Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 9/21/2023

Northwest:

--There was a fatal rappelling accident on the Inspiration-Methow (5.9, III) route in Mazama over the weekend, but information is sparse.

--GoSkagit is reporting that, "the North Cascades National Park announced in a news release Monday that it has reopened several trails, areas and camps that had been closed by the Sourdough Fire." To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting on some rare ascents of remote alpine walls in British Columbia. To read about the climbs, click here.

--Here's a piece on staying safe on the trails during hunting season.

Colorado and Utah:

--Climbing is reporting that, "A 30-year-old woman from Grand Junction, Colorado, is in critical condition after a fall and dramatic rescue which occurred on Monday, September 11, on The Great White Wall (IV 5.10d; 1,300ft) in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park." To read more, click here.

--The Deseret News is reporting that, "just months after buying into a minority ownership position of Utah’s Powder Mountain Resort, Netflix co-founder and longtime CEO Reed Hastings has ascended to majority owner of the facility by way of a new $100 million investment announced Wednesday." To read more, click here.

--The Colorado Sun is reporting that, "The federal board in charge of naming geographic places on public land voted Friday to approve Mount Blue Sky as a replacement name for Mount Evans, effective immediately." Mt. Evans was originally named for a Colorado territorial governor that was responsible for the massacre of indigenous peoples. To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Gripped is reporting from a Virginia rock gym: "A climber forgot to clip into an auto-belay, climbed to the top of the route and then sat back, thinking that he was clipped in. Hector Diffut then fell to the ground and suffered serious leg injuries." To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 9/7/23

Northwest:

--A new Grade VI, 5.9 alpine route was just put up on the periphery of Mt. Shuksan. Check it out!

--The Bellingham Herald is reporting that, "Several Washington volcanoes are showing what appear to be swarms of minor earthquakes, a phenomenon that’s lasted for the past month or more. But a Western Washington University seismologist known for explaining the recent “Swift quake” says they might not be earthquakes at all." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

Desert Southwest:

--The Nevada Independent is reporting that, "Nevada State Parks is rolling out a reservation system for overnight visitors, as well as some day-use visitors, starting Sept. 1. Reserve Nevada, a new online reservation system, will offer reservations for day-use passes, campsites and cabins, annual permits and special events. Reservations, which include a service fee of up to $5 per transaction on top of base entry fees, are highly recommended, according to Jenny Jackson, education and information officer." To read more, click here.

--Tropical storm Hillary reeked havoc on Death Valley National Park. It could be months until the Park reopens.

Colorado and Utah:

--USA Today is reporting that, "authorities in Colorado have recovered the body of a 29-year-old man who went missing in the Rocky Mountains over the weekend. The Summit County Rescue Group recovered the body from a boulder field in Officers Gulch on Sunday, the organization said in a Facebook post." To read more, click here.

--Deer Valley is sticking to its snowboard ban as it takes over the Mayflower Resort, substantially increasing its skiable terrain. To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--The Daily Beast is reporting that, "officials found the body of a missing Colorado man in Glacier National Park on Friday after he went missing for several days while on a climbing trip, KRTV reported. Adam Fuselier, 32, was last heard from Tuesday, with rangers receiving notification the next morning that he was overdue from his Reynolds Mountain climb." To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/31/23

Northwest:

--Gripped is reporting that, "North Sister is a popular mountain in central Oregon that’s considered one of the hardest to climb of the Cascade volcanoes. It’s not as tall as the nearby South Sister, but it’s climbed less due to the difficulties. The standard south ridge has exposed fourth and fifth class scrambling and steep snow traverses, making it a potentially dangerous objective. Within a month this summer, two climbers died after falling down North Sister during their ascents." To read more, click here.

--There were rescues on Mt. Baker and on Mt. Stuart over the last week.

--Skaha Bluffs (a climbing area near Penticton, BC) has a unique program where folks are paid to watch the parking lot in order to deter theft. They are looking for donations to continue this program as the Skaha fall season starts. To read more, click here.

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "The trend of businesses going cashless has increased steadily over the years. Just looking at the ski industry, names like Vail Resorts, Snowbird, Killington, Big Sky, and many more have all gone cashless. Vail Resorts, one of the biggest conglomerates in the industry, was an early adopter of this policy when it arose as part of their safety precautions for COVID-19. It appears there are no plans to change the policy anytime soon. Now Mt Hood Meadows recently announced it will be going cashless ahead of the 2023/24 season." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--Liftblog is reporting that, "three new chairlifts may be coming to Alterra’s outpost in Southern California. Under a plan unveiled today, Big Bear Mountain Resort would link neighboring Bear Mountain and Snow Summit via a series of new lifts and trails to form a cohesive mountain. The project would be remarkable given the two mountains haven’t seen a single new lift in 25 years. The two came under common ownership in 2002 and Alterra added nearby Snow Valley to the resort earlier this year. In addition to the interconnect, Big Bear also plans to add a new beginner terrain pod at Bear Mountain, expand snowmaking, construct mountain bike trails, build a zip tour and install an alpine coaster." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--Unnofficial Networks is reporting that, "Lee Canyon: Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort, located less than an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, has sustained major damage from the remains of Hurricane Hilary. In photos shared by the ski area and by Mt Charleston Mountain Man on X we see the extent of thes infrastructure damage to Lee Canyon. 'In light of the limited initial assessment, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the end of our summer mountain operations,' the ski area announced this afternoon. 'We understand the anticipation and excitement surrounding this season, and we will be reaching out to our mountain biking day pass and season pass holders with information as soon as possible due to this unforeseen closure. Trails, chairlifts, and essential facilities that encompass our summer offerings have borne the brunt of this unexpected occurrence,' the statement continued." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--ABC 4 Utah is reporting that, "Officials are warning hikers at Mount Timpanogos to keep an eye – and a leash – on their dogs after three were killed within three weeks while hiking. On Sunday, the Timpanogos Emergency Response Team said a third dog was killed in as many weeks over the weekend by mountain goats. The dog was reportedly off-leash and harassed a mother goat while she was with her babies. The mother mountain goat retaliated, feeling her children were threatened by the dog, and pushed the dog off a cliff." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--8KPAX is reporting from Montana that, "a climber was hoisted to safety in the Swan Mountains. Lake County Search and Rescue was recently called out to help Swan Valley Search and Rescue for a 'distressed climber stuck on the south cliff below the Swan Range glaciers,' according to a social media post." To read more, click here.

