Northwest:
–SnowBrains is reporting that, “An 18-year-old youth from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, died Thursday evening after falling from a chairlift at Cypress Mountain Resort in West Vancouver, in what police describe as a tragic accident. There is no indication of technical or mechanical issues with the lift, and the investigation has been turned over to the B.C. Coroners Service.” To read more, click here.
–Two missing climbers in Mount Rainier National Park were found dead by search & rescue crews on Tuesday, a National Parks spokesperson confirmed. Read more.
–A skier spent a cold night at Artist Point near Mt. Baker this weekend after injuring his ankle. The following day, Bellingham Mountain Rescue evacuated the individual. Read more here.
–Whatcom News is reporting that, “The Washington State Department of Transportation announced today, Friday, January 16, 2026, that emergency repairs to the Mount Baker Highway (SR542) in early February will require closing both directions of travel for 5 days.” To read more, click here.
–News Radio 560 KPQ is reporting that, “U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell announced the legislation includes $22 million for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to purchase two privately owned parcels in the Upper Wenatchee River watershed. Once acquired, the land will be managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.” To read more, click here.
–Unofficial Networks is reporting that, “From December 23 through December 31 of the 2025 holiday season Stevens Pass faced road closures due to extreme flooding and torrential rains. Much of Washington was under extreme flood risk during the month of December and local skiers were no strangers to the impacts. Stevens Pass is an Epic Mountain Resort and because of this, road closures and traffic wouldn’t usually qualify for refunds per Epic’s policies. However, with these extenuating circumstances, Epic has decided to offer a one-time extension to the ‘Extended Resort Closure’ policy.” To read more, click here.
Sierra:
–The Tahoe Daily Tribune is reporting that, “On Thursday, Jan. 15, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (WCSAR) responded to a backcountry skier with a broken leg near Relay Peak. The RAVEN helicopter and WCSAR Hoist crew quickly located the patient, stabilized his injuries, and safely hoisted him out of the backcountry.” To read more, click here.
–Unofficial Networks is reporting that, “Multiple agencies responded to a fire at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort’s mid mountain lodge on Tuesday night, using snowcats to approach the structure as it is normally only accessible via chairlifts.” To read more, click here.
–Teddy Eyob just became the first black climber to free El Capitan. He was amazed to find this out after completing his ascent. Read about it here.
Desert Southwest:
–The Las Vegas Review Journal is reporting that, “Two hikers were rescued near Calico Basin on Monday after they did not bring proper hiking gear and ran out of water, according to police.” To read more, click here.
Colorado and Utah:
–Denver 7 is reporting that, “A skier was “extremely lucky” to walk away from an avalanche on Berthoud Pass on Sunday afternoon, Grand County Search and Rescue reported. On Sunday afternoon, an avalanche broke on Berthoud Pass, catching and carrying a skier in a backcountry area known as “Postage Stamp,” Grand County Search and Rescue reported.” To read more, click here.
–Outside is reporting that, “On January 7, the Summit County Sheriff’s office arrested a Breckenridge man named Nathaniel Zabik. According to an arrest affidavit obtained through an open records request, Zabik, 44, messaged acquaintances on Facebook saying he was preparing to carry out an act of mass violence at ‘the resort.'” To read more, click here.
–SnowBrains is reporting that, “Colorado, a state known for its mountains, is currently experiencing its worst snowpack in recorded history. Records only date back to 1987, but as we approach the midpoint of the season, things don’t look great.” To read more, click here.
Notes from All Over:
–10 Boston is reporting that, “Two skiers had to be rescued from deep snow and blizzard-like conditions in New Hampshire’s White Mountains on Saturday.” To read more, click here.
–SnowBrains is reporting that, “Ticket fraud is an issue that ski resorts have been seeking to address for quite some time, as shared lift passes, screenshots of tickets, and other methods have resorts questioning how to combat the problem. Now, resorts are turning to artificial intelligence technologies like SKIDATA’s to help prevent ticket fraud.” To read more, click here.
–Ski Eat Shop X Outdoors is reporting that, “Vail Resorts released its early ski season metrics for the period ending Jan. 4, 2026, revealing a significant impact from unfavorable weather conditions across its North American resorts and a significant decrease in visitation and revenue compared to the same period in the previous year.” To read more, click here.
–Gear Junkie is reporting that, “several research programs have begun exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can help prevent bear attacks. So far, this research includes multiple approaches. From facial recognition of “problematic” bears to high-tech radar warning systems, wildlife advocates hope the new methods can help keep both humans — and animals — safe.” To read more, click here.
–Unofficial Networks is reporting on a Quebec ski area: “On January 2nd, workers at Le Massif voted to go on strike. The Massif Workers’ Union is part of the CSN. The workers are seeking better pay, more vacation and sick time, and better safety measures. In response, the ski resort shut down beginning on January 3rd. The ski resort reopened on January 6th, but only with limited terrain.” This area may stay closed for the rest of the season. Read more.
–2 KTUU is reporting from Alaska: A proposed highway safety project could reduce fatal crashes on the Seward Highway by nearly 70%, but local climbers say the plan threatens access to some of Alaska’s most accessible climbing routes. The Alaska Department of Transportation wants to widen the Seward Highway from two lanes to four, an area officials have designated as a safety corridor.” To read more, click here.