Colorado Weather & Friday Grab Bag
Saturday Morning addendum (as the Colorado snow dumps outside our door):
Everyone, I was thinking quite a bit about avy safety over the past few days. Coincidentally yesterday, a writer called me up for an interview and asked me where I thought the developments were in avalanche safety. Like a trained dog, I barked the usual pablum about airbags, breathing devices, and beacon “improvements.” After I hung up the phone, I realized, wow, everything I mentioned had nothing to do with real avalanche safety, only avalanche rescue and survival. Perhaps that’s a fine distinction, but it became crystal clear to me.Thus, I raise my hand and testify that I’m frequently guilty of focusing like some kind of brainwashed automaton on what we do AFTER we’re caught in an avalanche, rather than what we do to prevent getting caught. Read more
What’s Better — New Ski Journal Mag, or New Wheels?
…that’s an open question. Latest Ski Journal has the usual incredible photography and plentiful backcountry skiing spirit. But it is of course the more “full length” content that this fast and furious blogger enjoys actually slowing down and taking in. In this issue: History addressed with a freestyle pioneer Wayne Wong interview. Guiding is addressed with an first-person insider look at the brutal process of ski guide certification. Modern freestyle is addressed with a profile of JP Auclair as mentor. Cover includes subliminal image of at least two women’s curves. And so much more. Yep, three thumbs up. More here. Read more
A Day of Rememberence
This morning, I was going to furiously edit a blog post I’ve been preparing. But it being Veterans Day got me thinking about just being quiet and honoring those who have passed. Then I dropped in on my news feed and noticed that Doug Coombs had been inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame. Now I know we should just be slowing down today and honoring others.
First our Vets. Like it or not, reality is we need our warriors — and they sometimes are called on to make the ultimate sacrifice. Politics aside, we honor them. Indeed, much (or perhaps all) of the freedom we have to recreate as we wish is ours because of little events such as winning WWII.
Individuals such as Coombs epitomize those freedoms. Today, let’s remember Doug Coombs for how he inspired us to enjoy our great land, and let’s remember our Veterans for keeping it that way.
PSA – Colorado Avy Info Center Fundraiser
I try to be oh so urbane and cosmopolitan here in the WildSnow space. But sometimes going regional is the only way. Gotta have loyalty to my homies, eh? To that end:
The Friends of the CAIC invite you to the 2nd Annual CAIC Benefit Bash to help support the CAIC in their efforts. The evening will be filled with live music, tasty food, incredible beer, and great people. We will be hosting a silent auction, while throwing door prizes to the crowd.
If you think avalanche forecasting, education, and awareness is important in Colorado, then this party is for you. Tickets include one door prize ticket, three beverage tickets, dinner and entertainment from Rooster Rocket.
Visit our website at www.friendsofcaic.org for more information, to purchase online tickets and to see all of the sponsors.
The Ultimate Trailhead Approach Vehicle?
I saw this TAV during my daily morning news search. Embedding in a WildSnow.com blog post was mandatory. Backcountry skiing folks: enjoy, cry, or buy. Your choice.
Backcountry Bomb Is… The Bomb
This has to be our gear pick of the week, if not the month. Let’s just hope the NSA’s high tech internet surveillance doesn’t cause men in black to come knocking on my door to check what kind of explosives I’m cooking up in my kitchen.
But if the jackbooted guys fly their black helicopter into our yard, I’m sure they’ll understand once I show them the cool “Backcountry Bomb” cornice cutter.



















