Tactical Alpinism

Join us as we explore mountain warfare and weather-related challenges through the experienced lens of Chris Hernandez, who shares gripping stories from Afghanistan and insights on operating in extreme mountain environments. Whether you're a military professional or outdoor enthusiast, these lessons highlight the importance of adaptability, planning, and understanding terrain and weather.Resources:White Flags and Dropped Rifles - The Real Truth about working with the French ArmyChris Hernandez Blog: Breach Bank ClearConnect with Chris Hernandez:LinkedInTwitterSpecial thanks to Chris for sharing his detailed experiences and insights—highlighting the critical nature of weather awareness and terrain knowledge in mountain and military operations. Stay safe and remember the importance of adaptive planning in unpredictable environments.

This episode explores mountain warfare, the importance of proper training, and how to effectively utilize guides in mountain and avalanche terrain. Mauri DiMeo and Zach discuss risk mitigation, certification standards, and practical tips for military and recreational mountain activities.

Nadav Oakes shares his expertise on rope selection, safety standards, and innovative gear design for mountaineering, rescue, and tactical applications. The discussion emphasizes problem-solving, context-aware decision-making, and the importance of continuous learning in high-stakes environments.Nadav is an IFMGA Mountain Guide, founder of Peak Innovations 501(c)3 and former member of the Israeli military.Peak Innovations Gear Lab: https://www.peakinnovations.ngo/gear-labIG: @wearepeakinnovations

Discover how military and recreational mountain skills intersect through Mauri DiMeo’s experience with the historic Camp Hale to Vail Traverse. From terrain challenges to heritage significance, this episode offers insights into alpine training, logistics, and heritage connection in mountain warfare.

This episode explores advanced cold weather sleeping systems for military and recreational use, emphasizing moisture management, insulation, and gear optimization for cold and snowy environments. Hosts Mauri DiMeo and Zach White share practical insights, personal experiences, and strategies to improve safety, comfort, and performance in cold mountain and arctic terrain.

In this conversation, Michael Miller shares his experiences and insights into the thrilling sport of ski-joring, where skiers are pulled by horses through a course. He discusses the preparation and training involved, the dynamics of teamwork between the horse, rider, and skier, and the community aspect of the sport. Michael also touches on the equipment used, the differences between horse-pulling and machine-pulling, and the growth of ski-joring as a competitive event. He emphasizes the importance of family and camaraderie in the sport, as well as the connection to the mountains that keeps him engaged in this unique winter activity.

In this episode of the Tactical Alpinism podcast, IFMGA mountain guide Silas Rossi and certified ski guide/host Mauri DiMeo share expert insights on selecting, fitting, and maintaining crampons for various mountain adventures. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned alpinist, understanding gear compatibility can significantly enhance safety and performance.

In this episode of the Tactical Alpinism podcast, hosts Mauri DiMeo and Zach delve into the intricacies of cold weather clothing systems, specifically focusing on the ECWCS and CTAP systems. They discuss the importance of proper layering, the functionality of each layer from base to outerwear, and the critical role of moisture management in preventing cold injuries. The conversation emphasizes the need for tactical awareness in clothing choices and the significance of anticipating environmental challenges to enhance performance in cold weather conditions.

In this conversation, Mauri DiMeo and AJ Rehn discuss the intricacies of selecting ski poles for backcountry skiing, focusing on the unique features of baton style poles produced by Folkrm. They explore the evolution of ski pole design, the importance of durability, and the advantages of different pole lengths. AJ shares insights on the benefits of foam grips, the significance of sizing, and the future developments in ski pole technology. The discussion emphasizes the value of spending time in the mountains with friends and the practical considerations for choosing the right ski poles.

In this conversation, Kuba and Maciej discuss their journey in creating split skis, focusing on their backgrounds in skiing and military training. They delve into the differences between teaching skiing to military personnel versus civilians, the innovative design of their skis, and the challenges faced during prototyping. The discussion also highlights the differences between military and commercial ski models, their future developments, and personal skiing experiences.

