Right now, the world鈥檚 best endurance athletes are circling Mont Blanc on foot in one of the most mind-blowing races on Earth: the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). The 106-mile event is underway in Chamonix, France, and you can (and rewatch anytime on 国产吃瓜黑料+). 国产吃瓜黑料 Run also has you can鈥檛 find anywhere else.

If you鈥檝e never heard of UTMB, here鈥檚 why this mountain-sport spectacle is worth tuning into, even if you鈥檙e not a runner.

What Exactly Is UTMB?

It started in 2003 as a single, jaw-dropping race: 106 miles around Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in the Alps. The course covers three countries鈥擣rance, Italy, and Switzerland鈥攃limbs the equivalent of Mount Everest from sea level, and gives runners fewer than two days to finish.

Since then, it鈥檚 exploded into a full festival. Today, UTMB week includes eight different races, gear launches, film screenings, brand parties, and a nonstop crowd of cowbell-ringing fans. For outdoor athletes of every stripe, Chamonix becomes a pilgrimage site.

The Main Event

The race everyone talks about is still the original: the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (watch it live for free now on and rewatch anytime on 国产吃瓜黑料+).

About 2,300 runners line up to circumnavigate Mont Blanc on foot鈥�106 miles, 33,000 feet of climbing, and 10 alpine summits.

For perspective: that鈥檚 four marathons, back-to-back, on mountain trails, often through the night, with a cutoff time of 46.5 hours.

Winning here makes you a legend. American star Courtney Dauwalter has done it three times (2019, 2021, 2023) and is gunning for a fourth. Jim Walmsley became the first American man to win in 2023. For the sport of ultrarunning, UTMB is the crown jewel.

Why It Matters (Even If You Don鈥檛 Run)

Even if you never plan to , this is the kind of event you can鈥檛 stop watching. The finish-line footage delivers the type of full-body chills and tear-jerking emotion you usually only get from the very best Olympic commercials.

• Sheer spectacle: Watching humans push through 100+ miles in the Alps is both mind-bending and inspiring.
• Outdoor culture: UTMB is a gathering place for athletes, brands, filmmakers, and fans across skiing, climbing, and cycling鈥攏ot just running.
• Scenery: The footage is stunning: glaciers, alpine villages, and cowbells echoing through the night.
• Feel-good storylines: Americans are finally breaking through, while European legends defend their turf.

The Other Races

While UTMB is the headliner, a lineup of supporting events also happened this week, which you can .

• Petite Trotte 脿 L茅on (PTL): A 186-mile team trek over unmarked terrain. No winners, just survivors.
• Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix (CCC) and Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie (TDS): Brutal 鈥渕id-distance鈥� races (62鈥�92 miles) that attract top pros (CCC) and aspiring champions (TDS).
• Orsi猫res-Champex-Chamonix (OCC), Martigny-Combe-Chamonix (MCC), and Experience Trail Courmayeur (ETC): Shorter but still beastly races (9鈥�34 miles) that range from international-level distance runners to locals, volunteers, and even rising stars taking a shot at the stage.
• Youth Chamonix Courmayeur (YCC): A two-day race for teens ages 14鈥�19, like the Little League World Series鈥擜lpine edition.

All of these races end in Chamonix, greeted by roaring crowds and a finish-line energy that feels more like a rock concert than a running race.

How to Watch

• .
• Catch replays anytime on 国产吃瓜黑料+, so you don鈥檛 miss the finish.
• Want the full race-by-race breakdown?.

Bottom line: UTMB is more than a race. It鈥檚 a mountain-sport phenomenon that turns a quiet ski town into the beating heart of endurance culture for one unforgettable week, and it just might motivate you to close your laptop early today and get outside. Inspired by what you see? Check out our complete . Winter more your thing?

The post LIVE NOW: The Super Bowl of Trail Running Is Underway in the Alps (and Our Minds Are Blown!) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

This was the summer of outside. I鈥檝e always loved gathering in the backyard, but this year I wanted to go all in on creating a space that wasn鈥檛 just pretty for one dinner party but functional every day. A place to cool off, cook meals, rest, host friends, regulate my nervous system, and enjoy time outdoors alone or with people I love.

I bought my house in Salt Lake City, Utah, four years ago and began gutting the entire thing. Every wall, every floorboard, every outdated system鈥攔ipped out and redone. It鈥檚 been a labor of love that often stole weekends from the mountains and ski days from the calendar. I spent more Saturday mornings than I care to admit pulling rusted nails from ceiling stringers or insulating the attic on 104-degree August days when I should鈥檝e been on a river trip.

And for years, the backyard sat neglected. A patch of dead grass. No shade, no seating, no charm. But eventually, after spray-painting hand-me-down patio chairs, collecting potted plants from Buy Nothing groups, and wishing I had more reasons to linger outside, I turned my attention to the last blank canvas of my home.

I approached it the same way I approach planning or packing for any big outdoor objective: start with a clear goal, prioritize what adds value, and leave out the rest. Plus, make sure there are good snacks and cold beer involved.

