Olympic Valley, CA – Next week, hundreds of snow scientists, avalanche practitioners and engineers from around the world will gather at the Resort at Squaw Creek for the 19th International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW). Taking place Oct. 17-22, the ISSW embodies the merging of theory and practice by promoting the exchange of ideas and introducing the latest forecasting tools and avalanche mitigation products.nThe ISSW combines lectures with hands-on activities and demonstrations. The world’s top snow science experts will present their papers on cutting-edge snow science research, specific case studies and the latest technology in the field. The lectures will be supplemented by demonstrations including a live presentation of the Daisy Bell—a contraption that hangs 150 feet below a helicopter and mixes oxygen and hydrogen gas to ignite an explosion directly on the slope while the Daisy Bell itself remains intact. The schedule also includes group activities for attendees including rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking and kayaking.

“The ISSW is on the cutting-edge of snow science and avalanche mitigation,” said ISSW chairman Russell Johnson. “The workshop is extremely relevant to a wide range of industries including patrollers, mountain guides, forecasters, transportation workers, and engineers working for mining companies, architecture firms and governments.”

The ISSW is instrumental in improving snow safety on an international scale. The workshop ensures that those working in snow-related fields are armed with the most up-to-date information and technology so they can better ensure safety for both themselves and for those they protect.

“Unlike other conferences, the information is not just for academic benefit,” noted Johnson. “When the event is over, attendees will go back to their winter jobs protecting skiers, snowboarders, highway drivers, miners and residents of mountain communities world-wide. The information shared at the ISSW goes directly into the field.”

First held in 1976, the ISSW was last at Squaw Valley in 1986 when the workshop had roughly 250 attendees. Twenty-four years later, the ISSW returns to Squaw Valley with an expected 850 attendees. The workshop is not only the biggest of its kind, it is the only gathering where people from around the world and every snow-related field come together to share research and experience.

“It’s a glimpse into the future,” continued Johnson. “You can see the future of avalanche control when you hear the lectures and see the new technology. Brand new concepts that were still in development during the 1994 ISSW are now common practice.”