--The Idaho Statesman is reporting that, "a climber spent a 'harrowing' night trapped in a canyon after he fell and injured his arm so severely he couldn’t climb back out to safety, Wyoming officials said. The 'challenging' rescue took 24 hours in total, the Wyoming Army National Guard said in an Aug. 29 news release." To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/24/23

Northwest:

--The Bulletin is reporting that, "The body of a missing climber who intended to summit the North and Middle sisters in a single day was found on Saturday by the Army National Guard, four days after disappearing in the Three Sisters Wilderness." To read more, click here.

--Campfires are currently banned on all PNW Forests and in all PNW National Parks.

The Sourdough Fire shortly before the closure of the North Cascades Highway.

--The North Cascades highway is opening and closing intermittently due to two wildfires. The first is on Sourdough Mountain. And the second is just west of Blue Lake. The Blue Lake Trailhead is commonly used to access many of the routes in the Liberty Bell massif in Washington Pass. For updates, click here.

--There are multiple Pacific Crest Trail reroutes due to fire activity in the Cascades. Click on the area for reroute info: Glacier Peak Wilderness, Stehekin to Methow Valley, Dome Peak and Blue Lakes Fire Map.

Sierra:

--Gripped is reporting that, "Yosemite National Park rangers have said that evidence of black bears climbing Yosemite’s Half Dome has been found. Half Dome is one of California’s most popular and often-climbed summits." To read more, click here.

"The Nose," on El Capitan

--From Gripped: "The first rope-solo of The Nose in a day was back in 1989, but few climbers have managed to accomplish the sub-24-hour ascent sans partner. The most recent solo ascent was last week." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--CBS Colorado is reporting that, "The man who wrote the book on climbing Colorado's 14ers and many other popular mountaineering guides and stories is in a hospital in Durango after a climbing accident last week. Gerry Roach is at Centura-Mercy Hospital in Durango after a 100 foot fall on an unnamed 13,200 foot peak about a dozen miles west of Silverton in San Juan County. His wife Jennifer Roach, also a noted climber and writer, posts that the 79-year-old's prognosis is good." To read more, click here.

--The Colorado Sun is reporting that, "Support for public lands and natural resource conservation in the West tends to eclipse political affiliation, with a steadily growing number of Colorado voters supporting increased federal protections, especially as climate change threatens landscapes. The annual Center for Western Priorities 'Winning the West' poll of 1,807 voters in Arizona, Colorado and Nevada show increasing support for conservation even as political affiliation fades." To read more, click here.

--Apparently there was a major rockfall event in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "Alterra Mountain Company, the world’s premier mountain operating company, has announced a major terrain expansion of Deer Valley Resort that will add 3,700 acres of terrain to its world-renowned, ski-only destination located in the Wasatch Mountains in Park City, Utah. In addition, the development of a new village and portal will dramatically improve access to the resort while adding world-class lodging, dining, and retail amenities in partnership with Extell Development Company." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Gripped is reporting that, "earlier this week, four climbers died after falling at a height on Mexico’s highest mountain, Pico de Orizaba, which stands at 5,636 metres. One of the roped climbers fell, dragging the others down the south side." To read more, click here.

--The Star Tribune is reporting that, "the U.S. Forest Service is seeking to change its rules to allow carbon dioxide to be injected and permanently stored on the nation's forest lands. A draft of the rule and 60-day comment period is set for this fall. Capturing and storing carbon dioxide, the leading greenhouse gas driving global warming, is a key part of the Biden administration plan to fight the climate crisis. Last year's historic climate bill appropriated about $12 billion in federal funding for carbon management technologies, according to the Carbon Capture Coalition, a Washington D.C.-based nonpartisan group of more than 100 businesses, including fossil fuel companies, unions, and conservation groups." To read more, click here.

--Outdoor Sportswire is reporting that, "America Outdoors, the nation’s one-stop resource for outdoor recreation providers and the industry leaders in public policy, is proud to announce a new award category that will be presented during the 2023 America Outdoors Conference, to be held December 5-8 in Phoenix, Arizona. The inaugural Innovator Award will be presented in addition to the George and Pamela Wendt Industry Achievement Award during the awards ceremony on December 7." To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/10/23

Northwest:

--News Channel 21 is reporting that, "Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteers had a busy weekend, first rescuing an injured hiker in the Three Sisters Wilderness on Saturday in an overnight mission involving two helicopters, and then a fallen, injured climber near Smith Rock Sunday in a five-hour effort by several agencies." To read more, click here.

