Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 1/22/20

Climate Crisis:

--Mother Jones is reporting that, "Political appointees at the Interior Department have sought to play up climate pollution from California wildfires while downplaying emissions from fossil fuels as a way of promoting more logging in the nation’s forests, internal emails obtained by the Guardian reveal. The messaging plan was crafted in support of Donald Trump’s pro-industry arguments for harvesting more timber in California, which he says would thin forests and prevent fires—a point experts refute." To read more, click here.

Northwest:

--The Wenatchee World is reporting that, "after almost a year of developers and opponents battling it out, a Chelan County judge is allowing the Leavenworth Adventure Park to move forward." This is an amusement park. It's construction will certainly have consequences to climbing, camping and backpacking out of Leavenworth, with the biggest issue being additional crowding. To read more, click here.

Is it Sasquatch? Click here to read more.

There was another one this week, with video.

--The Seattle Times is reporting that, "A bill in the Washington Legislature would get rid of the Discover Pass, eliminating the $30 annual fee thousands of motorists now pay to enter state parks.  Senate Minority Leader Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, is sponsoring Senate Bill 6174, which would make access to over 100 state parks, 700 water-access points, and 350 recreation sites free for all. Currently, motorists must pay a $30 annual pass or $10 day pass, or risk getting slapped with a $99 fine." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--The Sacramento Bee is reporting that, "Squaw Valley ski patrol is urging skiers to stay in bounds on trails and be aware of avalanche safety after they had to traverse dangerous terrain to find a lost and injured skier on Monday. The rescuers found the skier two miles out of bounds, near Needle Lake. Terrain was so difficult to access that a CHP helicopter was requested and flew the skier and the ski patrol unit back to high camp at Squaw Valley ski resort." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Out There Colorado is reporting that, "A string of avalanches recently tore through parts of Colorado, leaving multiple people trapped under the snow. One person died and multiple were injured." To read more, click here.

--The Know Outdoors is reporting that, "Nearly 200 miles south of Denver, near the New Mexico border in a picturesque valley on the eastern slope of the Sangre de Cristo range, a long-shuttered ski area is showing hopeful signs of life. Sure, a lot of things would have to fall into place before Cuchara Valley can be reborn as a ski area after two decades of dormancy, but a local group is working hard to make it happen." To read more, click here.

--The Access Fund is reporting that, "For the last two years, Access Fund has been fighting off attempts by the Department of Justice to transfer and to outright dismiss its lawsuit to defend Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, an irreplaceable landscape that is home to world-class climbing. After many months of procedural battles—all of which we’ve won—Access Fund and its co-plaintiffs have now taken an offensive position with a motion that could lead to a victory on the merits." To read more, click here.

--Outside is reporting that, "Bluebird Backcountry is set to open in Colorado next month with 1,500 acres on Peak Ranch, near Steamboat Springs, plus a lodge, warming huts, gear rentals, and ski patrol. But instead of a chairlift, dedicated skin tracks will lead skiers to open meadows and aspen glades. When it debuts for a trial month starting February 15, Bluebird will be the first human-powered, downhill-focused ski resort in North America, giving people an opportunity to explore the sport in a safe and accessible location." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--A cross-country skier was bit by a coyote in Yellowstone National Park this week. To read more, click here.

--The Post Register is reporting that, "Changing conditions are being blamed for three Teton Range avalanches triggered by skiers on Sunday and one on Monday, according to officials. As temperatures climbed to the low 40s on the floor of Jackson Hole, Wyo., the avalanche danger was rated at “Moderate” for elevations of 7,500 feet and above." To read more, click here.

--Teton Gravity Research is reporting that, "the Freeride World Tour is setting a new standard at the dawn of a new decade: equal pay regardless of gender. It’s a progressive step forward for female freeriding, and the FWT hopes it will elevate the next generation of freeriders." To read more, click here.

--Canada's premire outdoor retailer, MEC lost 11 million dollars last year. The result? Layoffs and restructuring. Check out this letter from the company's CEO.

