Rich's blog

I'm spending a few weeks with the family in the Tahoe area over the holidays. Skiing the Backcountry and Alpine Meadows... Needless to say the conditions have been amazing! And the last few nights of skinning & skiing under the full moon have been sweet. Get up, get out, and get after it. Bring on the New Year in Backcountry ski style. Cheers, Rich

Winter 10/11 is coming soon! I hope you have pulled your ski gear out of storage and started training for a big winter. There is already some snow in the high country and more is on the way. I've been doing a bunch of running, mountain biking, and even some training in the gym for the upcoming season. You never know when exactly your first day of skiing is going to happen, so you should be prepared! Have your ducks in a row and be ready!
This winter I'll be doing a bunch of avalanche classes and Backcountry ski trips in Tahoe, Shasta, and beyond, so stay tuned and drop me a line if you are interested. Pray for snow ! Rich
Photo: Small crew headed down the "Lake Run" toward Donner Lake last winter.

My first visit to the Tetons to climb was very cool. I would definitely recommend it to just about anyone! And I hope to get back soon for more! This was a personal trip and a good one. Weather and conditions allowed for my good buddy Dave and I to do a 14 hour (car to car) climb of the Grand Teton. Here are a few photos:

After 11 seasons of climbing Mt. Shasta I finally hit 100 summits. Made it a big day (for me anyway). Approx 11,000 ft of climbing. Starting with a climb and summit of the South side (Avy Gulch). Then skiing about 4000 ft of the Wintun Glacier on the East side... Then summiting again and skiing the West Face, then the hike back to the car... Perfect weather and some good skiing... Pretty psyched...

Cheers,
Rich

The Breakdown by year:

2000: 14 summits, (12 guided, 2 personal)
2001: 15 summits, (12 guided, 3 personal)
2002: 8 summits, (6 guided, 2 personal)
2003: 6 summits, (5 guided, 1 personal)
2004: 9 summits, (7 guided, 2 personal)
2005: 7 summits, (4 guided, 3 personal)
2006: 9 summits, (4 guided, 5 personal)

Dear Friends & Family,

This is an annual event for men and women who come to climb Mt. Shasta as survivors of the disease, or who climb in honor of a loved one. For the last 7 years I have had the privilege of guiding this climb and helping raise money for this worthy cause. In the past I have donated part of my wages to the BCF, this year I have decided to set a fundraising goal of $1000, and am looking for some help from you.