Ski mountaineers have a little more than a month to seek funding for innovative documentation of meaningful ski descents from a like-minded organization. The Hans Saari Memorial Fund (HSMF) launched its Exploration Grant Program with K2 and Backcountry Magazine at the K2 Telemark booth yesterday afternoon.
The grant encourages the development of skills and pursuit of objectives consistent with Hans Saari's approach to skiing and travel in the mountains.
"It supports innovative ski expeditions and progressive exploratory projects in alpine environments while also encouraging the creative documentation of the experience through film, photography, writing and other media," said HSMF president Andrew Seessel.
Saari, who died in France in 2001, was a writer and ski mountaineer. He pioneered numerous first descents across the globe.
Applications for the grant are due March 1, 2008, and are available for download at www.hansfund.org. Black Diamond and The North Face also supported and partnered with HSMF on the grant.
