American Alpine Institute News:
–The price of a program on Denali’s West Buttress will go up on September 1 by several hundred dollars. Book before the 1st to get the best possible rate!
–If you don’t have the skills yet for a Denali program, check out our Passport to Denali package!
Northwest:
—Here is an excellent story about a rescue high on Mt. Shuksan a few weeks ago. A climber broke his leg in one of the more complicated sections of the mountain in the rain and fog. Bellingham Mountain Rescue and the Navy worked together to extract the injured climber.
–People sure are in to testing their luck with bears. According to many news sources, a small black bear was near the paved trail at Mt. Rainier and a number of people got way too close. Read more.
–The Yakima-Herald Republic is reporting that, “Camping could be banned in the Ancient Lakes area, also known as the Babcock Bench, in the Columbia Basin at the beginning of next year. But the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is asking for the public’s two cents first. The state agency is considering banning camping in the popular backpacking, hiking, biking and camping area in Central Washington. The area experiences some of the highest recreational use in the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area and along with it, some adverse environmental impacts from irresponsible visitors, the agency said.” There is both rock climbing and ice climbing in this area. Read more.
Sierra-Nevada:
–Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are reminding visitors that the parks’ rivers can be extremely dangerous following a recent drowning near Hospital Rock on the Kaweah River. The National Park Service urges visitors to use caution around waterways, wear sturdy footwear, and remain vigilant, particularly when swimming. The warning follows another recent visitor death near Sequoia National Park’s General Sherman Tree. Read more.
Desert Southwest:
–8 CBS is reporting that, “A bear attack in Crystal, New Mexico, led to a man’s death, according to police. The bear was later “neutralized” with help from wildlife officials.” To read more, click here.
–Arizona’s Family 3 is reporting that, “A New York woman is back home after being attacked with a knife while hiking near the Grand Canyon. Alexis Rowan traveled to Havasupai Falls, just outside the Grand Canyon, for a birthday trip, according to her mother, Tricia Rowan. Alexis Rowan’s family says she was ambushed on a trail and cut on the throat by a man she had asked for help.” To read more, click here.
–A legal loophole is to blame for the round-up of wild horses — mostly in Nevada — and the potential slaughter of those horses for meat. Several outlets are currently reporting on this, but the most in depth coverage comes from the New York Times.
Colorado and Utah:
–Townlift is reporting that, “Summit County’s tourism economy took the hardest hit in the state last year, losing nearly $1 million in room tax revenue as Utah’s worst snow year on record cut skier visits by more than a quarter, according to a new report from the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. The county’s roughly $968,000 drop in transient room tax revenue was the largest of any Utah county in 2025, even as Utah’s tourism industry set an overall record with $13.7 billion in visitor spending. Yet the local economy showed its durability: Summit County added tourism jobs during its worst snow year, and the visitors who did come spent more per trip than ever.” To read more, click here.
–The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that, “A large rockfall inside Zion National Park has cut off access Monday to one of the most popular areas in the park. The National Park Service reported the rockfall occurred in the Big Bend area of Zion and that crews are currently working to clear the hazard from the roadway.” To read more, click here.
Notes from All Over:
–SnowBrains is reporting that, “On August 13, 2026, activist investor Oasis Capital Management disclosed in its most recent filing that it had increased its stake in Vail Resorts (NYSE: MTN) by 2,329,018 shares, bringing its ownership to 6.54% of the company. Oasis has been adding to its portfolio steadily, preparing for what could be one of the most consequential shareholder battles in ski industry history. Oasis is reportedly considering a proxy fight that could push for changes to Vail’s board and the sale of some of its mountain properties. Because Vail Resorts is the largest ski resort operator in North America and the only major publicly traded ski resort company, a successful activist campaign could influence more than just the company’s future. If Oasis is able to enact changes, the outcome could also have implications for how major ski resorts are operated and invested in across the industry.” To read more, click here.
–Oklahoma hiker Nick Fowler has set a new overall speed record on the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, completing the route solo without a support team. Starting July 8 at the Canadian border, Fowler reached the Mexican border 45 days, 17 hours and 47 minutes later—an average of roughly 57 miles per day. His effort makes him the fastest person ever to thru-hike the PCT in either direction. Read more.
–SGB Media is reporting that, “Alterra Mountain Co. has confirmed reports that it had laid off an unspecified number of workers following a subpar 2025-26 ski season for the industry. An internal e-mail sent Tuesday and obtained by the Denver Business Journal from KSL Capital Partners CEO Eric Resnickl said that Alterra had said “goodbye to a number of colleagues across the company,” affecting teams in its shared services functions and destinations. He added that the company had worked to keep the number as low as possible through attrition and by eliminating open positions.” To read more, click here.
–SnowBrains is reporting that, “Glacier National Park may soon end its 50-year snowmobile ban for a small group of residents: people who own private property inside park boundaries.” To read more, click here.