Most people have no idea what International Mountain Day is. We didn't know either. That is, until we got an email from the UIAA, reminding us about this important day.How could we not know about this?How could we not know that there is an entire holiday dedicated to the world's mountains, and by extension, to the world's mountaineers?International Mountain Day is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in ... Read Full Story
Northwest:--Julian Lopez, 43, of Santa Rosa, Calif., was airlifted off of Mount Shasta early Sunday morning after falling approximately 1,500 feet down the mountain, a Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office news release stated. To read more, click here.--The Snohomish County sheriff's office said Wednesday a Seattle man remains missing near Darrington. Searchers have been looking for 59-year-old Gregory Keller since Tuesday when his girlfriend reported he had failed to return Monday from a hiking ... Read Full Story
RED ROCK CANYON:--The American Alpine Institute's Red Rock season officially started on September 21st. Please call our office for up-to-date information on courses and trips offered in Red Rock.--Forecast and average temperatures for Red Rock Canyon.--Webcam for Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.--The late exit and overnight permit number for Red Rock Canyon is 702-515-5050. If there is any chance that you will be inside the park after closing, be sure to call this number so that yo... Read Full Story
Johnny Vegas is an extremely popular, extremely cool little route that can be found on the lower tier of the Solar Slab Wall in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. This phenomenal 5.6 or 5.7 route (depending on who you talk to) climbs up through three enjoyable pitches, all of which are in a spectacular position.A father and daughter team low on Johnny Vegas.Photo by Jason MartinThis is a slightly older route. It was put up in 1994, but didn't make it into a guidebook until 2000... Read Full Story
The American Alpine Institute just received the following note from the U.S. Forest Service: PORTLAND, OR – The public may visit federal recreation sites for free on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11.The fee-free day honors U.S. veterans, members of the U.S. armed forces and their families.The administrative fee waiver of recreation-use fees applies annually on Veterans Day at public recreation lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, as well as by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wi... Read Full Story
With the winter right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about winter activities, like ice climbing, and skiing and...snowshoeing?Snowshoeing is one of the least technical things that we teach at the American Alpine Institute. But it is a skill that we commonly use on ice climbing trips and on expeditions. And indeed, it is a very good way for backcountry travelers to practice their wilderness skills in the coldest months of winter.It is incredibly important for mountaineers to ... Read Full Story
Well, I missed last weeks posting so I hope all of you loyal fans (I know there must be a couple of you out there) were able to supply your own stoke for the week. But worry not, I have found a couple gems for you this time around. These two videos take place on the beautiful Grandes Jorasses near Chamonix. I'll let the videos speak for themselves but I can vouch for their awesomeness! Read Full Story
Over the decade that I've been guiding, I've decided that the greatest enemy to the climber is not the rain, it's not the snow and it's not the wind. Instead, it is the sun. There is nothing more relenting and nothing that will have such dire long term effects as the sun.There was a time in my life when I went from working in the heat of the desert directly to high altitude snow. These are both places where the sun is far more dangerous than in a city. And while I'm not aware of any repor... Read Full Story
Northwest:--Northwest climber and guide Paul Bailey was recently injured in a climbing accident in Australia. It appears that Bailey took a leader-fall, broke both wrists and suffered some head injuries. The most current information on this accident indicates that this incident may have been due to bolt failure. To read more about the accident, click here and here.The Three Sisters in Late Season ConditionsPhoto from Wikipedia--A Bend woman on a hike to summit the South and Middle Sisters in... Read Full Story
RED ROCK CANYON:--The American Alpine Institute's Red Rock season officially started on September 21st. Please call our office for up-to-date information on courses and trips offered in Red Rock.Above the chimneys on Epinephrine. Photo courtesy of Nate Tack--Nate Tack and friends recently had a minor send-fest around the Canyon. They climbed some classic routes and found what looked to be fantastic climbing conditions. To read the complete report click here.--Forecast and average temperatu... Read Full Story
