Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 12/11/24

Northwest:

--The Squamish Chief is reporting that, "Hundreds of condolences are pouring in for a woman who died while wingsuit BASE jumping in Squamish. A person crashed into the trees near the top of the "apron" on the west side of the Stawamus Chief on Dec. 5." To read more, click here.

The north end of the Stuamus Chief in Squamish.

--A journalist is looking into a climber that's been missing for nearly 20-years. Roger Jung disappeared in October of 2005 and has never been found. Here's a thread about his disappearance with a recent update by the journalist looking into the story.   

--Here's an ongoing thread that covers water ice conditions in Washington for the 2024-2025 season.

Sierra:

--Climbing is reporting on two luminaries that have been breaking records in Yosemite. "When Michael Vaill and Tanner Wanish nabbed the Yosemite Triple Crown speed record on October 20, the climbing world was taken by surprise." sic. "On October 26, the pair upped the ante, climbing the three routes of the Triple Crown (El Cap’s Nose, Watkins’ South Face, and Half Dome’s Regular Northwest Face), and then adding the South Face on Washington Column—nearly 9,000 vertical feet of climbing and 86 pitches—all in 21 hours and 50 minutes. The linkup wasn’t just fast. It had never been performed before in Yosemite Valley history, certainly not under 24 hours. They dubbed their effort the 'Yosemite Quadruple.'" To read more, click here.

--Mammoth Mountain had the snowiest November in a decade. Read about it here.

Desert Southwest:

--A thru-hiker cut nearly two-days off the previous Fastest Known Time for the 800-mile Arizona Trail. Read about it here.

--This is some good news for EV owners. From Desert Sun: "Electric vehicle maker Rivian on Thursday opened a charging station in Joshua Tree that can be used by owners of many other EV brands as well."

Colorado and Utah:

--Fox 31 is reporting that, "A skier was partially buried and injured in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry last week. Tuesday, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center released its final report on the avalanche, which happened last Tuesday, Dec. 3 on the Colorado Mines Peak, northeast of Berthoud Pass." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--If you've spent time climbing above 6000-meters, please consider filling out this survey for scientists that are studying different acclimatization processes. 

--Outdoor Sportswire is reporting that, "Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) announced today that it set the world record for the most people skiing and riding in jeans on Saturday, Dec. 7, drawing 3,320 participants for the Resort’s 2nd Annual Ski In Jeans Day." To read more, click here.

--Turns out the United Healthcare killer is a climber. Check out this piece in Gripped.

--It appears that some climbing areas are being impacted by the ongoing Malibu wildfire. Check it out, here.

--So in China, if you're attractive, you can be hired as a "climbing buddy." The more attractive you are, the more you can make. Read about it here.

Upcoming AAI Programs:

Gift Certificates
Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
AIARE Avalanche Level I
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Discounts and Special Offers
Mountain Center Events

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 12/5/24

Northwest:

--A backpacker in BC was found alive after he was reported missing 50-days ago! Read about it here.

--SGB Media is reporting that, "Amer Sports, Inc., the parent of Arc’teryx, Salomon, Wilson, Peak Performance, Atomic, and Armada, among others, reported that its Technical Apparel segment, which primarily includes the Arc’teryx brand business but also supports the Peak Performance brand, increased 34 percent, or 33 percent in constant-currency terms, to $520 million in the 2024 third quarter." To read more, click here.

--Mountain Loop Highway and Mt. Pilchuck Road have been closed for the winter.

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "Snowhaven Ski & Tubing Area, one of Ski Idaho’s 19 destinations and one of America’s only municipally owned ski areas, may not open this year because it has been unable to find a manager." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

3 News is reporting that, "A local dog rescue organization successfully saved three dogs this week after they were found roaming near Red Rock Canyon." To read more, click here.

--Price increases for Joshua Tree camping have begun. 

Notes from All Over:

--Gripped is reporting that, "Three climbers are missing after they failed to return from a planned ascent of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The Americans, who have been identified as Kurt Blair, 56, from Colorado and Carlos Romero, 50, of California, are certified mountain guides, according to the website of the American Mountain Guides Association. A statement by New Zealand’s police did not name the Canadian climber, citing the need to notify his family." To read more, click here.

--It appears that there was a head injury when a climber flipped upside down in Red River Gorge. Read more.

--A snowboarder triggered an early season avalanche in Tuckerman's Ravine on Mt. Washington. Read more and watch a video here.

--Jackson Hole's Ski in Jeans day is coming up on the 7th. This is the day where they only charge $25 to each person wearing jeans. Read more.

--The Daily is reporting that, "The outdoor industry’s economic contrbution outpaced the U.S. economy in 2023, growing to $1.2 trillion in 2023, according to the latest data collected by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), which released the data on Wednesday. 'Outdoor recreation is more than just a pastime enjoyed by over 57% of Americans; it’s a cornerstone of our nation’s economy,' said Kent Ebersole, the president of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), in a statement. That’s an increase from last year’s $1.1 trillion milestone." To read more, click here.

--This is an interesting story about a thru-hiker con man.

--As the planet warms, we can all expect more volcanic eruptions. According to the Scientific American, "a new study shows that even relatively small-scale climatic changes affect volcanic activity." To read more, click here.

--Powder is reporting that, "Just ahead of their December 6th opening day, Alberta’s Castle Mountain has announced a huge terrain expansion project. The mountain plans to install its first high-speed quad on Mt. Haig, which currently operates as catskiing terrain. The lift being installed was formerly Sunshine Village’s Angel Express Quad Chair and will have its components refurbished and updated throughout the 2024/25 season before opening in the 2025/26 season." To read more, click here.

Upcoming AAI Programs:

Gift Certificates

Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
AIARE Avalanche Level I
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Discounts and Special Offers

Mountain Center Events