2017 Avalanche Bursary Recipients

The Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club (FT&STC) is pleased to announce two 2017 Avalanche Bursary recipients. The avalanche bursary program has been in place for several years with the goal of promoting avalanche safety and awareness in the Elk Valley and to assist individuals who are pursuing a career in the avalanche industry.

Gordon Bunston recieved $500 in funding assistance for his Canadian Avalanche Association Level I program that he is enrolled in for January of 2017.Gord has lived in Fernie since 2008 and has been a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol and an auxiliary with the Fernie Fire Department. In the future he looks to teaching AST courses.

Ricardo Assuncao received $228 to support his AST 2 program. Rick lives and works in the Fernie area and is an avid snowboarder, split boarder and snowmoboarder. He is a back country enthusiast and a member of the Fernie Search and Rescue. Last January he applied and received a bursary from the FT&STC for his AST 1 and now he’s completing his AST 2 course in January 5th-8th, 2017.

The FT&STC wishes these recipients the best of luck in their courses we look forward to assisting others next year.

Awards of up to $500 are available to successful applicants for the purpose of introductory Avalanche Safety Training courses (AST) or a Canadian Avalanche Association Industry Training Program Level I or II.

Applicants must submit a letter which outlines their experience in the winter back country, their interest in the avalanche phenomenon and their personal or professional goals with respect to avalanche safety.

Applications should be directed to fernietrails@fernie.com. Preference will be given to those who have shown a commitment to living and working in the Fernie area.