Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/7/2025

Northwest:

--A Pacific Northwest Climber made his way over dozens of mountains in a 175-mile trek from Baker to Glacier Peak. Check it out.

Dragontail and Colchuck Peak 

in the Stuart Range of Washington State.

--A new big route was put up on Dragontail Peak this week. At 5.11+, New Dark Ages took two summers and several trips to complete. See a description here.

Sierra:

--As a community, we really need to be wary of the glorification of free soloing. We are not against it, but we worry about people, especially very young people, who make the decision to free solo and then don't come back. This is a complicated topic and one that should continue to be discussed in our community. Read this piece about an 18-year-old soloist who we lost in Yosemite...

--A new free climbing (as in the act of free climbing) guidebook for Yosemite is set to hit stores soon. Check out this article about the book.

Desert Southwest:

--LAist is reporting that, "Crews at Joshua Tree National Park have begun to survey damages to its namesake plant in the wake of the latest wildfire that has burned more about 200 acres in an area known as a "refuge" of sorts for the tree. As of Saturday afternoon, the Eureka Fire is at 40% contained, according to fire authorities." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--The Denver Post is reporting that, "A climber died Tuesday after falling from a mountainous route in Summit County, stranding two others, according to the sheriff’s office. The three-person climbing group was scaling the “Hasta la Vista Amichi” route near Officers Gulch at about 11 a.m. Tuesday, north of Copper Mountain on Interstate 70, according to a news release from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. That’s when one of them fell." To read more, click here.

--The Boulder County Sheriff's Office reported that, "On July 30 at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Boulder County Communications Center received a phone call reporting a fallen climber in Eldorado Canyon State Park near the climbing area of the Red Garden Wall and Yellow Spur. The person who called dispatch said they heard what sounded to be a person in pain from a nearby location. They found a climber who had fallen and needed assistance." To read more, click here.

--The Solitude Ski Patrol Union (SSPU) announced this week that it secured and approved an “industry-leading” contract with Solitude Mountain Resort after eight months of negotiations that spanned two winters. A social media post from the SSPU says the contract earned 100 percent approval from its bargaining unit, which marks a major milestone for the first ski patrol to unionize under Alterra ownership. The Colorado-based conglomerate purchased Solitude in 2018 and currently owns 12 North American resorts, including Palisades Tahoe, Steamboat, Mammoth Mountain, and others." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--5 WDTV is reporting on an accident in West Virginia: "Crews performed a helicopter rescue on Saturday after a rock climber fell off of Seneca Rocks. A rescue team from Pendleton County was dispatched around 2:20 p.m. to a remote area of Seneca Rocks, where a rock climber fell and was injured, according to The Maryland State Police Aviation Command." To read more, click here.

--10 WBNS in Columbus, Ohio is reporting that, "A rescue unfolded Tuesday afternoon at Quarry Trails Metro Park after a climber became stranded nearly 100 feet above the water on a natural rock wall. Park officials say the woman was participating in a guided climbing program when she froze near a rope bridge on the wall and was unable to move either up or down." To read more, click here.

--Buckrail is reporting that, " A mountain climber was rescued from the Grand Teton last week after becoming injured, according to the Jenny Lake Rangers. At about 3:15 p.m. on July 31, the Jenny Lake Rangers were contacted to assist a climber with a broken ankle on the Upper Exum Ridge, estimated to be 13,100 feet in elevation, the agency posted to Instagram. The rescue mission was complicated by severe thunderstorms, and by the fact that the Teton County Search and Rescue helicopter was 'unavailable for a mechanical issue,' the post reads." To read more, click here.

--Teton Gravity Research is reporting that, "The U.S. ski industry logged 61.5 million skier visits during the 2024–25 winter season, according to data released by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). That’s a 1.7% increase over the previous season and marks the second-highest total since the NSAA began tracking skier visits back in 1978." To read more, click here.

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "Bridger Bowl Ski Area in Montana is dealing with the aftermath of a rainstorm that struck the evening of July 29, triggering small landslides and deep erosion across the mountain. While no injuries or major infrastructure damage have been reported, the resort is urging visitors to use caution due to unstable terrain that could still give way to rockslides." To read more, click here.

Upcoming Programs:

Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Rescue Programs
Discounts and Special Offers
Mountain Center Events

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 7/24/25

Northwest:

--ABC News and others are reporting that, "A 4-year-old child was attacked by a mountain lion at a national park in Washington state, officials said. The incident occurred Sunday afternoon in Olympic National Park, near the Victoria Overlook area on Hurricane Ridge, according to the National Park Service." To read more, click here.

--The News Tribune is reporting that, "An injured climber summoned help after falling on a remote Washington peak by shouting across a canyon, officials said. The 31-year-old was climbing alone on Sinister Peak’s northern glacier when he fell, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said in a July 16 post on Facebook." To read more, click here.

--From a news release from Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: "Due to dry conditions, high fire danger, and the number of interagency resources already dedicated to active incidents, campfires in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will be restricted to established fire rings starting at 12 a.m. on July 18th, 2025. All campfires, charcoal or briquette fires, pellet fires, and any other open fires will not be allowed, except within campfire rings in designated campgrounds specifically listed. Gas or propane camp stoves with a shut-off valve or lever that extinguishes the flame immediately are permitted. These stoves should be operated far from flammable vegetation and forest litter. Extreme caution is urged when using any open flame."

