Sarah Wright

Katrina Schwartz, editor and producer who shares sports anecdotes. Sarah Wright, outdoors reporter and former ski racer with insider knowledge. Natalia Navarro, news anchor and Olympics enthusiast who frames athletes' careers. They spotlight Bay Area athletes to watch in Milan. They trade fandom stories, favorite winter events, and rapid-fire profiles of local skaters, skiers, sled hockey players, and rising stars.

People who ski in the Sierra Nevada backcountry say there’s no better way to experience the wonder of the mountains in winter. But the avalanche that killed nine backcountry skiers near Lake Tahoe last month has highlighted the dangers inherent in the sport. Those hazards include masses of snow racing down steep slopes — and a human tendency to sometimes underestimate risk. We talk about what can be done to address the dangers and heighten awareness for the growing number of people looking to explore the wilderness in winter. Guests: Sarah Wright, outdoors engagement reporter, KQED Sara Boilen, clinical psychologist; backcountry skier; co-host, "The Avalanche Hour" podcast Ethan Greene, director, Colorado Avalanche Information Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Wright, an outdoors reporter for KQED who covers Sierra recreation and safety, walks through the deadly Tahoe avalanche and its impact on local communities. She discusses where it happened, avalanche warnings in place that day, how backcountry skiing differs from resort skiing, reactions in the Tahoe and Bay Area communities, and ongoing investigations and safety training debates.

Sarah Wright, KQED outdoors engagement reporter who covers outdoor safety, walks through a deadly Donner Summit avalanche and the regional storm conditions that made slopes unstable. She explains how often avalanches happen in Tahoe and contrasts backcountry risks with resort controls. Practical safety gear and quick survival tips are also discussed.

Sarah Wright, a KQED reporter specializing in outdoor issues, shares her firsthand experiences at Yosemite Valley during the federal government shutdown. She describes the unsettling sight of closed entrance stations and the notable lack of ranger presence. While some tourists enjoy their visit, Sarah reveals how the Yosemite Conservancy steps up to support visitors. She also addresses concerns around lawlessness and maintenance conditions, ensuring that restrooms and trash services are functioning. Ultimately, she advises travelers to be mindful of their impact.