Ronald “Ronnie” Berlack, originally hailed from Franconia, NH, a Burke Mountain Academy athlete from his youth through his accomplishment of making the US Ski Team in 2014. Passionate, hard- working and a fun loving person, Ronnie worked very hard for his place on the US Ski Team and honored his spot with pride. His pure love of friends, the journey through life and ski racing along with his fantastic laugh and bright smile drew people to him with ease and comfort. In 2015 a tragic avalanche accident cost Ronnie his life.

Since the accident there has been an increased awareness of avalanche safety through The Eastern Snow and Avalanche Workshop and the formation of the Bryce and Ronnie Athlete Safety and Security (BRASS) Foundation which was formed in honor of the lives Ronald “Ronnie” Berlack and his friend and  U.S. Ski Team member Bryce Astle, who were tragically killed in an avalanche in Soelden, Austria, on Jan. 5, 2015.

The VARA Ronnie Berlack Award is presented to the VARA member athlete or recent alum (within a year of VARA membership) who exhibits drive and determination and has successfully pushed through the selection and nomination process for the NTG,  D Team, or C Team programs. This individual thrives on the experiences of the journey and has a true love of the sport. The amount is $1,000 to assist in funding the program’s fees.

 Ronnie at the Beaver Creek DH