As an occupation, working in the snow sports industry as a guide, instructor, coach and patroller has one of the highest non-fatal workplace injury rates in North America.
Recreationally, skiing and snowboarding are often thought of as extreme sports, although I think we can all agree there is a range to that. Still, both resort and backcountry skiing and riding come with a much higher level of risk than most sports.
In this episode, Jordy and Chris discuss what it takes to manage risk in snow more effectively. Chris leads the discussion leaning into the extensive work he has done on the Managing Risk on Snow program with Whistler Blackcomb and the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC).
Chris is currently developing the Managing Risk on Snow Certification for Instructors and Patrollers. When complete, this will be a four-level online certification stream with each level taking approximately three hours to complete. The first two levels are now complete.
Jordy shares his extensive experience as an ACMG Mountain guide working in the Heli-ski and backcountry ski industry as well as his ski racing background.
Both Chris and Jordy share what it takes to manage risk in snow more effectively so that you can reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.
Key Takeaways
Challenges of the Ski Environment: People are making decisions on the move. The environment is very changeable and fast moving. Conditions are inconsistent and the people themselves are unpredictable. All of this creates a high level of uncertainty.
Smart Risk: Smart Risks are risks that are designed to maximize opportunities for growth and rewards, while reducing the chance of experiencing negative outcomes – to acceptable levels.
Smart Risk Criteria: Smart risks are Calculated, Acceptable, Necessary and Prepared for.
Key Components of Managing Risk: Managing hazard, exposure and vulnerability. Hazard is the thing that can cause us harm. Exposure is our proximity to the hazard, often measured in time, frequency and distance. Vulnersbility, is our susceptibility or fragility to the hazard. These are the three components that we are working to manage the most when it comes to managing risk.
Three Top Risk Strategies: Reducing vulnersbility, limiting exposure by avoiding unnecessary risks and making sure we are prepared and ready.
Guest Bios
Chris Kaipio is the produce and co-host of Delivering Adventure.
He has worked in the adventure industry as an instructor, guide, trainer and manager since 2001.
Chris is currently developing the Managing Risk on Snow eLearning Certification for the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada. When complete, this will be a robust four level online risk management and decision-making certification for guides and Instructors.
Chris has written the book Power to Influence: How to get the best out of ourselves and others. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. This is where he met Jordy Shepherd.
Jordy Shepherd is the co-host of Delivering Adventure.
Jordy is an internationally certified ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide, guide trainer, an avalanche educator, rescue specialist, and a former park warden.
His work experience includes Canadian Avalanche Association Course Leader for Avalanche Search and Rescue Advanced Skills, Provincial Park Ranger, National Park Warden, Wildlife Conflict Specialist, Wildland and Structural Firefighter, Mountain and Industrial Rescue Specialist, Heli-skiing Operations Manager and Lead Guide, and Licensed Real Estate Agent.
In addition to all of his work in the adventure guiding industry, Jordy runs a successful real estate company in Canmore Alberta where he currently lives with is family.
Guest Resources
PSIC Managing Risk on Snow Certification: https://www.psic.pro/managing-risk-certification
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