The NDF is composed of some of the most inspiring individuals I’ve had the pleasure to meet. Their passion radiates, making them a true light in this world. As a teacher, I’ve had the honor of hosting them in my classroom, where they delivered avalanche awareness presentations to local youth. Their energy was nothing short of contagious; the children were not only deeply engaged but also had fun while learning crucial lessons. It was clear that NDF’s mission is to ignite a sense of awareness from a young age, ensuring future generations are informed and safe. Their ski patrol partners exemplify professionalism, preparedness, and deep knowledge, making the entire experience seamless and powerful. What makes NDF truly special is how they have transformed tragedy into something so positive and impactful. They are genuine in their passion for their cause, which fosters an instant connection, and I look forward to every opportunity to collaborate with them. They deserve every accolade, and I’m grateful to witness and share in the incredible work they do.
The Nickolay Dodov foundation continues to bring top quality backcountry and avalanche education to people of all ages and skill levels all for free! Thousands of people have been positively impacted by their work and thousands more will be in the future!
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The Nickolay Dodov Foundation has been a staple in my hometown community for years now, and for good reason. Alex and Natalia are some of the best people you will ever meet, and their passion and dedication to backcountry education for all snow sports athletes is unmatched. They put on highly informational seminars in person as well as virtually, with some of the most knowledgeable backcountry educators around. I have learned so much through these workshops and seminars and I know hundreds if not thousands of others would say the same!
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation was founded by two amazing people that lost their son to an avalanche some years ago. They have made it their goal in life to help the winter sports community which includes, ski race teams, snowboard teams, kids, adults, in-bounds and backcountry users. They also reach the motorized community with not only avalanche awareness but also by providing rescue practice and gear to use. The foundation hires professional avalanche educators to deliver high quality content to all of their attendants. They reach thousands of people each season. Their work has helped save lives and given people the appropriate knowledge they need before going into the backcountry. I believe the Nickolay Dodov foundation is a must for the winter communities!!! Could not recommend enough supporting their cause and attending their events!!!
This nonprofit provides valuable life saving education to winter time backcountry enthusiasts. Each event is filled with avalanche awareness, rescue and knowledge that teaches children to approach the backcountry with caution. This information provides the foundation of avalanche education and is pertinent to the future generations. Mountain communities need this more than ever as winter time sports are ever expanding to the backcountry. This program helps to save lives and allow people enjoy their favorite pass time safely. We need more organizations like this.
Nickolay Dodov Foundation is for a great cause!!! Natalia and Alex do an enormous amount of work to help keep skiers safe in the Backcountry by hosting countless avalanche education clinics. I never got to meet Nikolai Dodov but nonetheless, the Dovov family is an extremely powerful source of knowledge and inspiration. Alex and Natalia have so much passion and drive for their cause and have dedicated their lives to educating others and saving lives!
Nickolay Dodov Foundation is an amazing organization! It makes avalanche education free and easily accessible via in-person and virtual events. Its approach of working with youth ski teams, snowmobile clubs and other youth organizations is highly impactful and teaches young snow sports athletes skills that are necessary but often not included in traditional ski race and all mountain ski/board programs. Natalia and Alex are passionate about their mission, and it shows through in the great work they do. Nothing beats hands on workshops lead by highly experienced individuals and that is exactly the type of experience NDF creates and offers for free!
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is clear about its mission, and stays true to that mission. The emphasis is always on delivering avalanche education to the public. I have been involved with several non-profits. This one is special because their budget goes almost entirely to delivering programs. Five dollars donated to the NDF will provide an opportunity for one more student to receive avalanche education, on average.
If there is a school group, club or other organization that would benefit from avalanche education, the Nickolay Dodov Foundation will come to them to deliver.
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is one of the top providers of the Know Before You Go avalanche awareness program. The KBYG program introduces avalanche safety to anybody interested in getting into the backcountry and is completely free to the public. The NDF presents this program to thousands of students every year and has helped save countless lives through its awareness efforts. Natalia and Alex's efforts are truly awe-inspiring.