--Campfires are have been banned east of the Cascade Crest.

Sierra:

--Hank the Tank, a bear with a penchant for breaking into houses has been captured near South Lake Tahoe. To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--There is currently limited information, but it appears that there was a fatality in Seneca Rocks in West Virginia. For more information, click here.

--The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area posted the following on Facebook: "Solstice Canyon will be closed beginning Monday, July 31, due to the multiple beehives affecting visitor use and park services. Numerous visitor bee stings have been reported, and topography renders the affected area unavoidable.  The hives are concentrated at the main Solstice Canyon Trail, TRW Overlook Trail junction, and the education shelter structure." To read more, click here.

--The National Federation of Federal Employees posted the following, last week: "Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) is proud to announce workers at Yellowstone National Park have elected America’s first federal employee union to represent America’s first established National Park. Interpretive Park Rangers, educators, researchers, fee collectors, first responders, firefighters, and other staff working for the Department of Interior’s National Park Service are now unionized after voting in favor by over 80%." To read more, click here.

--Ski Area Management is reporting that, "After 31 years of ownership, Jay, Connie, and Betty Kemmerer have sold Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) to a group of local investors for an undisclosed amount. The Kemmerers, who purchased JHMR in 1992, said their highest priority was maintaining JHMR’s status as an independent, family-owned resort." To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "despite being a hot and smoky summer in the Canadian Rockies, climbers have been busy repeating old routes and establishing new ones. First ascents have gone up on several walls, including the Stanley Headwall and on Castle Mountain." To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 7/26/23

Northwest:

--The Mountaineers is reporting that, "on the morning of July 10, 2023, Rose Vanderhoof, 33-year Mountaineers member and avid outdoor enthusiast, became the oldest woman to summit Mt.Rainier at 78. She reached the summit with her son Chris Haugen, granddaughter Aleah Haugen, friend Mingrey Hildebrandt, and Mt. Tahoma Trails Association’s High Hut Manager Dr. Leyton Jump, who led the climb. This trip marked Rose’s ninth, and last, summit of Mt. Rainier." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--In more older folks doing cool stuff news, SnowBrains is reporting that, "93-year-old Everett Kalin achieved a remarkable milestone by summiting Half Dome in Yosemite National Park on July 18th, becoming the oldest person to do so." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--City News Service is reporting that, "Firefighters from the Riverside County Fire Department rescued a rock climber in Jurupa Valley who suffered major injuries Saturday." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "The affordable housing shortage in ski towns is widespread and has been well documented. In mountain resort towns across the country, this crisis is causing employee shortages, crippling local businesses, and threatening the soul of a ski town’s true identity and culture. Park City, UT, is no exception to this quandary. The average home costs over $2 million, and the cost of living in Summit County is 35% higher than the national average." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Gripped is reporting that, "rand Teton National Park has announced that a climber died after falling while climbing the Grand Teton. Brayden DuRee, 40, of Idaho, was climbing the Owen-Spalding when he fell around 20 metres down the section known as the Owen Chimney." To read more, click here.

--The Cody Enterprise is reporting that, "a 32-year-old Montana climber and member of the Carbon County Search and Rescue team died July 14 while climbing at the Gardner Headwall off the Beartooth Highway, according to a Park County Sheriff’s Office press release. The climber was identified as Andrew Evans of Red Lodge. Though he was wearing a protective helmet, he had been struck on his head by falling rocks that caused “life-ending injuries” before responders could reach him, the release said." To read more, click here.

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "On Saturday morning, a woman was found deceased on the Buttermilk Trail west of West Yellowstone following an apparent bear encounter. Investigators confirmed grizzly bear tracks at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. The Custer Gallatin National Forest has issued an emergency closure of the Buttermilk area for human safety. Please avoid the area. More information will be provided as it becomes available." To read more, click here.

--Here's a post about Lady Gaga going "rock climbing" on a via ferrata.

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "a snowboarding coach, David Bloch, has taken legal action against Vermont state and school officials, filing a federal lawsuit claiming his First Amendment rights were violated. Bloch was fired from his position as the founder and head coach of the snowboarding team at Woodstock Union High School after engaging in a respectful conversation about biological differences between males and females in sports." To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 7/20/23

Northwest:

Yak Peak

--Gripped is reporting that, "on July 12, two alpine rock climbers were rescued off B.C.’s famous Yak Peak after one of the climbers took a 60-foot fall. They were on the popular Yak Check, a 12-pitch 5.10a." To read more, click here.