Today’s guests are both professional guides and teach professional level avalanche courses through Silverton Avalanche School aka SAS. Together they founded SASTAC to provide alpine and arctic training for tactical teams.Josh Jesperson ([email protected]) is a Navy SEAL and holds the record for fastest time to ski all of the Colorado 14ers.Michael Ackerman aka Ack ([email protected]), is a professional avalanche instructor for SAR, ski patrol, mountain tactical and many other professional organizations.

Scott Johnston and Maury Birdwell are both incredibly experienced mountain athletes and endurance Coaches. They train athletes for both military selections the most competitive big mountain ultra-endurance events. Maury currently holds the fastest known time on the Diamond of Long’s Peak, a 1000’ rock face that climbs at the grade of 5.10 and is usually a 12 hour or longer outing for most parties. He completed it in just under 3.5 hours car to car.Scott is the author of both Training for the Uphill Athlete and Training for the New Alpinism. Those books led to many operators pursuing Tier 1 selection events to begin reaching out to him for training. The people he and his team of coaches have trained for these events have a very high rate of success. He was a nationally competitive swimmer and cross country skier in his collegiate days. In the 1970s and 80s he spent many seasons on Denali

In this episode, Mauri DiMeo hosts a conversation with Alyssa and Cody Clark, exploring the intersection of professional ultrarunning and military life. Alyssa, a professional ultrarunner, shares her experiences racing the UTMB and her journey in endurance sports, while Cody, a Navy Lieutenant Commander, discusses his role in supporting Alyssa's career. The discussion delves into the dynamics of their relationship, the challenges and rewards of living in a van, and the unique perspectives they bring as a military family. The episode also touches on the evolution of ultrarunning, the importance of building an aerobic base, and the role of coaching in achieving athletic success.

This conversation delves into the intricacies of mortar systems and their applications in military operations, particularly in mountainous terrains. The speakers share personal experiences from combat, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness, trust, and effective communication in leadership roles. They discuss the challenges of adapting to mountain warfare, the significance of training, and the necessity of building strong relationships within military units. The dialogue culminates in practical lessons learned from their experiences, highlighting the critical role of mortars in combat scenarios and the importance of continuous training and preparation.

In this episode of the Tactical Alpinism podcast, host Mauri DiMeo reflects on the past year, discussing the growth of the podcast, personal transitions, and future plans. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and mentorship opportunities for listeners, especially those transitioning from military to civilian life. The episode also touches on navigating the holiday season and the significance of being present with family and friends.

In this conversation, Mauri DiMeo and Dave Searle discuss the intricacies of mountain guiding, the journey to becoming an IFMGA certified guide, and the differences in guiding standards across countries. They explore the importance of mentorship, the challenges of balancing social media presence with authenticity, and the shift in focus from gear to risk management in outdoor activities. The discussion also covers the vision behind the Oak app, user experience, skill assessment, and the personal experiences of balancing family life with outdoor adventures.

In this conversation, Isaac Laredo discusses selecting a splitboard, and then transitions to the benefits of lightweight hard boots compared to traditional soft boots. He emphasizes the efficiency gained in energy usage and performance. November Uphill Challenge Submissions

This discussion with Michael Ackerman aka "AK" focuses on training with avalanche dogs, the evolution of avalanche education and training, highlighting the need for distinct educational paths for recreationalists and professionals. It covers the changes in training systems prior to 2017 and the introduction of separate educational lanes in 2017, known as 'the split,' to cater to different demographics' unique needs of professionals and recreational users.

In this episode of the Tactical Alpinism Podcast, Mauri DiMeo and Silas Rossi discuss the nuances of selecting ice tools and axes for various mountain activities. They explore the differences between technical ice tools, hybrid mountain tools, and mountaineering axes, offering insights into their preferences and experiences. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trying out equipment at ice festivals and considering the ecosystem of a single brand for efficiency.

The conversation delves into the dangers faced by military mountaineers, particularly focusing on acute mountain sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning. Emily Johnston shares insights from research that highlights the risks associated with weather conditions and the use of stoves in tents. Mauri DiMeo discusses innovations in mountaineering gear designed to enhance safety and efficiency. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding these hazards and the need for better equipment to mitigate risks.

