I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. The only thing scarier than our "dumpster fire" of a continental snowpack right now are the decisions I see humans making in the backcountry. I spend too much time out there. I’m seeing too much scary stuff. And it causes me to think a tremendous amount about the motivations and behaviors of others. More backcountry recreationalists died this weekend in the American West. It’s been a tough and deadly month with avalanche fatalities

Fitting with this week's focus on Human Factors. Enjoy this classic vid:

On January 9, 2017, Jeremy Bird and Mark Helmich set out for a backcountry tour on Coal Bank Pass. That adventure ended with Bird getting swept over a cliff and buried by an avalanche on Highway 550. Jeremy survived this ordeal due to the quick actions of his partner, a passing motorist and a fair bit of luck. The team's story can teach us a tremendous amount about safety and risk in the San Juan Mountains. For the last two years, I’ve used the 550 slide as a case study in m

Since turning the corner into 2019, I’ve taught one level two, two level ones, three avy rescue courses, led one special forces training, guided five, private ski days, enjoyed three personal ski days and slept in my own bed approx. four nights…..and it’s only the 22nd of January! Upon hearing what I do for a living, many folks comment on how cool the job is. And yes, it’s pretty fucking rad. Yet, when you push this hard your body and mind inevitably feel pretty cached and th

Congratulations on completing your SJMG AIARE Level Two Rec Course. I hope your experience this past weekend serves as a solid foundation upon which you will build a brilliant life in the alpine. But remember, this is only the beginning of your journey in the backcountry! Some Post-Course thoughts to consider: On multi-day ski tours and avalanche courses, we learn and experience a ton. Students are living and traveling at altitude, climbing and touring in alpine terrain, expe

Congratulations on completing your Level Two Rec Course. I hope your experience this past weekend serves as a solid foundation upon which you will build a brilliant life in the alpine. But remember, this is only the beginning of your journey in the backcountry! Some Post-Course thoughts to consider: On multi-day ski tours and avalanche courses, we learn and experience a ton. Students are living and traveling at altitude, climbing and touring in alpine terrain, experiencing mo