Utards, Avie Awareness at the Bird from Andrew McLean and more!!
Reposted as this was a bad thread title.
Snowbird Avie Class, Snowbird Jan. 23-25, 2004
Snowbird, Utah - Backcountry users of all types will come together Jan. 23-25, 2004, as part of a new Backcountry Awareness Week that will include seminars, on-snow demonstrations, discussions and a Black Hat fundraiser for the Friends of Utah Avalanche Center.
Backcountry classes and on-snow participation include the following presenters:
-Bruce Tremper, Director Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center, The Avalanche Basics: route selection, transceiver use, snow pits and snow pack analysis.
-Craig Gordon, Avalanche Forecaster/Educator, Utah Avalanche Center, safe backcountry snowmobile travel.
-Bob Merrill, BackcountryStore.com, ultra-light backcountry travel and equipment.
-Snowbird Ski Patrol, avalanche rescue and resort backcountry access.
An all day tram ticket, lunch, two classes, an 8:30 a.m. pre-public tram ride, and a chance to win a free day of heli-skiing for a backcountry course attendee is $49.
"This is a unique opportunity for skiers, snowshoers, snowboarders, hikers and snowmobilers to exchange ideas and learn about Utah's spectacular backcountry while raising funds and awareness," said event facilitator Roger Kehr. "The proximity of incredible backcountry to the Wasatch Front is unparalleled but it also demands respect and education."
One goal of the event, according to Kehr, is to introduce outdoor enthusiasts of all levels to the opportunities Utah's backcountry provides. "In my opinion, backcountry is anywhere outside your house . . . parks, neighborhoods and nearby canyons."
Andrew McLean, renowned mountaineer and author of "The Chuting Gallery" will be the main presenter at the Black Hat fundraiser Friday, Jan. 23. Items to be auctioned at the fundraiser include an eight-day Wilderness First Responder course offered by Crested Butte Outdoors, a day of heli-skiing from Wasatch Powderbird Guides, autographed copies of avalanche-related books, backcountry equipment and much more.
In honor of this event Utah Governor Olene Walker has proclaimed Jan. 19-25 Utah Backcountry Awareness Week.
The week will include a "Name the Backcountry Location" contest with a grand prize of an 11-day Tusker Trail & Safari Co. expedition to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, in Tanzania. The weekend's on-snow activities feature free snowshoe and ski demos in Snowbird's Gad Valley courtesy of REI. Four backcountry-related classes will be held concurrently Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25. A class participant will win a free day of heli-skiing from Wasatch Powderbird Guides each day.
Backcountry Awareness Week sponsors include Snowbird, Black Diamond, Tusker Trail & Safari Co., REI, BackcountryStore.com, Crested Butte Outdoors, Wasatch Powderbird Guides, and the U.S. Forest Service.
To register for Backcountry Awareness Week classes or the Black Hat fundraiser, contact Snowbird's Activity Center at (801) 933-2147. For media information, contact Roger Kehr at (801) 450-0454 or Snowbird's Dave Fields at (801) 933-2041.
