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Backcountry Ski Season 2016/2017: Get your avalanche apps (& appetizers) here!
Tune your skis and quads to keep up with winter's snowy goodness, and spend some time refreshing your safe backcountry skills with the help of these mobile apps, upcoming events, and local resources. Don’t be an idiot this season; understand the risks of winter backcountry travel by staying up-to-date with the latest educational opportunities and sweetest gear. Happy Shredding!
Colorado Avalanche Information Center: Since 1950, avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard. Whether you're into snowmobiling, skiing, splitboarding or snowshoeing, this app is a must for anyone venturing out of bounds. If you plan to embark into the majesty of the San Juan Mountains, keep a close eye on avalanche conditions via the CAIC. Updated information and basic avalanche awareness are just a click away.
CAIC Benefit Party: What better way to kick off the season than with friends and fellow snow geeks on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, from 6pm to 10pm at Durango’s Powerhouse Science Center? Grab a beer and some munchies and bid on a fine selection of winter-stoke-inducing silent auction items that benefit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Sponsored by Pine Needle Mountaineering.
Friends of the San Juans: If you haven't taken an avalanche education course, FOSJ is here to provide free education opportunities for winter backcountry users in the San Juan Mountains. Sign up for one of their on-snow sessions, ice climber's avalanche workshop or rescue clinics and support one of the San Juan Mountains greatest resources: knowledge for recreationists. Please visit www.thesanjuans.org for more information.
Backcountry Experience: One of Durango’s go-to gear shops is also a great resource for getting local insight into terrain, conditions and advice for backcountry travel in the San Juan Mountains.
Kling Mountain Guides: From avalanche courses to guided ski tours, Kling Mountain Guides is one of Durango’s top outfitters for travel in the mighty San Juans. Check the website for upcoming class dates and tour packages.
San Juan Mountain Guides: Besides offering guided ski and ice climbing tours, SJMG also provides avalanche courses and certification opportunities. Visit their website for more information.
Silverton Avalanche School: The San Juans premier avalanche school, checkout these guys if you’re just getting into backcountry winter sports or need a refresher.
Open Snow: Pray for snow, but also check this site for lively forecasts from the region's most approachable forecaster, Joel Gratz. Never miss a powder day again with this handy app.
Durango Snow Lovers: Like this Facebook page by local real estate agent-turned-amateur weather forecaster, Jeff Givens, and receive an interesting twist on the local forecast. He's exactly what his name says: a lover of snow filling in the gaps for the enjoyment of all.
Ski Hesperus/Pine Needle Mountaineering Uphill Ski Club: A true local's gem, sign up for this club if you're interested in skinning and skiing at Ski Hesperus before the lifts open each morning or at any of the grassroots races taking place throughout the season. Inquire online or in-person at Pine Needle Mountaineering in downtown Durango.
