Spring Greetings
As we step into a new season, we’re excited to celebrate the incredible momentum behind our work. From advancing Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale (ATES) research in Rocky Mountain National Park to hosting dynamic community events and launching new educational initiatives, this year is already off to a powerful start. None of it would be possible without the energy, support, and passion of our community—and we’re just getting warmed up.
— Robin Miles, President
Climb Avy Aware
FLYING OVER ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Avalanche Terrain Exposure Scale ratings for all the ice routes in Rocky Mountain National Park are under way. Volunteer pilot Steve Erickson, volunteer photographer Rob Bauer, and guide, board member and lead ATES analyst Mike Soucy took to the air November 26, 2025 to photograph the routes. Aerial photos are an essential tool for analyzing routes for the ATES. We usually hire drone photographers, but drones are prohibited in RMNP. Mike and his analytical team will now complete the complex and detailed analysis in time for the 2026-27 ice season when the RMNP ATES ratings will be published on our website and Mountain Project.
CLIMB AVY AWARE EVENT AT NEPTUNE MOUNTAINEERING
We had another amazing event at Neptune Mountaineering February 12, 2026. AMGA guide Joey Thompson started the event with an ATES for ice climbers tutorial.
Guidebook author Rob “Griz” Genieczki then expanded on the ATES lessons to teach how to choose a route. Board Member and Rocky Mountain Rescue member Sarah Koniewicz cemented further the use of ATES with her always fun ATES bingo. The survivors won our founder Dara’s sharpening files. The event ended with Griz’s demonstration on sharpening ice tools and screws.
We also had a successful silent auction run by volunteer Josephine Sterr that raised a some money for the cause. Neptune graciously donated the space, staff, and a few items for the auctions. We can’t wait to come back next year.
VIDEO PROJECT
We have engaged Jamboree Productions from Verbier, Switzerland to produce a three-part video on our mission and to educate climbers on the use of ATES. The script is in great shape, but filming has been delayed until January 2027. The video is funded in party with a generous grant from the Petzl Foundation. This is the second year that Petzl has sponsored us on one of our projects.