I was lucky enough to grow up snowboarding Bear Valley with “the Bulgarian”. I’ve been fortunate to get closer with Alex & Natalia after we all lost Nick. The world needs people like the Dodov’s. These humans are inclusive, adventurous, kind, generous, devoted and so much more. Above everything they are teachers and lovers of learning. And they’ve made it their life’s passion to inspire our deep sense of adventure while also expanding awareness to the risks of this life. It’s not easy to turn pain into beauty. Alex and Natalia are a beautiful and authentic representation of this.
My children attended the Nickolay Dodov foundation beacon search and avalanche safety class. The class was engaging and fun for them, with wonderful instructors and fun games and prizes. They learned a lot like how to look for avalanche conditions and recognize when there might be an avalanche. Months later they still remember to always have the right gear, know how to use it properly, and check that it works before going in the back country. The class really stuck with them!
Having attended two of their avalanche awareness seminars, one on my own and one with my children, I can not say enough good things about the Nickolay Dodov Foundation. They provide an excellent foundation of knowledge for anyone who visits the winter mountain backcountry. That the foundation provides the service for free to all when so many others charge is amazing and lowers the barrier of entry so that all who play in the snow can know what they are getting into. All in all an awesome organization run by people who really care.
Alex and Natalia have been instrumental in educating backcountry enthusiasts in snow and avalanche safety. I was first introduced to the Dodov’s through one of their “know before you go” presentations and have never looked back. Alex and Natalia have not only taught me about safety considerations, but also introduced me to the backcountry and provided me with experiences that I’ll never forget. I would have never got involved in touring the backcountry without Alex and Natalia. I can’t thank them enough.
The Nickolay Doric Foundation has helped inspire myself, a 19 year old, to get outdoors and explore safely.
They have been my lifelong friends and inspiration for me to explore. I had some of my first avalanche trainings and awareness through their non-profit. They help teach everyone the importance of benign save in the dangers of backcountry skiing.
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation has brought light to a subject that is not talked about enough. You can see that passion that Natalia and Alex have to encourage others to practice safe skiing and have provided opportunities for training. This foundation has worked very hard to educate others on why it is important be be prepared, while doing something you love.
The NDF is a salt of the earth nonprofit whose mission is pure and unfiltered. They let love lead the charge and, love conquers all. After enduring the hardship of loosing their son to an avalanche, the NDF seeks to educate winter recreation users about the risk of snow avalanches, so nobody else has to go through what they did.
The Nickolay Dodov foundation has done excellent work educating children and winter sports enthusiast about the causes, risks and dangers of avalanches in the backcountry. They are a life saving organization doing important work.
When I first met Natalia and Alex, it was immediately clear they have a unique and strong passion for educating young adults to avalanche hazards and risks. They possess a high level of energy and commitment to their goal and it is inspiring to everyone they come in contact with. Their positive and affirming message is all inclusive and they lift everyone around them. It is truly an honor and pleasure to have the opportunity to work with and support their organization.
Great people doing great work. As a lifeguard and Big Wave surfer, I understand the importance of preparedness when stepping into the wilderness. The Dodav’s are committed to making sure everyone has a fun and safe time in the Backcountry!
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I first met Alex and Natalia while I was attending their annual contest at Bear Valley in memory of their son, Nikolay Dodov. I was invited up by my friends Mikey and Danica. The first thing I noticed about Alex and Natalia was how kind and friendly they are and I think everyone can agree. They are people who put themselves second to others around them and are truly givers in this life. I’ve had the fortune of getting to ride with them out in the backcountry once at Mount Shasta and another time at their home in Bear Valley. It’s been a great experience every time and I have learned a lot from them.
