Tag

Backcountry

All articles tagged with #backcountry

world1 day ago

Six Killed as Extreme Avalanche Weekend Rocks the French Alps

Six people were killed in separate avalanches across the French Alps over the weekend as authorities warned of extreme avalanche danger (levels 4–5) and urged against off-piste skiing; the fatalities occurred in Val d’Isère, Arêches-Beaufort, Courchevel, La Plagne and Vallorcine, with rescue teams frustrated by non‑compliance and many backcountry skiers lacking essential safety gear, while hundreds sought shelter due to travel disruptions.

weathertravel1 year ago

"Eclipse Viewing Preparations in New York: Weather, Bookings, and Caution"

The recent snowstorm in the Adirondacks has left the peaks covered in several feet of snow and created wet, muddy conditions in the backcountry, prompting state officials to caution against heading to the trails to view the upcoming total solar eclipse. Forest rangers will be present at trailheads to advise travelers, as the quick melt expected on Monday could make streams and trail crossings impassable. Safe designated viewing areas are recommended for eclipse enthusiasts in the region.

accidents-and-disasters1 year ago

"Tragic Death of Oregon Avalanche Forecaster Highlights Backcountry Skiing Risks"

Experienced avalanche forecaster Nick Burks died in an avalanche he triggered while backcountry skiing in Oregon. Despite carrying avalanche safety equipment, including air bags and beacons, Burks was overtaken by the avalanche. His companion quickly located him using a transceiver, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Burks had been a part of the professional avalanche-forecasting community for years and worked for the Wallowa Avalanche Center. The incident highlights the challenges faced by avalanche forecasters due to climate change and increasing backcountry activity.

accidenttragedy1 year ago

Fatal Fall: Skier Dies in Tuckerman Ravine Plunge

A 20-year-old skier died after falling nearly 600 feet down an icy ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, while two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The group faced hard, icy snow surfaces and unforgiving conditions, and the US Forest Service and Mount Washington Avalanche Center conducted a rescue effort. The area, known for extreme skiing, is covered in snow and ice in winter and requires careful use of mountaineering tools and equipment.

shopping1 year ago

"Top Backcountry and REI Jacket Deals: Up to 50% Off!"

Backcountry is hosting its Semi-Annual Sale with discounts of up to 60% on a wide range of outdoor gear, including brands like Patagonia and Cotopaxi. The sale features deals on items such as rain jackets, backpacks, hiking shoes, luggage, travel bags, apparel, and accessories. Highlights include the Black Diamond Men's Stormline Stretch Rain Jacket at 35% off, the Deuter Speed Lite 25L Backpack at 40% off, and the Merrell Women's Moab 3 GTX Hiking Shoes at $112. With a variety of products on sale, outdoor enthusiasts can gear up for spring adventures at discounted prices.

weather-news2 years ago

"Fatal Avalanche Claims Life in Colorado's San Miguel County"

A 67-year-old snowboarder, Peter Harrelson, died in a backcountry avalanche in southwest Colorado near the town of Ophir. His body was found after friends alerted emergency personnel when he didn't return home. This marks the first fatal avalanche in Colorado this year and the fourth nationwide in less than two weeks. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center reported over 300 avalanches in the San Juan Mountains since January 1, attributing the danger to fresh snow on a weak existing snowpack. Several parts of the West, including Colorado, were at considerable or high risk of avalanche.

accident2 years ago

"Fatal Helicopter Crash in British Columbia Leaves Three Dead and Four Injured"

Three people are dead and four critically injured after a helicopter carrying skiers crashed in British Columbia's backcountry. The crash occurred during a heli-skiing trip, a popular but expensive winter activity in the province. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and authorities are working with relevant agencies to determine what led to the incident.

rescue-operations2 years ago

"Mass Rescue: 23 Skiers and Snowboarders Saved from Freezing Vermont Backcountry"

23 skiers and snowboarders, including six children, were rescued from the Vermont backcountry in single-digit temperatures by search-and-rescue teams after getting lost. The rescue mission involved hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing for about 5 miles. Additional volunteers and organizations also assisted in the large-scale rescue effort. Authorities had issued a warning about the dangers of venturing into the backcountry due to the extreme temperatures.

weather2 years ago

"Colorado Mountains Face Heightened Avalanche Danger Amid New Storms"

Avalanche forecasters in Colorado are warning backcountry travelers of dangerous conditions as new snow piles deep atop weak layers, spiking the risk of large slides over the MLK weekend. With several feet of new snow expected and high winds, the avalanche hazards are compounded, prompting the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to issue an advisory for most of Colorado's mountain ranges. Backcountry skiers are urged to check the forecast and avoid engaging avalanche terrain as danger climbs to "considerable" or "high."

lifestyle2 years ago

Rise of Women in Trail Riding: Cowboys No More

The author reflects on the changing demographics of trail riding, noting that the majority of equestrians today are women. He discusses his role in mentoring two young women, his granddaughters, in the skills necessary for backcountry riding, including driving trucks and trailers, orienteering, staying safe, and caring for horses. He emphasizes the importance of passing on knowledge and skills to sustain the future of trail riding, as he believes that women will play a significant role in shaping the future of this activity.

natural-disasters2 years ago

Deadly Colorado Avalanche Season Claims Multiple Lives.

Heavy wet snow in Colorado’s high mountain backcountry led to snow slides that swept up at least 11 skiers since Friday, burying two, leading to two deaths — raising total avalanche fatalities in the state this past winter to nine. Even conditions rated as moderately dangerous by forecasters can be deadly, depending on where skiers go. Avalanche danger was rated as moderate around much of western Colorado over the weekend. Most perilous may be the “moderate” risk conditions under blue skies.

disasters2 years ago

Deadly Avalanches Strike Colorado Skiing Community.

Two skiers were killed in separate avalanches in Colorado over the weekend, with one skier killed on Sunday outside a ski resort boundary and another skier killed on Friday in a backcountry avalanche. Recent storms have raised avalanche risks, and 19 people have been killed across the US by avalanches so far this winter, including nine fatalities in Colorado. The victim of Friday's avalanche was a devoted skier who was aware of avalanche dangers.