Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 10/17/24

AAI Mountain Festival, Gear Sale, Makers Market - October 19-20

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Northwest:

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "On August 22, 2024, POWDR Corporation announced it was selling Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, Vermont, to local pass holders, as well as three other resorts, including Mt. Bachelor, Oregon. Shortly after the announcement, a local group, now called Mount Bachelor Community Inc. (MBCI), emerged to buy the resort in Central Oregon to bring it back to local community ownership. To read more, click here.

--The Seattle Times is reporting that, "In an effort to manage overcrowding for the benefit of customers and account for visitors who are not ski area patrons, The Summit at Snoqualmie announced a new parking system this week. Under the arrangement, permits will be required between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily from Nov. 18 to April 30. Violators will receive citations." To read more, click here.

--Mt. Adams is rumbling. See video below:

Desert Southwest:

--Thillist is reporting that, "If you’re looking for sweeping views of rock formations that leave you Googling how tectonic plates work, you’re in luck at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, just 17 miles west of the Las Vegas Strip. But don't just show up expecting to take this gorgeous 13-mile drive. The Bureau of Land Management seasonally requires reservations to enter the popular area, which is well-known for its hiking, climbing, and biking spots." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--St. George News is reporting that, "a man fell approximately 200 feet while rappelling in Zion National Park Saturday night. Despite multiple lifesaving efforts by emergency personnel, the man was declared dead before he could be taken to a hospital. Washington County Sheriff's Deputy Jacob Paul told St. George News that the incident is still under investigation, but he could confirm the following details." To read more, click here.

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "With the 2024-25 ski season fast approaching, Park City Mountain Resort’s ski patrollers find themselves in a familiar and precarious position. The collective bargaining agreement between Vail Resorts and Utah’s Park City Professional Ski Patrol Association (PCPSPA) expired on April 30, leaving patrollers without a new contract as opening day looms just 50 days away."    To read more, click here.

--SGB Media is reporting that, "The owner of Zion Outfitter, a tour guide operator and rental shop near Zion National Park’s entrance, is accused of evading over $1.8 million in taxes. The company offers bike tours, guided tubing down the Virgin River and trips through the Zion Narrows slot canyons, Court documents allege 42-year-old Phyllip Hallman Heaton, of Washington, failed to report over $5.4 million in sales between 2018 and 2022 and faces five counts of evasion of assessment of income tax and five counts of fraud and false statements." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--The biggest news in the mountaineering world is that Sandy Irvine's foot and boot were found on Everest. If you haven't read about this yet, check it out here.

--Gear Junkie is reporting that, "Minnesota-based footwear maker Vasque will cease all operations, the brand confirmed to GearJunkie today. A subsidiary of Red Wing Shoe Company, Vasque began making hiking-focused shoes and boots 60 years ago — a market that, at the time, was just emerging among American consumers." To read more, click here.

Upcoming AAI Programs:

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

Discounts and Special Offers

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 9/26/24

Northwest:

--Gear Junkie is reporting on Mt. Rainier's summit. Nearly two dozen feet of ice is gone there. Read more.

--A beautiful new line has gone up on the Squire Creek Wall in the Cascades. This 5.8+ line looks absolutely great. Read about it, here.

Sierra:

--Here's a piece from Gripped on a rockfall injury on El Cap.

Coloardo and Utah:

--Only in Utah is reporting that, "America's national parks are wonderful places to visit, but they can also be dangerous. Some visitors don't seem to realize that they're not in a theme park, and they automatically assume that every square inch of the place is hazard-free. The folks at outforia.com were curious to see how many deaths were reported at our country's national parks, so they submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the National Park Service. Then, they ranked the parks from most deaths in the last decade to least deaths. Zion National Park was near the top of the list." To read more, click here.