Mauri DiMeo and Silas Rossi delve into the intricacies of ice climbing, focusing on the essential gear and techniques required for safety and efficiency. They explore the nuances of building the right ice rack, proper ice screw selection, and the role of V-Thread tools in creating secure anchors. The conversation also touches on the challenges of climbing in varying ice conditions and the strategies for using traditional protection methods effectively.

In this conversation, Elyse Ping Medvigy shares her journey from military life to high-altitude mountaineering, discussing the challenges of balancing personal interests with professional obligations. She reflects on her experiences climbing iconic mountains like Everest and Mount Hood, the importance of mental preparation, nutrition, and the dynamics of climbing teams. Elyse emphasizes the need for self-reliance, the impact of stress on performance, and the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks in her climbing career.

Helmet Comparison LinkIn this episode of Tactical Alpinism, Mauri DiMeo discusses the importance of selecting the right helmet for various outdoor activities, particularly climbing and skiing. He highlights recent achievements in the Himalayas, explains the different certifications for helmets, and provides insights into the types of helmets available. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding helmet standards and making informed choices based on specific activities to ensure safety.Takeaways:Different activities require different helmet certifications.Recent mountain newsUnderstanding helmet certifications helps in making informed decisions.Alpine ski helmets focus on high-speed impacts, while climbing helmets focus on falling objects.Dual certified helmets offer a balance for multiple activities.Fit and comfort are essential when choosing a helmet.Replace helmets after significant impacts or as recommended by manufacturers.MIPS technology may provide additional safety benefits.Always prioritize wearing a helmet over not wearing one.

In this conversation, Jim Donini shares his extensive experiences in climbing, discussing the evolution of techniques, the impact of personal tragedy on his journey, and the importance of partner dynamics in climbing. He reflects on the joy of exploration, the significance of first ascents, and the future of climbing, emphasizing that there are still many unclimbed peaks and challenges ahead for the next generation of climbers. Donini also touches on health challenges he has faced and how they have shaped his perspective on climbing and life.climbing, alpine climbing, first ascents, mountaineering, Jim Donini, outdoor adventure, climbing techniques, health challenges, climbing philosophy, exploration

Silas is an IFMGA licensed mountain guide and an AMGA instructor team member with the AMGA. He is also the current president of the AMGA's board of directors. Silas guide's aroudn the world and is primarily based in the Shawangunks of NY. He runs the online education and guiding platform ALPINE LOGIC. Once created, the gear list I mention in the episode will be here.

Paul Rogers shares his experiences leading the Special Operations Mountain Warfare Training Course, studying at NPS, a significant skiing accident in Colorado, and the subsequent rescue operation that saved his life. He discusses the importance of risk management in mountain warfare training, the unique role of Green Berets in unconventional warfare, and the need for better preparation for future mountain operations. The conversation highlights the lessons learned from personal experiences and the broader implications for military training and operations in mountainous terrains. In this conversation, Paul Rogers and Mauri DiMeo delve into the complexities of mountain warfare, discussing the challenges of survival and operational effectiveness in harsh environments. They explore the costs associated with thriving in such terrains, the evolution of training programs, and the importance of leadership in understanding the unique demands of mountain operations. The discussion also touches on irregular warfare strategies in mountainous regions and the need for specialized training to enhance military capabilities. Ultimately, they emphasize the necessity of investing in both personnel and resources to ensure success in mountain warfare.Images of the fall down Wilson PeakPaul's Article: "The Answers are in the Mountains: Countering Chinese Aggression with Irregular Warfare"

This is the first episode of a shorter type of episodes. The Mountain Locker is a series of solo and discussion based gear, equipment and tactics focused episodes. As requested, here are some of the pieces mentioned in this episode.Leuko TapeThicker, Green Super Feet Thin, Carbon Super Feet

