Curtis Pawliuk has a vested interested in outdoor recreation—and in avalanche safety. As both an avid sledder and the general manager of the Valemount and Area Recreation and Development Association (VARDA), Pawliuk had extensive prior experience with the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC). In May of 2011, Pawliuk was voted onto the CAC board; his new role as a director gives him further opportunities to forge relationships between the avalanche and sledding communities.
"Over the past few years, the CAC has focused its energy on building partnerships within the snowmobile community," said Pawliuk. "We need that input to ensure any new initiatives are relevant and will be effective at reaching members of the sledding community. Those relationships are now growing strong and the CAC is starting to reap the rewards by seeing increased awareness, membership and participation by snowmobilers in different programs."
These programs include a bursary program to help sledders obtain professional-level training as well as a one-day course centred on companion rescue. SledCom, the CAC snowmobile committee, was formed in 2009 and is comprised of a diverse group of sledders who provide ongoing input and guidance for the CAC's safety programs. The CAC also highlights programs like the Association of British Columbia Snowmobile Clubs' Buck A Head program, which donates one dollar from every trail pass sold by participating clubs to the CAC.
The CAC's work is having payoffs, said Pawliuk, as sledders discuss avalanche safety amongst themselves and carry the correct gear when in avalanche terrain. As the popularity of snowmobiling grows, the value of direct links between the snowmobiling community and the avalanche community—historically skier-based—becomes evident.
"Last year we saw a 15 per cent increase in snowmobilers taking avalanche training courses," said Pawliuk. "They account for only 20 per cent of the 6,500 people who take a course every year, but that number is quickly changing. We’re looking forward to the coming winter as we see the trend continue."
Check the CAC's website for avalanche bulletins, news, trip-planning information and more.