--Campfires outside of established fire rings are prohibited for the remainder of the summer season in the Mt. Baker-Snoqaulmie National Forest. To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "ric Carter recently traversed the Tantalus Range on B.C.’s west coast in an impressive eight hours, 59 minutes and six seconds. The sub-nine-hour traverse is the fastest known time (FKT) of the route." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--The Daily is reporting that, "On July 14, the National Park Service announced that Yosemite’s 46-mile Tioga Road had finally been cleared of snow. However, the road is unable to open due to extensive damage caused by the snow, and the delay is expected to last through July." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--The National Park Service is reporting that, "The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced the award of $27.5 million to the National Park Service (NPS) for the Grand Canyon National Park Shuttle Bus Fleet Replacement project in Arizona. The project includes 30 new buses, including 10 new battery electric buses and 20 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, to replace the current aging fleet and the installation of charging infrastructure to support the new electric buses. An estimated 6 million people visit the park each year and use the free shuttle buses to access destinations throughout the Grand Canyon." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--11 News is reporting that, "A rock climber was killed in an accident on a 13er Saturday morning. According to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office, two climbers were making their way up Grizzly Peak D when one was fatally injured in an accident. According to an official involved in the rescue/recovery, who spoke with 11 News sister station CBS Denver, the hiker was hit by a large boulder that broke off of mountain’s northeastern ridge. The exact circumstances around the incident haven’t been released; it’s unclear if the boulder rolled on him or was part of a rockfall from higher up. CBS Denver is reporting the climber fell." To read more, click here.

A Utah Department of Transportation rendering of the new 

gondola slated to go up Little Cottonwood Canyon.

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "Last Wednesday, the Utah Department of Transportation approved a plan that will allow construction of the world’s longest gondola, running from the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon to the town of Alta. As one could imagine, the already prominent divisiveness within Utah’s ski and snowboard community regarding the gondola ignited like kerosene thrown on an open flame; people either love it or they hate it." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Yahoo News is reporting that, "a climber died as rescuers tried to reach him after his head was “struck by falling rocks,” according to a Wyoming sheriff’s office. Andrew Evans, 32, of Red Lodge, Montana, was stranded about 400 feet from the “Gardner Headwall on the Beartooth Highway” after becoming injured on Friday, July 14, the Park County Sheriff’s Office said in a July 18 Facebook post." To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 7/13/23

Northwest:

Sierra:

--Fox 40 is reporting that, "According to the agency, a person was rescued by Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District on Sunday afternoon in the Sierra Nevada Mountains after falling about 30 feet and suffering significant injuries." It's not clear where this is. To read more, click here.

--Snowbrains is reporting that, "On the afternoon of July 2, three hikers were caught and carried by a wet-loose avalanche on Split Mountain near Big Pine, California. The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center reports that two of the hikers sustained mild to moderate injuries from the slide while the third sustained severe injuries before ultimately succumbing to the trauma and dying." To read more, click here.

--The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that Yosemite may bring back the park entry reservation system in 2024. To read more, click here (paywall).

--SnowBrains is reporting that as of right now, there is no opening date for Tioga Pass. "Caltrans recently gave updates on clearing 9,943′ Tioga Pass in California and is still unable to estimate an opening date. The opening of the popular route through Yosemite National Park’s high country has been delayed due to historic snowfall during the winter." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--The Las Vegas Review-Journal is reporting that, "a Clark County judge ruled Wednesday that certain county employees must preserve private text messages related to developer Jim Rhodes’ long-stalled housing project near Red Rock Canyon. The scope of messages preserved will be 'narrowly tailored' to staffers in the comprehensive planning and air quality management departments and will only include communications related to the Gypsum Resources LLC proposed development on Blue Diamond Hill, District Judge Joanna Kishner said in a morning hearing. Rhodes and the county have been locked in a years-long legal dispute in which the developer alleges that Commissioner Justin Jones and county employees conspired to railroad his project and that the county subsequently destroyed evidence." To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "a new Hollywood horror film called The Sound will star Alex Honnold, Brette Harrington and Adrian Ballinger, along with actor William Fichtner. The movie was written and is being directed by Brendan Devane, known for his work on The Canyonlands. The Sound, which is currently being filmed in Nevada, is described on IMBD as, 'A group of climbers embarks on a dangerous climb that has been off-limits for years. What initially begins as an audacious expedition transforms into a battle for survival against a force that toys with them.'" To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--The National Park Service is reporting that, "on Sunday, July 9, 2023, a 26-year-old female from Boulder, Colorado died after an approximate 500-foot-fall while free-solo climbing on the Four Aces of Blitzen Ridge in Rocky Mountain National Park. Blitzen Ridge is located on Ypsilon Mountain on the east side of the park." To read more, click here.

--A second free-solo climber had an accident in the Flatirons. From the Daily Camera: "A 22-year-old climber fell approximately 100 feet Monday evening while free soloing the Direct East Face Route of the First Flatiron, a Boulder County Sheriff news release said. At approximately 6:30 p.m. Monday, a Boulder resident was near the top of the route when they fell and slid down the face, landing on a ledge, the release said. Due to the fall, the climber had serious injuries and was unable to move." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--All the campsites are booked everywhere. How should I find a site? A great article from Outside.

--A helicopter pilot received two citations after illegally landing on the shore of Jackson Lake inside the boundaries of Grand Teton National Park. Each citation is a class B misdemeanor. To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 7/6/2023

Northwest:

--ABC News is reporting that, "The body of the third and final climber killed last winter in an avalanche on Washington’s Colchuck Peak has been recovered, officials said. A hiker on Thursday found the body of Yun Park, a 66-year-old man from Palisades Park, New Jersey, and reported it to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office. A helicopter rescue team recovered the body Friday." To read more, click here.

--A climber on Crescent Spire in the Bugaboos was rescued over the weekend from being trapped under a boulder. To read more, click here.

