Kevin Green, Telluride Ski mountaineer and first descent artist with credits including the San Joaquin couloir just outside Telluride’s boundary died in a tragic accident on Monday. From the sounds of things, he hit a rope while skiing Telluride near closing time. for more information, read here.
The San Joaquin (photo Bill Middlebrook, 14ers.com):
There were a couple of tragic freak accidents in the Colorado backcountry this weekend. One was right here in Crested Butte. A local skier was ascending the skintrack to ski “Coney’s” when he apparently collapsed and died of what appears to be a heart attack from what I hear. I’ve been told he was only 35.
Meanwhile, in Telluride, a woman who was snowboarding with Telluride Helitrax accidentally fell into a creek and drowned. What is really strange about this story is that reports have indicated the guide was unable to free her because her helmet was wedged under a rock. This may be the rare circumstance when a helmet may have contributed to a death, rather than preventing one. More information on this accident can be found at the Telluride Daily Planet and the L.A Times Read the comments in the L.A.Times for an outrageous take on what “gender roles” had to do with this accident.
Some of the dangers of the backcountry are a given, such as avalanches. The thought of a backcountry partner having a heart attack in the backcountry is a tough one, knowing there is nothing that could ever be done in a case like that. Likewise, while creek crossings evoke a healthy dose of respect in the backcountry, who would think that a helmet would create a deadly situation like that.
In the end, these accidents are just that- accidents. Bad things happen, sometimes when crossing the street, sometimes when skinning up a hill to do some skiing. It’s sad, but I’m not sure there is necessarily a lesson in it. Condolences to all the friends and family of those involved…
Apologies to TGR regulars that already got to see this…
About ten years ago, when really fat skis started becoming more popular, you’d here the inevitable “What are those, water skis?” jokes. That gave me an idea. I remember telling people that I wanted to ski waves, like a surfer but on skis. After all, snowboarding is just some sport that took surfing to the snow, so why not take skiing to the water? Problem was, I’m made out of oil (i.e. I don’t mix with water). I’m so stoked that someone finally pulled it off, and with style, too. Check it out:
Generations is a short film produced by TGR about something that should concern all skiers: climate change. It’s a really good movie, with a lot of historical footage, climate change information, and even a fair bit of top-notch skiing and snowboarding. The download is free, and can be found here. I tend to prefer ski movies with a little bit of plot or storyline in them, and this film was no exception. The kids near the end are hilarious, too.
Meanwhile, my friend Alison Gannett recently walked from London to Copenhagen to attend the Copenhagen Climate Conference and raise awareness for her Save Our Snow Foundation Climate change awareness is something that Alison has been working hard on for several years, and her efforts are noteworthy. Thanks for being such a leader on this issue, Alison!
Finally, I thought I’d mention how sad it is that so many people continue to dismiss climate change and the role humans play. The evidence is overwhelming, and the only studies discounting it seem to come from scientists funded by the oil industry. Even for people who think the entire global warming scenario is something cooked up by environmental extremists, reducing the use of fossil fuels should be a top priority for us all. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is just one benefit of moving away from fossil fuels. The last time I was in Salt Lake City, the air was so thick with smog I couldn’t see even one block, and I don’t need any studies to know that my burning eyes and the metallic taste in my mouth was not good for me. Take some action, even if it’s just the small things mentioned at the end of Generations, like unplugging as much as you can every time you leave the house, or changing your light bulbs to the new compact florescents. At least check the movie out, it’s worthwhile as a ski flick alone.
In other news, it’s finally snowing. Time to make some turns…
The forest service has decided to really throw a wrench in CBMR’s plans to expand onto Snodgrass Mountain. Their letter to CBMR can be found here:
Update 11.12.09: 2 more articles in the local paper that are well worth reading for those interested…
Official Story
Local Reactions
It will be interesting to see where CBMR goes from here. They will almost certainly appeal, but who knows where that will get them. Snodgrass is the only logical place to go for more intermediate terrain, and the resort could use more intermediate terrain for families. I have a feeling this is far from over…