A chill the morning air, a dusting of snow in the mountains, and excitement for the annual Utah Avalanche Center fundraiser means fall is here. Except during the grotesque deformity that is 2020, the UAC Backcountry Benefit in the Black Diamond parking lot will be virtual this time around. COVID-19 caused cancellations for many non-profit fundraisers. But the lack of an in-person UAC shindig could mean the avalanche forecasters who “keep you on top” may have a major budget shortfall.
Fallout From COVID-19
Gone is the huge silent auction tent. Gone are the gear booths filled with swag. Gone are the soothing sounds of Herban Empire playing from the stage. Gone are the Rico Burritos and Uinta beer on tap. Gone is the annual tradition of gathering among fellow backcountry skiers and snowboarders getting stoked for the coming winter.
This poses a fundraising problem. According to Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, in-person events make up 25% of the UAC’s annual budget. The annual Fall Fundraising Party? It brings in around $100k alone, which translates to 12-percent of the total budget.
The other problem is that a budget shortfall comes at the worst possible time – the era of COVID-19. When Coronavirus hit in the spring and the lifts stopped turning, skiers flocked to the backcountry in record numbers. Hundreds, if not thousands of skiers with little to no avalanche experience were filling up skintracks throughout the Wasatch. So how can the Utah Avalanche Center reach out to deliver the avalanche message to the ignorant masses?
Backcountry Benefit
Well, the UAC is forging ahead with a virtual Backcountry Benefit fundraiser on September 10. It will have everything you love about the in-person party, but from a safe distance. With a ticket or party pass purchase, participants get access to the silent auction, opportunity drawings, livestream events and speakers, and more.
Unable to attend the UAC Backcountry Benefit? Then you can donate at any time to help them reach their $100k goal. You can text ‘give 100’ to 76278 to make a $100 donation.
You can also become a UAC Backcountry Benefit Champion. On the Utah Avalanche Center website, you can create an individual fundraising page allows you to set a goal and share your story about why the UAC is important to you. Promote the page on networks through text, email, and social media. It’s like a GoFundMe for the UAC!
Ski resorts are already releasing their opening plans for the first winter of COVID-19. Vail Resorts announced its 20-21 operating procedures for its North American ski areas. There will be mask requirements and social distancing in lift lines. But what most concerns skiers is the new reservation system. As my buddy Justin says, the ski industry is becoming like golf – you’ll have to schedule a tee time (ahem, ski time) if you want to make turns. But a reservation system could be problematic on spontaneous powder days. So if it snows, expect another year of record backcountry crowds.
This new reality means it’s critical to support the Utah Avalanche Center. So get some friends together, buy some party packs, and attend the virtual UAC Backcountry Benefit. Be generous, get engaged, and become an active member of the exploding backcounty population.
Go to https://e.givesmart.com/events/hGK/ to purchase tickets or to make a donation.