--Unofficial Networks is reporting that,"According to the National Ski Areas Association, without drastic changes, snow sports participation could decline 2.5% every year for all ski areas. The main reason for this decline is millennial participation. Millennials represent the largest group of snowboarders and skiers, but they also have the fewest number of days per season. The figures show that the industry will need to increase the frequency of the millennial participant to match that of the exiting baby boomer." To read more, click here.

--Conversely, there appears to be a lot of crowding at ski resorts lately. Outside is asking why...? According to the National Ski Areas Association, ski and snowboard visits are up 18 percent since 1978, to almost 60 million last winter. And skiers are more concentrated than ever: the Rocky Mountain region saw a 54 percent jump in visits, while the Midwest is down by a third in that same time period. (Of course, ski seasons fluctuate. Last winter was the fourth busiest since 1978, though the one before that doesn’t even break the top half.)" To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 1/23/20

Climate Crisis:

--Here's how climate change is affecting outdoor adventures sports and wilderness exploration.

Northwest:

--Prolific Northwest mountaineer, artist, NPS ranger and guide, Dee Molenaar, died at the age of 101 on Sunday. As a ranger and guide, Dee climbed Mt. Rainer over 50-times. He was on the second ascent of Mt. St. Elias, and was on the third attempt to climb K2. To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "it was a tragic weekends at two B.C. ski resorts, as more inbound accidents lead to fatalities. The B.C. Coroner’s Service is investigating after a skier and a snowboarder died after becoming trapped in tree wells in separate incidents." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--KCRA 3 is reporting that, "One person was killed and one person was seriously injured in an avalanche at a Tahoe ski resort on Friday morning, authorities said. The avalanche happened around 10:15 a.m. near the Subway ski run at Alpine Meadows ski resort, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office." To read more, click here.

Carson Now is reporting that, "The man who died Saturday has been identified as 36-year-old Christopher John Nicholson of South Lake Tahoe, Calif. Nicholson was a member of the Heavenly Ski Patrol and had been working that day. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Washoe County Coroner’s Office is working to identify a cause of death, according to a DCSO news release." To read more, click here.

Yosemite's El Capitan
Photo by Krista Eytchison

--At least 200-people left Yosemite with a norovirus recently.

Desert Southwest:

--CNN is reporting that, "Skeletal remains that were found in Joshua Tree National Park last month have been identified as 51-year-old Paul Miller, a Canadian man who went missing in 2018, according to officials." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:


--Out There Colorado is reporting that, "An ice climber was killed on January 18, 2020 in Uncompahgre Gorge in Ouray County, Colorado when a block of falling ice triggered a small avalanche. Untethered at the time of the avalanche, the victim was hit and carried into a creek, where she was fully buried by snow and ice. According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the victim was not climbing at the time of the accident." To read more, click here.

--The Denver Post is reporting that, "Police on Monday identified the skier who died Saturday on the slopes of Winter Park Resort as 25-year-old Francis Raymond Ermilio of Massachusetts. Ermilio was not an experienced skier and investigators believe he lost control Saturday afternoon while skiing an intermediate run and crashed into nearby trees, according to a news release from the Fraser Winter Park Police Department." To read more, click here.

--Out There Colorado is reporting that, "Backcountry skiers came to the rescue Saturday when a dog became buried under a large slab avalanche in Central Colorado." To read more, click here.

New Variation to Jah Man

Photo by Gaar Lausman

--Last week it was reported that the Moab classic Jah Man fell down. This week AAI guide Gaar Lausman and a few other locals developed three new pitches to link into the original line. To read more click here.

--The Adventure Blog is reporting that, "Colorado is home to 58 mountains that exceed 14,000 feet (4267 meters), which of course makes it one of the most mountainous states in the entire U.S. Over the years, countless climbers and hikers have made it a priority to climb each and every one of those mountains, which have entire websites dedicated to them. But recently, a Siberian husky by the name of Loki topped out on his 58th 14er as well, making him the third dog to ever accomplish that feat." To read more, click here.

