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Subject: Avalanche Danger
nadia.$
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Jan 2 2009
7:35:14
8 snowmobilers dead near Fernie,

3-4 skiers as of tonight dead at Whistler-blackcomb, steve clarke in an avy in RUBY BOWL and 2 missing off of west bowl, 1 missing in harmony. I can't believe they reopened it after that big slide 2 days ago.

1 dead in Jackson Hole last week, headwall also slid and took out the restaurant and patrol shack

1 dead in Squaw last week

1 dead at Mt High in cali...

 BIG Slides at Alta, Snowbird...

3 BIG slides set off today at WB.

If you have a beacon, wear in ON inbounds, bring your backpack with avy gear. IPODS and cell phones do screw with the signal, get trained... don't fuck around.

One of my coworkers is also a guide for whistler Heli and they're not flying til the snowpack unfucks it self, which means we need it to rain to consolidate the -20 fluffy layer with the ice under it all and now the warmer layer on top. Pray for a pineapple express.

/ icon and title message
http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/l...shColumbiaHome

Two dead in avalanches near Whistler, B.C.
Updated: Thu Jan. 01 2009 18:24:26

CTV.ca News Staff

Two people are dead following avalanches on separate mountain ski runs near the resort town of Whistler, B.C.

CTV News' Sarah Galashan said that in both fatalities the skiers were in areas that would normally be in-bounds but because of avalanche warnings those areas were marked as off-limits.

The body of a 37-year-old Whistler man was found Thursday morning on Blackcomb Mountain on a ski run called Spanky's Ladder. An avalanche occurred there on Wednesday and a search was called for after the skier was reported missing.

The second fatality occurred Thursday afternoon on Whistler Mountain after an avalanche on a ski course called Hidden Chute. RCMP said the victim was a 26-year-old man from outside B.C.

A third avalanche occurred on an in-bounds ski course on Whistler Mountain Thursday afternoon. That part of the mountain has since been shut down.

Staff at Whistler have been letting skiers know that the avalanche risk was very high and have marked some ski courses as out of bounds, Galashan said.

RCMP are expected to make a statement later Thursday. The identities of the victims have not been released.

Avalanche warnings are in place throughout much of southern B.C.

Eight men were killed on Sunday when they were struck by a series of avalanches while snowmobiling near Fernie, B.C. Three men managed to survive.


J.D.$
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Jan 6 2009
5:14:57
Here comes the next level. The solicitor general of BC has seen this as an opening to advance his career and gain a little name recognition via a few shout outs from the media, and is running with it. He is proposing new legislation to penalize (fine) anyone who ducks ropes at a ski area or accesses sidecountry / out of bounds areas.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/01/06/bc-van-dongen-mountain-backcountry-penalties.html

This is just too much.
--------------------------------------------------------------Joystickskiing.com-------------------------------------------------------------- Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.
freezedUltimate Bling!
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Jan 6 2009
5:20:24
Quoting grousepark from Jan 5 2009 6:42:08:
Meanwhile, one of Friday’s transgressors- Graham Haywood- can, and likely will, continue to spread his self-serving mistruths. The facts are his group was unprepared and ill equipped. We only hope for their own sake, and for the sake of others, that the group will reflect on this situation and realize that they need to modify their behaviour in the future whether they choose to ski at another resort or in the uncontrolled backcountry.
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james44$
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Jan 6 2009
6:01:57
Quoting freezedUltimate Bling! from Jan 6 2009 5:20:24:
wow
exactly what i thought, i showed my dad it and he thinks it sounds perfectly reasonable. how could they say that when he said on tv that they should not have gone out of bounds?
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friedcheese
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Jan 6 2009
6:43:21

There are too many ignorant people saying too many ignorant things in this shit. Now the dumb fucking solicitor general is flapping his know it all mouth. We are ruled by idiots and this is fucking garbage. This Mbaho fuck and the president of Grouse have crossed the line into stupidity and are trying to ruin slackcountry skiing as a whole.

I think that this could be some serious shit and this thread should be in ski gabber or something and stickied cause if the solicitor general starts fining backcountry skiiers off resorts, next they'll try to create "safe backcountry zones" as the only places we can ski out of bounds. This could be the worst thing to happen to sking in a long time because of some bullshit fucking "mountain". This is a lot more troubling than "RCR not building jumps anymore" we need to find someone to write and something to do because this is just too bad.

The vast majority lower mainland doesn't know shit about the mountains and the media is bombarding them with bullshit. They don't know that avalanches almost never get triggered on 20 degree runs below treeline. They only know the horseshit that ctv feeds them.

