Colorado Mountain College - Avalanche Science Program

Hands on approach to learning

Throughout the program our formal classroom learning was always followed up by getting out in the snow and studying with a hands-on approach. Each time we got out on the snow we followed professional procedures for any snow avalanche operation. This formal practice in risk management processes and documentation developed these skills to the point that we can get them done with precision and efficiency in a well-run AM Meeting that puts the brief in briefing without missing any important details. 

Learning from the best

The faculty that we had the opportunity to learn from in the Avalanche Science Program included some of the most well established snow and avalanche scientists in the world. From the Godfather of snow science, Dr Kelly Elder, who has been publishing articles on snow metamorphism and movement for over 40 years. To Dr Ethan Greene, who is well known for his role as the director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, but has also been studying and 

Ideal learning conditions

Anyone who has skied in Leadville knows that the snowpack is not the greatest, from a skiers perspective. The environment here creates what is often affectionately referred to as a "Facet Factory".  This unfortunate reality presents a unique opportunity for a budding snow scientist to see the processes that take place and create instabilities in the snowpack.