New Youth Avalanche Training Award Honours the Legacy of Carter Kosick
British Columbia’s snowmobile community is coming together to honour the life and legacy of Carter Kosick with a new provincial youth avalanche education award that will help young riders build essential backcountry safety skills for years to come.
Carter passed away in February 2025, leaving a tremendous impact on everyone who rode with him, learned from him, or simply shared space with his humour, kindness, and passion for the mountains. In his memory, beginning in 2026, the Carter Kosick Memorial AST 1 Award will provide financial support for one youth rider each year to complete Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 (AST 1). The award is administered by the BC Snowmobile Federation (BCSF) and will be presented annually at the BCSF Spring AGM, with training completed in the following riding season.
Carrying Forward a Legacy
Carter rode with pride as a member of the Salmon Arm Snowblazers Snowmobile Club, Tumbler Ridge Riders, Rocky Mountain Riders, Hunters Range Snowmobile Association, and Sled Sicamous. He was honoured twice as the BCSF Youth Snowmobiler of the Year, first in 2021 and again in 2023. Carter’s deep love for mountain riding was matched only by his sharp wit and his generosity of spirit. He believed in riding with respect, and his commitment to responsible backcountry travel and rider safety shaped his own adventures and inspired everyone who shared the mountains with him.
With Gratitude to Carter’s Family, Foundation, and Society
The BCSF is honoured to help carry Carter’s legacy forward, and we extend our sincere thanks to his family for entrusting us with a role in this important work.
To support avalanche education for youth, annual funding for the award will be provided through the Carter Kosick Memorial Fund held with the Shuswap Community Foundation. As the Fund continues to grow, this support is intended to remain sustainable well into the future.
To complement this structured charitable giving, Carter’s family has also formed the Carter Kosick Memorial Society, a not-for-profit organization that enables additional community-driven fundraising. Through merchandise sales, partnerships, silent auctions, and other initiatives, the Society will continue to expand its impact in support of youth, community connection, and safe winter recreation.
About the Award
The award provides up to $500 toward registration in a certified AST 1 course. Training is coordinated by the BCSF with a recognized avalanche education provider to ensure a high standard of instruction and field experience.
Award Overview
Presented annually at the BCSF Spring AGM
AST 1 training completed the following winter
Funding dependent on annual contribution confirmation
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Be 16 years of age before participating in the course, and under 18 at the time of application
Be a current member of a BCSF-affiliated snowmobile club
Reside in British Columbia
Applications are reviewed by a BCSF selection panel, and one recipient is chosen each year.
Application Deadline: March 1 annually
Continuing Carter’s impact
Through this award, Carter’s love of the mountains and his commitment to safety will continue to inspire and protect youth riders across British Columbia. The BCSF is deeply grateful to partner with the Kosick family, the Carter Kosick Memorial Foundation, and the Carter Kosick Memorial Society in carrying his legacy forward.
Together, we are helping the next generation of riders gain the skills, confidence, and respect for the backcountry that Carter championed.