'friedcheese is the worst person on this site' Spinners
J.D.$
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Jan 6 2009
6:47:41
Quoting friedcheese from Jan 6 2009 6:43:21:
I think that this could be some serious shit and this thread should be in ski gabber or something
I am talking to Doug about how to approach this as a site for sure. It doesn't directly affect NS as a company, but it does affect the sport in a pretty disturbing way.
--------------------------------------------------------------Joystickskiing.com-------------------------------------------------------------- Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.
wiener
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Jan 6 2009
7:30:04
this shit is seriously fucked up




' yes wiener you are the coolest, sexiest piece of man meat ever to walk this planet' Jeff Schmuck ahahahah
nadia.$
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Jan 6 2009
8:07:23
I posted a lot of this information in ski gabber in another thread and it wasn't well received.

Most people couldn't seem to understand that ducking ropes at W/B vs. say... colorado is a LOT different.

You duck ropes here to get to L'avalanche, CBC, khybers, a lot of other runs that aren't say PC all the time, it's not a punishable offense, it's just not patrolled so if you fuck up you're on your own.

In colorado, you duck a rope you get arrested, trust me I know it happened at the aspen comp. I managed to play the dumb blonde canadian card, as I had no idea that was how it worked there.

Basically it seems the attitude was "Fuck those idiots at whistler for skiiing OB and dying they deserved it" and "I actually feel sorry for the people who died at jackson, they had no idea"

Thats dumb shit. Since when is RUBY BOWL or HARMONY killing people? We never EVER have this kind of snow pack and at the time there was not adequate signage or information out. Only people who had a clue were people who had dug pits, or taken avy courses to realize that we had a lot of cold light dry snow sitting on a rain crust.

Its a shame more people don't take it seriously, or get the gear and get trained.

FRODO.
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Jan 6 2009
8:27:44
I just tried explaining this situation to my parents with the relevant facts and they still can't understand why I am siding with Haywood, Hillier and Petsnick. Even with the facts it seems most of the general public still wont get it.
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camohard
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Jan 6 2009
10:37:53
This is absolutely absurd, and getting really out of hand. Now I have to send a really well-thought letter to the Solicitor General too. This is actually really serious now.
Honestly, I know I'm going to get mad hate for this comment, but I really don't care what my karma is, Ill speak my mind. Why are these four guys who were prepared and didn't get hurt getting all the shit. If we are going to get mad at backcountry users and place fines, why not have a discussion about the Sparwood/Fernie snowmobilers. Not to be a dick, but those guys are being portrayed as if they got fucked by mother nature. No. They made a poor judgement call. 4 badass avies don't just happen. They should have and could have easily avoided that situation, yet they died, so we can't find any wrong doing with their actions. Well screw being politically correct, I would much rather take the right moral actions. Seriously, I know there are some issues associated with what happened, and even though it was a bad decision to call SAR on Grouse, it's understandable. Grouse had to deal with some mad hate when that guy that died on the Grind's family flipped a shit and built a media story for their benefit. That doesn't mean we have to turn around and ruin the sport for everyone else or hurt people that were doing it the way it should be done. Man, sooooo angry right now. Im gonna go make some cinnamon buns and shit.
nadia.$
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Jan 7 2009
12:30:32
Quoting camohard from Jan 6 2009 10:37:53:
This is absolutely absurd, and getting really out of hand. Now I have to send a really well-thought letter to the Solicitor General too. This is actually really serious now. Honestly, I know I'm going to get mad hate for this comment, but I really don't care what my karma is, Ill speak my mind. Why are these four guys who were prepared and didn't get hurt getting all the shit. If we are going to get mad at backcountry users and place fines, why not have a discussion about the Sparwood/Fernie snowmobilers. Not to be a dick, but those guys are being portrayed as if they got fucked by mother nature. No. They made a poor judgement call. 4 badass avies don't just happen. They should have and could have easily avoided that situation, yet they died, so we can't find any wrong doing with their actions. Well screw being politically correct, I would much rather take the right moral actions. Seriously, I know there are some issues associated with what happened, and even though it was a bad decision to call SAR on Grouse, it's understandable. Grouse had to deal with some mad hate when that guy that died on the Grind's family flipped a shit and built a media story for their benefit. That doesn't mean we have to turn around and ruin the sport for everyone else or hurt people that were doing it the way it should be done. Man, sooooo angry right now. Im gonna go make some cinnamon buns and shit.
Don't worry dude, my karma dropped 25,000 after posting in the other thread about the current avy dangers. People are retarded.
ZavierV
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Jan 7 2009
3:59:17
Quoting camohard from Jan 6 2009 10:37:53:
This is absolutely absurd, and getting really out of hand. Now I have to send a really well-thought letter to the Solicitor General too. This is actually really serious now. Honestly, I know I'm going to get mad hate for this comment, but I really don't care what my karma is, Ill speak my mind. Why are these four guys who were prepared and didn't get hurt getting all the shit. If we are going to get mad at backcountry users and place fines, why not have a discussion about the Sparwood/Fernie snowmobilers. Not to be a dick, but those guys are being portrayed as if they got fucked by mother nature. No. They made a poor judgement call. 4 badass avies don't just happen. They should have and could have easily avoided that situation, yet they died, so we can't find any wrong doing with their actions. Well screw being politically correct, I would much rather take the right moral actions. Seriously, I know there are some issues associated with what happened, and even though it was a bad decision to call SAR on Grouse, it's understandable. Grouse had to deal with some mad hate when that guy that died on the Grind's family flipped a shit and built a media story for their benefit. That doesn't mean we have to turn around and ruin the sport for everyone else or hurt people that were doing it the way it should be done. Man, sooooo angry right now. Im gonna go make some cinnamon buns and shit.
dude, we're all in the right. it's grouse and the general puclic that's wrong. i agree with you about the fernie sleders, that shit just doesn't happen.
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Nihiriju
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Jan 7 2009
11:41:27
I was just watching the morning news on global, and the media coverage is still continuing, today they had the solicitor general on stating that we needed legislation to fine people who go out of bounds.

