Each winter, the snowpack tells a story — a narrative shaped by every storm, wind event, and temperature change. This is the story of the snowpack, shared with communities across the mountains.
State of the Snowpack (SOTS) bridges the gap between Avalanche Canada’s regional forecasts and the local snowpack knowledge shared by guides and avalanche professionals. Together, we bring clear, accessible, and locally relevant snowpack information to the public.
Our vision is simple: reduce backcountry avalanche incidents through community connection, education, and shared expertise — helping more people make informed decisions and return home safely each day.
SOTS delivers this knowledge through free, community-based avalanche awareness events held in mountain towns across Canada. Join us this season as we share the story of the snowpack in your community.
Nicole is a long term resident of Whistler, BC with over 20 years of experience as a professional ski patroller and more recently Avalanche Forecaster on Blackcomb Mountain. She is also an active member of Whistler Search and Rescue (WSAR). As an avalanche professional, she has worked in a variety of sectors including mining, forestry, industry, and ski area management, and is passionate about helping to educate the public about snow and avalanche safety, terrain access and decision making in the mountains.Â
​​Steve has served with the RCMP for 40 years with the last 18 being in Whistler where he has worked closely with Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol and Whistler Search and Rescue. He is an avalanche educator with Extremely Canadian and freelances, teaching to RCMP and other government agencies. He previously sat on the board of the CAA, sits on the CAA Complaint Investigation Committee and is currently a Whistler Search and Rescue volunteer.
