The Hans Saari Memorial Fund (HSMF), www.hansfund.org, a grant-giving organization established to honor the life and achievements of ski-mountaineer Hans Saari, will celebrate the launch of its Ski Exploration Grant with The North Face and Powder Magazine.
The Ski Exploration Grant’s primary objective is to provide ski mountaineers a unique opportunity to receive funding assistance through a program designed for and focused specifically on skiing. The grant encourages the development of skills and pursuit of objectives consistent with Hans Saari’s approach to skiing and travel in the mountains. The grant supports innovative ski expeditions and progressive exploratory projects in alpine environments while also encouraging the creative documentation of the experience through film, photography, writing and other media.
“The Hans Fund would like to recognize and thank our friends at The North Face and Powder Magazine for their support and partnership as this exploration grant is launched and new programs are introduced,” acknowledged Drew Seessel, president of the Fund. “The Fund is honored to have such committed partners as we work to ensure Hans’s accomplishments serve as examples for other aspiring ski mountaineers.”
This event is both a celebration with The North Face offering fantastic gift prizes and complimentary beer as well the opportunity to meet the Hans Fund directors, including photographer and North Face athlete Kris Erickson, and renowned ski mountaineer Andrew McLean. The gathering provides an opportunity to learn more about the Fund and the launch of the Fund’s centerpiece Ski Exploration Grant.
As Doug Workman eloquently writes in his recent Powder Magazine article:
“Saari’s legacy reminds us that any passion, including those played out on cold, solitary mountaintops, can benefit the greater community. Through a dedication to adventure, intellect, and mentorship, Saari used ski mountaineering to better the world around him.”
About the Hans Saari Memorial Fund
In 2001, Hans Saari died tragically in a fall while attempting to descend the Tardivel entrance to the Gervasutti Couloir near Mont Blanc. Saari had gained an international reputation as a writer and ski mountaineer. He was highly regarded for his ski expeditions, many of which yielded first descents from some of the world’s most challenging peaks. The Fund, founded in his memory, seeks to foster an appreciation for alpine skiing, environments, and cultures by promoting ski exploration and education.
Through grants and scholarships, the Fund provides assistance to individuals and non-profit organizations whose primary objectives are focused on avalanche education. Past recipients of grants include the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center and ski professionals seeking continuing education opportunities. In 2007, the HSMF introduced a new scholarship program for individuals to accompany its grants. In June, the Fund partnered with Exum mountaineering and awarded its first scholarships to three Bozeman area high school students who attended a five-day ski mountaineering camp in the Wyoming’s Grand Tetons.
Applications for Ski Exploration Grants are due March 1. 2008 Applications and additional information can be found at hansfund.org
For further press information contact:
Andrew Seessel, President
PO Box 10478
Bozeman, MT 59719
406-556-1275
info@hansfund.org
