December 2020

Dear Alliance member,

As snow falls across the country and we start believing in snow day after snow day, we’re counting down to the official beginning of our winter season. Between now and December 21st, we’re making it a point to revel in the moments between seasons.

“The experience of skiing in the backcountry is precious. Powering my body uphill through untracked snow, I hear only my breath and the slide of my skis. My brain is quiet; my muscles wide awake. I feel strong, at peace, and completely one with the natural world. What a gift!” —Caryn Gerber, WWA Member (Boulder, CO)

It might be sunny and warm, or dark and cold, or raining or sleeting or hailing or snowing, and busy as can be with the holidays. Our Alliance helps us protect and preserve raw, vast, and quiet winter landscapes for the sake of conservation and human-powered recreation.

Join us in going outside, entering the portal of the natural world, walking on a never-ending path underneath tall trees. And we hope you will join us in supporting our work to preserve these moments together for years to come.

Who knows, maybe tomorrow we’ll wake up to a blanket of snow.

Stay wild,

Winter Wildlands Alliance


Countdown to Winter Solstice

Winter is our reason for being. It’s why we do what we do. Every year, Winter Solstice welcomes the beginning of a new season and gives more reason to reflect on all that we came across in the skin track and all that we’re leaving behind. It’s a reminder to continue working, striving, and becoming an ally for wild winter spaces through stewardship and responsible recreation. It’s a reminder to continue connecting our Alliance to each other and outside. Revel in the Solstice energy and join the Alliance today!


Take Action: Restore NEPA

We believe restoring the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) needs to be a top priority for the Biden Administration. Sign our petition with the American Alpine Club to let the new administration know NEPA needs to be a priority. And, if you’re able, give today to support our policy work for campaigns like this.


Recreate Responsibly: Winter Edition

Are you in the know for snow? At the start of the pandemic in the United States, the #RecreateResponsibly campaign became the go-to resource for how to get outside responsibly. As seasons change, so do our practices to stay safe outside and to protect the places we play.


Welcome Our New Ambassadors: Sofia and Emilé!

One’s a skier, one’s a snowboarder; one’s a writer, one’s a photographer. Both love wild winters. Our Ambassador Team is a corps of professional backcountry skiers, explorers, guides and industry veterans who embody the mission of WWA. Please join us in welcoming Sofia Jaramillo and Emilé Zynobia.


Do you have your Ski Kind trucker hat, yet?

Looking for a way to represent your “Ski Kind” state of mind in the backcountry this winter while also supporting nonprofits this holiday season? Our Ski Kind trucker is the perfect accessory to any tour and an easy way to show the love. Let’s just say, we’re getting one for all our backcountry buddies this holiday season! Hat is one size fits most with a snap-back closure.


SnowSchool at Home is Live!

Become a snow scientist this winter! Whether you’re a parent, student, or Alliance member fascinated with the intricacies of winter – SnowSchool at Home is the perfect activity! Our winter-long weekly series of outdoor SnowSchool activities features a short video and includes a corresponding curriculum guide for those of you participating in virtual schooling, homeschooling, or online learning.


What We Expect from the Biden-Harris Administration

What comes next for public lands, according to our crystal snow globe?


Wild Winter Events

Don’t miss out on the following upcoming wild winter events hosted by us and our friends! Make sure to bookmark our website calendar or follow us as we post events.

Looking for your Backcountry Film Festival screening? Check out our tour schedule here. If your local screening is listed as “TBA” or your home base is not listed, let us know you’re interested in a screening and we’ll make sure you get notified when ticket sales are live.

Alpenglow Winter Speaker Series by Alpenglow Sports is the premier North American forum for adventure storytelling and fundraiser for Tahoe non-profits. Hear from Cody Townsend tonight (Thursday, Dec 3 at 7:00pm PT), Angel Collinson on January 7, Ingrid Backstrom on February 4, and WWA Ambassador Vasu Sojitra on February 25.

Outdoor Retailer Winter Online is officially open for registration! We’ll be hosting a virtual screening of the Backcountry Film Festival for OR attendees on Friday, January 22 at 3:00pm PT. We are looking forward to sharing in the virtual snow show experience with you!

Take Care Tahoe presents Tahoe Backcountry Safety Awareness Week December 14 – 18, 2020. The week will include a series of short videos developed by community leaders with detailed information on backcountry safety and avalanche education opportunities. Also featuring a live Q&A panel with professional atheletes such as Jeremy Jones, Elyse Saugstad, Cody Townsend, and Amie Engerbretson.


#KEEPWINTERWILD

Absolute snow magic. Will you give to wild winters today? Join, donate, or buy merch at our link in bio – there are many ways to support moments like this.” Find more at our Instagram profile.


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