The Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Club (FTASTC) is sponsoring a bursary program with the goal of promoting avalanche safety and awareness in the Elk Valley and to assist individuals who are pursuing a career in the avalanche industry.

Above: Fernie Ski Patrollers Melissa Makepeace and Megan Kelly with CAC Field Tech Gord Ohm congratulate Dylan Siggers (left) and Sam Moffat (right) who are previous recipients of the Fernie Avalanche Safety Bursary.

Awards of up to $1000 are available to successful applicants for the purpose of introductory Avalanche Safety Training courses (AST) or a Canadian Avalanche Association Industry Training Program Level I or II.

Preference will be given to locals or those who have shown a commitment to living and working in the Fernie area.

Applicants must submit a letter which outlines their experience in the winter back country, their interest in the avalanche phenomenon and their personal or professional goals with respect to avalanche safety.

Applications should be directed to to fernietrails@fernie.com by August 15, 2014. The awards will be announced by Sept 1, 2014.

The Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club was incorporated in 1993 and its goal is to maintain responsible, non-motorized trail access on Fernie and surrounding area Crown lands and private lands, including steward-ship of Fernie Mountain Park trails. The organization also maintains and manages backcountry cabins for winter touring and hiking. See more at fernietrails.com