News from the Deep White

CMC Supports Winter Ranger

2012-02-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

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.

CMC Hosts Backcountry Film Festival

2012-02-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

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

Buy tickets at www.cmc.org/bcffevergreen

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.

Backcountry Ball a Success! Wooden Ski Rendezvous in the Works

2012-02-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

Friends 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.

Backcountry Skiing in the News

2012-02-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2012-02-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

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.

02/01/2012 Pikes Peak Introduction to Avalanche

Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak Group (Col Springs) Introduction to Avalanche Class

02/07/2012 Technical Ice Climbing School (TICS)

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.

02/09/2012 PPG Technical Ice Climbing School

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.

02/15/2012 Telemark Ski School- Denver Group

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!

02/21/2012 Trip Leader School - Feb 21st, 2012

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

02/27/2012 Spring/Summer Boulder Mountaineering Schools Orientation Night (Optional)

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.

02/29/2012 Pikes Peak Winter Wilderness Skills

Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak Group annual Winter Wilderness Skills Class.

03/04/2012 Denver Wilderness First Aid Class for Trip Leaders

Sponsoring Group: Denver

Wilderness First Aid training for CMC TRIP LEADERS - March 2012

03/04/2012 Denver Wilderness First Aid Class for Non-Leaders

Sponsoring Group: Denver

Wilderness First Aid training for CMC NON-LEADERS - March 2012

03/06/2012 Hiking and Survival Essentials, Boulder Group

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.

03/08/2012 Pikes Peak Advanced Backcountry Skiing

Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak Group annual Advanced Backcountry Ski class.

03/12/2012 Basic Mountaineering School - Denver

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

03/15/2012 PPG Basic Mountaineering School - Colorado Wilderness Fundamentals

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.

CMC Offers Winter Schools

2011-01-31T12:59:00.000-08:00

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.

02/03/2011

Pikes Peak Telemark Ski Class
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak Pikes Peak Group Telemark Ski Class

02/17/2011

Pikes Peak Introduction to Avalanche
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak Pikes Peak Group and CAIC Introduction to Avalanche Class

03/10/2011

2011 PPG Basic Mountaineering School - Colorado Wilderness Fundamentals
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 (3) you can take towards earning a PPG-CMC BMS Wilderness Trekking Certificate.

03/14/2011

Basic Mountaineering School
Sponsoring Group: Denver Please register for Trip #13262 in order to receive your application link (you must have your C Classification to register for this trip). Once your application has been reviewed you will receive an authorization code if accepted into the school.

04/04/2011

2011 PPG Basic Mountaineering School - Colorado Wilderness Land Navigation
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak Ever been lost in the woods? How about cloud cover or whiteouts? Working through these situations requires solid map & compass skills. This course is one of (3) you can take towards earning a PPG-CMC BMS Wilderness Trekking Certificate.

04/26/2011

2011 PPG Basic Mountaineering School - Colorado Alpine Snow Mountaineering
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak This course gives you specific knowledge and skill sets to help you safely tackle your Colorado winter mountaineering activities. One of (6) BMS courses you take towards earning a BMS Alpine Mountaineering Certificate.

05/10/2011

2011 PPG Basic Mountaineering School - Colorado Rock Climbing
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak This course will help you acquire the rock climbing fundamentals you need to efficiently and safely climb rock in a top rope environment. One of (6) BMS courses you take towards earning a BMS Alpine Mountaineering Certificate.

Visit www.cmc.org/schools for more info.

Backcountry Skiing in the News

2011-01-31T12:58:00.000-08:00

Another reminder on avalanche safety came to us with recent events at Vail Pass. A snowboarder was able to "swim" through an avalanche to safety. Read the story and find links to Colorado's Avalanche Information Center at the Summit County Citizens Voice.

A reminder we should always include this time of year: Every backcountry skier should carry safety equipment and have taken an avalanche safety course. CMC offers an avalanche awareness school. So does Friends of Berthoud Pass. CAIC gives updated avalanche warnings on its site. You can find more general info on avalanche safety at CAIC's website.

And here's a story from the Fort Collins Coloradoan that you might like to share with any friends who you think might benefit from trying out the backcountry experience.

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

Wooden Ski Rendezvous in the North Routt

2011-01-31T12:57:00.000-08:00

The Wooden Ski Rendezvous is a weekend-long event that will include wooden ski racing, dancing, a potluck, a pine tar clinic, and maybe even a trip up Hahns Peak. The event is held in Columbine, which is 30 miles north of Steamboat Springs. Most folks rent cabins for the weekend at Columbine Cabins where the event is held. (Call 970-879-5522 to rent a cabin.)

The weekend is packed with fun events. Saturday is the main event day and then on Sunday we'll go out for a ski in the backcountry on Hahns Peak and other surrounding areas. If you have want to come along, bring some more modern touring/backcountry skis or showshoes for Sunday.

Your old woodies or snowshoes will be perfect for Saturday. Old time clothing and leather boots are encouraged though not required. We award prizes for best costumes. We also have a "Boil 'em Up" race where participants ski around a course and then have to boil up a cup of snow with their own backcountry stove. The more old timey and authentic, the better!

If you have any old time clothes that you want to contribute to the communal lending bin, bring them along. We offer a bin of dress-up clothes for those who don't have vintage clothing. Creativity is encouraged!

Saturday night is a potluck dinner with dancing, music and old time ski movies.

Most cabins have small kitchens and there is a nice modern bathhouse for those cabins without bathrooms. Bring along something for the potluck dinner and food for the weekend as the nearest store is 30 miles away. Some folks go to the Hahns Peak Cafe for dinner on Friday night.

For more info on the event, email Leslie at frb@cmc.org. You can buy tickets online at www.cmc.org/woodenski.

Bear Creek near Telluride Needs Your Help

2011-01-31T12:56:00.000-08:00

If you haven't taken action yet, Bear Creek Basin near Telluride still needs your help. Bear Creek is an uncontrolled backcountry area that offers some of the most spectacular ski and snowboard terrain in the Rockies. Until December 2010, it was accessible through USFS gates at the Telluride Ski Resort. On December 8th, however, the U.S. Forest Service's Norwood District Ranger, Judy Schutza, closed three backcountry gates accessing the popular Bear Creek drainage adjacent to the Telluride ski area. The closure is in response to a request by property owner Thomas Chapman of the Chapman Group (a.k.a. Gold Hill Development Corp.) and another private landowner with holdings north of Chapman's claims. Chapman's group recently acquired a contiguous strip of three mining claims that start in Delta Bowl and run down to the bottom of the Bear Creek drainage. The other landowner owns the nearby Nellie claim.

The gates closed by the USFS are on federal land and provide access to public lands that do not necessarily cross Chapman's private mining claims. These gates provide the only reasonable ski access from the ski area into upper Bear Creek, and their closure effectively closes the basin to public winter use. The closure also blocks access to the Wasatch Trail, which has been recognized by the USFS for several decades and is one of the region's most popular summer hikes.

The landowners of the specified mining claims have been accused of attempting to create greater potential sale value for their properties by advocating for this closure, advocacy some locals view as extortive. Chapman told Telluride Magazine in an interview published this winter that one of his professional goals is "to serve as a 'check' against the over-zealous portion of the environmental community and the sycophant politicians that pander to them for political gain." We don't see what's over-zealous about protecting historical backcountry ski access to public land. This situation needs to be corrected, and to do that, we need your help.

Jay, please help us in our attempt to regain access to public land in a constructive and respectful manner. The Forest Service needs to hear from as many of us as possible in order to better understand the highest and best use of our high-country environments. If we can educate our government and other establishments on backcountry usage in this case, our work may have impacts far beyond the current issue in Telluride.

The CMC, with Telluride's Sheep Mountain Alliance, has filed a FOIA request with the Forest Service to discover the details behind these closures. In the meantime, it is my hope—on behalf of the Colorado Mountain Club, the American Alpine Club, Telluride recreationalists, Winter Wildlands Alliance, and The Access Fund—that you might take a few minutes of your time to help protect access to our many spectacular mountain environments.

Take Action: Write a Letter!

Personalized messages are the most effective form of communication when making a comment to public officials. Therefore, please use the text as a guide and spice-up your letter with your personal connection to the Bear Creek area and Telluride's backcountry user community. Written letters are more effective than emails. Both are even better.

