The Hans Saari Memorial Fund Exploration Grant was established to honor Hans’s belief that expeditions are both physically and intellectually challenging pursuits. Hans understood that mountains are an integral part of the cultural and spiritual lives of the people who live amongst them. The Grant assists applicants who are passionate about mountain exploration, yet recognize that skiing and climbing are only parts of the journey. As such, the Fund intends to foster an appreciation for alpine culture by requiring applicants to creatively record their travels through writing, photography, cinema, painting or other means.

• The technical goal must include the exploration of alpine terrain, but does not need to be at the leading edge of alpinism
• Special consideration will be given to ski expeditions visiting unclimbed, unexplored regions, although historically significant objectives may also qualify for funding
• The applicant will document and report on both technical and cultural aspects of their expedition in order to create and understanding and appreciation of the area and culture
• The Fund will award up to three grants per year to qualifying applicants