--In more burn ban news, Whatcom News is reporting that, "Whatcom County Fire District 17 (WCFD17), Lummi Island Fire District (WCFD11) and the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office announced this week that all outdoor burning, including recreational campfires and beach fires, will be temporarily banned." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--3 News is reporting that, "Federal officials are exploring changes to racing permitting and other competitive events at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The Bureau of Land Management said it is seeking public input on a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Special Recreation Permits Management." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Gephardt Daily is reporting that, "Salt Lake County Sheriff's officials have released the name of a man caught and killed in a rock slide Saturday in Bell's Canyon. The victim was David Mull, 49, of Salt Lake City. The Sheriff's statement says Mull 'was the sole victim of the incident.'" To read more, click here.

--The parents of a teenager are suing the Park City Ski and Snowboard Team. Read more.

Notes from All Over:

--SF Gate is reporting that, "The National Park Service has taken down an exhibit at Muir Woods National Monument that aimed to tell a more complete history of the site, SFGATE has learned from a former park ranger who helped to develop the exhibit. It’s the first confirmed removal of what the Donald Trump administration has referred to as 'improper ideology' under a directive from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued earlier this year." To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "a landslide in New York’s Adirondack Mountains has reshaped the popular Avalanche Pass trail, prompting mixed reactions: disappointment from hikers but excitement from backcountry skiers. Triggered by heavy rainstorms, the landslide caused significant mud and rockslides, leading the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to announce that the trail is closed. The affected section lies between the junction to Lake Arnold and the southern end of Avalanche Lake. An alternate route to Lake Arnold is available, but the DEC warns of muddy and unstable conditions due to the landslide’s impact." To read more, click here.

Upcoming Programs:

Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Rescue Programs
Discounts and Special Offers
Mountain Center Events

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 7/17/2025

Northwest:

--Source One is reporting that, "A climber injured in a remote area near Glacier Peak was rescued Monday afternoon following a coordinated emergency response involving the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and a Navy rescue team. According to Sheriff Mike Morrison, the incident began on July 14, 2025, at approximately 1:38 PM, when CCSO Deputies were contacted by the Washington State Emergency Operations Center regarding a Garmin inReach activation near Chickamin Glacier, located north of Glacier Peak." To read more, click here.

--High Country News is reporting that the Trump Administration has cut funding for trail maintenance. "Every year, a popular hiking destination in Washington’s Alpine Lakes Wilderness known as the Enchantments sees upwards of 100,000 visitors. It’s part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and, like most public lands, its trails are maintained through exquisite coordination between federal agencies, stewardship organizations, private groups and armies of volunteers. But recent federal budget cuts have triggered rippling delays: In February, the Forest Service’s local equine stock program was gutted, meaning that mules could no longer carry supplies to support necessary trail work deep in the backcountry. As a result, the wilderness protection nonprofit Washington Trails Association (WTA) decided to withhold maintenance crews for the Enchantments area’s trails. Weeks later, the Forest Service district regained its pack string, but by then, it was too late — the WTA no longer had the capacity to pencil in a new expedition for the season. This summer, visitors are more likely to encounter accumulated debris, damaged tread and overgrown brush on trails." To read more, click here.

--AAI is hosting a free viewing of the 1993 film Cliffhanger on Thursday, July 17th (today!). Games at 7 and a movie at 7:30. In addition to this, we will view a short interview with Bob Gaines, a climber and rigger that worked on the film. Learn more.

Desert Southwest:

--The Associated Press is reporting that, "a fast-moving wildfire destroyed a historic lodge and dozens of other structures on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, forcing officials to close access to that area for the season, the park said Sunday." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--The Denver Post is reporting that, "a 39-year-old climber was rescued Sunday from North Maroon Peak, a fourteener southwest of Aspen in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, sheriff’s officials said. The climber, who has not been publicly identified, fell and broke a leg in steep and unstable terrain less than 200 feet from the mountain’s 14,022-foot summit, according to a news release from the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Gripped is reporting that, "a climber has died climbing a peak in Glacier National Park, Montana, according to the Flathead Beacon. Brian Astle, a 42-year-old from Provo, Utah, succumbed to injuries sustained after falling on the west face of Mount Gould on July 9 at around 6 p.m." To read more, click here.

--The Colorado Sun is reporting that, "after one of the most successful ski launches ever, Peak Ski Co. has collapsed amid acrimony and claims of mismanagement by the high-profile founders of the Montana-based ski-maker. 'It’s such a sad story. It did not need to go down this way,' says Aspen big-mountain skiing legend Chris Davenport, who joined Peak Ski Co. in 2022 as a senior director of skiing and product innovation." To read more, click here.

--Climbers are helping scientists learn more about bats. They're helping them determine where bats are and whether or not they have white nose syndrome. Bat conservationists came to AAI this spring to talk to guides and local climbers about this. Learn more.

