Free Avalanche Awareness Presentation

Planning on snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or backcountry skiing this winter? If you travel in hilly or mountainous, snow covered terrain, this presentation is designed to help you make more informed, safer decisions.

Tonight at 7pm in Badgley Hall Room 146 the EOU Outdoor Program, in partnership with the Wallowa Avalanche Center presents a free 1.5 hour clinic which focuses on the fundamentals of traveling safely in the winter environment where avalanche hazards exist.  The presentation addresses avalanche hazard awareness, tour planning, familiarity with avalanche center bulletins, basic equipment considerations, and the need for skill in companion rescue.

Mike Hatch, a Sawtooth Mountain Guide and new resident of Wallowa County, will be delivering the presentation. Mike is a native of Idaho and has had a life-long passion for adventuring in mountains, deserts and rivers throughout the western US. Mike's passion for the winter backcountry has lead him to explore countless ski lines throughout the Sawtooths and Central Idaho Mountains. He is an American Avalanche Association Professional Member, Avalanche Level 3, and holds a BS degree in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana.

EOU Students - Get credit for riding the snow!

Want to get credit for skiing or snowboarding?

This Winter 2012 there will be 5 ski/snowboard courses offered for credit through Physical Education & Sport. The course descriptions are listed below and classes are posted on Webster.

Questions about these classes can be directed to Jerry Isaak at gisaak@eou.edu. Register today to guarantee a spot in the course

Alpine Skiing – PES 180 (Section 101)
Sat, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in alpine skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area.
Dates: Jan 12, 14, 21, 28 with possible make-up day Feb. 4. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).

Alpine Skiing – PES 180 (Section 102)
Sun, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
(Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 possible make-up day Feb. 5)
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in alpine skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area. Dates: Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 with possible make-up day Feb. 5. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.  
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).

Cross-country Skiing – PES 180 (Section 101)
Sat, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in cross-country skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area.
Dates: Jan 12, 14, 21, 28 with possible make-up day Feb. 4. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Trail Pass $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived). Transportation is also available.


Cross-country Skiing – PES 180 (Section 102)
Sun, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in cross-country skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area.
Dates: Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 with possible make-up day Feb. 5. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.  
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Trail Pass $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).


Snowboarding– PES 180
Sat, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in snowboarding, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area.
Dates: Jan 12, 14, 21, 28 with possible make-up day Feb. 4. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).


Snowboarding– PES 180
Sun, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop students’ skill and proficiency in snowboarding, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area.
Dates: Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 with possible make-up day Feb. 5. Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.  
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).


Advanced Alpine Skiing – PES 180
Sat, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop advanced skill and proficiency in alpine skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area. This course will include techniques for steep skiing, powder skiing and introduction to backcountry skiing. Pre-requisites: Students must be able to ski black diamond runs.
Dates: Jan 12, 14, 21, 28 with possible make-up day Feb. 4. This course will also include a mandatory Avalanche Awareness Presentation (Jan 19, make up dates possible) and avalanche awareness field session (flexible dates). Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.  
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).

Advanced Alpine Skiing – PES 180
Sun, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Designed to develop advanced skill and proficiency in alpine skiing, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area. This course will include techniques for steep skiing, powder skiing and introduction to backcountry skiing. Pre-requisites: Students must be able to ski black diamond runs.  
Dates: Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 with possible make-up day Feb. 5. This course will also include a mandatory Avalanche Awareness Presentation (Jan 19, make up dates possible) and avalanche awareness field session (flexible dates). Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM. Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived). Transportation is also available.

Advanced Snowboarding – PES 180 (Section 101)
Sat, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Description: Designed to develop advanced skill and proficiency in snowboarding, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area. This course will include techniques for steep riding,  powder and deep snow and an introduction to backcountry snowboarding. Pre-requisites: Students must be able to snowboard down black diamond runs.
Dates: Jan 12, 14, 21, 28 with possible make-up day Feb. 4. This course will also include a mandatory Avalanche Awareness Presentation (Jan 19, make up dates possible) and avalanche awareness field session (flexible dates). Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM.
Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived).

