Tune in for candid stories and a humorous take on the roots of Canadian avalanche work. Bruce Jamieson is joined by Larry Stanier to interview Roddy McGowan.

Roddy McGowan is a veteran Canadian mountain guide and avalanche professional who carved out his career the hard way, starting as a ski bum in Whistler in the late 1970s before working his way onto ski patrol at Lake Louise and into the renowned avalanche program at Rogers Pass. Known for his persistence, he failed multiple guiding courses before eventually earning his credentials and going on to guide, and complete major ski traverses across western Canada. Over decades in the mountains, he combined hands-on experience while collecting a lifetime of stories—from early dirtbag winters to serious close calls that shaped his perspective on risk and decision-making. Now retired from guiding and living in Japan, Roddy stays connected to the mountains, still observing snow and reflecting - often with wit - on a career in the mountains.

Larry has worked in the avalanche patch since 1982, beginning his career as a ski patroller in the early years at Blackcomb ski area. He started ski guiding in 1986 and is a long standing IFMGA Mountain Guide, working all over the world from Kyrgyzstan to the Japanese Alps. He also then worked for many years in the avalanche consulting business for Chris Stethem and Associates, and for over 20 years taught courses for the Canadian Avalanche Association. Larry has also conducted inspections of helicopter and snow cat skiing operations for Helicat Canada and HeliskiUS.

This episode contains lessons on how avalanche safety knowledge developed through experience, mentorship, mistakes, and reflection—not just formal science

• ​Tune in to hear stories from the Canadian avalanche industry of the 80s and 90s - including Blackcomb and Rogers.
• ​Roddy McGowan reflects candidly on the “human factors” leading to a significant avalanche burial of a snowcat.
• ​The development of avalanche science and standards under the rigorous leadership of Fred and Walter Schleiss at Rogers Pass.
• ​Stories from ski traverses with minimal equipment by modern standards, and the ensuing adventures.

Thanks to the sponsors of the show.

Episode Sponsor:

⁠Propagation Labs⁠

Legacy Sponsors:

Darren Johnson Avalanche Education Memorial Fund

AVSS

Drone Amplified

Partner Sponsors:

CIL Avalanche

Safeback

onX Backcountry Use the code avalanchehour to receive 30% off a year of onX Backcountry Elite or Premium

Music: Ketsa

Artwork: Mike Tea

Production: Angie Lake

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