Avalanche Science Beyond the Snowpack: An Interview with Pascal Haegeli

Pascal Haegeli’s career path is anything but conventional. After completing his Master’s degree in Switzerland, he moved to Canada in the mid-1990s – where he found the opportunity of a lifetime. There he built an academic career and became a very influential researcher in avalanche risk management, shaping safety practices across North America and beyond.

Today, Pascal is an Associate Professor and Director of the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver and leads the SFU Avalanche Research Group (SARP). His team’s work spans everything from avalanche forecasting, snowpack and hazard modelling to operational decision-making practices and risk communication.

This spring, Pascal begins an exciting new chapter: returning to Switzerland as Head of Avalanche Research and Prevention at the SLF in Davos. He brings decades of international experience back to where his journey began - strengthening collaboration across the Atlantic.

Interview Highlights:

- How chance, timing, and hard work shaped Pascal’s avalanche career in Canada

- The mission and intention behind the SFU Avalanche Research Group

- Why avalanche research moves slower than the industry – and why that matters

- Why Pascal is returning to Switzerland and what that means for avalanche research in Canada

Resources Cited in Conversation: 

SFU SARP website

PostDoc Position

Thanks to the sponsors of the show.

Legacy Sponsors:

Darren Johnson Avalanche Education Memorial Fund

AVSS

Drone Amplified

Partner Sponsors:

CIL Avalanche

Safeback

onX Backcountry

Episode Sponsor:

Peak Visor

Music: Ketsa

Artwork: Mike Tea 

Production: Caleb Merrill, Bob Keating