--The Seattle Times is reporting that, "The road to Artist Point reopened for the summer Wednesday morning, giving drivers access to the popular and scenic location in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, about three hours northeast of Seattle." To read more, click here.

--There is a bear near Cascade Pass that is becoming a problem after getting into human food. To read about it, click here.

Sierra:

--There were a lot of skiers on the slopes still using lift service over 4th of July in the Sierra. To read more, click here.

El Capitan in Yosemite

--Gripped is reporting that, " a big-wall rock climbing management plan that was tested over the last two years in Yosemite National Park will now be the law of the land. Yosemite Superintendent Cicely Muldoon formaled the park’s new wilderness climbing permit program, which will regulate overnight climbs on Half Dome, El Capitan and other peaks. Climbers must obtain special permits before beginning their climb, and there are no quotas. The system is meant to keep Yosemite rangers informed as to where climbers are, to encourage climbers to remove their fixed ropes and to carry out their waste. Almost 3,500 climbers got permits during the two year pilot program." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--An individual suffered a fatal bear attack near Prescott, AZ. To read more, click here.

--The Deseret Sun is reporting that, "After years of attempts to protect the western Joshua tree with designation under the state or federal Endangered Species Act, the iconic and gangly high desert plant finally will receive permanent protections through a less-typical route: a trailer bill passed as part of the state’s budget." To read more, click here.

--3 News is reporting that, "Nevada state lawmakers unanimously agreed to send $1.2 million over the next two years to continue—and expand—a statewide cloud seeding project. Last fall, Save Red Rock and the Desert Research Institute (DRI) launched a campaign to privately fund and operate a cloud seed generator in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Yahoo Finance is reporting that, "James Crown, a 70-year-old businessman from the billionaire Crown family, died in a driving accident on his birthday, according to authorities. Mr Crown, whose family owns the Aspen Skiing Company, was driving at the Aspen Motorsports Park in Woody Creek, Colorado, when he collided with an impact barrier, according to the Pitkin County Coroner's Office." To read more, click here.

--Denver 7 is reporting that, "The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission is honoring a Golden man for saving the life of a skier who almost died after he became stuck hanging from a ski lift at Arapahoe Basin ski area in 2017." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--The Daily Outdoor Retailer is reporting that, "participation in outdoor activities has grown for the eighth consecutive year, and since the COVID-19 pandemic, the outdoor industry is up 14.5 million total participants. Last year, 3.8 million more people participated in the outdoors compared to 2021." To read more, click here.

--CNN and many others are reporting that, "National Geographic, the iconic yellow framed magazine that has chronicled the natural world for more than 100 years, laid off its last remaining staff writers this week, multiple departing staffers said. It was unclear how many staffers were cut during the latest round of layoffs at the magazine, but the move comes as parent company Walt Disney Co. has slashed thousands of staffers across its divisions this year." To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 6/22/23

Northwest:

--Fox News is reporting that, "Search crews on Mount Rainier have found and recovered the body of a man matching the description of an 80-year-old solo climber reported missing last week, Mount Rainier National Park officials said. Dawes Eddy of Spokane, Washington, embarked on a solo climb on May 30 and was last seen that night heading up hill on an area of the 14,441-foot mountain known as Cathedral Gap, Park officials said Tuesday in a statement." To read more, click here.

Mt. Adams

--KIMA news is reporting that, "U.S. Army soldiers based out of the Yakima Training Center (YTC) rescued a climber from Mount Adams on Wednesday. Soldiers say the mission started when a climber was injured and her partner sent a message to the Yakima County Sheriff's Office (YCSO)." To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "Alex Honnold is at it again, this time in the Cascade Mountains of Washington where he and Scott Bennett linked six classic granite spires in a 15-hour day. Together, they climbed Tooth and Claw 5.12- on Lexington, the East Face 5.10 of the Minuteman, Freedom or Death into the Liberty Cracks 5.12 on Liberty Bell, North Face on Concord, West Face 5.10 on North Early Winter Spire, and finally the seven-pitch The Passenger 5.11+ on South Early Winter Spire. The Passenger is considered the Astroman of Washington." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center is reporting on an avalanche fatality on June 14th: "On June 14th, 2023, a party of 2 was caught, carried, and one skier was killed in a wet avalanche on the north face of Mt Hurd, about 1.5 miles south of South Lake in the Bishop area. The avalanche released above the party as they were ascending the slope. As the avalanche ran downhill skier 1 was carried over a cliff band and both parties were partially buried. After freeing themselves skier 2 was able to extract skier 1 and initiate search and rescue. Tragically, despite the heroic efforts of their partner, skier 1 succumbed to injuries sustained during the avalanche. Initial reports suggest this was a naturally occurring loose wet avalanche D2 in size. ESAC staff will be conducting a site investigation in the coming days and a full report is forthcoming. We at ESAC extend our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the deceased and to all of those affected by this tragedy." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--The Nevada Independent is reporting that, "Gypsum Resources, the company seeking permission to build higher-density housing on land near the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, is suing Clark County in state court weeks after a federal judge dismissed similar claims in a decades-long property dispute. In May, U.S. District Court Judge Gloria Navarro dismissed the company’s claims that its federal rights had been violated during Clark County’s consideration of Gypsum’s various applications seeking to build homes on the land at a higher density than it was originally zoned for." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--11 News is reporting that, "Two climbers are safe thanks to the efforts of two search and rescue teams. Crews from Saguache and Custer counties were alerted shortly after midnight Monday that four climbers were struggling to get down Crestone Needle. Two members of the group managed to get themselves down to their camp at South Colony Lakes, but the others became separated and found themselves stranded on the mountain." To read more, click here.