This is a serious serious matter. It is getting way out of hand now and we NEED to do something about it.
yes i am quite aware of my wonderful typing skillz. J-WHAT!
Hedekar
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Jan 7 2009
12:21:27
Quoting Nihiriju from Jan 7 2009 11:41:27:
I was just watching the morning news on global, and the media coverage is still continuing, today they had the solicitor general on stating that we needed legislation to fine people who go out of bounds. This is a serious serious matter. It is getting way out of hand now and we NEED to do something about it.
I saw it too, and I agree. The problem is figuring out how to publicly make people understand our point of view. Letters to the Solicitor General would be a good start though.
Vancouver Island.
andy_boy
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Jan 7 2009
2:22:41
Quoting grousepark from Jan 5 2009 6:42:08:
Meanwhile, one of Friday’s transgressors- Graham Haywood- can, and likely will, continue to spread his self-serving mistruths. The facts are his group was unprepared and ill equipped. We only hope for their own sake, and for the sake of others, that the group will reflect on this situation and realize that they need to modify their behaviour in the future whether they choose to ski at another resort or in the uncontrolled backcountry.
My blood is boiling.
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Drail
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Jan 7 2009
2:36:30
well... there's a lot going on in my brain right now. Mostly I'm just baffled about how an afternoon of skiing for some skiers turned into... I don't even know man.

It will be extremely hard to make the general public to look at backcountry skiing from our point of view. Mostly because you're dealing with a city full of people who don't ski right beside the mountains. They're so worried about being safe in their lives every day that the thought of someone voluntarily putting themselves in harms way for some cheep thrills is up there with playing russian roulette.

This whole situation just proves to me that our society is truly slipping. One thing I can't quite figure out is: I've read from a couple people talking about how the skiers put themselves and others into harms way. what others? who exactly did they put at risk other than themselves?



Don't worry though guys, you got the kootenay's just down the road and laws or not, we know better.
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ZavierV
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Jan 7 2009
2:54:11
Quoting Drail from Jan 7 2009 2:36:30:
the thought of someone voluntarily putting themselves in harms way for some cheep thrills
they are more than just cheep thrills....
ON3P

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Hedekar
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Jan 7 2009
2:58:29

I think that a good analogy for the ammount of danger in this situation would be that it is dangerous to drive your car at 200km/hr. Unless of course you are a racecar driver, driving a racecar at a racetrack. Then it is less dangerous than say, driving 50km/hr in richmond. It sounds to me like nobody was put in any danger at all.

Vancouver Island.
Drail
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Jan 7 2009
3:23:24
Quoting ZavierV from Jan 7 2009 2:54:11:
they are more than just cheep thrills....
I was wording it like I was a city dwelling non skier. I'm well aware of how good the thrills are.
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Silence$$
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Jan 7 2009
3:44:15
So what implications does this have on someone like myself heading over to Whis, with zero avi experience/knowledge..i'm coming from mountains and conditions that never really see any slides

Given the conditions, Should I be getting myself a beacon for inbounds stuff?
Any recommendations on where to ski etc?

thanks, it seems like it is pretty crazy up there if you don't know the surroundings well(e.g. me)

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Simon.
wrenegade
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Jan 7 2009
4:38:26
I wouldn't think it is necessary to get yourself a beacon for inbounds stuff. I mean, it can't hurt, but if you don't have the knowledge of how to use it and/or aren't with others who have them and know what they are doing, it is of little use.