My first experience with the classes they teach was an in-person class at my local Junior College in Santa Cruz. What truly stood out to me the most was the emphasis on looking at this practice as a life long endeavor. The idea being that the mountains are always in charge and nobody is above the laws of nature and it’s going to take a while to gain confidence out there. This truly impacted me in a powerful way because it is similar to what I teach my students at my Surf School, safety being the priority above all else. I think so many people want to experience the highs of riding down a backcountry slope and throwing up huge roster tails of snow without wanting to go through the steps to get there. As we have seen by the number of fatalities in the back country recreation space, I think it is paramount for people to be instructed by a team that not only has an incredibly strong grasp on the mountain environment but also a heavy emphasis on the importance of safety and being prepared for worst case scenarios. And this is what I took away from this course, they truly helped set a solid foundation for all of us who participated. This was my first class on Avalanche Awareness and safety but I feel it gave me a sold base of understanding and inspired me to take the next steps in getting my Avalanche certifications. I would 100 percent recommend this course to anyone out there interested in learning about the mountains and how to be safe in Avalanche Terran. And if you do have the chance to take a class with their foundation please say hello and give them a big hug. They are truly some of the most friendly and loving people on this earth.
Working with the folks at the Nickolay Dodov Fountain was a pleasure. They are knowledgeable and passionate and also very aware of the serious importance of the information they are sharing. And they’re able to share this potentially life saving information in a way that is still fun and engaging.
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is a beautiful non profit that educates the public (primarily the youth) about Avalanche education. I took a course in Santa Cruz in the classroom , learning about snow pack stability & snow layer’s, and about hazardous terrain. Also learning about how to travel into the backcountry and with what tools I need. We then split up into groups and played scenarios , and critical thinking in a short amount of time. After the classroom we went down to the beach to do some hands on training with Beacon, Probe , & Shovel. Great training and practice to utilize the skills we learned in the classroom & put them to the test. That way when we travel in the backcountry we not only have the gear and knowledge , but know how to use the tools. Alex & Natalia list there son in a tragic avalanche in Alaska & started this non profit in his name. Nothing but love & Respect for Alex & Natalia & the Nickolay Dodov foundation! Looking forward to the next Avalanche workshop.
passionate about educating the next generation of shredders. The workshops are a great introduction to snowsport safety and a must for anyone. I hope they keep touring and presenting as it is esential to filling the gap that is currently present (those who are not ready to financially commit to a full on avy course)
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is an amazing non profit organization. I attended one of their free classes that teaches avalanche safety in the backcountry. I learned a tremendous amount of information and feel safer going out and doing what I love. Alex and Natalia take so much pride in what they do and teach, all while remembering their dear son Nick. Don’t hesitate to drop in on one of these classes. You won’t regret it!
NDF is an amazing organization! It makes avalanche education free and easily accessible via in-person and virtual events. Its approach of working with youth ski teams, snowmobile clubs and other youth organizations is highly impactful and teaches young snow sports athletes skills that are necessary but often not included in traditional ski race and all mountain ski/board programs. Natalia and Alex are passionate about their mission and it shows through in the great work they do. Nothing beats hands on workshops lead by highly experienced individuals and that is exactly the type of experience NDF creates and offers for free! Amazing.
What a wonderful foundation and an incredible wealth of knowledge. They are our go to for information regarding terrain here in our beautiful backcountry. They work with our local teams, kids and adults. They go above and beyond to make Avalanche awareness the most important part of leaving resort skiing.
Amazing people running the program and amazing education. True to their origins and always welcoming, overall goodhearted people that dedicate their lives to NDF. Their free education is saving lives and preventing accidents, at the same time building a community who share the same goal. NDF is an example that others look up to and follow.
The Nickolay Dodov foundation is absolutely amazing! They are caring, thoughtful and innovative in their teaching approach.
From taking more advanced skiers out in the backcountry to teach hands on, to in-person and remote class options.
They also are amazing with kids and make the training fun and enjoyable at all ages.
Could not recommend enough supporting their cause and attending their events.
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is a great nonprofit deeply embedded in helping people who share passion for the mountains and winter travel. The work that the NDF accomplishes inspires people from all walks of life in such a great and connected manner. It is truly inspiring seeing those who come together and are touched and helped by this organization. Natalia and Alex are the most down to earth educators who live their message. Every event that I have shared with these two and all of their collaborators has been an amazing experience for myself and my peers. Keep doing amazing work!!!
