Outdoor Reads: Tony Seibert tribute, plus more on Colorado’s backcountry closure policy

What did the SNEWS team read that other industry insiders might find interesting? Read on to find out.

• The industry was saddened to hear of the loss of Tony Seibert, Vail Mountain founder’s grandson, who died in an avalanche early this week. Three others survived but the 24-year-old did not. Warren Miller Entertainment recently put out this tribute video. Check out the Westword’s blog, which also includes a photo slide show.

• Although avalanches have killed more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard, according to this Denver Post story, the U.S. Forest Service doesn’t close backcountry areas for avalanches the way it does for floods and wildfires. The story reports that Colorado accounts for one-third of all avalanche deaths.

• With news of this record-setting cold snap that’s descended on the U.S., there’s a serious need for runners to be outfitted with winter running gear. This article recommends runners be flexible and run on a treadmill when the conditions outside are atrocious, but some just are too hard-headed to do that. So they’ll need gear to make their outside runs more palatable. We like balaclavas, mittens and brushed fleece-lined tights to get us through. Plus, traction add-ons are great for running on icy sidewalks.

• T-shirts that can measure your heartbeat, remind you to pick up the kids and tell you if you need a drink of water are coming and will undoubtedly invade the outdoor and fitness industries soon. The Wall Street Journal takes a peek into the future at the Consumer Electronics Show. 

• Say what you will about online retailers but Backcountry.com is a huge success. The online giant and its two founders — Jim Holland and John Breese — recently were featured in this Reuters story. The pair talks about the company’s history and what’s made them successful.

• This Grist story dissects a New York Times essay to talk about the relationship between black Americans and the great outdoors. The author said the reputation that African Americans have for being “biophobic” is mostly undeserved and then examines the historical and present reasons why this is the case.

• It’s only January, but before you know it people will be coming in looking for spring and summer hiking gear. Perhaps they’re first-timers or perhaps they’ve never been hiking before. Either way, it’s a good idea to share hiking etiquette tips with them, such as the ones we found in this story. Some of the tips include never risking dehydration and not damaging the trail.

• Bozeman, Mont., is showing some love to its outdoor industry. This story reports that there is $5.8 million spent annual on outdoor recreation in the state and that needs to be supported, city leaders said. So they founded the Montana Outdoor Alliance to create opportunities for existing outdoor business as well as encourage other companies to relocate.

• With the Ouray Ice Festival just around the corner, and the fact that ice climbing will be a demonstration sport in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, there might be some new interest in the sport. This Ottawa Citizen story gives some tips for beginners, including checking your cowardice at the door and channeling your inner and outer strength.

• Wondering what’s new at some of your favorite ski resorts? This Forbes story has got your back. It lets readers know what’s new at some of the top resorts in the country, including a new terrain expansion at Breckenridge and enhanced intermediate offerings at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Did you read anything awesome this week? Email us because we want to read it, too.