National Snowmobile Award for Zac's Tracs
Pat Whiteway, President CCSO. Louise Sherren, Executive Director ASA. Randy & Lori Zacaruk. Pat McGrath, President ASA (Alberta Snowmobile Association).
As printed in the Canadian Avalanche News – Summer 2007 issue:
Lori Zacaruk and her husband Randy, were presented with the CCSO (Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations) Excellence Award for 2007, in recognition of their work in avalanche safety training. Through their company “Zac’s Tracs,” Lori and Randy have reached over 10,000 school students, 1500 adults in classroom presentations, and close to 750 snowmobilers in hands-on field training exercises over the past seven years.
The presentation was made during the International Snowmobile Congress held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in early June. The four-day conference is one of the highlights of the snowmobiling calendar, and delegates from all the Canadian provinces and the Yukon Territory were joined by representatives from 23 states, Sweden, and Russia.
While at the conference, Lori made presentations to the CCSO, the
International Association of Snowmobile Administrators (IASA) and the International Snowmobile Media Council (ISMC). The focus of her talk was to encourage partnerships between the snowmobile and avalanche communities.
Contact Information
Zac’s Tracs
Box 903
Black Diamond, AB T0L 0H0
Canada
Phone: 403-938-5811
Fax: 403-938-7787
Cell: 403-850-3042
Zac's Instructors
Lori Zacaruk
Randy Zacaruk
Continuing Professional Development
Under construction
Summer 2007 – Co-author – Sledding in Avalanche Terrain, Book Revision
Feb 2007 – Observer Instructor – AST Level 2 Course
Dec 2006 – AST Provider Training – ASARC Research & the AVALUATOR
Nov 2006 – Forecaster Training sessions – CAC
2004 – 2006 Board Member to the Canadian Avalanche Centre
2005 – 2006 Level 2 Industrial Training Programs, Modules 2 & 3
Canadian Avalanche Association
May – 2006 CAA AGM & Spring Conference
Nov 2005 – Guest speaker – CAC – Backcountry Avalanche Workshop
Calgary, AB & Vancouver, BC
..... to be continued
Zac's Tracs current work zone
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.
Zac’s Tracs is located east of Black Diamond, Alberta. Not many avalanches occur nearby…nor do we get much snow here. If anyone hears of a well priced place near Revelstoke or Sicamous with a garage and enough room to park a 4 place sled trailer…be sure to let us know. Our location could change!
Seriously though, our location has worked to our advantage. Our snow starved area near Calgary has encouraged (more like forced) us to ride the Alberta Rockies from the Kakwa to the Crowsnest Pass and in a variety of eastern and central BC communities.
Climate and terrain characteristics work together to create unique snowpack structures. We enjoy the learning opportunity each season to recognize and test these comparisons as we travel the circuit of communities. As a consultant and Board Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association, Lori has used Zac’s understanding of the needs and issues relevant to backcountry riders to enhance avalanche safety programs for Canadian snowmobilers.
Through the exercise of writing this section I realize that the closest that we have been to experiencing a coastal snowpack was in Idaho in 2003.
In the name of research and professional development we should consider heading to the far west when we declare holidays in late February! I am pretty sure that Randy won’t mind.
Continued Professional Development 2000 & 2001
Lori has taken advantage of many opportunities for training. She is very grateful for the support that has been offered to her over the seasons by the Calgary chapter of the CSPS and the University of Calgary Outdoor Pursuits program leader, Albi Sole.
The Canadian Ski Patrol System is a group of volunteers offering their services as ski patrollers and emergency attendants at ski hills throughout the country. CSPS members host ski-based AST classes, and avalanche awareness events in their local areas each year. The group is very dedicated to spreading public safety messages and strive to keep current with ongoing avalanche research findings and curriculum changes. There is always CSPS representation at the yearly CAA AGM (Annual General Meeting & workshop) and at the ISSW’s (the week long International Snow Science Workshop).
The CSPS also endeavours to offer Instructor workshops for their members that deliver the AST classes. They graciously invited me to join their group in the fall of 2000 & 2001 and alway have room in their van for me to share a ride to an upcoming conference or seminar!
Members of the CSPS were instrumental in the development of the SnowSmart Program has been introduced to schools throughout Alberta and British Columbia.
The U of C Outdoor Pursuits program offers avalanche training as well as a host of other backcountry recreational courses. They also provide continued professional development for their instructors and guides. Lori was invited to participate in the programs in both 2000 & 2001. At only 2 months of age, baby Nicole accompanied mom to this course and accomplished her first mountain climb in her snuggli carried inside ACMG Guide, Christoph Dietzfelbinger’s jacket. After having been pregnant for almost 2 years straight, Lori barely hauled herself up to the top of Fortress mountain. Many thanks to Christoph!
Snowmobile Safety Training - Portage College 2000
January 2000 Portage College at Lac La Biche, AB
In the late 1990’s the Alberta Snowmobile Association partnered with the Portage College of Lac La Biche to develop an industry recognized snowmobile safety training program. The certificate course is recognized by the Alberta Workman’s Compensation Board and Occupational Health & Safety.
In January of 2000 the first group of instructors took part in the Train the Trainer program.
Lori and 5 month old Monica braved nearly 600 km of blowing snow, icy roads and limited visibility to participate…dedicated or crazy, we are still not sure. There are now more than 40 certified Snowmobile Safety instructors throughout the province.
If you are an individual or a company looking for a course in your area or wish to become a qualified snowmobile safety instructor contact Ken Scullion at 780-623-5644 or click here to email Ken.
The college website is www.portagecollege.ca
