Welcome to the 2012 International Snow Science Workshop presented by Pieps and Arc'teryx.

The International Snow Science Workshop was held September 16-21, 2012 at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Special thanks to all the volunteers and staff! ISSW 2012 was a great success! The setting was the urban environment of Alaska’s largest city surrounded by several mountain ranges within view of the conference center including: the Chugach Mountains, Alaska Range, and the volcanic Aleutian Range. Traditionally, ISSW has provided the avalanche industry a forum to: discuss theories, explore innovative concepts, and maintain the state-of-the-art practice in the field of avalanche work.

The boundless climate zones ranging from the temperate coastal rainforest in the southeast region to the frozen arctic environment in the northern region make Alaskan avalanche issues complex in the numerous mountain ranges that rise directly from sea level along the coast to elevations as high as 20,320 feet (6,194 meters) in Alaska’s interior. ISSW 2012 sincerely welcomes avalanche professionals from around the world to visit our unique aspect of mountain culture only found in Alaska. Although most of this 5 day event will be located inside, all ISSW participants will have the opportunity to leave the lecture halls for a field day to go explore a small portion of Alaska’s spectacular mountain scenery and learn about a few of Alaska’s avalanche programs.

 

Anchorage is centrally located to provide quick and easy access to many beautiful parts of Alaska. If you choose to arrive early or extend your visit after the conference, there are several options for discounted activities for ISSW 2012 participants. This may be your once in a life time opportunity to experience Alaska.