My goals for the space were simple:

• Easy access to fresh air on days I鈥檓 chained to my laptop
• A low-stress outdoor hang zone where friends can drop by without a big production in the group text
• Micro-adventure vibes鈥攖he feeling you get on a camping trip, minus the packing list

Bit by bit, I turned the yard into a place I actually wanted to be. I invested in a few big-ticket items I knew I鈥檇 use for years鈥攍ike the sauna and cold plunge鈥攂ut I also DIY鈥檇 where I could, thrifted patio furniture, and waited for sales. It didn鈥檛 happen all at once, and it didn鈥檛 have to be perfect.

You also don鈥檛 need to replicate my to-do list (or have the same square footage) to feel the payoff. Maybe you start with a $12 citronella candle and pop up your camp chair in a shady spot of the driveway. Maybe you hang a string of solar lights or drag your old camp table onto the porch. The point is to create a space that invites you outside today, not 鈥渟omeday,鈥� especially on days when you can鈥檛 go much further than your own backyard.

Below, you鈥檒l find the gear that moved the needle most for me, plus why it earns its keep, who it鈥檚 best for, and what to try if you鈥檙e working with a different budget or space. Mix, match, upcycle, or scale way down. Either way, the goal is the same: more sun on your skin, less time on your phone, and a backyard (or stoop, or patio) that feels like the easiest adventure you鈥檒l take all week.

Addlon Solar String Lights ($25 for 48 Feet)

If you do nothing else to your backyard, start here. String up solar lights and boom鈥攜ou鈥檝e created ambiance. These are bright enough to illuminate a whole hangout zone and cute enough to feel intentional without being fussy, and they can go up anywhere thanks to the solar panel. No wiring needed.

They鈥檙e easy to install and look great, especially at night. So far, mine have held up great, but I will likely store them inside during the winter to cut down on exposure and weather.

Purple Leaf Cantilever Umbrella ($478)

If you want to spend a lot of time outside in a space that doesn鈥檛 get natural shade, this is one of those upgrades that makes your whole setup more livable. I picked mine up used on a local marketplace to save some cash, but even if you have to buy one new, it鈥檚 worth every penny.

The 10×10-foot canopy casts a huge swath of shade, which is enough to cover a dining table, a pair of lounge chairs and a couch, or a full corner of your deck. The double-top design helps with airflow (so it doesn鈥檛 become a sail in the wind), and the UV-resistant fabric hasn鈥檛 faded, even after long, hot days of use. My favorite part: The 360-degree rotation and adjustable height/tilt. I can shift it throughout the day without dragging furniture around. It鈥檚 a splurge. But it鈥檚 also the difference between staying outside for 30 minutes or staying out all day.

Solo Stove Bonfire ($329)

I wanted a fire pit that felt permanent enough to anchor my backyard, but still portable enough to toss in the car for a weekend trip. The Bonfire hits that perfect middle ground. At just over 23 pounds, I can move it easily, but four or five people can still gather around for s鈥檓ores, full moon gazing, or post-dinner wine. Setup is easy, and cleanup is even easier (the removable ash pan is clutch).

Solo Stove makes a range of sizes depending on your space. The Bonfire sits right in the middle. I also added the tabletop-sized Mesa to the mix, which brings just the right amount of glow and ambiance to the patio table.

Soundboks Go Bluetooth Speaker ($799)

This is not your cute little travel speaker. This is the speaker you bring out when you’re ready to turn post-ride beers into a Saturday night party. The sound is loud, rich, and absurdly crisp鈥攅ven outside, even when there鈥檚 background noise, even when you鈥檙e standing on the far edge of the yard. It connects via Bluetooth, holds a charge that lasts all day (and into the dance party with a 40-hour charge), and can be paired with additional speakers if you want to go full block party mode. I use it for everything from mellow workday playlists to spontaneous backyard dance breaks. Pro tip: Start with Caamp or Brandi Carlile. End with 50 Cent.

Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler ($325)

When it鈥檚 not riding in the back of my Subaru, it lives on the back deck鈥攑acked with cold drinks so no one has to trek inside every time they want a Spindrift. It sits in direct sun all day and still keeps ice frozen for days. No melt, no lukewarm cans.

The Tundra 45 doesn鈥檛 have wheels like the Roadie 32 Wheeled (which our testers picked as Best Cooler of 2025), but it鈥檚 built using the same construction and it鈥檚 incredibly spacious, durable, and airtight. I鈥檝e been amazed at how much better a backyard gathering feels when cold drinks are within arm鈥檚 reach. A good cooler is the unsung hero of outdoor life, and this one鈥檚 the real deal.

DIY Stock Tank Pool

I鈥檝e been dreaming of DIY-ing a stock tank pool ever since my friend John sent me a photo of himself floating in a tube with an Aperol Spritz in hand and his newborn daughter on his chest. That was five years ago, and I finally have the space and time to install my own.

I bought a literal stock tank from Tractor Supply for $600, added a pump and fittings and a few other supplies for under $400, and boom: a real, chlorinated swimming hole in the backyard. I followed a combination of YouTube videos, texted a cousin, and While it鈥檚 not Instagrammable in its asethic, it works, and at least I know the only Band-Aids floating in there are mine. When winter comes, I鈥檒l drain it, cover it, and call it good.

Gozney Arc XL Pizza Oven, $999

This was the hit of the summer for me (and all my new friends that appeared suddenly?). The Arc XL delivers restaurant-quality 16-inch pizzas in under 60 seconds. The lateral rolling flame means fewer turns, and the results are those perfect, blistered, chewy crusts I usually only get from my favorite wood-fired spots with long waiting lists.

