+ field trips

Technical Field Trips offer a great opportunity to learn about avalanche risk management practices and mitigation measures currently employed near Whistler, BC. These trips will take place on Wednesday, September 30th, at various locations. Technical Field Trips taking place during ISSW 2026 include:

1 - Bridging the gap between Digital Tools & Operational Avalanche Forecasting - hosted by Alpine Solutions

This session bridges the gap between digital tools and operational avalanche forecasting by showing participants how high-resolution topography can be quickly obtained and directly applied to modeling. Avalanche professionals will gain hands-on exposure to UAV scanning workflows, an understanding of terrain model resolution impacts, and the ability to interpret RAMMS outputs in real time. This integration of modern remote sensing with practical modeling enhances hazard assessment skills and promotes data-driven decision-making.

This field session will take participants up Whistler Blackcomb to conduct a UAV-based terrain scan using a high-resolution drone. The group will observe and participate in a live demonstration of UAV mapping, including flight planning and data capture procedures. After returning to the Rendezvous or Roundhouse Lodge, participants will engage in an indoor session to process the data into a 1 m DEM and explore its application in avalanche modelling. The goal is to demonstrate a rapid workflow from data collection to simulation within a single field day.

2 - Engineering & Operations: Avalanche Safety Program on the Duffey Lake Road - Hosted by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT)

Overview:

Join the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MoTT) for a technical driving tour of the Highway 99 (Duffey Lake Road) corridor. This tour examines the management of Ministry avalanche areas situated in a complex maritime-to-continental transition zone.

Technical Highlights:

Participants will engage in site-specific discussions regarding the passive measures and active avalanche safety program components used to ensure the safety of all highway users. Key stops include:

• Path 51.0 & RACS Deployment: A Technical review of Remote Avalanche Control Systems (RACS) and their role in conducting active (explosive) control missions to minimize the frequency and duration of avalanche-related road closures.

• Passive Measures & Engineered Mitigation: Field observation of structural interventions, including earthen mounds, diversions berms, and catchment basins.

• The MoTT Operational Model: Insights into how the Ministry integrates real-time telemetry, snowpack analysis, and avalanche hazard forecasts to maintain an acceptable operational risk band.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate the efficacy of RACS in a high-consequence avalanche terrain.

• Discuss the lifecycle maintenance of passive mitigation unique to the Coast Mountains

• Exchange best practices on preventive closure protocols and safety margins with Ministry Avalanche Technicians

3 - Whistler Blackcomb Avalanche Control Program Site Visit

Come join the Whistler Blackcomb (WB) Forecasting Team for a tour of the ski resort's Avalanche Control Programs. This tour will include an Alpine Site visit to examine the complex terrain and the tools required to manage avalanche risk at WB, one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Highlights may include an examination of proposed RAC sites installations, making WB one of the first resorts to install this technology in Canada, as well as other tools pertaining to terrain management, explosive use and the introduction of Radar technology for remote avalanche detection.

4 - ISSW 2026 Public Snow and Avalanche Workshop - aka ISSW 2026 Public Day

We're excited to co-host a public snow and avalanche workshop with Avalanche Canada on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026. This public day will provide an opportunity for the wider community to get involved in the ISSW, and explore the science and practice of snow and avalanche safety.

The public day will present a mixture of different perspectives on avalanche safety. Short sessions will allow for a variety of presentation topics relevant to recreation in the back country and how we stay safer when we travel through the mountains. As well as the opportunity to hear experts present, there will also be opportunities to ask questions and engage with presenters.

The technical poster presentations from the professional conference will be available during the public day, offering a peek into the research happening in the professional snow safety world. These posters delve into a wide range of topics and showcase the latest ideas about snow and avalanche safety.

We will also have interactive booths and industry exhibitors available for hands-on exploration of different technologies and products that are available to improve public avalanche safety.

With an already impressive list of potential presenters this stands to be a great day where the public will be able to engage with members of the professional avalanche community in dynamic discussions and informative presentations.

For more information visit: https://www.issw2026.com/public-day-sept-30

5 - issw 2026 texas scramble hosted by CIL Avalanche

Join practitioners of powder for a Pseudo Supershear Symposium that merges the fundamental laws of physics, with alternative theories of golf, for a fun and memorable round at Big Sky Golf Course - Ranked 14th best public golf course in Canada by Score Golf.  Complimentary 30-minute shuttle from Whistler Village to Big Sky and back. Hosted by CIL Avalanche.

Registration closes Aug 30th, 2026