Advanced Snowboarding – PES 180
Sun, 8:30am-4pm
Location: Anthony Lakes Ski Area
Instructor: Jerry Isaak
Description: Designed to develop advanced skill and proficiency in snowboarding, this course will take place at Anthony Lakes Ski Area. This course will include techniques for steep riding,  powder and deep snow and an introduction to backcountry snowboarding.
Pre-requisites: Students must be able to snowboard down black diamond runs.
Dates: Jan 12, 15, 22, 29 with possible make-up day Feb. 5. This course will also include a mandatory Avalanche Awareness Presentation (Jan 19, make up dates possible) and avalanche awareness field session (flexible dates). Mandatory pre-course meeting on Jan. 12th at 7:00PM. Additional costs: The costs from Anthony Lakes are Lifts $10, Lesson $15, Rental $10, Totalling $35 per session (if students have season pass/own equipment, these fees will be waived). Transportation is also available.

Snow Safety Scholarships

EOU Outdoor Program Snow Safety Scholarships

The EOU Outdoor Program will be providing two EOU students with sponsored places in the upcoming AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Safety Course. The course will be based from EOU and will take place on Jan. 20-22. Click here to link to more information about the course.

The Outdoor Program Snow Safety Scholarships ($200 value) will be awarded to two EOU students, based on a written applications, answering the following questions:

Name:
Email:
Major:

1. Why do you want to take this course?
2. How will you use the knowledge gained from this course to benefit the EOU student community?

All EOU students are invited to apply, however, preference will be given to students that plan on continuing their studies at EOU next year.

Completed applications should be sent to gisaak@eou.edu.

AIARE Level 1 course registration opens

Registration is now open for the AIARE Level 1 Avalanche Training Course, hosted by the EOU Outdoor Program.

AIARE Level 1: Decision Making in Avalanche Terrain

Course Dates: January 20-22, 2012 (based at EOU) 

The course is open to EOU students/faculty/staff and community members. Space is limited to 12 participants.

Cost: EOU Students – $200, Community Members: $250

Call 541-962-3621 or email gisaak@eou.edu to register. Full payment must be received to guarantee a spot on the course.

The classes will meet at 8am (Friday) or (9am) Sat/Sun. and continue, with a lunch break, to approximately 5pm.

The level one is a 3 day/24 hour introduction to avalanche hazard management. The course is expected to:

• Provide a basic understanding of avalanches
• Describe a framework for decision making and risk management in avalanche terrain
• Focus on identifying the right questions, rather than on providing “answers.”
• Give lessons and exercises that are practically oriented, useful, and applicable in the field.

Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).
A final debrief includes a knowledge quiz to test student comprehension and to give feedback to instructors on instructional tools. Students are encouraged and counseled on how to apply the skills learned and told that no course can fully guarantee safety, either during or after course completion. A link is made to a future AIARE Level 2 course.

Student learning outcomes.

At the end of the Level One course the student should be able to:

• Plan and prepare for travel in avalanche terrain.
• Recognize avalanche terrain.
• Describe a basic framework for making decisions in avalanche terrain.
• Learn and apply effective companion rescue.

Instructional sessions ( 24 hours including both class and field instruction) :

1. Introduction to the Avalanche Phenomena

• Types and characteristics of avalanches
• Avalanche motion
• Size classification
• The mountain snowpack: an introduction to metamorphism and layering

2. Observations and Information Gathering

• Field observation techniques
• Snowpack tests: rutschblock, compression test
• Avalanche danger factors or “Red Flags”
• Observation checklist
• Avalanche danger scale

3. Trip Planning and Preparation

• Avalanche terrain recognition, assessment, and selection
• Route finding and travel techniques
• Decision making and Human Factors

4. Companion Rescue and Equipment
Student Prerequisites :
Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain. There are no other prerequisites.