--SGB Media is reporting that, "Shares of Helen of Troy tumbled about 23 percent Thursday, July 10, after the company reported a loss in the fiscal first quarter ended May 31. Sales declined 10.8 percent and the company issued guidance for the current quarter that was well below analyst targets. Of the sales decline, approximately eight percentage points was attributed to tariffs. Shares fell $7.04, or 22.7 percent, to close at $23.96 on Thursday, July 10." To read more, click here.

--Outdoor Sportswire is reporting that, "Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC), the local climbing coalition, and Access Fund, the national advocacy organization for sustainable access and conservation of climbing landscapes, are thrilled to announce that a long-term agreement has been signed with Lyme Timber Company opening access to a new climbing area in Sequatchie Valley, TN, Little Brushy. The area opens access to 409 acres of single pitch sport climbing to the climbing community." To read more, click here.

Upcoming Programs:

Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Rescue Programs
Discounts and Special Offers
Mountain Center Events

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 7/10/2025

Northwest:

--North Cascades National Park is reporting that, "campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. This ban includes all National Park Service lands and campgrounds along State Route 20 as well as Hozomeen and the entire Stehekin Valley. Pressurized or bottled liquid fuel stoves, grills, or lanterns are allowed. Devices must have an on/off switch or valve that can immediately extinguish the flame." To read more, click here.

--Cascadia Daily News is reporting that, "Dwindling snowpack and glaciers in the mountains are changing when — and with what intensity — water flows through the watersheds of Whatcom and Skagit counties.  Experts around the counties recognize that without preparation, this could one day threaten some residents’ water supply, especially in summer." To read more, click here.

--AAI will be hosting a movie night with a showing of Cliffhanger on July 17th in Bellingham. Games at 7 with the movie starting at 7:30pm. Learn more.

--The Public Shelter at Camp Muir (10,080 ft) will be closed for maintenance and improvements from July 7 through September 30, 2025. The shelter will remain available for emergency use only during this time. If you're planning an overnight trip to Camp Muir, bring a tent and plan to camp.

--Mt. Hood will have lift served skiing through August 20th. Read more, here.

Sierra:

--Gripped is reporting that, "an 18-year-old Yosemite Hospitality employee from Frisco, Texas, named Grant Cline, tragically died in June in a rock climbing accident in Yosemite National Park, as reported by the Mariposa Gazette. Cline, a recent graduate of Centennial High School where he was active in theater and law programs, fell at or around Royal Arches. Search and rescue teams assisted in recovering his body." To read more, click here.

--The LA Times is reporting on a complicated rescue: "A solo female climber was nearing the remote summit of California’s second-tallest mountain last week when she fell, injuring her leg so badly the bone was sticking through her skin. What’s more, she lost her backpack. So, in a span of seconds, she went from nearing a personal triumph to finding herself alone and severely injured on a isolated and unforgiving mountainside with no food, water or extra clothing." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

Mt. Wilson in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

--105.9 Coyote Country is reporting that, "Construction on Red Rock Legacy Trail, a project the community has worked on for nearly two decades to enhance safety and improve access for cyclists and outdoor users in the Red Rock Canyon area, kicked off on July 1. The project has been a long time coming, pushed by the local community and residents like Heather Fisher, the president of Save Red Rock. Fisher was inspired to be more active in improving safety in the Red Rock Canyon area when she lost a friend to a cycling accident in the same area." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Climbing is reporting that, "On June 29, at the well-known Tennessee climbing gym Memphis Rox, 25-year-old climber and gym employee Jarmond Johnson lost his life in a shooting. According to information released to Climbing by the Memphis Police Department, an argument around 4 p.m. that day escalated into a shooting at the gym. A second person involved, Dejuan Taylor, also lost his life. Memphis Police reported that one victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition, and another was pronounced dead on scene." To read more, click here.

--The Charlotte Observer is reporting that, "A man rappelling in North Carolina’s rugged Linville Gorge died at the base of a popular waterfall, according to searchers. It happened around 1:15 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at Steele Creek Falls in Pisgah National Forest, Burke County Emergency Services said in a July 8 news release." To read more, click here.

--25 News is reporting that, "A rock climber was flown to the hospital with possible life-threatening injuries after falling 60 feet on Mount Washington. According to New Hampshire Fish and Game, just after 1 P.M., they recieved a report from a group of hikers who say they witnessed a man fall around 60 feet in the vicinity of Pinnacle Buttress." To read more, click here.

--The Inertia is reporting that, "on July 3, Donald Trump signed an executive order that called on Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to raise prices for anyone who doesn’t live in the US. It will affect all national parks that require fees for entrance and recreation." To read more, click here.

--A second article covers some other disturbing aspects of the new Executive Order. From San Francisco Gate: "Thursday’s order also revokes a 2017 memorandum signed by President Barack Obama that promoted diversity and inclusion efforts across federally managed public lands. The memorandum was aimed at increasing the diversity of workforces throughout national parks, national forests and other public lands, and also developing plans to enhance accessibility to public lands for diverse populations. Thursday’s executive order gives no explanation as to why the memorandum was revoked, though the Trump administration has made efforts to eradicate diversity, equity and inclusion efforts from nearly all aspects of the federal government since the president was sworn in in January." To read more, click here.

