A new expert advisory group, the Snow and Avalanche Foundation of Scotland (SAFOS) was inaugurated at Glenmore Lodge on 12th October 2001. The foundation is a voluntary group whose role is to improve and formalise the current knowledge and research available as well as provide information to the Scottish Avalanche Information Service.

Speaking at the opening, Deputy Minister for Sport, the Arts and Culture Allan Wilson recognised the important contribution winter mountaineering makes to the Highland economy and said:

'The creation of SAFOS is a way of looking after the interests of these people.

Each winter in the mountains we are faced with volatile and potentially dangerous situations because of avalanche hazards. We need to make sure that education continues and that information and advice remains free. SAFOS will provide another safeguard.

The specialist services provided by the foundation and the Scottish Avalanche Information Service are a vital part of the safety precautions everyone should take before venturing into the hills and I welcome the additional support the foundation established today will provide'

The Scottish Avalanche Information Service is funded by sportscotland with £105,000 each year and was established in December 1993. It provides daily forecasts of the avalanche and climbing conditions at five key climbing areas - Creag Meagaidh, Glen Coe, Lochaber, Northern Cairngorms and Southern Cairngorms - in the winter months.