Read this analysis of French avalanche accident data from last season posted by Pistehors. Sadly it concludes that there were double the number of accidents last year compared to the long term trend but does not cite change in usage or behaviour as the main reason but a winter of unstable snow conditions. It is worth remebering that local weather and snow condition history is a great indicator of avalanche risk. If you are new to an area be careful not to charge where locals fear to tread. Take it easy and talk to the locals.

There is also a great helmet cam video of an avalanche with this post

Natives reports that some Colarado ski resorts are set to open this week. This would be the earliest opening on record for some of them. Keystone (95 miles from denver) has had a total of 41 inches ( 104cm) in October and 16 inches (40cm) in the latest storm and will open November 3rd.
If it’s good there, it can’t be long for us!

This Kit allows you to Multi mount any exsisting lamp from the Tikka or Zipka range. The mounts are Head Strap (with optional top strap), Webbing strap or Helmet mount.
It’s easy to install and easy to move the light unit between mounts.

A great lamp upgrade from Petzl.

See all the details here Petzl Adapt Tikka Kit

The last weekend in October is coming up and that means 2 things. The clocks go back and the OMM is on. The OMM (reborn KIMM) is being held in Galloway Forest Park and will offer the usual mix of mountain running and navigation challenges. This is the 4th time this event has used Galloway and there is a good history article on Sleepmonsters.co.uk HERE.

It’s not too late to order last minute supplies of dehydrated food, clothing, sleeping bags, compasses etc from Facewest and have it delivered in time for the race.

Hope it doesn’t rain too much.

There are a series of short seminars on Avalanche awareness that are taking place at Xscape Milton Keyenes in October and November by Henry Schniewind called ‘Henry’s Avalanche Talks’. Cost is just £5. I don’t know anything about Henry but his CV is pretty impressive and I am sure that any keen off piste skier or boarder will come out better off than they went in.
More information can be found at

http://www.henrysavalanchetalk.com/ or http://www.henrysavalanchetalk.com/main/talks/schedule.do

I would like to apologise to all the customers who are waiting for suunto products from Facewest at the moment. We are receiving very erratic and incomplete deliveries from Suunto at the moment which is making life very difficult. This is compounded by Suunto having no real idea when back ordered items will be delivered. Their current tactic is to pick a date 2 weeks into the future and say products will be shipped then. When that date arrives they pick a date 2 weeks into the future…… I know there are issues with the solder used on the X9i, it can no longer contain lead (EU directive) and this has affected the functionality of the watch. The good news is that if you have an X9i it contains lead solder and so works just fine. So no X9i’s are being shipped. Another issue is with a batch of black leather straps used on X landers and Yachtsmans. There has been a known issue and free replacements have been taking place, but that supplier of straps has been dropped before a replacement has been found so none of the models that use that strap are being shipped. Not all X landers were affected and if you have one of these watches your strap is probably alright, just check it over to be sure. We are also not receiving any of the new T range, but I’m not exactly sure why. It’s very fustrating for us and you because what little information we get given is usually inaccurate.

We are very sorry and will keep you advised of all developments. Nobody has been charged for any back ordered products and will not be charged until dispatch. If you are waiting for a delivery from another source and have been charged, I would ask for a refund, it’s looks like a long wait.

The new stock just keeps piling in through the door! Latest new additions to the site are from Dakine, a summary of which can be found below. A few more things from Daine to come, namely the soft goods like hats & wallets plus some more urban style packs. After that it’s back to Mountain Equipment for a host of technical clothing.

	Dakine Tuning Kits and Tools. Complete kits with wax irons down to pocket screwdrivers. All your home ski technician needs
	Dakine Wax and Accessories. Solid and quick waxes plus scrapers, buffers and irons
	Board Leashes and Locks.
	Snowboard Stomp Pads
	Dakine’s Snowsports pack range for 06/07. The classics like the Heli Pack & Heli Pro plus new packs like the skier’s Tactic and all the others inbetween.
	Wheelie bags. From the 62 litre carry on Zip aAway to the cavernous 140 Litre 60/40 Convertible.
	Ski Bags. Singles, doubles, ones with wheels and ones without.
	Snowboard Bags. From a single board sleeve to a double board bag with wheels and extra luggage space

A few styles from last winter, on sale to make some space on the shelves.

	Mountain Equipment Ogre XCR Jacket. Was £198 Now £158
	Mountain Equipment G2 jacket Was £144 Now £104
	Mountain Equipment Drilite Plus jacket Was £72 Now £40

Have just finished adding all the Marmot Winter 06/07 range to the website. There are just too many new styles to list individually but below you will find links to all the sections that have new styles. We have added a broader range of women’s clothing this season. Where it was possible to buy a women’s and a men’s version of a garment we have done so, but sadly it isn’t always possible. Most of our prices are a little cheaper than last season due to the bigger volumes involved and new garments have meant others have gone on sale. Hopefully you will find something that you like. I am starting work on the Mountain Equipment Winter 06/07 styles today and they will go on the site gradually over the next week or so. Happy shopping.