My topping of choice? Peaches, burrata, prosciutto, basil, and a drizzle of hot honey.

I made one mistake however: I didn鈥檛 buy the Gozney stand, and my cheap Amazon one fell apart almost immediately. So now I haul it out of the garage for every pizza night. Learn from me: . Other than that, it鈥檚 easy to use, super efficient with gas (I just hook it up to the propane tank from my old grill), and surprisingly lightweight, though I do recommend having a friend help you move it.

Plunge Original Cold Plunge Tub ($5,941)

This is the thing I鈥檝e used the most in my backyard this summer. I鈥檓 simply a better person after I鈥檝e jumped into an alpine lake鈥攂ut I can鈥檛 always get to one in the middle of a workday. I can get to my backyard, however, and this plunge has truly been life-changing. It鈥檚 helped on days when my anxiety disorder feels unregulated, when period cramps are wreaking havoc on my body, when my back is sore from mountain biking, or when it鈥檚 just too damn hot out and I need to chill.

Mine is set at 55 degreesFahrenheit, and I鈥檓 still only staying in for five minutes, but the app makes it easy to track, adjust, and follow challenges to build your tolerance for the uncomfortable. I鈥檓 working on channeling my inner Wim Hof and using it morning and night. Installation was extremely simple. The chiller is quiet, the acrylic tub is roomy and durable, and the design is sleek enough to sit right outside my garage out of sight from the neighbors.

Plunge the Standard Sauna, $12,591

A sauna in your backyard sounds like a luxury鈥攁nd it is鈥攂ut it鈥檚 also one of the most grounding, body-resetting rituals I鈥檝e added to my life. I opted for the Plunge Sauna because it鈥檚 compact enough to tuck into a side yard or corner space, sleek enough to not look clunky, and it heats up fast (from cold to 174 degreesFahrenheit in under 20 minutes). Plus, the cedar wood smells amazing. The standard size fits up to five people (the fits two; the seats up to seven), with a folding bench that allows for more movement space instead of seating.

While it says it can be assembled in a few hours with two people, I chose to have it professionally installed because #time (and it still took nearly a full day). I also hired an electrician to add a special outlet to my garage panel because this requires a dedicated circuit.

You can control the temperature and lighting through the app, and the full glass door gives it a modern, inviting look. For me, it鈥檚 the ultimate bookend to cold plunging, but even on its own, it brings a whole new dimension to outdoor living. What I鈥檓 most looking forward to is using it this winter post-ski day. Apres just got very zen at my house.

The Payoff

This backyard project was about creating a space I actually wanted to be in (away from screens!), inviting in all weather, and restorative in every way. Now, it helps me recover after long days, host friends without stress, and soak up sun, fresh air, firelight, and good carbs.

The upgrades I made range from big to small, but they all share one purpose: making it easier and more joyful to be outside. Whether you鈥檙e stringing up lights or going full backyard revamp, the invitation is the same鈥攕tep outside and stay a while.

The post How I Turned My Backyard into an Outdoor Oasis (and How You Can, Too) appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

There鈥檚 nothing quite like it. Not the spa cold plunge. Not the chlorinated pool. Not even the ocean I lived beside for nearly a decade. I鈥檓 talking about a true alpine lake dunk鈥攖he kind that leaves your skin tingling, your breath caught in your chest, and your mind somehow quieter.

I got my coldwater start at Fern Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Since then, I鈥檝e dipped into Trillium Lake near Mount Hood, launched into June Lake in the Eastern Sierra, and once hurled myself into the lake beneath the glacier on Mount Timpanogos, where I genuinely wondered if I might die of hypothermia. Worth it. Every time.

Now that I live in Salt Lake City, alpine lakes feel like a seasonal treasure I have to earn (though I did kick off 2025 with a frozen river dip in the Wasatch, ice chunks and all). As an unapologetic winter person, I actually think I might need them. Summer Sierra is sluggish, sweaty, and prone to dramatic sighs. It鈥檚 safe to say I鈥檝e deserved to be told鈥攁t least once or twice鈥攖o go jump in a lake. Honestly? That鈥檚 great advice.

My best friend Jill and I call our ritual a 鈥渄ope dip鈥濃�攕hort for dopamine dip. We dunk three times, saying a gratitude with each submersion. Sometimes the only things I can think of are 鈥渢his view,鈥� 鈥渢his person,鈥� and 鈥渕y still-attached toes.鈥� At other times, I鈥檓 able to take it slow, to really observe my environment and my body within it. Those are the best plunges.

Afterward, I鈥檓 calmer. Clearer. Less of a grouch, more of a human. It鈥檚 no exaggeration: I am a better person after I鈥檝e jumped in an alpine lake鈥攊f only because I鈥檝e shocked the bad attitude right out of me.

Craving your own dope dip moment? Here are some of the best swimming holes in U.S. national parks to get you started. Want to know why cold water works such magic on your nervous system? explains the science behind it.

