Bolt hangers and ropes!

Stay safe in bear country by making a "bear-muda" triangle!

It should be obvious that we shouldn't climb in areas that are closed. But apparently it's not...

Climbing, Skiing, Mountain Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 4/16/2026 --KUOW is reporting that, "The U.S. Forest Service is shutting down research stations around the country, including centers in Portland, Seattle, and

Forest Service research station closures could impact wildfire response. The BLM may restrict dispersed camping near Zion. And rescues are stacking up in Goblin Valley.

More in this week’s climbing, skiing, rescue, and outdoor news:
www.alpineinstitute.com/climbing-ski...

Technical directions in micro-mountain movement are incredibly important for backcountry travelers.

Courses and Guided Experiences:
www.alpineinstitute.com

Bolts that are over-torqued in good rock may be damaged and will eventually break. Bolts that are over-torqued in sandstone may not break, but the bolt hole will be damaged. In either case, over-torquing a bolt is bad...

Courses and Guided Experiences:
www.alpineinstitute.com

Removing a Rusty Stud Bolt - #climbing #climbingschool #mountaineering #rockclimbing YouTube video by American Alpine Institute

It is possible to remove a rusty #climbing stud bolt by over-tightening it. Eventually it will break.

www.youtube.com/shorts/CZ0yx...

Beyond the Summit: Debunking the Myths of the Mount Everest Industry Mentioning "Mount Everest" online often acts as a lightning rod for controversy. From stories of "poisoning" in the trekking industry to images of overcrowded

Is the Mount Everest industry just a playground for the ultra-rich? Short answer: No. From $2k trekking peaks to local Sherpa-owned businesses, the reality is a lot more complex than the headlines. Let's look at the facts.

www.alpineinstitute.com/beyond-the-s...

This week’s outdoor news: Bridal Veil Falls sees its first female adaptive ascent, the ski industry’s climate response falls short, and Devil's Tower actually sways in the wind. 🏔️

Read more in our latest round-up:

www.alpineinstitute.com/climbing-ski...

Adding friction to a #rappel in #climbing.

Rollerballs form when sun makes surface snow lose cohesion and roll downhill. They are a warning: upper snow layers are getting wet and heavy. Increasing rollerballs mean point release avalanches are likely.

#skiing #snowboarding #backcountryskiing #splitboarding #mountaineering

#Climbing bolts aren't always what they seem.

Peak Deception: The $20 Million Rescue Racket Tainting Nepal’s Image Mount Everest is known for its breathtaking views and grueling climbs, but a recent investigation by The Times (UK) is reporting on a darker side to the "Roof

The #Everest #climbing and #trekking world is reeling as a massive criminal investigation uncovers a systemic $20 million fraud scheme where climbers are being spiked with baking soda to trigger lucrative, fake helicopter rescues.

www.alpineinstitute.com/peak-decepti...

Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 4/2/26 --The Everett Herald is reporting that, "About five years ago, wildlife biologists with the Tulalip Tribes used GPS collars to start tracking 115 mountain

This week in outdoor news:

--The Squamish VW Bug prank.
--Forest Service HQ relocation fears.
--Everest rescue insurance fraud.

Catch up on the latest in #climbing, #skiing, and #mountainrescue here:

alpineinstitute.com/climbing-skiing-rescue-and-outdoor-news-from-here-and-abroad-4-2-26/

What is rodeo clipping in #rockclimbing?

Pitons in Bolt Holes: An Archaic Practice For decades, the soaring sandstone walls of Zion, Moab, and Indian Creek have served as a vertical playground for climbers. However, the very thing that makes

Have you seen a piton driven into a bolt hole in the Utah Desert? This is why. #rockclimbing

www.alpineinstitute.com/pitons-in-bo...

In this video we watch a skier being lowered into an extreme #ski line in Alaska. #skimountaineering

Clean Trad Gear from Rock to Rope In the world of trad climbing, "cleaning" refers to the follower removing the gear the leader placed and attaching it to their own harness. While it sounds

The best way to clean traditional gear in #rockclimbing is from rock to rope. This decreases the likelihood of dropping anything:

www.alpineinstitute.com/clean-trad-g...

Climbing, Skiing, Rescue and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 3/26/2026 --SnowBrains is reporting that, "A tragic avalanche in northwest British Columbia has left three heli-skiers dead and another seriously injured, as hazardous

SCOTUS won’t stop Oak Flat mining, a new antitrust lawsuit targets Epic/Ikon passes, and more petroglyph vandalism in Moab.

Read about these stories and more in this week’s #climbing, #skiing, #mountainrescue and #outdoornews roundup:
tinyurl.com/y6ruk986

How to manage your #tent while #camping in a #desert #windstorm.

Spring Wet Loose Slide Hazard Spring skiing often brings those characteristic "sluff" trails we see on sunny aspects. While they might look like harmless "snow snakes," point release wet

The hazards of a wet loose point release
#avalanche in spring snow conditions:

www.alpineinstitute.com/spring-wet-l...

The Dark Evolution of the "Alpine Divorce": From Gothic Thrillers to Trailhead Betrayals The term "Alpine Divorce" is currently trending across social media, but its roots are far darker than a simple tiff over a heavy pack. The phrase originates

The term "alpine divorce" is trending. What is it and why are people talking about it...?

www.alpineinstitute.com?p=138618&pre...

Something wrong with your skins? Try using a cordellete and ski straps. #skiing #backcountryskiing #splitboarding

Climbing and Outdoor News from Here and Abroad - 3/19/2026 --KOMO News is reporting that, "A skier at a Washington ski area narrowly avoided disaster Friday after falling and becoming trapped upside down in deep snow,

The trail from the top of the Stawamus Chief remains closed through April, a new housing development is being proposed outside Yosemite, and the USA Climbing Training Center is coming to Salt Lake City.

Read the full climbing, skiing, rescue, and outdoor news round-up:

tinyurl.com/5d5cxv67

Legit!

I went through the entire American system several years ago, but continue to retake courses. There's no other way to rewire our thinking.

I mention in the thread below that I've spend a few decades doing avalanche training, even including teaching others. By my count I've taken 6 avalanche courses including SAR-specific training, and taught 7.

However, tomorrow I'm taking a beginner avalanche course with my son as a refresher.

Yeah. Our operations manager saw that page and shared it internally. Pretty funny!

You may have to scrape away ice to get a good placement in transitional ice season. #climbing #iceclimbing

After Months of Bad News, This National Park Had One of Its Busiest Years Despite a government shutdown and reports of chaos, one California national park saw more than 4.2 million visitors last year.

Despite a government shutdown and reports of chaos, one California national park saw more than 4.2 million visitors last year.