Last weekend I was climbing on sunny warm rocks, today I was stomping up the local ski hill in nearly knee deep snow. What a difference a week can make! I have talked to a friend who has already climbed ice somewhere in the Crystal Valley, so the game is on! As the snow continues to fall and temps stay low, the ice should come in pretty quickly. Usually by Christmas there’s a few climbs to hit, so we’ll see how it shapes up this year. Be sure to check out our ice climbing tips while you are getting your gear ready for the season.

Of course, there really isn’t that much snow and the ice is still marginal, so we’re hoping to squeeze in another weekend at the Creek. Come on sunshine!

After doing some anchor replacement work last weekend in the Creek, several of us have decided it’s time to look at our own backyard and get things up to speed. Mostly we’ll be focusing on the Puoux and No Name, as most of the other crags in the area are new and the anchors are all in good shape. If you know of any routes with detoriating anchors or protection bolts, please send an email to badbolts@splitterchoss.com.

In other news, I recently revisited two sites I had seen before but appear to have done some upgrades. The first is ClimbingWeather.com. Now, truth be known, I’m a weather fantatic. My wife thinks I puch too much faith in the forecasts (probably), but I love reading the discussions and the nitty gritty of it all. However, if you just want to know the simple facts at your favorite crag, ClimbingWeather.com makes it easy. They have the site organized by area based on the system used at MountainProject.com. Simply find your area and crag, and presto, the weather is brought to you courtesy of NOAA.

The other site is ClimbingInjuries.com. Often it’s hard to get good advice on climbing specific injuries, even from a doctor. Here the owners have compiled a lot of good info, and have even launched a forum where you can ask questions. Obviously if you get hurt and have access to good medical care, you should seek that first, but this is a great place to get some questions answered and maybe point you in the right direction.

Enjoy!

The good folks over at the Gear Junkie have put together quite a contest, including a free trip and head to toe gear outfitting for the lucky winner.

From the website:

The sweepstakes will award a randomly-drawn winner their choice from one of five professionally-guided winter adventure-travel trips in early 2009.

To sign up, the web address is http://www.thegearjunkie.com/sweeps

In addition to airfare and the all-expenses paid trip, the winner will be outfitted head-to-toe with all the essential gear from REI, including backpacks, apparel and hardgoods like snowshoes and ice axes (depending on the adventure).

The winner and a travel companion will pick between one of five REI Adventures trips, including:

* Mount Washington Winter Climb
* Sequoia Winter Mountaineering Clinic
* Yosemite Snowshoe Trip
* Ice Climbing Basics in New Hampshire
* White Mountains Hut-to-Hut Snowshoe

After the adventure, a party sponsored by Lazyman will celebrate the weekend’s accomplishments with music, food and drinks – with participants having “earned their lazy.” Finally, participants will receive additional gear for the chosen adventure from Adventure Medical Kits, Bear Naked Trail Mix and Wigwam, co-sponsors of the sweepstakes.

All you have to do is head over and register, that’s it. No funny photos to submit or brain bending essays. Easy as pie. Good luck.

But I am not ready for winter. We spent a wet and snowy weekend in Crested Butte celebrating our anniversary. No climbing, but a lot of fun chillin’ in town. Some more pics from the drive back over Kebler Pass:

Don’t forget the big cleanup and party at Rifle is this weekend. There will be lots of great food, beer and usually a ton of free stuff. One year we had so much I think everyone went home with something, literally! Head on out on Saturday, should be a great time.

We wont be there, as right now we’re kicking it Maui style. Not much rock in these parts, but you have to admit, a sunset slackline session on the shore of the Pacific ain’t so bad: