Wednesday, January 27, 2010

After A Week In The Dorms (Working at a ski resort)

A Ski Area Operations student Beck Aurora wrote an interesting blog about working at a ski resort. The article After A Week In The Dorms is quite entertaining.

Monday, January 25, 2010

FeeSkier Magzine Photograph Contest

Have a Camera? Want to win $5,000? Read On...

Freeskier Magzine is offering $5000 to the winner of its photography contest. Check it out.

SanDisk has teamed up with Freeskier to put on this epic photo sequence contest. Here’s how it works:

1. Get out on the hill and shoot some sequences

2. Morph your sequences

3. Upload your best sequences (from this year or from years past) to BestPhotoSequence.com.

4. Repeat steps 1 – 3 throughout the season as many times as you’d like.

5. Sit back and wait to see if you’ve won the grand prize of $5,000 cash money.

The contest launches today, so get to it, and good luck!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Board or Skis Stolen: Let everyone know: You may get it back


Phoning a local store got a stolen snowboard back.

A teenage boarder has his snowboard stolen at Woods Valley Ski Resort. He called local stores informing them that his board had been stolen. Later that day the thief walked into one of the stores and attempted to sell the stolen snowboard.

The thief was caught, the board was returned and things are good again……

See Sale of stolen snowboard thwarted

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

They are getting serious: Leave the scene of a skier v. skier (or boarder) collision and go to jail



Wanted Posters and Sketch Artists used in a Bear Mountain Resort Hit and Run.

Bear Mountain Resort is looking for a mail snowboarder who struck a 9-year-old female on January 2, 2010 at approximately 1:00 PM. A sketch of the alleged snowboarder is here!

The suspect is described as a white male adult, 25-30 years of age, approximately 5'10" - 6'2" tall, wearing a black and white jacket, black pants, and using a black snowboard.

Anyone having information regarding the collision or identity of the suspect is asked to contact the Big Bear Sheriff's Station at (909) 866-0100. Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME.

It is unknown if this is a new attitude about collisions on the slopes or if this is a special case. The victim received a compound fracture of her femur and several facial injuries, all of which were not life threatening.

This is a real change from how hit and run boarders and skiers were treated in the past.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Vail and USFS hunting down pirates on the slopes – illegal guiding activities

Teaching skiing or boarding on US Forest Service land without a permit or on someone else's permit without their permission is pirating and a violation of the law.

The Denver Post in an article Resorts run Resorts run stings to nab unauthorized instructors on their slopes brings the issue of "private" ski instructors to the front. Ski Instructors who are not wearing the ski resorts uniform or employed by the resort are pirates; people guiding on federal land without a permit.

Vail has had enough and in conjunction with the US Forest Service has started cracking down on the practice. Pirates that are caught are fined $545 (or more) and banned by Vail from all of their resorts for life.

These article follows an article on how Vail is catching people trying to sneak onto the lifts with other peoples season passes.

Copyright 2010 Recreation Law 720 Edit Law, Recreaton.Law@Gmail.com

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Website dedicated to Tree Wells

Tree Wells in and out of bounds are responsible for several deaths each year.

Now there is a website that talks about tree wells, how to stay out of them and what to do if you are caught in one.

See http://www.treewelldeepsnowsafety.com/

Friday, January 15, 2010

Colorado bill to make sure Search and Rescues are Free


A new bill was recently introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives. This bill would prohibit charging for search and rescue in the state of Colorado.

This bill will need your support.

To stay current on the bill contact your local SAR unit or go to the Facebook Page No Charge for Rescue. The red capitalized text below is the changes to the Colorado statute that will be made.

Support House bill 10-1095.