For more avalanche information go to the Wallowa Avalanche Center webpage at http://www.wallowaavalanchecenter.org/

Backcountry Film Festival at EOU

When: Thursday, January 19th @ 7pm

Where: EOU Campus, Badgley Hall, Huber Auditorium

All Students FREE Admission - Non-students $5 at the door - Raffle prizes include backcountry guidebooks, shovels, probes, magazine subscriptions and more. Raffle tickets are 1 for $2 or 3 for $5.

The Mountaineers Books are a sponsor of the Backcountry Film Festival and are giving away two copies of the latest backcountry ski & snowboard guidebook. Click here to enter to win the Mountaineers Book Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes Oregon (2011) by Christopher Van Tilburg.

Wallowa Avalanche Center presents pre-film Avalanche Awareness Program @5pm

The seventh annual world tour of the Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival highlights the beauty and fun of the winter backcountry experience. Submissions come from renowned filmmakers who travel every corner of the globe to submit their best backcountry work, and from grassroots filmmakers who take a video camera out on their weekend excursions and submit their best film short. The films are juried by a select panel of judges and the top films are assembled into a 90 minute program.

The festival was created to highlight Winter Wildlands Alliance’s efforts to preserve and conserve winter landscapes for quiet users. The festival travels to more than 75 communities throughout the United States, and then overseas to Antarctica, Europe Australia and Asia. Funds raised stay in local communities to support local human-powered recreation efforts and to raise awareness of winter management issues, avalanche training/ safety and winter education programs.

This year’s program includes nine different films including festival award winners “Solitaire” (festival cut) from Sweetgrass Productions, voted Best of Festival. Two years in the making, this film from the wilderness of South America is worth the wait. The Best Short award goes to “Chalk and Ski.” Produced by Chris Dicky and Purple Orange LLC, it’s a chalk-in-hand daydream about skiing and winter. And the Best of the Backcountry award goes to a “Breaking Trail” (festival cut) from Powderwhore Productions. Known for their amazing ability to capture deep powder and fresh lines, brothers Noah and Jonah Howell remind us why we venture into the backcountry.

Avalanche Awareness Education Program

Yesterday I (Jerry Isaak, Outdoor Program Coordinator) went up to First Basin on Wing Ridge in the Wallowa Mountains, with Keith Stebbings, Director of the Wallowa Avalanche Center to gather some early season weather and snowpack information. You can read a summary of our field observations on the Wallowa Avalanche Center website. We encountered full winter conditions, with strong winds and increasingly heavy snowfall as the day progressed.

As the snowpack deepens in northeast Oregon the likelihood of avalanches also increases. The recent avalanche fatality in Utah highlights the potential hazards of traveling in avalanche terrain. However, travelling in the mountains during winter (whether skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, climbing, dog sledding or some other mode of travel) can be one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences. Avalanche awareness and education, along with good decision making, can help to mitigate some of the risks of traveling in avalanche terrain.

The Wallowa Avalanche Center has developed an Avalanche Awareness Education Program that will be presented at Eastern Oregon University on December 7th in the Outdoor Program (Hoke Union Building, Room 102). This free presentation focuses on the fundamentals of traveling safely in the winter environment where avalanche hazards exist.  The presentation addresses avalanche hazard awareness, tour planning, familiarity with avalanche center bulletins, basic equipment considerations, and the need for skill in companion rescue.  The presentation will begin at 7PM and will last until around 8:30PM.

Contact gisaak@eou.edu for more information.

Ski Bus from La Grande during Winter!

Anthony Lakes Ski Area has arranged transportation from La Grande to Anthony Lakes during the ski season! Saturday and Sunday transportation will leave from La Grande at 7:30AM and return at 5:00PM.

There are no more excuses for students who haven't bought a season's pass (only $199). Come out on Thusday evening to Huber Auditorium at 6PM (movie 'The Art of Flight' starts at 7PM) to buy your season pass and get stoked for snow!