--The Aspen Times is reporting that, "Former Aspen Skiing Co. executive and city Councilman Derek Johnson was sentenced to six years in prison Tuesday for methodically stealing and selling more than 13,000 pairs of company-owned skis worth nearly $6 million over more than 12 years." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--John Evans, a prolific American climber, recently died at the age of 82. To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "Legendary Rockies climber Charles “Chas” Yonge, who made hundreds of first ascents in Canada and was a world renowned cave explorer, has passed away. He was in his mid-70s." To read more, click here.

--The News Tribune is reporting on something really scary: "A family hike Monday in a Southern California wilderness park turned terrifying when a mountain lion lunged at a 3-year-old boy, The Orange County Register reports. The animal bit the child on the neck and began to drag him away in the 4:15 p.m. attack at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Lake Forest The father of the family of six threw a backpack at the mountain lion, which let go of the boy and retreated into a tree with the backpack." To read more, click here.

--Independent Record is reporting that, "an Indiana man was rescued uninjured from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone last week, according to district park ranger Klint Powell. Dave Christensen, 55, of Indiana, was reported rappelling into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone around 11 a.m. on Jan. 6. He was illegally off trail and in the canyon, according to Powell." To read more, click here.

--Applications are open for the Kyle Dempster Solo Award. From Gripped: "Each year, the Kyle Dempster Solo Adventure Award will be given to an American solo adventurer embarking on a journey that embodies Kyle’s passionate spirit and love of exploration, with an emphasis on storytelling and leave no trace ethics." To read more, click here.

The "What People Think" Internet Meme

A couple years ago, there were a lot of "what people think" memes placed on social networking sites.  These usually involved a series of pictures subtitled with lines like, "what my mom thinks I do" or "what society thinks I do." Usually at the very end there is a final photographic punchline.

We've scoured the internet in order to find a handful of these that apply to our culture. If you find these hard to read, please click on them to enlarge:

It should be no surprise that there are some skiing memes out there:

Unfortunately, we couldn't find any that applied to mountaineering or mountain guides.  So our very own Andrew Yasso made the following memes:

--Jason D. Martin

Route Profile: Denali - West Rib

Denali - 20,320 ft (6194 m)

Route: Complete West Rib

Our approach is to climb this line "alpine style." In other words, we climb the normal West Buttress route up to Camp III at 14,200 feet to acclimatize. Leaving a cache of food and fuel at Camp III, we descend back down to Camp I at 7,800 feet with light packs. This approach will allow us to efficiently climb the West Rib in a single push without the use of fixed ropes.

Climbing the entrance couloir to the West Rib. AAI Collection

The following day we will travel up the Northeast Fork of the Kahiltna and establish a Camp at 9,400 feet. From the base of our route at 11,100 feet, we face a rather spectacular beginning: a 2000-foot couloir of 45 to 55-degree snow and ice. Pitching out this steep section is important because it is very strenuous and there are no options for shelter before reaching West Rib Camp III at 12,800 feet.

Once comfortably established on the crest of the Rib, we are confronted with another ice dome that requires additional pitching and climbing on hard alpine ice up to 60 degrees. Above the ice dome the climbing eases some, with a mixture of 45-degree snow and rock climbing as we work our way to Camp IV at 14,700 feet and Camp V at 16,400 feet. On summit day we climb snow and ice couloirs and then easy mixed rock, which leads us to the summit plateau at 19,400 feet. From that point we turn east and climb gradually to the final summit ridge.

Besides offering high quality climbing, this entire line of ascent is aesthetically attractive and provides great views of surrounding peaks and routes. As soon as we reach the rib crest we have the impressive outline of the Cassin Ridge off to our east; as we climb higher we see the West Buttress route and then look down onto its 14,000-foot plateau camp; and finally as we ascend the high snow and ice couloirs, we are able to look out to all the major peaks of the Alaska Range. With a descent via the lower half of the West Buttress route, we enjoy varied and remarkably beautiful terrain from beginning to end of this expedition.

Advantages to Climbing the Complete West Rib

1. This is a highly aesthetic line on one of America's most beautiful mountains. Were it not for the extreme popularity of the West Buttress to the left of the route, and of the notoriety of the world-class Cassin Ridge to the right of the route, this line would be one of the most recognized and sought after on the mountain.

