Re: Avalanche/Mountain Awareness

We are all very aware of the recent tragedy that occurred on Vail Mountain when an avalanche took the life of Taft Conlin.

The purpose of this letter is to specifically address the necessity of educating our children, and others who are or will be in the mountains, of the conditions that can lead to an avalanche and other mountain dangers; how to recognize those conditions, and how to avoid placing oneself in harms' way. I believe it would be in our communities' best interest to teach our children the forces of Mother Nature, especially those they may encounter in the mountains. As parents, we all try to educate our children about the dangers present on the mountain during the winter, including the causes of avalanches, frost bite, soft snow in tree wells — to mention a few.

It is my understanding of last month's unfortunate accident that the kids entered an “open” gate and hiked up to get a few more “freshies” — a few more turns. It could have been anybody, adults or children. If we save one future life with education and awareness, to honor Taft, then it would be in everyone's best interest — and maybe life-saving.

Colorado schools could include an “avalanche awareness day” in their curriculum. It could be incorporated as a “school gathering”, during school ski days or into science, geography, the social sciences, physical education, and/or Colorado state history. I believe there are many speakers educated on the topic who would be willing to volunteer to speak at schools each fall to teach the children about avalanches. My son started skiing with his friends and without his parents around the fifth grade. I am not sure if this is the average age children start skiing without adults, but that is a starting point.

Implementing these ideas from the ground up will take some effort. I am willing to volunteer in any way to campaign the initiation of a program such as this!