Poker or Chess? Forecasting avalanches and guiding in British Columbia’s backcountry

Can we ski that? Answering this deceivingly simple question is an exploration in the science of snow and the psychology of high-stakes decision making, the ethics of informed consent, and a structured approach to risk management that tries to put it all together. With snow and avalanches there always seems to be more questions — so please bring yours! Ilya Storm is an ACMG Ski Guide and forecaster with Avalanche Canada.