Ben Bombard
In this episode, we talk with Jeff Hambelton. Jeff works with avaanche professinals from around the world and across disciplines to build avalanche education tools and train the next generation. In this episode: connecting to your audience, culture-shift after the Valentine's Day slide of 1999 at Mount Baker and the Danny Woods avalanche of 2008; affecting deeper change through social clubs; zone-based comms strategies; the value of simple rules; industry efforts to educate users; the future of motorized safety education.
AIARE Motorized Program Manager
Jeff works with avalanche professionals from around the world and across multiple disciplines to build avalanche education tools and train a new generation of avalanche professionals.
Jeff grew up in central Washington, ski racing at Mission Ridge and riding bikes and skateboards in the ample sunshine. Trading sun for drizzle, Jeff resides near Mt. Baker, where he enjoys a deep snowpack, loamy single-track, and the fall berry harvest.
Jeff started snowmobiling in 2007, quickly adapting to a new mode of mountain access. These days, he dedicates the majority of his winter to riding sleds with friends and teaching snowmobile based avalanche courses with a growing team of inspiring instructors.
After receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Recreation at WWU, Jeff worked at Mt. Baker Ski Area, leading the Mountain Education Center and learning the avalanche trade on the Pro Patrol. He completed his AIARE Instructor training in 2012, and joined the AIARE Pro Trainer staff in 2018. He was hired in 2013 by the Northwest Avalanche Center as a Professional Observer, and remains on staff as the Snowmobile Education Coordinator. Jeff is the owner/operator of a small construction company in the other season.