2. An ascent of the Upper West Rib misses nearly 5000 feet of interesting and engaging climbing on the crest of the Rib proper adjacent to the beautiful Cassin Ridge.

3. An ascent of the entire West Rib is significantly more committing than an ascent of the Upper West Rib. Many see mountain commitment as an attractive element and seek out trips with such an aesthetic.

4. Many find the exposed and complex terrain of the Northeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier to be both exhilarating and frightening. An ascent of the complete West Rib requires late night/early morning travel through this well-known zone. 

Route: West Rib Cutoff

Many individuals are interested in climbing Denali via a route other than the West Buttress, but don't want to commit to something as serious as the complete West Rib.

The Upper West Rib provides for a fantastic adventure on a classic line while still providing you with many of the aesthetics found on the West Buttress. On this climb, out team will ascent the standard West Buttress route up to Camp III at 14,200 feet. From there, we will climb up the West Rib Cut-Off to join the upper Rib.

High camp on the West Rib.
Joe Stock

After arriving at Camp III, most teams will make an acclimatization climb up to the 17,200-foot West Buttress camp. There they will leave a cache set-up for their descent a few days later.

After waiting for an appropriate weather window at Camp III, the team will work its way up the Cut-Off to join the ridge crest at 15,700 feet. Once the crest is reached, the climbing is absolutely fantastic. The team will climb a steep and sustained couloir to a protected camp at 16,400 feet.

On summit day, we will climb a six-hundred foot steep and windy couloir with sections of sixty-degree terrain to a flat spot at the base of the last crux. From here the team has two options, a traverse across the top of the infamous Orient Express couloir or an ascent up another steep couloir to the east. Both options top out on the "Football Field," a flatish spot below the final summit ridge. From here, the route once again joins the West Buttress to the mountain's summit at 20,320 feet.

Our descent will take us back down the West Buttress route to the camp that we prepped on our acclimatization ascent at 17,200 feet. From there, we will make our way down the West Buttress and back to Base Camp.

Advantages of Climbing the Upper West Rib

1. Climbing the Upper West Rib allows for a lighter ascent. If you climb the complete route, you must carry multiple days worth of food and fuel on your back. If you only climb the Upper Rib, the ascent to 14,200 feet will be sled assisted.

2. After climbing all the way up to Camp III at 14,200 feet, it can be demoralizing to descend all the way back down to the Northeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier to start your "real" ascent.

3. Though this is an incredibly physical climb, it is ultimately an easier ascent than the Complete West Rib.

4. An ascent of the Upper West Rib avoids the complexity and the objective danger that complete Rib climbers face in the Northeast Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier.

Climbers descending after a successful climb of the West Rib.
AAI Collection

Feel free to call or email for more information about the West Rib route!

--

Dylan Cembalski

Alaska Programs and 7 Summits Coordinator

AAI Guide

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 1/16/20

Climate Crisis:

--The National Environmental Policy Act is under attack from the Trump Administration. According to the New York Times: "Many of the changes to the law — the 50-year-old National Environmental Policy Act, a landmark measure that touches nearly every significant construction project in the country — have been long sought by the oil and gas industry, whose members applauded the move and called it long overdue." Such changes will have an effect on both the climate, as well as public lands where we recreate, everywhere. To read more, click here.

--CNN is reporting that, "Grasses, shrubs and mosses are growing and expanding around Mount Everest and across the Himalayan region as the area continues to experience the consequences of global warming, researchers have found."  To read more, click here.

--REI is working to decrease the amount of single use plastic in the outdoor industry. They intend to charge industry partners who send polybags for recycling fees. To read more, click here.

--Many low altitude ski resorts will be closing in the coming decade due to climate change.

Northwest:

--A 19-year-old ski racer had a close call with a tree well at Oregon's Mt. Bachelor this week. To read more, click here.

--7KTVB is reporting that, "Officials say an eastern Oregon man died in an avalanche Saturday while he was snowmobiling in the Elkhorn Mountains." To read more, click here.