The post I’m a Better Person After I Jump Into an Alpine Lake appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Every time I try to book a campsite on , I end up closer to a mental breakdown than a backcountry getaway. I start off dreaming of a quiet weekend off the grid鈥攁nd end up rage-refreshing tabs like I鈥檓 trying to buy Taylor Swift tickets in 2022. Booking on Rec.gov feels like your camp neighbor is . while you鈥檙e wearing ski boots with no socks and getting a bug bite you can鈥檛 reach on top of a sunburn.

The user experience on this miserable site is like if Clippy and a CAPTCHA had a baby during a server crash. Dates won鈥檛 load. Pages disappear mid-click. Filters are fake. The whole thing feels like a trick quiz from 2004 Facebook. Just this weekend, I went to confirm a booking for an upcoming trip鈥攐nly to find out the site I swear I booked months ago wasn鈥檛 actually reserved. Instead, I had a confirmed spot 25 miles away.

For the uninitiated, Recreation.gov may sound like a government site鈥攂ecause it was supposed to be. But it鈥檚 actually run by a private contractor making millions off your desire to sleep on the ground. While national parks face record underfunding, Booz Allen Hamilton is raking in booking fees that don鈥檛 go to the rangers, the trails, or the land. That annoying $8 fee? It鈥檚 not helping a ranger buy new boots. It鈥檚 padding someone鈥檚 investment portfolio.

For context: is a giant consulting firm that sounds like a Succession villain and acts like one, too. In 2023, they paid $377 million to settle claims they illegally billed taxpayers for work that had nothing to do with the government. One of the largest fraud settlements ever鈥攁nd somehow, they鈥檙e still the ones running the site we have to use to go outside.

I wouldn鈥檛 mind the fees if they were helping patch trails, protect threatened ecosystems, or even went into the beer fund for our overworked and underpaid park rangers. But instead, it鈥檚 Ticketmaster for tents鈥攋ust another example of privatized inconvenience dressed up as civic infrastructure. (And if Tay Tay ever does come for that monopoly, maybe she can take down this one next.)

In the meantime, I know I鈥檒l keep using it鈥攂ecause sometimes the only way to get to the places that remind me to shut off my phone and breathe. Which, clearly, is exactly what I need after using their site.

The post Being Forced to Use Rec.gov Just to Go Camping Is Absolute Torture appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Three men were killed and one critically injured in a devastating avalanche on Monday, March 24, near Kaslo, British Columbia, according to reporting by Global News and the Vancouver Sun. The slide occurred in the Clute Creek watershed, on the east side of Kootenay Lake, while two groups of heli skiers with were staging below the treeline.

A transport helicopter pilot approaching the zone saw the avalanche release and alerted the skiers. One group was able to escape, but the other group of four was swept into the trees.

Friends and industry colleagues have identified the deceased as:

• Jason Remple, owner and lead guide of

• Alex Pashley, Global Sports Marketing Manager (Snow) at The North Face, who previously spent nearly a decade at Smartwool and held roles at Slash Snowboards, Dragon Alliance, and Rossignol

• Jeff Keenan, professional snowboarder and co-founder of Dinosaurs Will Die Snowboards.

A fourth skier, a 40-year-old man from Nelson, survived with critical injuries and was flown to hospital for treatment. Kaslo Search and Rescue manager the group was 鈥渧ery, very proficient,鈥� adding that even with conservative terrain choices and expert guides, conditions can turn unexpectedly dangerous. The team recovered all four individuals from the debris; attempts to resuscitate the three men were unsuccessful. The North Face shared a tribute to Alex Pashley on Instagram, describing him as a kind, curious, and adventurous spirit whose work as a photographer was celebrated in snowboard media. 鈥淗is search for adventure will forever guide us,鈥� the brand wrote, offering condolences to his wife, Erin, and his beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs, Dale and Rainer.

Brent Sandor, VP of Marketing at 686 and a longtime friend of the deceased, shared many memorable days with both Pashley and Keenan鈥攐n and off the snow.

鈥淎s I entered the snowboard community, both Pashley and Jeff loomed larger than life, having already built lasting legacies for themselves,鈥� Sandor told SKI. 鈥淭hey, along with their partners Leanne and Erin, were an omnipresent force in our community鈥攝igging and zagging, always a constant presence as they crossed paths with everyone in and out of the mountains.

鈥淭heir presence put you at ease and reminded you why we all chose this path. My thoughts and entire heart go out to Leanne, Khyber, Erin, and everyone else in Jeff and Pash鈥檚 inner circle who are deeply affected by this tragedy. As a community, we鈥檒l support those who need it most and get through this together.

鈥淭ell your friends you love them.鈥�

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Avalanche Conditions Were Critical

On the day of the incident, Avalanche Canada had issued a High (Level 4) avalanche danger rating at all elevations in the Kootenay Lake region. warned that rising temperatures and strong sun were creating 鈥渧ery dangerous avalanche conditions,鈥� with the potential for large, destructive natural avalanches. Recreationists were advised to avoid all avalanche terrain due to persistent slab avalanches on north to east aspects at alpine and treeline elevations due to deeply buried weak layers; wet loose avalanches on all sun-exposed slopes, and weakening cornices, capable of triggering deeper slides on slopes below.

Avalanche Canada reported widespread natural avalanche activity on Monday and Tuesday, including a size 4 avalanche on Sunday that ran to the valley bottom and climbed the opposite side of the drainage. The snowpack was described as highly complex and unstable due to multiple buried weak layers dating from January to March.

