At the Whistler Conference Center

Free to all registrants.

Enjoy a complimentary beverage and appetizers while connecting and collaborating with the snow and avalanche community.

Sponsored by Helicat Canada

At the Whistler Conference Center

The Avalanche Hour Podcast Team will be hosting an evening of LIVE conversations in front of a studio audience. Hosted by Dom Baker and Sarah Boilen, the Avalanche Hour crew will be joined by Drew Hardesty of the Utah Avalanche Center Podcast, as well as Jordy Shepherd and Chris Kaipio of the Delivering Adventure Podcast. This will consist of a series of interviews of notable avalanche personalities with the focus on building a stronger community through sharing stories, knowledge, and news amongst people who have a curious fascination about avalanches. This will be a great social event to help kick off a week of learning at ISSW 2026.

At the Garibaldi Lift Company

STELLAR - a person who is outstanding, exceptionally good or leading in their field, embodying qualities of excellence and superior performance, much like a bright star in the sky OR a beautiful intricate unique snow crystal.

The STELLAR Women in Snow and Avalanche Science Night (formerly Avalanche Divas) began as a ladies' night at ISSW 2006 in Telluride, CO. Following the event's success, ISSW 2008 in Whistler BC, hosted the premier of this event as a way to recognize female-identifying avalanche professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of snow and avalanches. Since then, this program has honored women from many countries who have contributed to all aspects of our profession. With the support of the ISSW, The American Avalanche Association, and the avalanche community, the STELLAR's have grown significantly. We can now also offer travel grants to provide financial support to female presenters at ISSW. The STELLAR Night is also an opportunity for individuals who identify as women and non-binary in the field of snow and avalanches to gather for a night of networking and information sharing. Please join us to support and empower these individuals who are crossing boundaries in the field of snow and avalanches. Included during the event are dinner and a drink ticket. There will also be an opportunity to enter a raffle with all proceeds going directly back into future STELLAR events and programs.

Sponsored by Whistler Blackcomb & Vail Resorts

At the Whistler Conference Center

Enjoy the evening of Dinner and Drinks while we discuss the History of all things Snow and Avalanche in Whistler and the Sea to Sky Region. Included is a Buffet Dinner and complimentary drink.

*Registration closes August 30th*

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.

Located within the traditional territories of the Klahoose First Nation since time before memory, Toba Inlet lies approximately 110km northwest of Whistler, British Columbia. The inlet is surrounded by steep granite peaks, glaciers, and temperate rainforest; a landscape characterized by exceptional snowfall and frequent large-magnitude avalanches. The Klahoose First Nation stewards forestry operations in the valley, while Innergex Renewable Energy owns and operates three run-of-river hydroelectric facilities within the inlet.

To manage the significant avalanche hazard to workers and critical infrastructure, a comprehensive risk management program integrates short-term active control measures with engineered mitigation structures. Hosted by Dynamic Avalanche Consulting, this technical tour will begin with a scenic helicopter flight over the Coast Range from staging north of Pemberton to Toba. Participants will take part in a guided overview of the avalanche risk management program, highlighting notable avalanches observed over the past 15 years, the active control methods used to protect personnel, and the engineering solutions implemented to safeguard critical infrastructure. The tour will conclude with a return helicopter flight to staging near Pemberton.

Vehicle transportation from Whistler to and from the helicopter staging will be provided by Dynamic Avalanche Consulting.

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

Logistics at a Glance:

Route: Highway 99 (Pemberton to Lillooet)

Primary Focus: Active Avalanche Safety Program & Passive Infrastructure

Required Gear: High-visibility vest, sturdy footwear, binoculars (optional), and weather appropriate layers.

Transportation & Lunch = Provided.

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.

Required Gear: Sturdy footwear, binoculars (optional) and weather appropriate layers.

Transportation & Lunch = Provided

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

Communicating avalanche hazard and risk is an increasingly important task for avalanche centers worldwide. Forecasters must reach a diverse audience and convey complex information in a clear and credible way. This workshop brings together practitioners as well as external communication and social science experts to explore how we can communicate hazard and risk more effectively. Through shared experiences and discussion, participants will examine message framing, emotional tone, and trust — and work toward a common understanding of effective avalanche risk communication.

Location: Aava Hotel (Summit Room B)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/L5whgoJwYyhGfFxQ9

Organizer: Avalanche Warning Service Tyrol, CAIC, Utah Avalanche Center, and SFU SARP

We are pleased to offer Arcteryx Jacket's and Beanie's/Toque's for ISSW 2026 delegates.

Practitioner AR Hoody: 

Description: A highly breathable, lightly insulated mid layer designed to manage vapour and temperature across a broad range of output levels and temperatures in order to minimize transitions. The hydrophobic Octa® Loft Liner actively wicks moisture away from the body while the Fortius™ Air 50 fabric allows air into the system to move vapour out. Designed to keep you dry while providing thermal warmth and strong weather protection from a highly durable face fabric.

Fit: Trim fit for athletic performance

Carbon Copy:                       Dynasty:

Cold WX Beanie AR Wool:

Description: Merino wool and spandex blend beanie with a double layered headband for added warmth. the Beanie is constructed using NMND Nylon Core Spun Merino Wool, which allows the efficient conversion of perspiration to vapour by rapidly dispersing moisture from the head to the air.

Notes:

• Only comes in 1 size
• Only comes in Black

Please note we cannot guarantee fulfillment of requests but we will do our best to accommodate them.
Typically, a vegetarian option is provided for Halal or Kosher requests.

(e.g. wheelchair access)

ISSW 2026 will offer a complimentary mobile phone app for delegates to interact and access information during the conference. You can consent to have your personal details shared with other attendees to enhance your networking opportunities. You can change your visibility at any time directly within the Attendee App. If you choose to withdraw your consent, you are still able to use the attendee app however your details will not be shown in the attendee search, and you will not be able to access all features available in the App. 

Thank you for registering for The International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) 2026!

To book a room at the Conference hotel please use the following link: https://www.issw2026.com/accommodation

If the link does not work, please email: reservations@aavawhistlerhotel.com with the booking code "ISSW 2026" to make your reservation.

We look forwards to seeing you in Whistler, Canada.

For any questions, please contact the Conference Secretariat at issw2206-registration@icsevents.com.