BRP and Ski-Doo Snowmobiles in partnership with BCA/Backcountry Access are once again promoting the importance of snowmobile avalanche safety and awareness in the backcountry. In its eighth year of existence, the program offers more than 40 free seminars at Ski-Doo dealerships across North America.

“Keeping backcountry safety awareness top of mind through education and exposure remains a priority for Ski-Doo, and this is why we continue to support avalanche training,” said Marc R. Lacroix, Global Ski-Doo and Sea-Doo Marketing Director. “Through our trainers, BCA and Backcountry Ascender, we’ve partnered with experts to design snowmobile-specific seminars that are educational and entertaining for participants. Together we make it authentic for our unique style of access, fast paced, fun and continue to raise the level of awareness and education even further.”

To date more than 19,000 deep snow snowmobile enthusiasts have taken part in Ski-Doo-sponsored avalanche awareness seminars since 2009. It plays a vital role in keeping riders of all brands safe in the backcountry, and is one step to help ensure riders return home to ride another day.

In addition to sponsoring seminars, Ski-Doo and BCA also team up with Backcountry Ascender, an online backcountry education platform. It is a free, self-directed program that provides basic avalanche education and encourages traditional courses to advance to higher levels. Much of the course content can be completed online, and it will direct users to relevant in-person courses like the Ski-Doo/BCA-sponsored seminars. Backcountry Ascender is supported by the International Snowmobile Manufacturer’s Association (ISMA), of which Ski-Doo is an active member.

Canadian courses are led by Marshall Dempster. He’s a Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association, professional avalanche forecaster and retired Canadian Avalanche Association Rescue dog handler. Dempster is a recognized avalanche forecaster, a Lead Instructor (AST1 and 2) and Backcountry Guide. He has 17 years of mountain experience focused on safe travel as well as mountain rescue and a passion to share his knowledge.

U.S.-based courses are conducted by Mike Duffy of Avalanche1.com. A certified instructor and professional member of the American Avalanche Association, Duffy instructs at American Avalanche Institute, Alaska Avalanche School and Silverton Avalanche School, and has been giving snowmobile-specific avalanche classes since 1996. As rescue team leader Vail Mountain Rescue Group, Duffy has more than 26 years of mountain riding and mountain rescue experience. He is also a Backcountry Guide/riding instructor.