Backcountry Skiing in the News

Backcountry Skiing in the News

Routt National Forest:

Routt National Forest cited snowmobilers for trespassing in the wilderness, according to anarticle in Steamboat Today. The San Juan Group of Colorado Mountain Club (having merged with Red Mountain BSA Chapter) is expecting to use Red Mountain Chapter funds to hire a part-time winter ranger to enforce Forest Service regulations. Friends of the Routt Backcountry Group is also looking at the possibility of funding an extra ranger. The cost of funding part-time rangers ranges from $3800 to $5000 per season.

White River National Forest:

· White River National Forest travel plan release delayed until March 2010.

· WRNF may delay travel management plan further due to lynx issues.

· WRNF asks volunteers to track lynx while skiing and snowshoeing.

General News:

· A video with a happy ending showing the importance of training and gear.

· An article with a sad ending discussing tension between safety and excitement in the sports we love.

· A major avalanche in Switzerland reminds us to stay on our toes.