NAOIAK

On Feb. 13, 2010 Alaska suffered the loss of three people in two separate accidents. Jim Bowles, President of Conoco Phillips and Alan Gage, a Conoco Phillips employee, were killed while out riding near Spencer Glacier with friends. A third man, William Brasher Schorr, was killed in a separate slab avalanche near Eagler River.

Our heartfelt sadness for these tragedies and the resulting loss go out to the families and friends of these men.  All of us at NAOI understand the pain and ache accidents like this cause. That’s why we diligently work to bring more awareness and training to the general public.

While these men were veterans of Alaska outdoor recreation and had some training and even some of the necessary tools, there were major red flags that could have helped them make different decisions about the terrain they were riding if they had known. We hope that some good comes from these horrible accidents by warning other backcountry travelers that training is important but can’t replace careful, thorough and thoughtful decision making.

We know that none of that will ever take away the pain left by the loss of these people. Only our prayers and support extended to the families and friends, as well as time, can help to ease their suffering. Please join us in sending thoughts and prayers to all the family and friends of Jim, Alan and William.

It hurts to hear the news that two people, and possibly a third, were killed in avalanches over the weekend in Alaska. It especially hurts because we sent out an e-blast newsletter last week warning people that danger was high and human triggered avalanches are likely, especially on slopes that are plagued with a persistent weak layer and lots of  new snow mounded on top. It’s unfortunate that news is shared by so few. But we’re trying the best we can. We depend on others to pass it on.

The never ending challenge of getting enough funding to get the message out and  provide ongoing training for the general public pains me because I know if we had support from companies like Conoco Phillips we could do so much more. We could afford to launch a full media campaign to warn of dangers, and share safety tips to help people in their decision making process. Plus we could host many more free training sessions.

Despite the set backs and challenges we have perserved and pushed forward. We are hosting as many programs as possible with the little bit of funding we did secure, but it’s been dismally short of what’s really needed.

We depend on our members, corporation support and grants to provide programs that teach practical skills like safe practices for traveling in avalanche terrain and across glaciers.  It’s time the state of Alaska really step forward and provide more than a few thousand dollars every year for education programs.

And it’s up to the citizens and visitors of Alaska to take the time to attend an avalanche awareness training program. NAOI will host our next class on Sat. Feb. 27th at Mat-Su College. The class is just $20 (to support our basic costs) and for an additional $25 gets you a new SNELL helmet. Make the committment to get educated. Sign up today!

NAOI is proud to be a Disney Give a Day – Get a Day volunteer organization. This year if you volunteer for a day with NAOI, you can earn a free day at a Disney theme park. Our opportunities are limited so if you would like to be part of this program, we recommend you sign up early. We have needs that range from administration duties to helping with community programs. We have programs all year you can help with and need and appreciate all of our volunteers. As a small non-profit with a very limited budget, we could not do all we do without the generoisty of our wonderful volunteers!

This holiday NAOI has teamed up with the City of Wasilla and a host of other partners to bring the first Safe and Sound Fair to the Mat-Su. We will feature the State Parks SnowTrack helmet safety program. Participants will have the opportunity to purchase a DOT or SNELL helmet for $25 to $45. These helmets are valued at $100-$150 each so a great deal. But best of all, you get some valuable safety education that will make your riding safer and more fun. This program is free to attend and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this special offer and join us on Sat. Dec. 12 from 10 am to 4 pm. You can ensure you’ll get a helmet by signing up at www.naoiak.org.

This survey is critical for providing support for future NAOI safety education programs. Please take a few minutes to follow the link and share your thoughts on safety education. Here’s the correct link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=97MeUtxw5IHrBmYRaJjQWA_3d_3d

NAOI will host a backcountry skills clinic with Dan Dryden on Sunday, Dec. 6th at the Hatcher Pass Lodge in Hatcher Pass. Focus will be on safe snowmobile travel. All participants eligible to receive a SNELL helmet for $45 or one of our limited supply DOT helmets for $25. You must pre-register and the cost is $99.00. We have specials available for anyone that has taken a previous class from NAOI. Call 907-376-2898 for details.

Join NAOI on Sat. Nov. 21, 2009 from 9 am to 5 pm to learn back country skills for traveling in mountain terrain with Dean Cummings and Dan Dryden. Cummings is a world class mountain guide, world champion skier and snowmobile safety instructor. Dryden is a NOLS certified leader, mountain guide and experienced backcountry traveler.

Learn practical skills for traveling in avalanche terrain. This is a rare opportunity to work one on one with world class mountain professionals for just $99.00. Members and past program participants receive 20% off course fees. Call today to reserve your seat. Space limited.

It was a tough process, but NAOI is pleased to announce we succeeded in meeting the $5,000 BP/Jessica Stevens Foundation grant thanks to some generous individuals who share our belief in outdoor safety education training programs. Thank you to: Karen Stewart, Allen McGhan, Nigel Guest, Rick Desautel, Keith Stinebaugh, Alex Eaton, Scott McDaniel, Charles Holley, Al Straun, Susan Taylor and Tawnia Varona.