Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival
February 8 -10, 2013
There is no charge for participation any of the events, but we are suggesting that a $5 donation be made to the Wallowa Avalanche Center in lieu of registration fees.
Friday, February 8th
Winter Wildland Alliance’s Backcountry Film Festival – 7:00 pm at the Gilbert Center on the EOU Campus. Also showing will be a 6-minute preview for the upcoming (Fall 2013) documentary on the history of backcountry skiing in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, titled “Winter in the Land of the Winding Waters: 50 years of skiing in the Eagle Cap Wilderness”.
Saturday, February 9th
Uphill/Downhill Race: Race registration will begin at 8am in the wall tents that will be set up outside of the rental shop. The race will start at 8:30 am. There are two course options for participants in the race. A “touring loop” is approximately half the distance of the main race and less than half of the elevation gain and loss. The touring loop would be a good option for beginning or intermediate backcountry skiers. The main race loop covers just under 3 miles and gains 1,175′ with a descent of 1,128′. There is only one transition. Participants in the longer loop must be able to comfortably ski steep, ungroomed runs. Portions of both race loops are both uncontrolled and ungroomed. Participants must use their own judgment regarding their personal competency to safely travel the terrain.
Backcountry Clinics start at 1:00 pm – All Saturday events take place at the Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.
Clinics offered:
Companion Rescue/Avalanche Beacon Practice – Instructor: Jeffrey Meyers
This clinic will provide an introduction and review of current practices in companion rescue in case of an avalanche. Bring your own avalanche beacon, shovel and probe, or borrow one of the sets that will be made available free of charge for this clinic.
About the instructor:
Jeffrey Myers is the Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation Programs at Oregon State University Cascades Campus in Bend, OR. He received his Bachelors in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Tourism from OSU Cascades in 2008 and has been working as the Cascades Adventures coordinator for the last 5 years. He has also been a part time instructor for the Central Oregon Community College outdoor leadership program. During his time with COCC he has instructed a variety of courses including backcountry skiing and avalanche awareness. Jeff currently resides in Bend, OR with his wife Kate and their cat Louis. When he’s not in his indoor office you’ll likely find him in his outdoor office, telemark skiing or disc golfing. He can be contacted atJeffrey.myers@osucascades.edu
Tele Downhill – Instructor: Art Bass
This clinic will introduce participants to downhill telemark skiing technique, using the lift at Anthony Lakes (participants will need to purchase their own lift ticket and provide their own telemark skiing equipment).
About the instructor:
Arthur Bass has been telemark skiing since 1998 when he moved to Oregon. He taught tele skiing at Mammoth Mountain, California for a couple of years, (though primarily as an alpine instructor since teleskiers are mostly dirtbags and don’t want to pay for lessons!). Art received a PSIA level 1 telemark certification and completed the training for level 2 . He has been skiing in the backcountry since 98.
Uphill touring tips and tricks: Instructor: Jerry Isaak
This clinic will introduce participants to techniques for more efficient uphill travel. Learn how to perfect a kick-turn, set an uphill track, and manage challenging terrain problems efficiently.
About the instructor:
Jerry Isaak is the Outdoor Program Coordinator and an Adjunct Instructor of Physical Education and Sport at Eastern Oregon University. He has been a ski instructor in Canada and Austria and has completed the American Mountain Guides Association Ski Guide course. Jerry also has Level 3 Avalanche certification and instructs the PES198 Avalanche Fundamentals, Processes and Leadership course at EOU.
Snowshoe tour: Mike Daugherty
This clinic will introduce participants to some of the trails around the Anthony Lakes nordic area. The snowshoe tour is a great option for individuals who do not have backcountry skiing or snowboarding equipment, but are interested in learning about the sport.
About the instructor:
Mike Daugherty is one of the founders of the Eastern Oregon University Outdoor Program and has explored the backcountry of Eastern Oregon for over 40 years. Mike’s knowledge of the area and willingness to share his experiences with others will make this an unforgettable tour!
Sunday, February 10th
Social Sunday – Ski tour and social media photo contest.
On Sunday we are encouraging all participants to get out into the mountains with friends and explore the beautiful backcountry of the Elkhorns or Wallowas. There will be a prize for the photo (taken on Sunday, Feb. 10th) that receives the most “Likes” on the Wallowa Avalanche Center Facebook page.
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome volunteers interested in helping out during the festival. If you would like to volunteer or would like more information, please contact Jerry Isaak at gisaak@eou.edu.
