TRUCKEE, Calif. – The recently formed North Lake Tahoe Climbers Coalition is strongly urging both visiting and local climbers to not climb in the North Lake Tahoe/greater Donner Summit region due to COVID-19.
Joining climbing organizations from across the country and around the world, the Climber’s Coalition is asking climbers to stay home through this health crisis – voluntarily making the right call so land managers aren’t forced to close the area’s climbing crags. Social distancing, gear hygiene and even possible contamination of holds on a climbing route are all concerns of the Coalition.
“The scientific community still doesn’t know how long the virus can stay on climbing holds, and it would be impossible to properly disinfect a route,” said Gary Allan, executive director of the coalition. “Please encourage your friends, climbing partners and colleagues to respect and abide by this request.”
Beyond the issues of social distancing at the crag, the implications of an accident while climbing have been well documented in other sports – including backcountry skiing – where an accident ends up exposing a large number of search and rescue and medical personnel to close contact, as well as taxing an already stressed medical system.
Other popular areas including Yosemite National Park, Bishop, Joshua Tree National Park and the Gunks in New York have all taken similar aggressive stances in the interest of public health, in some case including enforced closures.
“We don’t want to have to take the steps of closure, we would rather see voluntary compliance through education,” Allan said. “Lets think about others’ health first and not our own personal needs and desires.”
For those interested in learning more about the Coalition and getting involved, please visit our membership page.