                      1/3/13

Thanks to everyone for an awesome 2012 and wishing everyone a happy 2013!

Kicking off the new year, we are now in the final running for Backpacker Magazines nomination of The Best Used Gear Store in the Country! Voting began yesterday (1/2/13) and while we're not sure the duration of the voting, be sure to head over and cast your vote at http://www.backpacker.com/reader-survey-the-best-used-gear-shops-/gear/17205! 

Also, be sure to spread the word that we're hosting our second avalanche awareness class this Tuesday (1/8/13) with our very own AIARE Instructor Ian Nicholson as well as a great brew from Georgetown Brewery. Hope to see you there!

~SA

Avy Clinic and More!                                                                               12/28/12

On January 8th, we'll be hosting our second Avalanche Awareness Clinic at our shop (8pm). We'll have special discounts on avalanche safety equipment as well as a keg from Georgetown Brewery so we'd love to see you! The last show we had here at the shop drew over 80 people and with our very own Ian Nicholson instructing the class, many said it was super informative and really highlighted the necessary information for backcountry travel. This class is intended for anyone looking to get out and enjoy our vast areas in the pacific northwest, whether your skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and even snow mobiling. Be sure to give us a call to reserve your seats at 206.545.8810

Also, we have loads of new apparel and gear coming in daily from all of your favorite brands. That also means we're constantly rotating out what we have on the floor with great deals and sales on already marked down/competitive pricing. We currently have Arc'teryx, Ibex, FlyLow and Marmot samples and/or closeouts at up to 50% off retail pricing. We also have 15% off on select ski boots, 20% off select footwear and super low prices (over $100 off) on skis from previous seasons.   Come on in!

Get your last minute buys!                                                                       12/11/12

2012/2011 Bike Sale!                                                                                12/7/12

'Tis the Season of Giving - Donate your Gear for the Ballard Food Bank          12/5/12

Free Avalanche Awareness Clinic @ Second Ascent - 12/5                             11/26/12

Join us on December 5th for a free Avalanche Awareness Clinic given by our very own Ian Nicholson, instructor from the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE)! 

We'll have special guests from the Seattle Snowshoe Meetup Group attending but the night is open to everyone! Be sure to call in to reserve because seats are limited and we usually run out of spots quick. 206-545-8810

This hour long introductory program is perfect for anyone that travels outside in or near the backcountry and provides awareness to the dangers while enjoying the snow! Sponsored by Second Ascent and Friends of the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center.

Winter Has Finally Come                                                                             11/20/12

Thanks to all the people that attended the Graham Zimmerman slideshow! 75 people came out and gave props to our local boy and fun was had by all. We'll be following Graham in his upcoming adventures so be sure to check up on our Facebook page.  Another big thanks to those that attended the Second Ascent premier of Teton Gravity's Dream Factory! We had over 200 people attending to watch a great flick and support the Northwest Weather and Avalanchce Center. Stay tuned as November 28th will be a fantastic night with Rab athlete Aaron Mulkey and his global search for ice climbing. The kegs will be flowing and over $1000 in Rab swag will be given away!

After a long and beautiful fall season, looks like old man winter has finally made it's way to the PNW. Crystal Mountain received over 30" of new snow over a single weekend and Stevens Pass has been getting it's fair share; both planning to open this week.

To celebrate the new season, we're having a SALE!

While you're in the store, be sure to check out our new backcountry ski area location in the shop!

Looking forward to seeing you in the shop!

SA Crew

More shows to come...                                                                            10/30/12

Now that the smoke has cleared from our sold out REEL ROCK 7 Show where 400 attendees descended on Vertical World's Seattle gym and raised over $3000 for the Washington Climbers Coalition, AND the Ian Nicholson Show at the Tractor (250+ attendees), we're now looking forward to Graham Zimmerman's show followed by Aaron Mulkey!

As laid out in our last post, Graham 'GZ' Zimmerman will be at the shop for his slideshow on November 13th, presenting on his recent travels in Patagonia, British Columbia and Alaska as well as a first look into his recent documentary film and introspective! 

