Thursday, June 5, 2025

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.


--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