--In response to overcrowding, Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is no longer selling day passes at their ticket window on weekends. Instead, skiers will have to buy them ahead of time online. This will decrease the chances that you will drive up and find a full parking lot. To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--News 4 is reporting that, "A Reno native and local hotshot firefighter captain died after a skiing accident at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe in December, according to his wife. 37-year-old Damian Rivadeneyra passed away at Renown hospital on Dec. 28, 2019 after complications from hitting a tree while skiing the day before." To read more, click here.

--Rock and Ice is reporting that, "Lover’s Leap, outside Tahoe, California, has been deteriorating under a dramatic increase in climber traffic. This popular granite climbing area saw its first ascent in 1950 and is now home to over 180 climbing routes, including Travelers Buttress—one of the 50 classic climbs in America. The area draws droves of climbers from the San Francisco, Sacramento, and South Lake Tahoe climbing communities who appreciate the many traditional, multi-pitch routes in a beautiful forested setting. However, climber impacts have reached a tipping point." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

Mt. Wilson in Red Rock Canyon

Thieves recently hit a climber car in the parking lot for the right hand side of this feature.

--We continue to hear reports about active thieves in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Be sure to hide your stuff in your car to ensure that it doesn't get stolen.

Colorado and Utah:

--A female ice climber was hit and injured by falling ice at Utah's Bridal Veil Falls (WI 4-5+ variation dependent) To read more, click here.

--An avalanche hit a car this week in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

--The first pitch of the ultra-classic Moab climb, Jah Man (5.10c, II+) collapsed at the beginning of the month. To read more, click here.

-Out There Colorado is reporting that, "Hibernation season is in full swing, but some bears are still very much awake in Colorado. According to the Aspen Police Department, garbage cans need to be secured, even in the winter months, where bear activity is still being reported. The department recently shared a video of two black bears wandering around a snowy residence just earlier this month – an unusual time for bears sightings in the high elevation town that rests at nearly 8,000 feet." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Gripped is reporting that, "An avalanche on Mount Hector on the Icefields Parkways buried Canmore skier and family physician, Laura Koraskoski, for nearly an hour on Jan. 11. Her husband, Adam Campbell, and another skier were able to reach her and coordinate a rescue." To read more, click here.

--Sad news from Minnesota's Pioneer Press: "Hastings Middle School students and staff are struggling to cope with the sudden loss of a seventh-grader killed in a skiing accident this past weekend at Welch Village Ski Area in Welch." To read more, click here.

--The National Parks are under attack by the current administration. Their goal? To allow a dismantling of America's crown jewels for extractive industries. A former head of the NPS argues that it's time to disconnect the parks from the Department of the Interior to protect them from this kind of manipulation. To read more, click here.

--There is now an indoor ski area in a mall in New Jersey. It's essentially a bunny hill in a warehouse. What could possibly go wrong...?

--The News Tribune is reporting that, "men who were caught walking on the cone of Old Faithful Geyser at Yellowstone National Park have been sentenced to time behind bars, according to park rangers. The trespassing duo — 20-year-old Eric Schefflin of Lakewood, Colorado, and 25-year-old Ryan Goetz of Woodstock, New York — pleaded guilty to charges of thermal trespassing following the Sept. 10, 2019, incident at the iconic thermal spring in the park that spans Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, Yellowstone National Park rangers said in a news release on Thursday." To read more, click here.

--The Access Fund is reporting that it "is thrilled to announce that the Hell’s Kitchen bouldering area outside Chattanooga, Tennessee is now permanently protected as part of Cumberland Trail State Park." To read more, click here.

Munter-Hitch to Clove-Hitch

The ability to turn a munter-hitch into a clove-hitch quickly is extremely valuable, especially when you choose to belay with a munter-hitch.

Check out this quick video on how to do it!



--Jason D. Martin

Ten Tips for Powder Skiing in the Backcountry

One of the primary reasons that people wish to ski the backcountry is because they want to ski powder. The problem is that the first time people go out-of-bounds, it can be really difficult. Skiing powder is hard, until you understand some of the tricks and techniques.

