EXPERIENCE

Summary of Skills

  • Extensive mountain travel experience in avalanche terrain throughout the world.

  • Broad scope development and application of applied risk management plans for transportation, mechanized ski operations and many feature films.

  • Strong leadership in avalanche rescue. 

  • Advanced detail assessments in snow stability, avalanche hazard forecasting, and risk treatment avalanche control. 

  • Exceptional communication skills and teaching abilities.

  • Enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

 

Education / Qualifications

  • Forest Technologist Lakehead University

  • Professional Member Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA)

  • Blasting Certificate WorkSafe BC

  • Avalanche Operations Level 3 Canadian Avalanche Association 

  • ISO 31000 Risk Management Risk Results Consulting Inc.

  • Full Ski Guide Association of Canadian Mountain Guides

  • Assistant Alpine Guide Association of Canadian Mountain Guides 

  • Adv. Avalanche Hazard Mapping Canadian Avalanche Association

  • Advanced Avalanche Rescue Manuel Genswein / CAA

  • Advanced Protocol 1st Aid Training Peak Emergency Response Training

  • Incident Command System 200 Justice Institute of BC

  • Class 236 Drivers Licence ICBC

 

Employment History / Experience

 

Senior Avalanche Officer, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure 

November 2008- present

  • Co-design and implementation of British Columbia’s Ministry of Transportation avalanche risk management framework, providing reliability and avalanche safety for all highway users.

  • Established consolatory avalanche risk communication between all stakeholders through training, procedures, guidelines and quality assurances.

 

Mountain Safety Consultant, Safetywrangler Inc.

May 1992 - Present

  • Coordinated mountain risk reduction measures for numerous feature motion pictures, commercials, video’s and television programs throughout the world.

 

Co-founder – Head Guide, Baldface Lodge 

October 2000–May 2008

  • Developed avalanche risk management principles, framework and process’s.

  • Leading avalanche treatment program: snow stability analysis, hazard forecasting, risk evaluation and avalanche controls.

  • Managing, hiring, training 18 guides to work with 36 guests per day.

 

Advanced Avalanche Search and Rescue Instructor, Level Two Instructor, Level One Course Leader, Canadian Avalanche Association Training Schools 

January 1996- Present

  • Organized and led several 8 day courses in Japan, Lake Louise, Fernie & Whistler.

  • Instructed many courses in Roger’s Pass, Golden, Fernie, Japan, Lake Louise, and Whistler.

 

Parks Canada Avalanche Rescue Delegate Speaker, International Commission for Alpine Rescue

September 2012- July 2015

  • Poland

  • Croatia

  • United States

 

Published Writer

October 2009- December 2015

  • Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose by Bruce Kay; ‘Paradigm Shift`. 

  • Transworld Snowboarding Magazine; `Safety Meeting`; 6 columns`.

  • Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine; `9 Seconds in a Size 4 Avalanche`.

 

Governance Committee, Canadian Avalanche Association

2013 – Present

  • Board Member 

 

Education Committee, Canadian Avalanche Association

2005 - 2013

  • Board Member 

 

Ethics Committee, Canadian Avalanche Association

2000 – 2005

  • Board Member 

 

Avalanche Safety Knowledge, Owner

December 1991- February 2000

  • Designed and delivered a curriculum of, five day advanced recreational courses, completed by over 200 students.

Advanced Avalanche Courses 2000-2001
ASK. Intro and advanced recreational avalanche workshops, developed by the Canadian Avalanche Association with John Buffery and Marc Deschenes. 2000.
ASK course Late 90's
BC Outdoor Guide School founded by John Buffery. A full time vocational guide school, immersing students in the details of professional guiding. Late 1990's.
ASK poster from 2003
Avalanche Safety Knowledge, ASK, is Advanced Recreational Avalanche Workshops for backcountry decision making. Developed by John Buffery in part by Canadian Avalanche Association. 2003.
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