Avalanche Deaths in Europe Top 75

Swiss Alps [Photo] Steve Evans
Hazard warnings abound at European ski areas in anticipation of what is traditionally the busiest weekend of the season. An unstable snowpack, compounded with recent heavy snow and more in the forecast means, “In the current conditions avalanches can release even on a slope of 30 degrees,” Oliver Cousin of the Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité told The Telegraph. Current conditions in Switzerland are considered 3 out of 5, or “critically dangerous,” avalanche expert Werner Munter told The Telegraph.
Grand Traverse Launches Instagram Contest
Crested Butte, Colo. The GORE-TEX Grand Traverse, that epic race that starts at midnight and runs 40 miles from Crested Butte, Colo. to Aspen, doesn’t start until March 27. But to fuel the excitement of racers and spectators, they’ve launched an Instagram contest, searching for stories and images of winter adventure. From February 9 through February 27, tag a photo on Instagram with #emgstories and @emgtskirace to join the conversation and to win numerous prizes from race sponsors, including Dynafit, Outdoor Research, Icebreaker and GORE-TEX. Find more information on the Instagram contest here, and details on the race here.
Sherpas Cinema Release JP Auclair Tribute
Whistler, B.C. Sherpas Cinema has released a video tribute for JP Auclair, the celebrated freeskiing pioneer and Sherpas Cinema Co-Director who died in an avalanche in Patagonia on September 29, 2014. The video accompanies the Auclair Fund auction, containing Auclair signature skis, hats, artwork and more. Proceeds from the auction support his son, Leo, and partner, Ingrid. Read Sherpas Cinema’s tribute to Auclair here.
we love you jp from Alpine Initiatives on Vimeo.
First Lady Shreds in Aspen

Shred ready Michelle Obama [Photo] Joyce N. Boghosian, White House photographer
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