The inbounds slides that have happened at Whistler so far this season were in areas that while usually part of everyday skiing, were closed or had been closed as the time of the slide. Lesson here is, don't go into closed areas, they are closed for a reason. Stick to the groomers for now.




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papasteezeUltimate Bling!
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Jan 7 2009
5:18:35

Interesting debate...

There must be a huge difference between Canadian and Americans in regards to a sense of entitlement at a ski resort because I don't get it. 

Regardless if it is public land or not, why does Grouse have to allow thier lifts to be used for public access, is it not a private enitity with its own rules? 

In my mind.  I have a business, lets say a ski resort.  I got rules at my ski resort.  You buy a pass agreeing to those rules.  You break those rules.  You are done, maybe plus some, depending on the violation.  If you don't like my rules, my ski resort, go somewhere else...

So uh yeah..  Sounds to me, like all you Canadians should go somewhere else that doesn't act like an American Resort?

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garnia
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Jan 7 2009
5:45:54
Papasteeze.

If grouse wants to ban them for breaking their rules I think thats totally fair. But the skiers are being fined for skiing on Crown land, that Grouse does not own, therefor should not be allowed to fine them.
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Nihiriju
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Jan 7 2009
6:10:00
Quoting papasteezeUltimate Bling! from Jan 7 2009 5:18:35:

In my mind.  I have a business, lets say a ski resort.  I got rules at my ski resort.  You buy a pass agreeing to those rules.  You break those rules.  You are done, maybe plus some, depending on the violation.  If you don't like my rules, my ski resort, go somewhere else...
So uh yeah..  Sounds to me, like all you Canadians should go somewhere else that doesn't act like an American Resort?








This is not so much the issue we are discussing anymore. THat is as you say totally Grouses decision and within fully within their power.

The issue revolves more around Grouse initially trying to make the skiers in questions pay for all search and rescue costs, of which there were none as there was absolutely no need for a search and rescue operation. There was need for caution but no S and R, which did not happen either, all that Happened is that S and R and radioed and they radioed Air 1 ( which is the police helicopter on random patrol) who went and looked over at the skiers, the skiers were not in trouble and were on their way hiking out the exit. A Grouse patroller on a snowmobile meet them lower down the exit on the road out. The skiers skied their lines and made it out safe and sound with full knowledge of what they were doing and no rescue.

IF Grouse wants to ban them for these actions that's fine with me, puts Grouse in a bad light from my point of view and I will not ski there again, however that is their choice. The major issue comes into play when the media gets ahold of this and people who have no idea what they are talking about start manipulating the story and say that anyone who goes out of bounds should be immediately fined, with a hefty fine.

This is the provincial legislation that the solicitor general is talking about trying to implement. The repercussions of this for anyone who enjoys the outdoors doing any sport would be disastrous. Say good bye to beautiful British Columbia.

I could even see parts of some legislation like this go through. Does anyone remember in those summers with extreme forest fire hazard where they implemented emergency actions making it illegal for anyone to be in the backcountry. IF you did not come out of the forests within 4 days you would be given a $20,000 fine if caught in the forests? I think this was like 3-4 years ago this happened. So I could potentially see legislation going through making it illegal to venture into the backcountry in winter months when there are considerable avalanche dangers in effect. ( That is the best case scenario legislation i can think of going through) the worst would be complete bans at all times for going out of bounds.

Also never mind the fact that avalanche risk that day was stated at moderate for the surrounding areas below the tree line and the skiers conducted their own avalanche tests and deemed it safe.

We are talking about new laws in BC that stop people from entering the backcountry. Anyone who loves the outdoors does not want to see this.
yes i am quite aware of my wonderful typing skillz. J-WHAT!
J.D.$
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Jan 7 2009
7:07:10
Quoting Silence$$ from Jan 7 2009 3:44:15:
thanks, it seems like it is pretty crazy up there if you don't know the surroundings well(e.g. me)

Basically, don't go into any closed or roped-off areas unless you've got someone with you who knows the mountain reasonably well. There are plenty of places in W/B that are safely accessible right now and there are a number of places that aren't, either for avy risk reasons or lack of coverage.
--------------------------------------------------------------Joystickskiing.com-------------------------------------------------------------- Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.
Silence$$
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Jan 7 2009
7:09:16
For sure.
I think common sense is probably the best advice to take with me.

Just hope there is some good snowfall between now and the end of the month!
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Simon.
papasteezeUltimate Bling!
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Jan 7 2009
11:57:32
Quoting garnia from Jan 7 2009 5:45:54:
Papasteeze.

If grouse wants to ban them for breaking their rules I think thats totally fair. But the skiers are being fined for skiing on Crown land, that Grouse does not own, therefor should not be allowed to fine them.
Humph....  My problem is how they got onto the Crown Land and the liability associated with that.