Aaron Mulkey will be at the shop on November 28th to present "PURSUIT: EXPLORING THE UNEXPLORED" This show will cover his quest for unclimbed ice from the heart of Norway to the deep Wyoming Wilderness with over $1000 in Rab and other gear giveaways..and beer! 

Check out the events on our FACEBOOK PAGE and RSVP!

Graham Zimmerman Slideshow (Nov. 13th); Second Ascent Sponsored Teton Gravity Research "Dream Factory" Film & NWAC Fundraiser on Nov. 19th at the Tractor Tavern!         10/30/12

We are on the final days counting down to the Reel Rock 7, Washington Climbers Coalition Fundraiser Show, Ian Nicholsons Book Release & The Struggles show as well as an upcoming slideshow with local boy Graham Zimmerman! As another great show this month, we're also sponsoring the Teton Gravity Research latest film: The Dream Factory; with proceeds going to the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center!

=====================

Follow TGR's modern day athletes on this cinematic voyage through Alaska's awe-inspiring expanse, rich history, and colorful characters. Watch as the TGR crew ventures from AK training grounds Jackson Hole, WY, and Pemberton, BC, and delves deep into the Alaskan way of life during a record snowfall year in AK, skiing terrain most of us only dream about.

Playing at the Tractor Tavern on November 19th at 8pm!

Second Ascent Sponsors the Reel Rock 7 Film & Fundraiser on Nov. 3rd at Vertical World Seattle!          10/19/12

Get your tickets now for the most anticipated annual climbing production of the year - Reel Rock 7! One of the best climbing films of the year meets a great cause to raise funds for the Washington Climbers Coalition - ALL proceeds go towards their ongoing efforts!

We're selling tickets at the store and at Vertical World locations. The American Alpine Club - Cascade Section is also sponsoring the event with kegs from Georgetown Brewing. More details on our Facebook events page - Hope to see you there!

Two Shows Coming up!

Chad Kellogg Joins Second Ascent for a Slideshow on 10/3/12 

& Ian Nicholson Book Release Party with the Struggles at the Tractor Tavern 11/5/12!______9/26/12

Join us on October 3rd as Chad Kellogg steps up to the mic to present his trips this year - A January Ascent of Cerro Torre Via the West Face, dubbed as "some of the most incredible ice formations to be found anywhere in the world."(PATAclimb.com) Also shown will be footage of his speed ascent on Everest and a sneak peek into his next objective - The Highest Unclimbed Peak in Nepal....

You can read more on Chad on his website: http://www.chadkellogg.com/

Doors will open at 8 and limited to 100 people - we'll try to get more in but you'll be standing!

===========

Also coming up and definitely not to be missed is the long anticipated release of Ian Nicholson's Washington Pass Climbing Guidebook! Scroll down to see the flyer - Second Ascent is kicking off this event with a slideshow by Mr. Nicholson himself, chronicling his story of climbing 59 of the best routes himself for guidebook accuracy as well as 20 never before published climbs! Books will be available at a significant discount!

Ian's show will be followed by a performance by the Struggles - an outdoor industry punk & rock band of climbers, skiers and guys working for the likes of Gore, Cascade Designs, Petzl, Second Ascent and more! Performing bi-annually in Salt Lake City at the Outdoor Retailer Show over the years, these guys have been known to get people slamming!

Come on out and support your local climbers!

Join us this weekend for the In-Store, 5th Annual 20% Off Everything Sale!!_______9/17/12

Win a Pair of 5.10® Karvers by Haiku!_____________________________________9/13/12

Thank You Seattle for Making Us the "Best Used Sporting Goods" & "Best Sporting Goods" Store!                      9/10/12

CBS Local just posted us as one of Seattle's Best Used Sporting Good Store in addition to their earlier article of the city's Best Sporting Goods Store and we would like to send a warm thank you to all the customers who have supported us through the years!

