It is with regret that the Zacs Tracs Crew have decided to postpone indoor classroom sessions until the 2022/2023 season. It is felt that with uncertain/changing COVID restrictions we would not be able to hold effective face to face indoor AST1 Classroom programs this year. We will look at the feasibility of starting up our theory classes again next season.
We are still offering outdoor AST1 Field Sessions in Valemount with our Zacs Tracs Field Instructors and in Golden and Revelstoke with Trigger Point/Hangfire Instructors. If you still have a field credit, now is the time to book it and complete your AST1 certificate!
We have truly appreciated all the support over the last 20+ years and hope to be able return to business as usual next year.
===============================For all of our clients, no matter where they live and ride, we would like to offer our new online training programs. These multi-media, interactive options are currently under development and are an alternative to the face-to-face programs.
Online programs expand the availability of training. No longer does geography restrict you from accessing high-quality recreational avalanche training. (You will still need to complete a one day outdoor mountain field session in order to receive an AST1 certificate. Even during Covid the outdoor sessions will still be running as in past years.)
We are excited about this new direction in training options and we will let you know when they are available. In the meantime we are looking for 10 people that would like to test out the new programs and offer their feedback. Email training@zacstracs.com if you would like to be part of our testing team. ========================== bq. *With the improvements in technology sledders are PLAYING A NEW GAME….WE NEED THE NEW RULE BOOK.* Our mobile training services offer classroom and field based programs throughout Canada and the USA. Lori Zacaruk and Randy are graduates of the Canadian Avalanche Association’s Level 2 Industry Training Program for Snowmobile Operators. This CAA program is the first of its kind in the world. Sledders that work with Zac’s Tracs learn skills and habits that make them an asset to every group they ride with. This practical experience can save the lives of family and friends. *Zac’s Tracs is the proud recipient of excellence awards from the Canadian Avalanche Association, the Alberta Snowmobile Association and the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations.* —————- Using our past experience as a substitute for formal education may have worked yesterday. Not true in today’s reality. Not only are our machines getting us into serious terrain, we are now there during some of the periods of nature’s highest instability….during or immediately following a big snowfall. No question, this is best time for sledding, however nature often hasn’t had a chance to adjust and strengthen. —————– Lori & Randy Zacaruk were invited by “respected avalanche researcher, Dr. Bruce Jamieson,”:http://www.schulich.ucalgary.ca/Civil/Avalanche/index.html to assist in the revision of the CAA endorsed “Sledding in Avalanche Terrain” course manual. !/images/193.jpg! As a co-author Zac’s contributions of snowmobile specific references and images added great value to the project. Our classroom programs evolve each year utilizing a combination of activities including snowmobile specific images, video, ~50 page color workbooks, case studies, interactive classroom and hands-on practical activities. To further increase the value and enjoyment of the field exercises Zac’s provides snow study gear and props for rescue scenarios. We have access to a full variety of avalanche rescue tools and safety gear for demonstration purposes and student use. bq. _“What have YOU got to LOSE?!_ _INVEST in yourselves this season._ _You have the gear, now is the time to learn to use it.”_ ========================
Lucille Staging area – McBride, BC
For McBride info CLICK HERE http://mcbridechamber.ca/winter-sledding/ Turn left (south) off Hwy 16 into the town of McBride. Travel down main street through town and turn left at old CN station (a T intersection at 1st Ave). Follow road as it curves under the railway overpass and road becomes Sansom Road. Continue approx 2km along road to a ‘T’ and take a left onto Lucille Mtn Road. Continue a few hundred meters to the staging area. Please be geared up and ready to ride for 8:30 am! We will meet in the Lucille Staging Area. You should see a bright colored Zac’s Tracs flag. ========================
Host Hotel
Ramada Inn – Golden, BC Phone: (250) 439-1888 Toll Free: 1-800-593-0511 Reservation only Fax: (250) 439-1889 1311N. 12th St., Hwy #1 Golden, B.C. V0A 1H0, Canada E-Mail: info@ramadagolden.com Ramada Golden website CLICK HERE for a Google Map for the Ramada This facility is easy walking distance to restaurants, lounges and fuel stations. Excellent truck/trailer parking in the open lot in front. Indoor pool, hot tub, fitness room and deluxe continental breakfast. Phone the hotel directly to book your room. There are limited rooms blocked off. In order to secure the special rates, please identify that you are a Snowmobiler with Zac’s Tracs avalanche class. 2016-17 Rates for sledders: Standard 2 queen $89.00 + taxes ( based on double occupancy. Add $10 for each additional person) 2 Bedroom suites $129.00 + taxes ( based on double occupancy. Add $10 for each additional person) These rates INCLUDE A GREAT BREAKFAST (waffles, cold boiled eggs, hot & cold cereals, bagels, fruit…)
Cardiff Community Hall 35 Echo Ave. Sturgeon County, AB T8R 1P2 Image 6157 Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/nBAgPT8knQTyDDWV7
TENTATIVE 2021-2022 Season – Clemina Creek Staging area – Valemount, BC
!!February 2021 has been moved to Horsey Creek!!
For Clemina info CLICK HERE The large parking lot and trail-head are located east of Highway 5, approx 30km south of Valemount. If you see Allan Creek Snowmobile Staging area on the right hand side you have traveled ~5km too far. (road conditions permitting, SCROLL DOWN to see the BACKUP PLAN below)
Please be geared up and ready to ride for 8:30 am! We will meet in the staging area of Clemina Creek. Meet in the upper (north) end of the parking lot. You may see a bright colored Zac’s Tracs flag.
BACKUP PLAN RELATED TO ROAD CLOSURES
If Hwy 5 south of Valemount is closed due to road maintenance or an accident please ask the flaggers if you can travel to the Clemina Parking lot.
Yes – field day proceeds at Clemina as scheduled. ***NOTE: if an accident is farther to the south they usually allow avalanche classes through to Clemina – you will have to ask the flagger!
No – If no-one allow through road closure to Clemina please meet on the service road near the SHELL fuel station on the west side of Highway 5 at 7:30am sharp!*
805 S Hwy 5, Valemount. This will get the group off the highway and away from traffic and allow us to make a new plan from there. PLEASE NOTE: If your instructors are not waiting for you at the Shell they will likely have left town prior to 7:00am and may be ahead of the closure. Please contact Zacs at the numbers below and proceed to Clemina as soon as closure lifts. Instructors do carry Sat Phones and will check in with the Base if troubles gathering up students.
If you experience road closures elsewhere…do your best…please give us a call 403-850-3042 or 403-804-3886 to give us a heads up to your situation.