Winter is coming, the stoke is high, and preparing for another season of backcountry adventure starts now. Join Aspen Public Radio and The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) on Saturday, October 17, for the Roaring Fork Valley’s third annual Backcountry Symposium — a FREE event with a new format for more hands-on learning and time to get outside.

The day kicks off with the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club annual sports swap on the streets around TACAW (from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and group adventures on the beautiful routes around Willits from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a run led by the crew from Independence Run and Hike and a bike ride led by Kyle Wellborn and Joel Dickey.

Then join us back at TACAW for hands-on, expert-led workshops from 1 to 3 p.m. — in your choice of first aid, backcountry safety skills or bike repairs — so you’re more prepared for your next big day out. For the groms (and kids-at-heart), local children’s book author Jill Sheeley will read her newest tale of rescue and adventure in the “Fraser the Yellow Dog” series, with a safety-gear primer from Ute Mountaineer founder Bob Wade, at 1 p.m.

As the sun tucks behind the mountains, head inside for a season forecast, social hour, and thoughtful conversations about our relationship with the outdoors. Open Snow’s Sam Collentine gives us a look at the winter ahead at 3:30 p.m., followed by mingling, drinks and a raffle from 4 to 5 p.m. Then, we’ll settle into the theater with local rescuers, avalanche pros and mental health clinicians to discuss “The Aftermath” — how to care for one another after a backcountry disaster — from 5 to 6 p.m. The Symposium will conclude with Aspen Hall-of-Famer Paul Andersen, who gives the keynote at 6:30 p.m., on “the evolution of an environmentalist.” We’ll have food trucks outside TACAW throughout the day — coffee and pastries from Pico Cafe in the morning, Dustino’s Pizza Strada to fuel the afternoon — and Explore Books will sell a collection of books by our speakers and other outdoor leaders to inspire your next adventure. Several local authors will be on site for book signings in the afternoon and evening, including Sheeley, Andersen, Art Burrows and Lou Dawson.

You’ll find more details on all our programming in the schedule below.

This event is meant for the seasoned backcountry enthusiast and the eager rookie alike, celebrating all forms of outdoor recreation. Swing by for a session or stay for the whole day.

RSVP now to claim your spot, and enter our raffle for sweet backcountry gear and goodies. You must be present to win a prize during our social hour from 4 to 5 p.m. If you plan to join a hands-on workshop in the afternoon, please register for that as well — corresponding RSVP links below each workshop description. Act now to make sure you have a spot!