Scholarships
Scholarships are now closed for the 2025-2026 season. Congratulations to the awardees, and
thank you to all the applicants. Stay tuned for the 2026-2027 opener!
Amy Downing Scholarship Fund
Born and raised in Anchorage, Amy was a regular in the Anchorage outdoor community. She lived for adventure and companionship in the backcountry. Amy continually pushed herself to try new things and develop her outdoor skills. She thrived on the feeling of empowerment that wilderness experiences gave her, and was always looking to share those feelings and experiences with others. A gifted connector, she had a natural ability to bring people together, usually outside. Amy’s enthusiasm for skiing and adventure is dearly missed.
The Amy Downing Scholarship Fund offers women the opportunity to gain the skills and equipment necessary to have their own adventures in the backcountry and the chance to experience the same feelings of empowerment and joy that drew Amy to the wilderness.
Donate to the Amy Downing Scholarship Fund: click here for members and here for sponsors. This scholarship was established by Charlie’s Produce, with generous support from Tote Maritime.
Amy Downing Scholarship Application process:
- 3-5 scholarships will be available each season to women seeking an Avy 1, Avy 2, or a beginner snowmachine-specific course.
- Award to be used in the current season or registered before Dec 31st the following season.
- A list of local accredited avalanche course providers may be found here. If you wish to take an out-of-state course, please specify in your application. Eligible courses must conform to national standards.
- Award will be the cost of the course up to $500.
Applications will open fall 2026. Requests will be reviewed and awarded soon after.
| Brian J Dodd | Shannon Dwyer | Tobias Schwoerer & Darcy Dugan | Carolyn Seramur |
| Scott Weaver |
Rob Hammel Scholarship Fund
Rob was an outstanding member of the local community, a veteran ski patroller, and professional colleague with a sincere passion for the outdoors and skiing. He was a dedicated friend and supporter of the CNFAIC and worked to educate the next generation about avalanche safety.
Donate to the Rob Hammel Scholarship Fund: click here for members and here for sponsors. We thank the Hammel family and friends for establishing this memorial scholarship fund to provide avalanche education opportunities to those who cannot afford it.
Rob Hammel Scholarship Application process:
- Two (2) Scholarships available for avalanche professionals and recreational up to $1000.
- Award to be used in the current season or registered before Dec 31st the following season.
- A list of local accredited avalanche course providers may be found here. If you wish to take an out-of-state course, please specify in your application. Eligible courses must conform to national standards.
- Award will be the cost of the course up to $1000.
In addition to need, applicants for the Avalanche Professional scholarship who will use the training to promote further education and safety (e.g. snow professionals or educators) will be given favor. Scholarship applications for professional workshops or conferences will be considered on a case by case basis.
Applications will open fall 2026. Requests will be reviewed and awarded soon after.
| Brian J Dodd | Shannon Dwyer | Hammel Family | Tobias Schwoerer & Darcy Dugan |
| Carolyn Seramur | Scott Weaver | Toby Wheeler |