Devils advocate..  for nothing more than the sake of argument. So I better understand this..

At my ski resort, while on my property, you purchased a pass to with the intent of leaving the ski boundary, then you blatantly disregarded employee warnings......  aren't I culpable in the event something happened? I think so..  I am no attorney..    JD?  help me out... 

What would the story be if after the resort employees witnessed them leaving, warning them that they were going to get in trouble and yet, they did nothing more to save the guys from .........let say... dying.

So..

A. Do I just accept that people are going to use my services against my rules?
B. Do I send employees to chase after you?
C. Do I call the authorities and cry that my rules got broken?
D. Do I call search and rescue because the info I have is that you are going to need it?





Show me a young Conservative and I'll show you someone with no heart. Show me an old Liberal and I'll show you someone with no brains. - Unknown
camohard
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Jan 8 2009
1:07:48
while i think i have issues with what you are suggesting here, i would just like to point out two things for now.

1. the mountain says that they were ignored, while the skiers suggest that they were unaware that they were being yelled at/observed.

2. they did call the authorities, i believe they have to in order to initiate SAR.

actually, ill throw one more thing out there. so lets say i want to access my (public land), which happens to lie behind what you own. Is it okay for me to hike over your property, sometimes using trails you have developed? If i want to give you money, in order to save myself some time/effort though, use your lift, then promptly leave your land, you should be able to prosecute me?
I realize that people are trying to be nice, moral people and such, but we need to give other people some responsibility. Now, all of these men are old enough to drink alcohol, own a gun (with the appropriate training/licensing in Canada), drive a car, choose who runs the country (in the case of the US, this also means the majority of the World), etc. We can be trusted with all these things, all of which, if not dealt with carefully could and do result in death all the time. Yet, the general public here seems to be suggesting that they can't be trusted with their own lives.
People are saying that maybe death isn't a big enough deterant for these people, so maybe they need a huge hit in the pocket book as well. Why the fuck do they care so much?
Anyways, last time I checked, suicide isn't illegal. Assisting it is; doing it isn't. Attempting it was, until '71 in Canada, but not even more, so you can't even take that angle.

not an attack, just giving you some other views/points to consider.
mmallender.$
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Jan 8 2009
3:19:17
to anyone who would like an opportunity to  speak on behalf of the skiing community, pm me, I am currently sending an email that will be corresponded to a higher up at the North Shore news to see if an article can be printed. If there already has been one then let me know and i will ask that the email be disregard. Our opinions on this matter are important, as we represent the skiing community, and I will do my best to ensure that our voices are heard on the matter.
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Obsessedwski
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Jan 8 2009
4:13:15
I've read the whole thread and the blog posted and I think I can put some stuff together where the stories don't fit....but its my threads for now because I got a fucking essay to write for school

seriously FUCK school theres more important shit than a fucking essay
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trevorwoulddoit
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Jan 8 2009
4:47:54
First some background: I have skied Thrasher Creek with James and Graham. I have trusted them with my life and would do it again. I also skied trees just down the valley from Ruby Bowl, at the same elevation, on the same day the man died. I know the terrain we are talking about, and I experienced the snow pack at that time.

It’s obvious the guy who died in Ruby made a bad choice. Even in the trees the snow pack was horrific, and coverage was only marginally better, which is saying something. Taking into consideration all the factors that should have influenced his decision, if I were in his shoes, I would have NEVER dropped in.

On the other hand, if I was properly equipped, and with the now infamous Grouse Four on their fateful day, I would have dropped in a second. Skiing out of bounds is a calculated risk. It’s as simple as that. This group had the skill and experience to ski Thrasher, assessed the snowpack, knew the terrain, and were well equipped. In my opinion, those are the all the risks anyone in the backcountry can account for. The rest is out of your control. Dropping in may have been a “poor decision,” but the Grouse Four were as safe as they could possibly be, with the exception of having an additional shovel.

According to accounts from Grouse and NSR, the Four were already back on the saddle by the time the helicopter arrived, and at that point without a doubt considered safe. As a result they are only being billed for Grouse’s “rescue” costs. NSR has not and will never charge for their services, and you don’t have to be the sharpest knife to understand why. For Grouse to understand why and take the opposite approach is a very serious statement. They have a zero-tolerance policy on leaving the ski area. Unfortunately, zero-tolerance policies have been consistently proven to fail spectacularly at prevention and succeed wildly at punishment. The punishment Grouse could impose on someone as a result of their policy is death. This is a very serious reality for them to accept, and I don’t think it should be taken lightly.