There are so many things that make the NDF stand out as a great nonprofit to me, but if I have to stick to just a couple things it would be the personal touch that Natalia & Alex bring to everyone they cross paths with & the extensive community of passionate learners that they have been able to foster throughout their many years of providing FREE avalanche education to youth & outdoor enthusiasts both locally & around the world! Natalia & Alex have taken an unspeakable tragedy in their lives & have turned it into good, spreading avalanche safety & awareness to communities that need it the most! Day by day the NDF is empowering youth & oudoor enthusiasts through these educational programs & hands-on experiences to be confident, assertive & SAFE while recreating in the backcountry! The NDF is truly an incredible non-profit, creating a positive ripple to all who cross paths!
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Alex and Natalia are incredible human beings who have taken their passions and their story and have executed this amazing non profit organization. My experience with the Dodov’s has been nothing short of exceptional. They have the capabilities to educate individuals around the globe of all ages and all walks of life in avalanche education. Their education is first class and they always have experts in the field sharing applicable and lifesaving knowledge (even over zoom during the last year!) I know I am always learning from them and their courses and I hope that everyone has the opportunity to plug into their educational seminars at least once! I can’t say enough good about this organization and I am so happy to be able to support them in any way I can!
Lexie Loring-Haren
Ski Patroller - Mt Rose Ski Tahoe
NDF goes above and beyond to share avalanche education with the fullest of hearts! It’s so awesome to see the outreach continue to grow, especially with the youth. I have no doubt the impact has substantial laying a foundation for backcountry travel in many peoples lives. Thank you NDF!
NDF ROCKS! With their help we have brought avalanche education to college students. They provide great instructors & phenomenal support! We
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is an incredible non-profit that educates the youth on snow safety and avalanche awareness in a positive and fun environment. Alex and Natalia have so much passion and drive for their cause and have dedicated their lives to educating others and saving lives.
The Dodov foundation is for a great cause. Natalia and Alex do an enormous amount of work to help keep skiers safe in the Backcountry by hosting countless avalanche education clinics. I never got to meet Nikolai Dodov but nonetheless, the Dove family is an extremely powerful source of knowledge and inspiration.
Nick Dodov Foundation brings positive energy and education to ski and snowboard enthusiasts of all ages. They spend time locally and travel to help keep people safe and informed. They are amazing people who love to be in the mountains and share their knowledge. Thank you for all your hard work!!!
Safety first!
Then FUN FUN FUN!
NDF is an amazing organization! It makes avalanche education free and easily accessible via in-person and virtual events. Its approach of working with youth ski teams, snowmobile clubs and other youth organizations is highly impactful and teaches young snow sports athletes skills that are necessary but often not included in traditional ski race and all mountain ski/board programs. Natalia and Alex are passionate about their mission and it shows through in the great work they do. Nothing beats hands on workshops lead by highly experienced individuals and that is exactly the type of experience NDF creates and offers for free! Amazing.
I first met Natalia and Alex a few years ago, when I stepped in to help with a presentation when someone else came down sick. I have since gotten to know them and have found that there is nobody with more passion about avalanche safety and education than these two. Through the Nickolay Dodov Foundation they have brought avalanche education to more people, specifically young people, than anyone else out there. Their passion for avalanche safety is infectious, and it's always so rewarding to see young people get excited about getting out into the mountains, and doing so safely. And that's the biggest thing about the NDF. They'll never tell anyone they shouldn't go out and play, they just want to ensure that everyone has a chance to do so safely.
For the pat 10 years the NDF has educated my students on snow safety, avalanche mitigation, and inspired hundreds of skiers, riders and mountain travelers to be better prepared to recreate responsibly. I am so grateful for their dedication, experience and passion- their work is exceptional and their partnerships bring together important stakeholders whom share the goal and vision of safety in the mountains.
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Each Winter season I look forward to working with Natalia, Alex, and their experienced and professional avalanche educators. The Nickolay Dodov Foundation brings the content of mountain safety and survival to my students in a modern, engaging, and hands-on way. Students are able to see themselves in the mountains because the information is catered to the age group and it is interactive and high-interest. The knowledge they gain opens doors to career paths, science study, and recreational opportunities that they would not otherwise get! The Foundation is flexible, communicative, and very respectful to teachers and schools schedules, demands, and students! Looking forward to Winter 2021!
