Summer Thoughts

Aug 3

A LOOK BACK AT OUR SEASON & EXCITING PLANS AHEAD

Dear Climb Avy Aware Community,

As summer rolls in and ice climbing takes a seasonal pause, we reflect on an incredible 2024-2025 program season and prepare for what’s next. This year marked tremendous accomplishments, heartfelt tributes, and exciting new projects, all made possible by the dedication of our volunteers, supporters, and donors.

We especially honor the legacy of our Founder, Dara Miles, whose vision continues to guide us. Her commitment to avalanche awareness and risk mitigation for ice climbers remains the foundation of everything we do. Thanks to Robin Miles (President & Treasurer) and our hardworking team, Climb Avy Aware is stronger than ever.

*Board Member Keith Stinebaugh at the American Alpine Club event.*

OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Our Impact This Season — Connecting with the Climbing Community

November 19, 2024 – Ice Coop in Boulder, CO
We kicked off the season at Pick Wars: The Empire Swings Back, where climbers learned about our ATES ratings and avalanche risk mitigation.

January 24-25, 2025 – Ouray Ice Festival
Our tent at the Ouray Ice Festival welcomed dozens of climbers eager to learn. Special thanks to Will Gadd for his continued support and insightful discussions!

March 1, 2025 - Climbing Film Festival
We had an information table set up at the Colorado School of Mines for a Climbing Film Festival hosted by the Denver Chapter of the American Alpine Club. Thanks to all who stopped by!

EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES AND WORKSHOPS

November 21, 2024 – Climb Clinic in Golden, CO
Golden Mountain Guides hosted a crampon and ice tool sharpening workshop, followed by an ATES safety presentation with Joey Thomson

February 6, 2025 – Neptune Mountaineering, Boulder, CO
This event featured Joey Thompson’s ATES rating system presentation and Sarah Koniewicz’s ATES bingo session, followed by a screening of Arc’teryx Presents - Not Alone, which details the avalanche incident that inspired Dara Miles to found Climb Avy Aware

February 20, 2025 – Cold Stoke with Rob “Griz” Ginieczki
Neptune Mountaineering hosted an evening of Cold Stoke, featuring Griz’s book, which includes ATES ratings, plus a session on sharpening ice tools and crampons

February 22-23, 2025 – UIAA Climbing Competition, Longmont, CO
We had an information table at the UIAA Climbing Competition at the Climbing Collective. Thanks to all who stopped by!

*Board Members Keith Stinebaugh (left) and Aaron Friedland (right) at the Boulder Climbing Community event.*

Our final event of the 2024-2025 program year was an information table on May 17 at the Backyard Climbing Festival hosted by the Boulder Climbing Community. Visitors had an opportunity to play the ATES Risk game (ATES Bingo) which was created by CAA Board Member Sarah Koniewicz. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say "hello" and to play the game, and thanks to Heidi Brothers for helping out with information at the table.

ATES RATINGS AND PROJECTS UPDATE

ATES Analysis completed for 100+ routes across Lincoln Falls and the I-70 corridor
Near completion of ATES Analysis for 30+ routes in the San Juans
ATES ratings published for 100+ routes in *Cold Stokes: An Ice Climber’s Guide Across the Colorado Continental Divide* by Rob “Griz” Ginieczki

ATES ratings are now available under the Ratings tab on our website!

UPCOMING PROJECTS

Expanding ATES Ratings to additional routes in southwestern Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park for the 2025-2026 season.
Launching multi-part education program with the purpose to educate on what micro ATES is for ice climbing and how to use it
with other avalanche safety tools to safely choose climbing routes
Developing a comprehensive climbing atlas with maps and routes for the 2026-2027 season.
Exploring the creation of a Climb Avy Aware app, contingent on funding and reception of ratings.

**Avalanche Preparedness and Rescue Resources**

What Happens After an Avalanche?
Avoiding avalanches is critical, but what happens after rescue is often overlooked.
The new group After the Avalanche is filling this gap with **free resources on first aid, team debriefs, and psychological support*.
Explore their material at aftertheavalanche.org

TIP OF THE SUMMER:

Storing Your Avalanche Rescue Gear for the Summer

Now that avalanche season is over, it's time to store your gear properly so that it's in good shape for next season. The most important thing to do is take the batteries out of your transceiver so that no acid leaks in the battery compartment. For other tips from our friends at Golden Mountain Guides, click here.

RECOGNIZING OUR INCREDIBLE DONORS AND SPONSORS

We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors and sponsors who have made this season’s success possible. We are especially grateful for the grant from the Petzl Foundation used to fund our ATES Ratings Project.

Your unwavering support has helped us expand our ATES ratings, deliver impactful educational programs, and promote avalanche awareness within the climbing community. Your contributions are not just financial—they are a commitment to keeping climbers safe, informed, and empowered. Because of you, we can grow, innovate, and continue carrying forward the mission that Dara Miles envisioned. Thank you for being an integral part of Climb Avy Aware.