Compose message to the following recipients;

Charley Richmond
Forest Supervisor, U.S. Forest Service
2250 Highway 50, Delta, CO 81416
Email: csrichmond@fs.fed.us

Judy Schutza
District Ranger, U.S. Forest Service
P.O. Box 388, Norwood, CO 81423
Email: jschutza@fs.fed.us

Subject: Please Reopen the upper Bear Creek backcountry access points that provide public access from the Telluride Ski Area onto National Forest System lands in Upper Bear Creek.

Dear __________,

Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself, include where you live and work, if you have skied Bear Creak, how often. If you are from out of town, discuss how often you come to the area to ski. Don't forget to mention if you are a member of Winter Wildlands Alliance. Discuss why this area is important to you.

Paragraph 2: Discuss why you oppose the recent closure. Include any of the following talking points in your message.

Please reopen the Upper Bear Creek backcountry access gates immediately and involve the public in future decisions about this area.
The hasty decision to close access to this area did not adequately take into account the economic and social impacts on the region's people and businesses.
It is problematic, and potentially illegal, when a federal agency closes public land that has been open to public use for over 10 years without any public input.
The closed gates provide access to public lands that do not necessarily cross the involved private mining claims. There are many other areas that can be accessed via these access points that do not conflict with or trespass on private land.
In the previous decades, there was never any concern about public access in the Bear Creek drainage. There have been documented ski descents in this area as early as the 1960s or earlier.
Part of the USFS's mission is to provide the public with reasonable access to public land.
The Wasatch Trail is an USFS-recognized trail that has been used by the public for decades without any contested use.

Paragraph 3: Closing statement restating reopening access.

Jay Heeter

Include Address and Contact Information

Sources:

1. http://www.telluridemagazine.com/blog/gus-jarvis-interviews-backcountry-developer-tom-chapman/

2. http://catalog.proemags.com/publication/b1b5d83c#/b1b5d83c/40

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

2011-01-31T12:55:00.000-08:00

March 3 and 4, 2011, the CMC will host the Banff Mountainfilm Festival World Tour, with proceeds to benefit the Colorado Mountain Club.

Hot on the heels of the largest, and one of the most prestigious mountain festivals in the world, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour has hit the road, with stops planned in 360 locations worldwide. This year's tour features a collection of the most inspiring and thought-provoking action, environmental, and adventure mountain films. Traveling from remote landscapes and cultures to up close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, the 2010/2011 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. For 35 years, the Banff Mountain Film Festival has celebrated the spirit of adventure and the mountain environment.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is produced by Mountain Culture at The Banff Centre, and features award-winning films and audience favorites from approximately 300 films entered in the annual festival in Banff, Canada.

The screenings of The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour in Canada and the USA are presented by National Geographic, The North Face, and Parks Canada; sponsored by Deuter, OR (Outdoor Research), Stones into Schools, Three Cups of Tea, PrimaLoft, Tom's of Maine, and ProBar; with support from MSR (Mountain Safety Research), Fernie Alpine Resort, PETZL, World Expeditions, and Mountain Hardwear.

Tickets are $15, available beginning December 7 at REI Boulder, Denver, Englewood and Lakewood locations; the Paramount Theatre; and through the Colorado Mountain Club. Ticket price includes parking. Proceeds will benefit the Colorado Mountain Club. Tickets purchased at the Paramount Theatre will incur additional service charges.

You can also buy tickets at our CMC site. Be sure to buy tickets for the night you want to attend, or both nights separately. We have one purchase page for March 3 and another page for March 4.

The festival now attracts audiences of 10,000 with approximately 300 films submitted from over 30 countries. During the third week in February, visit www.rei.com/stores for the local play list and other information. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Check out the event trailer online.

"Wolverine Night" Brings Gulo gulo to a Theater Near You

2011-01-24T10:37:00.000-08:00

The Center for Native Ecosystems, with support from CMC and other groups, is hosting four "Wolverine Nights" across Colorado next week.

Fewer than 500 wolverines remain in the lower 48 states. Get a glimpse into the lives of these mysterious, cold-loving creatures and learn how they survive in the most rugged terrain on earth.

Jason Wilmot is the executive director of Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative and has studied wolverines for several years in Glacier National Park and the Greater Yellowstone Area. Jason will be presenting his research and showing never-before-captured footage from a recent wolverine documentary. Don’t miss it!

All events are free and open to the public!

Edwards
Wednesday, Jan 26, 6-8PM
New Battle Mountain High School

Golden
Thursday, Jan 27, 6-8PM
American Mountaineering Center

Denver
Friday, Jan 28, 7-9PM
Denver Zoo

Boulder
Saturday, Jan 29, 6-8PM
REI

For more information and directions, visit or call:
www.nativeecosystems.org
(303) 546-0214 x 7

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

2010-12-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

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.

01/03/2011

Pikes Peak Snowshoe Class
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak Pikes Peak Group Snowshoe Class

01/03/2011

Pikes Peak Backcountry Ski Class
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak Pikes Peak Group Backcountry Ski Class

01/06/2011

Ice Climbing School, Boulder Group
Sponsoring Group: Boulder an introduction to basic ice climbing safety and techniques. No ice experience required. Prerequisites: BMS or minimally BRS & Basic Snow Read More

01/09/2012

2012 PPG Basic Mountaineering School - Colorado Ice Climbing
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak This is a great course for the aspiring Colorado mountaineer who wants to bury sharp pointy things in ice. One of (6) BMS courses you take towards earning a BMS Alpine Mountaineering Certificate.

01/11/2011

Advanced Mountaineering School
Sponsoring Group: Boulder AMS teaches mountaineers to successfully plan and climb peaks in high altitude winter conditions all over the world. Topics include glacier travel, crevasse rescue, winter camping, snow structures, ice climbing, fixed lines, and expedition planning. Read More

01/11/2011

2011 PPG Basic Mountaineering School - Colorado Ice Climbing
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak This course introduces you into the world of ice climbing. This is a great program for the aspiring Colorado mountaineer who wants to bury sharp pointy things into ice.

01/11/2011

Avalanche Awareness School
Sponsoring Group: Denver This course will teach students how surface hoar differs from depth hoar, how to determine snow stability, how to use beacons and locate a “victim” caught in an avalanche, as well as terrain recognition features. Whether skiing or snowshoeing, this Read More

01/12/2011

Winter Camping, Boulder Group
Sponsoring Group: Boulder This clinic is geared toward those with minimal winter camping experience. Covers tent camping, building snow structurs such as kitches, walls and emergency shelters. Read More

01/19/2011

Tele/AT Backcountry Ski School
Sponsoring Group: Boulder The Tele/AT Backcountry Ski School is designed to provide basic back country /peak skiing safety skills for the Colorado backcountry, including survival skills, survival skiing and peak skiing/navigation . The school is open to Intermediate Telema Read More

01/19/2011

High Altitude Mountaineering School
Sponsoring Group: Denver The Next Step: The High Altitude Mountaineering School was created to address the needs of CMC members interested in preparing, planning, and gaining skills to safely climb and enjoy bigger mountains: Rainier, Denali, Aconcagua, the Mexican Volcanoes Read More

01/25/2011

Winter Camping School
Sponsoring Group: Denver This is a school for those who want to enjoy camping, while being comfortable in the mountains during winter conditions. Learn how to stay warm, not how to tolerate cold. You will have fun and learn skills that will open a fourth season for your camp

02/03/2011

Pikes Peak Telemark Ski Class
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak Pikes Peak Group Telemark Ski Class

02/17/2011

Pikes Peak Introduction to Avalanche
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak Pikes Peak Group and CAIC Introduction to Avalanche Class

03/10/2011

03/14/2011

04/04/2011

04/26/2011

05/10/2011

Visit www.cmc.org/schools for more info.

Backcountry Skiing in the News

2010-12-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

Early season avalanche tragedies remind Colorado skiers to be careful in the backcountry. Scott Kay, the Wolf Creek Ski Area Ski Patrol director, was killed in an avalanche in early December, while working to protect others from avalanches. A man from Golden, Kyle Shellberg, was also killed around the same time, skiing in Dry Gulch near Georgetown.

Any backcountry skier should carry safety equipment and have taken an avalanche safety course. CMC offers an avalanche awareness school. So does Friends of Berthoud Pass. CAIC gives updated avalanche warnings on its site. You can find more general info on avalanche safety at CAIC's website.

According to Bob Berwyn's Summit County Citizens Voice article of October 10, recent storms may have an impact on avalanches in Colorado. CMC will be hosting a talk on the impact of dust on snow as part of the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum's Speaker Series on March 2. Stay tuned for more info or send us an email if you have questions.

