Teva Mountain Games

Mark you calendars for the Teva Mountain Games coming up June 5th-8th in Vail, CO. The games has something for everyone; boating, climbing, trail running, dog racing (new one for me), and MTB and Road biking. Backcountry.com is stoked to sponsor the Hill Climb this year and is hooking up the top amateur with a new Pinarello Galileo Ultegra road bike...ooh la la.

Sports by day, party by night, the games should not be missed. Backcountry.com will be doing a SteepandCheap style hourly raffle at their tent, come over and win some sweet gear to make your summer epic.

Enjoy the freeride challenge teaser:




Add the event to your facebook calendar or write it on your hand.

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Vegas Climbing Comp...in Florida

Backcountry.com was stoked to sponsor the Vegas Knights climbing comp at the University of Central Florida this past month. The University awarded points for climbing through a vegas card theme.

• Andrew Kezer
• Mike Rivers
• Jesse Kelly

So our man Andrew got 4 of a kind with 6 kings high. This may not be the wave of the future for climbing ratings but I thought it was a cool twist for a climbing comp.

I think one thing they should do for next year is have everyone wear those green visors with those disturbing glasses that don't show your eyes. Ok ok ok...definitely not the climbing etiquette.

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Winter at Westminster

Here's what you tell your parents - "I'll be submersed in a fast paced education in this study abroad alternative receiving first hand experience and association to the ski and resort industries while learning about new career paths."

Translation: "I'll be learning how to do homework on the drive to Snowbird while studying abroad in Utah and thanks to a season pass at The Canyons as well as one to Snowbird, along with a "free" pair of Rossignol skis I'll spend all my spare time skiing 9990 at The Canyons and spinning tram laps at the bird while getting to know the local ski bum ways."

Winter at Westminster is a winter program with the perfect balance between the rigors of college and the passion for skiing and snowboarding. College students from all over the country enroll at Westminster College as full-time visiting students earning 12–16 transferable credits while riding 70+ days. As part of the enrollment you'll get a pass to The Canyons and your choice of either a pass to Alta or one to Snowbird. You'll also get a discount code to Backcountry.com (yep, we are a sponsor)to pick up any new gear you need.

If you enroll and your parents plunk down the loot before Oct. 19 you'll be sporting your choice of either some Dynastar skis or a Rossignol Snowboard. Tell mom the skis can be for your Christmas present. It's a done deal.

Details on Winter at Westminster

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Desert Dogs Comp - CO

With the first skiff of snow I am going to hang up the cams for the winter and start heading to the gym for my climbing fix. Those of you who will be in the Grand Junction area on Saturday October 20th can show off mad skills at the Desert Dogs Competition. Desert Dogs 2007 Bouldering Competition is presented by Core Elements Rock Gym in Grand Junction, Colorado.

The comp will have a men's and women's division. Backcountry.com is giving some sweet gear for the winners and every competitor will get hooked up with a goody bag. Stay for the after party with live music and free food.

Pre-register online for $25 or at the door for $30. Only 27 days to get in shape, giddy up!

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14th Annual Utah Avalanche Center Fundraising Party

" If your in the Salt Lake area tomorrow night come support Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center at Black Diamond Equipment. The party is from 6-10pm and will have Mexican food, dancing, and music by the Red Top Wolverine Show.
Backcountry.com is proud to help sponsor the event through donating gear for their silent auction.

I think the goal of the Utah Avalanche Center says it all:

Our goal is to keep people on top of the Greatest Snow on Earth instead of being buried beneath it.

Tickets for the event are $35 at the door and the address for Black Diamond is 2084 East 3900 South, Salt Lake City. Get stoked for that snow!

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Chicks with Picks

It may be a little too early to be thinking about snow, so I know its way too early to be thinking about ice. Nonetheless Chicks with Picks is an organization that tackles a year round feat, to help raise money for womens shelters.

Backcountry.com is stoked to help out their cause through donating items for their silent auctions this upcoming ice season. Here is what Kim Reynolds has to say about the 2008 ice season:

Clinics are open to gals (sorry guys) of all abilities, all ages, all shapes and all sizes. Our motto “kiss my axe” (ice axe, that is) pokes fun at the sassy, approachable attitude that keep women returning year after year. We teach technical skills & self reliance in a safe and supportive environment that inspire our chicks to become confident (if not righteous) climbing partners. We are NOT kidding! Sign up for beginning to advanced skills in two icy locations with all demo gear included. You’ll get the scoop in a 4-to-1 ratio with our famous girly-guides which alone, is worth the price of admission.

Our theme "women climbing with women, for women" promotes women's empowerment, the spirit of service and giving back to the community. Chicks with Picks has raised $116,800 for local women’s shelters through hosting public auctions during our events. After all, it’s wayyy more than “just” ice climbing...it’s life changing.

New to Chicks – we are now offering Chicks on Sticks back country ski trips in Canada & Mountain Mamas trekking excursions in Nepal. Don’t forget to check out our Karen McNeill Scholarship Fund because the possibilities just never end!

970-626-4424

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Devils Tower, WY - Adopt a Crag

Sylvan Rocks and the National Park Service is holding a Devils Tower Adopt a Crag this Sunday the 16th. Backcountry.com is stoked to help sponsor the event through gear and swag for the volunteers.

The nearly vertical monolith known as Devils Tower rises 1,267 feet above the meandering Belle Fourche River. It is the remnant of an ancient volcanic feature. Known by several northern plains tribes as Bears Lodge, it is a sacred site of worship for many American Indians.

Not only does the tower hold historical value, but is an epic climb for many crack junkies. Contact Michael Baum for more information about the event and get your clean on! ( in a non-Star Trek kind of way)

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Adopt-A-Crag at New River, WV

Have you ever driven along the highway and seen those 'Adopt a Highway' signs? Every time I see one of those signs I think it would be cool to have my own section of asphalt. I wouldn't go the Kramer route by splashing paint thinner all over the road but imagine owning part of the wide-open-road!

The Adopt a Crag program is great for climbers and outdoor lovers who care about their crags future. You can usually score some food at the events too which I can't confirm with the Highway program.

Planned stewardship activities often include litter clean-ups, visual
impact mitigation, trail construction and restoration, erosion
control, and wildlife monitoring.

-The Access Fund

The New River Alliance of Climbers of West Virginia plan to clean up the New River Gorge area on September 1st to maintain climbing access in the area. Backcountry.com is proud to sponsor the event through sending gear goodies and other shwag to stoke out the volunteers.

The 63,000 acres of the New River Gorge contain 1,400 established rock climbs that range from crack to face. The area is one of the most popular climbing getaways in the country. If your in the area contact Elaina Smith and check out the events page for more information.

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