Transportation Logistics:

Saturday, Beginning December 3rd. The bus will leave from The west side Community Bank at 7:30. Cost $5.

Sunday, beginning December 4th. Transportaion will be provided and leave from Legacy Ford at 7:30. Riders will need to call at at least 2 days in advance either Legacy ford at 541-963-2161 or Anthony Lakes at 541-856-3277. Cost is free.

Anthony Lakes Ski Area Season Pass Party

EOU Outdoor Program & Anthony Lakes Ski Area

Present:

November 10, 7 PM in Huber Auditorium

2011/12 EOU Ski Season Pass Party

Featuring:

$199 Season Pass 

EOU Student Price available for a limted time only

The Art of Flight

@7PM award winning film

by Red Bull  

Raffle: Prizes include an Anthony Lakes Ski Area Season Pass, EOU Mountaineer clothing and more.

Raffle Tickets are $2 (3 for $5)

Come watch an incredible film, get stoked for Winter and maybe win a Seasons Pass!

Anthony Lakes Ski Area operates under a special-use permit from the
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and is an Equal Opportunity Provider and
Employer.

 Entrance is FREE for all.

EOU Students Join Volunteers at Anthony Lakes Ski Area

Several EOU students participated in a volunteer day at Anthony Lakes Ski Area this past weekened. The volunteers mounted new bindings on rental ski's, unwrapped and stacked the new boots, helped organize the rental shop gear, and hung out with coffee and donuts! Great people and a beautiful morning.

The lakes and streams are beginning to freeze over, the trees at the ridge tops were all covered in ice, the larch trees are turning and dotted the whole landscape, and it was bluebird all day!

Thanks to all those who took part. Let the snow fly!

Winter Break Ski/Snowboard Trip Oregon

 

Take a break during winter break; come on a ski/snowboard trip with the Outdoor Program to three of Oregon’s best ski areas.

We will leave La Grande on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 10, and drive to our accommodation on Mt. Hood, the Mazamas Lodge. That night we will ski at Mt. Hood Skibowl, America’s largest night skiing area featuring 34 fully light runs.  A Scandinavian themed celebration with live music back at the Mazama Lodge will cap the night.

The following day we will ski at the Timberline Ski area high on the glaciers of Mt. Hood. Timberline is America’s only ski area that is open 12 months of the year; it provides excellent views, the historic ambiance of Timberline Lodge, and 3,690 vertical feet of skiable terrain. We will spend that evening and night at Mazama Lodge.

After enjoying Mt. Hood we will move on to the Cascade Mountains largest ski area, Mt. Bachelor for two days of skiing and snowboarding. Operating entirely on the Deschutes National Forest, Mt. Bachelor has offered a unique wilderness skiing experience for over 50 years. Eleven lifts, seven of which are high speed quads, whisk skiers and snowboarders up a total vertical drop of 3,365 feet.  Our accommodation for the last two nights will be at the Seventh Mountain Resort.

We will return to La Grande on Wednesday, Dec. 14.

The trip will be led by EOU Outdoor Program Coordinator Jerry Isaak. Jerry is a professionally certified ski instructor (CSIA) and American Mountain Guides Association Ski Guide. He has taught skiing in Europe and throughout North America. Optional one-hour ski lessons each day will be provided free of charge for all levels of skiers.

Itinerary

Saturday, Dec. 10 – Drive from La Grande to Mt Hood. Night ski at Mt. Hood Skibowl.

Sunday, Dec. 11 – Ski all day at Timberline Ski Area (Mt. Hood).

Monday, Dec. 12 – Drive to Mt. Bachelor. Ski half-day at Mt Bachelor.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 – Ski full-day at Mt. Bachelor.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 – Drive from Mt. Bachelor to La Grande.

Cost: $565 per person (7 persons max)

Includes: Transportation, lift tickets, accommodation, and optional 1 hour ski lesson per day (all levels).