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

Backcountry Ball a Success! Wooden Ski Rendezvous in the Works

2010-12-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

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. For more info on the event, email Leslie at frb@cmc.org.

Conservation Expo in Denver

2010-12-23T12:43:00.000-08:00

This event has been put together via feedback from CMC consevation leaders across our state.

Check out the agenda!

Socializing with each other, building our skills together and comparing notes on campaigns are all important to keep us doing the work that we do. These activities are also a great tool for recruitment to your local stewardship and advocacy work, so I encourage you to bring along anyone you can from your groups. We would like to make this kind of event at least an annual occurrence, so let’s start out strong. Anyone can come to learn more about the conservation work CMC does, whether or not they think they will soon be a volunteer.

Since this date coincides with the state board and council meetings, we’ll have a chance to share some of our campaign work with those volunteer leaders… and you can probably carpool to Golden with them as well.

If you have questions about the event, would like to arrange a carpool or if you’d like to RSVP, please email us or call 303-996-2759.

CMC Hosts WWA Backcountry Film Festival Events

2010-11-29T10:55:00.000-08:00

This winter season, CMC hosts four amazing Backcountry Film Festivals at locations across the state. Many of you have supported Winter Wildlands Alliance's recent petition to the Forest Service to improve management of snowmobiles. Now you can support WWA and CMC while being entertained by some of the best new ski films out there. Proceeds at each event will benefit CMC’s Backcountry Snowsports Initiative and other conservation efforts. Tickets are available online and at the door for the Golden showing (www.cmc.org/bcff) and at the door for all other showings. Call a number below for details on a CMC-hosted showing near you.

December 7 - Fort Collins - The Mountain Shop - 970-493-5720

December 16 - Golden - American Mountaineering Center - 303-996-2759 [ Buy tickets online at www.cmc.org/bcff ]

January 5 - Ouray - Main Street Theater - 970-729-0753 [ Selections only; also showing Switchback. Buy tickets online at www.cmc.org/bcff_ouray ]

January 20 - Boulder - Neptune Mountaineering - 888-499-8866

January 26 - Aspen - Aspen Center for Environmental Studies - 970-925-5756 [ Buy tickets online at www.cmc.org/bcff_aspen ]

Visit www.backcountryfilmfestival.org to watch trailers and see the list of films. Contact bsi@cmc.org for more info.

Backcountry Ball in the North Routt Dec. 4

2010-11-29T10:53:00.000-08:00

Colorado Mountain Club, Friends of the Routt Backcountry and many of you readers submitted comments to the Forest Service on or before November 1, asking the agency to cancel or amend a damaging plan that would put new snowmobile trails and motorized parking in the heart of historically non-motorized areas near Steamboat.

To support Friends of the Routt Backcountry and have a great time, attend their annual silent auction and Backcountry Ball, held on December 4 in Steamboat. Zany outfits are encouraged, as are dancing shoes. For more info on the event, email frb@cmc.org or click here.

Backcountry Skiing and Conservation in the News

2010-11-29T10:48:00.001-08:00

CMC Director Bryan Martin co-authored an opinion piece on the Eagle and Summit Wilderness Preservation Act.

Congressman Jared Polis introduced a CMC-backed wilderness bill.

The Forest Service will c ontinue lynx studies at Vail Pass.

See something else in the news? Send it to bsi@cmc.org for next month's newsletter.

Winter Schools Available at the CMC

2010-11-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

The CMC's Winter Schools Begin

The CMC is offering great schools again this winter. Check out some of these offerings and call our office (303-279-3080) to sign up.

11/15/2010

Knot Tying School
Sponsoring Group: Denver Two night classes on knot tying for those new to knots and those who are just a little rusty and whose lives will depend on those knots!!

12/01/2010

Area Telemark Clinic
Sponsoring Group: Boulder Learn to tele, or renew your skills for the coming season. Read More

12/07/2010

Denver Backcountry Ski Touring School (BSTS)
Sponsoring Group: Denver Want to experience Colorado's finest snow, away from the crowds and expensive lift tickets? Learn to cross-country ski and prepare for the backcountry! We can accommodate students ranging from never-evers to folks who have skied for years.

01/03/2011

Pikes Peak Snowshoe Class
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak Pikes Peak Group Snowshoe Class

01/03/2011

Pikes Peak Backcountry Ski Class
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak Pikes Peak Group Backcountry Ski Class

01/06/2011

01/09/2012

01/11/2011

01/12/2011

01/19/2011

01/25/2011

02/03/2011

Pikes Peak Telemark Ski Class
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak Pikes Peak Group Telemark Ski Class

02/17/2011

Pikes Peak Introduction to Avalanche
Sponsoring Group: Pikes Peak Pikes Peak Group and CAIC Introduction to Avalanche Class

03/10/2011

03/14/2011

04/04/2011

04/26/2011

05/10/2011

Visit www.cmc.org/schools for more info.

Bash Tickets Available Now!

2010-11-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

Buy tickets online now!

Colorado native and world-renowned extreme skier Chris Davenport will be joining us at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden on the night of November 13 to watch his new film Australis: An Antarctic Odyssey.

We'll have beer from Avery Brewing Company, food Rudi's Organic Bakery, and amazing live and silent auctions on everything from ski vacations in Telluride to K2 skis and snowshoes. Join us!

Buy tickets online now!

18th Annual Backcountry Bash: Save the Date!

2010-07-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, it's time to mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Backcountry Bash!
The Bash is CMC's largest fundraiser, and all the proceeds benefit BSI's conservation and travel management planning.

Planning is in the early stages, but we expect - as always - that there will be great food and drink, a fun atmosphere for viewing the lastest ski movies, a tremendous silent auction and live auction full of cool winter gear, and the inspiring company of BSI members, volunteers and staff. Hundreds of people attended last year's event, had a great time, and helped raise $20,000 for backcountry advocacy.

2010's Backcountry Bash will be held on the evening of Saturday, November 13.

Tickets will be available soon.

Victory! State Parks Board Votes 5-0 for OHV Reform

2010-07-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

On Friday, July 16, the Colorado State Parks Board voted 5-0 in favor of strong reforms to the OHV Grant Program. Our coalition of over 40 Colorado Sportsman, recreationist and conservationist organizations applaud the Colorado State Parks Board for making sweeping changes to the state's $4M annual OHV Grant Program at their Board meeting in Aurora.

These reforms come after a year-long campaign to reform the program. We encourage you to thank the State Parks Board for making this sound decision.

We view these changes as a balanced and necessary step in the evolution of a program that has grown ten-fold over the last ten years. As this program continues to grow it is critical that all aspects of responsible OHV management, especially law enforcement and habitat protection, are included in the grant funding and that more and more public land users are bought into the program.

The reforms to the OHV Program are a culmination of work, research, and negotiations over the past year. Since the fall of 2009, the State Parks board has held nearly one public meeting a month to discuss the issues at stake in the modification of the program.

State Parks Board members, State Trails Committee members, State Parks staff and Department of Natural Resources staff have heard from thousands of constituents across the state. The proposal is a reflection of the diverse views, observations, and input the public has had in this process over the past 10 months. Click here to send a Thank You.

The reforms approved today to the OHV Program, which is funded by an annual $25.25 registration fee on OHVs include the following:

Law Enforcement, Education and Travel Management Plan Implementation (i.e. trail closures, barriers, signs, etc) will now become an official criterion and treated the same as any OHV trail maintenance grant, which has received the majority of funding in the past. The New Grant Selection Criteria will be:
- Need and Benefit of proposed grant (25 pts)
- Law Enforcement, Education & Travel Management Plan Implementation (25 pts)
- Resource and Habitat Protection (25 pts)
- Local Partnerships & Leverage (25 pts)
An element of "Need" will now be incorporated into the "Benefit" criterion so that a variety of grant applicants (i.e. Enforcement, habitat protection, etc.) will be allowed to earn points vs. just awarding points to grant applications benefiting OHV recreationists.
OHV Subcommittee Reconfiguration & Diversity: The OHV Subcommittee which reviews, scores and approves the $4M in grants annually will no longer be comprised of (10) OHV enthusiasts and instead the OHV Subcommittee will now be comprised of (8) motorized and (3) non-motorized and (1) diversified user for an 8-4 Subcommittee Composition for the 2011 grant cycle. This diversity of interests will allow for a more transparent and balanced review of grants.
(1) Division of Wildlife Law Enforcement expert and (1) Wildlife or Biologist expert will now serve as ex-officio members of the Subcommittee. These experts who have never participated in the process and will be able to provide input on enforcement needs and help the OHV Subcommittee understand the impacts OHV use has on wildlife, hunting and habitat.
The (2) state OHV trail coordinators (state employees) who have close ties with OHV Clubs will no longer be able to score the grants and now only Subcommittee members will be able to score grants.
In order to promote transparency and prevent OHV Subcommittee members from subjectively giving artificially low or high scores to select grants, all scores given by each OHV Subcommittee member will be made public and shared with the entire Subcommittee instead of those scored remaining secret and averaged together with all other scores.
The OHV Program will incorporate an "escalation procedure" that will allow any grant that does not receive OHV Subcommittee approval to be escalated and considered for funding by the State Trails Committee and/or the State Parks Board.