Second Regular Session

Sixty-seventh General Assembly

STATE OF COLORADO

INTRODUCED

LLS NO. 10-0629.01 Gregg Fraser             HOUSE BILL 10-1095

A BILL FOR AN ACT

CONCERNING A LIMITATION ON THE AUTHORITY OF A FIRE

PROTECTION DISTRICT TO CHARGE FEES FOR PROVIDING

CERTAIN RESCUE SERVICES TO THOSE SERVICES PROVIDED AT

THE SCENE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Bill Summary

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does

not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill

passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that

applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at

A fire protection district currently has the statutory authority to set

fees for ambulance or emergency medical services and extrication, rescue,

32-1-1002. Fire protection districts - additional powers and duties



(1) In addition to the powers specified in section 32-1-1001, the board of any fire protection district has the following powers for and on behalf of such district:

(a)    To acquire, dispose of, or encumber fire stations, fire protection and fire fighting equipment, and any interest therein, including leases and easements;

(b)    To have and exercise the power of eminent domain and dominant eminent domain and, in the manner provided by article 1 of title 38, C.R.S., to take any property necessary to the exercise of the powers granted, both within and without the special district;

(c)    To undertake and to operate as a part of the duties of the fire protection district an ambulance service, an emergency medical service, a rescue unit, and a diving and grappling service;

(d)    To adopt and enforce fire codes, as the board deems necessary, but no such code shall apply within any municipality or the unincorporated portion of any county unless the governing body of the municipality or county, as the case may be, adopts a resolution stating that such code or specific portions thereof shall be applicable within the fire protection district's boundaries; except that nothing in this paragraph (d) shall be construed to affect any fire codes existing on June 30, 1981, which have been adopted by the governing body of a municipality or county. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, no fire protection district shall prohibit the sale of permissible fireworks, as defined in section 12-28-101 (8), C.R.S., within its jurisdiction.

(e)    To fix and from time to time increase or decrease fees and charges as follows, and the board may pledge such revenue for the payment of any indebtedness of the district:

(I)    For ambulance or emergency medical services and extrication, rescue, or safety services provided in furtherance of ambulance or emergency medical services. "Extrication, rescue, or safety services" includes but is not limited to any:

(A)    Services provided prior to the arrival of an ambulance;

(B)    Rescue or extrication of trapped or injured parties AT THE SCENE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT; and

(C)    Lane safety or blocking provided by district equipment.

(II)    For requested or mandated inspections if a fire code is in existence on June 30, 1981, as specified in paragraph (d) of this subsection (1) or has been adopted thereafter pursuant to said paragraph (d);

(III)    For requested inspections if a fire code has been adopted by the board of the fire protection district, whether or not the code has been adopted by a municipality or county pursuant to paragraph (d) of this subsection (1);

…..

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Feeling Artistic? Want to look down on the snow and see your artwork?


G3 Announces 2010 Ski Graphic Contest


Everyone who's ever strapped on a pair of skis has looked down at the graphics and wondered if they could design something better. Once again, thanks to Genuine Guide Gear, they have a chance to find out – and potentially win a free pair of the skis they design. Genuine Guide Gear is inviting aspiring and professional designers and artists to submit their designs for a new top sheet on a G3 ski. One winner will be chosen for each of three contest periods: January 15 - February 14; February 15 – March 14; and March 15 – April 14, 2010.

"SkiGraphiks is back by popular demand and we are excited to invite everyone to play," says Naheed Henderson, G3's Marketing Manager. "This year's contest is boosted by more opportunities to win," she continues, "and the judging of this year's entries will be influenced by votes from the online community."  Pleasantly surprised by the high number of entrants from around the world last year, Henderson anticipates the return of this popular contest will attract even more design entries this year.

To enter the G3 Ski Graphic Challenge, participants can visit www.genuineguidegear.com and click on the SkiGraphiks icon to review details on how to play, submit entries, plus review and vote on all contest submissions. G3 will take the lead from public votes to choose a winner for each contest period. All three winners will be awarded a free pair of G3 Tonic or Zest skis, printed with their unique graphic. The first (February 14) winner will also claim a free pass to the Kootenay Coldsmoke Powder Festival in Nelson, BC from March 4 – 7, 2010, including lodging, where they will be awarded their custom skis during a Saturday night event at the festival.

