Flathead Avalanche Friends Fest event this week
The ability to understand avalanche conditions can be a potentially life-saving skill when planning to recreate in the backcountry. Fortunately, Flathead Avalanche provides the information and education needed for safer fun in the snow.
Flathead Avalanche Friends Fest is a new four-day festival that runs from Feb. 8-11 at various locations in Whitefish and Columbia Falls. The fundraiser has a full schedule of mini-clinics, a keynote speaker, après, a large raffle and more.
Events include Slinging Swag at the Stube, an apres ski party at the Bierstube at Whitefish Mountain Resort on Feb. 8, a pop-up beacon park on Feb. 9 at the Glacier Institute in Columbia Falls and Hot Dog Day with members of the Flathead Backcountry Nordic patrol on Feb. 11 at the Whitefish Mountain Resort.
On Feb. 10, noted National Weather Service meteorologist and contributing member of the NWS National Avalanche Team, LeeAnn Allegretto, will speak at Lark Skola, located above Loula’s in Whitefish. Tickets for the evening are available at the Flathead Avalanche website.
The main event is on Feb. 11 from 4-8 p.m. at the Tap House in Whitefish. The "Big-A$$ Raffle" features prizes from big brands and local businesses, including two big-ticket items, Icelantic skis and LINE skis from Great Northern Cycle and Ski. Get tickets and see a list of prizes on the Flathead Avalanche website.
Celebrate the community, learn about snow and support the Flathead Avalanche mission during the Flathead Avalanche Friends Fest. Their big fundraising goal is driven by weather station repairs, the new website project and an expanding education program.
Nearing 10 years in operation, Flathead Avalanche is asking for the community's support so they can continue their mission of promoting avalanche safety in northwest Montana.
So far this winter, Friends of Flathead Avalanche Center have educated over 700 students with a snow and avalanche workshop, and multiple avalanche awareness presentations, school groups and partner rescue clinics.
For more information visit flatheadavalanche.org