Avalanche Canada warns of service cuts if Alberta doesn't renew $250,000 annual funding
Provincial funding agreement ended in March with no renewal in sight. Cuts could affect forecasting, education, and research used by backcountry users and avalanche professionals.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Avalanche Canada is preparing to cut services in Alberta unless the provincial government renews funding that lapsed five months ago, raising stakes for backcountry users and schools across the province.
The non-profit organization based in Revelstoke, B.C., has received $250,000 annually from Alberta since 2004—funding that now accounts for five per cent of its budget. The latest funding agreement ended in March, and despite multiple attempts to reach the government, CEO Gilles Valade said he has heard nothing about renewal.
"Sometimes the bureaucratic machine is a bit slow, and so we expect delays," Valade said. "But I think this is longer than usual. It's usually at the end of our existing funding that we get some confirmation. We're five months in, and we have nothing so far."
When Valade approached officials through Kananaskis Country in August 2025, they indicated a funding reduction was likely. Without the money, Avalanche Canada will have to cut operations, though Valade did not specify which services would be eliminated.
The stakes are significant. Avalanche Canada's forecasting software, snowpack modelling, and weather-tracking systems are used by environmental agencies, including the Alberta government itself. Chris Brookes, executive director of the Alberta Snowmobiles Association, said the information is "absolutely vital"—historically, snowmobilers accounted for the majority of avalanche fatalities, but deaths have dropped as more riders use Avalanche Canada's forecast maps to avoid dangerous terrain.
Last year, Avalanche Canada held educational sessions at 31 Alberta schools, reaching 4,163 students in communities including Calgary, Red Deer, Jasper, and Cochrane. According to Avalanche Canada data, nearly one in five Canadian avalanche fatalities over a five-year average occurs in Alberta when mechanized skiing is excluded.
Alberta's government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Has Alberta government confirmed whether it intends to renew funding, reduce it, or end it entirely?
Which specific Avalanche Canada services would be cut first if funding is not restored?
How many avalanche fatalities in Alberta are prevented annually by Avalanche Canada's forecasting and education programs?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How much annual funding from Alberta did Avalanche Canada receive?
Avalanche Canada received $250,000 annually from Alberta since 2004, which accounts for five per cent of its budget.
When did Alberta's funding agreement with Avalanche Canada end?
The latest funding agreement ended in March 2026.
What services does Avalanche Canada provide that Alberta agencies use?
Avalanche Canada's forecasting software, snowpack modelling, and weather-tracking systems are used by environmental agencies, including the Alberta government itself.