--ElecTrek is reporting that, "Zion National Park’s shuttle fleet has become one of the first bus fleets in the US to go all electric, and the first at a National Park. Zion National Park in Southern Utah is renowned for its colorful canyons and arches, and is one of the “mighty five” national parks in the region showing off Utah’s natural beauty." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--The Idaho Statesman and others are reporting that, "A rock climber fell to his death and his partner was left stranded on a steep rock wall in Wyoming, rangers said. It happened just before 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, when the climber was rappelling the second pitch of El Cracko Diablo in Devils Tower National Monument, rangers said in a news release. The climber who fell, 21-year-old Stewart Phillip Porter from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, suffered “major injuries” and paramedics pronounced him dead when they found him around 8:40 p.m., officials said." To read more, click here.

Grand Teton Fastest Known Time Route
Click to Enlarge

--A new Fastest Known Time record for the Grand has not been accepted. Why? The runner cut a switchback and his photographers didn't have permits. To read about it, click here.

--Jasper Local is reporting that, "Charges are pending after two hikers in a closed area in Jasper National Park were air-lifted to safety by a Parks Canada rescue team. On September 10, Jasper National Park dispatchers responded to a 911 call for help by a party attempting to climb Pyramid Mountain—access trails to which are in an area closed by order of the JNP Superintendent. The hikers were not injured, just tired, Parks Canada media officers have said." To read more, click here.

--Gripped is reporting that, "the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival will be taking place at the end of October in Banff National Park. The category shortlist for the book festival portion of the event was just released." To read more, click here.

Upcoming AAI Programs:

Denali - West Buttress

Ecuador Skills Expedition

Kilimanjaro

AIARE Avalanche Level I

Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 9/19/24

Northwest:

--Out There Colorado is asking a question about Washington. "A 300-acre ski area located in the state of Washington has announced that they'll be offering a 'lifetime pass' option, which likely has slopesport enthusiasts curious if the move could inspire a greater trend around the country. Loup Loup Ski Bowl, which is located about 125 miles northeast of Seattle, has priced their new 'lifetime passes' at $6,000 a piece, available to 'anyone and everyone and [...] good as long as there is a Loup Loup Ski Bowl.'" To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--The Mountain High Ski Resort was able to limit damage from the Bridge Fire by using its snowmaking guns to keep things wet. To read about it, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--3 News is reporting that, "A Las Vegas woman is dead after she was struck by a car while walking on Red Rock Canyon Road last week, according to state authorities. The crash was reported around 7:28 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, on State Route 159 at mile marker 9, Nevada State Police said in a news release. That location is near the entrance to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area." To read more, click here.

--Outside is reporting that, "Gand Canyon National Park has endured a steady stream of fatalities since the busy season began in June. Two visitors have died in the past week, bringing the park’s current death toll to 16 in 2024. These deaths have generated a glut of coverage by mainstream news outlets, with The New York Times, Washington Post, and even NBC Nightly News covering the fatalities. The steady march of stories and reports about dead hikers, fatal falls, and accidents on rafting trips have raised public awareness of the risks associated with adventuring in the national park. It’s left many of us wondering: has something changed down there?" To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

The Delicate Arch near Moab.

--Outside is reporting that, "Politicians in Utah have a long history of trying to sell off your public land to benefit the oil, gas, and other extractive industries that fund their campaigns. This time they’re trying to do it with a lawsuit designed to go straight to the Supreme Court. That lawsuit argues that all Bureau of Land Management acres within the state’s borders should be transferred to Utah’s control." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--GearJunkie is reporting that, "It’s been a long time since outdoor advocacy has seen a coalition like this. More than 75 leaders in outdoor recreation will descend on Capitol Hill this week to convince U.S. lawmakers that the industry deserves more money and protection. Foremost among the group’s objectives will be shoring up support for the EXPLORE Act, which advocates call the 'first big package to deal with outdoor recreation on federal lands.'" To read more, click here.

--UnOfficial Networks is reporting that, "this week, CSC Generation Enterprise (CSC) announced that it has acquired Backcountry.com. This includes names owned under the Backcountry brand, including MotoSport, Competitive Cyclist, and Steep and Cheap. Backcountry also has nine brick-and-mortar locations. It was sold by TSG Consumer Partners, which bought Backcountry for $350 million in 2015." To read more, click here.