Please take a moment to send the State Parks Board a Thank You today.

Thank you for taking the time to make a difference.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If you are unable to use the webform, you can email parksinfo@state.co.us with a message like the one below. Be sure to include your name and address when you sign your letter.
Dear State Parks Board,
Thank you for your leadership on the OHV Grant Program. The reforms you have approved are necessary and sensible and set the stage for better management of a program that is growing at an astounding pace. Ensuring law enforcement and habitat restoration are funded through this program makes sense. Additionally, we support the inclusion of diverse parties to the grant review subcommittee. Your efforts to support sound public land management policy at the state level is sincerely appreciated.
Sincerely,

End the Snowmobile Exclusion!

2010-07-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

BSI's partner group, Winter Wildlands Alliance, has created a comprehensive petition to the Department of Agriculture to overturn the 2005 Travel Management Rule's exemption of snowmobiles from enforcement regulations.

Currently, snowmobiles are not restricted to certain trails and areas like other backcountry motorized vehicles are, even though snowmobiles are clearly defined as off-road vehicles in the ORV Executive Orders (11644 and 11989) that the 2005 Rule is supposed to implement. CMC, of course, has signed on to the petition.

Winter Wildlands Alliance has good info on the executive orders and legal framework here, and more general resources here.

Snodgrass Protected!

2010-07-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

Last week, Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell has upheld two lower level decisions protecting Snodgrass Mountain from an ill-planned ski area expansion. Crested Butte Mountain Resort may yet litigate the Forest Service Chief's decision, but it will have a high hurdle to overcome if it does. Read the full story at the Summit Voice or the Denver Post.

As Matt Reed from Crested Butte-based High Country Citizen's Alliance wrote, "This is a great day for Snodgrass Mountain and the people who care so much about it."

Reed points out several highlights of the decision:

1. “The analysis in this appeal record, which appropriately addressed only the proposal under consideration, does not adequately support a suitability determination for any downhill skiing on Snodgrass Mountain. Such a determination should only be made through the land management planning process.”

2. “A management emphasis on downhill skiing for Snodgrass Mountain in the GMUG Forest Plan does not obligate the Forest Service to provide that opportunity. If changes in physical, social or economic conditions lead to a reassessment of suitability for a particular resource or opportunity, it is the responsibility of the Forest Supervisor to prepare an amendment to the Forest Plan.”

3. “The agency’s current schedule for land management plan revisions calls for the GMUG to update a notice of intent to prepare a forest plan revision in fiscal year 2012 and to complete the revision by fiscal year 2014. The change to the boundary of Management Area 1B that was the subject of [Pena’s] instruction could be included as part of the scheduled GMUG forest plan revision, but does not itself warrant initiation of a revision because it does not affect overall goals or uses for the entire National Forest.”

4. “I am amending the instruction to the GMUG Forest Supervisor to state: I am instructing the Forest Supervisor to fulfill the requirements of 36 CFR 251.54(e)(3) by providing guidance to the Appellant on how they should submit a proposal to provide downhill skiing on Snodgrass Mountain that the authorized officer would find acceptable and consistent with the Forest Plan. If no such alternative exists for downhill skiing on Snodgrass Mountain that is consistent with the Forest Plan, the GMUG Forest Supervisor is instructed to apply the direction in FSM 1926.5 and 1926.6 to consider whether a change to the Forest Plan is needed to reflect current suitability determinations for Snodgrass Mountain and, if so, to determine the most appropriate time and means for changing Forest Plan guidance.”

5. “The Forest Supervisor appropriately applied the screening criteria to CBMR’s proposal. The purpose of screening is to eliminate proposed uses that are unsuitable and to save the proponent and the Agency the time and expense of conducting environmental analysis of proposals that will be rejected on other grounds.”

6. “The record shows that the Forest Service repeatedly advised CBMR that evidence of general community support for the Snodgrass proposal was necessary before the proposal would be accepted as an application and subjected to environmental analysis. The comments received by the Forest Service provide no evidence of general community support or a trend toward general support for expansion. To the contrary, the more than 500 e-mails and letters sent to the Forest Service between 2007 and 2009 demonstrate that the local community is divided on the proposed Snodgrass expansion.”

Thank you and congratulations to all of you who have submitted comments during this process of decion-making and appeals.

CMC and SRCA Introduce Winter Recreation Policy Principles

2010-05-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

The story of winter backcountry travel management has too often been one of quiet users and conservationists fighting last minute, defensive battles against the ever-increasing threat of reckless or misplaced snowmobile use. Summer recreation management has taken the spotlight in recent years, during a period of advancement in engine technology that has allowed snow machines to penetrate deeper into once quiet animal habitat and backcountry recreation areas. The damage caused by these machines and their toxic emissions is being closely watched by Colorado Mountain Club, government agencies, and others.

CMC, working with the Southern Rockies Conservation Alliance (SRCA), has just put the finishing touches on a policy paper that will help land managers put good, proactive policy in place to prevent snowmobile damage before it occurs. CMC and SRCA have delivered the policy to the U.S. Forest Service at the Regional level and soon will be sitting down with local managers around the state to discuss its details. Read the policy here.

COME TO A MEETING to Support Colorado Wilderness

2010-05-25T11:25:00.001-07:00

As many of you know, snowmobile groups are stone-walling wilderness designation for many special places in Colorado, even places that are currently closed to motorized traffic (but are unfortunately visited regularly by snowmobiling scofflaws). The Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal needs your help now!

Congressman Polis is reviewing the Hidden Gems Wilderness Proposal for Summit and Eagle Counties.

It is absolutely critical that as many people as possible contact Rep. Polis in the next 20 days and urge him to introduce and support legislation protecting the Hidden Gems.

There are two really important ways you can act:
1) Simply click here to send Representative Polis a letter.
2) Attend one of three OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS during the first week of June. This is the single most important thing you can do to help make the Hidden Gems a reality and leave a legacy of wilderness for your children and grandchildren - in perpetuity.

Click here to sign up for one of these CRITICAL meetings.

For other actions (make a phone call, sign our open letter of support, etc.) visit the Hidden Gems Action Center.

With your help, we can protect more than 243,000 acres of wild lands, backcountry opportunities and vital habitat in Central Colorado. Your action can preserve Colorado's backcountry!

Thank the Forest Service for Protecting Snodgrass Mountain

2010-05-25T11:24:00.001-07:00

Let's take this opportunity to THANK the Forest Service for their good work.

On May 6^th the U.S Forest Service upheld its recent decision not to allow ski area expansion on Snodgrass Mountain, just north of Crested Butte. Deputy Regional Forester Jim Peña affirmed GMUG Forest Supervisor Charlie Richmond's denial of Crested Butte Mountain Resort's (CBMR) expansion proposal for Snodgrass. After a thorough analysis of a complex situation, the Forest Service has now twice come to the conclusion that Snodgrass is fundamentally unsuitable for lift-served skiing. We applaud the Forest Service's well-reasoned decision. However, the fight to protect this beautiful mountain and its wildlife isn't over.

Now, more than ever, we ask you to voice your opinion and support the Forest Service decision to protect wildlife habitat and roadless areas from proposed development. Snodgrass Mountain's public lands remain threatened by unnecessary, environmentally destructive development. Proponents of the expansion continue to put pressure on agency employees and elected officials in attempts to overturn the recent decision and open the mountain to the bulldozers, logging and disturbance required to expand lift-served skiing. Ecologically sensitive roadless areas offering solitude could still give way to ski trails and lifts. Habitat for endangered species, including the magnificent Canada lynx, could also be impacted if the Snodgrass decision were reversed.

