Today's episode features Peter Bilous.  Peter is a yankee who resides in Wanaka, New Zealand.  He has spent 70-plus seasons playing and working in the snow.  He has ski tour and heli-ski guided all across the globe throughout his career and has had a big hand in professional avalanche education in New Zealand.  Peter is the Avalanche and Snowsports program manager at Otago Polytechnic where about 90% of New Zealand's Pro courses take place.  We chat about what has gone into the development and progression of the program.  Peter recounts a close call in an avalanche and some of the contributing weather, snowpack, and human factors that played a role.  Finally, he talks about some of the accomplishments of his two sons in the Freeride World Tour and Olympics!   We hope you enjoy!  

Music by Ketsa:  "Turn it on" and "Plus 9"

Otago Polytechnic Avalanche Safety Program: https://www.op.ac.nz/study/avalanche-safety/

ISSW Proceeding Archive by Year:  
https://arc.lib.montana.edu/snow-science/workshops.php

Thank you to Wyssen Avalanche Control and 6 Point Engineering for their support for this episode.

8.2 Peter Bilous

Sports

In this episode, we chat with long time industry professional Colin Zacharias.  Colin has spent over 40 years working in the snow, avalanche, guiding, consulting, and education realms.  Throughout our interview, Colin talks about some of the trends that he has seen within the industry as well as trends in accidents.  He talks about how recreationists might learn from some of the habits of professional guides, and he recounts some early memories of venturing into the backcountry.  Enjoy.  

Music by Ketsa

Support provided by: 
Wyssen Avalanche Control
Gordini USA
OpenSnow

GoFund Me for the Family of Rob Coppollilo:
https://gofund.me/c17787bf

The Powder Cloud:  The Seductive Lure of Tracks
https://thepowdercloud.com/learn/avalanche-education/the-seductive-lure-of-tracks/

8.27 Colin Zacharias

EPISODE 8.26
On today’s episode join us as Ellen Bradley and Jossline Jackson share their personal and poignant connections to their indigenous roots through skiing and science, guided by mentor and educator Mike Janes. We delve into the importance of indigenous knowledge in environmental stewardship and explore initiatives that make outdoor spaces accessible and inclusive.
Socials:
The Avalanche Hour Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/theavalanchehourpodcast/
Links:
RASOR program: https://rasor.alaska.edu/
Alaska Avalanche School: https://alaskaavalanche.org/
Douglas Indian Association: https://diataku.com/
Sealaska Heritage: https://sealaskaheritage.org/institute/education/programs
Juneau Poster_RASOR (1).pdf
Sponsors for this episode:
Wyssen: https://www.wyssenavalanche.com/en/
Gordini: http://www.gordini.com
OpenSnow: http://www.opensnow.com
Crew:
Host - Brooke "Shiny" Edwards https://www.instagram.com/wildworldwanderings
Producer - Cameron Griffin: https://www.instagram.com/backcountrycam/
Donate:
The Avalanche Hour Podcast: https://www.theavalanchehour.com/donate
The American Avalanche Association: https://www.americanavalancheassociation.org/donate
Music:

Ketsa: 80’s vision/Ketsa 
Ketsa: Hold on/ketsa

8.26 - JOSSLINE, ELLEN, AND MIKE

In this episode our European contributors, Matthias Walcher and Christoph Mitterer from @ÖGSL, interview Snow Scientists, and current intern at @ÖGSL; Manuel Genswein.

Manuel is a one-of-a-kind individual and no stranger to the avalanche industry. As a lone wolf, he has been traveling the world for over 30 years bringing his strategies and ideas to the field of avalanche rescue. In this episode we talk about where he grew up?  How he got involved with the avalanche industry? and we dive into experiences he has had along the way. He tells us which innovations he is most proud of and what ideas didn't fly? Listen in to find out more and check out Manuel's website for access to his courses and papers:

 mountainsafety.info


Music by Gravy - Freebird
You can find his tracks at gravytunes.bandcamp.com.

Big shout out to the designer of our sweet logo Mike Tea.  You can see more of Mike’s work over at miketea.com  

Support for this episode provided by:

@wyssen_avalanche_control
@gordiniusa
@opensnow
@american_avalanche_association

8.25 Manuel Genswein

In this episode, Harry Keane interviews one of his mentors, David Lovejoy.  We introduce Harry, then turn the mic over to David as he talks about some of his memories of exploring crags, alpine peaks, and snowy mountains across the globe.  David attended Prescott College, where he eventually became a faculty member and professor.  In the early 1980's, he developed an Avalanche Forecasting course in collaboration with Tim Lane and Jerry Roberts of Colorado's Department of Transportation.  This course set the hook for many people who have gone on to make big splashes through their lifelong careers in the snow and avalanche industry.  David provides us with insights and wisdom from his years of cultivating his curious fascination with avalanches.  Tune in.
Music by Ketsa 

Thanks to: 
Wyssen Avalanche Control
Gordini USA
OpenSnow

8.24 David Lovejoy

Episode 8.23 John “Buff” Buffery 

John “Buff” Buffery has had a long and diverse career in avalanche and mountain risk management, spending time at ski hills, guiding, risk management for highways, movie rigging, and much more.  From ski guiding on tele skis back in the early days of his career to building his own split board in the 90s - Buff has pioneered his own path in the mountains.  He was Craig Kelly’s personal guide for much of his career, and has guided and mentored the likes of Travis Rice, Robin Van Gyn, and many others over the years.  He brings a thoughtful and reflective approach to risk management; a personal style that has accompanied him while pioneering new guiding operations in remote terrain, or rigging stunts for the latest Hollywood blockbuster.  
Tune in for lessons learned and philosophies developed over a rich life in the mountains.  Buff talks about avalanche education for pro snowboarders, the evolution of a path into guiding for snowboarders, and longevity in a physically taxing career – and so much more.  Enjoy!

Sponsors for this episode:
Wyssen : https://www.wyssenavalanche.com/en/
Gordini - www.gordini.com
OpenSnow - www.opensnow.com 

Crew:
Host - Dom Baker
Producer - Cameron Griffin - https://www.instagram.com/backcountrycam/

Donate:
The Avalanche Hour Podcast - https://www.theavalanchehour.com/donate 
The American Avalanche Association  - https://www.americanavalancheassociation.org/donate 

Music:
Gravy - @gravy.tunes

8.2 Peter Bilous

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