I joined Fernie Search and Rescue about three years ago. I am one of the eight Directors, involved both in running FSAR and responding when we have call-outs. As a voluntary organization, depending on grants and donations for our operations there is quite a lot involved in ensuring that we are equipped and trained to respond to the wide range of emergencies that we get here in Fernie. We are privileged to have a number of local people who are very generous with their time, as we need people not only to be available when we have an urgent situation, but also be willing t otrain ahead of call-outs to ensure that we are not endangering ourselves or the subject on call-outs.

Over the last few years we have increased the number of people who have the Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) qualification, and we now have over 30 members GSAR qualified. Our latest focus has been to establish a Rope Rescue Team, which was certified over the summer and two of us (Simon Lewis and I) will shortly be attending further Rope Rescue Leader training to increase our expertise in this area. We hope to add a Swiftwater Rescue Team to FSAR's list of competencies in due course, which will aim to complement the considerable knowledge of the river guides in Fernie.

We have been fortunate to receive the support of numerous local organizations and individuals, as well as the BC Gaming Commission, which has allowed us to purchase two ATVs, two snowmobiles, complete first aid trauma kits and update our communications equipment in the last couple of years.

Going forward our focus is to upgrade our rescue truck and we are applying for grants in this regard. Our current truck is over 20 years old and has been put through a lot!

Anyone who is interested in getting involved should come along and let us know - our annual fundraiser is in November so look out for that and please come along!

Q. How many days do you estimate you ski in a year?
A. I work in Ski School and I also ski my days off, so a lot. Last year was over 100 days.

Q. What is your idea of a perfect Fernie day?
A. Skiing with my wife and friends; Bluebird start on a powder day. Watch the ridge being heli-bombed. Be the first to ski Boomerang or Cedar Ridge. Laps in Cedar and Lizard and then a lazy lunch after.

Q. Old side or new side?
A. On powder days old side first thing. New side in the afternoon for those hidden stashes.

Q. Favourite Fernie-ism?
A. Adults behaving like little kids because it's snowing.