VertFest 2008

All,

On behalf of the Friends of the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center, I want to say thanks to everyone that planned, helped out with or participated in either VertFest. Without the support that we receive from the backcountry community, the Friends would not exist, and NWAC likely would not either. Your financial assistance and the contribution that you make to the backcountry community in the Northwest help us provide avalanche education and raise awareness about the need to keep NWAC funded.

I want to give special thanks to all of the sponsors, and in particular to OR for pulling both VertFests together, to Crystal and Alpental for hosting the events, and to Martin Volken for setting the courses. From all accounts, VertFest has been a tremendous success and is well on the way to becoming the backcountry event of the season. I look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Thanks again for your support.

Benj

I was looking at the US Ski Mountaineering Association web site and they have a Race 101 booklet or something coming out. The big interest for me was around weekday training races and or just weekday headlamp races- wondering who all would be interested? It seems like the Pass would be easy- lots of dark hills. I know it's late for this year; but thinking of next year. The Pass used to have Headlamp XC races- maybe still do?

I called the USSMA and talked to Pete Swenson, former National Champ, National Team coach and COSMIC promoter and he'll have more info later.

I would be interested.

^^^ That guy ALWAYS beats me! : I'd be game for some super-stealthy night ops as well.

Congratulations again to all four of the VertFest Overall Winners!

Seth Davis
Monika Johnson
Ben Neilson
David Burke

Keep an eye on your mailboxes you guys. You each have a OR LightHaven headed your way! We are firm believers in this shelter here at OR and we hope that you can all put it to good use on this upcoming backcountry season.

Congrats again!!
Sam

Hello Friends of VertFest:

The final accounting for VertFest 2008 was completed today and I am pleased to announce that a check for $5000.00 is being sent to the Friends of the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center. This completes a successful VertFest season made possible by:

* You, the participants in VertFest Alpental and VertFest Crystal
* Alpental and Crystal Mountain ski areas
* W.L. Gore
* Marmot Mountain Works
* Garmont
* MSR
* Black Diamond/Diamir
* Osprey
* Off Piste Magazine
* Backcountry Magazine
* Pro Guiding Service and Martin Volken
* Lazy Boy Brewing
* Outdoor Research

We made the comment at the Alpental race that the goals of VertFest are simple:

1) Support the Friends of the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center

2) Put smiles on the faces of participants

Success!

Thanks again to everyone who participated in VertFest 2008. We'll be looking for you in '09. Have a safe spring and summer ski season.

Most sincerely,

Kaj Bune (on behalf of the entire Outdoor Research team)