We’ve made it through the holidays, almost, and the weather is finally offering some cold and snow for all the powderhounds out there. It’s been a long wait but well worth it!

Well, almost. According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, this past week alone observers reported 19 human-triggered avalanches occurring from Cameron Pass all the way down to Loveland Pass. The Front Range is in particularly rough shape right now because of the early snow/early warm-up/more snow cycle. Yesterday’s 50+ mph winds above treeline loaded that slab on top of very unstable layers creating conditions prime for avalanche.

Of course you’re not at any risk, right? It couldn’t possibly happen….not so fast there, powderhound. It’s a real danger to everyone, even the most experienced among us.

The next sPEAKer series event at the Museum is incredibly timely. On Wednesday, January 6th, at 7 PM the Colorado Mountain Club will speak on the topic of Avalanche Awareness. It’s not an AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) avalanche class but an overview of the training, equipment, and cranial activation you’ll need to make good choices in the backcountry. Join us at 5:30 for some refreshment prior to the event and a chance for participants to see the museum inclusive in the price of admission. All sPEAKers series events are $3 for AAC/CMC members & students, $5 for non-members, free to Friends of the Museum and AAC library and open to the public.

Remember, it’s not what you know; it’s what you don’t know that can injure, even kill you. Have an adventurous and SAFE New Year and we’ll see you on the 6th at the American Mountaineering Center!

Roof of the Rockies

Colorado has more land over 10,000 feet than any other state or province in North America. As many of you know, 54 of its mountains rise over 14,000 feet above sea level, and more than 600 peaks top 13,000 feet. These high summits, along with thousands of rock and ice climbs, attract mountaineers from all over the world.

Colorado has had an undeniable influence on the history of mountaineering and an inspirational role for anyone who has seen its peaks--from the early pioneers who called the Rockies their home, to the 10th Mountain Division and its influence on world history; from the climbing skills learned in Colorado that have been utilized the world over, to the song and poetry that have been created as a result of its beauty.

Colorado will feature prominently in the museum. Historic photographs from the collection of the Colorado Mountain Club will be accompanied by stunning images from today's best mountain photographers, some of whom call Colorado home. Fly through the Colorado section of the museum in this virtual video. You'll end up looking onto the entrance crevasse.