The B.C. Coroners Service is investigating the incident near Kaslo. has suspended operations and extended its deepest sympathies to all affected.

Recent Tragedy in Alaska

This incident follows another deadly heli-skiing avalanche earlier this month. On March 5, three men were killed while skiing with Chugach Powder Guides near Girdwood, Alaska, in a slide over half a mile wide with debris as deep as 100 feet, according to the Anchorage Daily News. Despite deploying avalanche airbags and being accompanied by a guide, the victims could not be rescued in time due to burial depth and terrain complexity. The avalanche was the deadliest in the U.S. since 2023. Conditions that day were rated 鈥渃onsiderable,鈥� with a buried weak layer noted as a known hazard in the region. These back-to-back tragedies in Canada and the U.S. are a powerful reminder of the inherent risks of backcountry skiing鈥攅ven when guided by seasoned professionals鈥攔einforcing how unpredictable and unforgiving the mountains can be. Please check your local avalanche forecast before venturing into the backcountry, and bring (and know how to use) avalanche safety equipment and a partner.

The post Industry Mourns Three Killed in Avalanche in B.C.鈥檚 Kootenay Mountains appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

for its Barryvox 2 and Barryvox S2 avalanche transceivers, introduced in the winter 2024/2025 season.

After extensive testing, Mammut identified a potential issue with the power switch on some Barryvox 2 and Barryvox S2 devices, which may result in unintentional switching from 鈥淪end鈥� to 鈥淪earch鈥� mode or, in some cases, complete power-off. This assembly issue could pose a safety risk, and Mammut is asking consumers to return affected units for inspection and repair or replacement.

Recall Details and Instructions

Affected Products:

• Model Names and Article Numbers:
  • 2620-00380: Barryvox S2
  • 2620-00350: Barryvox S2 in Peak 240 Package
  • 2620-00360: Barryvox S2 in Pro Light 280 Package
  • 2620-00370: Barryvox 2
  • 2620-00260: Barryvox 2 in Peak 240 Package
  • 2620-00320: Barryvox 2 in Tour 280 Package

Models NOT Affected: Previous seasons鈥� Barryvox and Barryvox S models are unaffected by this issue.

Steps for Customers to Take

1. Confirm Ownership: Check your device against the listed model names and numbers.
2. Submit a Return Form: Go to and select 鈥淎valanche Equipment.鈥�
   • Fill in customer details and device information.
   • Mention 鈥淏arryvox Recall 2024鈥� as the issue.
3. Return Shipping: After processing, you鈥檒l receive a return label by email.
4. Pack and Ship: Send your device for inspection and repair according to Customer Service instructions. If your device was part of a package, only the Barryvox device needs to be returned.
5. Receive Inspection/Replacement: Mammut will inspect and return your device or send a replacement within 7 business days (14 days for US & Canada). Alternatively, devices can be dropped off at Mammut stores.

Cost: All inspections, repairs, or replacements are free of charge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the issue with the Barryvox 2 and S2?
Due to an assembly process issue, the main switch on some devices may be misaligned, causing unintended mode switching or power-off under pressure.

Can I inspect my device myself?
No, to ensure the safety of all users, Mammut requests that devices be returned for professional inspection.

Where should I send my device?
Upon submitting the return form, you will receive a return label with the appropriate address for your region.

When will I get my device back?
Mammut is committed to a 7-day turnaround (14 days for US & Canada) upon receiving your device.

Has any incident occurred due to this issue?
No incidents have been reported. This is a precautionary, voluntary recall to ensure maximum safety.

Why was this issue not identified earlier?
The Barryvox 2 and S2 are complex devices. This assembly error, now corrected, was an oversight in the initial process.

Will Mammut continue selling Barryvox 2 and S2?
Yes, Barryvox 2 and S2 are essential safety products that meet industry-leading standards. Mammut is dedicated to customer safety and will continue to innovate while reinforcing strict quality standards.

The post Mammut Issues Voluntary Recall for Barryvox 2 and Barryvox S2 Avalanche Transceivers appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Updated May 10: Andrew Cameron, 23, from Utah, and Austin Mallet, 32, from Montana, have been identified as the victims in the May 9 avalanche on Lone Peak in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon. The third person, whose identity remains undisclosed, was rescued by search and rescue teams and a helicopter. He was taken to a nearby hospital and released on the same day.

_______________

May 9: Officials have confirmed two people died in the May 9 avalanche near Lone Peak in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon. A third person was transported off the mountain and taken to a local hospital for assessment. Recovery efforts have been suspended for the day and will resume in the morning.

The north-facing region of Lone Peak, where the avalanche occurred, is known for its steep and unforgiving terrain, posing a higher risk of avalanche activity. More than two feet of new snow fell in the region this week, bringing the season total at nearby Snowbird to just over 600 inches. The National Weather Service predicted strong winds throughout Thursday, with gusts over 60 mph.

The Utah Avalanche Center stopped issuing regular advisories in mid-April, transitioning to intermittent reports of any activity. On May 1, the UAC issued its final product of the season for the Salt Lake Area mountains, reminding skiers of the three different avalanche problems typically encountered during spring: wet snow, new snow instability, and wind-drifted snow.

