AAI News:
–January 6, 2026 – Know Before You Go: Avalanche Awareness (7pm, Free)
–January 20, 2026 – Know Before You Go: Effective Use of Outdoor Electronics (7pm, Free)
–February 3, 2026 – Know Before You Go: Avalanche Awareness (7pm, Free)
Northwest:
–The Oregonian is reporting that, “A 26-year-old climber went missing while attempting to summit Mount Hood on Saturday, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. Matthew Aldridge, of Bend, was trying to summit the mountain via the Newton Clark headwall with two other climbers who left from the Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, the sheriff’s office said. The other climbers turned back because of conditions on the mountain, but Aldridge kept climbing. When the other climbers didn’t hear from Aldridge they reported to authorities that he was overdue.” To read more, click here.
–The Seattle Times and others are reporting on closures between Skykomish and Leavenworth. “Highway 2 will be closed for “months” as the state begins repairing damage from more than a week of heavy atmospheric river and flooding, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a press conference Tuesday.” To read more, click here.
–Unofficial Networks notes that the ski season at Stevens Pass is in serious question right now.
–There are unconfirmed rumors that there’s some serious damage to Highway 20. Highway 20 is closed this time of year, so it’s not clear if these are just internet rumors or if someone actually got eyes on the problems.
–It has also been reported that the middle fork of the Nooksack River road is out. This road provides access to the east side of the Twin Sisters and is one of the access points to the south side of Mt. Baker.
–SnowBrains is reporting that, “Revelstoke Mountain Resort is pulling ahead in the storm pattern hitting Western Canada, stacking up one of the strongest early-season snow totals in the region with 374 centimeters (147″) so far this winter.” To read more, click here.
–The Idaho Statesman published an editorial about the desire to sell off public lands. “Public lands belong to all Americans — not just a fortunate few or the highest bidders. They’re a shared national treasure that defines our identity as Westerners. Last summer, Idahoans from every political background stood together to reject a dangerous plan to sell off these lands, and leaders like Rep. Mike Simpson and Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo stood with us. Public lands aren’t a luxury — they’re a legacy. Once they’re privatized or sold, we never get them back.” To read more, click here.
Sierra:
–SF Gate is reporting that, “Prominent California rock climber Lonnie Kauk has been sentenced to six months in jail for a 2023 attack on his former girlfriend that left her unconscious.” To read more, click here.
–Gripped is reporting that, “One of El Capitan’s most iconic big wall routes, Magic Mushroom, has been climbed by Jim Pope and Sam Stroh for its fifth and sixth free ascents. First climbed in 1972 by Canadians Hugh Burton and Steve Sutton, the route was one of the last totally independent lines on the wall before becoming one of El Cap’s hardest sustained free climbs.” To read more, click here.
Desert Southwest:
–An injured climber was rescued from Joshua Tree National Park on Sunday. There is currently limited information other than that he was picked up by a helicopter. Read more.
–Outside is reporting that, “In a win for public lands, Arizona’s Saguaro National Park has increased in size by about 20 acres, following the acquisition of private land.” To read more, click here.
Colorado and Utah:
–It appears that moose are adversely impacting Rocky Mountain National Park. Read about it, here.
–KPCW is reporting that, “Almost one year after patrollers at Park City Mountain walked off the job during contract negotiations, the ski patrol union at Telluride Ski & Golf Resort is poised to do the same.” To read more, click here.
Notes from All Over:
–SnowBrains is reporting that, “Stowe Mountain Rescue responded to a backcountry call this week that ended with four skiers safely back at the resort, thanks to a series of smart decisions and quick action before conditions deteriorated. The group of backcountry tourers became disoriented while skiing in the Spruce Peak backcountry and realized they had traversed too far to the left.” To read more, click here.
–It appears that there was an inbound avalanche in western New York. Read about it, here.
–The New York Times posted an amazing article about a CIA operation and a lost nuclear device on India’s Nanda Devi in 1965. This exceptionally good long read can be found here.
–The Climbing Business Journal is reporting that, “The world of indoor bouldering is about to witness a new level of competition when the Pro Climbing League launches its first event in London on 28th of February 2026 – broadcast by Red Bull TV. Created by climbers, for climbers, the Pro Climbing League brings together the world’s strongest professional boulderers for a tournament that pits climbers against each other – not just the wall. Climbing on identical boulders, side by side, this new style of competition is fast, clear, and easy to follow. It is an experience designed to give back to the athletes and people that love our sport.:” To read more, click here.
–The Daily Inter Lake is reporting that, “For the first time in years, summer visitors in 2026 will be able to drive personal vehicles into the Glacier National Park at any time of day without a reservation. Officials implemented the vehicle reservation system in 2021 to reduce congestion along Going-to-the-Sun Road and U.S. 2 during peak summer visitation. While the vehicle reservation system succeeded in breaking up midday traffic, Superintendent Dave Roemer said it incentivized visitors to arrive at the park early in the morning.” To read more, click here.
–The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting that, “Purchasers of discounted Ikon or Epic ski and snowboard passes in recent years may have been part of a scam. A South Carolina woman on Tuesday pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after she sold “discount” season passes online after purchasing them with stolen credit card information. Prosecutors say the scam ran from November 2020 through May 2024 and included not just the multi-resort passes but also passes to individual resorts in Utah.” To read more, click here.
–SGB Media is reporting that, “In advance of reporting fiscal 2026 first-quarter results, Vail Resorts, Inc. (Vail) CEO Rob Katz announced a new discount program offering an average of 30 percent off lift tickets at 12 of its top destination resorts for consumers who purchase four or more weeks in advance. The effort appears to be part of key initiatives to drive visitation during the 2025/2026 ski season.” To read more, click here.