Winter is coming… unseasonably cool weather this August may portend things to come for ski season, at least we can hope. Let’s keep that hope alive by celebrating our backcountry skiing community and benefiting the Utah Avalanche Center at the 2014 Black Diamond Fall Fundraiser Party.
In its 21st year (which means the party is now old enough to drink?) the party has been a mainstay in Utah’s backcountry tribe. There’s food from Rico (love those burritos) beer from Uinta Brewing Company, and live music. This year tunes will be provided by Herban Empire. There will also be the usual silent auction (watch out for the bros who stand around and guard skis they put bids on) and a prize drawing.
Every red cent, from the entrance fee, to the auction, to raffle tickets, all of it goes to benefit the Utah Avalanche Center, that institution which is vital to keping backcountry travelers safe – be you skier, splitboarder, snowshoer snowmobiler, or unwashed snow cave dweller. If you spend any time at all in Utah’s winter mountains, then your money is well spent on the UAC.
According to organizers, the event is held outdoors in the Black Diamond Store parking lot and will go off regardless of bad weather. Kids are allowed, but they ask that you please leave your dogs at home. Kids under 12 get in free but a $10 donation will get them dinner.
The party starts at 6, and the drawing begins at 8:30. Silent auction closes at 9:45 (that’s when you can sneak your bid in around the guarding bros) and the party shuts down at 10.
Tickets are $40 in advance until 9 pm Wednesday, Sept 10, and $45 after that. You can get tickets online, at the Black Diamond Store, and at the Salt Lake and Sandy REI stores.
For more information call 801-365-5522 or go to www.UtahAvalancheCenter.org