Squamish Access Society

We are working on obtaining the latest news on the Papoose opening delay, now extended into it’s fourth month. It looks like the blasting is in it’s final stages. Unfortunately, negotiations to obtain a partial opening on Fridays and Saturdays during the month of August did not end successfully. Nor have repeated calls to have the on-sight signage updated, which still state May as the proposed opening.

The Ministry of Transportation has asked to be included in the most recent communications with the contractor regarding information on the Papoose. As a result, we will hopefully have an indication of the latest estimated date of opening by the end of the first week of September. Ideally, we would be able to report the opening at that time.

The festival, held from July 13th to the 21st, 2007 was a big success thanks to the many sponsors, volunteers and climbers who supported the week long line up of events.

Fun was had by all and the organizers were able to collect a whopping $14,000 for access efforts, the amount being split between the Climbers’ Access Society of BC and the Squamish Access Society. The majority of the total raised will go toward the Skaha bluffs efforts, with the SAS maintaining a portion of its half for initiatives in the Squamish area.

Events included the Flashed dyno comp, a trade fair, two trail days and a multitude of speakers, presenters and films. Plans are already underway for next year’s festival - stay tuned!

Thanks to the following sponsors:

• Presenting level: Arcteryx
• Chief Level: Black Diamond, Flashed, Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Company, Mountain Equipment Co-op
• Bluff level: Squamish Adventure Centre, La Sportiva, Maxim, Five Ten, Prana, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, The Edge, Adidas Eyewear
• Media level: Gripped, Climbing, Urban Climber, The Chief, KVOS Television