This release was issued under a previous government.
One of the many featured activities at this year’s Avalanche Awareness Day is how to build a quinzee.
This year’s event will be held Jan. 20 in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. It will feature live demonstrations such as how to assess avalanche terrain, how to build a snow shelter and fire-starting strategies.
“Avalanche Awareness Day is a great opportunity for Albertans and their families to get outdoors, learn vital safety tips and have some fun. The Alberta government is proud to support avalanche and winter safety programs, especially as more and more Albertans head into the backcountry.”
Fat biking, beacon and transceiver searches, and snow pit testing will also be featured. Visitors will be able to meet an avalanche rescue dog in training, and there will be free hot chocolate, which can be enjoyed next to our warming fire pits. Snowshoes are recommended to get around the park. There will be free snowshoes available for people who don’t have their own. Last year’s Avalanche Awareness Day drew more than 500 visitors.
In addition to avalanche safety programming, the province has provided $1.4 million to Avalanche Canada since 2011. This investment supports the important work of Avalanche Canada, which provides, in partnership with the province, daily avalanche forecasts, avalanche safety training and focused outreach programs.
“Avalanche Canada’s role is to provide Canadians with the tools and training needed to safely explore their winter backcountry. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for its continued support of our work.”
Avalanche Awareness Day
Sunday, Jan. 20
Burstall Pass Trailhead, Smith-Dorrien Road
Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (drop-in)
Avalanche Canada events
Avalanche Awareness Days at Lake Louise Ski Resort
Saturday, Jan. 19 and Sunday, Jan. 20
Event details
Avalanche Awareness Days at Castle Mountain Resort
Saturday, Jan. 19 and Sunday, Jan. 20
Event details
21st annual Avalanche Awareness Night in Banff
Max Bell Auditorium, Banff Centre
Sunday, Jan. 20
6:30 p.m.