--A lot of people are getting sick on a trail in Hawaii. From Gear Junkie: "A rare norovirus outbreak has resulted in an extended closure of one of Kaua‘i‘s most popular hiking trails. The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks are actively investigating the incident on Kalalau Trail. Earlier this month, numerous campers in the Kalalau Section of the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park experienced vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Witnesses told Yahoo News that the symptoms were severe and consistent among everyone and that it “went from zero to 100 within minutes from the onset.” On September 5, the DOH reported that test results confirmed it was norovirus." To read more, click here.

--And finally, here's a note from pro climber Sasha DiGiulian, Protect Our Winters and an endorsement in the upcoming presidential election:

Upcoming AAI Programs:

Denali - West Buttress

Ecuador Skills Expedition

Kilimanjaro

AIARE Avalanche Level I

Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon

Upcoming Events

Discounts and Special Offers

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 9/12/24

Northwest:

--KIRO 7 is reporting that, "A sport climber was rescued Saturday afternoon, after falling 40 feet at a state park in North Bend. According to Snoqualmie Fire Department and Emergency Management, the climber was 300 feet above the Deception Crags climbing area of Olallie State Park when he started to fall." To read more, click here.

--A climber was injured in a fall on Castle Rock near Leavenworth over the weekend. A technical rescue team was required to assist the climber. Read more.

--Central Oregon Daily is reporting that Bend saw a 6% drop in tourism this year. Read more.

Sierra:

--Gripped is reporting that, "while the iconic lines on the west face of El Cap lure crowds, the incredibly committing east side of the stone is rarely free climbed. Late last year, American Amity Warme, who’s one of only a few climbers pushing hard free climbs up El Cap ground-up, as opposed to top-down with fixed ropes, freed the 30-pitch El Niño 5.13b/c." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--This story from Unofficial Networks is cool: "Joshua Tree National Park and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have been collaborating since 2003 to track the movements of the resident Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) using radiotelemetry." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Backpacker is reporting that, "A sheriff’s deputy trying to haze a mother bear and her cubs away from a crowd in Silverton, Colorado accidentally killed one of the animals when he shot it with a “less-lethal” beanbag round on Tuesday, sparking a fierce debate over how to manage bears in a community where encounters are common." It sounds like the person who was harassing this bear, which led to the encounter, may face charges. To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--Guadalupe Mountains National Park is reporting that, "On Saturday afternoon, April 29, Guadalupe Mountains National Park was notified that a climbing party was in distress with one climber stranded and another member that had fallen off an edge and appeared to be unresponsive." To read more, click here.

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "Although the ski season is still months away in North America, a 30-year-old Boston native has already accomplished an astonishing skiing record. Noah Dines has officially set the new world record for ski-touring the most human-powered vertical feet in one year. With a jaw-dropping 2,506,500 feet already under his belt and nearly four months left in the year, Dines is not done yet either." To read more, click here.

--RV Pro is reporting that, "Results for the RV Industry Association (RVIA)’s July 2024 survey of manufacturers found that total RV shipments ended the month with 24,116 units, an increase of 17.5% compared to the 20,520 units shipped in July 2023." To read more, click here.

--This is a disturbing article from Island News: "On Wednesday, the Kauai County Council discussed who should foot the bill for rescues. This includes both ocean and hiking rescues. The council talked about Bill 2910, which would allow the county attorney to screen everyone on whether they should pay for search and rescue expenses of a $1,000 or more." To read more, click here.

Upcoming AAI Programs:

Denali - West Buttress

Ecuador Skills Expedition

Kilimanjaro

AIARE Avalanche Level I

Rock Climbing in Red Rock Canyon

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/29/24

Northwest:

--Cascadia Daily News is reporting that, "The search for a climber in North Cascades National Park has been suspended after rangers and volunteers located human remains next to his tent on Mount Shuksan on Sunday." AAI staff members that volunteer for mountain rescue were amongst those that found the missing climber. To read more, click here.

