S7 EP5 Avalanche considerations in couloirs - A conversation with Mike Austin and Martin Stefan

Research is sparse. Information is variable. Couloir skiing can feel safe; until it isn’t.

What are the essential considerations?

We invited Mike Austin from Avalanche Geeks and Martin Stefan, a local avalanche professional from Wyssen Avalanche, for a talk on avalanche considerations in couloirs.

Together with the previous episode on the avalanche at the Godmother couloir in Lyngen these talks connect the passion and growing popularity for couloir skiing with the avalanche realities of terrain where safe retreat often does not exist. They explore what truly matters for decision-making in couloirs (both on the technical and human side of decision-making), and what commonly gets misunderstood. Providing some essential considerations for making better decisions when escape is no longer an option.

🎥 Watch the talk by Mike Austin

📖 Read the article by Mike Austin (provide by the Avalanche Review).

Don’t miss our previous episode with Niels and Victor: A powerful reminder that surviving avalanche terrain isn’t just about the snow, but about human decisions.

Podcast host: Tarjei Skille

Editing: Audun Hetland

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