This video provides ten excellent tricks to dial in your powder skiing.



In review:

1. Make sure you have the right kind of skis. The should be at least 100mm underfoot.
2. Ski dust on crust. Thin powder cover can help you develop your powder skills.
3. Skiing Position. When you practice on light powder, think about your stance.
4. Skis should be closer together than they are on the slope normally.
5. Start out your powder tours on short runs or small sections of powder, where you have the energy to hold your stance and do a good job.
6. Practice pumping up and down on a mellow pitch of terrain while going slow. This will help when you move on to turns. Transition to turns with the pump on easy terrain.
7. After you practice pumping in the snow, practice turning when the skis are on top of the snowpack.
8. Pole Planting. Keep the poles out front. Plant right after finished with turn to rotate around pole into the next turn.
9. Turn with the terrain. For example, if you're on top of a roller, take advantage and make a turn.
10. Do big turns. This decreases the amount of work you have to do on each turn.

--Jason D. Martin

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 1/9/20

Climate Crisis:

--Futurism is reporting that, "The wildfires currently raging in Australia have already killed more than half a billion animals and at least 20 people. And now we know that more than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) away from the blazes lies another potential victim: New Zealand’s glaciers." To read more, click here.

Northwest:

--The Spokesman-Review is reporting on an inbounds avalanche in Idaho: "Two skiers died and five were rescued after an avalanche swept down two inbounds ski runs on Wardner Peak at Silver Mountain Tuesday morning. While much of the search-and-rescue was completed by the afternoon, Silver Mountain Ski Patrol found an additional person buried in the avalanche later in the evening. That skier was transported to Shoshone Medical Center in an unknown condition, but the Shoshone News-Press later reported that skier died." To read more, click here.

An avalanche crown just outside Mt. Baker Ski Area last year.

Photo by Caden Martin

--Castanet is reporting that, "Two men have been killed in an avalanche in northwestern British Columbia's Tatshenshini-Alsek Park. The BC Coroners Service says the men, who were in their early 20s, were with a third man snowboarding in the area when the avalanche hit last Monday afternoon." To read more, click here.

--A BC skier is recovering after being lost for two days in the Red Mountain area. To read more, click here.

--Two teenage snowboarders lost near Nelson, BC, burned their homework to stay alive overnight, while awaiting rescue. To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--The remains of a Japanese-American internment camp prisoner were recently found near Mt. Williamson. The New York Times is reporting that, "In 1945, Giichi Matsumura left the infamous Japanese-American internment camp to paint in the Sierra Nevada and never returned." To read more, click here.

--Summit Daily is reporting that, "Many were upset in October when Northstar California Resort announced that guests would have to pay to park in the Village View lot. Two Northstar regulars were so upset they filed a lawsuit on Dec. 6 against the resort’s owner, Vail Resorts. 'I was surprised as everybody had to be in discovering, after having purchased my season ticket for Northstar that one of the main attractions was not there anymore,” said attorney Steven Kroll, 79, who filed the suit along with fellow Crystal Bay, Nev., resident Ronald Code, 77. “I believe people can change rules in advance, they can’t do it retrospectively.'" To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--Two individuals got in over their heads on Epinephrine (5.9, IV) in Red Rock Canyon on New Year's Eve. The got high enough on snow covered and icy terrain that they were unable to bail and had to call a rescue. To read more, click here.

--The Las Vegas Review Journal is reporting that, "a recent Facebook post about traps being used in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is drawing interest of Nevada officials, but not for the usual reasons. 'They were hidden and then covered with raw meat, this person is clearly trying to harm animals or kill coyotes,' part of the post said." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Out-There-Colorado is reporting that, "A 55-year-old skier has died following an accident at Eldora Mountain Resort on December 30. According to a Facebook post from Boulder-based Backpacker’s Pantry, the deceased was their owner and president, Rodney Smith." To read more, click here.

--A skier was killed in an accident at Alta Ski Resort on January 2nd. It appears that this was a tree-well, deep snow immersion incident. To read more, click here.

