Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 10/26/2023

NOTE - Get 2023 prices on AAI programs through 2024 by booking before November 1st!

Northwest:

--Gripped is reporting that, "a 39-year-old rock climber was arrested last week over an alleged plot to kill random climbers at the Smith Rock Craggin Classic, an event hosted by the American Alpine Club. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office took Samson Zebturiah Garner to the county jail on several charges each of attempted murder of multiple victims, attempted first degree assault, attempted second degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--Gripped is reporting on two climbers who climbed 71-pitches in Yosemite in less than 24-hours. "Miles Fullman and Tyler Karow have completed the Yosemite Triple Crown in less than 24 hours. The objective is a link-up of routes on El Capitan, Half Dome and Mount Watkins. According to Fullman, they’re the eighth team to accomplish the Yosemite Triple Crown." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--A prankster in a Sasquatch costume likely brought believers more "proof" that Bigfoot is real. To read more, click here. To see a video of him, click below:

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "as of this October, Arapahoe Basin in Colorado is now operating with 100% renewable electricity and mitigating over 2/3rds of the resort’s carbon emissions. This major achievement was made possible by partnerships with Xcel Energy and many community partners, including Jack’s Solar Garden, located in Longmont, Colorado." To read more, click here.

--Here and There is reporting that, "Outside Magazine is hosting a consumer-focused festival next year that they’re hoping becomes the “SXSW of the outdoor industry” over the next several years. The event is planned for the first week of June in downtown Denver, bringing together gear, music, film, consumers, and industry. The event will incorporate the “Big Gear Show” and a number of different ‘activation zones’ that brands can sponsor. There will be a measure of free access, but music, headliners, films, keynotes, and panels are likely to be ticketed experiences, sold through a multi-day festival pass. The event has the support of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, as well as the mayor of Denver and the governor." To read more, click here.

--SnowBrains is reporting what is likely the first skier triggered avalanche of the year. "13,198-f00t Mountain Boy Peak experienced Colorado’s first avalanche of the season, as confirmed by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). Situated south of Independence Pass, the avalanche was triggered on Sunday, 15th October 2023, below the peak’s ridge, with the area described as a north-facing gully on its NW Ridge." To read more, click here.

--The Access Fund is looking for a new director.

Notes from All Over:

--Powder is reporting that, "Ski Ward, located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts became the first North American ski area to open for the season on October 22nd, 2023." To read more, click here.