The work that NDF are doing is full of passion, love and a deep commitment to the snow sports community! They are an invaluable resource and we are lucky to have them!
Thank you, again, for another fantastic outreach to SO many young folks out there! This is most excellent information for them to acquire and hopefully utilize to make their alpine experience safer and more rich.
We look forward to seeing you guys again next winter and maybe even in person again!
All the best,
Eric
The work that goes into making the Nikolay Dodov Foundation is ginormous to say the least, and very much close to my heart. All this stems from all the love of a parents who had to endure a most tragic death of their one and only child. The dedication and commitment as a result to ensure that nothing like this shall happen to any parent or lovers of all that is to do with mountains, especially winter sports enthusiasts, the Foundation was set up.
Through the support of friends initially, Natalia and Alex have grown from their humble beginnings to successfully gain the support of many enthusiasts in USA as well as many other countries outside USA. Their dedication and commitment to reach as many to educate as many as possible on avalanche safety and back country awareness, can only be described nothing less than admiration.
They have since gained an excellent team of professional educators and continue to give their all in a most endearing and humble way. A two-man band has grown through hard work, pain, dedication and love. Through the many FREE programs they have instilled thousands of adults and children the knowledge and the need for safety awareness, as well as encouragement to enjoy, love but also the importance to respect the mountain.
May the non-profit Foundation and all those who are involved and as dedicated as Natalia and Alex, continue from strength to strength.
We are so grateful for NDF’s continuing education in Bear Valley. From KBYG to more advanced backcountry travel education, Alex and Natalia and the other instructors make it interesting as well as educational. Our kids are already asking when it will start again for next season!
The NDF is an amazing organization that is dedicated to providing free avalanche awareness programs to youth, and adult, snow sports enthusiasts. I have worked with Alex and Natalia for years to provide these trainings to our local Teams program. This year we had a blast with a successful on-hill beacon search! Thanks to the NDF for all their hard work in this field.
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The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is very dear to my heart. I was a friend of Nickolay before his passing from his tragic accident. Since that day the NDF has been committed to training winter sports enthusiasts on avalanche safety, and back country awareness. They have an excellent team of educators who know how to reach adults and children with their message. They have trained thousands of people at our home resort of Bear Valley over the years...FOR FREE! Thank You NDF for your service to our winter sports community!
Josh Bridges
Snow Sports Manager
Bear Valley Resort
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is an amazing non profit. My kids attended one of their workshops and they loved it. Natalia and Alex, are passionate about their foundation and teaching about snow safety. If you did not have a chance to attend their workshops, I highly recommend it. Wonderful people and wonderful program.
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is an amazing non profit organization. I attended one of their free classes that teaches avalanche safety in the backcountry. I learned a tremendous amount of information and feel safer going out and doing what I love. Alex and Natalia take so much pride in what they do and teach, all while remembering their dear son Nick. Don’t hesitate to drop in on one of these classes. You won’t regret it!
The Foundation hosts incredibly important snow safety presentations. They were engaging and useful for my family and kids. Thank you!
I have been so amazed by the positive spirit and tireless dedication to spreading the love for winter mountain recreation and avalanche safety. At each event, you can feel the passion for snowsports and their impact on our lives. NDF uses this as a springboard to promote avalanche awareness and sound decision-making in the mountains. They seek to lower the barrier to entry by providing free educational opportunities in an open and welcoming environment to all age groups. If you haven't attended one of their events, I would strong encourage you to. You will walk away not only understanding basic tenants of avalanche safety but also excited for your next ski, snowshoe, snowboard, snowmobile, or winter hiking outing.
Dallas Glass
Avalanche Forecaster
Northwest Avalanche Center
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is amazing. Natalia and Alex Dodov have created a foundation that provides free avalanche education to youth and adults across California, the United States, and even in Bulgaria and other countries. In just the past few years the NDF has provided this free education to over 12,500 youth on an extremely limited budget. The NDF has also set a standard for transparency, receiving three consecutive Guidestar Platinum Seals of Transparency, a rating only given to the top 0.5% of non-profits. I strongly support the NDF, and I am proud to serve as a Special Advisor. Hooray, Alex and Natalia!