--The Times-Independent is reporting that, "In order to protect critical wildlife habitat for raptors and desert bighorn sheep, a number of climbing routes in Canyonlands and Arches national parks will close for up to six months each year, according to a statement from the National Park Service." To read more, click here.

--The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that, "Starting with the new year, permits will be required for climbing, bouldering and canyoneering at Capitol Reef, highlighting the growing popularity — and impacts — of these activities in one of Utah’s quieter national parks." To read more, click here.

--Don't go too fast in Keystone, or they'll make you take a safety class. This video was recently posted on Unofficial Networks. A snowboarder is cited by a patroller for speeding and then told he'll have to take a safety class if he wants to continue to ride Keystone. He's moving fast in the video, but is under control. It does seem a bit extreme to make him take a class without a warning.

Notes from All Over:

--Rock and Ice posted the article, Climbers We Lost in 2019, this week.

--A skier died in an accident at Whiteface Mountain in New York over the holidays. To read more, click here.

--Three skiers were caught in a large avalanche just outside the Grand-Targhee resort in Wyoming this week. A buried skier was rescued. To read more, click here.

--Climbing has been in the Olympics before, and medals have been handed out. But it wasn't indoor climbing. To read more, click here.

--A chairlift malfunctioned in Montana and dropped to the ground. Several riders then had to be rescued last week. To read more, click here.

--Bear Grylls and Alex Honnold teamed up to climb a 5.4 route, a few feet from a road, for television. This is a very dramatic video considering the route:

The Average Age of People Dying in Avalanches is Rising

The Sawtooth Avalanche Center posted a video of a talk by Erich Peitzsch about the age of avalanche victims. Here's an abstract of the talk:

Erich Peitzsch, a doctoral student at Montana State University and researcher for the United States Geological Survey, sought to explore the question, “how old are the people that die in avalanches?” Erich’s research was inspired by a hunch that the average age of avalanche victims is increasing. During his talk, Erich showed that this is, in fact, the case. The average age of avalanche victims has increased from 27.6 years old between 1950-1989 to 34.3 from 1990-2018. The average age of fatalities among avalanche professionals was shown to be even higher at 37.7 years.

There are a bunch of questions that exist with this. Is this the age group, or the cohort? In other words, is the avalanche hazard following one group as they get older because they are bigger risk takers...? Or is this about the economic comfort of older people...? Is it a societal thing...? Or is it something else completely...?

This 30-minute talk is a deep dive into why avalanche fatalities appear to be increasing for older people in the backcountry.



--Jason D. Martin

Film: Dream Job

Katie Burrell is freaking hilarious.

In this short film, Katie documents her journey as she ditches her job sitting behind a desk in the ski industry. Her goal...? To find a new career in the outdoors. The reality...?

Comedy gold!



Powder magazine has published a great interview with Katie. Check it out, here.

--Jason D. Martin

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 1/2/20

Northwest:

--NBC News and many others are reporting that, "A man hiking in California was struck and killed this week by a giant redwood tree that fell on him. Subhradeep Dutta, 28, of Edina, Minnesota, died Tuesday after the incident in Muir Woods National Monument Park in Mill Valley, California, according to a news release from the Marin County Sheriff's Office." To read more, click here.

Mt. Hood from Timberline Lodge.

--A 16-year-old on Mt. Hood survived a 500-foot fall on Monday. To read more, click here.

--KATU 2 is reporting that, "A skier is recovering after she got lost overnight on Christmas while out skiing on Mount Bachelor, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said. Officials said 30-year-old Ashlee Gingerich, of California, walked up to the Cloudchaser ski lift at about 9 a.m. Thursday “very cold and tired, but otherwise uninjured.” She was treated at the resort by staff members." To read more, click here.

--A new ice climbing area is being developed near Lillooet. And indeed a new 5-pitch WI 5 was just sent there. To read more, click here.

--Washington's snowpack is still on the low side. It is currently similar to the 2015 drought. To read more, click here.

--Mountain Gear, the iconic gear shop that we've worked with at Red Rock Rendezvous for years, is closing its doors. It is truly a sad day for the outdoor industry. To read more, click here.

