The Road To ISSW

We are very excited to announce that Cristian was chosen to give an oral presentation on his very own research at the International Snow Science Workshop in Innsbruck, Austria! A little about Cristian: Hi my name is Cristian Ortega and I am a first generation college student at Alaska Pacific University. I will be graduating with my BS in Outdoor Studies in December. I will be the first one in the history of my family to be receiving a college degree. My passion is what has driven me these last several years. I love the outdoors and I’m especially passionate about getting more people especially minorities into the back country! Alaska Pacific University has given me the opportunity to not only share my passion but also, to expand on my knowledge of the outdoor industry. I hope you will take the time to read about this amazing opportunity I have been given. What is the ISSW?: The International Snow Science Workshop is the worlds largest conference on snow and avalanches. Their motto is “ A Merging of Theory and Practice”. Around 1000 local, national and international participants, from experts to decision makers and stakeholders are expected to attend. To learn more about the conference please follow this link issw2018.com. What is Cristian doing there?: This past winter Cristian conducted research on social media presence and usage in the back country. Specifically in Hatcher’s Pass in Alaska. Over a few months Cristian went to Hatcher’s pass and interviewed people headed into the back country. He asked them several questions that pertained to avalanche safety and how often they relied on their cellphones in the back country. If you’d like to hear more about the specifics of his findings please email [email redacted] This spring his research was submitted along with several others to the ISSW. We recently found out that Cristian’s research was chosen! They have asked him to give an oral presentation during the conference on his findings! What can we do to help!: The conference is being held in Innsbruck Austria this October and we need help getting him there! Your donations will help us afford his flight and lodging while in Austria. This is a huge opportunity for Cristian and the rest of his career. Being able to speak at this conference will open up several new doors as Cristian graduates in December. No donation is too small and we thank you in advance for helping get Cristian to the ISSW!!