2016 Avalanche Bursary Final Recipients

The Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club (FT&STC) is pleased to announce the 2016 Avalanche Bursary Final 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.

The first 2016 Avalanche Bursary went to Jeremy Wishart. Jeremy was awarded $750 to help fund his Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) Avalanche Operations Level 2 course. This is an advanced program for people who work full-time with avalanche safety and control operations.

Jeremy Wishart

On receiving the bursary Jeremy commented, “Please pass on my gratitude to the FT&STC for their generosity in providing this avalanche educational fund.”

Travis Foell, a recent graduate of that Mountain Adventure Skills Training Program, also received $750 for his CAA Operations Avalanche Level 1 course. This course is the first professional level training course for persons seeking employment with avalanche risk management operations.

Travis Foell

Travis commented, “After I completed my AST 2 last season I knew that I wanted to continue my Avalanche training and study’s and make a career out of ski guiding and Avalanche forecasting, making people safer while they are out with a tour or out on their own recreationally”.

The FT&STC also provided two bursaries for the AST 1 course, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of travelling in avalanche terrain. These bursaries went to Nakoda Mason and Rick Assuncao, who each received $175.

Nakoda Mason

Rick Assuncao

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 $1000 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 locals or those who have shown a commitment to living and working in the Fernie area.