The annual Utah Avalanche Center’s Powder Buoy party at Park City Brewing is a clear indicator that the backcountry ski season is about to begin. “We do a bigger version of this in Salt Lake with the Backcountry Benefit, but this is a nice, intimate, Park City, Wasatch Back-centered event, w hich is really fun,” said Claire Hurty, events manager for the Utah Avalanche Center. About 100 people attended the party Wednesday, which was the fundraising goal and max capacity for the brewery venue.  The Wasatch Back backcountry community gathered at the Powder Buoy party to raise money to support the Utah Avalanche Center. Tyler Wyman, a bartender at Park City Brewing, is an avid backcountry skier and Powder Buoy believer.  Wyman often serves up a pint of the Powder Buoy Pilsner to curious newcomers. When asked how he describes the Buoy, Wyman said: “There’s this mythical buoy off the coast of Hawaii and whenever the buoy pops or bounces or ways enough, it means there’s a storm in Hawaii. And then two weeks later, we get our magical Utah champagne powder.” Wyman uses the Utah Avalanche Center forecasts every day, he said, and described their services as “priceless.” “(Tonight) is great. A lot of Powder Buoy Pilsners are going out. It seems like a lot of people are stoked for winter,” Wyman said.  The crowd was filled with local backcountry enthusiasts, Avalanche forecasters and a live band, all in support of the mission to create safety through community. The party also featured food and a silent auction. Stick the Landing perform live at Park City Brewing for the Utah Avalanche Center Powder Buoy party. Ryan Noyes has been a proud Utah Avalanche Center supporter since his family moved to Hideout five years ago.  “We always really wanted to support causes that are close to us as people who spend time in the backcountry and outside. We found that this was one that we could align with easily,” Noyes said.  Noyes said he often uses the buoy pops to plan trips. “I think the buoy pop is about getting excited. … Then the (avalanche) forecast is what backs up the decisions you’re going to make,” Noyes said. When Noyes and his family moved here from Vermont, they had a lot to learn about the backcountry experience in Utah. “Learning about snow safety has been a different experience for us as we moved out west, and Utah Avalanche has been great for having resources for that,” Noyes said.  The most helpful resource in Noyes’ day is the area-specific forecasting. Noyes said he often sees forecasters in person before going out to ski, and no matter what, they’re always informative and supportive.  The Powder Buoy party and other fundraisers are important to show support for the forecasting team and their work, attendees said. Utah Avalanche Center forecasters, board members and staff celebrate the season at the Powder Buoy party. Credit: Maggie Mattinson/Park Record “It’s not just about the money. It’s about being here to support them and say thanks,” Noyes said. “As much as anything, respecting what they do and the value that they provide, and not being cavalier with snow safety. … To me, having them understand that we respect their opinions and the science behind it is really important.” For Hurty, as a Utah Avalanche Center staff member, events like the Powder Buoy party are important for fundraising and creating bonds with community members like Noyes.  “The (energy is) fun and light. Everyone’s listening to the music and chatting. It’s just a very lively crowd tonight,” said Hurty.  Because avalanche safety can be so intimidating, Hurty said it’s important that these events create connections and facilitate conversations.  “The most important (thing) is that we’re able to get in front of people and talk to them and humanize us as an organization,” Hurty said. Executive Director Nazz Kurth attended his first Powder Buoy party in his new role. Utah Avalanche Center Executive Director Nazz Kurth, left, gets to know the Wasatch Back community in his new job. “The team here is great. They’re really dedicated, focused, organized. They get after it. They’re here because they want to make a difference,” Kurth said. Utah Avalanche Center education programming for the winter season has been posted on their website, with classes including “Know Before You Go” seminars to on-mountain Backcountry 101 or “Avy 1” classes, and a new backcountry safety refresher course.  The post Backcountry season kicks off at Powder Buoy party appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less