--The Pacific Crest Trail Association is reporting that, "Last summer, after 5 years of hard work, dedication and laser focus by a divergent group of partners, 10,300 acres and 17 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail were permanently protected for public use along the Trinity Divide in Northern California. Last week, the U.S. Forest Service recognized the rare and valuable partnership that made the project a success. The recipients of the “Partnership of the Year Award” include the Pacific Crest Trail Association, the Michigan-California Timber Company, The Trust for Public Land and several Forest Service employees." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--Snowbrains and several other outlets are reporting that, "pro snowboarder Jaeger Bailey took his own life on Christmas day in Mammoth, California." To read more, click here.

--In light of Jaeger's death, it's important to remember that ski towns have a higher suicide rate than other places. Here's an excellent article on the subject.

Desert Southwest:

--Human skeletal remains were found in Joshua Tree National Park on December 22nd. The remains were in place for some time and an investigation is ongoing. To read more, click here.

Graffiti scratched into the sandstone in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

--The Las Vegas Review-Journal is reporting that graffiti within Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is on the rise. To read more, click here.

--Outside is reporting that, "fter half a decade of legislative holdups, New Mexico’s White Sands National Monument has officially been designated a national park. Located 220 miles south of Albuquerque, White Sands is the largest dune field in the world and is so expansive that it can be seen from space. It was established as a national monument in 1933, and since its inception has attracted more visitors than any other National Parks Service site in New Mexico, according to a statement from the office of U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich. “This is a pretty prestigious recognition of White Sands, one of New Mexico's most remarkable natural wonders,” said Heinrich, who introduced the bill to Congress with U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small in March 2019." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Several skiers and snowboarders were caught in an inbounds avalanche on an open run at Copper Mountain Ski Area in mid-December. To read more, click here.

--Summit Daily is reporting that, "A 58-year-old skier had to be rescued Thursday after he got lost outside Steamboat Resort. At 1:35 p.m., Routt County Search and Rescue volunteers responded to a report of a skier who had accidentally left the resort boundary. He was stranded in the Fish Creek drainage, according to incident commander Kristia Check-Hill. It was the rescue group’s first call for service at the ski area this winter, she said." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--A skier was killed in Pennsylvania at the Bear Creek Mountain Resort after colliding with snowblowing equipment. To read more, click here.

--A 48-year-old skier was killed after colliding with a tree in Vermont this week. To read more, click here.

--The most famous couple in climbing is getting married.

--The Kathmandu Post is reporting that, "all climbers seeking a permit to climb Mount Everest will now need to disclose their full medical history, according to a set of new rules drafted by the Tourism Department. In addition to disclosing their medical history, climbers must also submit a medical report by a certified doctor in order to obtain a permit to climb mountains in Nepal, including the world’s tallest peak." To read more, click here.

--Anchorage Daily News is reporting that, "The Denali Park Road, traveled by thousands of tourists and Alaskans in the summer, could be temporarily shut down before its halfway point at the start of the 2020 season due to damage from a continuing landslide. The 92-mile route is the sole road into the park. Just under 8,000 bus trips are scheduled on the road every year to transport visitors into the park. Use of personal vehicles is usually prohibited." To read more, click here.

--Snews has the top ten outdoor industry stories of 2019. Check it out.

--Outside has produced a list of the top ten most important outdoor books of the last decade. This is worth checking out.

--America's National Parks are getting louder...

--The Hill is reporting that, "The National Park Service (NPS) has been allowing nonprofits to offer weddings, yoga and other activities that are "outside the scope" of their agreements with the government, an internal watchdog has found.  The NPS has partnered with nonprofit organizations to operate Residential Environmental Learning Centers (RELCs) to provide educational services to the public, according to an Interior Department inspector general's report dated last week." To read more, click here.

--A barefoot 30-year-old woman got within 15-feet of the top of Mt. Rushmore before descending and being arrested. To read more, click here.

--There's a Will Ferrell ski movie coming out:



--Here's a list of NPS fee free days for 2020!