--Here's an interesting piece on pooping in the outdoors...!

Upcoming Programs:

Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Rescue Programs
Discounts and Special Offers
Mountain Center Events

PUBLIC LANDS AT RISK IN NEW SENATE BILL!

RED ALERT - MAJOR PORTION OF US PUBLIC LANDS AT RISK: ACT NOW!!!

--From the Outdoor Alliance: "Last week, the Senate released text of a major spending package, which included a proposal to sell off about 3 million acres of public land. Today, Outdoor Alliance released a map showing that nearly 300 million acres of public lands could be open for these proposed sales, an area that includes nearly 100,000 miles of trails, 8,232 climbing areas, and 3,405 river miles across the West."

--A map of the lands considered for sale can be found here. Note that the sale would include iconic places in Washington like Washington Pass, including the Liberty Bell Group, the forest on Mt. Baker Highway, and the forest around Baker lake. Massive swaths of land in Oregon, California, Nevada and Utah...including many valleys with ski resorts.

--What you can do:

• Write your senators and congress people using one of these tools: Outdoor Alliance Tool. Access Fund Tool.
• Note that even if you expect your senators to vote against this, they track calls and emails. The more input they get, the more focused they are on a given topic. It's important to do this.

Public Lands for Sale in Senate Bill.

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 6/19/2025

RED ALERT - MAJOR PORTION OF US PUBLIC LANDS AT RISK: ACT NOW!!!

--From the Outdoor Alliance: "Last week, the Senate released text of a major spending package, which included a proposal to sell off about 3 million acres of public land. Today, Outdoor Alliance released a map showing that nearly 300 million acres of public lands could be open for these proposed sales, an area that includes nearly 100,000 miles of trails, 8,232 climbing areas, and 3,405 river miles across the West."

--A map of the lands considered for sale can be found here. Note that the sale would include iconic places in Washington like Washington Pass, including the Liberty Bell Group, the forest on Mt. Baker Highway, and the forest around Baker lake. Massive swaths of land in Oregon, California, Nevada and Utah...including many valleys with ski resorts.

--What you can do:

• Write your senators and congress people using one of these tools: Outdoor Alliance Tool. Access Fund Tool.
• Note that even if you expect your senators to vote against this, they track calls and emails. The more input they get, the more focused they are on a given topic. It's important to do this.

Public Lands for Sale in Senate Bill.

Northwest:

--Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest sent out a notice stating that, "Beginning June 21, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will transition to primarily cashless collections for day and annual passes utilizing credit or debit cards at ranger stations, visitor centers, and trailheads and day use sites on the Forest. The Forest will be implementing a scan and pay option using a QR code at all trailheads and recreation sites across the forest where a day use fee is required. To use scan and pay, visitors should download the recreation.gov app on their phone for use offline at sites on the forest where cellular connectivity may be poor or non-existent. Scan and pay will work offline if visitors have already installed the app. Visitors may use scan and pay or the Northwest Forest Day Pass, Northwest Forest Pass Annual Pass, or America the Beautiful Pass at all sites requiring a fee." To read more, click here.

--The Seattle Times is reporting that it could be a tough wildfire season. There are already several fires. Read about it, here.

Desert Southwest:

--Climbing is reporting that, "a week before the release of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that would trigger the imminent transfer of 2,522 acres of Oak Flat to an international mining company, a federal judge has temporarily halted the land exchange." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "On Saturday, June 14, at approximately 10:30 a.m., the Boulder County Communications Center received reports of a skier suffering serious injuries following a fall near the Skywalker Couloir on South Arapahoe Peak, west of Nederland, Colorado." To read more, click here.

--Backpacker is reporting that, "search teams hoisted two hikers off the summit of a Colorado fourteener after a lightning strike badly injured one of them on Thursday, in what rescuers believe may be the highest-altitude helicopter evacuation in state history." To read more, click here.

Alaska:

--Alaska Public Media is reporting that, "A Washington skier died on Denali Tuesday evening, after rangers say he triggered an avalanche that caught and carried him more than 1,500 feet down the mountain. Denali National Park and Preserve officials said in a statement that Nicholas Vizzini, 29, was the skier killed in the slide. He is the second person to die on the mountain in just over a week." To read more, click here.

AAI Teams on Denali.

--AAI's Team Six made the summit of Denali on June 15th. AAI's Team Seven is prepping for an attempt. Read about it here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "American alpinist Balin Miller has soloed the Slovak Direct, a difficult alpine line that climbs to the right of the Cassin Ridge on Denali. There have been less than 20 ascents of the test-piece climb and this is the first solo on record. The grade of the 2,700-metre route has been documented in the American Alpine Journal as VI, 5.9X, M6+, WI6, A2." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Yahoo Finance is reporting that, "VF Corp-owned The North Face said that names and email addresses were among the data accessed in the cyberattack. The company assured that no payment card information was compromised as card details such as numbers, CVVs, and expiry dates are processed by a third party and are not stored on The North Face's website." To read more, click here.

