Beyond the Forecast: Reminiscing with Roddy McGowan and Larry Stanier

About this episode

The episode features a humorous and candid discussion about the history of Canadian avalanche work with veteran guides Roddy McGowan and Larry Stanier.

Tune in for candid stories and a humorous take on the roots of Canadian avalanche work. Bruce Jamieson is joined by Larry Stanier to interview Roddy McGowan. Roddy McGowan is a veteran Canadian mountain guide and avalanche professional who carved out his career the hard way, starting as a ski bum in Whistler in the late 1970s before working his way onto ski patrol at Lake Louise and into the renowned avalanche program at Rogers Pass. Known for his persistence, he failed multiple guiding courses before eventually earning his credentials and going on to guide, and complete major ski traverses across western Canada. Over decades in the mountains, he combined hands-on experience while collecting a lifetime of stories—from early dirtbag winters to serious close calls that shaped his perspective on risk and decision-making. Now retired from guiding and living in Japan, Roddy stays connected to the mountains, still observing snow and reflecting - often with wit - on a career in the mountains. Larry has worked in the avalanche patch since 1982, beginning his career as a ski patroller in the early years at Blackcomb ski area. He started ski guiding in 1986 and is a long standing IFMGA…

People in this episode

Host: Bruce Jamieson

Guest: Roddy McGowan

Topics covered

• avalanche work
• mountain guiding
• Canadian skiing
• risk management
• personal stories
• avalanche education

Keywords

• avalanche
• mountain guide
• ski patrol
• Canada
• risk
• decision-making
• stories
• skiing
• guiding

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Canadian Avalanche Association

Places: Whistler, Lake Louise, Rogers Pass, Japan, Blackcomb, Kyrgyzstan, Japanese Alps

More episodes of The Avalanche Hour Podcast

• Partner Highlight: AVSS · May 26, 2026 · 41 min
• Grief's Gift of Gratitude: Izzy Davis · May 15, 2026 · 1h 3m
• Partner Highlight - A Conversation with Drone Amplified · April 15, 2026 · 1h 17m
• Facets, Science, Avalanche Problems & Public Communication: Mark Staples chats with Bruce and Caleb · April 8, 2026 · 58 min
• Slabs and Sluffs: March in Review · April 1, 2026 · 1h 6m
• The Human Factor Hack: Getting Mindful with Sasha Dingle · March 26, 2026 · 1h 4m