Please click here to send a letter to the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service - Tom Tidwell. Tell Chief Tidwell that his agency has done the job right and that protecting Snodgrass Mountain protects an area important to you. It won't take more than five minutes, but it could make all the difference. It is essential that the Forest Service hear your support today! Thank you.
Click HERE to Support Snodgrass Mountain!

Ask the Forest Service for Winter Travel Management Planning

2010-05-25T11:22:00.001-07:00

The USFS is considering including Winter Planning as part of the new Planning Rule. The Planning Rule guides the creation process for all of the Forest Plans and Travel Management Plans that affect the places we care about. Adding Winter Planning to the new rule would greatly benefit human powered winter recreation and the conservation of winter wildlands across the United States. Together, we can make this a reality!

C omment now via the Planning Rule blog. Tell the Forest Service to include winter travel planning in the new Forest Planning Rule. Motorized winter travel is the last, greatest unregulated use in our National Forests. It is time for the Forest Service to recognize its negative impacts and bring it into line with regulated summer travel use.

For additional info, check out the Planning Rule website.

WRNF Travel Plan Addresses Lynx, Winter Travel

2010-05-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

Great article in the Summit Daily Voice. And a good quote from a Forest Service biologist:

“There’s a tendency to focus on summer,” McGuire said, explaining that, for lynx, the exact location of cross-country ski and snowmobile routes is crucial.

Friends of Berthoud Pass Cleanup Day

2010-05-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

Check out the Facebook page for the event.

Date:	Saturday, June 19, 2010
Time:	8:00am - 2:00pm
Location:	Berthoud Pass summit

Description

Just announced: June 19th, 8:00am - 2:00pm, Berthoud Pass Adopt-a-Highway litter clean-up.

We'll spend an hour or two picking up other people's candy wrappers and cigarette butts along US40, then fire up the grill, toss a Frisbee and down some cold ones.

Bring sunscreen and work gloves. We'll provide trash bags, safety vests and lunch. Every volunteer gets a "I (heart) Berthoud Pass" t-shirt!

Come on out and join us in a really worthwhile effort.

Meet at the summit parking lot at 8:00.

Skiing Mag: Hillbilly Haute Route

2010-04-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

Skiing Magazine reported recently on skiing the backcountry in Colorado. Check out their story.

Denver Post Supports Snodgrass Decision

2010-03-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

Check out a new editorial by the Denver Post on the proposed and denied Snodgrass expansion. The editorial supports the Forest Service's decision to "take population, climate and industry concerns into consideration in its duty to protect public lands." Senator Udall, who has often supported wilderness and other beneficial conservation measures, has asked the Forest Service to review the decision at a higher level. An affirmation of the Forest Service decision at a higher level, particularly one that fleshes out the rationale for the decision, would be an important precedent for the management of public lands in Colorado and around the country. Read more about the Snodgrass decision on the Earthjustice site.

CMC Members and Allies Doing What They Love

2010-03-17T09:29:00.001-07:00

Backcountry Snowshoeing & Banff Film Festival

2010-03-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

Banff Mountain Film Festival in Colorado
If you didn't catch the first night of Banff Film Festival in Denver, buy your ticket early for tonight -- the event is likely to sell out.

If you live outside of Denver, check the schedule to see when the Film Festival will be near you.

Backcountry in the News
The New York Times has a recent travel article on backcountry snowshoeing in Minnesota.

Steamboat Today Covers Rendezvous

2010-03-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

Read the article: "Tom Ross: Old School Way to Go at Rendezvous"

Wooden Ski Rendezvous 2010

2010-03-02T13:28:00.001-08:00

On Feb 26-28, Friends of the Routt Backcountry Group hosted their annual Wooden Ski Rendezvous at Columbine Cabins near Steamboat Springs. Check out the photos and join us next year!

To view all the photos from the weekend, click the image below:

Wooden Ski Rendezvous 2010

News Updates from CMC Members

2010-02-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

Several astute members have sent in these news items:

The first two articles of a three-part avalanche series from Bob Berwyn and the Summit County Citizens Voice:

Part I

Part II

Further evidence suggests winter travel management is important not just to backcountry skiers and snowshoers, but to endangered species as well. Federal Biologists' Study Stalls on Missing Lynx More info on lynx here.

Is your avy training up to snuff? CMC offers several low-cost classes for members. Fatal Avalanche that Killed Vermont Grad "Human" Triggered

A reminder to pay attention to snow conditions: Sugar Snow: How Sweet It Isn't!

2010-01-25T09:43:00.000-08:00

Click the image for info on the Wooden Ski Rendezvous:

Routt National Forest Needs to Hear From You

2010-01-21T14:32:00.003-08:00

From Friends of the Routt Backcountry Group:

TRILBEY FLATS in North Routt near the Columbine area is under attack.

We are not certain who is doing this, but suspect it originates with the Routt Powder Riders.

These snowmobile attacks on the area have corresponded with each weekend that Mark Hartless (Past president of the Routt Powder Riders) is up at his property in Columbine and now others are just following the tracks into the Trilbey area, as they do.

Eight years ago the Steamboat Lake SnowClub working with different user groups in North Routt, created a Parking Plan, which they hoped would give Trilbey some sort of non-motorized protection against this sort of assault. On the Snowclub map, Trilbey Flats is signed with a skier symbol. Hybrid users do occassionally park here to unload their snowmobiles and then they stay on a route to access further areas west to park and ski. The Home Ranch and Vista Verde have outfitters permits to take their clientel here to ski. Nordic users ski here all the time. It is close to the road and easily accessed for non-motorized users. We were in a comment period last summer (and many of you commented on this) to help try and preserve this area as "Suggested-Use" non-motorized.

At this point we are thinking that we should just push for a Forest Supervisors order to put this area under Designated non-motorized use, as is Rabbit Ears and Buffalo Pass. It may take longer, but will be more effective in the long run. Obviously "Suggested-Use" is just asking for them to come in and track it up!

Please write letters to the Forest Service and send this on to your friends who care about the future of our backcountry.

Comments can be sent electronically to Kent Foster kfoster@fs.fed.us and please cc: frb@cmc.org

Ski Area Report Card and Call Out for Citizen Advocates

2010-01-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

Advocacy: Your boots on the ground help protect our public lands!

· If you would like to report snowmobile conflict incidents or have other questions about the public lands you use, please call our office at 303-996-2759 or email bsi@cmc.org . If you have an extra moment after calling BSI, submit a report to Winter Wildlands Alliance as well.

· One astute CMC member contacted the Conservation Department with a question on Jim Creek. CMC was able to contact the Sulphur Ranger District of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest and confirm that there should be signs closing the area entering the Special Recreation Area, about 2 miles up from the Parking Lot. We are working to confirm that signs are in place.

· Off Piste article on Ski Report Card. See how your neighborhood resort stacks up with others when it is graded on stewardship.

· Ski Area Citizens Coalition Report Card

Wooden Ski Rendezvous and Other Fun Stuff

2010-01-21T14:30:00.002-08:00

· Speed Riding? Check out a sweet video on your next extreme sport.

· Off Piste Magazine Ski Review

· Upcoming Wooden Ski Rendezvous Video (to attend on Feb 26-28, call Leslie Lovejoy at970-879-8710).

Backcountry Skiing in the News

2010-01-21T14:30:00.001-08:00

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.

Upcoming Backcountry Events in Colorado

2010-01-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Events

The Wooden Ski Rendezvous is a great party, ski race and education weekend, all rolled into one! It’s coming up this year on February 26-28. Call Leslie at 970-879-8710 for more info. Watch a 12-minute video of a past Rendezvous on the CMC page or on Facebook.

FORB Group’s Weekend Visioning Retreat February 6 in Columbine at the Tanglewood cabin. The purpose, to create a new advisory board of directors, goals for the next year, 5 years and 10 years. Interested participants should be willing to commit for at least one year. There are beds for 3 couples, 4 singles and then another space for 1 couple and one single at our house next door. This would be similar to a hut trip, where we bring our sleeping bags, coop food and clean up before we leave. Please call Friends of the Routt Backcountry Group Chair Leslie Lovejoy at 970-879-8710 to talk about this.

Thursday, January 21 at 7 p.m.

Ski Touring in Norway presented by Gary Neptune
Gary Neptune will share slides and stories from years of ski touring in Norway including Jotunheimen Mountains, Trollheimen Mountains, Rondane National Park and Hardangervidda. Click here for more info.

