One of the two snowmobile organizations representing B.C. snowmobile clubs has announced a new funding commitment to the Revelstoke-based Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC).
The Association of BC Snowmobile Clubs (ABCSC) announced on Nov. 3 that local clubs will donate $1 from each daily trail fees to support the CAC’s services, including avalanche warnings, training and awareness outreach programs.
The ABCSC represents 26 local clubs in B.C. “Contrary to what is often represented in the media, snowmobilers are responsible recreationists, who care about the environment and care about avalanche safety,” said ABCSC president Al Hodgson in a statement. “We’re working with and supporting the CAC because we know it’s the right thing to do for our members and our sport. Everyone involved with mountain snowmobiling has a role to play in avalanche safety.”
In an interview, Hodgson estimated the commitment would total between $35,000 to $45,000 this season, largely depending on the season. Hodgson added that local clubs encouraged local riders to purchase annual $20 “friends” memberships with the CAC.
“We understand that we have to pay our way, we understand that essentially we’ve become a burden on the CAC and we are very focused on trying to come to every aspect of what our role is in avalanche safety regarding snowmobiles,” Hodgson said. He also emphasized the club’s involvement in a variety of avalanche safety initiatives currently and in the past, emphasizing the move was designed to support the CAC.
