Breaking News:
–Climbing is reporting that, “Just over a year ago, in November 2023, the National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Forest Service introduced a proposal that would define fixed anchors as “installations,” which are prohibited in Wilderness areas. In effect, this would have made climbing all but illegal across wilderness-designated public lands. Along with anchors, bolts, rap rings, slung trees, irrevocably stuck nuts, pitons, and any climbing gear left behind would qualify as an ‘installation.’ (sic) But after a year of vigorous advocacy from The Access Fund and the climbing community, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the NPS withdrew its proposal.” To read more, click here.
Northwest:
–Yep. It was bound to happen. A bear collided with a snowboarder at Heavenly. Read more.
Colorado and Utah:
–The Idaho Statesman is reporting that, “A climber became stranded on a Colorado mountain when his shoes froze solid, rescuers said. He had set out to climb the Mount Bierstadt the morning of Friday, Dec. 13, and told his father to call 911 if he hadn’t contacted him by 8 p.m., the Alpine Rescue Team said on Facebook.” To read more, click here.
–SnowBrains is reporting that, “a 32-year-old snowboarder fell approximately 47 feet from the Ruby Express chairlift at Keystone Ski Resort. The incident occurred shortly after the man boarded the lift and was attempting to tighten his bindings. The safety bar was up at the time, and the snowboarder briefly held onto the armrest before falling onto the Diamondback trail, which was not yet open for the season and covered with rocks and a thin layer of snow.” To read more, click here.
–Sky-Hi News is reporting that, “Officials initially thought that people were caught in an avalanche that occurred Saturday, Dec. 14, near No Name Bench on Berthoud Pass. However, it was determined that nobody was trapped, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office.” To read more, click here.
–Two projects just outside Zion National Park have received money from the Inflation Reduction Act. Each will enhance the Park and the Park’s wildlife. Read about it here.
Notes from All Over:
–13 WGME is reporting that, “The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department says an ice climber was helped out after they were injured from a fall. At around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified that an ice climber was injured on Shoestring Gully.” To read more, click here.
–If you’ve spent time climbing above 6000-meters, please consider filling out this survey for scientists that are studying different acclimatization processes.
–The American Alpine Club has several grant opportunities for climbers of all skill levels. Learn more.
–SGB Media is reporting that the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ “latest rankings are in its latest findings, which showed that in 2023, outdoor recreation generated $1.2 trillion in economic output (2.3 percent of the national GDP), supported 5 million jobs, and accounted for 3.1 percent of all U.S. employees. Updated data also indicates a 36 percent growth in the outdoor recreation economy since 2012.” To read more, click here.
–First there were electric bikes…now there are electric skis? Not sure how we feel about these.
–Marriot is buying up some cabins to develop “outdoor themed” vacations. Read about it here.
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