听 听 听 听Related reading:

Greg Gagne, an eight-year forecaster for the Utah Avalanche Center, highlighted the challenges of forecasting during spring, urging individuals to monitor changing conditions themselves. “This time of year, it’s really difficult to get an accurate report,” said Gagne. “What you say at 7 a.m. could be wrong at 7:30. In the spring, warm and cold air are mixing in the atmosphere. It’s so volatile.”

Gagne noted the recent weather fluctuations, which exemplify the unpredictable nature of spring conditions. “On Saturday, we had warm, sunny temps, and it began to snow on Sunday,” he said. “This past week was more like January than May.”

He emphasized the heightened avalanche danger in the high-alpine areas of the central Wasatch, particularly in steep, unforgiving terrain. Despite elevated danger earlier in the winter, the overall danger returned to typical levels in the last 6-8 weeks. While there were reported avalanche incidents throughout the season, including several requiring rescue, as of May 1, there had been no avalanche fatalities in Utah.

This story is ongoing and will be updated as new information becomes available.

The post Two Skiers Killed, One Rescued in Lone Peak, Utah, Avalanche appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Dallas LeBeau has been identified as the 21-year-old skier who died on April 9 on Colorado鈥檚 Highway 40 just west of the Berthoud Pass summit after attempting to clear the width of the highway on skis. According to the preliminary incident report from the Grand County Sheriff鈥檚 office, LeBeau lacked the necessary speed and distance to complete the jump and landed on the highway pavement.

At approximately 3 p.m. on April 9, the Grand County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a skiing accident. A bystander initiated CPR. However, LeBeau, who was wearing a helmet and other protective gear, was unconscious and not breathing. Emergency responders and the Grand County Coroner鈥檚 Office arrived on scene and closed traffic on Highway 40 in both directions while investigators processed the scene.

According to the victim鈥檚 mother, Valerie LeBeau, who spoke with SKI via email, her son was skiing with friends at the time of the accident. Valerie said that Dallas had been preparing for this jump for over a month, checking the run and building the jump. He got sick, so the attempt was delayed by about 10 days. Even though the slope faced north, meaning it should have had good snow, she believes some of it melted, which may have slowed him down too much. Dallas didn鈥檛 have a great competition season, so he may have wanted to prove himself in skiing, said his mother, adding that he wanted to submit a video to GoPro for their Line of the Year contest. Dallas had experience with big jumps before and planned to do a double backflip in Jackson Hole鈥檚 Corbet鈥檚 Couloir. However, he had never tried to cross a road, only cat tracks.

Dallas grew up skiing in Colorado, primarily at Winter Park, Granby Ranch, and Steamboat. He began skiing with the Winter Park Competition Center at around 8 years old. At 11, he shifted his focus to park and pipe skiing. He competed in this discipline until he turned 18, when he transitioned to Big Mountain skiing and started competing in the Freeride World Qualifiers as an adult. He achieved a 4th-place finish in Aspen at the age of 18. This was his third year competing in FWQ. Dallas鈥檚 younger brother, Dusty LeBeau, 18, also competed in his first FWQ this season.

鈥淒allas first put on skis before he could walk in our driveway, and we would pull him up and down,鈥� Valerie recalled. 鈥淒allas loved skiing the entire mountain. He often went storm chasing to Wolf Creek for any big snowfall he could get to. He dreamed of making the FWT and traveling the world skiing and competing.鈥�

Dallas worked as a Big Mountain coach at Winter Park this past winter and enjoyed getting paid to ski. During summers, he worked at a marina in Grand County and also did remodeling work on homes and condos. He was skilled in construction and car repairs, and was considering future options like attending a trade school or pursuing a pilot鈥檚 license. Dallas leaves behind his longtime girlfriend and ski partner, Sophia Morris.

Valerie said that the family has received many wonderful tribute messages about Dallas sharing how he touched many people. One of the skiers he coached told the family, 鈥淸Dallas] was an amazing person and by far my favorite coach. He taught me so much and has changed my life for the better in so many ways. Dallas helped me get over fears and drove me to be a better person. He is someone I aspire to be like. Words can鈥檛 describe what an impact your son has made not just on me but on my entire team in the short span of a season.鈥�

Jumping road gaps is part of a storied ski tradition that brings with it significant risks. Many of these visually stunning jumps have been captured in vintage images and contemporary ski films. Iconic road gaps include Karl Fostvedt鈥檚 Idaho highway jump in the 2019 film 鈥淩eturn to Send鈥檈r,鈥� the Mt. Baker Road Gap in Washington, and several throughout Utah.

Significant planning and safety precautions have historically gone into such feats, as well. Josh Daiek鈥檚 backflip over Lake Tahoe鈥檚 Highway 50 in 2020, featured in 鈥�7 Stages of Blank,鈥� highlighted the dedication and planning required. When the footage was released, Daiek wrote about his thought process of executing the jump on his YouTube account. 鈥淚 never really grasped the amount of work that goes into such a task, the amount of people I would rely on, the patience needed, the necessary weather to line up, the stress 鈥� To be honest, I obsessed over this gap for close to a decade, always keeping a close eye on the landing and awaiting proper conditions.鈥�

In light of the tragic accident, Valerie shared her belief that no social media post or contest entry is worth risking one鈥檚 life. 鈥淚f parents and friends try to tell you that something is a bad idea, you should listen,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 hope this tragedy might save someone else鈥檚 life by making them think before they do something.鈥�

The post 鈥淗e Taught Me So Much鈥�: Coach and Skier Dies Jumping over a Highway appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Editor鈥檚 note: New details about the fatal incident have been added to this report as of Feb. 15.

