Are you an operations-based avalanche practitioner (i.e., patroller, guide, educator, rescuer, etc.) with something to contribute to the ISSW?

Are you intimidated by the process of publishing and presenting at a technical conference? If so, you are not alone! Perhaps you would benefit from some coaching to help you fine-tune your ideas, prepare an abstract or write a paper?

The sharing of boots-on-the-ground experiences and real-world case studies is a core component of the ISSW. Presentations such as rescue case-studies, avalanche program challenges and solutions, avalanche control techniques, and innovation in education programs are examples of practical presentations that are highly desired at the ISSW.

For ISSW 2026, seasoned industry experts are offering mentorship and coaching for practitioners. This initiative is part of an effort to reduce barriers to participation for avalanche workers who don’t have a paper-writing background or feel intimidated by the format of the ISSW.

Who is it for? 

  • Avalanche workers (as opposed to researchers, scientists or academics) who would like to present at ISSW 2026, and would benefit from some guidance.

What is on offer?

  • An opportunity to share your proposed idea with experts for feedback on its suitability for submission.

  • If your proposal is viable, you’ll be assigned a mentor and provided with resources to help you write your abstract.

  • One abstract review before the abstract submission deadline.

  • If your abstract is accepted, your mentor can help you structure your paper.

  • Coaching around powerpoint or poster preparation.

Programs

In CANADA, CAA members are offering mentorship to practitioners working in Canadian operations.

Who are the mentors…

Grant Statham

Grant is a mountain guide and avalanche forecaster with Parks Canada in Banff National Park. He is an operational forecaster and rescuer and has done many presentations and papers at previous ISSWs and other conferences. Grant was the Chair of ISSW 2014 in Banff.

Chris Stethem

Chris Stethem is a retired avalanche consultant with wide experience in avalanche control, planning and operations for recreation, industry and land use. He was Chairman of ISSW 88 in Whistler, BC and a presenter at a variety of conferences and training sessions over the years.

Pascal Haegeli

Pascal is a professor at Simon Fraser University where he works with graduate students and practitioners to conduct applied avalanche safety research on a wide range of topics. He has written lots of papers, designed many posters, and presented in front of large audiences. He oversaw the posters at the 2008 ISSW in Whistler and was responsible for the full program of the 2014 ISSW in Banff.  

INTERNATIONALLY, we are currently encouraging the development of similar programs from international avalanche associations and groups. Contact mentorship@ISSW2026.com if you’re interested in participating. 

How do I sign up?

  • Email mentorship@ISSW2026.com to register your interest with a brief description of your presentation idea, location, and the type of help you are looking for. 

  • Starting in Fall 2025, online meeting slots will become available for you to present your ideas to the mentor group. 

+ Practitioner mentorship opportunity