"We believe that skiing is a form of creativity," says Henderson, "and the design and look of skis is part of that creativity. And because our new ski production facility enables us to deliver ski graphic customization, we want to give everyone the opportunity to win the thrill associated with having that one-of-a-kind pair they've designed."

G3 has partnered with VentureWeb, a digital marketing agency based in Squamish, British Columbia, to deliver this year's SkiGraphiks contest.  Designers and builders of the recently launched www.genuineguidegear.com website, VentureWeb has enhanced this year's SkiGraphiks site by integrating social media to make the contest more engaging for everyone. Site visitors will be able to comment and rate individual entries.  "We're really excited to be part of a contest which inspires creativity, design, and passion in the ski industry," says VentureWeb's James Morris, "and our team looks forward to seeing lots of positive energy in ski designs once the contest kicks off."

Genuine Guide Gear is a leader in the backcountry skiing industry. They design and manufacture innovative skis, bindings, and other backcountry gear for winter adventurers, including a line of products designed specifically for women skiers. The company is based in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

VentureWeb is digital marketing agency based in Squamish, British Columbia specializing in innovative solutions for tourism and adventure sports industries.

For more information about Genuine Guide Gear or the G3 SkiGraphiks Contest, contact Naheed Henderson at 604.924.9048.ext 231 or email naheedh@genuineguidegear.com        

Stowe has been sold

Although termed a sale Stowe moved from AIG to a subsidiary

Stowe Mountain Resort which has been owned by AIG, of wall street disaster fame, was sold to Chartis. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. The sale occurred December 31, 2009.

See Vt. ski resort Stowe under new ownership

Copyright 2010 Recreation Law 720 Edit Law, Recreaton.Law@Gmail.com

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Join Attitash in Saluting Our Nation’s Heroes


January 23 and 24, 2010

Our 3rd Annual Military Salute Weekend is escalating to new heights. In addition to the activities we have offered in the past, Attitash is adding to this special weekend designed to thank the men and women of our military. Attitash will honor our nation's defenders and their families through FREE LIFT TICKETS for active, veteran and retired service men and women as well as discounted tickets for active duty dependent family members on January 23 and 24 with valid ID. (The discount rate for dependent family members is the regular military rate listed on our web site). In addition, The Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash is offering a 15% discount on lodging to military personnel for the weekend. Call 800.223.SNOW (7669) to check room availabilities or to make reservations.

Over the past several years, as one distinguished member of the military phrased it, "Attitash has come to mean, in military jargon, 'welcome' and is now seen as a bastion of support for those who serve."

Saturday's activities will include a downhill Flag Parade which starts on Attitash at approximately 1:30 PM, and culminates with a color guard, guest speaker and the National Anthem in the base area. The parade is open to all and participants are welcome to bring their own US flag or use one of ours (limited quantities). Music during the outdoor parade and ceremony will be provided by the impressive US Air Force Colonial Brass Band.  In addition, the US Air Force's amazing rock band, Afterburner, will perform from 3 pm to 6 pm in Ptarmigan's Pub on Saturday and again from 1 pm to 4 pm on Sunday.

Also on Sunday at 11:00 AM, "The Battle of the Branches," a NEW fun race event to test the mettle (and competitive spirit) between branches is planned, with racers (including kids!) selecting which branch they are racing to represent. The $5 entry fee will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. In addition, we will have the popular Attitash "on snow" obstacle course returning to test your skills on Sunday, too.

Guests are encouraged to learn about soldiers' personal stories through displays in the base lodge and will be able to write notes of appreciation to those service personnel.

Come enjoy the snow, the activities, the camaraderie and say thank you to our nation's defenders who have given us so much!

Contact:


Doug Tulin, Marketing Director

dtulin@attitash.com

(603) 374 – 2605

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Interesting Article about comfort bars

Whatever you call them, the article looks at whether they are purely a psychological or real safety device.

The article Lift Safety published by Planet Jackson Hole discusses the effectiveness of comfort bars after a young girl fell from the lifts sustaining severe injuries. The Denver Post did the only real study on the effectiveness of comfort bars in 2002, which found there was no difference between using and not using the bars.

