CAIC Avy Jam Report

The tally is in from Steve Christie at Backcountry Access, and the September 7th Avalanche Jam in Boulder, CO raised over $14,000 for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center! Avalanche awareness is a never-ending cause, and this year's proceeds will provide the CAIC with much-needed funds to offer avalanche education and forecasting for Colorado backcountry users.

“This is the Avalanche Jam’s largest fundraising year yet for the CAIC,” said Christie, “and it’s due to generous silent auction donations from core companies that enabled it to happen.”

This year’s Avy Jam moved north to Boulder and the parking lot of Neptune Mountaineering, and the increase in attendance led to a 40% increase in the fundraising total - coming from ticket sales and auction bids - over any of the previous five years’ events. While the percentage beer increase over years past is not yet known, word from Ski Press is that 15 kegs of New Belgium were consumed to accompany the bluegrass concert and nearby Indian food.

"The Avalanche Jam is the single most important fund raising event for the CAIC." said CAIC director Ethan Greene. "We could not continue to serve the citizens of Colorado without the support of BCA, the companies that donate equipment, the volunteers and those who attend the event."

Ethan happened to have the high bid on the Karhu Jaks that we donated to the auction, while a Durango resident took home the Kodiaks. It was a busy night at the Karhu tent, as reported by Rockies rep Rob Brown:

“The evening was perfect, warm enough for t-shirts and shorts on, even as the sun slipped behind the mountains after a beautiful cloudless Colorado day. The beer and bluegrass music flowed at the famous Neptune Mountaineering, with a crowded parking lot full of manufacturers and partiers as the event kicked off around 5 pm. Backcountry Access (the long-time sponsor of the event) founder and owner Bruce “Edge” Edgerly called the festivities to order and introduced the band, and thanked the manufacturers for their donations to the raffle (funds from the raffle go the CAIC)."

"The Karhu booth was hopping the whole time with skiers checking out the new Jak BC, the new Women’s Series and the full XCD line. The curry and the music went on ‘til after 10PM, and raffle winners and silent auction participants eventually went back to their cars with their prizes. The evening had to end, but everyone left with great memories, the good feeling of supporting a great event and the promise of a phenomenal season. Those who didn’t win anything were happy… after all, they enjoyed great music and a wonderful evening with the close friends of the ski community - friends who enjoy the same backcountry that we all do.”

Check out the slideshow below, courtesy of BCA, and congrats again to BCA for pulling off a great evening in support of the CAIC!