Contest 2009

2009 Winners

REI GPS Winner – Quiz Competition

LaVan Glenn

Congratulations to LaVan Glenn of Palmer, Alaska, the winner of the 2008-09 REI feedback contest. This year NAOI collected 6,581 entries statewide from our Be Snow Smart avalanche awareness education program.

The information provided through this contest helps NAOI know what works and what doesn’t which is extremely valuable for making sure this program is effective.

For the past three years, Glenn has participated in a winter education intensive course taught at his school, Academy Charter, by teacher Jared Schumacher.

“I think this is a really important class that should be taught at every school (in Alaska,)” said Glenn. “I have learned a lot about snow and places you shouldn’t travel, like in dips and gullies.”

Glenn said he definitely feels he recreates differently as a result of this training. “I get a weather forecast before we go now and travel on the ridges. I would encourage anyone that doesn’t know to be careful, ask someone that does know and learn everything you can before you head out.”

Glenn, an avid snow machine enthusiast who also enjoys four-wheeling, snow boarding and skateboarding, said he’ll put his new GPS to good use as he and his family get out and explore Alaska.

Ortovox Package winner – Feedback form contest

Bob Wiacek

Congratulations to Bob Wiacek of Anchorage, Alaska, the winner of the 2007-08 Ortovox Quiz contest. NAOI collected more than 5,000 entries in this year’s contest.

Participants were asked to complete a short quiz to determine their comprehension of the material presented during the Be Snow Smart training presentation. The winner was drawn from all correct entries on May 15, 2009.

Wiacek attended training at the Anchorage Waste Water Facility during a monthly safety meeting. "I thought this was a great program to have at work. A lot of get out and ride on the weekends and the information was really well presented.

Wiacek says he loves to snow machine and often rides with friends in the Petersville area where he has a cabin. Before taking the avalanche training program, he said he just avoided any potential avalanche terrain and always carried a shovel.

"I learned what to look out for (when riding my snowmobile) and more about what causes avalanches so this was a helpful program. I didn't own a transceiver so this is a great surprise!