According to Mr. McLaughlin, the Four put themselves “and others in danger.” Without a doubt, these men took a calculated risk and were technically in “danger,” but how much danger is dependent on perspective. As for these mysterious “others,” I have not read one single account anywhere of someone other than the Four being in danger. No patrollers skied after them, nobody left the helicopter, and from what I understand, they were met on the Mountain Road. If you know of someone else being in danger, I stand corrected. McLaughlin goes on to say, “The area that these four individuals put themselves into is dangerous.” Also obviously true, but I have already established that danger is relative, not absolute. It is also completely preposterous for McLaughlin to say, “That the four individuals were able to hike out from the drainage area they ended up in is called good luck, not good planning,” when all evidence points to the exact opposite. I won’t even address that bluff any further.

Placing this event in the context of that devastating week and an undoubtedly image conscious resort, it’s easy to see why, “At the time of their transgression, Grouse Mountain had only one option: prepare for the worst.” If four guys die out of bounds at Grouse, it does not look good. From Grouse’s perspective at the time, I don’t consider the redirection of an airborne RCMP chopper to see if the Four were safe as an overreaction. Call it a preventative measure to what in 90+ per cent of other cases would have meant a rescue.

The overreaction lies in Grouse’s insistence on fining the Four for assistance they never needed. If any kind of actual “rescue” had taken place, it would be different. Yes, Grouse dispatched patrollers and transport to meet them, but they were not needed for more than a glorified arrest. McLaughlin states that, “these costs are incurred unnecessarily by people who flout the rules,” when in fact the costs were unnecessarily incurred by Grouse even after it was known the Four were safe. The Four have taken ownership over their actions from the very start, and now it is time for Grouse to take ownership over their response. I am clearly not alone in my belief that the Grouse Four should not have to pay for services they never asked for, nor required.

The Four have taken appropriate ownership for their actions. Once this blows over, Grouse will be forced to take ownership for their actions whether they like it or not, which is fitting considering they foolishly choose to deal in absolutes. Now it is up to you to take ownership for your actions. Grouse has made it explicitly clear that skiing out of bounds on their private property is unacceptable. If you have a problem with that, put your money where your mouth is, and take your business elsewhere.


trevorwoulddoit
Karma : 7550
6171 Posts
No Life
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Jan 8 2009
4:57:13
Quoting camohard from Jan 6 2009 12:00:05:
do the "ski area boundary" signs not indicate that once past them, an individual is no longer on resort property? I feel that this is an assumption that any reasonable individual would make.
These are the only two reasonable assumptions you can make when you see a Ski Area Boundary sign:

1) The area beyond is not patrolled.

2) If you don't know exactly where you're going, don't.


Hedekar
Karma : 11700
1812 Posts
Insane
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Jan 8 2009
7:00:13
^^Very Well Put Dave.
Vancouver Island.
mmallender.$
Karma : 8091
2815 Posts
Addict
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Jan 8 2009
9:24:05
well I found out today that my moms friend who I was trying to contact has retired from the north shore news, so I will not be able to provide an article voicing our side and our opinions on the matter. sorry if i got anyones hopes up, looks like we'll have to go about it another way.
french fried when he should have pizza'd. rookie mistake. "that one kid he was like a one stomp gumba"
Maximumsushi$
Karma : 98449
7146 Posts
Crazy Fool
icon
Jan 9 2009
8:07:59
Today on the way to work, I heard James Hillier talking about what happened at Grouse on CBC radio. I looked around and actually found the MP3 podcast. Definitely have a listen. I think it aired the first time the other day but have seen no mention of the interview.

I must say that James was extremely articulate and well-spoken. He did a great job of clarifying the issue for the layman, made some great analogies and explaining his thoughts on SAR. It's definitely worth checking out.

http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/bcearlyedition_20090106_10618.mp3


___________________________________
Some people are trying to snowboard here!
Oh I get it. Sorry to ruin your day.
wrenegade
Karma : 24263
6431 Posts
No Life
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Jan 9 2009
12:52:49
A groomer was caught in an avalanche off of Pika's traverse yesterday, carrying the machine and groomer down 100m. The groomer suffered minor injuries from broken glass, but will be ok. The area had been heavily bombed and other machines had worked in the area without issue for most of the week.

Just one more example of how fucking crazy it is out there. Be careful.

Also, as mentioned on TGR, some people talking to a couple Patrol guys said there is a chance areas like the Peak and Spankys may not open at all this season due to these crazy unstable facets being buried now. I hope that isn't the case, but I'd rather that than hear about more people getting caught in slides.