In this episode, Logan Talbot, an IFMGA guide, shares his journey into climbing, the importance of mentorship, and the art of decision-making in high-stakes environments. He discusses risk management strategies, the thrill of exploring the unknown, and the significance of having a reliable team in the mountains.Operational Risk Form from Alpenglow: https://tacticalalpinism.com/blog/blog-post-title-one-twz94This Episode's cover art background is Artesonraju, which Logan talked about in this episode.Chapters00:00:41 Logan's Early Climbing Days00:04:42 The Role of Mentors00:17:04 Decision Making in High-Stakes Climbing00:21:43 Risk Management Strategies00:25:52 Exploring the UnknownKeywordsPeru, Artesonraju, Alpamayo, 8k, Cordillera Blanca, Himalaya, High altitude, climbing, mentorship, risk management, IFMGA, mountain guide, decision-making, high-stakes, adventure, exploration, team dynamics

The conversation explores the evolution and impact of the 10th Mountain Division and its Alpine Club, focusing on the cultural significance, training methodologies, and leadership dynamics within the military mountaineering context. It highlights the importance of outdoor recreation in shaping the identity of soldiers and the legacy of the division, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities in modern military training.The 10th Mountain Division has a rich history tied to outdoor recreation.Operation Mountain Legacy serves to celebrate and educate about the division's legacy.Leadership in the division emphasizes empowerment and initiative.The Adirondacks provide a unique training environment for soldiers.The Alpine Club aims to foster a culture of mountaineering within the division.Civilian engagement is crucial for preserving the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division.Training methodologies must adapt to the unique challenges of mountain environments.Terrain familiarization is essential for effective mountain operations.The legacy of the 10th Mountain Division influences modern outdoor recreation.Future training opportunities should leverage historical lessons learned.

Tanner Wanish on Manufacturing Adversity and Redefining Limits”In this episode, we sit down with Tanner Wanish—former Navy SEAL turned elite big-wall climber—whose achievements in Yosemite have redefined what’s possible. From setting a speed record on the Triple Crown to inventing the Yosemite Quad and completing the Goliath Traverse.We dive into Tanner’s unique philosophy of “manufacturing adversity”—deliberately seeking out hardship as a path to growth. He shares how his military background shaped his mental toughness, the logistics of fueling multi-day endurance climbs, and the delicate balance between risk and reward. Support the Show:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review—it helps us reach more listeners

This discussion was originally recorded and released on the MOPS N MOES Podcast. It dives into the research I conducted over the past few years, looking at a potential new metric for assessing and individualizing endurance training. Here is the manuscript for the research if you're nerdy enough to want to read it.https://drive.google.com/file/d/18iFyMifoPSL5r60GAXPE8b-VFJny36dy/view?usp=sharing

Chris Schulte has been a professional climbing athlete for Black Diamond, La Sportiva and several others since pretty early on in the United States' progression with that even being a profession. He was a mysterious figure in the Bouldering scene for many because he seemed to avoid the limelight and just climb hard things. When I found out that he was local to where this podcast is produced and recorded, I just knew I had to have him on.Find some of the writing that he mentions in the episode below:Patience: https://climbingzine.com/patience-chris-schulte/Hidden Dragons: https://climbingzine.com/hidden-dragons-chris-schulte/

Jonathan Pope is one of the founders of Building the Elite and Fuel My Day Foods. Building the Elite is a tactical fitness company that focusses on preparing operators for selections and the rigors of their very physical job. Fuel My Day Foods was a brain child of Johnathan for addressing issues he was experiencing on big mountain days and for issues the operators he trains, who still wanted to fuel and perform well, were experiencing on long deployments. Building the Elite: https://www.buildingtheelite.com/Fuel My Day Foods: https://www.fuelmydayfoods.com/collections/all

Lance R. Blythe is a self described backcountry skier with a history problem. He is the Command Historian of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the U.S. Northern Command. He is also Adjunct Professor of History at the United States Air Force Academy.List and downloads of his written works:https://academyadmissions.academia.edu/LanceBlyth

Mark Smiley is an internationally certified (IFMGA) mountain guide that has really leaned into online education. He initially gained public awareness because of climbing and filming the 50 Classic Climbs of North America with his wife Janelle.In this episode we discuss the detailed planning, selection of partners and sacrifices that go into big objectives before transitioning to talking about the Mountain Sense courses that Mark created.50 Classic Climbs:https://www.climbing.com/travel/the-50-classic-climbs-of-north-america/Mountain Sense Course Library:https://www.mtnsense.com/