Renowned telemark, big mountain, and expedition skier Katherine 鈥淜asha鈥� Rigby, aged 54, is confirmed dead in an avalanche in Kosovo during her #tourdepiste project. that a 54-year-old foreign citizen lost her life in an avalanche at the Ski Center in Brezovica. The Police spokesperson for the Ferizaj region, Kanun Veseli, reported the incident to Radio Free Europe.

The Kosovo Mountain Search and Rescue Service received a call for help in the 鈥淓agle鈥檚 Nest鈥� area, known for its avalanche risks. Despite initial reports of two missing skiers, only one casualty was confirmed. Rescue teams provided medical aid on-site but were unable to save her. The service urged caution when skiing off-piste due to adverse weather conditions.

SKI was notified on Feb. 15 by those close to Rigby that it was a small avalanche at 2:30 pm local time and challenging weather conditions that led to her death.

Rigby suffered extreme trauma to the chest during a skiing incident, where she was caught in a small avalanche. The avalanche, measuring approximately 25 meters by 10 meters, occurred on a 35-degree slope that led to a high-force collision with trees, resulting in massive internal bleeding and damage to her organs, particularly her lungs.

Despite the quick response of her skiing partner, fianc茅 Magnus Wolfe, who reached her within 20 seconds and attempted CPR, Rigby鈥檚 injuries proved fatal, and she passed away within seconds.

The incident unfolded near the top of the run where Rigby dropped in, triggering the avalanche.

Tributes to Rigby continue to be posted on social media by those who knew her and were influenced by her ski career.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

In 1996, for challenging the conventional perception of the sport by embracing speed and aggression typically associated with alpine skiing. Despite facing skepticism and prejudice, Rigby aimed to redefine telemarking with her high-speed, hard-driving style. In the 1996 U.S. Extreme Skiing Championships, Rigby sought to showcase her skills and earn recognition for telemarking by outperforming traditional alpine skiers. 国产吃瓜黑料 also credited her as 鈥渢he best female telemark skier in the known universe鈥� when she appeared on the cover of Women 国产吃瓜黑料 in the Fall of 1998.

Rigby achieved numerous feats in ski mountaineering and exploration, including the first telemark descent of Choy Oyu and the first ski descent of RFHP in India鈥檚 Himachal Pradesh region. Additionally, she accomplished the first ski descents of several peaks in Kamchatka and Lebanon, explored and descended peaks in Siberia, skied Ecuador鈥檚 Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes, completed multiple first descents in Baffin Island, conquered 21 peaks in 21 days in Bolivia, and appeared in Warren Miller鈥檚 2001 film, 鈥淐old Fusion.鈥� She was also cast in 鈥淯ltimate Survival Alaska鈥� Season 3 in 2015.

Rigby鈥檚 impactful career, marked by groundbreaking feats as a telemark skier, has left an indelible mark on the skiing community.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

The post Pioneering Skier Kasha Rigby Dies in Kosovo Avalanche appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

This morning at the Utah State Capitol, world-renowned ski mountaineer and climate activist Caroline Gleich (D) officially declared her candidacy for the United States Senate seat in Utah currently held by Sen. Mitt Romney. Answering Senator Romney鈥檚 call for 鈥渁 new generation of leaders,鈥� Gleich is bringing her passion for the environment, commitment to improving the world around her, and dedication to overcoming big challenges to the forefront of her campaign.

Gleich is a world-renowned professional ski mountaineer, endurance athlete, and activist for the environment and equality. She has summited some of the highest peaks in the world, including Everest/Chomolungma and Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest peak in the world. She is the first woman to have skied all the lines in 鈥淭he Chuting Gallery,鈥� a steep skiing guidebook to the Wasatch. Caroline is also a committed activist for social and environmental justice. She aims to bring positive change to Utah and the nation through her candidacy. Caroline is based in Park City, Utah, and lives with her husband, Rob Lea.

Gleich鈥檚 vision for Utah is rooted in creating positive change, advocating for people and the planet, social and environmental justice, and elevating critical issues such as air quality, gender equity, climate action, and more. Her journey, marked by conquering challenging mountain lines and overcoming personal loss, is a testament to her resilience and dedication to advocacy.

鈥淎s I start this climb towards the U.S. Senate, I carry with me the lessons learned from reaching mountain peaks and navigating life鈥檚 terrain. My commitment is unwavering鈥攖o empower, to protect, and to advocate for a brighter future,鈥� said Gleich in a Monday press release. 鈥淚鈥檝e been an underdog my whole life with skeptics questioning my height, strength, and bravery for scaling the world鈥檚 tallest mountains. Yet, I鈥檝e summited Everest and Cho Oyu. I鈥檝e broken records and defied limits. Running for the United States Senate to represent the people of Utah is undoubtedly an uphill climb, but I鈥檓 no stranger to overcoming challenges.鈥�

Gleich attributes her extensive involvement in activism and understanding of local, state, and federal policy to her role as an athlete and advocate for social and environmental justice.

