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.