~~Phunkin Phatt Phreerider~~
on3p. Skis

West is Best
J.D.$
Karma : 32166
16734 Posts
Post Whore
icon
Jan 9 2009
6:30:22
Intrawest just issued a press release warning of snowpack instability that ended with this paragraph:

There are no plans for Whistler Blackcomb to change policies and impose penalties on guests who ski beyond the Ski Area Boundary, which is very different from a Closed area. "Beyond boundary access is not something that we can or want to restrict entirely," says MacFarlane. "Backcountry travel in BC is very popular and many who venture in uncontrolled areas are prepared for the hazards that exist. Those who cross the Ski Area Boundary are responsible for their own safety and need the appropriate training, equipment, route finding skills, partners and self rescue capabilities."

However going into designated closed areas will still result in passes being pulled for the remainder of this season.
--------------------------------------------------------------Joystickskiing.com-------------------------------------------------------------- Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.
camohard
Karma : 1911
311 Posts
Loner
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Jan 9 2009
8:12:31
righteous. that's a totally honest, fair and legitimate way to deal with terrain access issues.
hemlockjibber8
Karma : 79184
4501 Posts
No Life
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Jan 10 2009
12:36:03
I think everyone can guess where I stand on this, as it really isn't a complicated issue.
I am going to keep this short, as everyone and their dog have put their thoughts in.

James, Graham, or Andy...Was it 3 skiers or 4 skiers involved. I am amazed that a detail like this isn't even clarified.

Most importantly though, I want to emphasize the shovel issue here. I know you guys have admitted it was a mistake being one short, but it has just been lightly dealt with on here where there are a lot of younger guys with little experience. I am not lecturing the "Grouse Four," I just want to emphasize this point for the less experienced. Not having a shovel is a stupid mistake and means you are not prepared for back country travel. What would happen if everyone but the shovel-less person is buried? I would never enter the backcountry with someone who did not have a shovel.

It sounds like you guys are in the clear as the fine is not mandatory and the Grouse ban is understandable to some extent. I hope the ski world doesn't get screwed because of Grouse's actions.
------------------------------------- hi
ZavierV
Karma : 12109
4892 Posts
No Life
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Jan 10 2009
1:27:28
Quoting J.D.$ from Jan 9 2009 6:30:22:
Intrawest just issued a press release warning of snowpack instability that ended with this paragraph:

There are no plans for Whistler Blackcomb to change policies and impose penalties on guests who ski beyond the Ski Area Boundary, which is very different from a Closed area. "Beyond boundary access is not something that we can or want to restrict entirely," says MacFarlane. "Backcountry travel in BC is very popular and many who venture in uncontrolled areas are prepared for the hazards that exist. Those who cross the Ski Area Boundary are responsible for their own safety and need the appropriate training, equipment, route finding skills, partners and self rescue capabilities."

However going into designated closed areas will still result in passes being pulled for the remainder of this season.
Exactly, and the boundary that Graham and co. crossed was a ski area boundary, not a closed area.
t h i r t e e t h a n d p r o c t o r

"excuze me i am head of jedi council" -andy_boy

afrocentric
Karma : 8418
699 Posts
Ridiculous
icon
Jan 10 2009
3:29:42
Quoting wrenegade from Jan 9 2009 12:52:49:
A groomer was caught in an avalanche off of Pika's traverse yesterday, carrying the machine and groomer down 100m. The groomer suffered minor injuries from broken glass, but will be ok. The area had been heavily bombed and other machines had worked in the area without issue for most of the week.

Just one more example of how fucking crazy it is out there. Be careful.

Also, as mentioned on TGR, some people talking to a couple Patrol guys said there is a chance areas like the Peak and Spankys may not open at all this season due to these crazy unstable facets being buried now. I hope that isn't the case, but I'd rather that than hear about more people getting caught in slides.
hey veteran is it possible for you to post the link for that TGR thread, i've been searching for it because i heard whispers of this happening, but haven't read anything for myself.

Cheers
adanac_360
Karma : 139
138 Posts
Pro
icon
Jan 10 2009
4:53:01
Quoting FRODO. from Jan 6 2009 8:27:44:
I just tried explaining this situation to my parents with the relevant facts and they still can't understand why I am siding with Haywood, Hillier and Petsnick. Even with the facts it seems most of the general public still wont get it.
Yeah my parents are the same way, they have no idea why im siding with the Haywood,etc. They started bitching at me saying that if i support the skiers than they think that im goign to be stupid and go out of bounds. Fuck grouse, im going back to seymour if they dont fix this
double digit drops, get you all the props
Kevski$
Karma : 20281
4927 Posts
No Life
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Jan 10 2009
5:41:44
Quoting Maximumsushi$ from Jan 9 2009 8:07:59:
Today on the way to work, I heard James Hillier talking about what happened at Grouse on CBC radio. I looked around and actually found the MP3 podcast. Definitely have a listen. I think it aired the first time the other day but have seen no mention of the interview.

