From the inspiring to the tragic, ‘Adventure News of the Week’ presents a wrap-up of top news in the world of exploration and adventure.
DEATH: 1 Backcountry Snowboarder, 1 Snowmobiler Caught in Front Range Avalanches. On Feb. 13, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center issued avalanche warnings and advisories for several forecast zones across Colorado (including Aspen, Gunnison, Vail and Summit County, and the Front Range).
On Feb. 14, a snowboarder was caught and killed near Loveland Pass. He had been touring with an avalanche airbag, which deployed, but his upper body remained partially buried. He was traveling alone. Also on the same day, a backcountry snowmobiler was caught and killed in an avalanche on Mount Epworth near Rollins Pass. Both avalanches occurred on east-facing slopes.
The CAIC reminds winter travelers that dangerous avalanche conditions exist across all of Colorado’s mountains.
MISSING: After 8 Days, Missing Hiker’s Dog Found, Search for Hiker Suspended. Josh Hall, 27, and his dog Happy went out for a hike on Feb. 3. On Feb. 11, Happy was found about 7 miles from their last known location in Boulder County, Colo.
Search crews have suspended looking for Hall due to dangerous weather conditions. Thus far, search-and-rescue teams have completed over 650 person-hours of searching for him.
EVEREST: Nepal Confirms Ban on Fake Everest Climbers. Nepal banned three Indian climbers, who staged fake photos of themselves at the summit of Mt. Everest, from the mountain — and Nepal — for 6 years. The climbers took part in a trek to Mt. Everest in 2016 but didn’t make it to the summit.
RESORTS: Amidst COVID-19 Concerns, Italy Delays Opening of Ski Areas. On Feb. 14, the evening before Italy’s ski slopes were to reopen, the government rescheduled the reopening date. The delay is due to an outbreak of a COVID-19 variant.
Italy won’t allow any ski slopes or resorts to open until at least March 5. The ban only applies to amateur skiing — World Cup and FIS Federation professional activities will continue.
