Snowmachine safety class includes low-cost helmets

Valley Healthy Communities is once again offering a free snowmachine safety clinic to youth, with program participants able to purchase a helmet for $25 upon completion.

The program has become more and more popular each year. Last year, 90 helmets were available for purchase at the drastically-reduced rate of $25. This year, thanks to grants and partnerships, 150 helmets are available. Normally, they retail for $130.

"This is a tremendously popular program for folks here in the Valley," said Hans Neidig, executive director of Valley Healthy Communities. "Grants from the Valley Hospital Association and the state of Alaska Division of Parks and Recreation Trail Grants program have once again made it possible for us to provide this opportunity to folks here in the Valley."

The safety clinic runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow at Wasilla Middle School. While geared specifically toward youth, adults are encouraged to attend as well.

During the event, local experts from a variety of organizations will be on hand to talk about pertinent subjects, including avalanche awareness, basic rescue and first aid, basic snowmachine safety, trail etiquette, open water and cold weather preparedness and alcohol awareness.

"We just can't assume that our youth have all the necessary skills to maneuver snow machines in varied terrain, conditions and circumstances," Neidig said. "It's important that we prepare them to prevent accidents and injury and to equip them with the basic skills and knowledge to see them through any challenges they encounter."

The helmets are available thanks to grants and the work of Wasilla Arctic Cat, Neidig said. Wasilla Arctic Cat buys the helmets and provides to Valley Healthy Communities Program at cost.