Whistler (BC), Canada – Whistler based Prior Snowboard Manufactory Ltd, a manufacturer of handcrafted snowboards and skis, recently announced its affiliation and support of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) and the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) for the upcoming 2010-11 winter season.nThis season marks the beginning of Prior’s formal support and recognition of the work conducted by the CAA and CAC. Prior’s financial and product support is being delivered to help allow the CAC and CAA to maintain the high level of service, training and forecasting they have become renowned for. This vital service has helped make the mountains a safer place to recreate in the winter months in Canada.

“We are pleased to be involved with the CAA and CAC, says Founder Chris Prior. “Many of our customers venture into the backcountry on a regular basis and we want to do whatever we can to make sure their experiences there are memorable and rewarding.”

In the past 20 years Prior’s big mountain skis and boards have become a common sight in the backcountry touring mecca of Western Canada. In the 1990’s Prior’s freeride snowboards were being tested in the backcountry by snowshoers and heli-boarders. Starting in 2000 Prior began making splitboards and has become a world leader in this niche, developing more styles and sizes than any other manufacturer.

Prior added skis to its product line in 2003 after two years of research and development. Prior has five ski styles in various lengths for the 2010-11 winter season.

For more information on daily avalanche bulletins and avalanche safety courses conducted by the Canadian Avalanche Association visit www.avalanche.ca.