What's New with Anew

Old Man Winter

Winter is in full force these days but don't fret, there are plenty of opportunities to get up and get out. Your local downhill ski areas are having a great snow year. The nordic ski trails throughout the state are in amazing shape and believe it or not spring is just around the corner.

Anew Outdoors Hoodies are Here!

Sweatshirts:   Cozy hooded sweatshirts with Anew Outdoors logo on the front.

Color: Navy Blue

Sizes: S-XL  

Price: $45

Hats are on order!!!

If you are interested in ordering, please contact:   John at John@AnewOutdoors.com or 253-905-6634

 

Upcoming Events

Stevens Pass Avalanche Awareness Classes

Want to educate your self on winter travel in the moutains? This is the first step. 8hrs of instruction, $125 on March 2nd, 16th or 30th. Contact John for details.

Valentines Day

It's just around the corner. Do you know what to get your sweety? We do. How about a fun filled day with Anew Outdoors! Drop us an email or call and we will rush a gift certificate out to you.

Spring is around the corner

Is your spring and summer trip on the calendar. This is the time! Plan it or it will never happen... Fly fishing, kayaking, hiking......

Notes from the Field

Avalanche Awareness Course

John and Adrienne participated in teaching an Avalanche Awareness Course for a group of employees from Evo, a ski and snowboard shop located in Freemont.   The course was spearheaded by a sponsored rider of the shop who spends most of her time in the steeps of the Alpental backcountry.   When asked why she decided to take the course she said she loves spending time riding beyond the rope lines and wanted to educate herself on how to do it safer.   The 4-hour class covered the basics of assessing avalanche terrain, understanding the affects of weather and what steps to take if an avalanche actually occurs.   The course was a success and many of the participants left wanting to know what they could do to educate themselves further.

Experience Says

Be Aware

As many of you know, winter came in with a punch this year.   Record snowfall totals in early December seemed to coat the mountains overnight.   As the snow fell, the avalanche danger skyrocketed and we were left with 10+ avalanche related fatalities.   For those of us in the avalanche education community, this heartbreaking news came as a shock.   The number of deaths opened our eyes as to how many winter recreationalists are still lacking the proper skills, equipment and knowledge to safely travel in backcountry terrain.   It is our goal this month to continue spreading the word on the importance of taking the time and energy to safely enjoy old man winter's greatest gift- SNOW.

If you do plan on traveling in avalanche terrain this winter, here are some suggestions on how you can do it safely.

1. First and foremost take an Avalanche Awareness or Avalanche Level 1 Course.   These courses are designed to help you assess avalanche terrain, understand the effects of weather, and learn how to use your equipment proficiently.

2. Check the avalanche forecast.   The Northwest Avalanche Center provides an in-depth discussion on what is and has been going on in the region you are going to explore.

3. Read a detailed weather forecast.   It is important to know what the weather has been doing over the past couple of days, so make sure you follow it at least a few days before your trip.

4. Know the terrain you are traveling in.   Guidebooks, locals, and guide services are all great resources if you are planning on heading to a new area.

5. Carry the appropriate rescue equipment (and know ho to use it!)

Avalanche Transceiver, Shovel, Probe

Other things to consider:

Know the skill and ability levels of your partners

Bring plenty of food and water so you have enough energy if something should happen.   A thermos of hot tea is always worth its weight in gold.

Carry extra warm layers, including gloves and hats.

As with every backcountry outing, bring the 10 essentials.

John Schaefer

253-905-6634

Get up, Get out, Get Anew

AnewOutdoors.com

P.O. Box 2149

Gig Harbor, WA 98335

1-800-852-5161