Winter is fast approaching, which means outdoor enthusiasts are dusting off their skis, polishing their snowboards and readying their snowmobiles for a season of fun.
But users should be made well aware of the inherent risks involved with these sports and locals can get fully informed when Bombardier Recreation Products brings their brand new avalanche awareness program to 撸奶社区on Nov. 8.
The program, which will take place at No Limits Motorsports in Squamish, will see a three-hour seminar conducted by a certified avalanche safety instructor and taught from the snowmobilers perspective.
"In the back country the risk is always there," said Amanda Dempsey, owner of No Limits Motorsports. "A lot of snowmobilers seem to have a false sense of security and this program is designed to raise awareness of how dangerous it can be."
Dempsey said that the program is for novice riders and is a great base of knowledge for the full on avalanche course, which can sometimes be a lot for a beginner to take in.
She added that the program, which has been making its way through the Kootenays en route to Squamish, has received great feedback from everyone she's spoken to.
The Canadian Avalanche Centre pointed out that the program is a good introduction for those new to the snowmobiling.
"This program will provide participants with a basic awareness of avalanches and avalanche terrain," said Ian Tomm, executive director of the Canadian Avalanche Centre. "The intention is to raise awareness of the risks of backcountry sledding and encourage participants to continue with their avalanche education and take a two-day Avalanche Safety Training course."
In light of the recent incidents involving snowmobilers in the past few years, BRP deemed it necessary to educate the snowmobiling public on the potential dangers of avalanches.
"We recognize the need to increase safety awareness," stated Robert Lumley, vice-president, Sales and Marketing, Ski-Doo/Sea-Doo. "This program will help bring the avalanche safety message to our customers quickly and more effectively."
Dempsey added that the course is completely free and that everyone attending will be entered into a draw to win the full avalanche safety training course for free. The course, which costs $400, is an intensive two day course that is hosted by the Black Tusk Snowmobile Club.
She also added that there will be door prizes and other activities going on at the store during the event.
The Avalanche Safety Awareness program is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at No Limits Motorsports, lasting about three hours and is free of charge.
For more information or to register for a two-day Avalanche Safety Training Course, visit www.avalanche.ca.
