The Avalanche Hour Podcast

In the 15th episode of Season 2, I sit down with Hans Hjelde of Snowbasin, UT. Enjoy our chat with Hans...I know I did as we sat down, threw back a few drinks and Hans talks about his experience as a ski patroller, ski guide, dog handler, backcountry forecaster, and volunteer climbing ranger in places like Mt Ruapehu in New Zealand, Danali, AK, Gulmarg India, Snowbasin, UT, and the Ruby Mountains of NE Nevada. I am hoping next season, I will be able to compile another episode featuring other people's experience forecasting and working in Gulmarg, as it seems like such a unique avalanche forecasting experience.... Enjoy the episode!

This episode is a one-two punch featuring two guests. Sean Zimmerman-Wall and Alex Taran both started their careers as Snowbird Ski Patrollers learning and working amongst the walls of Little Cottonwood Canyon. They both ventured to South America to extend their ski seasons, where they both started guiding. Alex went on to start the South American Beacon Project, and Sean became part owner of Patagonia Ski Tours. Tune in as we explore their careers, and passion projects within the Snow and Avalanche Arena.

Episode 2.13 features Rod Newcomb. Rod is a pioneer of the snow and avalanche arena and shares some of his experiences since moving to the Tetons almost 60 years ago. I think it is so valuable to share interviews like this, as Rod has so much mileage in the mountains as an avalanche forecaster, guide, and educator. There are a couple audio blips in this recording due to some technical problems and some background noise, but the recording does increase in quality as the show progresses. I hope you enjoy!

In our twelve episode of season 2, we talk to Michael Silitch of the BRASS Foundation. BRASS is the Bryce and Ronnie Athlete Snow Safety Foundation, and is responsible for bringing high quality avalanche education to ski racing programs around the country. Michael is also an IFMGA certified guide, and shares some insight from his guiding career. Enjoy!

Episode 2.11 features Lynne Wolfe. Lynne is a longtime avalanche educator and guide in the Tetons. She is also the editor of The Avalanche Review publication for the A3. We talk about her background, some of her mentors, as well as what goes in to putting the publication that ties our community together. If you are like me, keep a dictionary close by because her vocabulary is more extensive than mine! Enjoy!

In this captivating conversation with Matt Vial, a general contractor from Anchorage, Alaska, the thrill and peril of backcountry skiing come alive. Matt shares a gripping near-miss avalanche experience, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparation in snowy terrains. He reflects on his journey from Tahoe to Alaska, balancing family life with skiing adventures. Listeners are encouraged to embrace snow safety lessons while participating in community storytelling about close calls with avalanches. It's a riveting mix of cautionary tales and the love for the sport!

In Episode 2.10, we chat with Mike Rheam, who is the head of the snow safety department at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and a forecaster for the Bridger Teton Avalanche Center. We chatted in November in the Avalanche Lab at JHMR while Mike highlighted some of the inner workings of the forecasting process for both the ski area and the backcountry. He talks about the variety of different avalanche mitigation tools available to his team, as well as shares some stories and advice to younger avalanche workers. We also chat with Jon Coppi from Black Diamond about some great PIEPS products. Hope you enjoy!

In Episode 2.9, we sit down with Weston Deutschlander. Wes is holding on to the free heel tradition as he works as an avalanche educator and guide. We talk about a close call he had while cat ski guiding last year and process some of the factors that went into that day. Enjoy!

In this episode, we sit down with Karl Birkeland. Karl is the director of the National Avalanche Center and adjunct professor for Montana State University's Snow Science program. Karl has found a balance as a researcher, educator, and practitioner. We talk to Karl about the history and evolution of snowpack tests, and he gives us some insight about where he thinks these tests might move in the future. Karl then shares some formative experiences that he has had with avalanches- that have helped shaped his career path. Enjoy!

This episode explores where you would fit into the new avalanche education paradigm. We sit down with Sarah Carpenter of The American Avalanche Institute as we discuss the history of AAI, what types of avalanche courses they offer, and how they recommend implementing a systems based approach to recreating in backcountry avalanche terrain. Hold on tight.....you might just learn something.