The podcast discusses Jayson Simons-Jones's career as a mountain guide and avalanche educator. They delve into group communication tactics in the backcountry, his new role with the American Avalanche Association, and nuggets of wisdom from his experiences. The conversation also touches on the importance of accurate data in avalanche education and the challenges of risk assessment in ski mountaineering.
Attention to minor details crucial in avalanche safety despite stability tests results.
Value of diverse experiences and lifelong learning in guiding and education.
Advocacy versus inquiry-based communication styles for effective decision-making in high-risk environments.
Deep dives
Jason Simon's Jones Discusses a Near Miss Avalanche Incident
During a backcountry skiing incident, wet grains on a north aspect triggered a large avalanche that went 2,000 feet down the slope. Despite stability tests not showing much reactivity, the avalanche was caused by the wet grains releasing unexpectedly. This event underscored the significance of paying attention to even minor details due to the unpredictable nature of avalanches.
Jason's Diverse Career and Path into Guiding and Education
Jason Simon's Jones, an IFMGA guide, discussed his career journey from early ski experiences in upstate New York to becoming an AMGA instructor and A3's recreational education manager. With a background in outdoor education, ski patrol, and founding the Crested Butte Avalanche Center, he highlighted the value of diverse experiences and lifelong learning in shaping his approach to guiding and education.
Shifts in Communication Styles Impact Team Culture and Decision Making
Jason talked about the importance of communication styles, distinguishing between advocacy and inquiry-based communication within groups. Reflecting on his experiences in ski patrol and guiding, he emphasized the benefits of adopting an inquiry mindset for fostering collaboration, open-mindedness, and effective decision-making, while advocating for considering various perspectives in high-risk environments.
Recreational Avalanche Education: A3's Role and Oversight
The podcast discusses the evolving landscape of recreational avalanche education in the United States, highlighting the need for oversight and quality control. With around 70 A3-approved providers offering avalanche education, the creation of the role of a Recreational Education Manager aims to ensure standards, accountability, and industry improvement. By setting guidelines and standards, A3 aims to elevate the overall quality of avalanche education and enhance professionalism.
Challenges and Innovations in Motorized Avalanche Education
The episode explores the growing importance of avalanche education within the motorized community, which has seen advancements in technology and increased access to avalanche terrain. There is a need to address guidelines and curriculum specifics tailored to motorized users, considering the rapid technological advancements in snow machines. Efforts are being made to gather data on non-A3 providers offering recreational avalanche education to inform curriculum improvements and industry standards.
In this episode, Caleb sits down with Jayson Simons-Jones. We chat about Jayson's career as an IFMGA Mountain Guide, a guide service owner, an avalanche educator, and now his new role as the Recreation Education Manager for the American Avalanche Association. Jayson provides thoughtful insights and reflection on how he approaches bringing a deep sense of meaning and connection while taking people skiing in the backcountry. We dive into some of the key points of a great article he wrote for The Avalanche Review titled: Group Communication and Decision Making Tactics. We chat about his new role at the A3 and some of his goals within the position. We wrap up the hour with Jayson sharing some nuggets of wisdom through lessons delivered to him in the backcountry.
Group Communication and Decision-Making Tactics TAR 39.4 Page 34:
https://theavalanchereview.org/tar-39-4/
We hope you enjoy.
Music by Ketsa www.ketsa.uk
Support for this episode is provided by:
Wyssen Avalanche Control www.wyssenavalanche.com
Gordini USA www.gordini.com
OpenSnow www.opensnow.com
RecPak www.recpak.co
Want to level up your tour planning game? Check out www.mtnmapping.com and use code: THEAVALANCHEHOUR to receive 30% off the $25 annual subscription. Thanks Will McKay for putting this great resource together!
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