BRP Increases Number Of Free Avalanche Awareness Seminars In North America
BRP is adding to its already strong leadership role in avalanche awareness and safety by bringing 60 seminars to snowmobilers throughout North America this fall with stops in Canada, the lower 48 in the U.S. and Alaska.
The seminars have been extremely popular with the mountain snowmobile community as they provide great information that is geared specifically to snowmobilers and their riding methods, plus they’re fun and entertaining. In most cases these seminars would cost snowmobilers $50 or more to attend, but BRP and their dealers believe strongly in their value; therefore, sponsor the effort so it’s free to owners of all brands of sleds.
As mountain riding continues to grow in popularity, the demand for information and training has spread further east of the Rocky Mountains, and in response BRP is answering the need with seminars in Midwestern states like Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan this year. There are also more classes in western communities than last year, where the riding takes place.
“BRP has again aligned with some of the best resources in North America to provide free avalanche awareness education to the mountain snowmobile community this fall,” stated Philippe Normand, director of marketing, Ski-Doo Snowmobiles. “The seminars are fun and informative because our partner instructors are true riders and professionals in their field. They deliver a message that snowmobilers understand and appreciate.”
The seminars, which start in early October, run through December, and are usually combined with an open house or specially geared mountain riding event. Those who want to participate are encouraged to contact the host dealer so appropriate planning for space and chairs (many times refreshments also) can happen.
The Canadian sessions are led by Carole Savage, the snowmobile program coordinator for the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC). The CAC is world renowned for providing quality education and public information for those seeking backcountry access. Carole is an AST 1 certified instructor, completed CAA Industry Operations Level 2 and has been working with BRP on outreach programs for four years across British Columbia and Alberta.
Mike Duffy of Avalanche 1, a recognized snowmobile expert in avalanche awareness, leads classes conducted in the United States. Mike has American Avalanche Association Level I, Level II and AvPro level III certification, teaches at Colorado Mountain College, Silverton Avalanche School, has instructed snowmobile specific avalanche classes since 1996. Mike has 20+ years of mountain riding and mountain rescue experience. This is Mike’s third year working with BRP.
In Alaska, seminars are conducted by the North America Outdoor Institute (NAOI) based in Wasilla, Alaska. NOAI has certified professional instructors who are American Avalanche Association Level I, II and Professional members, AIARE certified trainers with Avalanche Level I and II, SOLO Wilderness First Aid, First Response and WEMT trainers. All instructors are long time riders with more than 10 years experience riding and teaching. This will be NAOI’s third season working with BRP and Ski-Doo dealers. The Alaska dealers and the NAOI have teamed up to offer an additional full day field workshop to those that attend the free shop seminar. These workshops, taught by professional instructors, provide fast paced and fun hands on skills training in the mountains where snowmobilers ride and play. The cost is normally $150, but is reduced to $50 for these events, courtesy of BRP and the host dealers.
For up to date information on locations, times, the program or the schedule for avalanche awareness seminars, visit www.ski-doo.com, the Ski-Doo Elevation Mountain Blog, or Ski-Doo Mountain Facebook page.
U.S. Lower 48 Avalanche Awareness Seminar schedule
October 2: Casper, WY, Driven Powersports Inc.
October 3: Gillette, WY, Action Motorsports Inc.
October 8: Mason City, IA, House of Sports
October 9: Sheldon, IA, Glen’s Sports Center
October 10: Toronto, SD, Roelofsen Implement, Inc.
October 11: Madison, SD, Interlakes Sports Center
October 15: Issaquah, WA, I-90 Motorsports
October 16: Wenatchee, WA, Wenatchee Honda
October 17: Enumclaw, WA, Enumclaw Suzuki Kawasaki Yamaha
October 18: Bend, OR, Pro Caliber Motorsports
October 19: Portland, OR, SK Northwest Inc.
October 22: Pinehurst, ID, Valley Powersports LLC
October 23: Kalispell, MT, Jesco Marine & Power Sports
October 24: Great Falls, MT, Addictive Powersports
October 26: Loveland, CO, Felker Motorsports
October 29: Durango, CO, Fun Center Inc.
October 30: Steamboat, CO, Steamboat Powersports
November 2: Novi, MI, Snowmobiles USA Show
November 5: Kamas, UT, Weller Recreation Inc
November 6: Brigham City, UT, Frank May Ski-Doo & ATV Inc.
November 7: Provo, UT, Provo Ski-Doo
November 8: McCall, ID, Mile High Powersports
November 12: Granby, CO, Powerworld LLC
November 13: Island Park, ID, Island Park Adventures
November 14: Rexburg, ID, Rexburg Motor Sports
November 19: Rapid City, SD, Rice Honda Suzuki
November 20: Mandan, ND, Moritz Sport & Marine
December 3: Kalamazoo, MI, Leader’s Marine
December 4: Johnson Creek, WI, Rob’s Performance Motorsports
December 5: Madison, WI, Engelhart Inc.
December 12: Montrose, CO, Montrose Implement
December 17: Brooklyn Center, MN, Marriott Northwest (Twin Cities dealers)
December 19: Alexandria, MN, Ollie’s Service
U.S. Alaska Avalanche Awareness schedule
October 12: Wasilla, AK, Valley CC, Inc.
October 18: Anchorage, AK, Alaska Mining and Diving Supply
October 19: Soldotna, AK, River and Sea Marine
October 19: Eagle River, AK, Team CC, Inc.
October 26: Fairbanks, AK, Compeau’s Inc.
Canadian Avalanche Awareness Seminar schedule
October 11: Lethbridge, AB, New Way Motorsports
October 15: Brooks, AB, A & E Racing and Marine
October 16: Calgary, AB, Bow Cycle North
October 17: Red Deer, AB, Turple Brothers
October 21: Edson, AB, Riderz
October 22: Grand Prairie, AB, Stojan’s Power Sports and Marine
October 23: Edmonton, AB, Martin Motor Sports –West side store
October 24: Bonnyville, AB, Power Merchants
October 25: Edmonton, AB, Martin Motor Sports – South side store
October 28: St. Albert, AB, Riverside Honda & Ski-doo
October 29: North Battleford, SK, Norsask Farm Equipment Ltd.
October 30: Prince Albert, SK, Pines PSM
October 31: Saskatoon, SK, FFun Motorsports
November 12: Courtenay, BC, Courtenay Motorsports
November 14: Chilliwack, BC, Greater Vancouver Powersports
November 15: Surrey, BC, Greater Vancouver Powersports
November 18: Kelowna, BC, Banner Recreation & Marine
November 19: Golden, BC, Motor Tech Ent.
November 20: Kamloops, BC, RTR Performance, Inc.
November 21: Prince George, AB, Forest Power Sports
November 22: Dawson Creek, BC, Trail Blazin’ Power
November 23: Fort St. John, BC, Trail Blazin’ Power