--The Colorado Sun is reporting that, "after one of the most successful ski launches ever, Peak Ski Co. has collapsed amid acrimony and claims of mismanagement by the high-profile founders of the Montana-based ski-maker. 'It’s such a sad story. It did not need to go down this way,' says Aspen big-mountain skiing legend Chris Davenport, who joined Peak Ski Co. in 2022 as a senior director of skiing and product innovation." To read more, click here.

Upcoming Programs:

Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Rescue Programs
Discounts and Special Offers
Mountain Center Events

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 6/5/2025

Northwest:

--There were three rescues back-to-back on Mt. Baker last week. Read about them here.

--A climber was rescued after breaking his ankle on Leavenworth's Outer Space (5.9, III) on Friday. Read more here.

Sierra:

--Unoffical Networks is reporting that, "Yesterday, Mammoth announced its closing date for the 2024-25 season. Mammoth will remain open daily until June 15th, with the lifts operating hours being 7:30 am-1 pm." To read more, click here.

El Capitan in Yosemite Valley

--Gripped is reporting that, "bear spray is banned in California’s national parks, unlike many U.S. parks where it’s recommended for safety. This decision has sparked debate among hikers and conservationists, particularly as black bear populations flourish in places like Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks. While the absence of grizzly bears may justify the ban, it leaves visitors uncertain about protecting themselves during black bear encounters." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Powder is reporting that, "Late last week, a team of rescuers extracted an injured skier from the Colorado backcountry who had fallen 200 feet while skiing on Torreys Peak, according to a social media post published by Alpine Rescue Team, a unit that responds to outdoor emergencies throughout the state. The skier fell from near the top of the Emperor Couloir on the north side of the 14,267-foot peak, injuring their lower leg and coming to rest above a cliff band, Alpine Rescue Team wrote." To read more, click here.

--Surf Eat Shop x Outdoors is reporting that, "Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch is stepping down and former CEO and Executive Chairperson Rob Katz will succeed her. 'As Vail Resorts continues to execute its strategic priorities and transformational initiatives, the board believes now is the right time for this leadership transition,' said Bruce Sewell, lead independent director of the board, in a statement." To read more, click here.

--And in more Vail news, SnowBrains is reporting that, "Former Vail Resorts Chief Executive Officer Kirsten Lynch will receive over $2.2 million in severance and other benefits as part of her departure agreement with the company, according to recently filed documents with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission." To read more, click here.

Alaska:

--A number of AAI Teams are currently on Denali. Check out how they're doing, here!

Notes from All Over:

--New Hampshire Fish and Game is reporting that, "at 2:35 p.m. on June 1, 2025, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department was notified of an injured rock climber at the Rumney Rocks Climbing Area on the White Mountain National Forest in Rumney. The climber, Alanna Tempest, 30, of New York, NY, had suffered a lower-leg injury that prevented her from being able to hike down the access trails safely to reach the parking areas. First responders from the Rumney Fire Department, Plymouth Fire Rescue, Wentworth Fire Department, Campton-Thornton Fire Rescue and Conservation Officers with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department arrived in Rumney to assist in moving Tempest safely to the parking area." To read more, click here.

--Three people fell off waterfalls last week.

--The Himalyan Times is reporting that, "a Ukrainian-American climber, who reportedly made the fastest ascent of Mt Everest after flying from New York to Nepal, has been detained for illegally carrying a large sum of undeclared foreign currency. Andrew Ushakov, a client of Elite Exped, owned by controversial climber Nirmal 'Nims' Purja was arrested by the Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) after being found with a huge amount of undeclared US dollars." To read more, click here.

Upcoming Programs:

Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Rescue Programs
Discounts and Special Offers
Mountain Center Events

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 5/29/2025

Northwest:

--Gripped is reporting that, "a 22-year-old Canadian woman died on Saturday after a highlining accident at Chek Canyon north of Squamish. The International Slackline Association (ISA) said the fatal fall happened after she “forgot to re-tie” her safety leash, resulting in an 80-metre fall." To read more, click here.

The common approach to Forbidden Peak is from Boston Basin.

--The Boston Basin area of the North Cascades National Park is temporarily closed due to bear activity. There is a sow with cubs in the area. Read more.

--KOMO News is reporting that, "The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is actively responding to the Second Creek Fire, located nearly eight miles north of Leavenworth." Read more, here.

--AAI's James Pierson was interviewed on KUOW/NPR about the recent tragedy in Washington Pass. You can hear his interview here.

Sierra:

--Gripped has rounded up all the high end climbing achievements from Yosemite in the last month. Check out their article, here.

--Climbing is reporting that, "on the morning of May 20, seven trans climbers and allies in Yosemite unfolded a 66’-by-35’ trans pride flag about one third of the way up El Capitan. For about two hours, the climbers opened the pink and blue flag for public display above Heart Ledges, about 1,000 feet above the ground. The flag billowed 15 to 20 feet away from the wall and did not block access to any routes." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--The Colorado Springs Fire Department rescued a climber in the Garden of the Gods this week. To read about it, click here.

Alaska:

Denali 

--AAI has several teams in the Alaska Range right now. Read about them, here.

