The Avalanche Awareness Beyond the Boundaries Society (AABBS) is returning this year.

The not-for-profit group was formed in 2009 and worked to address a need for youth education regarding avalanche safety. For more than a decade, they provided free avalanche awareness courses in Nelson to youth aged 13 - 18 but were unable to continue through the COVID 19 pandemic. Earlier this year they reformed the group with new board members.

Board member Robin Mitz says funding from local businesses Valhalla Mountain Touring, Ambler and Valhalla Pure Outfitters has allowed them to run two courses this winter. 

It was a deadly season across the province in 2023. Avalanches claimed several lives in BC last winter, including two off duty Nelson police officers back country skiing in Kaslo.

AABBS is holding their own fundraising event on Thursday, Oct. 19 at Backroads Brewing from 7-10 p.m. 

The first course runs from Jan. 5-7 the second is March 2-4, 2024. Sign up for those courses opens on Oct. 20. More information is available through the Whitewater Ski Resort Website.

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