Not included: Equipment rental (available locally through Anthony Lakes Ski Area), meals

A $100 deposit must be received by Wednesday, Nov. 16 to reserve a spot on the trip. Full payment is due no later than Friday, Nov. 25.

Contact gisaak@eou.edu for more information (541-962-3621) or to reserve you place.

Space is limited, so book soon!

Smith Rock State Park Climbing Weekend - Nov. 4-6

Video of Smith Rock climbing by Greg Garretson and hosted on VIMEO

Though the temps are dropping there's no skiable snow yet in eastern Oregon, so it's a perfect time to go climbing at Smith Rock. The EOU Outdoor Program is organizing a climbing weekend at Smith Rock on Nov. 4-6 (Friday - Sunday).

We will be meeting at EOU on Friday and carpooling to Smith where we will be camping ($5 per-night) at the State Park. There will be a pre-trip meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 1 in the Outdoor Program at 4:30PM. All levels of climbing abilities are welcome on this trip however we will need to know who is coming, and what gear we will need to bring.

If you would like to come on this weekend of rock climbing in a world-class location, show up at the pre-trip meeting or RSVP in the Outdoor Program or by emailing: gisaak@eou.edu.

The Larches are turning!

Photo by Kim Faire

Dr. Karen Antell, Associate Professor of Biology at EOU, has invited the EOU campus community to join her on a day hike in the Rebarrow Research Forest. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the larches and the forest and to enjoy great views of the nearby Elkhorn Mountains.

Dr. Antell's original invitation:

I would like to extend an invitation to the entire campus community to visit EOU's Rebarrow Research Forest with me this Friday afternoon, from 2:00-5:00 PM.  The forest is located on Glass Hill, approximately 6 miles south of La Grande at 5,000 ft. elevation.  The property was donated to EOU in 1990 and it has been used as an outdoor classroom by La Grande High School, LG Middle School and EOU since then.

We will meet in the Badgley Hall parking lot on the west side of the building along 6th Ave. at 2:00 PM and caravan up.  You may meet us up there if you know the way.  We'll meet at the top gate on the east side of Glass Hill Road.  Glass Hill Road becomes quite rough after a couple of miles, so vehicles should have reasonable clearance.  If the weather stays dry, you shouldn't need 4-wheel drive to make the trip.  Driving time is approximately 25 minutes each way.

We will start at the picnic tables and I'll give a brief description of the natural (and unnatural) history of the area.  Then we can take a short hike around the area - approximately 1 mile on old road bed with no big hills to climb.  The views are spectacular - both south to the Elkhorns and north to Mt. Emily.

Bring a camera, sketchbook, sturdy shoes (no Dean shoes, Dr. Witte, if you come) a water bottle, and a warm jacket. 

Every fall there is always one spectacular day in NE Oregon when the Larch needles turn to gold and begin to rain from the trees.  Friday might be the day.  We won't know unless we go to look. 

Proposed Expedition Club - Seeking EOU Student Members

Interested in extending your university education? Ever considered paddling in the Amazon, trekking in the Himalaya, or experiencing the 24-hour Arctic sun? Are you inspired by explorers like Lewis and Clark, Magellan, Sir Edmund Hillary?

If so, you may be interested in joining the Expedition Club.

The object of Expedition Club is to advance the education of its members by providing inspirational and challenging educational expeditions to remote, wild environments, both regionally and internationally, and so promote the development of members’ confidence, teamwork, leadership and spirit of adventure and exploration. Expedition planning and execution is designed to allow club members the opportunity for practical expression of their academic studies at EOU.

The Expedition Club has a goal of sending at least one international expedition every two years and sending at least one regional expedition every year. Expedition locations and activities (e.g. climbing, skiing, paddling, trekking) will be dependent upon the interests and skills of the club members.

