Avalanche Memorial Gear
In 1996 Randy Baten, Mark Neiro, and John Slage were killed in an avalanche in the Alaska Range. Prior to our efforts no winter-worthy rental gear was available to UAF students. We would like this gear to serve as a living memorial and share our friends love of wild Alaska with future UAF students. Our friends were experienced outdoorsmen, but did not know enough about avalanches. We hope that the Avalanche Memorial Gear will be a reminder of backcountry hazards and ensure that our friends' mistake is not repeated. Please use good judgement when in the backcountry and realize that there is no substitute for experience, backcountry skills, and knowledge of terrain and weather conditions. Merely possessing the equipment does not equate to preparedness for an Alaksan winter trip. So have fun, keep warm, and be safe!
- The friends of Randy Baten, Mark Neiro, and John Slage
Special thanks to the Alaska Alpine Club, ASUAF Senate and the Student Activities office.
Thanks also to our local vendors: Apocalypse Designs, REI-Anchorage, Beaver Sports, and Mountain Sports.