OBJECTIVES
Based in Jackson, Wyoming, the AAF was started by snowboard mountaineer
and alpinist Stephen Koch after he survived an avalanche on the flanks
of Mount Owen in Grand Teton National Park. Educating young people about
avalanches will help save lives.
There have been 26 avalanche deaths in Wyoming's mountains since 1995.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center projects over 50
avalanche deaths in Wyoming by the end of the decade. Young people are
increasingly seeking out backcountry adventures by snowmobile, ski, and
snowboard. Promoting avalanche awareness among backcountry users will
contribute to the safety, adventure and enjoyment of all outdoor
enthusiasts.
AAF recognizes the growing number of young and inexperienced backcountry
users in and around Jackson Hole and the Rocky Mountain West, and is
offering educational programs to schools. The AAF educates through
in-class programs, on and off site training, and multi-media
presentations. Participants learn to reduce the chance of being caught
in an avalanche and the necessary skills to travel more safely in the
backcountry.
Prevention is the key.
Let's not wait until we have another avalanche-related fatality before
we teach our young people how to minimize the risks associated with
backcountry travel.
info@avalancheawareness.org
