Avalanche theory and reality

Winter 08 – 09 will be remembered in terms of its avalanches. In bounds slides have been documented in Utah, California, Colorado, Wyoming and Washington. Meanwhile the overall number of avalanche deaths in North America is on a record pace.

With this in mind we offer avalanche advisories on theory and reality.

1 – If you have wondered what it is like to get buried – come join us on January 21 at 11AM at Snow Basin Resort, UT. Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. will bury Outdoor Retailer Show Director Kenji Haroutunian. Kenji will use the Black Diamond AvaLung device which allows victims caught in avalanches to breath for up to an hour. The demonstration will be conducted to highlight safe backcountry travel protocol and Utah Avalanche Center Director Bruce Tremper will be on hand. To learn more about the burial contact Penn@backbonemedia.net

2 – If you prefer the cyber is reality approach – watch the dramatic footage of skier Chris Cardello getting caught and buried by a slide while skiing in Haines, AK last April. This is real footage and represents a best case scenario in terms of the search time yet nonetheless is a powerful case study in how quickly the joy of powder skiing can turn into a life and death situation.

picture-2

See you out on the hill and be mindful out there.

Friends of the CAIC ASPEN SOCIAL & BENEFIT DINNER

Restaurant Six89 is hosting the 4TH Annual “Friends of the CAIC” Social and Benefit Dinner on Monday, January 26th, at 6:00pm.The evening begins with an epic silent auction and social appetizer hour with cash bar, followed by dinner with wine at 7:30pm.
caiclogo
As of this fall the RFAC is no more. It has grown and expanded into a statewide non profit that supports avalanche forecasting and education under the name Friends of the CAIC. First priority will be keeping the Aspen office open and any extra funding will go to other projects.

As our love of the backcountry grows so does the importance of the CAIC in providing important and useful info to the backcountry rider, skier, and user; whatever your preferred mode of transport. This year, that statement is an understatement.

The price is $68.90 per person, plus tax & gratuity. All proceeds go to the Aspen Office of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

Seating is limited; and the event is certain to sell quickly. Please call Six89 promptly for reservations; 970.963.6890.

Help maybe save a life, share the evening and the table with fellow backcountry characters, imbibe in some good food and drink, impress a date, and engage in terribly hip “snowpack” speak.