NW Alpine is a mountain apparel brand that focuses on having as much of their process, from the textile mills through the assembly, based in the USA. I was not too aware of how challenging this process can be until I started talking with Bill.Bill Amos is the founder of NW Alpine and is also a lifelong climber and skier who got into making apparel so that he could spend more time in the mountains. You'll need to listen to the episode to see how that turned out...Made in the USA Climbing Brands: https://www.nwalpine.com/pages/made-in-usa-climbing-brands

In this episode evolution, and future of mountain warfare training in the U.S. Army. From the history of the 10th Mountain Division in World War II to the recent 2025 introduction of the Army's Mountaineering Badge now authorized for Army-wide wear. Plus, we break down what it takes to earn the badge today, where soldiers train, and why mountain warfare skills remain mission-critical in modern operations.HR5009 Section 1086: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/5009/text 2024: Arctic Strategy: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Jul/22/2003507411/-1/-1/0/DOD-ARCTIC-STRATEGY-2024.PDF

Today on the podcast, we’re joined by a true professional of the mountain world—Larry Goldie. A professional mountain guide with over three decades of experience, Larry’s career has taken him from the rugged peaks of the North Cascades to the remote heights of Antarctica, with stops in Alaska, the Alps, Japan, Africa, and nearly every major mountain range in between.Larry was the 28th American to earn the prestigious IFMGA certification, marking him as one of the elite few qualified to guide internationally in the rock, alpine, and ski disciplines. But what really sets him apart isn’t just his resume—it’s his passion for people. Whether he's breaking trail on a deep powder day, coaching everyday athletes to reach their potential, or mentoring the next generation of guides, Larry brings a deep love for the process and the people that make mountain time so meaningful.He lives in Winthrop, Washington with his wife and daughter, and has spent a lifetime learning how to balance family, adventure, and high performance. From first ascents in the Cascades to heli-skiing the best snow on Earth, Larry’s journey is both inspiring and refreshingly down-to-earth.So so I trust you will enjoy this conversation as we dig into the life, lessons, and snowy tales of Larry Goldie."**

Today’s guest is Alex Morrow, the founder of MOPS and MOEs a podcast and education platform that focuses on improving the fitness of the force. Alex created MOPs & MOEs after realizing how antiquated the Army’s approach to fitness was, and after many attempts (and failures) to bring attention to this issue from the inside. He graduated from West Point in 2013 and spent eight years on active duty serving in the 4th Infantry Division and 10th Mountain Division before landing at the US Army Physical Fitness School. Once he got a taste of the human performance world, he knew he couldn’t turn back. He continues to serve as an intelligence officer in the Army Reserve while working full-time on modernizing Army fitness.One challenge that many people have is the ability to get to the mountains. Sometime that is time, some times it is location and other times is based in fear, or a lack of skill to get after the thing confidently. All of the guests on this podcast have been experts in some facet of operating in the mountains. Our guest today is a really good friend. I asked him on to talk about his progression into spending more time in the the mountains.  If you’re wanting to get out more often, this discussion, I hope, will highlight how you are not alone.Some of the Books mentioned:The Nature FixSparkGo Wild

Zach White is the first repeat guest on the podcast and this episode dives into a narrative of the Battle of Monte La Difensa.This episode was recorded back in November and Zach is the first repeat guest on the podcast. The purpose of this discussion was to talk a battle analysis he did a ton of research into. He completed a battle analysis as part of his NCO professional development on the Battle of Monte La Difensa, which is one of the mountain battles of WW2. This episode was intended for Zach to share some work he was putting in to develop himself and also to enable him to receive feedback. I’d love to have other people on this show in the future that are working through their own problems or projects so that we can share, discuss and workshop what you are working on.We start talking about Lance Blythe’s book “Ski, Climb, Fight” I have since received the book and am really enjoying it. I am looking forward to having lance on the pod in the future, once I finish the book. If you stick around through the hour mark, we transition to talking tactics and takeaways from the battle analysis that Zach presented.If you have not listened to episode 2: Mortars in the Mountains, then I recommend listening to that episode, because you get a really great sense of Zach’s passion and expertise. Enjoy this episode.LINK TO SLIDES: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11UKgKkyjsuBw_T-AikmUqCwcs83Iqs1qI-7sYa3iWy8/edit?usp=drive_link