--The Idaho Statesman is reporting that, "a climber was near the top of a 12,000-foot mountain in Idaho when he fell and needed help, rescuers said. Rescuers responded to a call at about 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, at Hyndman Peak, northeast of Ketchum, Teton County Search and Rescue said in an Aug. 26 Facebook post." To read more, click here.

Desert Southwest:

--The Inertia is reporting on swarms of bees in Joshua Tree National Park: "Park officials took to social media in late August to announce the temporary closures, which include the Cottonwood Visitor Center, parking area, restrooms, and campground." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--SnowBrains is reporting that, "a 33-year-old hiker tragically lost his life after a fall on Bill Williams Peak, a prominent summit near Aspen, Colorado. According to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, August 24. Around 2:13 p.m., emergency dispatch received a distress call about an injured hiker. The caller reported that the hiker had fallen between 50 and 100 feet onto a rocky outcrop, suffering what were described as life-threatening injuries." To read more, click here.

--11 News is reporting that, "a 'phenomenally lucky' hiker is safe after getting separated from his group and then lost in a storm while on trying to navigate a 14er. Chaffee County Search and Rescue (CCSAR) says the hiker was one of 15 on a work retreat Friday, taking part in a trek up Mt. Shavano." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--CBS is reporting that, "A climber was found dead Sunday in Glacier National Park, after going missing a week earlier when he separated from his hiking group, officials said. Grant Marcuccio apparently fell to his death, based on the injuries he suffered and the location of the body when responders discovered it during their search, according to the National Park Service. They said the 32-year-old from Whitefish, Montana, had broken from his hiking party on the afternoon Sunday, Aug. 18, on his way from Heavens Peak to McPartland Mountain about one mile south. He wanted to summit McPartland alone, endeavoring to reach the peak that stands at an elevation of more than 8,400 feet." To read more, click here.

--So, Solo Stove has partnered with Snoop Dogg for an advertisement. See it below:



--The Seattle Times is reporting that, "The official nonprofit organization of the National Park Service is set to receive the largest grant in its history, a $100 million gift the fundraising group described as transformative for the country’s national parks. The National Park Foundation, which Congress created in the 1960s to support national parks, will receive the donation from Indianapolis-based foundation Lilly Endowment Inc. The park foundation described the gift on Monday as the largest grant in history benefiting U.S. national parks." To read more, click here.

--Gear Junkie asks the most important question on all of our minds. Has outdoor gear become more expensive?

--Patagonia is giving its employees a day off to vote.

--Gripped is reporting on a new guidebook: "People have been having rock climbing adventures on Canadian routes for over a century, and for the first time ever 50 of those climbs are brought together in one book: Northern Stone. The book highlights 25 routes in western Canada and 25 routes in eastern Canada, and it gives a brief rundown on what to expect on each, some history and who made the first ascents." To read more, click here.

Upcoming American Alpine Institute Programs:

Mountaineering in Ecuador
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mt. Whitney Skills and Climb
Alpine Rock Climbing

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/22/24

Northwest:

--KIRO 7 is reporting that, "The body of a man who died while climbing a peak near the Granite Falls area was recovered by search and rescue personnel." To read more, click here. It appears that this was on Del Campo Peak.--Gear Junkie is reporting that, "The future of the brand Genuine Guide Gear is uncertain after a debt restructuring process was announced this week. Known to its clientele of backcountry skiers as simply “G3” the Canadian outfitter has been around for nearly 20 years. However, on August 9, the Supreme Court of British Columbia ordered accounting firm Deloitte to take over the company’s assets, court documents show." To read more, click here.

--KIRO 7 is reporting that, "Washington State Department of Transportation is delaying the reopening of State Route 20, also known as North Cascades Highway, because of a recent mudslide. WSDOT says its crews are having a difficult time clearing the 7,000 tons of mud and debris, caused by rainfall earlier this month." To read more, click here.

