Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 10/29/15

Northwest:

--The Northwest Snow and Avalanche Workshop (NSAW) is coming up on Sunday, November 8 at the University of Washington HUB. NSAW is a professional development seminar bringing together professionals and avid backcountry recreationists for a full day of avalanche education presented by some of the leading researchers and avalanche practitioners in North America.

Colorado:

--A Fort Collins man who went missing and was found dead near Allenspark trail head has left behind a legacy as a Colorado climbing pioneer. Thomas Mereness was the first person in Colorado to climb all of the 14ers in the winter. Mereness climbed the 54 mountains between Dec. 21 and March 21 and accomplished his goal in 1992.  Full article here.

Notes from All Over:

--Newly developed Leave No Trace guidelines for winter snowsports. Winter backcountry recreation is on the rise.  As is so often the case, increased use can lead to greater impacts to the landscape as well as on others seeking the same experiences. Trash, human waste issues, excessive noise and disturbances to wildlife have all been cited as issues that can be addressed successfully with relevant Leave No Trace education. Full article and guidelines can be found here.

--REI is paying its employees to take Black Friday off by closing for the day in all 143 stores for a 1st time in push to #OptOutside.

REI is taking direct aim at the frenzied consumerism that dominates the holidays with a message to do the exact opposite of what Black Friday demands. Instead of buying new skis, go skiing!  More here and here.

--Colossal Rock Climbing Gym Coming to Crystal City: With footprint exceeding 45,000 square feet, DC Metro location will be among the biggest climbing gyms in the nation. See it here.

--Russian alpinists claim first ascent of virgin Thulagi Chuli in Nepal.  On 25/09/2015 the Russian mountaineers Aleksander Gukov, Ivan Dozhdev, Valeriy Shamalo and Ruslan Kirichenko completed the first ascent of Thulagi Chuli (7059m) a hitherto unclimbed peak in the Nepalese Himalaya. The new route up the West Face is called Happy Birthday, is 1850m high and is graded TD+, VI (5c), AI 4+, M4.  Get the details here.

--Utah’s newest ski resort prepares for inaugural season. Richmond, Utah’s newest ski resort, Cherry Peak, is scheduled to open this winter. With three chairlifts and 280 acres of terrain for all levels, officials say it will provide fun for families in Cache Valley and across the state. Scope it out here