The Utah Avalanche Center’s 33rd annual Backcountry Benefit is just around the corner. Ticket prices for the fundraising event will start increasing Aug. 1 until the event on Sept. 10. The first Backcountry Benefit was held in 1993 after the death of skier Roman Latta. A few months after Latta , a young Black Diamond employee, was killed in an avalanche there was a funding cut to the Utah Avalanche Center. Black Diamond Equipment had recently moved their headquarters to Salt Lake City and they quickly worked to support fundraising efforts. In the three decades since then, Black Diamond has continued to sponsor the annual Backcountry Benefit as it’s evolved into a large source of funding for the Utah Avalanche Center. The benefit has become known throughout the community as a way to come together and celebrate the start of the season, while supporting the center and its lifesaving work.  This year, the Utah Avalanche Center wants to bring the focus of the Backcountry Benefit back to the original “why.” The unusual 2025-26 winter season brought extreme avalanche danger. Four fatalities occurred in one week. The Utah Avalanche Center is working hard going into this season to raise awareness for safety measures. Part of that, organizers say, is strengthening the winter sport community. Laurel Vincent, communications lead for the Utah Avalanche Center, said the 2026 Backcountry Benefit will still be a party, but with an added emphasis on building up life-saving community bonds. Something as simple as knowing where your party is on the mountain can save someone’s life, she said. “[The Backcountry Benefit] is a homegrown effort,” Vincent said. “It’s community built and driven.”  Herban Empire band at Backcountry Benefit Credit: Photo courtesy of Kate WallerBackcountry Benefit Presenting Sponsor Uinta Brewing will return in September 2026 for 33rd year. Credit: No tagged photo credit As always, the community can connect with nonprofits, industry representatives and education initiatives, but this year the benefit is promised to be “sport-agnostic.” The backcountry is just as dangerous whether you’re on skis or a snowmobile, so the center wants to emphasize that this event and this community isn’t just for skiers and snowboarders. The money raised through the Backcountry Benefit keeps every part of the Utah Avalanche Center running. Forecasters employed by the U.S. Forest Service and the essential staff that keep the nonprofit on track are all supported by the benefit. The website and hotline used to share the forecasts and awareness initiatives wouldn’t be possible without community donations, either.  In addition to supporting the Utah Avalanche Center, this year’s Backcountry Benefit will also support the National Ability Center. Attendees can bring used gear to the event which will be collected and donated to the National Ability Center. Tickets for the Backcountry Benefit can be purchased through the Utah Avalanche Center’s website. For more information on Roman Latta’s story and the history of the Backcountry Benefit, visit here.  The post Utah Avalanche Center to hold 33rd annual Backcountry Benefit in September appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less