News
Fourteen years of Safety: Thanks BRP/ Ski-Doo for Supporting the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
Snowpack observations in Lynx Creek, Chugach NF.
In the vast landscape of the Chugach National Forest, providing accurate, timely avalanche forecasting requires more than just expertise—it demands reliable equipment. For the past 14 seasons, the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center (CNFAC) has relied on the generous support of BRP and local Ski-Doo dealer Alaska Mining and Diving Supply (AMDS) and their innovative loaner program. As we look back on more than a decade of partnership, it is essential to recognize how this commitment to safety has enabled CNFAC staff. From the early days of the REV platform, our staff has relied on Ski-Doo snowmobiles to access Alaska’s backcountry for snowpack, weather, and avalanche observations.
The CNFAC operates in one of the most challenging and varied snow climates in the world. Avalanche center staff access high-alpine terrain to observe snowpack, investigate avalanches, and monitor and maintain remote weather stations from Turnagain Pass to Lost Lake. This necessitates reliable, high-performance machines. Through the loaner program, BRP/ Ski-Doo provides the most capable and reliable snowmobiles on the market. These machines are not merely toys; they act as the quintessential tool for our team of avalanche forecasters to do their job day in and day out.
Interns Marc and Nate putting the Ski-Doo mountain sleds to work relocating the Lost Lake Weather station this spring. Chugach NF, Alaska.
By facilitating safe and reliable access to avalanche terrain, BRP/Ski-Doo has directly aided in the production of daily avalanche forecasts, special advisories, and educational content that thousands of snowmachiners, skiers, and riders rely on daily throughout the winter months.
A huge thank you to BRP/ Ski-Doo and AMDS for loaning us this 2026 Summit 850 to support the CNFAC operation yet again during the 2025/26 avalanche season. Your support helped us provide valuable public safety information all winter long. By the numbers: our team provided 144 public avalanche bulletins, and over 100 professional observations and field videos. The positive impact of this partnership between BRP/ Ski-Doo and avalanche centers across North America is profound and exemplifies BRP’s dedication to the mountain community.
By supporting avalanche centers, BRP/ Ski-Doo and AMDS are not just promoting their products; they are actively investing in the safety of winter enthusiasts. This long-standing loaner program demonstrates an understanding that enabling safe access to the backcountry requires collaboration between industry leaders and public safety organizations such as the Chugach NF Avalanche Center, Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center, and the Alaska Avalanche School.
As the CNFAC continues its mission to provide high-quality avalanche information across Alaska, we extend our deepest gratitude to BRP/ Ski-Doo, and Alaska Mining and Diving Supply. Again, thank you for over ten years of partnership, and many more years of safe riding and informed decisions in the mountains. —
Andrew, John, Graham, Mik, Daniel, and Mary (+ Marc and Nate –CNFAC interns)
It can’t be all work and no play as an avalanche forecaster in Alaska! Turnagain Pass, Chugach NF.