Sierra:

--A female team made history, climbing El Cap twice in a day. Read about it, here.

Desert Southwest:

--The BBC and others are reporting that, "Three German tourists face possible financial penalties after being accused of defacing property at Joshua Tree National Park in California. Park authorities accused the trio of firing paintballs at signs, bathrooms and dumpsters throughout the park." To read more, click here.

--Fox 5 is reporting that, "The Bureau of Land Management said they cited people seen throwing rocks at Red Rock Canyon Saturday. FOX5 obtained video showing the incident. Individuals could be seen throwing rocks off of high ledges at the Red Spring Boardwalk Trail." To read more, click here.

Colorado and Utah:

--Clear Creek Canyon is currently closed due to wildfire. Read more.

Notes from All Over:

--Oil City News is reporting that, "A climber at Lake Point Climbing Area fell to their death Wednesday, Aug. 14, according to the Washakie County Sheriff’s Office. The climber, who was from out of the country and visiting Wyoming, fell about 50 feet and passed away shortly after falling, the sheriff’s office reported." To read more, click here.

--Gear Junkie is reporting that, "The Kathmandu Post revealed today that after a successful test in April, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the three authorities responsible for managing garbage on Everest. Drones will remove trash from the higher slopes of the world’s tallest mountain. This agreement applies to the Khumbu region, not just Mount Everest." To read more, click here.

--Outdoor Sportwire is reporting that, "The United States Ski Mountaineering Association (USSMA or USA Skimo) is pleased to announce the successful launch of Project Podium, a donation-funded initiative created to ensure the success of USA skimo athletes in global competition. USA Skimo is also pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Cookler to serve in the newly-created position of Head of Sport. In this capacity, Sarah will be responsible for leading Project Podium including USA Skimo’s sports initiatives in preparation for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and beyond." To read more, click here.

Upcoming American Alpine Institute Programs:

Mountaineering in Ecuador
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mt. Whitney Skills and Climb
Alpine Rock Climbing

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 8/15/24

NOTE: This round-up covers the last two weeks.

Northwest:

--KIRO 7 is reporting that, "On Saturday, the North Cascades National Parks Service (NPS) closed the Goodell Creek Campground, raft launch and picnic area after an illegal campfire spread to nearby trees According to NPS, the campfire spread to a large cedar tree." To read more, click here.

--A six year old climbed Mt. Shasta.

Colorado and Utah:

--11 News is reporting that, "A climber survived a treacherous fall thanks to a search and rescue crew out of Alamosa County. The climber was nearing the summit of Ellingwood Point, a 14er in the Sangre de Cristos, when the accident happened Sunday." To read more, click here.

--NPR and others are reporting that, "A popular natural phenomenon in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah collapsed last week, the National Park Service said. According to NPS Rangers, the so-called “Double Arch” in the recreation area’s Rock Creek Bay crumbled on Thursday." To read more, click here.

Notes from All Over:

--SGB Media is reporting that, "The Dyrt, the app for camping availability, photos, and reviews, found that 18 percent of campers reported that wildfires or natural disasters disrupted their camping plans in 2023—three times more than the 6 percent who said their plans were disrupted in 2019. This indicates a steady rise over the past five years." To read more, click here.

--American Sam Watson beat the world speed climbing record during the Olympics, but didn't win gold. Find out why.

--In other Olympic news, American Brooke Raboutou won the Olympic Silver Medal, becoming the first American woman to medal in climbing. Read more.

Upcoming American Alpine Institute Programs:

Mountaineering in Ecuador
Kilimanjaro Expedition
Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership
Alpinism I: Introduction to Mountaineering
Glacier Skills and Crevasse Rescue
Mt. Baker Skills and Climb
Mt. Shuksan Skills and Climb
Mt. Whitney Skills and Climb
Alpine Rock Climbing