--Huffpost is reporting that, "Zion National Park’s first Pride was everything its organizers set out to make it: A vibrant celebration of queer life set to the serene backdrop of Southern Utah’s red and green canyons and a powerful act of resistance. The event was hosted on June 15 by the Gays of National Parks, an organization that honors and protects the relationship between LGBTQ+ people and various parks. The celebration included performances and a parade, during which attendees volunteered to clean up the park." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--The Daily Interlake is reporting from Montana that, "a rafting guide was injured in a bear attack early Wednesday morning while camping on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. According to state wildlife officials, the bear encounter occurred at approximately 6 a.m., near Nyack on the southwest side of Glacier National Park. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Logan Health in Whitefish." To read more, click here.

Complex features on Denali.

--The final two American Alpine Institute expeditions on Denali made the summit over the last two weeks. Congrats to all that made it!

--The Calidonian Record is reporting that, "a federal court jury in Burlington needed about a half hour before rejecting injury claims made by a New York City area skier against Jay Peak Inc. Dr. Michael Rosen of Woodmere, N.Y., maintained the destination resort was at fault when he fell on his first ski run of the day on Jan. 18, 2020. He said he was seriously injured during the fall on the Deer Run Trail due to an unmarked hole, the lawsuit claimed." To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 6/1/2023

Northwest:

--The News Tribune is reporting that, "a hiker stumbled upon the body of a missing climber on a Washington mountain more than three months after she was swept away in an avalanche with three other people, deputies said. A Chelan County Mountain Rescue volunteer was at the base of Colchuck Peak on Monday, May 29, when he spotted a body, the county sheriff’s office said in a news release." To read more, click here.

--Franklin Falls and Denny Creek along the I-5 corridor will be closed this summer. To read more, click here.

--Several areas in the North Cascades National Park will see regular helicopter visits this summer for repair. To read about it, click here.

--Hurricane Ridge in Olympic Mountain National Park is slated to be closed indefinitely. This is so that investigators can continue to work on understanding why the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge burned down on May 7th. To read more, click here. 

Colorado and Utah:

--CBS Colorado is reporting that, "Fire crews rescued a climber after he got stranded in Garden of the Gods. The 20-year-old climber fell on Kindergarten Rock around 9 p.m. Monday." This link includes the rest of the story and video.

--CBS Colorado is also reporting that, "The Alpine Rescue Team rescued an injured backcountry skier on the northwest side of Torrey's Peak on Sunday. At one point the team had to carry the skier in a sled through waist deep snow." To read more, click here.

--A lot of opportunities to volunteer on Access Fund clean-ups in Little Cottonwood Canyon this summer. Check it out.

Alaska:

An areal view of 14-Camp on Denali. The camp is on the flat bench.

--Teams from the American Alpine Institute are slowly making their way up Denali. Learn more about their progress, here.

Notes from All Over:

--The only agency to respond to more rescues than the National Park Service in the United States, is the Coast Guard. To read about it, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 5/25/2023

Northwest:

--560 KPQ is reporting on the atrocity that is the Leavenworth Adventure Park: "It won't be long before Leavenworth Adventure Park and Washington State's first alpine coaster opens for guests. The park has announced June 1st will be the park's grand opening and that guests will pay for attractions only, no admission fee." Long fought by local climbers and guides, this new park sits at the intersection of Icicle and Tumwater Canyons. To read more, click here.

--The Squamish Access Society is looking for info on peregrine falcons: "As nesting season arrives we encourage all climbers to report any peregrine falcon nesting sites they observe. Temporary closures for nesting are an important part of protecting these birds that we share our cliff environments with. Please share any nest sightings to info@squamishaccess.ca."

--The Trek is reporting that, "the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has issued a food storage order for all backcountry users. The order is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--There are a bunch of boulders blocking the road into Yosemite National Park. It's not clear when the road will reopen. See a video, here.

Desert Southwest:

--KRQE is reporting on New Mexico's Petroglyph National Monument: "The National Park Service (NPS) is making changes. They’re closing off 30 unofficial access points into the Petroglyphs National Monument as part of their 'Visitor Use Management Plan.'" To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Outside is reporting that, "Tom Hornbein passed away on May 6, 2023, at his home in Estes Park, Colorado. He is best known for his audacious climb of the West Ridge of Mount Everest in 1963 with Willi Unsoeld." To read more, click here.

--The Daily Camera is reporting that, "a 37-year-old man from Fort Collins was rescued Sunday night from Rocky Mountain National Park after he fell while rock climbing. According to a news release, park rangers received word Sunday afternoon that the climber had been injured after a roughly 30-foot roped fall in a mixed route on Taylor Peak." To read more, click here.

--Climbing is reporting that, "Access Fund has announced that, on June 7, Chris Winter will step down after five years as the executive director. His role will be temporarily filled by Erik Murdock, the current vice president of Policy & Government Affairs, while Access Fund searches for a new executive director." To read more, click here.