Gleich initiated her activism journey through a political internship while in college with Ted Wilson, the environmental advisor to the Governor of Utah. This led to a publication critiquing the state鈥檚 ten-year energy plan. She has since collaborated with environmental non-profits, addressing issues like fossil fuel extraction and air quality. Recognizing the interconnectedness of climate change, public lands, and social justice, she became a member of Protect Our Winters and testified before Congress on the climate鈥檚 impact on mountain sports. As the first-ever Protect Our Winters ski team captain, she led 70 athletes advocating for climate action. Gleich actively participated in efforts to protect Bears Ears National Monument, organizing fundraisers and testifying at federal hearings.

In 2020, she organized a 鈥淐limate Rally鈥� to mobilize the outdoor industry against climate change. Concerned about threats to women鈥檚 rights, climate, and public lands during the Trump administration, she ran an endorsement campaign for the Biden/Harris administration. While engaging in extreme feats like skiing 31,000 feet in a day, she raised funds for clean energy initiatives. Contributing to the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, she regularly lobbied the Utah legislature on air quality bills.

She also organized a 鈥淩un to Redistrict鈥� in 2023, raising awareness about gerrymandering in Utah and supporting a lawsuit. This week, we spoke with Gleigh via email to delve into her motivations for running and explore how her background has uniquely equipped her for the responsibilities of this office. The interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Shafer: What prompted the choice to run?
Gleich: I feel overwhelming sadness about the social and environmental issues I see in Utah and the rest of the world today. Inequality, air quality, environmental degradation, the climate crisis, and the end of the Great Salt Lake. Something that gives me hope is working on policy solutions as an activist. I鈥檝e learned to turn my anger, frustration, and sadness into action. Working on local, state, and federal policy and legislative solutions creates solutions to community-wide problems. I am running to represent the issues important to Utahns that our current elected officials aren鈥檛 addressing: protecting the environment, advocating for gender equity, cleaning our air and water, expanding access to outdoor recreation, and ensuring Utahns鈥� voices and concerns are represented in DC.

Shafer: How do you foresee this impacting your career as a professional ski mountaineer?
Gleich: Activism has always been integral to my skiing. Democracy only works if people participate, and I see running as my civic duty and a natural extension of what I do in the mountains. We need more voices from diverse backgrounds at all levels of government. I have to do this work because our air, our snow, our future, and women鈥檚 rights are at risk.

Shafer: What is the primary focus of your platform?
Gleich: I am excited to engage the next generation of voters and to give Utah voters a new option. I want to change Utah鈥檚 political landscape by registering more voters. Utah has never seen a candidate like me who represents the outdoor culture. Together, we will inspire other outdoors people and different types of candidates to get involved politically. I鈥檝e traveled all over the world and believe our governance system (while it has flaws) is one of the best. We need defenders of democracy because we can lose it in a single generation.

I will focus on advancing environmental and social justice and holding our elected officials accountable. How we treat people is how we treat the planet. Utah elected officials continue to ignore issues around climate action, air quality, and environmental protection, spending billions of dollars of taxpayer money on measures that are harming people and the planet.

Shafer: What challenges do you anticipate in your candidacy?
Gleich: I鈥檓 a woman and a Democrat running in Utah. There hasn鈥檛 been a Democrat elected statewide since the 90s. There hasn鈥檛 been a democratic senator from Utah since 1977. There鈥檚 never been a woman Senator elected from the state of Utah. I would be the first.

I know the chances are slim, but I鈥檓 not afraid of attempting what other people tell me is impossible. When I tell people about my goals throughout my career, I鈥檝e been met with skepticism. 鈥測ou鈥檙e too small and delicate. You鈥檙e not strong enough. They told me my dreams were impossible and either humored me or told me I would die trying. We can鈥檛 listen to what anyone else says we are capable of when climbing mountains or running for the U.S. Senate. I do what people tell me is impossible, and you can too.

Why do you believe skiers, in particular, should vote for you?
Gleich: It鈥檚 not a matter of whether they vote for me. It鈥檚 a matter of if they vote at all. I want to engage more skiers and snow lovers to vote and run for office. Skiers experience the natural environment on such an intimate level. We spent copious amounts of time studying the weather and putting ourselves into the worst weather possible. As we benefit from the outdoors, we have a duty to give back. We need someone who will advocate to protect the outdoors in this generation and for generations to come.

How has your career as an athlete uniquely prepared you for this office?
Gleich: Making a career as a professional athlete is always a challenge. I鈥檓 not afraid of doing hard, scary things over and over. Being a human-powered skier involves breaking trails through waist-deep snow. When climbing at high altitudes, every tiny step leaves you winded. I know how to make progress, putting one foot in front of another, even when it feels impossible. I鈥檓 also not afraid of working in a male-dominated environment where people are always second-guessing my qualifications. By continuing to show up and speak up, I鈥檓 creating a path for future women to become professional ski mountaineers and to run for office in my state and my country.

Caroline will officially launch her campaign in the coming weeks. To learn more about Caroline and her campaign, visit听听or follow her on听,听,听听, and听 at @carolineforutah.

The post She Climbed Everest. Now She鈥檚 Running to Replace Mitt Romney. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.