Notes from All Over:

--Rocky Mountain Outlook is reporting that, "A 34-year-old Lake Louise resident died in a skiing accident near Moraine Lake in the backcountry of Banff National Park on Tuesday morning (May 27). RCMP said Parks Canada received a call at about 7 a.m. of a female skier falling a 'considerable distance.'" To read more, click here.

--15 WMTV is reporting that, "A climber was airlifted to UW Hospital from Devils Lake State Park on Sunday after falling about 20-30 feet, the Baraboo Area Fire and EMS District reported on Monday. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resouces and other climbers helped Baraboo officials reach the individual, who was found in a remote area that was only accessible by going through the park’s steep and rocky trails." To read more, click here.

--The New York Times and others are reporting on an unprecedented ascent of Mt. Everest: "Climbing Mount Everest typically takes weeks, with most of that time spent at the foot of the mountain adjusting to the thin air. But four British men last week shrank that timeline dramatically, traveling from London to the summit and back in less than a week, according to the organizer of their expedition. They skipped the adjustment period, in part, by inhaling a secret weapon: xenon gas." To read more, click here.

Upcoming Programs:

--Outdoor Sportswire is reporting that, "following an outcry of public opposition to the idea of public-land selloffs, a massive spending bill that passed the house this morning saw proposals to sell more than 500,000 acres of public land removed from the legislation. Amidst meetings over the last few days with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, there was a flurry of outreach to legislators from the outdoor community — including more than 100,000 letters to lawmakers from Outdoor Alliance — public sentiment that was crucial to the removal of those proposals." To read more, click here.

Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Rescue Programs
Discounts and Special Offers
Mountain Center Events

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 5/15/2025

Northwest:

--Climbing and many others are reporting on an accident that took the lives of three people in Washington Pass. "On Saturday, May 10, three climbers were killed in a rappelling accident in Washington Pass’s Liberty Bell Group. A fourth member of the team narrowly survived the incident and is currently hospitalized." It appears that this was the result of an anchor failure involving in a piton during a rappel. Read more.

The Liberty Bell Massif: North Early Winter Spire 

is the second faint peak from the left.

--A go-fund-me has been set up for the loss of one of these climbers.

--ABC News is reporting that, "Trump administration funding cuts and a loss of federal workers who help support wildland firefighting continues to make planning for the upcoming wildfire season a challenge, according to forest and fire officials in Washington state and Oregon. The biggest issue they’re facing is a lack of communication from the federal government as the West faces “a pretty significant wildland fire season," Washington State Forester George Geissler said Thursday during a press conference hosted by Democratic Sens. Patty Murray of Washington and Jeff Merkley of Oregon." To read more, click here.

--My Bellingham Now is reporting that, "Mt. Baker Ski Area President and CEO Gwyn Howat announced in a video update that she’s stepping back after finishing up her 34th year at the mountain. 'As I knock on 60, the work-life balance thing starts to get pretty real,' Howat said in the video. 'So I’m going to be shifting my role here at Mount Baker and trimming back some hours so that I can spend more time with friends and family and on the water chasing waves and pursuing some of my own personal interests.'" To read more, click here.

--My Bellingham Now is reporting that, "a Whatcom Superior Court jury has found a Seattle man guilty of 2nd degree murder for killing his brother in North Cascades National Park. John Thomson was originally charged with first degree murder for shooting his brother Robert Thomson to death near Diablo Lake in August 2022." To read more, click here.

Click to Enlarge: This is a good annual warning about 

hazard in the Enchantments at Asgard Pass.

Sierra:

--SF Gate is reporting on a skier that fell down the Eastern Sierra's "Bloody Couloir," near Mammoth Lakes. Read about it here.

--There's a new Yosemite guidebook out!

--Mammoth Mountain intends to run its lifts through June.

Desert Southwest:

--The NPCA is reporting that, "in a split vote this week, the House Natural Resources Committee advanced a controversial amendment to the budget reconciliation bill that could force the disposal of thousands of acres of public land in Nevada and Utah, including those directly adjacent to Zion National Park. Rushed through without public or local community input or environmental review, this reckless proposal threatens to cut off access to public lands, remove critical protections for natural and cultural resources, and hand over public lands to state or private interests." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--The Colorado Sun is reporting that, "a 32-year-old snowboarder who fell from a chairlift at Keystone ski area in December has died of his injuries. Donovan Romero, of Littleton, died May 2, according to the Summit County coroner. Romero fell from the Ruby Express chairlift Dec. 11 near the third tower. He momentarily hung from the armrest of the chairlift before falling an estimated 47 feet, according to a statement from the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board." To read more, click here.

Alaska:

--AAI's first team has made it successfully onto Denali. They are currently making their way slowly up the mountain. To read updates on their expedition, click here.

AAI Denali Team 1

--Gripped is reporting on a new route that AAI Guide Tad McRea was involved in: "over several days at the end of April, Anna Pfaff, Andres Marin and Tad McCrea made the first ascent of the south face of Mount Providence in the Alaska Range. Their new 1,000-metre route is called Journey Through the Castle of Providence and graded WI4 M5 5.10 with steep snow. It follows a direct route to the summit. The first ascent team first spotted the line in 2024 from the Thunder Glacier." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Gear Junkie is reporting that, "The REI Co-op today revealed the results of its annual election to fill seats on its board of directors, and supporters of co-op workers’ union efforts are claiming a major victory. Despite REI’s nominating and governance committee approving three candidates put forth by co-op leadership (two incumbents and one new director) and leaving two union-backed candidates off the ballot, none of REI’s nominees received enough votes to win election to the board." To read more, click here.