Snowshoe Race Prep Clinic Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 @ 7:15 pm

Fleet Feet Sports: Snowshoe Race Prep Clinic

Where: Boulder, Colo.

Details: To help you have a great snowshoe racing seaon, Fleet Feet sponsored athletes Laurie Mizener and Lisa Goldsmith will discuss: How to dress, what gear you will need, what to eat before, during and after; race strategy; cross-training benefits; helpful training tips. For more info, call 303-939-8000.

Upcoming CMC Snow Trips and Schools

2010-01-21T14:28:00.002-08:00

Upcoming Trips

We have 31 snowshoe trips and 24 ski trips coming up in JANUARY ALONE. To sign up, go to www.cmc.org and click on Activity Schedule on the left side of the page.

Upcoming Schools

Take your skiing to the summit. The 2010 Ski Mountaineering School consists of three lectures and five field trips that cover the preparation and techniques of climbing peaks, followed by the thrills of skiing down. For more information visit http://sms.cmcschools.org/ or contact Chris at 303-883-7680.

Other January schools are still booking participants.

· Boulder Tele/AT Backcountry Ski Clinic ( Lecture #1 ) 1/27 first night

· Pikes Peak Group X-C Ski Clinic ( Field Session )

· Denver Telemark Ski School

· Technical Ice Climbing School

· Denver Ski Mountaineering School

· Winter Camping School

Volunteers Needed and Spotlighted

2010-01-21T14:28:00.001-08:00

Volunteer Leaders Needed

Ft Collins Group is looking for more leaders for its schools and snow-based trips. Please contact John Raich at 970-491-1382 or jraich@lamar.colostate.edu to see what you can do.

White River National Forest is asking volunteers to carry GPS units to help track lynx. If you would like more info or would like to get involved, please call Jay at 303-996-2759 or emailbsi@cmc.org.

Volunteer Spotlight

Denver Group members Linda Lawson, Beth Dwyer (pictured) and Sarah Thompson and Shining Mountains Group members Marilyn Breithart and Jim Wilkerson helped table at two Winter Trails Day events, speaking with scores of potential CMC members. The new snowshoers attending the events expressed interest in the human-powered winter recreation advocacy advanced by CMC's new Backcountry Snowsports Initiative. Many also signed an open letter of support for CMC's Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign to protect lands in central Colorado. If you would like to volunteer with CMC's Conservation Department at similar events, emailbsi@cmc.org.

New BSI Blog Up

2010-01-21T14:26:00.000-08:00

The merger between CMC and BSA continues to bear fruit. Members from both organizations across the state are beginning to compare notes and get to work on advocacy issues from Red Mountain to Rabbit Ears Pass. I have compiled some action alerts, volunteer requests and other info below. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions (303-996-2759) or to get involved. We can always use more help!

Wishing you soft snow, quiet landscapes and fresh tracks,

Jay Heeter
Backcountry Snowsports Initiative Coordinator

Great turnout Denver, Breckenridge, and Leadville!

2008-10-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

So, we're through our run of Front Range shows with the folks from Sweetgrass Productions. Their new film, Hand Cut is amazing, with great cinematography, a groovy, original soundtrack, and some awe-inspiring lines!

Thanks to everyone that came out for the shows! We've had a great turnout so far, with big crowds in Denver, Breckenridge, and Leadville.

Thanks also to Nick Waggoner and the whole Sweetgrass crew for teaming up with BSA for this great fundraising opportunity!

Look for more from the Backcountry Film Series in southwest Colorado with Hand Cut and on the Front Range with Golden and Boulder screenings of The Pact from Powderwhore Productions.

Brian

2008 Backcountry Film Series

2008-08-20T14:24:00.001-07:00

Join us in Fall 2008 for your local screenings of the Powderwhores' newest film, The Pact, and Sweetgrass Productions' first feature length film, Hand Cut. Each event will benefit the Backcountry Snowsports Alliance and our mission to preserve backcountry areas for human-powered users.

Film premieres across Colorado benefiting BSA

Hand Cut - Sweetgrass Productions
Sept 12 Aspen - Wheeler Theater 7:30p
Sept 17 Fort Collins - Lyric Theater 7:00p
Sept 18 Denver - Oriental Theater
Sept 20 Boulder - CU Boulder Chem room 140 7:00p
Sept 24 Breckenridge - The Breckenridge Theater 7:30p
Sept 25 Leadville - Provin Grounds Coffee Shop 7:30p
Sept 28 Telluride - Fly Me to The Moon Saloon 6:30p
Oct 1 Glenwood Springs - Glenwood Community Center 7:30p
Oct 4 Crested Butte - Center for the Arts
Oct 7 Silverton - Mobius Cycles
Oct 8 Durango - Abbey Theater 7:30p

The Pact - Powderwhore Productions
Nov 6 Boulder - Location TBD
Nov 8 Golden - American Mountaineering Center

Trailer for The Pact
Trailer for Hand Cut

We hope to see you there!

Brian

Outdoor Retailer Day 2

2008-08-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Things have gotten off to the usual furious start here in Salt Lake City. I always seem to need a day to adjust to the pace!

After a good meeting with Nick Waggoner of Sweetgrass Productions yesterday, I can announce that BSA will be partnering with Colorado Springs-based Sweetgrass on their upcoming Colorado premiere tour for their first feature length film, Hand Cut. The tour will touch every corner of Colorado, following the mid-September world premiere in Aspen, including the Oriental Theatre in Denver, Boulder's CU campus, Silverton, and Leadville.

With top notch riding and camera-work, Hand Cut centers on the rugged railroad and mining cultures that gave birth to many of our favorite winter playgrounds in Colorado, British Columbia, and Alaska, and features voice-over from long-time BSA member and San Juan Huts owner, Joe Ryan.

Look for more details on the tour soon.

Following yesterday's show, Rusted Root played a free concert outside the Energy Solutions Arena, while Life is Good hosted the largest recreational badminton tournament I've every seen (and, later presented the largest badminton trophy I've ever seen).

Now onto day 2. Today, I should run into the boys from Powderwhores, and meet with many of our current and potential industry partners.

Brian

Outdoor Retailer and the Fastest Summer

2008-08-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hello,
This summer has been fast and furious around BSA and Fort Collins. On the advocacy side, we've been keeping tabs on the Eclipse Snowpark near Idaho Springs, the Dry Gulch snowcat expansion near Loveland Ski and Snowboard Area, and awaiting the release of the White River NF Revised Draft Travel Plan, which was recently delayed (again) until mid-September.

We've also distributed a number of fundraising and membership appeals and have seen good response. Many of our large donors have stepped up to bat with large, advancing donations, while many of you have contributed very generously at various levels. Thank you very much for your financial support - we need your help to keep this train rolling!

In our spring newsletter, I wrote about improved member services coming down the pike. Those changes are beginning to surface, with the introduction of new business membership benefits, new special gift rewards, and the adoption of a new database system, or CRM. The latter of these new developments comes through the August donation of more than $11,000 in software licensing from the Salesforce.com Foundation, the charitable arm of top CRM provider, Salesforce. This new CRM will help us better manage informmation related to you, our members and contacts. We will be better equipped to bring you the information you need to stay up-to-date on all of the developments and events taking place in your backcountry world. Look for this new system and its improved features to surface soon.

On a personal note, I married my best friend and companion, Tracy on June 28th, in a bicycle-centric celebration in Bellvue, Colorado. After a 2.5 week respite on bike tour in California, I returned recharged and ready to tackle the important issues facing all of us in Colorado's backcountry.

I'm writing this from the 800 South Guest House in Salt Lake City, where I am attending the Outdoor Retailer Show. OR, as it is known, is the biannual event for backcountry gear producers, retailers, and geeks. Board members Greg Mears and Tom Gordon are also here, selling their wares and spreading the BSA word.

In a step toward improving our industry partnership program, I am here to introduce BSA to industry members from around Colorado and the United States. Additionally, OR provides great opportunities for training, with grant seeking, management, and marketing seminars held throughout the week.

I'll check in again during the show with any big news in the backcountry world. Until then, enjoy the heat - the snow will be here soon!

Brian

Group proposes new plan for backcountry huts

2008-04-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

WHISTLESTOP: Teaming with railroad, Forest Service may be solution.

