Annual Backcountry Festival

Annual Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival is January 20-22

Contact: Michael Hatch, Outdoor Adventure Program Coordinator, 541-962-3621 

LA GRANDE, Ore. January 13, 2017 – The Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival returns for its fifth fun-filled weekend celebrating winter recreation in the region while supporting the Wallowa Avalanche Center.

The Winter Wildlands Film Festival kicks things off at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20 at the La Grande Arts Center. Proceeds from a raffle and auction that evening benefit the avalanche center.

Benchwarmers Pub and Grill is catering the event with micro brews available for purchase along with other beverages and food.

The raffle and auction features a selection of prizes donated by local businesses and individuals, including but not limited to a whitewater rafting trip from Winding Waters River Expeditions, a ski trip at one of the legendary Wallowa Alpine Huts, a pair of Black Diamond skis, outdoor gear from Blue Mountain Outfitters and much more.

The party moves to Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort Saturday, Jan. 21, where the Kip Rand Memorial Uphill/Downhill Race starts at 8 a.m. The two race winners will each receive a 2017-2018 season pass to Anthony Lakes. Other activities include free clinics in companion rescue and avalanche safety and live music by “Bag of Hammers” at the Starbottle Saloon.

A backcountry tour of the Anthony Lakes area is the festival finale Sunday, Jan. 22.

For more information about the festival or to sign up for the tour, contact Michael Hatch, EOU’s Outdoor Adventure Program coordinator, at 541-962-3621, mhatch@eou.edu or visit the Outdoor Adventure Program website.