Zac's Tracs - Snowmobile Specific Avalanche Training!
Zac’s Tracs is internationally recognized for their success in the promotion, development and delivery of avalanche safety programs for the snowmobile community.
We are backcountry snowmobilers that truly enjoy the sport. Our training courses, website and newsletters are dedicated to raising the bar on the level of avalanche education within the sledding community. Our participation in national and international training sessions and conferences ensures that our training materials and methods are truly top quality.
With the improvements in technology sledders are PLAYING A NEW GAME….WE NEED THE NEW RULE BOOK.
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.
Zac’s teaches life saving skills of observation to empower you with the information to make better decisions.
We have the same goals as you… we want the best riding day possible and to return home to our family and friends.
EVERY TRIP SHOULD BE A ROUND TRIP!
CLICK HERE to register for one of our upcoming courses!
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.
Over the past 10 seasons Zac’s has worked independently and as a contractor with the Canadian Avalanche Centre and the Alberta Snowmobile Association to reach over:
•32,000 school students
•1000’s of snowmobilers at tradeshows in Alberta, British Columbia & Saskatchewan
•6,000 adults in classroom presentations
•2,240 snowmobilers have completed their AST Level 1 training with Zac’s Tracs
Recently Lori & Randy Zacaruk were invited by respected avalanche researcher, Dr. Bruce Jamieson, to assist in the revision of the CAA endorsed “Sledding in Avalanche Terrain” course manual.
As a co-author Zac’s contributions of snowmobile specific references and images added great value to the project.
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.
Our classroom programs evolve each year utilizing a combination of activities including snowmobile specific images, video, color workbooks, case studies, interactive classroom and hands-on practical activities.
“What have YOU got to LOSE?!
INVEST in yourselves this season.
You have the gear, now is the time to learn to use it.”
Zac's Tracs - Vision and Mission
Who we are, what we intend to do and how we intend to do it.
Dream
To support and inspire mountain snowmobilers throughout the world to be recognized as respected and responsible backcountry users.Vision
To be a world leader in avalanche and backcountry safety in the snowmobile community through a profitable and inspirational series of on-line and off-line training programs and resources.Purpose
To save lives by inspiring and empowering backcountry snowmobilers to take active steps to gather the information, skills, strategies and equipment to make the most of the activity while maintaining an acceptable level of risk. We all have the same goals: to enjoy the best riding possible and to return home safely to our family and friends!Mission
To save lives through the development and promotion of innovative and engaging training materials, program delivery methods and resources to support and inspire backcountry snowmobilers, at work or at play, to make life long changes to the way they manage their backcountry activities leading to capable, prepared and responsible riders.
Excellence Award from the Canadian Avalanche Association
Zac’s Tracs receives another national excellence award!
The Canadian Avalanche Association presents 4 CAA Members with this ‘Excellence in Service’ award each year.
Lori and Randy Zacaruk are very proud to be selected for this honor by their peers.
Randy Swenson, of Yamaha Motor Canada, and Steve Blake, president of the Canadian Avalanche Association, shared a few nice words about Zac’s Tracs during the awards presentation at the CAA Annual General Meetings in Penticton, BC in May 2009.
Yamaha Motor Canada is a valued sponsor of the Canadian Avalanche Centre.
Canadian Avalanche Association – 2009
Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations – 2007
Alberta Snowmobile Association – 2006
Canadian Avalanche Association – 2000
Please help us!
What is the big list? Snowmobilers in these regions either live or travel to the mountains to ride.
CLICK on a State or Province above to complete a short, 8 question survey.
Help us learn more about the North American snowmobile community so that we can share this information with people and organizations that are working hard to provide products and services to support us!!
Thank you for your interest!
For more information about this survey, please CLICK HERE.
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: 403-770-8200
Cell: 403-850-3042
info@zacstracs.com
Zac's Instructors
Lori Zacaruk
Randy Zacaruk
Continuing Professional Development
Sep 2011 – Advanced Wilderness First Aid Course, Canmore, AB
Sep 2011 – CAA Avalanche Hazard Mapping, Golden, BC
Jun 2011 – ASA International Snowmobile Congress, Calgary, AB
May 2011 – CAA AGM & Spring Conference, Penticton, BC
Apr 2011 – Train the Trainer Workshop, San Diego, CA
Mar 2011 – IKAR – International Commission for Alpine Rescue, Revelstoke, BC
Feb 2011 – Genswein Advanced Avalanche Rescue Training, Valemount, BC
Jan 2011 – CAA ITP Snowmobile Operations Level 1, Revelstoke, BC
Nov 2010 – Communications Workshop, Los Angeles, CA
Oct 2010 – International Snow Science Workshop, Lake Tahoe, CA
Sept 2010 – Marketing & Web Development Workshop, Los Angeles, CA
May 2010 – CAA AGM & Spring Conference, Penticton, BC
June 2009 – Train the Trainer 2 – Peak Potentials – Los Angeles, CA
May 2009 – CAA AGM & Spring Conference, Penticton, BC
Sept 2008 – International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC
June 2008 – International Snowmobile Congress – Boise, Idaho
May 2008 – CAA Introductory Weather Course, Penticton, BC
May 2008 – CAA AGM & Spring Conference, Penticton, BC
April 2008 – Train the Trainer 1- Peak Potentials – Vancouver, BC
Nov 2007 – CAA AST Provider Training Session – Banff, AB
Summer 2007 – Co-author – Sledding in Avalanche Terrain, Book Revision
June 2007 – World Snowmobile Congress – Minneapolis, MN
Feb 2007 – Observer Instructor – AST Level 2 Course – Revelstoke, BC
Dec 2006 – AST Provider Training – ASARC Research & the AVALUATOR – Canmore, AB
Nov 2006 – Forecaster Training sessions – CAC – Revelstoke, BC
2004 – 2006 Board Member to the Canadian Avalanche Centre
2005 – 2006 Level 2 Industrial Training Programs, Modules 2 & 3
Canadian Avalanche Association – Golden, BC
May – 2006 CAA AGM & Spring Conference – Penticton, BC
Nov 2005 – Guest speaker – CAC – Backcountry Avalanche Workshop, Calgary, AB & Vancouver, BC
Jan 2002 – Test Group – CAA Level 2 Module 1, Golden, BC
Dec 2001 – Canadian Ski Patrol Instructor Training, Calgary, AB
Nov 2001 – University of Calgary Instructor Training, Kananaskis Country, AB
Dec 2000 – Canadian Ski Patrol Instructor Training, Calgary, AB
Nov 2000 – University of Calgary Instructor Training, Kananaskis Country, AB
Jan 2000 – Snowmobile Safety Instructors Course – Portage College, Lac La Biche, AB
Jan 1999 – CAA Snowmobile Operations Level 1
Dec 1998 – Introductory Avalanche Workshop, Cochrane, AB
Zac’s instructors have taken advantage of many opportunities for training. We are 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 always 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!
Zac's Tracs current work zone
Zac’s Tracs is located east of Black Diamond, Alberta about 30 minutes southwest of Calgary, AB. 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 Chetwynd 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.
Currently we teach in a large variety of communities throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and eastern British Columbia. We have taught a few classes in Idaho and Washington as well.
Discussions have been made regarding programs in Quebec, Utah, Alaska and the Yukon. Coming soon?!
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