By MELISSA DeVAUGHN
mdevaughn@adn.com
Anchorage Daily News
Published: April 5th, 2008 11:14 PM

Last fall, the Alaska Mountain and Wilderness Huts Association felt battle weary.

For a decade, the nonprofit had worked to create a system of mountain huts hikers could use while exploring the backcountry. The group envisioned something based loosely on the hut-to-hut system in some European countries at which caretakers serve meals and offer hikers a place to sleep overnight.

[full story]

Dylan Crossman Wins at Freeskiing Nationals, Takes Second at World Telemark Freeskiing Championship

2008-04-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

Mammut Snow Athlete Dylan Crossman Wins at Freeskiing Nationals, Takes Second at World Telemark Freeskiing Championship

Shelburne, VT, April 7th, 2008 — Mammut Sports Group, providers of Swiss quality alpine and snow gear and apparel, is proud to have telemark freeskier skier Dylan Crossman on their athlete roster, and with good reason. Crossman tore through the month of March on the Freeskiing competition circuit in both telemark and alpine disciplines, winning the Subaru U.S. Freeskiing Nationals on March 22nd at Utah's Snowbird Ski Resort, and taking 2nd place at the first annual World Telemark Freeskiing Championships on March 31st at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska.

[Full story]

Backcountry Film Festival Tonight!

2008-03-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

We'll be hosting the Backcountry Film Festival at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden tonight! Doors will open at 6:30pm. Admission is $8/person and includes one entry to win great swag from Keen, Mountain Khakis, Backcountry.com, Black Diamond, and others. You can purchase additional tickets for the giveaway for $1 each (or 5/$3 and 10/$5).

We hope to see you at the festival for a great time for a great cause!

An Interview with Author/Photographer Peter Bronski

2008-03-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Boulder-based adventure writer and photographer Peter Bronski has been digging around Colorado history, researching backcountry skiing at Colorado's abandoned ski areas. He is researching the defunct hills for his forthcoming book, Powder Ghost Towns: The Backcountry Skier’s Guide to Colorado’s Lost Ski Areas. BSA caught up with Peter, fresh off an assignment at the Chic Choc Lodge for Vermont Sports Magazine.

* * *

BSA:
Your writing portfolio is diverse, with work for publications including Appalachia, Golf Course Management, International Cemetery and Funeral Management, and Rocky Mountain Sports, among many others. Tell us about your writing path – how did you get here?

PB:
My writing career started quite by accident. During my senior year at Cornell University, where I was earning a degree in Natural Resources, I took a course in "non-fiction writing for magazines." That course was a true catalyst for me. It exposed me to the craft and profession of writing, and in a sense, I haven't looked back since.

Later that same year, I sold my first piece, about rock climbing at the Gunks in New York. One of my photos was published as the cover shot of the magazine. I spent a long time in the trenches, writing more articles, and building my reputation. Now, some seven years later, I've won a few prestigious awards, and published a few books (At the Mercy of the Mountains: True Stories of Survival and Tragedy in New York's Adirondacks was just published by The Lyons Press. I have two more on the way later this year: Hunting Wind, about storm chasing, and Powder Ghost Towns, the lost ski area bc skiing guidebook).

Although my writing is fairly diverse, I do focus on a few key subject areas: outdoor adventure, environment, travel and culture, food and wine, and human interest profiles. Beyond that, I cover stories as they interest me, or as my editors offer them to me. I just returned from a great assignment - backcountry skiing at the Chic Choc Lodge in Quebec.

BSA:
Your first book, At the Mercy of the Mountains just came out. Describe releasing your first book.

PB:
At the Mercy of the Mountains was a long process. Work on the book started in January 2005, but the concept much earlier. I was living in the southern Adirondacks, and was part of the local search and rescue group, Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue. I wrote an article about the Thomas Carleton search and LASAR for Adirondack Life Magazine. Soon after, I felt the time was right for a ‘biggest misadventures book.’ Similar books had been written about other mountain ranges, but the Adirondacks had been seemingly overlooked.

Lyons Press was the publisher for the book and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ll soon begin planning a tour for this summer. There should be reviews coming from outdoor magazines soon.

BSA:
You have another book, about storm chasers in Tornado Alley, in the works. Tell me about your research for Hunting Wind...

PB:
I’m co-authoring with Roger Hill, one of the nation’s top storm chasers. He’s seen more than 350 tornadoes. I met Roger through the Denver Stormchasing Convention, while researching an article on local storm chasers for 5280 Magazine. The book provides a great mix of highlights from Roger’s career and major events in storm chasing history.

BSA:
Talk about Powder Ghost Towns...

PB:
This one has been a lot of fun researching. I have to give credit for the idea to two other people. A friend named Tom Hudson told me about the New England Lost Ski Areas Project, and a local version: Colorado Ski History. Tom’s idea was to find and ski these old ski areas as backcountry skiers. I wrote a piece for 5280 Magazine titled “Powder Stash,” about that experience. The book would eventually grow out of this.

While researching “Powder Stash” I was skiing at Geneva Basin with another friend, Andrew Jones. Andrew suggested that a lost ski areas guidebook would be a great resource. He was right. Wilderness Press picked up the book, which will be published in October 2008 in time for the 08/09 winter season.

Colorado has approximately 200 lost ski areas. However, a lot of these areas are of little interest to backcountry skiers due to lack of snow and vertical, and in some instances, private property. Powder Ghost Towns will include 35-40 of the best destinations – places where you’ll find great snow, good vertical, and pieces of Colorado’s skiing history. In that sense, Powder Ghost Towns is one part history and one part guidebook.

BSA:
What is your goal for Powder Ghost Towns? Where will the book fit in the Colorado skier's collection?

PB:
Powder Ghost Towns is a fully functional guidebook, with the traditional information like trailheads, approaches, vertical, and mileage. I’ve also provided closest Snotel information for checking conditions, as well as CAIC forecast zones. It’s meant to be an all-inclusive information source for how to find and ski these areas. This book is really aimed at enhancing the backcountry experience with the history of the skiing.

BSA:
Colorado sees a fair amount of localism in protecting backcountry ski zones. Have you encountered any of this opposition to your writing?

PB:
Not directed at me. When I began this project, I gave a lot of thought to this issue. A book like this serves to distribute users more widely, reducing crowding. Also, none of these areas are secrets – they were all operating ski areas and were driven to in the past.

BSA:
What information sources have you found in your research for Powder Ghost Towns?

PB:
The Colorado Ski History website and Brad Chamberlain; the Colorado Ski Country USA poster “Colorado’s Lost Resorts;” the Colorado Ski Museum and Resource Center; the United States Forest Service; old newspaper clippings and books; and folks that skied at the areas, especially when other information is scarce.

BSA:
What signs, if any, have remained of the abandoned ski areas you've visited?

PB:
The signs really spanned the gamut. Some places were old and overgrown – unrecognizable as ski areas except for the snow, of course. At others, old buildings, cabins, condos, and even lifts with chairs and cables remain (Cuchara Mountain Resort and Marble Ski Area). In a lot of instances, even in places that have been closed for more than 30 years, the runs have been preserved due to altitude and the slow rate of growth of the trees.

BSA:
What has been your favorite area thus far?

PB:
Cuchara Mountain Resort – it was a surprise. It was eery with so much infrastructure standing and to be the only ones there…it’s a very surreal experience. My understanding is that an inconsistency snowpack was a contributing factor in causing the mountain to close, but when we were there, we enjoyed a deep, consistent snowpack with fresh snow on top.

I also really enjoyed the north side Wolf Creek Pass. And Pioneer near Crested Butte – with old cabins still at base, we were there just after a 54” snowfall. Pioneer had the first overhead chairlift in Colorado, installed in 1939. Although the lift itself is no longer there, you can see the liftline in the trees, clear as day.

Other areas that stick out are Libby Creek (WY), which was surprisingly good. The area holds powder well. Also Geneva Basin, which is close to the Front Range and has open runs.

BSA:
What areas do you have left to research?

PB:
Three in Southwest Colorado – Coal Bank Pass, Stoner, and Mesa Creek, which is popular with backcountry skiers. Also, Chambers Lake near Cameron Pass, a couple areas north of Steamboat, and one area on the west side of the Snowy Range (WY).

BSA:
What's on the burner next for you?

PB:
My magazine writing continues. I’ll be finalizing the Mercy tour for this summer. For Powder Ghost Towns, I’ll have a tour scheduled for October.