Planning for success in the mountains starts at home and by building in redundancy for critical systems. The a common military acronym is PACE:PrimaryAlternateContingency EmergencyThis podcast episode dives into leveraging this framework to be more successful in the mountain environment. The avalanche fatalities discussion is intended to bring attention to learning what we can from the incidents. I am not here to second guess and say what "should" have been done by those people, their loss was preventable and the way that we can respect the passing, in my opinion, is by looking at the incidents and learning what we can from each one. That is the intention of the discussion.Avalanche Fatalities Article: https://thebusinessjournal.com/avalanches-in-western-us-claim-more-lives-in-recent-weeks-including-a-weekend-death-in-colorado/

Today’s guests are both professional guides and teachprofessional level avalanche courses through Silverton Avalanche School aka SAS. Together they founded SASTAC to provide alpine and arctic training fortactical teams.Josh Jesperson ([email protected]) is a Navy SEAL and holds the record for fastest time to ski all of the Colorado 14ers.Michael Ackerman aka Ack ([email protected]), is a professional avalanche instructor for SAR, ski patrol, mountain tactical and many other professional organizations.

Derek Debruin is a professor in the Outdoor Program at Weber State University. He is also a Mountain Guide that works with special operations teams, expanding their ability to go bigger in the mountains. Derek Provided some further notes and resources beow: Weber State University Outdoor & Community Recreation Education https://www.weber.edu/hper/outdoorcommunityrec.html Offer a 4-year Bachelor’s degree with concentration in Adventure Recreation & Tourism, Youth Sport Administration, and Outdoor Entrepreneurship  2-year Associate’s degree in Outdoor Leadership. Technically focused and can be stacked with another 2 years to complete the bachelor's degree if desired. Students can get certifications as part of course credit • Wilderness First Responder • Outdoor Emergency Care • Emergency Medical Technician • Avalanche rescue • Rec avalanche 1, avalanche 2 • AMGA Single pitch instructor • In-house swiftwater rescue • Leave No Trace Level 1 (formerly LNT Trainer)—need for some NPS permits • Scuba open water • PSIA/AASI pathway (not in-house cert; but credits offered for it) Derek's work email is [email protected] and happy to take inquiries there.

The standard season for Denali is May through July and we are now entering the meat of the months where people will be progressing their training to be prepared for climbing in the Alaska range this season. This discussion was before I had gone to Denali and in a future episode, I’ll do a recap of that trip and lessons learned.  Scott is an incredibly accomplished and humble about what he has done in the mountains. Other than saying that He is the Author of Training for the Uphill Athlete and Training for the New Alpinism, which are the primary training manuals that mountain athletes leverage. This discussion was recorded a few years ago and is on the Tactical Alpinism YouTube channel but I have not released it on the Podcast. There is some, minor dated information, and for example, the Park service changed the regulations and now allow guide services to do some travel on Denali on Skis in specific circumstances. This conversation occurred live with questions at the end. I think doing podcasts with this component could be really cool, I’m curious to hear if you’d be interested in that kind of setup for some   future episodes. Shoot me an email to [email protected] or DM @tacticalalpinism. Denali Routes: https://caltopo.com/m/9QHDJ/STJDT025A7L12PV1