New York and Vermont have state laws that require the use of comfort bars on chairlifts. Colorado requires the bars be used for lifts operating in the summer.

The article blames the lack of information on the effectiveness of the safety bars on states not having tramway safety boards.


Monday, January 11, 2010

20 Year Veteran of Ski Patrol Dies performing avalanche control work

Jackson Hole and the Resort in mourning

A 20-year veteran of the Jackson Hole ski patrolled died Saturday. He was injured performing avalanche work January 6, 2010. A break in the pack occurred above him sweeping him and another patroller. The other patroller could grab a tree and arrest his slide.

See the following articles for more information on this tragedy.

Patroller buried in avalanche

Big Wally revived after avalanche

in memoriam: Big Wally

Another Inbounds Tragedy at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Updated 1/8/2010 7:31 PM)

For a well written and thoughtful article about the risks of ski patrolling at Jackson Hole see Ski Patroller Death Highlights the Real Price of Powder Turns.

Be careful out there.



Thursday, January 7, 2010

January is Learn a Snow Sport Month

Take a friend skiing or boarding this month


January has been proclaimed national Learn a Snow Sport month. See WELCOME to LEARN A SNOW SPORT Month – January 2010

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Lindsey Vonn named female athlete of the decade!

Skiing ranks up there with the major sports!


Universal Sports has named Lindsey Von as their athlete of the decade. The article states that Lindsay "is on her way to becoming the greatest American skier of all time, male or female."

Congratulations, Lindsay and Good Luck in the Olympics!

Friday, January 1, 2010

This is starting to become stupid

The Personal Locator Beacon that was going off on Berthoud pass is now in Gunnison County

Here is the update I received! About the Personal Locator Beacon I mentioned in Alpine Rescue Team needs your help – PLB false alerts in Berthoud Pass (Colorado) area

The PLB is now in Gunnison County – 38° 56.8 min N x 107° 00.7 min W . . . 3.92 miles on a heading of 316 deg fm Crested Butte summit . . . as of 5:30 PM New Years Eve. Info from CSRB and AFRCC.

What an person who does not think well!

Alpine Rescue Team needs your help – PLB false alerts in Berthoud Pass (Colorado) area

These guys and gals are volunteers who get up in the middle of the night to save your posterior end of your anatomy for free. If you don't know how to use your Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), throw it away.

Over the past two weeks, the Alpine Rescue Team has been notified of three PLB activations in the Berthoud Pass (Colorado) area between Winter Park and the Jones Pass area. These PLB false alarms have occurred on three different dates, December 14, 23, and 24, and all involve the same PLB.

If anyone has recently started to use – or knows someone who has – a ACR PLB-300 Microfix (RescueFix) and visits the Berthoud Pass area, please contact the Alpine Rescue Team. You can send me a private message or call me directly. Right now there are no violations, penalties, laws broken, etc., however, we would like to talk with you so you can understand how your PLB works and does not work. If you don't want to talk, at least keep your PLB turned off until you are in an actual life-threatening emergency.

Each detection of the PLB's signal starts a cascade of rescuers beginning with the US Air Force, the Colorado State Search and Rescue Coordinator, the local sheriff, and finally the local mountain rescue team, which in these cases has been Alpine Rescue Team. Each false alarm requires significant effort and time by many people. On Christmas Eve, rescuers from three different mountain rescue teams spent the afternoon trying to directional find the intermittent signal.

You might be wondering why a PLB is so hard to pinpoint, especially if you have read any advertising or promotional materials about these devices. This unit is not registered so no simple phone call to the owner can be made to verify the alert. Also, this unit is being turned on and off and moved between activations, so the search area cannot be well defined giving a search area up to 10+ miles in radius. When used properly these new digital PLBs can usually be identified and located in minutes.

Again, if you have been in the Berthoud Pass area on these three dates and have an ACR PLB or know someone who has, please contact us via private message, or call Dale Atkins directly at 303.579.7292. There are no legal issues or laws broken; we very much would like to talk with you. As always the services of Alpine Rescue Team are free.