LETTER: November is Avalanche Awareness Month

To the editor:

November is Avalanche Awareness Education Month. As a lifelong Alaskans, I’ve lost a lot of friends in slides and I’ve seen a lot of changes and experienced some pretty incredible moments during my 60 plus years while exploring the backcountry regions of our state. The snow is coming and this is a great time of year to start getting prepared so you can get out and enjoy the great outdoors safely.

The professionals at the Alaska Avalanche Information Center want to help all Alaskans prepare for their big winter adventures with a fun, free day of training geared for both those new to outdoor adventures as well as long-time veterans. Join them Saturday, Nov. 4 at Alaska Pacific University, 4101 University Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. for free workshops. This is your chance to brush up on your backcountry travel skills or learn new skills to help you travel safely. This SnowFest is geared for everyone from 8 to 80 years old and designed to let you focus on your individual skills and needs. And it’s all free thanks to support from AARP Alaska and the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Bring your family, friends and adventure partners and come for an hour or stay for the day.

I encourage you to ask yourself before you load up your gear and head out for your adventure, are you prepared if something goes wrong? Will you know what to do and have the supplies needed if you become trapped by weather, mechanical failure or other situations and suddenly find yourself forced to spend an unexpected night out? If you or someone in your group gets injured, will you have the knowledge, supplies and confidence to deal with a medical emergency? Could you find your buddy if they were buried in an avalanche? If you’ve been out riding and exploring for years or are just getting started, this training opportunity will have something for everyone. You can bring your own safety equipment to practice with or borrow gear from AAIC. Don’t miss out, register or learn more at www.alaskasnow.org, email info@alaskasnow.org or call 907-255-2242.

— Debra McGhan

Wasilla