--Speaking of REI, Yahoo Finance is reporting that, "REI Co-op on Tuesday announced broad financial results from 2023, including a widening loss and a dip in revenues. In tandem with the release of its annual Impact Report, the outdoor retailer said it closed 2023 with $3.76 billion in net sales, which represented a 2.4 percent decrease from 2022. Net loss in 2023 was $311 million, which widened from a net loss of $164.71 million in 2022. The company said this loss was the combined result of investments in employee pay, member rewards and a $169 million non-cash valuation allowance, which REI said will be helpful when it returns to profitability." To read more, click here.

--Shop Eat Surf X Outdoors is reporting that, "The latest tariff rate reduction on products from China are a reprieve, but they’re still too high – and ongoing trade policy uncertainty is making it difficult to plan, forecast, budget and strategize for the future, according to surf and outdoor brand leaders." To read more, click here.

--KPCW is reporting that, "Preliminary data from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) indicates that the 2024-25 season saw the second-highest visitation on record at U.S. ski areas.

A total of 61.5 million skier visits represents a 1.7% increase over the previous season. But according to the National Ski Areas Association, the number trails the record-setting 2022-23 season by 3.9 million visits, or just under 6%." To read more, click here.

Upcoming Programs:

Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Rescue Programs
Discounts and Special Offers
Mountain Center Events

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 5/1/2025

Northwest:

--Lynnwood Times is reporting that, "Around 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon, a 911 call came into dispatch reporting that a climber had fallen from a cliff wall near the town of Index, close to the Upper Town Wall. Sky Valley Fire was first on scene as this was in their jurisdiction, and technical rescue personnel from Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue and Snohomish County Fire District 4 were dispatched to support the high-angle rescue." To read more, click here.

--SnowBrains is reporting on some people that will likely face karma: "Police are asking residents to be on the lookout after nearly $10,000 worth of search and rescue and avalanche recovery gear was stolen from a vehicle parked outside a hotel on Recplace Drive, Prince George, British Columbia, on April 11. The theft, which occurred overnight in the 2900-block parking lot, has left local authorities concerned about the loss of critical safety equipment and its potential misuse in the community." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--SF Gate is reporting that, "a jury in Mammoth Lakes convicted a prominent California professional climber and snowboarder from Yosemite Valley last week of three felonies and one misdemeanor for domestic violence. The convictions were tied to a 2023 attack against an ex-girlfriend, the Mono County District Attorney’s office confirmed." To read more, click here.

--Backpacker reported the following last week: "Beginning on April 25, Yosemite Valley’s backpackers campground will close to visitors, routing many hikers who would have stayed there to the Valley’s crowded Camp 4 instead and bringing the total number of shuttered backpackers campgrounds in the park this year to two,  with a third scheduled for a delayed opening." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--The Nevada Independent is reporting that, "Friends of Red Rock Canyon recently purchased adaptive equipment-accessible gates that have been installed at three trailheads off Highway 159 so that those with disabilities can use specially designed trail equipment to explore some of the canyon’s more remote areas." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--The Park Record is reporting that, "A 63-year-old man is facing a second-degree felony stemming from an incident at Deer Valley Resort last month. Last week, the Summit County Attorney’s Office charged Paul H. Kauffman of Connecticut with aggravated assault. Charging documents accuse Kauffman of tackling a male skier from Arizona after a “short verbal argument” in mid-March. Kauffman alleged he was cut off by a different skier in the man’s party." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--8 WGL is reporting on a climbing accident in Pennsylvania: "A rock climber was flown to the hospital after falling onto a rock ledge at Susquehanna Riverlands State Park in York County, according to the Wrightsville Fire Department. The fire department said the man fell 15 feet onto the ledge on Sunday around 11:45 a.m." To read more, click here.

--Shop Eat Surf X Outdoor is reporting that, "Black Diamond Equipment announced its new pricing structure on Thursday to wholesale and direct-to-consumer customers due to the new tariffs put in place by the Trump administration, and SESO spoke with President Neil Fiske to find out more about the assumptions behind Black Diamond’s pricing strategy." To read more, click here.

--We recently interviewed Lisa Roderick about her new book, A Place Among Giants. Lisa was the Denali basecamp manager for 22-years, and in that time witnessed everything mountaineering could bring, triumph, tragedy, comedy and love. Check out our interview below:

--The Montana Free Press is reporting that, "The U.S. Department of the Interior, which manages more than 480 million acres of federal land across the country, has pledged to “implement emergency permitting procedures” to facilitate fossil fuel and critical mineral development. The department described its revised energy development directive as an effort to expedite permitting timelines so reviews that typically take several months or years can be reduced “to just weeks,” according to a press release the department issued April 23." To read more, click here.