The club will meet regularly during the academic year for the purpose of training, planning, and fundraising for future expeditions. It is expected that club members will contribute to the club based on their interests, existing skill sets, and current area of academic study at EOU.

If you are interested in learning more about the Expedition Club or want to become a member, email the Outdoor Program (gisaak@eou.edu) or stop by Hoke 102 to chat about explorations near and far!

Wing Ridge Hut Weekend

This past weekend the EOU Outdoor Program, through a group of staff, students and alumni, took part in the first of what will become an Annual Wing Ridge Work/Trade Weekend.

The EOU crew connected with staff from Wing Ridge Ski Tours early on Saturday morning at the Salt Creek Summit, outside of the town of Joseph. The Wallowa Mountains had just received an early season snowfall and provided an epic backdrop for our drive and hike in to the Wing Ridge hut. Once at the site we got to work, splitting and stacking wood, setting up tents, and generally getting ready for the winter season.

We had a great weekend in the high country and the participants from EOU are already looking forward to the trade part of the work/trade weekend (2 free hut nights during the ski season). Thanks to all those who took part and special mention to Trent Manns who documented the weekend with his camera.

(All photos Trent Manns)

Mt. Emily Mountain Bike Trails

This past Sunday, Oct. 9, Professor Brian Sather, co-author of Mountain Biking La Grande Oregon and developer of the LaGrandeRide.com website, led an orientation mountain bike ride on the trails of the Mt. Emily Recreation Area (MERA) located just minutes north of downtown La Grande. Professor Sather said of the ride "We covered all of the major trails. They are in great condition from the rain and students should take advantage of the trail system that few colleges have such close access to!"

If you're interested in checking out the local mountain bike trails, stop by the Outdoor Program (Hoke 102) and talk with our staff or check out a guide book.

Snow is here! And more is coming!!

Yesterday Outdoor Program staff were in the Hurricane Creek area of the Eagle Cap Wilderness and we encountered several inches of snow on the trail up towards the lakes basin area. Today Outdoor Program staff were out on the other side of the Eagle Cap Wilderness, up Catherine Creek and high up on China Cap mountain, where over a foot of snow graced the summit ridge!

Winter has arrived in the high places of the Wallowa Mountains and the EOU Outdoor Program is excited about this new season. Our equipment rental program carries skis, snowshoes, crampons, ice axes and much more. We will be teaching a variety of winter related outdoor skills courses and will be working with local ski areas to make the winter season accessible for EOU students.

Stop by the Outdoor Program (Hoke 102) to check out what's happening next.

Quinn Coliseum Rock Wall - Open for Business!

The Quinn Coliseum Rock Wall on the EOU campus was open yesterday to kick-off the indoor climbing shcedule.

The rock wall is free for students to use during regular opening hours (5:30pm - 7:00pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday). Community members, EOU alumni, staff and faculty may purchase an annual climbing pass for $50 or pay a $5 drop in fee.

The rock wall is accessible for all skill levels and we welcome beginners. If you are new to the sport of climbing our staff will provide the necessary instruction. Come by Quinn Coliseum and give it a try!



Anthony Lakes hike and climb

The Anthony Lakes day hike and rock climbing trip enjoyed perfect fall weather and great views of the Elkhorn Mountains. We hiked up to Hoffer Lakes where half the group continued hiking into Angel Basin and the other half of the group went rock climbing. A great time was had by all!

EOU Rock Wall - Fall Term Schedule

Fall Term

Monday – 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday – 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday – 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Located in Quinn Coliseum the EOU Rock Wall is open to all fee-paying EOU students at no charge.

In addition to the regularly scheduled hours, the climbing wall can be hired for private use. Prices for private hire are $30 per hour for current EOU students or student groups and organizations, $35 per hour for EOU staff, faculty or alumni, and $40 per hour for community members.

We are currently reviewing our opening hours and would like feedback from climbing wall users regarding preferred days and times. Please contact any member of the Outdoor Program staff or email gisaak@eou.edu to provide feedback.