The Avalanche Hour Podcast A Lifetime of Lessons with Kirk Mauthner
In the first episode of Season 10, Dom Baker sits down with Kirk Mauthner. Kirk shares his journey from a childhood in the Columbia Valley to becoming an accomplished mountain guide and rescue expert. He discusses the influences that shaped his passion for mountaineering, the challenges he faced in his career, and the importance of safety and communication in rescue operations. Kirk also reflects on his innovative contributions to rescue equipment and shares memorable adventures in remote locations, including the Wall of Walls project with Will Gadd. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the significance of learning from experiences and the joy of exploring the mountains.
- Kirk grew up in the mountains and learned about risk and consequence at a young age, under the tutelage of his neighbour, the legendary Arnor Larson.
- A lifetime spent working with SAR groups on technical rope and mountain rescue, combined with a design sense and engineering background, led Kirk to develop many of the tools and techniques used in rope rescue today.
- Kirk shares lessons learned during a career guiding and adventuring in far-flung places.
- Stay tuned to the end of the interview for Kirk's thoughts on lightweight rope kits for ski mountaineering and crevasse rescue!
Thanks to the sponsors of the show:
Legacy Level Sponsors:
Darren Johnson Avalanche Education Memorial Fund
Partner Level Sponsors:
Episode Sponsor:
Music: Ketsa
Artwork: Mike Tea
Production: Bob Keating