"This Ballard institution proves you don’t have to break the bank to get top-quality backcountry sporting and camping gear. Second Ascent offers a wide variety of new and used clothing and equipment for backpacking, climbing, skiing and cycling. The secondhand inventory includes a large selection of name-brand outdoor and biking clothes, climbing shoes, backpacks and tents, but with luck, you might be able to pick up a used mountain bike or backcountry skis in the wintertime. Take advantage of the generous trade-in policy, which allows you to swap old equipment for in-store credit. The friendly expert staff happily chimes in with advice, and the full-service bike shop is one of the most experienced in town, so don’t hesitate to seek help in finding the right gear for you." - http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-used-sporting-goods-stores-in-seattle/

Here's a like to their earlier article: http://seattle.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-sporting-goods-stores-in-seattle/

Hope you guys are all out there enjoying this fantastic weather!!

-SA Crew

Move Over Summer, It's Time for Something a Little Cooler                                 9/4/12

Well, it's looking like summer is quickly getting bumped aside for crisper, cooler temps already and we're busy trying to clear our racks for new fall/winter inventory. Today is the last day of our Labor Day Sale but never fear, those of you who have been with us for some time know there's something coming up around the corner (insert smiley-wink).

For the upcoming season, we're launching a lot of new things that Second Ascent hasn't done for some time...or at all! A few things to look forward to:

• The Mountaineers OutdoorsFest - This Saturday, actually. As one of the Silver Sponsors of this years OutdoorsFest, we'll be there with a booth and opportunities to win some great gear! Here's a taste of what it's about:
  

        "If you are just getting acquainted with what the Pacific Northwest offers to the outdoor adventurer, if you want to find out how to enhance your outdoor experience, or you simply want to start from square one, The Mountaineers OutdoorsFEST and its sponsors welcome you. Feel free to try new activities, take a course, become a Mountaineers member or simply discover what makes Washington state such a mecca for outdoor adventure.

  Indoor and outdoor climbing walls (bring your chalk bag and rock shoes!), clinics, a family activity zone, a gear swap, gear demos, book sale, outdoor gear vendors with their latest innovations, and conservation groups will all fill the Program Center grounds from 10 am to 5 pm in the northwest expanse of Magnuson Park along Lake Washington. The best part of all: it is FREE! Bring as many friends and family members as you can

• Reel Rock 7 - On November 3rd, Second Ascent is proudly sponsoring this years premier of the annual climbing film showing at Vertical World Seattle. An added bonus includes the American Alpine Club - Cascade Section covering the beverages. This is truly a wonderful opportunity for climbers to attend because 100% of the proceeds will go to the Washington Climbers Coalition! That means you get to watch one of the best climbing productions of the year, drink free, hang out in a cool venue and give back to a great organization for $15! Click the Reel Rock link above and join the event - limited tickets will go on sale on Friday September 7th at Second Ascent and Vertical World Seattle. These tickets will sell quickly so make sure you get some before they're gone!

• Ian Nicholson has released a new guidebook to Climbing in the North Cascades...and we're hosting his release party! As the name implies, it's going to be a party, so be prepared for a great time. Date, Location & Time TBD.

• Looking for some stoke the ski season? We're in the middle stages of getting some of the newest films aired here this fall and winter to keep your psyche up! Stay tuned as we'll be making announcements in the coming weeks.

• Do you know about the Send & Social? Brought to you by the American Alpine Club - Cascade Section and held at the Seattle Bouldering Project, the Send & Social is a fun, monthly event bringing what Second Ascent has dubbed "socially responsible debachery." Come on out and climb for awhile, and then get your game on to win some gear and test your brain and brawn! We'll be bringing a keg to this one.

• Also in the works are the return of our successful (and free) Avalanche Awareness Class. We're working with the Friends of the Avalanche Center/Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center to get people aware of avalanche dangers and just how big of a deal it is up here in the NW. We'll be posting up the dates soon.

So that's just a part of what we have planned. You can get the most up to date info on what we're up to on our facebook page as well as monthly chances to win some great gear!

Until next time,

The SA Crew

We just recieved a batch of Black Diamond sample and closeout gear today - including 50% off packs (reg. $120) and trekking poles (starting at $20)! 

