Thursday, February 9, 2012

CMC Supports Winter Ranger

The Backcountry Snowsports Initiative continues its funding this year of a winter education and enforcement ranger at Red Mountain Pass in the Ouray Ranger District.  The program, begun by the Red Mountain Pass Group of the Backcountry Snowsports Alliance several years ago, is funded by the Forest Service, local CMC members, and the BSI.  It continues to yield good results for the land and backcountry skiers alike, according to data and visitor anecdotes.  Last year, Ranger Andrew Naher talked with nearly 1,000 visitors at various sites.  This year, the Forest Service ranger will focus more exclusively on Red Mountain Pass and other high-traffic ski areas than he did last year, when he also patrolled more heavily motorized use areas.
 
The Forest Service is always looking for volunteers to help with user education.  If you would like to help by putting up signs, being a "BSI Ambassador" at trailheads, or hosting an event to raise money for the program, please contact Jay Heeter for more info.

From the Protecting Quiet Backcountry at 3:01 PM 0 comments

CMC Hosts Backcountry Film Festival

WWA Backcountry FIlm Fest
This winter season, CMC is hosting five Backcountry Film Festivals at locations across the state.  The first two events -- in Golden and Boulder -- were great successes, with attendance nearly five times last year's level.  We now look forward to at least three more events: You can buy tickets online for events in Durango, Evergreen and Aspen, via the links below.  
 This year's films feature not just skiing and snowboarding, but other winter sports you might not have thought of, like icewater kayaking!  We also have door prize drawings at each event, so show up early.
 
Visit www.backcountryfilmfestival.org to watch trailers and learn more about these amazing films.
 
Our three remaining scheduled shows are:
 
February 7 - Durango - 7 p.m. at Pine Needle Mountaineering (835 Main Avenue) - 970-247-8728
Buy tickets at www.cmc.org/bcffdurango
 
February 8 - Evergreen - 6:30 p.m. at the "Cafe at the Place" (27886 Meadow Drive) - 303-996-2759
 
April 4 - Aspen - Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (100 Puppy Smith Street) - 970-925-5756
Buy tickets at www.cmc.org/bcffaspen
 
We will likely also have a show in Carbondale at the Third Street Center.  Reply to this email if you would like more info about that event or any other.

From the Protecting Quiet Backcountry at 2:58 PM 1 comments

Backcountry Ball a Success! Wooden Ski Rendezvous in the Works

Click to RegisterFriends of the Routt Backcountry Group hosted their annual Backcountry Ball in early December.  The Steamboat Depot was packed with zanily dressed backcountry aficionados.  Money raised at the door and on silent auction items goes to support Friends of the Routt's work in the Steamboat Area.  

If you missed this event, fear not!  Friends of the Routt hosts two major annual events, and the second is just around the bend.  The Wooden Ski Rendezvous is a weekend-long event in early March that will include wooden ski racing, dancing, a potluck, a pine tar clinic, and maybe even a trip up Hahns Peak.  Click here to register for the event. For more info on the event, email Leslie atfrb@cmc.org.

From the Protecting Quiet Backcountry at 2:56 PM 0 comments

Backcountry Skiing in the News

Colorado's backcountry is some of the best in the world, and some of the most dangerous, too.  It's worth doing your homework to explore the backcountry safely, says this article in the Denver Post.  The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) warns skiers to be careful when cavorting in the new snow that may soon cover older layers.  Even ski areas have seen avalanches this year, and the Forest Service is reviewing avalanche control methods.
Colorado's backcountry is some of the best in the world, and some of the most dangerous, too.  It's worth doing your homework to explore the backcountry safely, says this article in the Denver Post.  The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) warns skiers to be careful when cavorting in the new snow that may soon cover older layers.  Even ski areas have seen avalanches this year, and the Forest Service is reviewing avalanche control CMC always offers courses to our members and others on avalanche safety, and our partner organization Friends of Berthoud Pass does as well.  Recently, Friends of Berthoud director Shan Sethna was featured in the Christian Science Monitor for his avalanche course.  Meanwhile, some folks have taken the excuse of a low snow year to check out the latest fashions at the SIA sports show in Denver.    Those who are out there on the slopes may have noticed that the work of the BSI and other groups like Winter Wildlands Alliance to control snowmobile noise in the backcountry is showing positive results.
 
Some of you  may remember this video from last year of some snowmobilers harassing moose.  Well, it looks like at least one moose has sought its revenge!  (Please note the CMC does not condone harassing moose or snowmobilers.) 
 
Finally and much more seriously, the conservation community lost a great asset and friend recently when David Gaillard, Northern Rockies represenative for Defenders of Wildlife in Bozeman, was killed in an avalanche.  Winter Wildlands Alliance Public Lands Director Forrest McCarthy, who worked closely with David and others on wolverine conservation, shares some amazing photos, videos and stories on his newly updated blog.

If you see something else in the news, send it to bsi@cmc.org for next month's newsletter.

From the Protecting Quiet Backcountry at 2:54 PM 0 comments

CMC's Winter Schools Include Snowshoeing, Ice Climbing and More

Winter Jump Snow

The CMC has winter schools coming up in all kinds of activities and locations around the state.  Check out some of these offerings and call our office (303-279-3080) to sign up.

Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak  
Pikes Peak Group (Col Springs) Introduction to Avalanche Class
 
Sponsoring Group: Denver  
The Technical Ice Climbing School (TICS) is designed for members who wish to extend their rock climbing skills to high angle ice found in mountain couloirs, frozen waterfalls, and on expedition climbs. Prerequisites and authorization code required.
 
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak  
The Pikes Peak Group Technical Ice Climbing School will teach individuals the advanced skills needed to increase their ice climbing abilities. The goal will be to climb above class 3 and lead up to class 3 ice.
 
Sponsoring Group: Denver  
If you currently venture into the backcountry on touring skis, have witnessed telly skiers carving sweet s-turns down slopes or thru the trees, and have wondered to yourself “can I do that”, well we’re here to tell you that yes, you can!
 
Sponsoring Group: Denver  
Topics include group dynamics and leadership styles, leader responsibilities, liability issues, medical concerns, environmental concerns, planning a trip, screening potential trip participants, organizing the group, and carrying out a safe trip. Read More
 
Sponsoring Group: Boulder  
 Join us at the Boulder Group clubroom at 7pm to find out all about the spring/summer schools. School Directors will be present to answer questions.
 
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak  
Pikes Peak Group annual Winter Wilderness Skills Class.
 
Sponsoring Group: Denver  
Wilderness First Aid training for CMC TRIP LEADERS - March 2012
 
Sponsoring Group: Denver  
Wilderness First Aid training for CMC NON-LEADERS - March 2012
 
Sponsoring Group: Boulder  
Concerned about what to do if you unexpectedly have to spend the night in the outdoors? What are the ten essentials and why do we need them? This course covers trip planning, essential equipment, clothing, Leave No Trace principles, weather, etc.
 
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak  
Pikes Peak Group annual Advanced Backcountry Ski class.
 
Sponsoring Group: Denver  
Basic Mountaineering School (BMS) provides you with the skills needed to participate safely on non-glaciated CMC mountaineering climbs within Colorado in all weather conditions. Read More
 
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak  
This course covers the introductory information and skills needed for safe travel in the Colorado wilderness. This course is one of three to take towards earning a PPG-CMC BMS Wilderness Trekking Certificate.
 
Visit www.cmc.org/schools for more info.

From the Protecting Quiet Backcountry at 2:51 PM 0 comments

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