--The Daily Yonder has an interesting article out about Arches National Park and the crowds it's seeing: "'Hyper-visitation' in the crown jewels of public lands is a national issue, as parks everywhere take a beating from crowds. In 2016, the parks system marked a milestone, welcoming the most visitors ever in its history, some 331 million people, a thousand times the number of visitors exactly a century earlier, in the year of the system’s founding, when a mere 326,000 passed through park gates. Though the aggregate volume dropped by a hundred million people post-pandemic, many parks, like Arches, are still overwhelmed." To read more, click here.

--Open Snow is reporting that, "Park City Mountain Resort, UT, violated safety standards resulting in an accident that killed Christian Helger, a ski patroller on duty. A Utah Occupational Safety and Health (UOSH) citation rated the violation as 'serious.' The 29-year-old was riding the Short Cut chair on January 2nd, 2023, when “a large pine tree fell onto the chair lift itself, the cable, which caused some oscillating of the chair itself,” said Andrew Wright with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. It is still not being reported whether the chairlift safety bar was down, as per Vail Resorts’ employee policy." To read more, click here.

Alaska:

--A missing climber on Denali was found alive after falling nearly 1,000-feet. To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Yahoo and others are reporting that, "there's been an accusation of grand theft on the roof of the world. On Thursday, May 12, New Zealand climber Guy Cotter of expedition company Adventure Consultants wrote on Facebook that valuable climbing gear belonging to him had gone missing at Camp IV, which is located at approximately 26,000 feet on the South Col of Mount Everest. According to Cotter's post, a cache of tents, stoves, pots, and gas was gone when he arrived. Cotter said he believes the stuff was stolen." To read more, click here.

--Footwear News is reporting that, "last week, employees at a Boston REI store joined a movement underway in the outdoor retailer’s stores across the U.S. when they voted in favor of  unionizing their location. This initial union win marked the latest victory for a relatively recent organizing drive taking root across REI stores — and across retail more broadly. In addition to Boston, four other REI stores — in Chicago, California, New York City and Ohio— have voted in favor of unionizing in the last two years, and others across Oregon, North Carolina and Minnesota have begun the process as well, filing filed petitions with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for union elections." To read more, click here.

--The BLM will have several public and virtual meetings about it's new rule: "The proposed Public Lands Rule would establish a framework to ensure healthy landscapes, abundant wildlife habitat, clean water and balanced decision-making on our nation’s public lands. The proposal would uphold the Bureau of Land Management’s multiple use and sustained yield mission, ensuring the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. By putting conservation on an equal footing with other uses, the proposal would help guide responsible development while safeguarding important places for the millions of people who visit public lands every year to hike, hunt, camp, fish, and more. This proposal comes at a pivotal moment, as our public lands face new and growing challenges. Climate change is driving unprecedented drought and increasingly intense fires, a loss of wildlife, and an influx of invasive species. At the same time, public lands face growing pressure as recreation increases and development on private land disrupts habitat. This proposal would ensure the BLM is able to respond to these pressures, managing for healthy lands today so that it can deliver its multiple use mission now and in the future." To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "the Devils Tower National Monument has said in a press release that some climbs are temporarily closed to protect nesting Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. This includes all of the routes on the east and northeast faces. 'The closure is implemented annually to provide the falcons with an undisturbed nesting location during this critical courtship and nest-selection period,' the press release said." To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 5/4/2023

Northwest:

--The Bellingham Herald is reporting that, "An injured climber was rescued over the weekend from the bottom of a cliff on Mount Erie. The Anacortes Fire Department first responded Saturday afternoon before requesting additional assistance in securing and transporting the climber to a medical facility due to the nature of the injury and the surrounding terrain." To read more, click here.

--Mt. Rainier National Park is exploring the possibility of a timed entry system similar to those used at Arches and Rocky Mountain National Parks. To read more, click here.

--From the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: "The Darrington District of the Mt.-Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is preparing recreation sites for maintenance and construction by closing the trailheads, parking lots and trails in some areas along and near the Mountain Loop Highway. They will also be closing portions of roads in the area." To see the closures, click here.

--SGB Media is reporting that, "Columbia Sportswear Company (CSC) filed suit against two former executives in Oregon District Court for alleged theft of trade secrets. The two former employees resigned on the same day and joined Huk Gear, the fishing apparel brand owned by Marolina Outdoor, Inc." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--Gripped is reporting that, "a 20-year-old woman was rescued over the weekend after her leg got stuck while climbing in Pinnacle Peak Park, Arizona. She told the rescuers that she was 'free climbing by herself when her leg got twisted between two large boulders.'" To read more, click here.

--KSNV is reporting that, "an upcoming cycling event will lead to closures on parts of Red Rock Canyon Drive and Blue Diamond Road for several hours this Sunday, according to transportation officials." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

Notes from All Over:

--Fox News is reporting that, "a climber died and another was stranded over the weekend in a Texas national park where rock climbing is banned. Guadalupe Mountains National Park was notified on Saturday that a member of a climbing party had fallen off an edge and appeared to be unresponsive." To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "thirty years after it was released, a sequel to the much-loved Hollywood movie Cliffhanger will go into production. And just like the 1993 film, Sylvester Stallone will be one of the characters. It will be directed by Ric Roman Waugh and written by Mark Bianculli." To read more, click here. To see the trailer from the original film, click below:

--Alaska's News Source is reporting that, "Alaska’s hardiest mountain climbers can thank Army Alaska for helping them reach the nation’s highest peak. On Monday, a U.S. Army team known as Bravo Company 1-52 — or simply the 'Sugar Bears' — flew out two Chinook helicopters to the Kahiltna Glacier in the heart of Denali National Park to drop supplies for climbers at the Denali base camp." To read more, click here.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 4/27/2023

Northwest:

--Gripped is reporting that, "an 11-year-old boy is recovering in hospital after taking a 40-foot fall while climbing at Smith Rock. A fundraiser has been organized by friends of the family to help cover medical costs." To read more, click here.

