Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 12/22/16

Happy Holidays

from the 

American Alpine Institute!

(click to enlarge)

Northwest:

--Kamloops This Week is reporting on a trend that we expect to be more prevalent in the mountain rescue community in the coming years. "Kamloops Search and Rescue is one of two groups in B.C. licensed to use drones to search for missing people. The provincial emergency management agency approved Kamloops and Coquitlam on one-year pilot programs to utilize unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, in real-life searches." To read more, click here.

--The American Alpine Institute will be assisting with a massive race on Mt. Baker this summer. The Mt. Baker Ultra is a 50-mile ultra-marathon from the town of Glacier to the summit of Sherman Peak and back. To learn more about the race, click here. To watch a video about it, click below:



Desert Southwest:

--Clark County is trying to sue the Save Red Rock group. The county apparently doesn't like the opposition the group has nurtured to the potential housing development across the street from Red Rock Canyon on Blue Diamond Hill. The group is now seeking funds to defend their right to oppose this development. To read more, click here.

--It appears that the sign for Red Rock Canyon was vandalized by climbers doing a photoshoot this week. A witness states that the people hanging on the sign were wearing exagerated climbing gear and when they broke the sign, they thought it was funny. To read more and to see an image of the sign, click here.

--A dog was caught in a hunter's trap last week near Mt. Potosi. It appears that the individual who has set these traps has also placed them around the Red Rock Campground. To read more, click here.

--The Desert Sun is reporting that, "A sloping piece of the Mojave Desert that rises into rugged hills next to Joshua Tree National Park was bought more than a decade ago by a company that planned to turn it into a subdivision. Instead, the 640-acre property will become a protected area for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, and for wildlife from bighorn sheep to mountain lions." To read more, click here.

--Red Rock Rendezvous will take place from March 24 to 27. This is the premire climbing event of the year. Early registration is now open. Early registration allows you to save money and while also providing you with better clinic options than when you register closer to Rendezvous! To register for the event, click here.

Colorado:

--The ABC affiliate in Denver is reporting that, "A Colorado man died after a tragic ski accident at the Breckenridge Ski Resort on Monday, officials announced. Authorities confirmed the first skiing death of the year Tuesday afternoon, describing a 48-year-old man's death as a serious accident." To read more, click here.

--It appears that some anchors have been vandalized in the Ouray backcountry. So far it's been confirmed that the bolted anchors in Second Gully and on Portland Falls have been chopped.

--Steamboat Today is reporting that, "The fine print on the trail maps and signage at backcountry access gates now alert skiers that they can be charged up to $500 per person for rescues at the Steamboat Ski Area. The policy is new this year, and the ski area hopes it will deter inexperienced skiers from going places they do not belong." To read more, click here.

--The Aspen Times is reporting that, "Aspen Skiing Co.’s vision of building Snowmass Ski Area into a bigger powerhouse in the ski industry is expected to get back on track Thursday. Skico and two partners anticipate they will complete a multimillion dollar deal to purchase the undeveloped property at Snowmass Base Village as well as the commercial space and Viceroy Hotel. To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Jackson Hole News and Guide is reporting that, "No skiers will be criminally prosecuted in connection with Thursday’s massive avalanche on Teton Pass, officials said. Despite initial suspicion that skiers may have been responsible for the large slide that hit a vehicle and closed Highway 22 to thousands of commuters, investigators are no longer sure." To read more, click here.

--The Access Fund is reporting that, "A major win may be on the horizon for Texas climbers. After targeted advocacy efforts by Access Fund and local climbers, State Representative Ryan Guillen filed House Bill 487 last week to add rock climbing as a defined activity in the Texas recreational use statute. If passed, this bill will limit the liability of landowners who open their property to climbing." To read more, click here.

--Well, somebody's out there cleaning up America's scenic trails!

--Fake news has been in the news a lot lately. So our friends over at Evening Sends have put together a funny -- but profane with naughty language and all -- post about the best fake climbing news this year. To read the post, click here.

--Just in time for the holidays, here's a video of a dude wearing a Santa suit getting pulled around on a snowboard by a drone...