If you haven't been in the store lately, be sure to stop by because we're bringing stuff in on a daily (literally) basis and you never know ~ that $700 Voile splitboard you were dying to get last season might just be here for $300 right now (hint, hint).

Last but not least, we'd like to welcome a couple new guys to the shop: Reilly and Andrew! Reilly joins us from a former position with another outdoor retail shop in Colorado and brings a relaxed and welcoming personality to the crew. His favorite activity? Backcountry skiing. His favorite color? Chartreuse. Andrew brings a slight southern drawl and hospitality to follow.  He comes from a climbing background where his backyard included crags like the Tennessee Wall and Sunset Rock. He has a penchant for Vietnamese cuisine and traditional climbing.  

We're really excited to have them on our team!

Till next time,

SA Crew

HAPPY FATHERS DAY WEEKEND!                                                            6/15/12

Big News: Starting today, we're putting all men's apparel on sale at 20% off and 10% off bikes across the board! Sale will go through Sunday.

As the northwest summer starts moving in (at least giving some inkling of longer days of sunshine and 70 degree temps) we've fully turned over the store with new brands like Kali Bike Helmets & POC, as well as a slew of new, closeout and used apparel from Horny Toad, prAna, Arcteryx, Patagonia and Rab. We've been really busy this season and June has shown that people are optimistic as ever that warmer and sunny days are just around the corner - maybe because last years summer season was so manic? 

Some cool things of note in the house of Second Ascent:

• Eric, our ski buyer and token Everest and Ama Dablam summiter is getting hitched! Congrats and may you enjoy your bachelor party next week. 
• We're wrapping up on our prAna "What's Your Wanderlust?" Facebook promotion. And the winner is...Julian Barnett of Marysville, WA for his comment:
  

  "My ideal road trip would be one where I never return; just a constant nomadic existence where I drive around in an RV/camper van and explore anything and everything in the US that appeals to me, from beaches to mountains. No particular place to be with no timeline, just meet other climbers, surfers and adventurers and go where the wind takes me. Live spur of the moment, and make home wherever you are at any given time."

  Julian gets $150 in prAna apparel for writing what many of us really dream to do - take off on a road trip...and just keep going. Thanks for participating, Julian! We'll be giving away things all summer so make sure you guys are linked up on our Facebook page to participate. 
• The 4th of July is approaching and we're planning something...stay tuned!
• Some events that we're looking forward to having that might just be of interest:
  • July Commuter Bike Clinic and Ride - with a post-ride-round provided by Second Ascent!
  • August Backpacking and Hiking Clinics 1+2, focusing on proper footwear and backpacking gear selection!
  • Aug/Sept - Our very own Ian Nicholson has just completed the guidebook for the North Cascades Climbing and will have a slideshow and book signing.
  • September - Climbing Season Is Among Us - An in-store demo on some of the techy pieces of gear we have and how to use them as well as an open forum of climbing set-ups and anchors
  • More to be posted!

Here's to another great weekend!

SA Crew

Less Than Two Weeks Before the 19th Annual Ballard Criterium                     5/23/12   

We're less than two weeks from the 19th Annual Second Ascent Sponsored Ballard Criterium! This year is proving to be another promising event and with the weather trends recently, it looks like it's going to be even better than last year for sure. Recently, we sent out this press release:

Second Ascent Hosts its 18th Annual

Ballard Criterium on June 2, 2012

Formula 1 meets Road Bike Racing

In Historic Ballard, Seattle!

More than 350 cyclists will race through the closed-off streets around Ballard Avenue this summer during the Ballard Criterium (aka, "the Crit"). This exciting event challenges top riders to hold their line around sharp turns and varying surfaces while sprinting up to 30 miles an hour through descents, climbs, and straightaways—all in a pursuit of cash, prizes, and overall placement in a four-part professional race series.

The Crit distills road bike racing into its raw and aggressive elements by shortening the course to a spectator-friendly, single urban block. Think of it as a concentrated Tour de France or, better yet, the Formula 1 of cycling.