--Footwear News is reporting that, "After 20 years of business, REI confirmed it will close its downtown Portland, Ore., location in early 2024 amid increased crime in the store’s Pearl District neighborhood. In a statement emailed to FN on Tuesday, an REI Co-op representative confirmed the closure and stated that the decision 'does not reflect the hard work and dedication of our Portland team, nor the overall health of the co-op.'" To read more, click here.

--In other REI news from Footwear News: "REI has released its latest Impact Report and financials results for 2022, closing the year with a record $3.85 billion in sales and distributing $323 million back to the co-op community." To read more, click here.

--From Wild Olympics: "Today the Wild Olympics Coalition cheered the Earth Day reintroduction of the Wild Olympics Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act sponsored by Senator Patty Murray and Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA-06). With a strong foundation of broad local support and the steadfast efforts of the two Congressional leaders, the bill has made steady progress each successive Congress. Last year the bill passed the House with bipartisan support and advanced farther than ever before in the Senate. The Wild Olympics legislation would permanently protect more than 126,500 acres of Olympic National Forest as wilderness and 19 rivers and their major tributaries – a total of 464 river miles – as Wild and Scenic Rivers. Designed through extensive community input to protect ancient forests and salmon streams and enhance outdoor recreation, the legislation would designate the first new wilderness in the Olympic National Forest in nearly four decades and the first-ever protected wild and scenic rivers on the Olympic Peninsula." To read more, click here.

Mt. Hood

--If you plan to climb Mt. Hood in 2024, you'll have to buy a permit. Check it out.

Sierra:

--Gripped is reporting on an ascent that included AAI Guide Tad McCrea: "a new Alps-like alpine mixed route has been climbed on the east northeast face of Mount Morrison in California called Troll Toll, it goes at M5 over 600 metres. The peak is found in the Sierra Nevada, and this is now one of the hardest routes to date. It was climbed by Jack Cramer, Tad McCrea, Vitaliy Musienko up a line of granite, ice and snow. Morrison is often called the Eiger of the Sierra due to its size, rock quality and difficult routes. Few climbers venture here." To read more, click here.

--Unfortunately, several roads were damaged in Inyo National Forest this winter and will be closed. To see a list, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--From Ski magazine: "Former Olympic racer and iconic big mountain skier Jeremy Nobis was found unresponsive in his Cedar City, Utah jail cell on April 19. The 52-year-old was awaiting sentencing on his latest DUI charge, the most recent in a string of drunk-driving offenses that he racked up across Utah, Colorado, and Idaho dating back to 2006. Although he lost his way over the last decade and a half, Nobis will be remembered as one of the best big mountain skiers of all time." To read more, click here.

--Summit Daily is reporting that, "A Flight for Life helicopter spared Summit County Rescue Group volunteers an hours-long rescue Sunday, April 23, when it changed course to assist with the rescue of an injured skier on Quandary Peak. The helicopter was on its way to Colorado Springs to run an errand when the 911 call for a skier with a possible head injury came in around 10:30 a.m., Summit County Rescue Group member and spokesperson Anna DeBattiste said. The skier was airlifted to a hospital in Denver to be treated for his injuries." To read more, click here.

--Some campgrounds that have historically opened in Colorado around this time of the year, will be delayed in opening due to snow. Read more.

--So this is weird. Hikers are apparently losing their shoes in the Colorado snowpack, which has resulted in rescues. Read about it, here.

Notes from All Over:

--Google Maps is updating its features for National Parks.

--A new survey of National Parks employees indicates very low job satisfaction. "According to survey results, national parks ranked 371 out of 432 government agencies in 2022 – or in the bottom 15 percentile. Those numbers were essentially flat compared to 2021 and 2020 survey results." Check out an article about this at Backpacker.

-- Backpacker is reporting that, "two people are facing charges for allegedly selling drugs to thru-hikers along the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina, law enforcement says. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office said that it had arrested Bobbie Anne Drelick and Ioan Edward Craia after receiving a tip, which led officials to a van in the Rock Gap, North Carolina area. After searching the van with a drug-sniffing dog, deputies found 5.56 pounds of marijuana, 8.78 ounces of psilocybin, 8 doses of LSD, and 10 grams of THC wax resin." To read more, click here.

--The Climbing Business Journal is reporting that, "Movement Climbing, Yoga and Fitness, the largest nationwide community of indoor climbing gyms, today announced they have acquired four of Summit Climbing, Yoga and Fitness Gyms’ locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. The newly acquired facilities will build on Movement’s existing presence in Dallasand bring world-class rock climbing, bouldering, yoga, and a variety of fitness activities including classes, cardio, and weightlifting to an even larger group of residents." To read more, click here.