Our Mission
The Friends of the Payette Avalanche Center (FPAC) is a non-profit organization formed in 1999. Our mission is to provide a community-based forum to share avalanche information, to operate and maintain beacon basin training facilities in the area, to provide basic avalanche education to all types of winter recreationists, and to be a partner to the PAC in the West Central Mountains of Idaho.
The FPAC believes education leads to awareness, and awareness leads to safe backcountry travel. It is our desire to foster the community and government support that will allow the PAC to continue to grow and provide individuals with the tools and information necessary for safe backcountry recreation.
If you would like to get more involved, email us.
Why Donate?
The FPAC organization depends entirely on the support of volunteers and the generosity of the public to attain its fundraising goals. As federal and state budgets for avalanche centers shrink, groups like the FPAC are stepping up to fund local efforts to provide avalanche advisories and education. We need your help! Your support will enable the PAC to continue providing current avalanche information, offering community education, and purchasing necessary equipment.
What's New
Upcoming Events
Brundage Pray for Snow Party
November 8, 2025
It’s that time again, McCall! Time to raise a toast, light the firepits, and Pray for Snow!
Join us for Brundage’s winter kickoff party of the year – an outdoor celebration of all things cold and snowy.
Dress warm, bring a camp chair, and settle in for a movie night in town to call in the snow ❄️
📍 Depot Plaza (formerly the Ponderosa Center)
Party Schedule:
4:00 – 8:00 PM | Food & Drinks
4:15 – 6:00 PM | Live Music
6:15 – 6:30 PM | Swag Giveaway
6:30 PM | Vortex – OS Crew 10th annual ski film.
7:00 PM | Pressure Drop – Teton Gravity Research
Who We Are
Staff
Board Members
Dave Bingaman-President
Jim Pace- Vice President
Margeaux Zwang- Treasurer
Heather Thiry- Director of Education/ Board Member
Emily Bettin-Director of Outreach and Communications/Board Member
Mike Fitzgerald- Secretary
Sponsors
None of our work would be possible without support from our business sponsors, agency partners, and family foundations. Head to our sponsors page to see the list of our sponsors.