I must say that James was extremely articulate and well-spoken. He did a great job of clarifying the issue for the layman, made some great analogies and explaining his thoughts on SAR. It's definitely worth checking out.

http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/bcearlyedition_20090106_10618.mp3

Thanks for posting that. That was really good. The interviewer was either a real dick though, or plain stupid, or had already prepped his questions before and was going to ask them no matter the answers to previous ones...

This stuff is soooooo dumb. No matter how we all give good points everyone else just gives a "yeah?... ... well... um... you're still wrong!" response. The upside is we'll all look so badass with our trip reports from out of bounds.

And yeah, I argued with my parents about it, and they don't get it. Nobody gets it. My teachers are cracking jokes to me about how "stupid people go out of bounds". I'm getting fed up now.
hemlockjibber8
Karma : 79184
4501 Posts
No Life
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Jan 11 2009
12:03:39
my mommy and dadddy think grouse are a bunch of dumb fucks because of this. Ya for parents that tour
------------------------------------- hi
Drail
Karma : 141718
10000 Posts
Crazy Fool
icon
Jan 11 2009
5:33:03
Quoting hemlockjibber8 from Jan 11 2009 12:03:39:
my mommy and dadddy think grouse are a bunch of dumb fucks because of this. Ya for parents that tour
my mom is a lifty this year. she's in her early 60's and can rip a groomer to shit.... she's thinking of getting into snowboarding though... I told her she's gotta come visit me in BC more and learn about pow and trees and get into touring... i won't let her cross over to the dark side.
D-Rail Compton Ass Esq. The 3rd
read my blog - you might learn something.

FRODO.
Karma : 16667
5346 Posts
No Life
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Jan 11 2009
5:10:07
Quoting hemlockjibber8 from Jan 11 2009 12:03:39:
my mommy and dadddy think grouse are a bunch of dumb fucks because of this. Ya for parents that tour
Lucky!
KRASHED$: The one girl that I knew that always thought she was tough shit just recently got pregnant.

timmi$: haha she thinks shes so tough. cant even handle sperm.



fourtyFOUR

hucksplat
Karma : 183219
843 Posts
Insane
icon
Jan 14 2009
11:10:09
Here is a link to another interview if you are interested:


Play part one.

Got some mail from Grouse and Whistler. Will post at another opportunity.
--------------------------------------
Peep the gnar bar @ www.mowgli.ca
--------------------------------------
J.D.$
Karma : 32166
16734 Posts
Post Whore
icon
Jan 15 2009
1:31:42
Interested to hear what they sent you, particularly what Whistler had to say.

That was great, I think you did an even better job on that one than on the previous interview. I think the interviewer was more inclined to let you speak your piece, too. His "other side of the story", though, didn't really contradict you; no one's saying go into the backcountry with the mindset that if anything happens someone will come along and rescue you, which is why all of the preparation is obviously key. I think the key thing that doesn't get through to the mainstream is what you were talking about re: out of bounds vs. closed...
--------------------------------------------------------------Joystickskiing.com-------------------------------------------------------------- Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.
Maximumsushi$
Karma : 98449
7146 Posts
Crazy Fool
icon
Jan 15 2009
10:39:56
Quoting hucksplat from Jan 14 2009 11:10:09:
Here is a link to another interview if you are interested:http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2009/200901/20090109.htmlPlay part one.Got some mail from Grouse and Whistler. Will post at another opportunity.
This was actually the interview I heard on the radio, not the first one. I couldn't listen at work to double-check.

Anyway, props on this interview!
___________________________________
Some people are trying to snowboard here!
Oh I get it. Sorry to ruin your day.
LookinBack
Karma : 363
225 Posts
Loner
icon
Jan 15 2009
2:45:47
Im sorry if this had been mentioned, I didnt get to read every post on the second page.

Just wanted to post a heads up to a crown that i saw last sat off quasar on blackcomb, about 1-1.5m with quite a bit of runnout. Also franz meadows was breaking off above the crust, very scary because its only like a 20-30 degree slope. Cant comment on the conditions since it warmed up, but i should be there this weekend on the rock skis.

Remember to wear your beacon even inbounds, we had several of our group fall in tree wells due to wumping out of bounds as well.
Kevski$
Karma : 20281
4927 Posts
No Life
icon
Jan 16 2009
7:36:27
Quoting hucksplat from Jan 14 2009 11:10:09:
Here is a link to another interview if you are interested:http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/2009/200901/20090109.htmlPlay part one.Got some mail from Grouse and Whistler. Will post at another opportunity.
That was good. The critics' opinions didn't really criticize you at all though, since you already made the distinction between closed and out of bounds. They're still trying to paint you as bad people though...
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