BRP is adding to its already strong leadership role in avalanche awareness and safety by bringing 62 seminars to snowmobilers throughout North America this fall, with stops in Canada, the lower 48 in the U.S. and Alaska.
The seminars are 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 as BRP and their dealers believe strongly in their value, they 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. 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 and run through December, are usually combined with an open house or specially geared mountain riding event. Those who want to participate are encouraged to register with the host dealer so appropriate planning for space and chairs (and many times refreshments) 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 worked 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 in the United States. Mike has American Avalanche Association Level I &II and AvPro level III certification, teaches at Colorado Mountain College and Silverton Avalanche School and gives snowmobile-specific avalanche classes since 1996. Mike has over 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
