Danny Russell of Palmer, likes to do just about everything that involves recreating in the outdoors from boating to fishing to skiing to riding snowmobiles. In February he learned about a special avalanche awareness training class to be held in Hatcher Pass from his riding club. The program was presented by snow forecasters and instructors from the Alaska Avalanche Information Center Hatcher Pass, in collaboration with the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center, and Alaska Avalanche School.

Russell decided he wanted to learn more so he attended the class with his riding club friends.

“I thought it was a great course for the amount of time we had,” said Russell. “I learned some really good strategy for digging that I didn’t know before so for me, that was probably my biggest take-a-way from this course.”

Russell said he believes training is always a valuable investment of time for himself and those that he rides with. “I think everyone that plays in the mountains should definitely take these classes.”

The best part for Russell, he was drawn from more than 2,500 entries, to win the Black Diamond avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. “This is great. My equipment is the old analog style so I needed to upgrade.”

Special thanks goes to Black Diamond for supporting the Alaska Backcountry Safety program made possible with funding from the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

This program was made possible thanks to the awesome group of volunteer instructors and everyone who participated in this contest by attending a training program and submitting a feedback form. Look for your opportunity to learn and win next season when the AAIC returns with more training programs.