In memory of Theo Meiners
Posted on Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

All of us at NAOI extend our sincere sympathy and condolences  to the family and close friends of Theo Meiners,  Alaska Rendezvous Heli-Guides owner and professional mountain guide. Meiners was attending the International Snow Science Workshop in Anchorage and had attended the event banquet on Thursday evening, Sept. 20th. He fell more than 50 feet from the third floor of the Den’aina Convention Center in Anchorage when he was leaving the banquet. A terrible tragedy for a man full of life and loved by so many in the industry. A sad end to an incredible life. Read more: ADN Story

In Memory of Theo. May he rest in peace.

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Alaska Avalanche Deaths
Posted on Thursday, March 15th, 2012

On March 13, 2012 Alaska suffered the loss of a Heli Ski Guide working in Haines, Alaska following an avalanche. 35-year-old Telluride, Colo. resident Robert Liberman died from his injuries. On Wednesday, March 14, 2012 a second victim, 26-year-old Nick Dodov of Truckee, Ca., a guided client, died from injuries sustained in the avalanche. A total of six victims were buried. All were wearing avalanche beacons and had received basic training.Read More.

Stay alert. Go prepared. Don’t get caught.

This video has been around a couple of years but it’s a good reminder!

Avalanche Skier POV Helmet Cam Burial & Rescue in Haines, Alaska from Chappy on Vimeo.

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Avalanche Story Provides Valuable Warning
Posted on Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Elyse Saugstead from Girdwood and three friends were caught in an avalanche on Sunday while skiing out of bounds at Stevens Pass Ski Area in Washington. Saugstead told KTUU that they felt safe in the area where they were. And even when the avalanche let loose they didn’t think it was going to turn out to be as big as it was. Read More.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Elyse and the families of those who died.

The message here is that all the equipment in the world may not save you if you’re in the wrong place. Elyse was fortunate that she did have an airbag, a valuable tool to wear if you plan to recreate in avalanche terrain, but what about her three friends that were killed by the same slide?

While we strongly support the use of AIRBAGS, as well as carrying beacon, shovel and probe, we recommend educating your brain and practicing safe travel techniques so you can avoid getting caught at all.

Before you head out on your adventure, take the time to learn practical skills that could save your life. NAOI will be hosting free snowmobile and avalanche awareness classes around Alaska thanks to support from the Alaska Dept. of Public Safety and the Alaska Division of Parks. Get the full schedule HERE!

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SAD DAY FOR ALASKA
Posted on Thursday, July 29th, 2010

All of us at the North America Outdoor Institute feel sad and heartbroken today over the loss of four lives in prepartion for the 2010 Arctic Thunder Air Show.

Life is a journey of unexpected twists and turns. We should not stay home and lock ourselves indoors because we fear dying in a dramatic, horrific way. We will all check out sooner or later and the joy of life, the thrill of being alive, is in living to the fullest. Knowing things can and do go wrong and doing everything in our power to make decisions that minimize our risks.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and all those touched by the impact of these four individuals. May their spirits live forever within those they have temporaily left behind.

Read more from our sponsor KTUU at: http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=12889630

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A mountain of memories
Posted on Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Recently Allen McGhan (age-33)  and Jeff McDaniel (31) took the NAOI (Find Me SPOT) on an adventure to Crescent Lake. There is a mountain of memories here for Allen. The mountain has a monument with a box inscribed for Allen’s father, Bruce McGhan, who died in a dirt avalanche in 1986. Almost every year since Allen was 10 years old he has climbed this mountain to remember his father and the impact he had on the lives of so many Alaskan’s. His love and dedication toward Alaska are still being felt today thanks to his family who have carried on his lessons and spirit.

The cousins finally achieved a long-held goal to submit the peak and you can find a link to their photos and videos of the trip in the NAOI photo gallery.

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