I’m also working on a fourth book, The Hardest Year, chronicling my attempt to qualify for the national championships in three sports – ski mountaineering, adventure racing, and XTERRA off-road triathlon. The qualification year will be 2009.

Stats:
Hometown
Farmingdale, NY (on Long Island)

Backcountry skiing in Colorado since
Regularly since the 2004/05 winter season

Preferred method of downhill travel
AT all the way

Family
I live in Boulder with my wife, Kelli, and our dog, Altai

Learn more about Peter's past, current, and future projects online at www.peterbronski.com

Backcountry Film Festival - Fort Collins

2008-03-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Last night, the Northern Front Range Chapter of BSA hosted the 3rd Annual Backcountry Film Festival at the Mountain Shop and Northern Hotel in Old Town Fort Collins. The group's second public event attracted more than 100 attendees in a celebration of the reemergence of a Fort Collins tradition and support for human-powered recreation at Cameron Pass. With more than $700 in swag giveaways, attendees clamored over donated items from Never Summer Nordic Yurts, Mountain Khakis, Keen, Outdoor Research, Chaco, Black Diamond, and others.

The group was able to raise more than $500 on the evening and would like to thank the following organizations for their support:
Black Diamond Equipment, Keen, Chaco, Outdoor Research, Mountain Khakis, Backcountry Provisions, New Belgium Brewing, Never Summer Nordic Yurts, the Ski Shack, and the Mountain Shop.

We'll see you at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden on Friday March 28 for another screening of the film festival. Admissions will be $8 per person and doors will open at 6:30pm.

Wooden Ski Rendezvous 2008

2008-03-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

Our Steamboat Springs area chapter, Friends of Routt Backcountry hosted their annual wooden ski festival February 29 - March 1 at the Columbine Cabins at the base of Hahn's Peak. The festival is a chance for FORB and BSA to thank our members in the greater Steamboat area for their support throughout the year and get the woodies out of the closet.

This year's event included cross country ski races, including the Boil em' Up Race during which racers are required to boil a cup of snow however they like; a Treasure Hunt for the kids, Potluck with live music, and skiiing at Hahn's Peak. A wonderful time was had by all in such a wonderful setting.

Thanks to Leslie Lovejoy and FORB, Backcountry Provisions, Neptune Mountaineering, Mahogany Ridge, Backdoor Sports, Ski Haus, Smartwool, Little Moon Essentials, Ambiente, The Silver Lining, Ace at the Curve Hardware, BAP, Tread of Pioneers Museum, Columbine Cabins, and all those that contributed to this year's event.

We'll see you next February!

Fines for Snowmobile Violators Increase

2008-03-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

Forest Service hikes fines
Aspen Daily News Staff Report

Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Fees have gone up, in some cases dramatically, for violations on Colorado’s national forest land.

The fine for using a motorized vehicle, such as a snowmobile or a dirt bike, in a designated wilderness area is now $500, up from $75. The fine for being off of a designated road is now $250, up from $75, and the fine for an unregistered snowmobile went up from $50 to $100. All fines also require a $25 processing fee.

[full story]

Developers look to install chairlifts, happily carving alpine skiers on Pikes Peak

2008-02-29T02:56:00.000-08:00

Former Aspen resident Harvey Carter and a Boulder executive hope to develop a new ski area on the flanks of Pikes Peak. It appears that developing ski areas on private land is the new fad amongst resort developers, once reliant on permits and leasing from the US Forest Service. Echo Mountain Park...Eclipse Snowpark...Hmmm...

Ex-Aspenite hoping to bring ski area to Pikes Peak
Aspen Daily News Staff Report Tuesday February 26, 2008

Famed climber and former Aspen resident Harvey Carter is helping hatch a new ski resort on Pikes Peak within easy striking distance from Colorado Springs.

Carter, the founder of Climbing magazine, recently agreed to sell a 320-acre parcel for $4 million on the famous mountain to John Ball, former chief executive of Boulder-based Eller Industries. Ball is proposing to develop the acreage on Pikes Peak as a ski area, resort and condominiums. [full story]

***

Stay tuned to the Deep White. We'll be running the following stories, in addition to others:
Darkside - one telemark skier's changeover
Gallery from the Wooden Ski Rendezvous
Spring Skiing Wish List
How to approach steep couloirs
End of season gear maintenance
Backcountry Film Festival

Brian

BSA Winter Board of Directors Meeting

2008-02-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

The BSA Board visited the Jackal Hut January 31 - February 2 for our winter meeting. The views were expansive, the snow deep and creamy, the energy high, and company great.

BSA Board of Directors Ski Day at Cameron Pass

2008-01-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was jammed full of skiing fun. After a solid work week following the New Years holiday, Zac Wiebe and I met up with three members of the Board of Directors for a tour of Cameron Pass. With snow flying sideways, we outlined the backcountry access and issues of the entire CP area to Greg (Board President), Dave (Board Treasurer), and Tom (former Board President) before setting out for a good ski.

With only 4 cars in the lot, 3 of them snowshoeing or cross country skiing, we decided to break a core rule and ski near S. Diamond Peak on the weekend. Perhaps it was the 60 mph winds that kept people away. The Zimmerman Lake lot only had 6 cars, which is less than half of the normal weekend traffic.

We set out after a chilly gear-up at the car. By the time I walked from the front of the car to the back, a layer of snow had already blown in the back window of Zac's 4Runner and covered my gear. It was full conditions. I love it.

We climbed, all five of us, at a relaxed pace through areas of dense forest and open tree shots. I broke trail for a large portion of the approach and found breakable crust on top of our much-loved DEEP layer of depth hoar at the ground. The breaking was arduous. Thankfully, the wind covered our uptracks quickly to conceal our location.

On North facing 25-30 degree slopes at 10,600' (below treeline) we found breakable crust with 5cm of new snow on top. We felt evidence of the wind in even the densest trees on this aspect. We skied one run here before heading south onto NE facing slopes of the same gradient and elevation, where we found consistent, creamy powder on top of a supportable base.

Two runs here held good, low angle turns on the Freeway and adjacent trees.

We hoped to show off the breadth of CP to the board members. Ha! The sun doesn't shine at CP. At one point, they could make out the face of S. Diamond Peak, up to the top of the cliff bands on the main face. Such little perspective on such a large area. Next time.

Greg Mears and Dave Belin enjoying the low angle turns under dumping skies

Not Quite Never Summer Traverse

2007-11-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

Photos from a partial traverse of the northern edge of the Never Summer Mountains in northern Colorado. This trip took place in late October 2007. This area is part of the focus for BSA's new Northern Front Range Chapter, headed by Ryan Miller and Zac Wiebe of Fort Collins. Temperatures were warm most of the day, with clear skies above the low cloud layer sitting over the Front Range. Good turns were had up high on wind slab!

Ryan Miller skinning in front of Seven Utes Mountain

View of the Never Summers from the flanks of Mt. Mauler

Shane Wayker, with Clark Peak and North and South Diamond Peaks behind

Ryan Miller and Zac Weibe enjoying the view of Mt. Mauler from the saddle of No Name

Shane Wayker, first turns in plastic since a knee reconstruction Feb 07

Winter has sprung!

2007-10-25T14:07:00.001-07:00

Leaves are falling, snow is flying, and skis are sliding. The season is here.

Scenes from Cameron Pass, CO 10.24.07

Skinning on the bench below Diamond Peaks (L) Nokhu Crags (R)

BSA member Kristin Janus on the skin track

Brian Holcombe enjoying the season's first turns (L) Craig Merrill ripping Taster's Choice (R)

The proposed Northern Front Range Chapter of BSA will hold its first meeting Tuesday October 30 in Old Town Fort Collins. Call 303-494-5266 for more information. With this group, BSA will work to protect quiet recreation in the greater Cameron Pass area.

Brian

We're plugged into Blogger

2007-06-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

Our blog has gone live today from the home office of the Backcountry Snowsports Alliance (BSA).

BSA is a Colorado non-profit organization dedicated to preserving quiet backcountry areas for winter recreation. We work with our local chapters and members, quiet and motorized recreation groups, and federal agencies to create areas for quiet recreation that offer the experiences our members seek in the backcountry and protect the resources we value so much.

This journal will feature stories and photography from skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing adventures around the world. See what our members and staff are up to in the backcountry year-round here at News from the Deep White.

We will be updating this blog often, so check back regularly for updates.

Please email us at info@backcountryalliance.org if you would like to post to this blog. Your stories and photos are welcomed and encouraged!

Brian Holcombe