--Unnofficial Networks is reporting that, "Denali National Park and Preserve has opened the Park Road to private vehicles as far as the Teklanika Rest Area at Mile 30 as of Friday, April 25. Low snow levels and warmer weather have assisted in the spring road crew’s effort to clear and open the Denali Park Road, though visitors should be aware that they may still encounter snow, ice, and mud on the road." To read more, click here.

Upcoming Programs:

Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Rescue Programs
Discounts and Special Offers
Mountain Center Events

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 4/24/25

Northwest:

--SF Gate is reporting that, "The northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park became inaccessible on Monday after Washington officials shut down the only bridge leading to that area of the park. They closed the bridge after an inspection revealed deterioration of the steel supports, according to an announcement from the Washington State Department of Transportation, and now, engineers must conduct a weekslong evaluation to determine what repairs are necessary." To read more, click here.

--It appears unlikely that the reintroduction of grizzly bears in North Cascades National Park will take place during the current presidential administration. To read more, click here.

--The American Alpine Institute partnered with Wander Brewing to create a beer that would celebrate our company's 50-year history. They came up with Alpine Legacy, a west coast IPA that is awesome. You can purchase some at our shop, or here.

--Shop Eat Surf X Outdoors is reporting that, "Mountain Equipment Company (MEC) could be returning to a Canadian owner if Canada’s Competition Bureau approves an offer from Tim Gu, the president of textile manufacturer E.Star International and the principal owner of Smart Investment Ltd., a real estate investment firm. When reached by the Globe and Mail newspaper, Gu said approvals are still in the works." To read more, click here.

--AAI will be hosting the REEL Rock Film Tour on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26. Doors open at 6:30. Games and prizes at 7:00, and movies at 7:30! Learn more.

Sierra:

--SnowBrains is reporting that the "I-see-dead-people" kid/man got arrested at Mammoth: "Haley Joel Osment, the actor who rose to fame as a child in “The Sixth Sense,” was arrested on April 8 at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in California for alleged public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance, authorities confirmed this week. The 37-year-old was taken into custody after police responded to reports of “unruly conduct” in the Mill Base Lodge parking lot, where ski patrol had detained him until officers arrived around 2 p.m. local time." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--107 Coyote Country is reporting that, "Save Red Rock, a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Red Rock Canyon area, is urging the public to help address growing safety concerns on SR-159 by reporting unauthorized commercial truck activity. Known as Red Rock Canyon Road, the narrow two-lane highway has seen an increase in large truck traffic, raising hazards for cyclists and recreational users." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--The Daily Camera is reporting that, "Emergency personnel rescued a climber Tuesday night who fell 15 feet down a rock face in Eldorado Canyon State Park in Boulder County. At about 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Boulder County dispatch received a report of a fallen climber on the Wind Tower, a climbing area in the state park, according to Mountain View Fire Rescue spokesman Rick Tillery." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--West Virginia Eyewitness News is reporting that, "a rock climber who fell several feet had to be rescued first responders Sunday in Nicholas County. Firefighters with the Wilderness Volunteer Fire Department said they were called to the Zero Buttress Climbing Wall along the Meadow River in the Mount Lookout area about 3:30 p.m. after a climber had fallen, according to a news release." To read more, click here.

--Boston.com is reporting that, "A 39-year-old man skiing at the Black Mountain ski area in Jackson, New Hampshire, died Sunday after he went off a trail and crashed, authorities announced. The skier was identified as Eric Page of Bartlett, New Hampshire, according to Jackson police." To read more, click here.

--Surf Eat Shop x Outdoors is reporting that, "Brands are pausing shipments from China hoping the tariff dispute will be resolved as they scramble to remerchandise and narrow lines, and make plans to potentially cancel fall shipments because of the millions of dollars in fees that would be owed at U.S. ports." To read more, click here.

--There are a number of other tariff articles out there. Here are a few: Climbing magazine, How Not To, and Outside.

--The National Parks Conservation Association is reporting that, "the White House shared its intent to rescind the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Public Lands Rule, a clarifying policy that brought long-overdue balance between conservation and extractive use in public lands management. This announcement threatens public land access and use by all user groups and could roll back protections and restoration efforts for some of the most celebrated landscapes in the country, including more than 80 national parks that are directly adjacent to BLM-managed lands." To read more, click here.

--Surf Eat Shop x Outdoors is reporting that, "the Conservation Alliance’s Brands for Public Lands Group, consisting of more than 60 brands, retailers, and other stakeholders is just getting started with two letters to legislators. But with political polarization at an all-time high, some companies are proceeding with caution." To read more, click here.

--Outside is reporting that, "he bikes, backpacks, tents, and other outdoor gear on our wishlists are about to get more expensive—a result of America’s burgeoning trade war. That’s the consensus of outdoor industry experts who spoke to Outside. As trade debates evolve and escalate on a daily basis, instability is the only constant right now in the outdoor industry, and sources told Outside that we are entering perhaps the most volatile and unpredictable period for businesses in recent memory." To read more, click here.

Upcoming Programs:

Denali - West Buttress
Ecuador Skills Expedition
Kilimanjaro
Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Rescue Programs
Discounts and Special Offers
Mountain Center Events