Karl Birkeland
USDA Forest Service National Avalanche Center
Turning tragedy into triumph this family founded foundation wants to ensure knowledge of avalanches helps to prevent unnecessary loss of life.
Alex and Natalia have not just created a non-profit to provide avalanche awareness to young skiers and snowboarders, but jumped in with two feet to bring the snow sports community together around the importance of avalanche awareness and education. You can tell that they want nothing more that to bring the joy of snow sports to everyone whose interested while making sure athletes know the resources available to be safe. I highly recommend working with the Nickolay Dodov Foundation if you have a group of young athletes in the snow sports arena.
The NDF is a fantastic non-profit providing free avalanche education to youth in California, as well as in other states and even sometimes internationally. They operate with a very limited budget and put all the money toward their avalanche education efforts. I can't say enough good things about Natalia, Alex, and the NDF. They are a non-profit that is well worth supporting!
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is a leading provider of youth avalanche awareness presentations in Northern California. They do a great job reaching school groups and ski teams and providing important avalanche information to help keep kids safe in the winter mountain environment. The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is a leader in the growing effort to provide this critical information to youth. Their presentations are well designed and delivered by experienced snow and avalanche professionals.
This foundation is changing the game of backcountry/avalanche education! I have attended several workshops that they have put on FOR FREE! They have expert educators that truly are gifted in sharing and teaching on the topic of backcountry safety. I have learned so much and hope thousands of others will have the same opportunity to benefit from this foundation!
I cannot say enough positive things about the Dodov Foundation. I was first exposed to this organization when they presented to my son’s ski race team 2 years ago. It was such a powerful and educational presentation that intermixed their own personal experiences with snow sciences. Since then, he has attended 2 more educational sessions. Each time him and I walk away with new information and a renewed respect for snow safety. Thank you for creating content that can engage the youngest skiers and boarders.
The nickolay dodov foundation was founded by two amazing people that lost their son to an avalanche some years ago. They have made it their goal in life to help the winter sports community which includes, ski race teams, snowboard teams, kids, adults, in-bounds and backcountry users. They also reach the motorized community with not only avalanche awareness but also by providing rescue practice and gear to use. The foundation hires professional avalanche educators to deliver high quality content to all of their attendants. They reach thousands of people each season. Their work has helped save lives and given people the appropriate knowledge they need before going into the backcountry. I believe the Nickolay Dodov foundation is a must for the winter community’s.
I learned about the Nickolay Dodov Foundation while working for a small newspaper in Calaveras County, and the story of the foundation is the most inspirational that I have had the opportunity to cover. Alex and Natalia Dodov responded to the tragic loss of their son in an avalanche by working tirelessly to ensure that young people have the knowledge necessary to stay safe in the mountains. They do this by providing free presentations and workshops on avalanche safety to ski and snowboard athletes, students, teachers, parents and mountain enthusiasts of any age. Knowledgeable speakers, videos, activities and games are skillfully used to engage young audiences. At the presentation that I attended in Bear Valley, I was impressed that the NDF was able to engage even the youngest students in the audience. The NDF has educated more than 10,500 people in the last seven years. I believe that the NDF has saved lives through its work, and will save many more in the years to come.
We attended a free one day avalanche safety event at Sugar Bowl Academy. Amongst students, parents and other local snow enthusiasts, we spent a wonderful day learning about snow and avalanche safety. The first part of the day was spent in the classroom and the teacher kept the lesson so interesting and interactive. Natalia and Alex even had gifts as giveaways. Then we went outside and practiced our newly learned skills. Beacon in hand, probe and shovel at the ready, we worked in small groups to retrieve buried equipment.
I would recommend The Nickolay Dodov Foundation to anyone looking to become safer when in the backcountry. We really enjoyed our experience and look forward to the next opportunity to attend one of these sessions!
