January 6, 2003 – The 6th Annual Columbia Brewery Avalanche Awareness Days will be held January 10th and 11th, 2004 in more than 30 mountain communities in Canada, to promote public awareness about the hazards of avalanches and how to stay safe.  In addition, the efforts and contribution of the Canadian avalanche safety industry will be profiled and fundraising will be held in support of the Public Avalanche Bulletin.

Fernie Alpine Resort has planned two days of demonstrations, presentations and interactive activities for skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities. The weekend will also include a media morning on Friday, January 9th, as well as a Fundraising Party on that evening, at 7:00 pm in the Grizzly Bar. The entry fee will be a donation at the door in support of the Canadian Avalanche Association and the event will feature the sounds of Tequila Execution and a Live Auction, including such prizes as a snowboard session with Justin Trudeau, a morning with a Fernie Alpine Resort Pro-Patroller, and a day of Cat Skiing with Island Lake Lodge, to name a few.

Fernie Alpine Resort's Pro-Patrol have organized a comprehensive and exciting schedule of activities and demonstrations:

Saturday, January 10th

11:00 am – Snow Profile Demonstration – top of Timber Express Chair

1:00 pm – Avalanche Rescue Dog Demonstration – Base of the Timber Express Chair

2:00 pm – Avalanche Transceiver Education and Demonstration / Recco Search and Demonstration – Base of Timber Express Chair

7:00 pm – Public Avalanche Awareness Presentation – Fernie Arts Station

Sunday, January 11th

10:00 am – Kids Scavenger Hunt for Transceivers & Treats – Base of Deer Chair

11:30 am – Avalanche Transceiver Search Competition – Base of Timber Express Chair

$5 entry fee – no lift ticket required / register at Guest Services by 10:30 am / Bring your own transceiver / limited number for rent – all proceeds go to the Fernie Backcountry Rescue Fund.

“With the increased popularity in 'going out of bounds', public Avalanche Awareness is a necessity,” says Nancy Reid, Fernie Alpine Resort pro-patroller and organizer of the event.  She adds, “Avalanche Awareness Days is a free public event open to everyone.  The aim is to educate the public about the hazards of avalanches and possibly save a life.”

For more information on this event log on to www.skifernie.com or contact us at (250) 423-4655.