Avalanche Science Beyond the Snowpack: An Interview with Pascal Haegeli
Show notes
Pascal Haegeli’s career path is anything but conventional. After completing his Master’s degree in Switzerland, he moved to Canada in the mid-1990s – where he found the opportunity of a lifetime. There he built an academic career and became a very influential researcher in avalanche risk management, shaping safety practices across North America and beyond.
Today, Pascal is an Associate Professor and Director of the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver and leads the SFU Avalanche Research Group (SARP). His team’s work spans everything from avalanche forecasting, snowpack and hazard modelling to operational decision-making practices and risk communication.
This spring, Pascal begins an exciting new chapter: returning to Switzerland as Head of Avalanche Research and Prevention at the SLF in Davos. He brings decades of international experience back to where his journey began - strengthening collaboration across the Atlantic.
Interview Highlights:
- How chance, timing, and hard work shaped Pascal’s avalanche career in Canada
- The mission and intention behind the SFU Avalanche Research Group
- Why avalanche research moves slower than the industry – and why that matters
- Why Pascal is returning to Switzerland and what that means for avalanche research in Canada
Resources Cited in Conversation:
Thanks to the sponsors of the show.
Legacy Sponsors:
Darren Johnson Avalanche Education Memorial Fund
AVSS
Drone Amplified
Partner Sponsors:
CIL Avalanche
Safeback
onX Backcountry
Episode Sponsor:
Music: Ketsa
Artwork: Mike Tea
Production: Caleb Merrill, Bob Keating