RISKY SKIING NOT WORTH ULTIMATE COST!

Very well put dberdinka.<br><br>Michael

Just kidding about maintaining the solitude. One thing that I did hear from people who are connected with the mountain is that inebriation was involved. While I can not confirm this fact, it would put a big spin on to many individuals interpretation of the scenario. In my mind, that would take th inbounds/out of bounds risk issue and turn it into a drinking while skiing issue.

Just kidding about maintaining the solitude. One thing that I did hear from people who are connected with the mountain is that inebriation was involved. While I can not confirm this fact, it would put a big spin on to many individuals interpretation of the scenario. In my mind, that would take th inbounds/out of bounds risk issue and turn it into a drinking while skiing issue.

<br><br>The alcohol twist would explain a lot.....

This shit really pisses me off. Once again the Herald proves that drunken monkeys could produce better, and more accurate content.<br><br>Here is my letter:<br><br>To the Editor<br>Bellingham Herald<br><br> As a fellow member of the media, and as some one that makes there living documenting the skiing and snowboarding in and around the Mt. Baker Ski area I am appalled at the article that you wrote in regards to the fatality at the ski area last Sunday. It is very unprofessional and irresponsible to publish the article with incorrect facts. It is unfathomable that you would portray the skiing at Mt. Baker ski area and its backcountry as a completely risky, dangerous, and unsafe activity.<br> The facts are that the skier willing skied passed two well-marked rope lines that clearly stated the dangers of the cliffs bellow. The skier and his party where also warned by numerous skiers and boarders in the area and on chair one of the danger. Secondly the cliffs in the area are around 80 to 150 feet not, 300 to 400 feet. Finally the incident occurred with in the ski area boundaries not in the backcountry as your article portrays. (I am referring to this as an incident not an accident as the skier willing entered an area that was clearly marked and widely known as being un-ski able)<br> Mt. Baker ski area is known for its world record amounts of snow, and it has one of the best ski patrols and avalanche control and education programs in the U.S. They make every possible effort to ensure the safety of its guest while still allowing them to make there own decisions in regards to what their ability is. All of the cliff and danger zones at Mt. Baker are clearly marked, and they enforce one of the best backcountry access polices in North America. People need to take responsibilities for there own actions and obey posted signs and warnings.<br> Skiing in and around the Mt. Baker ski area is perfectly safe providing that you have the proper gear (Shovel, probe, avalanche transceiver, partner), and have the proper knowledge (Avalanche education course, knowledge of the snow pack and conditions, and the intended rout and its surrounding area). In fact statistics show that you are more likely to die from crossing the street or driving on the highway than from skiing in or around the ski area or the backcountry with the proper gear and knowledge. Sure danger exists, but so do the chances of dying at home, in your car or at work.<br> Further more there is no such thing as ?extreme? skiers or snowboarders, there is however ?calculated? skiers and snowboarders with the skills required to push the limits. As someone that makes there living documenting some of the most progressive skiing and snowboarding in the world, I can assure you that none of the images that you see in the Ski/Snowboard publications or movies are done in the name of a ?temporarily frill? or are reckless acts. All of these images are the results of well thought out, calculated decisions based upon the athlete?s ability, the snow pack, terrain, avalanche conditions and the presence of a ?B? plan in the even that something goes astray. Any skier or boarder that tries a stunt or a line with out the proper background, education, familiarity with the terrain and average decision making skills is practicing reckless skiing and snowboarding, as did the skier that died last weekend.<br> Bellingham and its surrounding area has one of the largest and most active populations of outdoor enthusiasts in the world. Instead of writing articles about dangers skiing in and around the ski area, why don?t you take a pro-active approach and help to educate the population about how to safely travel in the mountains and in avalanche terrain.<br>Grant Gunderson<br>