LOVE the Dodov foundation! They are passionate about educating the next generation of shredders. The workshops are a great introduction to snowsport safety and a must for anyone. I hope they keep touring and presenting as it is esential to filling the gap that is currently present (those who are not ready to financially commit to a full on avy course)
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is clear about its mission, and stays true to that mission. The emphasis is always on delivering avalanche education to the public. I have been involved with several non-profits. This one is special because their budget goes almost entirely to delivering programs. Five dollars donated to the NDF will provide an opportunity for one more student to receive avalanche education, on average.
If there is a school group, club or other organization that would benefit from avalanche education, the Nickolay Dodov Foundation will come to them to deliver.
This nonprofit provides valuable life saving education to winter time backcountry enthusiasts. Each event is filled with avalanche awareness, rescue and knowledge that teaches children to approach the backcountry with caution. This information provides the foundation of avalanche education and is pertinent to the future generations. Mountain communities need this more than ever as winter time sports are ever expanding to the backcountry. This program helps to save lives and allow people enjoy their favorite pass time safely. We need more organizations like this.
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is a beautiful non profit that educates the public (primarily the youth) about Avalanche education. I took a course in Santa Cruz in the classroom , learning about snow pack stability & snow layer’s, and about hazardous terrain. Also learning about how to travel into the backcountry and with what tools I need. We then split up into groups and played scenarios , and critical thinking in a short amount of time. After the classroom we went down to the beach to do some hands on training with Beacon, Probe , & Shovel. Great training and practice to utilize the skills we learned in the classroom & put them to the test. That way when we travel in the backcountry we not only have the gear and knowledge , but know how to use the tools. Alex & Natalia list there son in a tragic avalanche in Alaska & started this non profit in his name. Nothing but love & Respect for Alex & Natalia & the Nickolay Dodov foundation! Looking forward to the next Avalanche workshop.
Thank
Ben Gilbert
I attended this avalanche workshop as a 'refresher' and I am extremely thankful for the hands on opportunity to practice for a burial rescue. The probes I owned were old and did not work efficiently, and I was having a lot of difficulty. I ordered new probes that evening and I felt much more confident and safe when I went backcountry snowboarding later that week. I am an avid snowboarder and snowmobiler and I love to play in the mountains. The Nickolay Dodov Foundation is a phenomenal organization that plain and simply saves lives. We never think that we may be caught in an avalanche or that we may have to rescue a loved one, but it is a risk we all take when we venture out in the snow. Natalia and Alex are passionate about teaching snow safety awareness. They do not want you to stop having fun, on the contrary, they want you to go out and play in the mountains, but do it being well informed with knowledge and equipment. I highly recommend these workshops, especially for young people.
In today’s world, you can reach so many people through social media. Unfortunately, very few of us use this platform to do something bigger than ourselves. We post our opinions but don’t act upon them to make changes. And that’s where Natalia and Alex Dodov stray from the rest of us. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, they use their opportunities and energy to help kids learn about avalanche safety solutions.
I've seen this personally in action at South Tahoe High School and it was amazing to see every single kid absorbing the material even if they aren't skiers or snowboarders. Living in the mountains is a dangerous if you don't how to watch out and avoid avalanches. This FREE service they do is essential and can't say enough about them.
As an avid skier and making snow skiing my profession, I understand how critical snow safety is for all who go into the mountains. I have taken Avalanche Safety Education through many programs and rate NDF as a very valuable educational experience. They offer this education to our youth snow enthusiasts as well and present in a way they can grasp the basic and important skills through classroom and in the field learning. Then putting it all into action and practicing real life scenarios.
Read their story and mission. NDF is committed to educating all snow enthusiasts by arming them to make smart decisions, knowing how to use safety equipment and keeping people safe to enjoy recreation on snow.
Daron Rahlves
The Nickolay Dodov Foundation has has offered their superb Avalanche educational services to our school for the Past 2 years. I run a program for a Ski Academy that is surrounded by terrain that see's frequent Avalanche activity. To be able to have the Dodov foundation come in and work with our team is an invaluable experience for all. Their modest approach to their non-profit program shows they really care about educating people and not about making a buck. My experience with them has been excellent and I would fully recommend using their services to continue to educate thrill seekers about the risk involved while traveling in the backcountry.