Explosive avalanche initiation started with the military. Now there is a whole industry wrapped around keeping us safe in snowy environments, where we often don't think we may be at risk. This podcast explores the high-stakes art and science of avalanche mitigation, offering an insider’s perspective on the precision and expertise required to navigate dangerous terrain. The speaker breaks down the meticulous planning behind ski cuts, emphasizing the importance of moving between safety zones, using tools like airbags and self-arrest poles, and maintaining clear communication to avoid deadly errors. Ski cutting, a skill honed over years of apprenticeship, is portrayed as essential yet risky. The speaker advises practicing on smaller slopes to master techniques before tackling major avalanche zones. Explosives play a significant role, with strategies evolving to target weak spots and minimize danger while triggering controlled avalanches. Listeners gain insight into the differing priorities of ski resorts, Backcountry cat-skiing operations, and highway safety teams. Resorts aim to maintain snow for guests, while highways focus on clearing hazards efficiently. Throughout, the podcast highlights the delicate balance between tradition, emerging research, and split-second decision-making that keeps professionals—and those they protect—alive in avalanche-prone environments. Jake Hutchinson is entering his third decade working as a snow professional – from ski patrolling and avalanche forecasting in the Wasatch Mountains to operational forecasting for the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park and extensive work with WBR, C-RAD and other US SAR, Military and K9 organizations. Jake has been an AAI course leader for 20+ years and currently works as a Pro course leader and AAI’s Curriculum Director. He has served in various roles on the A3 Governing Board since 2009 and currently sits on the Executive Committee as the Membership Trustee. Jake is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and founding member of the Warriors Healing Network. Snowmobiles, dirt bikes, dogs and knife-making take up the majority of his time away from skis. Find more about avalanches and from Jake through AAI and the Avalanche Hour Podcast. Avalanche Hour: https://www.theavalanchehour.com/ AAI: https://www.americanavalancheinstitute.com/instructor/jake-hutchinson-2/

Peak Rescue's mission is to provide each client with cutting edge skills and education to prevent catastrophe. https://peak-rescue.com/ Peak Rescue is an organization that I learned about a few years ago and have been interested in. I was introduced to the team and now get to share their expertise with you.

Silas Rossi is an IFMGA guide, Instructor team member, on the Board of Directors and President of the AMGA. He was recommended as a guest due to being a good guy and a great instructor. Previous guest Dave Leydet says "Silas-ism's" are what he routinely relies on when making decisions in the mountains.

Scott Johnston and Maury Birdwell are both incredibly experienced mountain athletes and endurance Coaches for both military selections and people that want to go bigger in the mountains.  Maury currently holds the fastest known time on the Diamond of Long’s Peak, a 1000’ rock face that climbs at the grade of 5.10 and is usually a 12 hour or longer outing for most parties. He completed it in just 3.5 hours car to car. Scott is the author of both Training for the Uphill Athlete and Training for the New Alpinism. Those books led to many operators pursuing Tier 1 selection events to begin reaching out to him for training. The people he and his team of coaches have trained for these events have a very high rate of success. He was a nationally competitive swimmer and cross country skier in his collegiate days. In the 1970s and 80s he spent many seasons on Denali DOD Arctic Strategy: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Jul/22/2003507411/-1/-1/0/DOD-ARCTIC-STRATEGY-2024.PDF  SFAS QC Success study: “Soldiers that were officers or 18× enlisted (fast-tracked to SFAS), had <1 year of active duty, ≥ bachelor degree, no children, were Ranger school graduates, from the Mountain region, and not married were more likely to be selected (p < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in probability of selection according to age or community of origin.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938419303063 

Snow has started to fall throughout much of the Western US and Europe, so this discussion is timely. Today’s guest is Doug Bernard. He is a Green Beret who is also an avalanche instructor, certified ski guide and apprentice alpine guide. He has been operating in the mountains for a long time. It also took me a while to get him to agree to talk on the podcast. He is one of those silent professionals who doesn’t like to publicly share but he is exactly the type of person that I want to have on the podcast. In the US there are four general different types of avalanche education. Avalanche Awareness Avy Level 1 Avy Level 2 Avy Rescue ATES Scale: https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/terrain/avalanche-terrain-exposure/avalanche-terrain-exposure-scale-ates/

Alyssa is a professional Ultra runner who specializes in distances over 100 miles. She has won the San Diego 100, HURT 100, Moab 240 and starting during COVID, set a Guinness world record for doing 95 marathon in 95 days, many of those on a treadmill.  Codi is an active duty US navy engineer and diver, a split boarder and an aspiring professional ultra racing crew member. They currently are living in a van, full time, with two cats while on active duty in the Navy and getting out into the mountains frequently.