LA GRANDE, ANTHONY LAKES — The 12th annual Eastern Oregon Backcountry Festival set for Feb. 2-4 is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Wallowa Avalanche Center.

The three-day festivities again include an online auction, a film show at HQ in La Grande, and races and education at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.

“It’s the single biggest fundraising event for the center,” said Michael Hatch, Outdoor Adventure program director at Eastern Oregon University and WAC avalanche specialist.

Online auction

This year’s auction features a variety of items donated by local businesses, including a 2024-2025 season pass to Anthony Lakes, NW Alpine clothing, a scenic helicopter flight with Baker Aircraft, equipment and clothing from Blue Mountain Outfitters, a guided ski trip for two with Eagle Cap Mountain Guides, a one-night stay at Wallowa Lake Lodge and so much more.

The auction ends Feb. 4. Browse items and bid at www.32auctions.com/EOBF24.

Pie fundraiser and film

The festival officially begins Friday, Feb. 2, with a pie auction and film screening at HQ, 112 Depot St. in La Grande.

Pie donations are needed.

“Whip out grandma’s favorite recipe,” Hatch said.

For information on donating a pie, email mhatch@eou.edu or victor@wallowaavalanchecenter.org.

Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by the auction at 6:30 p.m. and the film “The Land of Giants” at 7 p.m.

Admission is $10 at the door or $5 for kids under 10.

This evening is supported by the local brewery and food vendors.

Backcountry race and more

On Saturday, Feb. 3, events move to Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort.

The Kip Rand Memorial Backcountry Race starts at 8 a.m. This race is in memory of Kip Rand, a past WAC director who died in a cornice fall accident in 2016.

The race is open to all skill levels and abilities. Winners of the men’s and women’s divisions receive a $100 cash prize.

Find the link to register at wallowaavalanchecenter.org. Entry is $25 for the race only, $50 for the race and WAC hat, or $75 for the race, WAC hat and WAC donation.

Two free clinics follow the race: Avalanche Companion Rescue at 10 a.m. and Snow Pit Observation at 1 p.m. Register in advance at the link above, or at the booth at Anthony Lakes.

The day wraps up with music by Pendleton-based band Wanderlost starting at 3 p.m. in the main lodge.

Backcountry Tour

Sunday, Feb. 4, brings a tour of the backcountry of Angell Basin with WAC forecasters who will show how to evaluate snow conditions and show participants additional local terrain options.

Find the registration form on the website. The group meets at 9 a.m. on the south side of the rental shop.

This tour is led by Hatch and Victor McNeil, director of the Wallowa Avalanche Center and lead forecaster.

About the center

The Wallowa Avalanche Center offers education, avalanche advisories, mountain weather information and observations. To learn more, visit wallowaavalanchecenter.org.