The Crit is expected to attract more than 2,000 supportive spectators— guaranteeing an afternoon of family fun and excitement in historic Ballard. The first race starts at 3:30pm and the last race begins at 7:30pm, rain or shine.

One of the several things we didn't mention in the press release is the spectator pre-race warm-ups. Here's a clip from the Ballard Tribune last year:

"With more bars on the course than anyone can count, there's no short of non-bikeracer spectators," [Nicholas] Rhodes said, adding that The Loft bar is conveniently located on the inside of corner four, which always has a raucous crew out cheering for the racers. "Crowds are what make a crit and [our gets really into it," Rhodes said. "We'd like to think we put on a good race. We aim to have good music and good announcers. [And] we try to have great prizes and usually aim to make sure everyone in prize paying positions makes at least they're entry fee back." - http://goo.gl/Sgcpl

As we're counting down the days for the Crit, we're also unloading fresh new apparel from prAna, Ibex and Arc'teryx, backpacks from Deuter and bikes from Scott, Transition and Kona.  UPS has been visiting on a daily basis with towers of boxes to keep us busy. As this weekend rolls closer, we're looking forward to seeing you and wish you a safe holiday weekend!

- SA Crew

Second Ascent Has Joined up with the Washington Climbers Coalition!            4/27/12   

It is with great pleasure to announce that Second Ascent has been able to team up with the Washington Climbers Coalition (WCC) to help with the climbing access issue at Gold Bar and Zeke's Wall. Over the years, Gold Bar (GB) has had it's rounds of access issues and it wasn't until recently did the comfort of driving up to the boulders become possible again - thanks to WCC's negotiations with the landowners.

The current situation, as stated on the WCC webpage:

"...As of Winter 2012 the Washington Climbers Coalition (WCC) has secured access to the gate on the road which leads up to the Gold Bar boulders and the approach to Zeke's Wall. Climbers who are members of the WCC are welcome to climb at the Gold Bar Boulders and to park there for access to Zeke's Wall, as guests of the Manke Timber Company. Please note: all climbers using this road must be members of the WCC and have a WCC sticker as well as a valid Discover Pass..."

For anyone that has never been to Gold Bar or the lesser known Zeke's Wall, the climbing there and the nature of the granite is some of the best in the country. WCC says:

"With hundreds of uncleaned routes, Gold Bar offers years of exploration and opportunities. The size, diversity and quality of Gold Bar could rival Squamish if the area were fully developed by the Washington climbing community. In a beautiful alpine setting, overlooking the Skykomish River and Mount Index, bouldering in Gold Bar is a unique experience."

Stay informed. Be responsible and keep it open!

-SA

Welcome to the Second Ascent Blog!     4/9/12

It’s a sunny day in ol’ Ballard and we’re busy working on switching our store over from winter to spring. We have a lot of new stuff coming in almost daily and you ought to come in and check it out!

Some things of note:

• Although it’s a couple months away, the Ballard Criterium (a.k.a. “the Crit”) is by far, not only one of our biggest events, but also one of the biggest events in Ballard. Ballard Avenue is shut down for a couple blocks and spectators, fans and bike riders alike line the streets to watch this annual race in the beginning of June. Here’s quote from the official Crit blog:

“The Second Ascent Ballard Criterium is one of Seattle’s classic bike races with a great city course, lots of fans and a fantastic atmosphere. Just like the original crits in Belgium, the keystone pro event kicks off at 7:30pm with fans spilling out of the local bars and restaurants to watch and cheer.” Click here for more information.

• We’re hosting a great event on our Facebook page with La Sportiva climbing shoes asking our fans “what climbing means to you.” Click the link and/or find the post on our FB page to comment and you could be a proud owner of a pair of their men’s or women’s high performance shoe – the Miura. This will remain open to comments until the end of April. There’s a few other things that we’ll be working on this summer (and beyond), so make sure to follow our blog to stay in the loop!

Until next time,

Your local guys and gals at Second Ascent